bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Cosmetic Spray With Photoprotective Properties Based on Green Tea
Authors: Saigina E. , Karasteleva I. , Moyseak M.
Published: May 2023

Sunburn is the result of the skin’s protective response to damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays. The melanin found in human skin absorbs ultraviolet light, helping to protect it, but some (light-skinned people) have less of it in their skin, which immediately increases the risk of sun damage. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation adversely affects human skin. Active cohesion of basal cells and increased division of corneocytes thickens the stratum corneum of the epidermis, protecting underlying cells and basal keratinocytes from damage. The aim of the work is to search for and analyze natural components that have photoprotective properties that do not pose a danger to humans. One of these components are polyphenols, which form a natural photoprotective defense mechanism in plants. Green tea extract contains polyphenols capable of capturing ultraviolet radiation, therefore it is a promising environmentally friendly analogue of physical and chemical UV filters. Analysis of the developed liquid cosmetic spray based on green tea extract showed a high content of polyphenols, which may indicate the prospect of development in this direction.
Research of Adverse Effects on Active and Inductive Resistance in Line and Wires
Authors: Andaeva Z. , Karaev A. , Absamat kyzy G.
Published: May 2023

The article discusses the study of increasing the power factor by influencing the resonance of currents in the parallel connection of elements of the electrical chain creating jet conduction currents. The article also discusses the loss of power of the source and the power line.
Collective memory and means of claims in democracies: Evidence from Chile (2019-2023)
Authors: Martins Armando , Hemsley Pedro
Published: May 2023

This article explores the role of protests in politically engaging citizens, particularly in countries with a history of political violence. Focusing on the Chilean protests between October 2019 and March 2020, known as the Estallido Social, and the subsequent Constituent Plebiscite from 2020 to 2022, triggered by police violence, the study investigates the hypothesis. Chile has a history of institutional violence during Pinochet's authoritarian regime. The research indicates that municipalities with military bases before 1970 witnessed increased participation in the Estallido Social protests but had lower participation in the plebiscite and constituent member elections. These municipalities did not align strongly with any particular political coalition. Using statistical analysis, the study reveals that political victimization during the Pinochet era and contemporary rememberance in social media significantly influence this pattern. The findings suggest that political violence can stimulate participation beyond voting but may also weaken the link between voters and political elites.
Induced pluripotent stem cell-based therapies for organ fibrosis
Authors: Cheng Wei , Fan Chengming , Song Qing , Chen Ping , Peng Hong , Lin Ling , Liu Cong , Wang Bin , Zhou Zijing
Published: May 2023

Fibrotic diseases result in organ remodelling and dysfunctional failure and account for one-third of all deaths worldwide. There are no ideal treatments that can halt or reverse progressive organ fibrosis, moreover, organ transplantation is complicated by problems with a limited supply of donor organs and graft rejection. The development of new approaches, especially induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based therapy, is becoming a hot topic due to their ability to self-renew and differentiate into different cell types that may replace the fibrotic organs. In the past decade, studies have differentiated iPSCs into fibrosis-relevant cell types which were demonstrated to have anti-fibrotic effects that may have the potential to inform new effective precision treatments for organ-specific fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the potential of iPSC-based cellular approaches as therapeutic avenues for treating organ fibrosis, the advantages and disadvantages of iPSCs compared with other types of stem cell-based therapies, as well as the challenges and future outlook in this field.
Oxygen metabolism analysis of a single organoid for non-invasive discrimination of cancer subpopulations with different growth capabilities
Authors: Nashimoto Yuji , Shishido Shotaro , Onuma Kunishige , Ino Kosuke , Inoue Masahiro , Shiku Hitoshi
Published: May 2023

Heterogeneous nature is a pivotal aspect of cancer, rendering treatment problematic and frequently resulting in recurrence. Therefore, advanced techniques for identifying subpopulations of a tumour in an intact state are essential to develop novel screening platforms that can reveal differences in treatment response among subpopulations. Herein, we conducted a non-invasive analysis of oxygen metabolism on multiple subpopulations of patient-derived organoids, examining its potential utility for non-destructive identification of subpopulations. We utilised scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) for non-invasive analysis of oxygen metabolism. As models of tumours with heterogeneous subpopulations, we used patient-derived cancer organoids with a distinct growth potential established using the cancer tissue-originated spheroid methodology. Scanning electrochemical microscopy measurements enabled the analysis of the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) for individual organoids as small as 100 µm in diameter and could detect the heterogeneity amongst studied subpopulations, which was not observed in conventional colorectal cancer cell lines. Furthermore, our oxygen metabolism analysis of pre-isolated subpopulations with a slow growth potential revealed that oxygen consumption rate may reflect differences in the growth rate of organoids. Although the proposed technique currently lacks single-cell level sensitivity, the variability of oxygen metabolism across tumour subpopulations is expected to serve as an important indicator for the discrimination of tumour subpopulations and construction of novel drug screening platforms in the future.
The neighborhood as an energy-generating community: the case of the El Banafseg residential neighborhood, East Cairo
Authors: Helmy Mona , Micheal Amany
Published: May 2023

