bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesopelagic fish assemblages in the Mauritanian Upwelling System off Northwest Africa with oxygen as a major driving force
Authors: Duncan SE , Hagen W , Fock HO
Published: January 2024

The aims of this study were to determine the community composition and environmental drivers of mesopelagic fishes in the Mauritanian Upwelling System. Mesopelagic fish communities were sampled at 17 stations in August of 2016 off the coast of Senegal and Mauritania using a non-closing rectangular midwater trawl (RMT). This subregion is the most productive area of the Canary Current and has a pronounced and permanent oxygen minimum zone (OMZ). The sampling area was mainly composed of low-oxygenated South Atlantic Central Water, except for 1 station, where North Atlantic Central Water prevailed. Three distinct mesopelagic fish communities were identified. One community occurred in the vicinity of a coldwater eddy and was dominated by the myctophid Benthosema glaciale. In contrast, the gonostomatid genus Cyclothone prevailed in the other 2 communities and made up 62 and 51% of the total fish abundance. Our analyses revealed that the environmental factors that primarily influenced the composition of these mesopelagic fish assemblages were the oxygen concentrations at 10, 100, and 600 m depth. The present study shows that the mixing of water masses at frontal zones leads to communities representative of both water masses. In the case of the Mauritanian upwelling region, a high portion of the mesopelagic fish species were well adapted to OMZ conditions.
‘Sans offenser l'ordre’: Voice, Order, and Gender in Les Caquets de l'accouchée (1622)
Authors: Horsley Adam
Published: January 2024

This article considers a series of satirical pamphlets written against women – Les Caquets de l'accouchée – in which the male narrator covertly records women's gossip in the bedroom of a recently delivered woman. Scholars have largely focussed on the fluid gender identity of a male visitor within this sphere of all-female sociability. This study instead takes a closer look at the accouchée's visitors, in order to demonstrate that their identity, and the subjects of their quarrelling, are more than they first appear.

Drawing from early modern dichotomy between conservative masculine order and female disorder, this study aims to show that female characters in the Caquets are not mere satires of female discourse. Rather, they are a hybrid blend of misogynistic views on the female intellect, and paradoxically, the mouthpieces for a conservative, nostalgic return to order which contemporaries would have regarded as antithetically masculine.
Visual Cultures of the Banlieues: Precarious Peripheries or Creative Centres?
Authors: Harris Ashley
Published: January 2024

The Parisian banlieues have long been depicted through harmful stereotypes in political speeches, the press and mainstream film as places of violence, crime and poverty, and of social, racial and religious divisions. In this article, Ashley Harris demonstrates the impact of different modes of visual culture upon the thousands of communities in the banlieues and, more broadly, to examine the significance of visual representations for their potential to create, reinforce or challenge inequalities and injustices. Using critical cartographical theory and an intermedial approach, this article assesses the impact of representation upon the banlieues, considering mainstream dominant narratives and grassroots visual cultures. It argues that grassroots visual cultures produces a more nuanced and integrated depiction of the banlieues. Through a comparative study of Sandrine Madji's blog ‘Ma Petite Banlieue’ and Aristide Barraud's creative works on Les Bosquets, this article asserts the possibility of reconsidering the banlieues as creative centres, rather than precarious peripheries.
Chromatographic single-step purification of tagless proteins using gp41-1 split inteins
Authors: Knapp Michael , Kohl Vanessa , Best Tatjana , Rammo Oliver , Ebert Sybille
Published: January 2024

The current trend in biopharmaceutical drug manufacturing is towards increasing potency and complexity of products such as peptide scaffolds, oligonucleotides and many more. Therefore, a universal affinity purification step is important in order to meet the requirements for cost and time efficient drug production. By using a self-splicing intein affinity tag, a purification template is generated that allows for a universal chromatographic affinity capture step to generate a tagless target protein without the use of proteases for further tag removal. This study describes the successful implementation of gp41-1-based split inteins in a chromatographic purification process for, e.g., E. coli-derived targets. The tagless target is generated in a single-step purification run. The on-column cleavage is induced by triggering a simple pH change in the buffer conditions without the need for additives such as Zn2+ or thiols. This system has proven to be reusable for at least ten purification cycles that use 150 mM H3PO4 as the cleaning agent.
Microbiota signatures associated with invasive Candida albicans infection in the gastrointestinal tract of immunodeficient mice
Authors: Yan Jia-Ying , Lin Tsung-Han , Jong Yu-Tang , Hsueh Jun-Wei , Wu Sze-Hsien , Lo Hsiu-Jung , Chen Yee-Chun , Pan Chien-Hsiung
Published: January 2024

