bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modernizing Classical Poetics and Cultural Traditions: Wu Mi's Enterprise of Rewriting George Gordon Byron
Authors: YAN Hanjin
Published: February 2024

This article examines how Wu Mi (1894–1978), a well-known conservative intellectual, pursued his modernization program by rewriting George Gordon Byron (1788–1824), the British Romantic poet enthusiastically embraced by the iconoclastic New Culturalists in Republican China (1911–1949). Through analysis of his enterprise of imitating, translating, and interpreting Byron, I argue that Wu Mi intended to counter the New Culturalists’ monopoly of Byron's reception in China and to affirm his own vision of modern Chinese poetry and culture informed by Irving Babbitt's (1865–1933) New Humanism. Wu Mi portrayed Byron as a self-righteous poet-exile comparable to classical Chinese poets, invoked Byron's writing of Childe Harold's Pilgrimage to invigorate classical Chinese poetics, exploited Byron's reflections on nature and history to vindicate China's cultural traditions, and appropriated his stanzas on Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) to support Babbitt's neo-humanistic arguments against romanticism. Wu Mi's rewriting enterprise, this article contends, shows that the so-called conservatives could assert their imagination of modernity by citing a foreign authority claimed by the iconoclasts, and that romantic poetry was woven into a narrative to modernize classical Chinese poetics.
Who Lies Beneath? Reflections on Scotland’s Unseen Change Makers
Authors: Proctor Katy
Published: February 2024

As a former Rape Crisis and Women’s Aid support worker turned feminist academic, I have had the privilege of working with some of the most inspirational and courageous women in Scotland. I see these women as the unsung heroines who are ultimately responsible for changing Scotland and making it internationally renowned for innovative and progressive practice in preventing Gender-Based Violence. For decades, women have worked as volunteers and/or paid staff to support survivors, run refuges, helplines, and campaigns whilst also training local authorities, police, and other agencies. Without them, we would have no women’s support organisations, many more victims would remain in relationships with abusive men, and many more women would be dead at the hands of their partners or ex-partners. Yet, the organisations they run are desperately under-funded and many workers are on insecure contracts with low pay – a form of structural violence that reinforces gender inequality in Scotland. Equally important and unrecognised are the victim/survivors who have raised their voices to ask for help, to resist their abusers, and who risk everything to try to secure their survival. Without them we wouldn’t know about the horrors many endure, and many others would not have been inspired to work tirelessly to change Scotland for the better. Collectively and individually, their achievements are significant. This article explores their resistance and resilience that has allowed Scotland to earn its stellar reputation.
Scotland and the Feminist Framing of Domestic Abuse
Authors: Lombard Nancy , Whiting Nel
Published: February 2024

This article elucidates the approach Scotland has taken to tackling the issue of domestic abuse, arguing that feminists were an important driving force not simply in placing the issue of domestic abuse on the public and political agenda, but in successfully establishing the issue as a gender-based problem. The policy and service implications of a gender-based approach has led to Scotland being identified as an exemplar. We illustrate some of the achievements in addressing domestic abuse including the new Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act (DASA) but argue that for this work to be successful, domestic abuse needs to continue to be conceptualised as a consequence of continuing gender inequality.
Feminism, Disability Rights, Activism and Academia in Scotland: A Personal Reflection on ‘Velvet Triangles’ in Practice
Authors: Rummery Kirstein
Published: February 2024

In this article the author critically reflects on her experiences as an academic and feminist/disability rights activist in Scottish civic society. She draws on ideas about a ‘velvet triangle’ – a co-operative constellation of academics, policy makers and activists – that exists in Scottish feminist policy circles. She explores the tensions between co-operative governance with the Scottish Government and the need for civic society to be an independent critic of policy makers. She is critical of co-operative constellations that in her experience can act as closed elite networks, prioritising some voices over others. She calls for a wider group of feminist activists and academics to be involved in Scottish policy making.
Reclaiming the Human: Edinburgh International Festival and Book Festival Diary 2023
Authors: Relich Mario
Published: February 2024

In this diary of Edinburgh’s 2023 Festivals, Mario Relich underlines common themes around what makes us human, and the return of ‘offence’.
Investigation on biomechanical responses in bilateral semicircular canals and nystagmus in vestibulo-ocular reflex experiments under different forward-leaning angles
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Shili , Li Yue , Xiao Lijie , Yu Shen , Wu Xiang , Shen Shuang , Xu Hang
Published: February 2024