Nowadays, energy consumption is a global challenge due to the shortage of some energy sources and, consequently, their increasing prices. This paper argues that by using an integrative approach for using various energy harvesting techniques, a typical residential neighborhood can be operated as a self-generator of some or all of its needed energy. The paper follows mixed qualitative, experimental, and numerical simulation approaches to examine the practicality of the hypothesis. It uses Space syntax modeling theory (socio-spatial software) to analyze the pedestrian flow to indicate potential locations of kinetic energy harvesting piezoelectric tiles in the selected residential neighborhood. In addition, the possibility of installing photovoltaic electrical cells on rooftops of the neighborhood residential blocks is studied. The numerical simulation quantifies the capacity of the harvested energy to achieve a model of a green neighborhood. The paper measures the percentage of the residences’ energy needs that can be harvested using renewable energy resources. It reveals that 30% of the energy consumed in the residential blocks can be generated from photovoltaic electrical cells, and 38% of the energy consumed by street lighting of the entire neighborhood could be generated using the kinetic energy harvested by piezoelectric tiles.
Helicobacter pylori infection selectively attenuates endothelial function in male mice via exosomes-mediated ROS production
Authors: Zhang Linfang , Xia Xiujuan , Wu Hao , Liu Xuanyou , Zhu Qiang , Wang Meifang , Hao Hong , Cui Yuqi , Li De-Pei , Chen Shi-You , Martinez-Lemus Luis A. , Hill Michael A. , Xu Canxia , Liu Zhenguo
Published: May 2023

Background

Substantial sex differences exist in atherosclerosis. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation could lead to endothelial dysfunction which is critical to atherosclerosis development and progression. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been shown to attenuate endothelial function via exosomes-mediated ROS formation. We have demonstrated that H. pylori infection selectively increases atherosclerosis risk in males with unknown mechanism(s). The present study was to test the hypothesis that H. pylori infection impaired endothelial function selectively in male mice through exosome-mediated ROS formation.

Methods and results

Age-matched male and female C57BL/6 mice were infected with CagA+ H. pylori to investigate sex differences in H. pylori infection-induced endothelial dysfunction. H. pylori infection attenuated acetylcholine (ACh)-induced endothelium-dependent aortic relaxation without changing nitroglycerine-induced endothelium-independent relaxation in male but not female mice, associated with increased ROS formation in aorta compared with controls, which could be reversed by N-acetylcysteine treatment. Treatment of cultured mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells with exosomes from H. pylori infected male, not female, mice significantly increased intracellular ROS production and impaired endothelial function with decreased migration, tube formation, and proliferation, which could be prevented with N-acetylcysteine treatment.

Conclusions

H. pylori infection selectively impairs endothelial function in male mice due to exosome-mediated ROS formation.
Using technology-based vocabulary instruction inside and outside of the classroom
Authors: Alahmadi Alaa , Albaqami Saad Eid , Foltz Anouschka
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The current pre-test post-test study explored the use of WhatsApp for vocabulary acquisition inside and outside the English as a Foreign Language classroom.

Methods

Native Arabic undergraduate students learned English vocabulary items both inside and outside of the classroom using WhatsApp groups. Pre- and post-tests gauged participants, knowledge of the vocabulary items used in the intervention as well as control items. An additional questionnaire explored participants' satisfaction with using WhatsApp inside and outside of the classroom.

Results

We found a small, but significant, vocabulary learning effect for using WhatsApp outside of the classroom, but no such effect for the use of WhatsApp inside the classroom. The questionnaire results additionally showed that students were highly satisfied with the use of WhatsApp to learn vocabulary, especially in terms of instructor availability. Finally, we found that students who were more motivated to use WhatsApp inside the classroom showed higher learning gains inside the classroom than those less motivated.

Discussion

We discuss the results with respect to the role of space and motivation for vocabulary acquisition using technologies such as WhatsApp.
Uncertainties about accepting care robots
Authors: Turja Tuuli
Published: May 2023