Candida albicans is a commensal microorganism in the human gut but occasionally causes invasive C. albicans infection (ICA), especially in immunocompromised individuals. Early initiation of antifungal therapy is associated with reduced mortality of ICA, but rapid diagnosis remains a challenge. The ICA-associated changes in the gut microbiota can be used as diagnostic and therapeutic targets but have been poorly investigated. In this study, we utilized an immunodeficient Rag2γc (Rag2-/-il2γc-/-) mouse model to investigate the gut microbiota alterations caused by C. albicans throughout its cycle, from its introduction into the gastrointestinal tract to invasion, in the absence of antibiotics. We observed a significant increase in the abundance of Firmicutes, particularly Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae, as well as a significant decrease in the abundance of Candidatus Arthromitus in mice exposed to either the wild-type SC5314 strain or the filamentation-defective mutant (cph1/cph1 efg1/efg1) HLC54 strain of C. albicans. However, only the SC5314-infected mice developed ICA. A linear discriminate analysis of the temporal changes in the gut bacterial composition revealed Bacteroides vulgatus as a discriminative biomarker associated with SC5314-infected mice with ICA. Additionally, a positive correlation between the B. vulgatus abundance and fungal load was found, and the negative correlation between the Candidatus Arthromitus abundance and fungal load after exposure to C. albicans suggested that C. albicans might affect the differentiation of intestinal Th17 cells. Our findings reveal the influence of pathogenic C. albicans on the gut microbiota and identify the abundance of B. vulgatus as a microbiota signature associated with ICA in an immunodeficient mouse model.
A review of neuro-ophthalmic sequelae following COVID-19 infection and vaccination
Authors: Shi Jane , Danesh-Meyer Helen V.
Published: January 2024

Background

It has become increasingly clear that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can affect most organs in the human body, including the neurologic and ophthalmic systems. Vaccination campaigns have been developed at rapid pace around the world to protect the population from the fast-mutating virus. This review seeks to summarise current knowledge of the neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of both COVID-19 infection and vaccination.

Evidence acquisition

Electronic searches for published literature were conducted using EMBASE and MEDLINE on the 30th of July 2023. The search strategy comprised of controlled vocabulary and free-text synonyms for the following terms in various combinations: “coronavirus, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, 2019-nCoV, vaccination, vaccine, immunisation and neuro-ophthalmology”. No time range limits were set for the literature search. Published English abstracts for articles written in a different language were screened if available.

Results

A total of 54 case reports and case series were selected for use in the final report. 34 articles documenting neuro-ophthalmic manifestations following COVID-19 infection and 20 articles with neuro-ophthalmic complications following COVID-19 vaccination were included, comprising of 79 patients in total. The most commonly occurring condition was optic neuritis, with 25 cases following COVID-19 infection and 27 cases following vaccination against COVID-19.

Conclusions

The various COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available are part of the global effort to protect the most vulnerable of the human population. The incidence of neuro-ophthalmic consequences following infection with COVID-19 is hundred-folds higher and associated with more harrowing systemic effects than vaccination against the virus.
Risk communication: lessons from an ethnographic, pragmatic, and Canadian regulatory perspective
Authors: Bhuller Yadvinder , Trevithick-Sutton Colleen C.
Published: January 2024

In a regulatory context, it is important to understand how effective risk communication fits into the overall risk assessment, management, and decision-making process. This includes recognizing the intersections between risk analysis and the 3Ps: policy, politics, and publics, and understanding the barriers to effective communication. Risk communication is especially challenging when it requires the audience to follow and act on authoritative information or advice. Risk communicators must factor attributes such as risk perception, tolerance, and behaviors, and tailor the delivery of messages to diverse audiences. This paper captures the discourse from an intradepartmental workshop on risk communication with participants from Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. The workshop provided an opportunity to discuss and share references to existing frameworks, pertinent documents, and examples of effective risk communication strategies based on the authors' ethnographic and pragmatic experiences. The workshop aimed to strengthen risk communication by better understanding the value in collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, applying a systems thinking lens, and finding opportunities to experiment and evaluate risk communication strategies for regulatory purposes.
Visualizing emoji usage in geo-social media across time, space, and topic
Authors: Levi Samantha , Hauthal Eva , Mukherjee Sagnik , Ostermann Frank O.
Published: January 2024

Social media is ubiquitous in the modern world and its use is ever-increasing. Similarly, the use of emojis within social media posts continues to surge. Geo-social media produces massive amounts of spatial data that can provide insights into users' thoughts and reactions across time and space. This research used emojis as an alternative to text-based social media analysis in order to avoid the common obstacles of natural language processing such as spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, slang, and sarcasm. Because emojis offer a non-verbal means to express thoughts and emotions, they provide additional context in comparison to purely text-based analysis. This facilitates cross-language studies. In this study, the spatial and temporal usage of emojis were visualized in order to detect relevant topics of discussion within a Twitter dataset that is not thematically pre-filtered. The dataset consists of Twitter posts that were geotagged within Europe during the year 2020. This research leveraged cartographic visualization techniques to detect spatial-temporal changes in emoji usage and to investigate the correlation of emoji usage with significant topics. The spatial and temporal developments of these topics and their respective emojis were visualized as a series of choropleth maps and map matrices. This geovisualization technique allowed for individual emojis to be independently analyzed and for specific spatial or temporal trends to be further investigated. Emoji usage was found to be spatially and temporally heterogeneous, and trends in emoji usage were found to correlate with topics including the COVID-19 pandemic, several political movements, and leisure activities.
Trends in emotional wellbeing during COVID-19 by ethnicity, age and gender: evidence from a higher education staff survey
Authors: Lotti Lorenzo , Ragazzi Isabella , Morrison Gutman Leslie
Published: January 2024