Different head positions affect the responses of the vestibular semicircular canals (SCCs) to angular movement. Specific head positions can relieve vestibular disorders caused by excessive stimulating SCCs. In this study, we quantitatively explored responses of human SCCs using numerical simulations of fluid-structure interaction and vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) experiments under different forward-leaning angles of the head, including 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, and 60°. It was found that the horizontal nystagmus slow-phase velocity and corresponding biomechanical responses of the cupula in horizontal SCC increased with the forward-leaning angles of the head, reached a maximum when the head was tilted 30° forward, and then gradually decreased. However, no obvious vertical or torsional nystagmus was observed in the VOR experiments. In the numerical model of bilateral SCCs, the biomechanical responses of the cupula in the left anterior SCC and the right anterior SCC showed the same trends; they decreased with the forward-leaning angles, reached a minimum at a 40° forward tilt of the head, and then gradually increased. Similarly, the biomechanical responses of the cupula in the left posterior SCC and in the right posterior SCC followed a same trend, decreasing with the forward-leaning angles, reaching a minimum at a 30° forward tilt of the head, and then gradually increasing. Additionally, the biomechanical responses of the cupula in both the anterior and posterior SCCs consistently remained lower than those observed in the horizontal SCCs across all measured head positions. The occurrence of these numerical results was attributed to the consistent maintenance of mutual symmetry in the bilateral SCCs with respect to the mid-sagittal plane containing the axis of rotation. This symmetry affected the distribution of endolymph pressure, resulting in biomechanical responses of the cupula in each pair of symmetrical SCCs exhibiting same tendencies under different forward-leaning angles of the head. These results provided a reliable numerical basis for future research to relieve vestibular diseases induced by spatial orientation of SCCs.
Gut resistome profiling reveals high diversity and fluctuations in pancreatic cancer cohorts
Authors: Liu Xudong , Li Kexin , Yang Yun , Cao Dingyan , Xu Xinjie , He Zilong , Wu Wenming
Published: February 2024

Background

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancer, with a 5-year overall survival rate of 11%. Unfortunately, most patients are diagnosed with advanced stage by the time they present with symptoms. In the past decade, microbiome studies have explored the association of pancreatic cancer with the human oral and gut microbiomes. However, the gut microbial antibiotic resistance genes profiling of pancreatic cancer patients was never reported compared to that of the healthy cohort.

Results

In this study, we addressed the gut microbial antibiotic resistance genes profile using the metagenomic data from two online public pancreatic cancer cohorts. We found a high degree of data concordance between the two cohorts, which can therefore be used for cross-sectional comparisons. Meanwhile, we used two strategies to predict antibiotic resistance genes and compared the advantages and disadvantages of these two approaches. We also constructed microbe-antibiotic resistance gene networks and found that most of the hub nodes in the networks were antibiotic resistance genes.

Conclusions

In summary, we describe the panorama of antibiotic resistance genes in the gut microbes of patients with pancreatic cancer. We hope that our study will provide new perspectives on treatment options for the disease.
Dance as a mental health therapy in the Metaverse: exploring the therapeutic potential of Dance Movement Therapy as a non-pharmacological treatment in the Metaverse
Authors: Radanliev Petar
Published: February 2024

Introduction

This study conducts a detailed qualitative review of Alternative Therapies for mental health and proposes a novel design for integrating Non-Pharmacological Interventions into the Metaverse Extended Reality environments.

Aim/question

This study investigates the potential of the Extended Reality environments for Non-Pharmacological Interventions in Mental Health, with a specific focus on Dance Movement Therapy as a preventive and therapeutic strategy for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

Method

This study conducts qualitative evidence syntheses of primary quantitative data and performs meta-analyses of existing studies of participants reporting anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.

Results

Dance Movement Therapy in the extended reality environments shows promise as a viable alternative therapy, but data privacy and ethical considerations must be addressed.

Discussion

This study raises significant concerns regarding the privacy and security of participants' data, necessitating the storage of only the metadata in electronically compatible files, in cases where users' data is stored for long-term preservation.

Implications for practice

The outcomes of this study could revolutionize mental health practice, providing effective Non-Pharmacological Interventions for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory and cardiac support in neonates: a single center experience
Authors: Wang Gang , Li Qiuping , Zhou Gengxu , Hong Xiaoyang , Zhao Zhe , Meng Qiang , Feng Zhichun
Published: February 2024

Objective

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an advanced life support that has been utilized in the neonate for refractory respiratory and circulatory failure. Striving for the best outcomes and understanding optimal surgical techniques continue to be at the forefront of discussion and research. This study presents a single-center experience of cervically cannulated neonatal patients on V-A ECMO, a description of our cannulation/decannulation techniques and our patient outcomes.

Methods

Single center retrospective review of neonates who received neck V-A ECMO support from January 2012 to December 2022. The data and outcomes of the patients were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

A total of 78 neonates received V-A ECMO support. There were 66 patients that received ECMO for respiratory support, the other 12 patients that received ECMO for cardiac support. The median duration of ECMO support was 109 (32–293) hours for all patients. During ECMO support, 20 patients died and 5 patients discontinued treatment due to poor outcome or the cost. A total of 53 (68%) patients were successfully weaned from ECMO, but 3 of them died in the subsequent treatment. Overall 50 (64%) patients survived to hospital discharge. In this study, 48 patients were cannulated using the vessel sparing technique, the other 30 patients were cannulated using the ligation technique. We found no significant difference in the rates of normal cranial MRI at discharge between survivors with and without common carotid artery ligation.