In the midst of the anticipation of care robots renewing elderly care, care workers are expected to orient themselves in this future, however uncertain. To examine how uncertainty over the appropriateness of care-robot use associates with robot acceptance, different scenarios of robot assistance were presented to a sample of care professionals in two waves 2016–2020. The views of usefulness of robot assistance yielded underlying structures of plausible and implausible care-robot use. The perceived appropriateness of utilizing robots in care was stronger in the plausible robot scenarios. The uncertainty about robots having an appropriate role in care work correlated negatively with the perceived usefulness of robot assistance, but was even highlighted among the scenarios of implausible tasks. Findings further show how uncertainties about care-robot use have been reduced across four years between data collections. In robotizing care work processes, it may be more beneficial to attempt to convince the care workers who are undecided about robot acceptance than to push care-robot orientation to those who strongly oppose care-robot use.
Distributed stress fluidisation: Insights into the propagation mechanisms of the Abona volcanic debris avalanche (Tenerife) through a novel method for indurated deposit sedimentological analysis
Authors: Makris Symeon , Roverato Matteo , Dávila-Harris Pablo , Cole Paul , Manzella Irene
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Volcanic debris avalanches mobilise large volumes and achieve long runouts with high destructive potential. However, the propagation processes that generate them are not currently explained by theoretical or numerical models, which are unable to represent deposit observations. Evaluation of the dynamics represented in deposits is therefore vital for constraining su ch models. The Abona volcanic debris avalanche deposit is located on the southern flank of the island of Tenerife, Spain. The deposit exhibits universal microfracturing and cataclasis. Fluidal features such as fluidal mixing of lithological units and diffuse boundaries, and mixed matrix are observed throughout the deposit.

Methods: Field description including sedimentology and facies identification and the evaluation of their distribution have allowed the generation of a new conceptual model for the propagation dynamics of this volcanic debris avalanche, and potentially others with similar properties. The deposit is indurated making the detailed study of its sedimentology difficult, especially clast-size analysis. A novel method utilising structure from motion photogrammetry and photographic sampling was employed.

Results: The universal cataclasis of the material and fluidal features suggest that the lack of a major competent material component allowed the mass to fragment and enabled fluidised granular flow behaviour. It is proposed that shear was periodically distributed throughout the body of the avalanche in chaotic temporary shear networks rearranging according to the instantaneous distribution of the mass. Stress and agitation were not temporally or spatially homogenous during propagation. This is also reflected in the unsystematic erosion of the substrate according to the variable basal shear accommodation.

Discussion: It is proposed that lithological properties are potentially a determining factor for the propagation mechanisms, stress distribution, and consequently the evolution of a volcanic debris avalanche from the initial collapse to its emplacement. This study highlights the importance of dedicated field examinations of sedimentological, morphological, and structural features for providing constraints for models of volcanic debris avalanche dynamics and the factors dictating them. The novel methodology proposed has the potential of broadening the number of events that can be studied and enhancing the understanding of these complex and hazardous phenomena.
Complexifying quality: educator examples
Authors: Grieshaber Susan , Hunkin Elise
Published: May 2023

Quality in early childhood education settings has dominated the global economic policy agenda since the early 1990s, and despite decades of public investment, quality reform has stalled in Australia and internationally. This lack of quality improvement has been attributed to the inadequacy of the standardized, quantitative, and economic perspectives that drive policy, which are increasingly focused on systematized, academic interpretations of quality. The most impactful dimensions of quality are interpersonal and include warm, frequent interactions and rich, responsive play-based environments. However, little is known about these dimensions of quality and research is urgently needed. This paper reports initial data from a small-scale project investigating educator- and pre-service teacher-participant responses to prompts from researchers about what constitutes quality, including ‘in the moment’ experiences. Participants posted responses to researcher prompts to an online platform. Educator and pre-service teacher perspectives about their experiences of what constitutes quality provide a novel alternative to dominant discourses. Identifying some of the more complex dimensions of quality from the experiences of educators and pre-service teachers may reveal insight into previously untapped and difficult to access tacit knowledge.
Case Report: Hypercalcemia as a manifestation of acute adrenal crisis precipitated by fluconazole use, and a review of the literature
Authors: Choo Kuan Swen , Yew Jielin , Tan Eberta Jun Hui , Puar Troy Hai Kiat
Published: May 2023

Acute adrenal crisis classically presents with vomiting, altered sensorium, and hypotension. We describe a unique case manifesting with severe hypercalcemia. Addisonian crisis was unusually precipitated by fluconazole use. We reviewed other reported cases and discuss the possible mechanisms of hypercalcemia in adrenal insufficiency. This 67-year-old man presented with fever, cough, and vomiting for 1 week and with anorexia and confusion for 3 weeks. He was hypotensive and clinically dehydrated. Investigations revealed left-sided lung consolidation, acute renal failure, and severe non–parathyroid hormone (PTH)–mediated hypercalcemia (calcium, 3.55mol/L; PTH, 0.81pmol/L). Initial impression was pneumonia complicated by septic shock and hypercalcemia secondary to possible malignancy. He received mechanical ventilation; treatment with intravenous fluids, inotropes, and hydrocortisone for septic shock; and continuous renal replacement therapy with low-calcium dialysate. Although hypercalcemia resolved and he was weaned off inotropes, dialysis, and hydrocortisone, his confusion persisted. When hypercalcemia recurred on day 19 of admission, early morning cortisol was <8 nmol/L, with low ACTH level (3.2 ng/L). Other pituitary hormones were normal. Hypercalcemia resolved 3 days after reinstating stress doses of hydrocortisone, and his mentation normalized. On further questioning, he recently received fluconazole for a forearm abscess. He previously consumed traditional medications but stopped several years ago, which may have contained glucocorticoids. He was discharged on oral hydrocortisone. Cortisol levels improved gradually, and glucocorticoid replacement was ceased after 8 years, without any recurrence of hypercalcemia or Addisonian crisis. Both hypercalcemia and adrenal insufficiency may present with similar non-specific symptoms. It is important to consider adrenal insufficiency in hypercalcemia of unclear etiology.
A provider survey of cystic fibrosis related diabetes screening and management practices at North American CF centers
Authors: Hicks Rebecca , Ode Katie Larson , Vigers Tim , Chan Christine L.
Published: May 2023