This paper provides evidence of the trends in the emotional wellbeing of university staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on differences according to age, gender and ethnicity. From June 2020 to July 2021 a survey was circulated to University College London staff, capturing information on self-described demographic indicators (age, gender, and ethnicity), satisfaction with academic life, and mental and emotional wellbeing. Results show a moderate level of emotional wellbeing overall, with scores increasing after lockdowns were lifted. Some significant heterogeneity within the demographic variables demonstrates the need for disaggregating the categories within Black and Minority Ethnic individuals. Black Caribbean and Black African staff reported higher levels of emotional wellbeing (respectively, 0.60 and 0.81 higher wellbeing scores, on average) while staff who identified as Arab or “other” reported lower levels (on average −1.0 and −0.65) than staff who identified as White. There was a sharp increase in emotional wellbeing for Arab staff and a slight increase in Asian and “other” ethnic staff. Findings from this research provide evidence into the trends in emotional wellbeing of faculty and staff in a United Kingdom university context, contributing to the literature focusing on higher education during the pandemic period. We also flag the importance of disaggregating Black and Minority Ethnic categorization to describe and better understand the diverse impact on emotional wellbeing within different ethnic groups, which has rarely been explored in the literature assessing university staff wellbeing.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of online learning in higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic period
Authors: Meng Wentao , Yu Lei , Liu Chen , Pan Nengchao , Pang Xiawen , Zhu Yunyun
Published: January 2024

Background

The effectiveness of online learning in higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic period is a debated topic but a systematic review on this topic is absent.

Methods

The present study implemented a systematic review of 25 selected articles to comprehensively evaluate online learning effectiveness during the pandemic period and identify factors that influence such effectiveness.

Results

It was concluded that past studies failed to achieve a consensus over online learning effectiveness and research results are largely by how learning effectiveness was assessed, e.g., self-reported online learning effectiveness, longitudinal comparison, and RCT. Meanwhile, a set of factors that positively or negatively influence the effectiveness of online learning were identified, including infrastructure factors, instructional factors, the lack of social interaction, negative emotions, flexibility, and convenience.

Discussion

Although it is debated over the effectiveness of online learning during the pandemic period, it is generally believed that the pandemic brings a lot of challenges and difficulties to higher education and these challenges and difficulties are more prominent in developing countries. In addition, this review critically assesses limitations in past research, develops pedagogical implications, and proposes recommendations for future research.
Welcome culture in German schools: teachers’ perspectives
Authors: Klöpfer Lea , Lebeda Maria , Waburg Wiebke
Published: January 2024

The secondary analysis focuses on teachers’ perspectives on welcome culture (Willkommenskultur) in German schools for pupils who have fled from Ukraine. The following research question was pursued: What aspects of the welcome culture become apparent in statements of teachers? Data from five group discussions with individuals from primary and secondary schools and an educational institution in Rhineland-Palatinate were analyzed. Participants included teachers (n= 12), school principals (n= 2), and one director. The study indicates that refugees from Ukraine are treated differently from refugees originating from Syria or other countries; these differences can be recognized at both the individual and societal levels.
Global scientific trends on thyroid disease in early 21st century: a bibliometric and visualized analysis
Authors: Song Mingyuan , Sun Wei , Liu Qi , Wang Zhongqing , Zhang Hao
Published: January 2024

Background

Bibliometrics has been used to analyze the literature in the field of thyroid disease studies in the early 21st century, indicating the changes in current international study trends.

Methods

In this study, a bibliometric analysis of data retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database was conducted, and the publication trends and thematic evolution in the field of thyroid disease research from January 1, 2000, to November 16, 2022, were analyzed. A total of 69283 articles related to thyroid diseases were evaluated for their characteristics, including annual publication volume, countries, journals, institutions, authors, keywords, and references. VOSviewer was utilized to perform the analysis of co-authorship, co-citation, co-occurrence and descriptive.

Results

The annual publication volume of thyroid disease research literature showed a fluctuating upward trend from 2000 to 2021, exceeding 5,000 articles for the first time in 2021. The United States (16120 counts, 678255 cities) ranks first in terms of publication volume and citation. Thyroid (n=3201) and Journal of Clinical Endocrinology&Metabolism (n=140399) are the most prolific and cited journals, respectively. The organization with the highest publication volume and citation frequency is Harvard University (1011 counts, 59429 cities), Miyauchi Akira (n=422), Schlumberger, and Martin (n=24839) possess the highest publication volume and citation frequency, respectively. Co-occurrence analysis of 307 keywords with frequencies of more than 20 resulted in 6 clusters (1): Thyroid dysfunction and diseases (2); mechanism of occurrence and development of thyroid cancer (3); autoimmune thyroiditis (4); scope and postoperative management of thyroid surgery (5); fine needle aspiration of thyroid nodules (6); radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid cancer. Active monitoring, thermal ablation, Lenvatinib, and long noncoding RNA refer to the latest keywords. Discussing the six clusters helps scholars to determine the scope and direction of studies.