Conclusion

We achieved satisfactory outcomes of neonatal ECMO in 11-year experience. This study found no significant difference in early neuroimaging between survivors with and without common carotid artery ligation. The long-term neurological function of ECMO survivors warranted further follow-up and study.
A prospective randomized controlled trial to determine the safety and efficacy of extracorporeal shock waves therapy for primary prevention of subclinical cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients without a cardiovascular risk treated with doxorubicin
Authors: Song Shinjeong , Woo Joohyun , Kim HyunGoo , Lee Jun Woo , Lim Woosung , Moon Byung-In , Kwon Kihwan
Published: February 2024

Background

Doxorubicin is a highly effective anti-cancer drug that causes left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and induces late-onset cardiomyopathy. However, an effective and clinically applicable preventive treatment is yet to be discovered.

Objective

Cardiac-Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (C-ESWT) has been suggested to treat inflammatory and ischemic diseases and protect cardiomyocytes from doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy. This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of C-ESWT in the prevention of subclinical cardiotoxicity.

Methods

We enrolled 64 breast cancer patients. C-ESWT group 33 patients were treated with our C-ESWT (200 shots/spot at 0.09 mJ/mm2 for 20 spots, 3 times every six weeks). The efficacy endpoints were the difference in left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) change by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography and chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). Echocardiography was performed on the baseline line and every 4 cycles of chemotherapy, followed by a follow-up 3,6 months after chemotherapy to compare the incidence of cardiomyopathy of subclinical LV dysfunction due to chemotherapy between the two groups.

Results

Participants averaged 50 ± 9 years in age, 100% female. In the results of follow-up 6 months after the end of chemotherapy, there was a significant difference in delta LVGLS between the C-ESWT group and the control group (LVGLS; −1.1 ± 10.9% vs. −11.5 ± 11.6% p-value; <0.001). A total of 23% (15 patients) of patients developed CTRCD (Control group; 13 vs. C-ESWT group; (2). C-ESWT was performed safely without any serious adverse events.

Conclusion

In this prospective study, C-ESWT established efficacy in preventing subclinical cardiotoxicity, especially in breast cancer patients using doxorubicin chemotherapy, and the safety of C-ESWT.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier (NCT05584163).
The global volcano monitoring infrastructure database (GVMID)
Authors: Widiwijayanti Christina , Thin Zar Win Nang , Espinosa-Ortega Tania , Costa Fidel , Taisne Benoit
Published: February 2024

Monitoring volcanoes is of the most importance in volcano risk mitigation to safeguard lives and economies. Thanks to recent technological advances, both on-ground and in space, our understanding of volcanic processes has improved significantly. Though there is no one-system-fits-all, optimizing infrastructure for efficient monitoring stands as key objective. The impacts of volcanic hazards can span from local to global scales, affecting us both in the short and long term. This highlights the worldwide significance of improving volcano monitoring. Previously reliant on local ground-based instruments, today’s monitoring approach is enhanced by remote and space-based techniques such as satellite remote sensing, scanning-Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS), and infrasound. Designing an effective monitoring infrastructure for volcano observatories involves careful consideration of various factors such as network coverage, type of sensors, data transmission, and power supply to ensure that the targeted parameters meet the specific needs of each volcano (e.g., type of activities, early warning systems). Additionally, fostering collaboration and information sharing within the global scientific community is essential for addressing the current challenges in volcanology. In line with this, we’ve established the Global Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure Database (GVMID) to compile data from volcano monitoring across the globe. Global Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure Database serves as an integral component of WOVOdat, the global volcano unrest database, aiming to enhance our understanding of eruptive processes and improve eruption forecasts. The database incorporates monitoring metadata comprising networks, stations, and instruments, all standardized and managed using a MySQL relational database management system. Accessed through a web-based interface (https://wovodat.org/gvmid/home.php), GVMID offers an informative snapshot and foundational overview of the techniques and instruments in place at diverse volcanoes. This interactive platform allows for queries, visualizations, and downloads, serving as a valuable resource for the volcano community. GVMID can assist observatories in various ways, by: (a) Facilitating the setup or enhancement of monitoring systems for specific volcanoes. (b) Providing insights into the latest monitoring technologies and instrumentation. (c) Identifying existing monitoring gaps that could be addressed through remote sensing infrastructure and future instrument deployments. We extend an invitation to the global volcano community to actively participate in the development and enrichment of GVMID. Our aim is for it to become a continually updated and indispensable resource that caters to diverse needs within the volcanology community.
L2MSS in the Saudi Arabian context: item, scale, and external validity analysis
Authors: Almesaar Oun
Published: February 2024