Background

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) Guidelines recommend annual screening for cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD) with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). However, screening rates remain consistently low. We conducted surveys of 1) US CF center directors and 2) Endocrinologists affiliated with the CFF-sponsored EnVision program to characterize CFRD screening practices, describe provider perceived barriers to screening, and identify strategies for improving screening.

Methods

The surveys queried OGTT protocols, alternate screening strategies, and perceived barriers to screening. CF center characteristics and procedures for coordinating OGTTs were compared between centers achieving ≥50% versus <50% OGTT completion. Endocrinologists received additional questions regarding OGTT interpretation and management.

Results

The survey response rate was 18% (51/290) from CF Centers and 63% (25/40) from Endocrinologists. The majority (57%) of CF centers utilized 2 OGTT timepoints (0,120 min). The majority (72%) of Endocrinologists utilized 3 timepoints (0,60,120 min). Four percent of CF centers and 8% of Endocrinologists utilized other timepoints. Forty-nine percent of CF centers reported ≥50% OGTT completion in the past year. Completion of ≥50% OGTT was 5 times more likely when patient reminders were consistently provided (p = 0.017). Both CF Centers and Endocrinologists employed alternative screening strategies including HbA1c (64%, 92%), fasting plasma glucose (49%, 67%), continuous glucose monitoring (30%, 58%), and home fingerstick monitoring (55%, 50%).

Discussion

OGTT is the gold standard screening method for CFRD, but completion rates remain suboptimal, practice variation exists, and many providers utilize alternate screening strategies. Systematic reminders may improve completion rates. Studies to improve our approach to CFRD screening are urgently needed.
The permanently rotating wind turbines: a new strategy for reliable power system frequency support under low and no wind conditions
Authors: Džodić Kristina , Đurišić Željko
Published: May 2023

The problem of frequency stability becomes more concerning as the presence of converter-interfaced units increases and conventional generators are suppressed. A decrease in total system inertia, inherently delivered by synchronous generators, results in abrupt frequency changes and jeopardizes power system stability. Therefore, securing sufficient flexible resources with frequency support capability is necessary. The rotational masses of wind turbines (WTs) are a significant and economical source of flexibility in power systems. However, the available kinetic energy (KE) of the WTs’ rotational masses depends on wind conditions and can only be exploited when the wind speed is sufficient for their rotation. When the wind speed is low, the WT is stopped and cannot support the frequency recovery. In this paper, a new concept of WT operation is proposed, which enables the permanent rotation of the WT under low and no wind conditions, making them reliable flexible resources that can continuously provide frequency support. Due to its widespread presence, the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) type of machine was considered. The variable-speed WT’s converter management allows rotational speed control, fast power injection, and release of the turbine’s stored KE even when no wind energy is available. The estimated accessible KE in the WT justifies the proposed concept, and the energy consumption due to motoring operation under low and no wind conditions is shown to be acceptable. A case study is performed for the South Banat region in Serbia to demonstrate the presented management concept. Additionally, a dynamic simulation was implemented to illustrate the permanent operation strategy’s impact on frequency stability in a low-inertia system under low and no wind conditions. Besides virtual inertia continuous capability, the proposed concept provides reduced wear of the WT mechanical components due to a lower number of on/off events.
Expanding hyperspectral imaging applications to the clinical scene: non-invasive, label-free approaches for early diagnostics and precision medicine
Authors: Holman Elizabeth A. , Holman Derek R. , Rogalla Stephan
Published: May 2023

Non-invasive, label-free hyperspectral imaging technologies are powerful tools that can provide critical insights into the spatiotemporal dynamics of evolving systems. They are already integrated into autonomous adaptive surveillance workflows for precision agriculture, remote sensing, environmental monitoring, and food analysis. However, these technologies are not yet routinely used in medicine. With these technologies applied to the biomedical sciences, we anticipate landmark advances in the physicochemical behavioral refinement of high signal-to-noise probes and in the rapid screening of patient exosome populations. To implement label-free spatiochemical imaging techniques while meeting the practical needs of clinicians, technology, workflow design and development must be tailored to the specific medical field while considering existing visualization modalities. This perspective merges basic, translational, and clinical views of label-free, non-invasive hyperspectral imaging. We explore its potential role in positively impacting cancer-related precision medicine and early diagnostics to support clinically implemented point-of-care technologies.
The chromatin reader protein ING5 is required for normal hematopoietic cell numbers in the fetal liver
Authors: Mah Sophia Y.Y. , Vanyai Hannah K. , Yang Yuqing , Voss Anne K. , Thomas Tim
Published: May 2023