Conclusion

Over the past two decades, the literature related to thyroid diseases has increased year by year, with closer collaboration between countries, institutions, and authors. In this study, the global trends, research hotspots, emerging subjects, and basic knowledge of literature related to thyroid diseases were respectively elucidated, which will facilitate researchers in this field to seek better development.
A narrative review on inflammaging and late-onset hypogonadism
Authors: Xing Dong , Jin Yihan , Jin Baofang
Published: January 2024

The increasing life expectancy observed in recent years has resulted in a higher prevalence of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) in older men. LOH is characterized by the decline in testosterone levels and can have significant impacts on physical and mental health. While the underlying causes of LOH are not fully understood, there is a growing interest in exploring the role of inflammaging in its development. Inflammaging is a concept that describes the chronic, low-grade, systemic inflammation that occurs as a result of aging. This inflammatory state has been implicated in the development of various age-related diseases. Several cellular and molecular mechanisms have been identified as contributors to inflammaging, including immune senescence, cellular senescence, autophagy defects, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Despite the extensive research on inflammaging, its relationship with LOH has not yet been thoroughly reviewed in the literature. To address this gap, we aim to review the latest findings related to inflammaging and its impact on the development of LOH. Additionally, we will explore interventions that target inflammaging as potential treatments for LOH.
Analyses of human vaccine-specific circulating and bone marrow-resident B cell populations reveal benefit of delayed vaccine booster dosing with blood-stage malaria antigens
Authors: Barrett Jordan R. , Silk Sarah E. , Mkindi Catherine G. , Kwiatkowska Karolina M. , Hou Mimi M. , Lias Amelia M. , Kalinga Wilmina F. , Mtaka Ivanny M. , McHugh Kirsty , Bardelli Martino , Davies Hannah , King Lloyd D. W. , Edwards Nick J. , Chauhan Virander S. , Mukherjee Paushali , Rwezaula Stella , Chitnis Chetan E. , Olotu Ally I. , Minassian Angela M. , Draper Simon J. , Nielsen Carolyn M.
Published: January 2024

We have previously reported primary endpoints of a clinical trial testing two vaccine platforms for the delivery of Plasmodium vivax malaria DBPRII: viral vectors (ChAd63, MVA), and protein/adjuvant (PvDBPII with 50µg Matrix-M™ adjuvant). Delayed boosting was necessitated due to trial halts during the pandemic and provides an opportunity to investigate the impact of dosing regimens. Here, using flow cytometry – including agnostic definition of B cell populations with the clustering tool CITRUS – we report enhanced induction of DBPRII-specific plasma cell and memory B cell responses in protein/adjuvant versus viral vector vaccinees. Within protein/adjuvant groups, delayed boosting further improved B cell immunogenicity compared to a monthly boosting regimen. Consistent with this, delayed boosting also drove more durable anti-DBPRII serum IgG. In an independent vaccine clinical trial with the P. falciparum malaria RH5.1 protein/adjuvant (50µg Matrix-M™) vaccine candidate, we similarly observed enhanced circulating B cell responses in vaccinees receiving a delayed final booster. Notably, a higher frequency of vaccine-specific (putatively long-lived) plasma cells was detected in the bone marrow of these delayed boosting vaccinees by ELISPOT and correlated strongly with serum IgG. Finally, following controlled human malaria infection with P. vivax parasites in the DBPRII trial, in vivo growth inhibition was observed to correlate with DBPRII-specific B cell and serum IgG responses. In contrast, the CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses were impacted by vaccine platform but not dosing regimen and did not correlate with in vivo growth inhibition in a challenge model. Taken together, our DBPRII and RH5 data suggest an opportunity for protein/adjuvant dosing regimen optimisation in the context of rational vaccine development against pathogens where protection is antibody-mediated.
HLA-DR expression in melanoma: from misleading therapeutic target to potential immunotherapy biomarker
Authors: Amrane Karim , Le Meur Coline , Besse Benjamin , Hemon Patrice , Le Noac’h Pierre , Pradier Olivier , Berthou Christian , Abgral Ronan , Uguen Arnaud
Published: January 2024