With English being the modern lingua franca, educational policies in Saudi Arabia were recently changed in order to provide better English language education to Saudi students. In spite of the government’s efforts to improve English proficiency, most Saudi students do not benefit sufficiently from the new curricula. Language 2 Learning Motivation Self-System (L2MSS), proposed by Dörnyei, provides a potential framework for understanding determinants of English proficiency among Saudi students. The pilot study first addressed the internal reliability, factor structure and item-level performance (classical model and IRT) of two new questionnaires developed to complement L2MSS with measures of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects of attitude towards English. The main study focused on relationship between L2MSS and related variables with performance on an English test based on TOEIC. The study has shown that, while Saudi students tend to be motivated to learn English, L2MSS scores are not related to performance on an objective test of English proficiency. Moreover, the two new questionnaires, while associated with L2MSS, are not associated with English test performance. Exploratory factor analysis (with maximum likelihood extraction and direct oblimin rotation) of all L2MSS items resulted in a general L2MSS factor (29% variance), factors 2 (7% variance) and 3 (3%) had mixed loadings of “ought-to self” and L2 experience items, while factor 4 (2.7%) mainly had unique ideal self-loadings.
Subtle perturbations of ovarian steroidogenesis in patients classified as Poseidon Group 3. Which consequences for therapeutic strategy?
Authors: Hugues Jean Noel
Published: February 2024

The optimal strategy for stimulation of young women with a low ovarian reserve is still a challenging issue because the physio-pathogeny of this disorder is often unknown. As androgen production by the ovary plays a crucial role in folliculogenesis, it was tempting to speculate that subtle perturbations in ovarian steroidogenesis might participate to the low responsiveness to gonadotrophins. Indeed, in vitro analysis of human luteinized granulosa cells has recently provided evidence for some enzymatic deficits in steroidogenesis and altered response to gonadotrophins. Therefore, improving androgen environment of women classified in Poseidon Group 3 should be considered. In this clinical situation, the potential benefit of androgen supplementation or stimulation of theca cells by LH-activity products are respectively discussed.
PV output estimation method of power distribution station area based on federated learning framework and improved transformer neural network
Authors: Chen Bo , Liu Rui , Wei Mengdi , Wang Xian , Sun Yi , Sun Donglei
Published: February 2024

In contemporary distribution networks (DNs), characterized by extensive integration of distributed energy, the photovoltaic (PV) power output data from the distribution station areas become crucial for system planning and operational optimization. Since many PVs are installed behind-the-meter (BTM), it is difficult to directly obtain PV power data through measurement devices. Therefore, it is important to estimate the BTM PV power from the aggregating data that can be directly obtained. However, the existing estimation methods usually require centralized large-scale data training, which brings certain privacy leakage risks. In order to solve these problems, we propose a federated learning-based improved Transformer Neural Network strategy to estimate BTM PV generation at the community level with data privacy protection. Initially, enhanced Transformer neural networks, employing a fused-attention mechanism, are deployed to precisely delineate the solar power generation pattern. Subsequently, federated learning principles facilitate the sharing of specific parameters among multiple edge endpoints and a central server. This model bifurcates into two layers: an individual layer, where parameters are retained locally, and an exchange layer, where parameters are collectively shared and conveyed through momentum aggregation. This dual-layer structure effectively synchronizes the capture of both unique and common characteristics. The test on the Australian residential load dataset verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A novel serum m7G-harboring microRNA signature for cancer detection
Authors: Chen Yaxin , Xie Yufang , Bi Liyun , Ci Hang , Li Weimin , Liu Dan
Published: February 2024

Background: Emerging evidence points to the exceptional importance and value of m7G alteration in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancers. Nonetheless, a biomarker for precise screening of various cancer types has not yet been developed based on serum m7G-harboring miRNAs.

Methods: A total of 20,702 serum samples, covering 12 cancer types and consisting of 7,768 cancer samples and 12,934 cancer-free samples were used in this study. A m7G target miRNA diagnostic signature (m7G-miRDS) was established through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analyses in a training dataset (n = 10,351), and validated in a validation dataset (n = 10,351).

Results: The m7G-miRDS model, a 12 m7G-target-miRNAs signature, demonstrated high accuracy and was qualified for cancer detection. In the training and validation cohort, the area under the curve (AUC) reached 0.974 (95% CI 0.971–0.977) and 0.972 (95% CI 0.969–0.975), respectively. The m7G-miRDS showed superior sensitivity in each cancer type and had a satisfactory AUC in identifying bladder cancer, lung cancer and esophageal cancer. Additionally, the diagnostic performance of m7G-miRDS was not interfered by the gender, age and benign disease.