ING5 is a component of KAT6A and KAT7 histone lysine acetylation protein complexes. ING5 contains a PHD domain that binds to histone H3 lysine 4 when it is trimethylated, and so functions as a ‘reader’ and adaptor protein. KAT6A and KAT7 function are critical for normal hematopoiesis. To examine the function of ING5 in hematopoiesis, we generated a null allele of Ing5. Mice lacking ING5 during development had decreased foetal liver cellularity, decreased numbers of hematopoietic stem cells and perturbed erythropoiesis compared to wild-type control mice. Ing5–/– pups had hypoplastic spleens. Competitive transplantation experiments using foetal liver hematopoietic cells showed that there was no defect in long-term repopulating capacity of stem cells lacking ING5, suggesting that the defects during the foetal stage were not cell intrinsic. Together, these results suggest that ING5 function is dispensable for normal hematopoiesis but may be required for timely foetal hematopoiesis in a cell-extrinsic manner.
Fecal microbiota transplantation for irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang Mancai , Xie Xiaofeng , Zhao Songbo , Ma Xiaojuan , Wang Zheyuan , Zhang Youcheng
Published: May 2023

Objective

Whether fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is effective in improving outcomes remains controversial. We assessed the safety and efficacy of FMT for patients with IBS.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, the clinicaltrials.gov and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) up to February 25, 2022, updated to March 28, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared the stool and capsule FMT with placebo in patients with IBS were included. Two authors independently assessed study eligibility, extracted the data, and assessed risk of bias. We did meta-analysis with RevMan, and the Stata software was used for sensitivity analysis and meta-regression. The GRADE system was used to assess the quality of evidences. Mean difference (MD) or standardized Mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI for continuous data, and risk ratios (RR) with 95% CI for dichotomous data were used with random-effects models. The primary outcomes included the clinical response rate and IBS-SSS score. This study is registered with PROSPERO: CRD42022328377.

Results

Nineteen reports from nine RCTs were included finally. Compared with the placebo, a single stool FMT could significantly decrease the IBS-SSS score at 1 month (MD=-65.75, 95%CI [-129.37, -2.13]), 3 months (MD=-102.11, 95% CI [-141.98, -62.24]), 6 months (MD=-84.38, 95%CI [-158.79, -9.97]), 24 months (MD=-110.41, 95%CI [-145.37, -75.46]), and 36 months (MD=-104.71, 95%CI [-137.78, -71.64]). It also could improve the clinical response rate at 3 months (RR=1.91, 95% [1.12, 3.25]), 24 months (RR=2.97, 95% [1.94, 4.54]), and 36 months (RR=2.48, 95% [1.65, 3.72]), and increase the IBS-QoL score at 3 months, 24 months, and 36 months. FMT did not increase the serious adverse event. The risk of bias was low, and the quality of evidence based on GRADE system was moderate in the stool FMT group. However, we did not find positive effect of capsule FMT on patients with IBS based on the current available data.

Conclusion

A single stool FMT is effective and safe for patients with IBS. However, some factors may affect the effectiveness of FMT, and the relationship between the gut microbiome and the effect of FMT for IBS is still unclear.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022328377.
Heart failure–related genes associated with oxidative stress and the immune landscape in lung cancer
Authors: Duan Ruoshu , Ye Kangli , Li Yangni , Sun Yujing , Zhu Jiahong , Ren Jingjing
Published: May 2023

Background

Lung cancer is a common comorbidity of heart failure (HF). The early identification of the risk factors for lung cancer in patients with HF is crucial to early diagnosis and prognosis. Furthermore, oxidative stress and immune responses are the two critical biological processes shared by HF and lung cancer. Therefore, our study aimed to select the core genes in HF and then investigate the potential mechanisms underlying HF and lung cancer, including oxidative stress and immune responses through the selected genes.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed for HF using datasets extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Functional enrichment analysis was subsequently performed. Next, weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed to select the core gene modules. Support vector machine models, the random forest method, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm were applied to construct a multigene signature. The diagnostic values of the signature genes were measured using receiver operating characteristic curves. Functional analysis of the signature genes and immune landscape was performed using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis. Finally, the oxidative stress–related genes in these signature genes were identified and validated in vitro in lung cancer cell lines.