Since the advent of anti-PD1 immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy, cutaneous melanoma has undergone a true revolution with prolonged survival, as available 5-year updates for progression-free survival and overall survival demonstrate a durable clinical benefit for melanoma patients receiving ICI. However, almost half of patients fail to respond to treatment, or relapse sooner or later after the initial response to therapy. Little is known about the reasons for these failures. The identification of biomarkers seems necessary to better understand this resistance. Among these biomarkers, HLA-DR, a component of MHC II and abnormally expressed in certain tumor types including melanoma for unknown reasons, seems to be an interesting marker. The aim of this review, prepared by an interdisciplinary group of experts, is to take stock of the current literature on the potential interest of HLA-DR expression in melanoma as a predictive biomarker of ICI outcome.
Contribution of the TIME in BCP-ALL: the basis for novel approaches therapeutics
Authors: Poveda-Garavito Nathaly , Combita Alba Lucía
Published: January 2024

The bone marrow (BM) niche is a microenvironment where both immune and non-immune cells functionally interact with hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and more differentiated progenitors, contributing to the regulation of hematopoiesis. It is regulated by various signaling molecules such as cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules in its microenvironment. However, despite the strict regulation of BM signals to maintain their steady state, accumulating evidence in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) indicates that leukemic cells can disrupt the physiological hematopoietic niche in the BM, creating a new leukemia-supportive microenvironment. This environment favors immunological evasion mechanisms and the interaction of these cells with the development and progression of BCP-ALL. With a growing understanding of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in the development and progression of BCP-ALL, current strategies focused on “re-editing” TIME to promote antitumor immunity have been developed. In this review, we summarize how TIME cells are disrupted by the presence of leukemic cells, evading immunosurveillance mechanisms in the BCP-ALL model. We also explore the crosstalk between TIME and leukemic cells that leads to treatment resistance, along with the most promising immuno-therapy strategies. Understanding and further research into the role of the BM microenvironment in leukemia progression and relapse are crucial for developing more effective treatments and reducing patient mortality.
Macleaya cordata isoquinoline alkaloids attenuate Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal epithelium injury in broiler chickens by co-regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways
Authors: Liu Yang , Han Kai , Liu Hua , Jia Gang , Comer Luke , Wang Guanlin , Pan Zizhu , Zhao Yiqian , Jiang Shuzhen , Jiao Ning , Huang Libo , Yang Weiren , Li Yang
Published: January 2024

This study sought to explore the effects and potential mechanisms of dietary supplementation with isoquinoline alkaloids (IA) from Macleaya cordata to alleviate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal epithelium injury in broilers. A total of 486 1-day-old broilers were assigned at random to a control (CON) group, LPS group, and LPS+IA group in a 21-d study. The CON and LPS groups received a basal diet, while the LPS+IA group received a basal diet supplemented with 0.6 mg/kg IA. At 17, 19, and 21 days of age, the LPS and LPS+BP groups were injected intraperitoneally with LPS, and the CON group was intraperitoneally injected equivalent amount of saline solution. The results manifested that LPS injection caused intestinal inflammation and lipid peroxidation, disrupted intestinal barrier and function, and increased the abundance of harmful microorganisms. However, dietary IA supplementation alleviated LPS-induced adverse changes in intestinal morphology, apoptosis, mucosal barrier integrity, cecum microorganisms, and homeostasis disorder by decreasing inflammatory cytokines and enhancing antioxidant-related genes expressions; inhibited LPS-induced increases in TLR4 and NF-κB expressions and decreases in Nrf2 and GPX1 genes expressions. Our findings indicated that Macleaya cordata IA addition attenuated LPS-induced intestinal epithelium injury and disorder of intestinal homeostasis by enhancing the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens possibly via co-regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways.
Metazoan diversity and community assemblages in sediments across a Western Pacific Trench-Arc-Basin system: insights from eDNA metabarcoding
Authors: Mo Jing , Li Xinlong , Mou Anning , Gao Ping , Wang Xuetao , Zhang Xuelei , Xu Qinzeng
Published: January 2024

Trench-arc-basin (TAB) systems are widely distributed in the deep sea, yet our understanding of their biodiversity patterns and community assemblages remains limited. In this study, we collected sediment samples from 22 stations across a Western Pacific TAB system and identified 85 families of marine benthos from 15 phyla by using eDNA metabarcoding with the 18S rRNA gene V4 region. Nematodes were the most dominant metazoan taxa followed by echinoderms, arthropods, and annelids. The highest biodiversity and species specificity were observed at stations located near seamounts. The community assemblages were highly heterogeneous in this TAB system, likely induced by the large geographic barriers and the high habitat heterogeneity. Furthermore, the total organic carbon content and median grain size of the sediment drive the overall community composition, and the water depth exerts a significant influence on species richness and abundance. Our results provide insight into benthos diversity and distribution across a TAB system and data for further comparisons and modeling studies.
Analysis of organoid and immune cell co-cultures by machine learning-empowered image cytometry
Authors: Stüve Philipp , Nerb Benedikt , Harrer Selina , Wuttke Marina , Feuerer Markus , Junger Henrik , Eggenhofer Elke , Lungu Bianca , Laslau Simina , Ritter Uwe
Published: January 2024