Conclusion: Our results greatly extended the value of serum circulating miRNAs and m7G in cancer detection, and provided a new direction and strategy for the development of novel biomarkers with high accuracy, low cost and less invasiveness for mass cancer screening, such as ncRNA modification.
Revisiting genomes of non-model species with long reads yields new insights into their biology and evolution
Authors: Guiglielmoni Nadège , Villegas Laura I. , Kirangwa Joseph , Schiffer Philipp H.
Published: February 2024

High-quality genomes obtained using long-read data allow not only for a better understanding of heterozygosity levels, repeat content, and more accurate gene annotation and prediction when compared to those obtained with short-read technologies, but also allow to understand haplotype divergence. Advances in long-read sequencing technologies in the last years have made it possible to produce such high-quality assemblies for non-model organisms. This allows us to revisit genomes, which have been problematic to scaffold to chromosome-scale with previous generations of data and assembly software. Nematoda, one of the most diverse and speciose animal phyla within metazoans, remains poorly studied, and many previously assembled genomes are fragmented. Using long reads obtained with Nanopore R10.4.1 and PacBio HiFi, we generated highly contiguous assemblies of a diploid nematode of the Mermithidae family, for which no closely related genomes are available to date, as well as a collapsed assembly and a phased assembly for a triploid nematode from the Panagrolaimidae family. Both genomes had been analysed before, but the fragmented assemblies had scaffold sizes comparable to the length of long reads prior to assembly. Our new assemblies illustrate how long-read technologies allow for a much better representation of species genomes. We are now able to conduct more accurate downstream assays based on more complete gene and transposable element predictions.
Effects of immunogenic cell death-inducing chemotherapeutics on the immune cell activation and tertiary lymphoid structure formation in melanoma
Authors: Zhao Hua , Zhao Yu , Zhang Siyuan , Wang Zhe , Yu Wenwen , Dong Nan , Yang Xuena , Zhang Xiying , Sun Qian , Hao Xishan , Ren Xiubao
Published: February 2024

Background

The infiltration and activation of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TIME) affect the prognosis of patients with cancer. Tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) formation favors tumour- infiltrating-lymphocyte (TIL) recruitment and is regarded as an important indicator of good prognosis associated with immunotherapy in patients with tumors. Chemotherapy is currently one of the most commonly used clinical treatment methods. However, there have been no clear report to explore the effects of different types of chemotherapy on TLS formation in the TIME. This study examined the effects of immunogenic cell death (ICD)-inducing chemotherapeutics on immune cells, high-endothelial venules (HEV), and TLSs in mouse melanomas.

Methods

Doxorubicin (an ICD inducer), gemcitabine (non-ICD inducer), and a combination of the two drugs was delivered intra-peritoneally to B16F1-loaded C57BL/6 mice. The infiltration of immune cells into tumor tissues was evaluated using flow cytometry. HEV and TLS formation was assessed using immunohistochemistry and multiple fluorescent immunohistochemical staining.

Results

Doxorubicin alone, gemcitabine alone, and the two-drug combination all slowed tumor growth, with the combined treatment demonstrating a more pronounced effect. Compared with the control group, the doxorubicin group showed a higher infiltration of CD8+ T cells and tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) and an increase in the secretion of interferon-γ, granzyme B, and perforin in CD8+ T subsets and activation of B cells and dendritic cells. Doxorubicin alone and in combination with gemcitabine decreased regulatory T cells in the TIME. Moreover, doxorubicin treatment promoted the formation of HEV and TLS. Doxorubicin treatment also upregulated the expression of programmed cell death protein (PD)-1 in CD8+ T cells and programmed cell death protein ligand (PD-L)1 in tumor cells.

Conclusions

These results indicate that doxorubicin with an ICD reaction promotes TLS formation and increases PD-1/PD-L1 expression in tumor tissues. The results demonstrate the development of a therapeutic avenue using combined immune checkpoint therapy.
Retinal response to systemic inflammation differs between sexes and neurons
Authors: Rodríguez-Ramírez Kristy T. , Norte-Muñoz María , Lucas-Ruiz Fernando , Gallego-Ortega Alejandro , Calzaferri Francesco , García-Bernal David , Martínez Carlos M. , Galindo-Romero Caridad , de los Ríos Cristóbal , Vidal-Sanz Manuel , Agudo-Barriuso Marta
Published: February 2024

Background

Neurological dysfunction and glial activation are common in severe infections such as sepsis. There is a sexual dimorphism in the response to systemic inflammation in both patients and animal models, but there are few comparative studies. Here, we investigate the effect of systemic inflammation induced by intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the retina of male and female mice and determine whether antagonism of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis have protective effects on the retina.

Methods

A single intraperitoneal injection of LPS (5 mg/kg) was administered to two months old C57BL/6J male and female mice. Retinas were examined longitudinally in vivo using electroretinography and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival and microglial activation were analysed in flat-mounts. Retinal extracts were used for flow cytometric analysis of CD45 and CD11b positive cells. Matched plasma and retinal levels of proinflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA. Retinal function and RGC survival were assessed in animals treated with P2X7R and TNFR1 antagonists alone or in combination.

Results

In LPS-treated animals of both sexes, there was transient retinal dysfunction, loss of vision-forming but not non-vision forming RGCs, retinal swelling, microglial activation, cell infiltration, and increases in TNF and IL-1β. Compared to females, males showed higher vision-forming RGC death, slower functional recovery, and overexpression of lymphotoxin alpha in their retinas. P2X7R and TNFR1 antagonism, alone or in combination, rescued vision-forming RGCs. P2X7R antagonism also rescued retinal function. Response to treatment was better in females than in males.