Results

The DEGs in the GSE57338 dataset were screened, and this dataset was then clustered into six modules using weighted gene co-expression network analysis; MEblue was significantly associated with HF (cor = −0.72, p < 0.001). Signature genes including extracellular matrix protein 2 (ECM2), methyltransferase-like 7B (METTL7B), meiosis-specific nuclear structural 1 (MNS1), and secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) were selected using support vector machine models, the LASSO algorithm, and the random forest method. The respective areas under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curves of ECM2, METTL7B, MNS1, and SFRP4 were 0.939, 0.854, 0.941, and 0.926, respectively. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis revealed significant differences in the immune landscape of the patients with HF and healthy subjects. Functional analysis also suggested that these signature genes may be involved in oxidative stress. In particular, METTL7B was highly expressed in lung cancer cell lines. Meanwhile, the correlation between METTL7B and oxidative stress was further verified using flow cytometry.

Conclusion

We identified that ECM2, METTL7B, MNS1, and SFRP4 exhibit remarkable diagnostic performance in patients with HF. Of note, METTL7B may be involved in the co-occurrence of HF and lung cancer by affecting the oxidative stress immune responses.
The discrete roles of individual FOXO transcription factor family members in B-cell malignancies
Authors: Lees Jamie , Hay Jodie , Moles Michael W. , Michie Alison M.
Published: May 2023

Forkhead box (FOX) class O (FOXO) proteins are a dynamic family of transcription factors composed of four family members: FOXO1, FOXO3, FOXO4 and FOXO6. As context-dependent transcriptional activators and repressors, the FOXO family regulates diverse cellular processes including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, metabolism, longevity and cell fate determination. A central pathway responsible for negative regulation of FOXO activity is the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT signalling pathway, enabling cell survival and proliferation. FOXO family members can be further regulated by distinct kinases, both positively (e.g., JNK, AMPK) and negatively (e.g., ERK-MAPK, CDK2), with additional post-translational modifications further impacting on FOXO activity. Evidence has suggested that FOXOs behave as ‘bona fide’ tumour suppressors, through transcriptional programmes regulating several cellular behaviours including cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. However, an alternative paradigm has emerged which indicates that FOXOs operate as mediators of cellular homeostasis and/or resistance in both ‘normal’ and pathophysiological scenarios. Distinct FOXO family members fulfil discrete roles during normal B cell maturation and function, and it is now clear that FOXOs are aberrantly expressed and mutated in discrete B-cell malignancies. While active FOXO function is generally associated with disease suppression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia for example, FOXO expression is associated with disease progression in diffuse large B cell lymphoma, an observation also seen in other cancers. The opposing functions of the FOXO family drives the debate about the circumstances in which FOXOs favour or hinder disease progression, and whether targeting FOXO-mediated processes would be effective in the treatment of B-cell malignancies. Here, we discuss the disparate roles of FOXO family members in B lineage cells, the regulatory events that influence FOXO function focusing mainly on post-translational modifications, and consider the potential for future development of therapies that target FOXO activity.
European marine omics biodiversity observation network: a strategic outline for the implementation of omics approaches in ocean observation
Authors: Santi Ioulia , Beluche Odette , Beraud Mélanie , Buttigieg Pier Luigi , Casotti Raffaella , Cox Cymon J. , Cunliffe Michael , Davies Neil , de Cerio Oihane Diaz , Exter Katrina , Kervella Anne Emmanuelle , Kotoulas Georgios , Lagaisse Rune , Laroquette Arnaud , Louro Bruno , Not Fabrice , Obst Matthias , Pavloudi Christina , Poulain Julie , Præbel Kim , Vanaverbeke Jan , Pade Nicolas
Published: May 2023

Marine ecosystems, ranging from coastal seas and wetlands to the open ocean, accommodate a wealth of biological diversity from small microorganisms to large mammals. This biodiversity and its associated ecosystem function occurs across complex spatial and temporal scales and is not yet fully understood. Given the wide range of external pressures on the marine environment, this knowledge is crucial for enabling effective conservation measures and defining the limits of sustainable use. The development and application of omics-based approaches to biodiversity research has helped overcome hurdles, such as allowing the previously hidden community of microbial life to be identified, thereby enabling a holistic view of an entire ecosystem’s biodiversity and functioning. The potential of omics-based approaches for marine ecosystems observation is enormous and their added value to ecosystem monitoring, management, and conservation is widely acknowledged. Despite these encouraging prospects, most omics-based studies are short-termed and typically cover only small spatial scales which therefore fail to include the full spatio-temporal complexity and dynamics of the system. To date, few attempts have been made to establish standardised, coordinated, broad scaled, and long-term omics observation networks. Here we outline the creation of an omics-based marine observation network at the European scale, the European Marine Omics Biodiversity Observation Network (EMO BON). We illustrate how linking multiple existing individual observation efforts increases the observational power in large-scale assessments of status and change in biodiversity in the oceans. Such large-scale observation efforts have the added value of cross-border cooperation, are characterised by shared costs through economies of scale, and produce structured, comparable data. The key components required to compile reference environmental datasets and how these should be linked are major challenges that we address.
Using deep learning to assess temporal changes of suspended particles in the deep sea
Authors: Saito Naoki , Washburn Travis W. , Yano Shinichiro , Suzuki Atsushi
Published: May 2023