Organoids are three-dimensional (3D) structures that can be derived from stem cells or adult tissue progenitor cells and exhibit an extraordinary ability to autonomously organize and resemble the cellular composition and architectural integrity of specific tissue segments. This feature makes them a useful tool for analyzing therapeutical relevant aspects, including organ development, wound healing, immune disorders and drug discovery. Most organoid models do not contain cells that mimic the neighboring tissue’s microenvironment, which could potentially hinder deeper mechanistic studies. However, to use organoid models in mechanistic studies, which would enable us to better understand pathophysiological processes, it is necessary to emulate the in situ microenvironment. This can be accomplished by incorporating selected cells of interest from neighboring tissues into the organoid culture. Nevertheless, the detection and quantification of organoids in such co-cultures remains a major technical challenge. These imaging analysis approaches would require an accurate separation of organoids from the other cell types in the co-culture. To efficiently detect and analyze 3D organoids in co-cultures, we developed a high-throughput imaging analysis platform. This method integrates automated imaging techniques and advanced image processing tools such as grayscale conversion, contrast enhancement, membrane detection and structure separation. Based on machine learning algorithms, we were able to identify and classify 3D organoids within dense co-cultures of immune cells. This procedure allows a high-throughput analysis of organoid-associated parameters such as quantity, size, and shape. Therefore, the technology has significant potential to advance contextualized research using organoid co-cultures and their potential applications in translational medicine.
The impact of air pollution on interstitial lung disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lan Doris , Fermoyle Caitlin C. , Troy Lauren K. , Knibbs Luke D. , Corte Tamera J.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting a causal relationship between interstitial lung disease (ILD) and air pollution, both for the development of the disease, and driving disease progression. We aim to provide a comprehensive literature review of the association between air pollution, and ILD, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Methods

We systematically searched from six online database. Two independent authors (DL and CF) selected studies and critically appraised the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Findings are presented through a narrative synthesis and meta-analysis. Meta-analyses were performed exclusively when there was a minimum of three studies examining identical pollutant-health outcome pairs, all evaluating equivalent increments in pollutant concentration, using a random effects model.

Results

24 observational studies conducted in 13 countries or regions were identified. Pollutants under investigation encompassed ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Particulate matter with diameters of 10 micrometers or less (PM10) and 2.5 micrometers or less (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). We conducted meta-analyses to assess the estimated Risk Ratios (RRs) for acute exacerbations (AE)-IPF in relation to exposure to every 10 μg/m3 increment in air pollutant concentrations, including O3, NO2, PM10, and PM2.5. The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between the increased risk of AE-IPF in PM2.5, yielding RR 1.94 (95% CI 1.30–2.90; p = 0.001). Findings across all the included studies suggest that increased exposure to air pollutants may be linked to a range of health issues in individuals with ILDs.

Conclusion

A scarcity of available studies on the air pollutants and ILD relationship underscores the imperative for further comprehensive research in this domain. The available data suggest that reducing levels of PM2.5 in the atmosphere could potentially reduce AE frequency and severity in ILD patients.
Case report: Microwave ablation is a safe and effective method for primary hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy
Authors: Luo Yunbo , Lv Qi , Xu Zhou , Fang Jiang , Pu Hongyu , Gao Yanchun , Qian Shuangqiang , Chen Fei , Zhao Xiaobo , Hou Lingmi
Published: January 2024

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a rare disease in pregnancy and endangers the health of both pregnant women and fetuses. However, the treatments are very limited for PHPT and most of them are unsatisfactory because of the peculiar state in pregnancy. The only curable method is parathyroidectomy which can be safely performed in the second trimester of pregnancy. In this case, we reported a pregnant woman with primary parathyroid adenoma presenting hypercalcemia and severe vomit at the end of first trimester. Finally, she got cured by microwave ablation at the end of first trimester and gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
COVID-19 vaccination willingness among people living with HIV in Shijiazhuang, China: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Zhang Xihong , Zhan Haoting , Wang Lijing , Liu Yongmei , Guo Xinru , Li Chen , Li Xiaomeng , Li Beilei , Li Haolong , Li Yingxia , Chen Qian , Gao Huixia , Feng Fumin , Li Yongzhe , Dai Erhei
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed an enormous disease and economic burden worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is essential to containing the pandemic. People living with HIV (PLWH) may be more vulnerable to severe COVID-19 outcomes; thus, understanding their vaccination willingness and influencing factors is helpful in developing targeted vaccination strategies.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between 15 June and 30 August 2022 in Shijiazhuang, China. Variables included socio-demographic characteristics, health status characteristics, HIV-related characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination status. Multivariable logistic regression was used to confirm factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination willingness among PLWH.