Conclusions

Systemic LPS has neuronal and sex-specific adverse effects in the mouse retina, which are counteracted by targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome and the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Our results highlight the need to analyse males and females in preclinical studies of inflammatory diseases affecting the central nervous system
Research on the change of the storage volume of the Nordic Seas Overflows over the last 40 years
Authors: Shi Wenqi , Xu Minjie , Lv Xianqing
Published: February 2024

The Nordic Sea overflow, being a significant driver of the thermohaline circulation, exerts a substantial influence on environmental dynamics in the Arctic and globally. A better understanding about the trend of the storage volume of the Nordic Seas Overflows is of paramount importance to a realistic assessment of the North Atlantic circulation and variability. EN4.2.2 reanalysis data were utilized to acquire the monthly average time series of overflow water storage volume in the Nordic Sea from 1950 to 2022. The storage volume demonstrates seasonal variations, with fluctuations of approximately 10% around the average. Over the period from 1980 to 2022, the average volume per decade exhibited a consistent decrease. Linear fitting of the annual average data estimated the overall relative change trend in the last 43 years to be -7.2 ± 2.6%. However, the quality of the EN4.2.2 data brings the average error of about 12% in the calculation of the overflow storage volume, which implies that the downward trend requires further validation. From a spatial standpoint, the Norwegian Sea, particularly the Lofoten Basin, is the primary region where overflow water storage volume in the Nordic seas have decreased. This decrease corresponds to an increase in ocean temperatures within the upper layer (0-600m) of both the Lofoten Basin and the Norwegian Basin. The warming of these regions has directly impacted the overflow water storage volume, leading to its reduction. It is noteworthy that the ocean temperature rise in the upper layer is more influenced by the Atlantic inflow rather than air-sea flux, particularly in the Norwegian Basin. This is attributed to the substantial increase in SST in the North Atlantic, which aligns with the warm current regions in the Atlantic Ocean, and the lack of statistical significance in linear trend of the air-sea heat flux. Furthermore, there has been a more rapid reduction in the overflow storage volume in the Norwegian Sea from 2011 to 2022. Specifically, the annual average overflow volume from 2018 to 2022 dropped below the previous lowest value. Concurrently, the salinity of the upper Norwegian Sea and the Atlantic inflow decreased considerably, while there has been no significant change in ocean temperature. Therefore, this short-term fluctuation is predominantly attributed to the decrease in Atlantic inflow salinity. Interestingly, the decrease in overflow water volume in the Nordic Seas does not follow a linear pattern in relation to increasing ocean temperature; instead, it exhibits an accelerating trend. If the ocean temperature rises by 1°C, the overflow water volume in the Nordic Seas will decrease to 86% of the total volume. Overall, the overflow water storage in the Norwegian Sea undergoes complex interannual variations and is notably influenced by the influx from the Atlantic Ocean.
The effects of artificial light at night (ALAN) on the circadian biology of marine animals
Authors: Stanton Daniel L. , Cowart Jonathan R.
Published: February 2024

The effects of anthropogenic sources of light on the circadian biology of marine animals are largely unexplored at the molecular and cellular level. Given that light is a major driver of circadian rhythms at the behavioral, physiological, cellular, and even molecular levels, it is important to consider the effects that anthropogenic light, especially at night, has on aquatic species. With the expanding data generated from circadian clock research, it is surprising that these techniques have not been applied more frequently to better understand how artificial light affects animal circadian rhythms. Circadian research has been limited to behavioral and physiological observations in wild marine animals rather than a cellular and molecular understanding due to the logistical constraints. While there are some benefits to using artificial light at night (ALAN), there have also been many studies reporting physiological and behavioral consequences in response to exposure to ALAN. Here, the benefits and consequences of using ALAN in the marine environment are reviewed. Furthermore, perspectives on research limitations and future research directions are discussed. Taken together, this is an important area in which more information is required to translate our understanding of circadian biology into better practices to promote the health and welfare of marine animals.
The effect of sucrose polymer-size on glass transition temperature, glass former fragility, and water retention during drying
Authors: Kumara U. G. V. S. S. , Ramirez John F. , Boothby Thomas C.
Published: February 2024