While suspended particles play many important roles in the marine environment, their concentrations are very small in the deep sea, making observation difficult with existing methods: water sampling, optical sensors, and special imaging systems. Methods are needed to fill the lack of environmental baseline data in the deep sea, ones that are inexpensive, quick, and intuitive. In this study we applied object detection using deep learning to evaluate the variability of suspended particle abundance from images taken by a common stationary camera, “Edokko Mark 1”. Images were taken in a deep-sea seamount in the Northwest Pacific Ocean for approximately one month. Using the particles in images as training data, an object detection algorithm YOLOv5 was used to construct a suspended particle detection model. The resulting model successfully detected particles in the image with high accuracy (AP50 > 85% and F1 Score > 82%). Similarly high accuracy for a site not used for model training suggests that model detection accuracy was not dependent on one specific shooting condition. During the observation period, the world’s first cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts excavation test was conducted, providing an ideal situation to test this model’s ability to measure changes in suspended particle concentrations in the deep sea. The time series showed relatively little variability in particle counts under natural conditions, but there were two turbidity events during/after the excavation, and there was a significant difference in numbers of suspended particles before and after the excavation. These results indicate that this method can be used to examine temporal variations both in small amounts of naturally occurring suspended particles and large abrupt changes such as mining impacts. A notable advantage of this method is that it allows for the possible use of existing imaging data and may be a new option for understanding temporal changes of the deep-sea environment without requiring the time and expense of acquiring new data from the deep sea.
Effects of different dietary lipid sources (perilla, fish, and soybean oils) on growth, lipid metabolism, antioxidant, and immune status in Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus)
Authors: Guo Yi-Hua , Ma Jun-Kang , Xu Hang-zhong , Li Wei-long , Liu Chang-Jiang , Lu Hua , Li Hong , Zhai Xu-liang , Xue Yang , Luo Li
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Perilla oil is a natural vegetable oil rich in alpha-linolenic acid extracted from Perilla seeds. Fish oil is a commonly used animal fat containing a large amount of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Soybean oil is a commonly used vegetable oil rich in linoleic acid. This study aimed to determine whether perilla, fish, or soybean oil can be used as a lipid source in the diet of the Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus).

Methods

Three isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were created by adding 3.0% each of soybean oil (SO), fish oil (FO), and perilla seed oil (PSO). Eight adolescent giant salamanders were fed in rectangular tanks for 98 days with a total of 96 giant salamanders (mean body weight = 75.20g) and were fed an experimental diet until satiation.

Results and Discussion

The viscerosomatic index and crude lipid content of muscle were found to be considerably lower and the muscle crude protein was substantially higher in the PSO group than in the other groups (P<0.05). Linoleic acid levels were highest in SO, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid levels were highest in FO, and α-linolenic acid levels were highest in PSO in A. davidianus muscle tissue (P<0.05). The results of study indicate that the PSO diet can significantly increase the total antioxidative capabilities in the liver and intestine, by elevating the activities of total superoxide dismutase, carnitine transferase-1, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase in the liver. Meanwhile, the immunoglobulin M and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were higher in the blood (P<0.05). Furthermore, it significantly reduced hepatic malondialdehyde, plasma endotoxin, D-lactic acid, and total cholesterol levels, and plasma alkaline phosphatase, diamine oxidase, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase activities (P<0.05). Therefore, perilla, fish, and soybean oils can be used as single lipid sources for A. davidianus with respect to growth performance. On the other hand, perilla oil can enhance crude protein content of muscle, increase Immunoglobulin M(IgM) content and Alkaline phosphatase(AKP) enzyme activity, promote lipid metabolism, and maintain the health of the liver and intestine in A. davidianus.
Universal prenatal screening: a initiative from Guanajuato, Mexico to improve equity in perinatal healthcare
Authors: Bermudez Rojas Ma de la Luz , Medina Jimenez Virginia , Manzanares Cuadros Javier Ivan , Diaz Martínez Daniel Alberto , Padilla Raygoza Nicolas , Lara Lona Elia
Published: May 2023