Results

A total of 1,428 PLWH were included, with a 90.48% willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. PLWH were more unwilling to receive COVID-19 vaccination for those who were female or had a fair/poor health status, had an allergic history and comorbidities, were unconvinced and unsure about the effectiveness of vaccines, were unconvinced and unsure about the safety of vaccines, were convinced and unsure about whether COVID-19 vaccination would affect ART efficacy, or did not know at least a type of domestic COVID-19 vaccine. Approximately 93.00% of PLWH have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine among PLWH, and 213 PLWH (14.92%) reported at least one adverse reaction within 7 days.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study reported a relatively high willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccination among PLWH in Shijiazhuang. However, a small number of PLWH still held hesitancy; thus, more tailored policies or guidelines from the government should be performed to enhance the COVID-19 vaccination rate among PLWH.
Drug repurposing for rare: progress and opportunities for the rare disease community
Authors: Jonker Anneliene Hechtelt , O’Connor Daniel , Cavaller-Bellaubi Maria , Fetro Christine , Gogou Maria , ’T Hoen Peter A. C. , de Kort Martin , Stone Heather , Valentine Nivedita , Pasmooij Anna Maria Gerdina
Published: January 2024

Repurposing is one of the key opportunities to address the unmet rare diseases therapeutic need. Based on cases of drug repurposing in small population conditions, and previous work in drug repurposing, we analyzed the most important lessons learned, such as the sharing of clinical observations, reaching out to regulatory scientific advice at an early stage, and public-private collaboration. In addition, current upcoming trends in the field of drug repurposing in rare diseases were analyzed, including the role these trends could play in the rare diseases’ ecosystem. Specifically, we cover the opportunities of innovation platforms, the use of real-world data, the use of artificial intelligence, regulatory initiatives in repurposing, and patient engagement throughout the repurposing project. The outcomes from these emerging activities will help progress the field of drug repurposing for the benefit of patients, public health and medicines development.
Effect of glyphosate, its metabolite AMPA, and the glyphosate formulation Roundup® on brown trout (Salmo trutta f. fario) gut microbiome diversity
Authors: Hembach N. , Drechsel V. , Sobol M. , Kaster A.-K. , Köhler H.-R. , Triebskorn R. , Schwartz T.
Published: January 2024

Glyphosate is used worldwide as a compound of pesticides and is detectable in many environmental compartments. It enters water bodies primarily through drift from agricultural areas so that aquatic organisms are exposed to this chemical, especially after rain events. Glyphosate is advertised and sold as a highly specific herbicide, which interacts with the EPSP synthase, an enzyme of the shikimate metabolism, resulting in inhibition of the synthesis of vital aromatic amino acids. However, not only plants but also bacteria can possess this enzyme so that influences of glyphosate on the microbiomes of exposed organisms cannot be excluded. Those influences may result in subtle and long-term effects, e.g., disturbance of the symbiotic interactions of bionts with microorganisms of their microbiomes. Mechanisms how the transformation product aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) of glyphosate might interfere in this context have not understood so far. In the present study, molecular biological fingerprinting methods showed concentration-dependent effects of glyphosate and AMPA on fish microbiomes. In addition, age-dependent differences in the composition of the microbiomes regarding abundance and diversity were detected. Furthermore, the effect of exposure to glyphosate and AMPA was investigated for several fish pathogens of gut microbiomes in terms of their gene expression of virulence factors associated with pathogenicity. In vitro transcriptome analysis with the fish pathogen Yersinia ruckeri revealed that it is questionable whether the observed effect on the microbiome is caused by the intended mode of action of glyphosate, such as the inhibition of EPSP synthase activity.
Anticancer activities of natural antimicrobial peptides from animals
Authors: Qu Baozhen , Yuan Jiangshui , Liu Xueli , Zhang Shicui , Ma Xuezhen , Lu Linlin
Published: January 2024

Cancer is the most common cause of human death worldwide, posing a serious threat to human health and having a negative impact on the economy. In the past few decades, significant progress has been made in anticancer therapies, but traditional anticancer therapies, including radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), have serious side effects, low specificity, and the emergence of drug resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new treatment methods to improve efficacy and reduce side effects. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exist in the innate immune system of various organisms. As the most promising alternatives to traditional drugs for treating cancers, some AMPs also have been proven to possess anticancer activities, which are defined as anticancer peptides (ACPs). These peptides have the advantages of being able to specifically target cancer cells and have less toxicity to normal tissues. More and more studies have found that marine and terrestrial animals contain a large amount of ACPs. In this article, we introduced the animal derived AMPs with anti-cancer activity, and summarized the types of tumor cells inhibited by ACPs, the mechanisms by which they exert anti-tumor effects and clinical applications of ACPs.
Different viral genes modulate virulence in model mammal hosts and Culex pipiens vector competence in Mediterranean basin lineage 1 West Nile virus strains
Authors: Fiacre Lise , Nougairède Antoine , Migné Camille , Bayet Maëlle , Cochin Maxime , Dumarest Marine , Helle Teheipuaura , Exbrayat Antoni , Pagès Nonito , Vitour Damien , Richardson Jennifer P. , Failloux Anna-Bella , Vazeille Marie , Albina Emmanuel , Lecollinet Sylvie , Gonzalez Gaëlle
Published: January 2024