Water is essential for all active life processes. Despite this, there are a number of organisms that can survive prolonged desiccation. The vitrification hypothesis posits that such organisms survive desiccation by forming non-crystalline amorphous (vitrified) solids, often through the accumulation of protective disaccharides. In line with this theory, vitrification has been shown to be essential for desiccation tolerance in many organisms that survive extreme drying. However, it is known that not all vitrified materials are protective and that certain physio-chemical properties correlate with the protection in the glassy state. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that the physio-chemical properties that correlate with protection can vary depending on the chemical nature of similarly sized protectants. While the chemistry of protectants has been probed in relation to the protective properties they induce when vitrified, the effect of protectant size on glassy properties and protection during drying has not been investigated. Here, we study the effect of the polymer size of sucrose on glassy properties associated with protection in the vitrified state. The monomer sucrose, and the polymers polysucrose 70 and polysucrose 400 (70 and 400 refer to the molecular weight of the polymers in kDa). Using these three different-sized sucrose polymers, we find that each of the glassy properties we investigated including; enzyme protection, water content, glass transition temperature, and glass former fragility, were affected by polymer size. However, only one vitrified property, glass transition temperature, correlated with protection during drying. This correlation is heavily dependent on sucrose polymer size. Increased glass transition midpoint temperature correlated positively with protection conferred by monomeric sucrose (p-value = 0.009, R2 = 0.840), whereas this correlation was bi-phasic for polysucrose 70, and had an inverse relationship for polysucrose 400 (p-value = 0.120, R2 = 0.490). Our results indicate that the size of vitrifying protectants can have a profound effect on glassy properties as well as on how these properties correlate with protection in the dry state. Beyond desiccation tolerance, these findings provide insights for the development of new technologies for the stabilization of biological material in the dry state.
Bronchopulmonary foregut malformation with severe hemoptysis in advanced age: a case report and literature review
Authors: Cai Cheng-Sen , Li Bin , Yuan Yu-chun , Fu Li-na , Zhang Xiao-ye , Wang Jun
Published: February 2024

Bronchopulmonary foregut malformation (BPFM) is a rare developmental malformation disease due to embryonic defects, with an even rarer occurrence in adults. We report a diagnosed case in an adult patient, and notably, this is the first reported case of such advanced age. Additionally, she experienced coughing up approximately 1 liter of blood and partial lung tissue, accompanied by respiratory failure and shock. Following treatment with transcatheter arterial embolization, her condition improved, and she has remained stable during follow-up. We present a case report and conducted a systematic review on this particular case.
Case report: Rare genetic liver disease - a case of congenital hepatic fibrosis in adults with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Liu Ying , Zhu Ping , Tian Jiajun
Published: February 2024

Congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) is considered to be a rare autosomal recessive hereditary fibrocystic liver disease, mainly found in children. However, cases of adult CHF with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) caused by PKD1 gene mutation are extremely rare. We report a 31-year-old female patient admitted for esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding. Physical examination revealed significant splenomegaly, biochemical tests showed a slight increase in liver enzymes, and a decrease in platelet count. Imaging examinations showed significant dilatation of the common bile duct and intrahepatic bile ducts, as well as multiple renal cysts. Liver biopsy revealed enlarged portal areas, bridging fibrosis, and numerous variably shaped small bile ducts. Genetic testing identified two unique mutations in the PKD1 gene, identified as biallelic mutations compound heterozygous mutations composed of a mutation inherited from the father (c.8296 T > C) and one from the mother (c.9653G > C). Based on multiple test results, the patient was diagnosed with the portal hypertension type CHF associated with ADPKD. During her initial hospital stay, the patient underwent endoscopic treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding. To date, the patient has recovered well. Moreover, a significant reduction in varices was observed in a gastroscopy examination 18 months later.
A comparative study of MassARRAY and GeneXpert assay in detecting rifampicin resistance in tuberculosis patients’ clinical specimens
Authors: Liang Ruixia , Li Jiankang , Zhao Yue , Qi Haoran , Bao Shengjuan , Wang Fen , Duan Hongfei , Huang Hairong
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has emerged as a potent tool for detecting drug resistance in tuberculosis (TB); however, concerns about its reliability have been raised. In this study, we assessed the reliability of MassARRAY (Sequenom, Inc.), which is a MALDI-TOF MS-based method, by comparing it to the well-established GeneXpert assay (Cepheid) as a reference method.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted using laboratory data retrieved from Henan Chest Hospital (Zhengzhou, China). To ensure a rigorous evaluation, we adopted a comprehensive assessment approach by integrating multiple outcomes of the Xpert assay across various specimen types.

Results

Among the 170 enrolled TB cases, MassARRAY demonstrated significantly higher sensitivity (85.88%, 146 of 170) compared to the Xpert assay (76.62%, 118 of 154) in TB diagnosis (p < 0.05). The concordance in detecting rifampicin resistance between MassARRAY and the combined outcomes of the Xpert assay was 90%, while it was 97.37% (37 of 38) among smear-positive cases and 89.06% (57 of 64) among culture-positive cases. When compared to the phenotypic susceptibility outcomes of the 12 included drugs, consistency rates of 81.8 to 93.9% were obtained, with 87.9% for multiple drug resistance (MDR) identification.

Conclusion

MassARRAY demonstrates high reliability in detecting rifampicin resistance, and these findings may offer a reasonable basis for extrapolation to other drugs included in the test panel.
Aminopeptidase O Protein mediates the association between Lachnospiraceae and appendicular lean mass
Authors: Gao Bingjun , Zhou Zhonghua , Chen Junfei , Zhang Shengling , Jin Shaobin , Yang Weiwei , Lei Yinghan , Wang Kunyao , Li Jinxu , Zhuang Yan
Published: February 2024

Objective

Investigating the causal relationship between Lachnospiraceae and Appendicular lean mass (ALM) and identifying and quantifying the role of Aminopeptidase O Protein (AOPEP) as a potential mediator.