The prenatal approach from a preventive perspective is necessary to reduce perinatal complications. A perinatal care model with a holistic and horizontal approach is required. Mexico is currently considered an emerging market economy with inequality and an economic gap that impacts the accessibility and distribution of healthcare services. Guanajuato is one of the 32 states of Mexico and represents 1.6% of the country’s surface. Strategies during the prenatal approach allow prediction, diagnosis, and anticipation of the principal causes of morbidity and mortality. Combining data from maternal characteristics and history with findings of biophysical and biochemical tests at 11 to 13 weeks of gestation can define the patient-specific risk for a large spectrum of complications that include miscarriage and fetal death, preterm delivery, preeclampsia, congenital disorders, and fetal growth abnormalities. We aim to describe the care model designed and implemented in the State Center for Timely Prenatal Screening of the Maternal and Child Hospital of Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico. Previous research showed there is a lack of information for low and middle-income countries regarding how to integrate prenatal screening strategies in the absence of resources to perform cell-free fetal DNA or biochemical serum markers in countries with emergent economies. This care model is carried out through horizontal processes where the screening is provided by trained and certified general practitioners who identify the population at risk in a timely manner for specialized care, and could help guide other Mexican states, and other countries with emergent economies with limited financial, professional, and infrastructural resources to improve prenatal care with a sense of equity, equality, and social inclusion as well as the timely evaluation of specialized perinatal care of high-risk patients.
Adverse effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Yuyao , Zhou Yijun , Jia Yuanyuan , Wang Tiantian , Meng Dianhuai
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is one of the common clinical treatments, but adverse effects have hampered and limited the clinical application and promotion of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the adverse effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy have conducted by our group to provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment.

Methods

Three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library) were comprehensively searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) from March 2012 to October 2022. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts for eligibility and assessed the quality of the included studies. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3.

Results

A total of 24 RCTs involving 1,497 participants were identified. ① The HBOT group reported more adverse effects (30.11% vs. 10.43%, p < 0.05). ② The most frequent side effect of HBOT is ear discomfort (113 cases). ③ When the course of hyperbaric oxygen was >10 sessions, the incidence of adverse effects was higher than that of the control group; when the course of HBOT was ≤10 sessions, the adverse effects caused by hyperbaric oxygen were comparatively lower. ④ When the chamber pressure is above 2.0 ATA, the incidence of adverse effects is higher than that of the control group. While the chamber pressure is lower than 2.0 ATA, HBOT is relatively safe compared with the previous one.

Conclusion

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is more likely to cause adverse reactions when the chamber pressure is above 2.0 ATA. More attention should be paid to the possible occurrence of related adverse effects if the treatment course is >10 sessions.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022316605.
MAS-UNet: a U-shaped network for prostate segmentation
Authors: Hong YuQi , Qiu Zhao , Chen Huajing , Zhu Bing , Lei Haodong
Published: May 2023

Prostate cancer is a common disease that seriously endangers the health of middle-aged and elderly men. MRI images are the gold standard for assessing the health status of the prostate region. Segmentation of the prostate region is of great significance for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. In the past, some methods have been used to segment the prostate region, but segmentation accuracy still has room for improvement. This study has proposed a new image segmentation model based on Attention UNet. The model improves Attention UNet by using GN instead of BN, adding dropout to prevent overfitting, introducing the ASPP module, adding channel attention to the attention gate module, and using different channels to output segmentation results of different prostate regions. Finally, we conducted comparative experiments using five existing UNet-based models, and used the dice coefficient as the metric to evaluate the segmentation result. The proposed model achieves dice scores of 0.807 and 0.907 in the transition region and the peripheral region, respectively. The experimental results show that the proposed model is better than other UNet-based models.
Microbiota-dependent influence of prebiotics on the resilience of infant gut microbiota to amoxicillin/clavulanate perturbation in an in vitro colon model
Authors: Endika Martha F. , Barnett David J. M. , Klostermann Cynthia E. , Schols Henk A. , Arts Ilja C. W. , Penders John , Nauta Arjen , Smidt Hauke , Venema Koen
Published: May 2023

Antibiotic exposure disturbs the developing infant gut microbiota. The capacity of the gut microbiota to recover from this disturbance (resilience) depends on the type of antibiotic. In this study, infant gut microbiota was exposed to a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate (amoxicillin/clavulanate) in an in vitro colon model (TIM-2) with fecal-derived microbiota from 1-month-old (1-M; a mixed-taxa community type) as well as 3-month-old (3-M; Bifidobacterium dominated community type) breastfed infants. We investigated the effect of two common infant prebiotics, 2′-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) or galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), on the resilience of infant gut microbiota to amoxicillin/clavulanate-induced changes in microbiota composition and activity. Amoxicillin/clavulanate treatment decreased alpha diversity and induced a temporary shift of microbiota to a community dominated by enterobacteria. Moreover, antibiotic treatment increased succinate and lactate in both 1- and 3-M colon models, while decreasing the production of short-chain (SCFA) and branched-chain fatty acids (BFCA). The prebiotic effect on the microbiota recovery depended on the fermenting capacity of antibiotic-exposed microbiota. In the 1-M colon model, the supplementation of 2’-FL supported the recovery of microbiota and restored the production of propionate and butyrate. In the 3-M colon model, GOS supplementation supported the recovery of microbiota and increased the production of acetate and butyrate.