West Nile virus (WNV) is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus (+ssRNA) belonging to the genus Orthoflavivirus. Its enzootic cycle involves mosquito vectors, mainly Culex, and wild birds as reservoir hosts, while mammals, such as humans and equids, are incidental dead-end hosts. It was first discovered in 1934 in Uganda, and since 1999 has been responsible for frequent outbreaks in humans, horses and wild birds, mostly in America and in Europe. Virus spread, as well as outbreak severity, can be influenced by many ecological factors, such as reservoir host availability, biodiversity, movements and competence, mosquito abundance, distribution and vector competence, by environmental factors such as temperature, land use and precipitation, as well as by virus genetic factors influencing virulence or transmission. Former studies have investigated WNV factors of virulence, but few have compared viral genetic determinants of pathogenicity in different host species, and even fewer have considered the genetic drivers of virus invasiveness and excretion in Culex vector. In this study, we characterized WNV genetic factors implicated in the difference in virulence observed in two lineage 1 WNV strains from the Mediterranean Basin, the first isolated during a significant outbreak reported in Israel in 1998, and the second from a milder outbreak in Italy in 2008. We used an innovative and powerful reverse genetic tool, e.g., ISA (infectious subgenomic amplicons) to generate chimeras between Israel 1998 and Italy 2008 strains, focusing on non-structural (NS) proteins and the 3′UTR non-coding region. We analyzed the replication of these chimeras and their progenitors in mammals, in BALB/cByJ mice, and vector competence in Culex (Cx.) pipiens mosquitoes. Results obtained in BALB/cByJ mice suggest a role of the NS2B/NS3/NS4B/NS5 genomic region in viral attenuation in mammals, while NS4B/NS5/3′UTR regions are important in Cx. pipiens infection and possibly in vector competence.
Tularemia treatment: experimental and clinical data
Authors: Maurin Max , Pondérand Léa , Hennebique Aurélie , Pelloux Isabelle , Boisset Sandrine , Caspar Yvan
Published: January 2024

Tularemia is a zoonosis caused by the Gram negative, facultative intracellular bacteriumFrancisella tularensis. This disease has multiple clinical presentations according to the route of infection, the virulence of the infecting bacterial strain, and the underlying medical condition of infected persons. Systemic infections (e.g., pneumonic and typhoidal form) and complications are rare but may be life threatening. Most people suffer from local infection (e.g., skin ulcer, conjunctivitis, or pharyngitis) with regional lymphadenopathy, which evolve to suppuration in about 30% of patients and a chronic course of infection. Current treatment recommendations have been established to manage acute infections in the context of a biological threat and do not consider the great variability of clinical situations. This review summarizes literature data on antibiotic efficacy againstF. tularensis in vitro, in animal models, and in humans. Empirical treatment with beta-lactams, most macrolides, or anti-tuberculosis agents is usually ineffective. The aminoglycosides gentamicin and streptomycin remain the gold standard for severe infections, and the fluoroquinolones and doxycycline for infections of mild severity, although current data indicate the former are usually more effective. However, the antibiotic treatments reported in the literature are highly variable in their composition and duration depending on the clinical manifestations, the age and health status of the patient, the presence of complications, and the evolution of the disease. Many patients received several antibiotics in combination or successively. Whatever the antibiotic treatment administered, variable but high rates of treatment failures and relapses are still observed, especially in patients treated more then 2–3 weeks after disease onset. In these patients, surgical treatment is often necessary for cure, including drainage or removal of suppurative lymph nodes or other infectious foci. It is currently difficult to establish therapeutic recommendations, particularly due to lack of comparative randomized studies. However, we have attempted to summarize current knowledge through proposals for improving tularemia treatment which will have to be discussed by a group of experts. A major factor in improving the prognosis of patients with tularemia is the early administration of appropriate treatment, which requires better medical knowledge and diagnostic strategy of this disease.
The role of the peripheral system dysfunction in the pathogenesis of sepsis-associated encephalopathy
Authors: Zhang Jingyu , Chen Shuangli , Hu Xiyou , Huang Lihong , Loh PeiYong , Yuan Xinru , Liu Zhen , Lian Jinyu , Geng Lianqi , Chen Zelin , Guo Yi , Chen Bo
Published: January 2024

Sepsis is a condition that greatly impacts the brain, leading to neurological dysfunction and heightened mortality rates, making it one of the primary organs affected. Injury to the central nervous system can be attributed to dysfunction of various organs throughout the entire body and imbalances within the peripheral immune system. Furthermore, central nervous system injury can create a vicious circle with infection-induced peripheral immune disorders. We collate the pathogenesis of septic encephalopathy, which involves microglial activation, programmed cell death, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, neurotransmitter imbalance, and blood–brain barrier disruption. We also spotlight the effects of intestinal flora and its metabolites, enterocyte-derived exosomes, cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, peripheral T cells and their cytokines on septic encephalopathy.