Methods

The summary statistics data of gut microbiota composition from the largest available genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis conducted by the MiBioGen Consortium (n = 13,266). Appendicular lean mass data were obtained from the UK-Biobank (n = 450,243). We conducted bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using summary-level data from GWAS to investigate the causal relationship between Lachnospiraceae and ALM. Additionally, we employed a drug-targeted MR approach to assess the causal relationship between AOPEP and ALM. Finally, a two-step MR was employed to quantitatively estimate the proportion of the effect of Lachnospiraceae on ALM that is mediated by AOPEP. Cochran's Q statistic was used to quantify heterogeneity among instrumental variable estimates.

Results

In the MR analysis, it was found that an increase in genetically predicted Lachnospiraceae [OR = 1.031, 95% CI (1.011–1.051), P = 0.002] is associated with an increase in ALM. There is no strong evidence to suggest that genetically predicted ALM has an impact on Lachnospiraceae genus [OR = 1.437, 95% CI (0.785–2.269), P = 0.239]. The proportion of genetically predicted Lachnospiraceae mediated by AOPEP was 34.2% [95% CI (1.3%−67.1%)].

Conclusion

Our research reveals that increasing Lachnospiraceae abundance in the gut can directly enhance limb muscle mass and concurrently suppress AOPEP, consequently mitigating limb muscle loss. This supports the potential therapeutic modulation of gut microbiota for sarcopenia. Interventions such as drug treatments or microbiota transplantation, aimed at elevating Lachnospiraceae abundance and AOPEP inhibition, synergistically improve sarcopenia in the elderly, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life for older individuals.
Superbugs online: co-production of an educational website to increase public understanding of the microbial world in, on, and around us
Authors: Tyrrell Jon M. , Hatch Sarah , Flanagan Melissa , Owen Kerry , Proctor Yvonne , Stone Catherine , Fricker Geoff , Hullis Kirk , Eberl Matthias
Published: February 2024

Digital tools and online presence have become a cornerstone in public engagement and involvement strategy and delivery. We here describe the co-production process behind launching a new multilingual resource for schools in the United Kingdom and beyond, jointly between university scientists, engagement professionals, primary and secondary teachers, and web designers. The ‘Superbugs’ website aims at raising awareness and increasing the public understanding of the microbial world in, on, and around us—with a focus on infection, hygiene, and antimicrobial resistance—and attracted >19,000 online visitors, >33,500 page views, and > 775,000 Twitter impressions over the past 24 months. Superbugs.online is available in English, Welsh, Irish, and Scottish Gaelic, thus making it accessible to everyone in the United Kingdom and Ireland, regardless of the language in which they receive and deliver their science education. The website is easy to navigate and features background information, quizzes, animations, videos, illustrated stories, interactive timelines, games, and protocols for home experiments. All materials are presented in a non-prescriptive way, aimed at allowing flexibility for the materials to be adapted to the individual needs of teachers and pupils alike. Our study has led to a demonstrable impact on the co-production team and on pupils and teachers as key stakeholders, based on a comprehensive evaluation of the co-production process itself, the impact of the end product, and the creation of lasting relationships with stakeholders and co-producers, for the mutual benefit of everyone involved.
The novel peptide LCGM-10 attenuates metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 activity and demonstrates behavioral effects in animal models
Authors: Malyshev Anton V. , Pavshintcev Vsevolod V. , Mitkin Nikita A. , Sukhanova Iuliia A. , Gedzun Vasilina R. , Zlobin Alexander S. , Doronin Igor I. , Babkin Gennady A. , Sawyer Tomi K.
Published: February 2024

We employed a structural bioinformatics approach to develop novel peptides with predicted affinity to the binding site for negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5). Primary screening in zebrafish (Danio rerio) revealed a stimulatory effect of two peptides, LCGM-10 and LCGM-15. Target validation studies using calcium ion flux imaging and a luciferase reporter assay confirmed mGluR5 as the target. LCGM-10 showed greater potency than LCGM-15; it was comparable to that of the mGluR5 NAM 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl) pyridine (MPEP). Rodent behavioral screening in the open field and elevated plus maze revealed increased locomotor activity in both tests after acute LCGM-10 treatment, supported by further analysis of home cage spontaneous locomotor activity (SLA). The stimulating effect of a single LCGM-10 administration on SLA was evident up to 60 min after administration and was not accompanied by hypokinetic rebound observed for caffeine. According to our results, LCGM-10 has therapeutic potential to treat hypo- and dyskinesias of various etiologies. Further investigation of LCGM-10 effects in the delay discounting model of impulsive choice in rats revealed reduced trait impulsivity after single and chronic administrations, suggesting potential implication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and addictions.