bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AI-Driven Digital Storytelling: A Strategy for Creating English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Materials
Authors: Belda-Medina Jose , Goddard Max Benjamin
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to explore the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and digital storytelling in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education among pre-service teachers. Conducted with third-year college students enrolled in a teacher training program, the study focuses on three main objectives: assessing the participants' prior knowledge of AI tools for EFL material creation, examining their attitudes towards the use of AI in language education, and evaluating the impact of collaborative digital storytelling projects on their perspectives towards integrating AI tools in educational settings. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study engaged a convenience sample of 115 pre-service teachers, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research instruments such as a pre-post-test based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and class discussion. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative insights were derived through QDA Miner to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the participants' experiences and viewpoints. The findings reveal a notable gap in the pre-service teachers' prior knowledge of AI tools designed for educational purposes, indicating a limited exposure to or engagement with such technologies in their training. Despite this low level of familiarity, the study uncovers a predominantly positive attitude towards the adoption and integration of AI tools in language education. This positive disposition suggests an openness among future educators to explore and incorporate innovative technologies that can enhance teaching and learning experiences in EFL contexts. The research highlights how the practical experience of creating collaborative digital storytelling narratives using AI tools can positively influence pre-service teachers' attitudes towards technology integration. This shift in perspective underscores the potential of hands-on, project-based learning experiences to enrich teacher training programs by fostering a more receptive and adaptive mindset towards the use of emerging technologies in educational settings. The study underscores the importance of integrating AI and digital storytelling into teacher education curricula to better prepare pre-service teachers for the evolving demands of the digital age, advocating for a more informed, and innovative approach to EFL material development and teaching strategies.
MASS SPECTROMETRIC DATABASE FOR IDENTIFICATION OF DIROFILARIAE
Authors:   Rostov Research Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being, Berezinskaya I.S. , Nagorny S.A. ,   Rostov Research Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being, Aleshukina A.V. ,   Rostov Research Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being, Ermakova L.A. ,   Rostov Research Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being, Chebyshev N.V. ,   FSAE Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Martyusheva I.B. ,   Rostov Research Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being
Published: February 2024

The results of using MS MALDI-TOF for diagnosing helminths are modest, but recent studies show the promise of this method for reliable identification of nematodes. The article provides information on compiling a database of dirofilaria (Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens). The protein spectra obtained from 58 D. repens and 118 D. immitis specimens were analyzed using a software mass spectrometer Bruker Daltonics Germany. Adult D. repens specimens and their fragments were obtained from 52 patients of medical organizations in the Rostov region and the South of Russia and from 6 dogs from veterinary clinics in the Rostov region. Adult D. immitis were removed from the heart and large pulmonary vessels of 11 animals of the canine family. The obtained numerical values determine the number of reference spectra and, on their basis, create databases for the identification of the nematode of the genus Dirofilaria. Type and version of the database management system: Bruker Daltonics Biotyper. Database size 562 KB (0,562 MB): D. repens – 145 KB, D. immitis – 417 KB. Based on the data obtained a certificate of registration.
DIAGNOSTIC EFFECTIVENESS OF METHODS FOR ACCOUNTING RESULTS, OBTAINED WHEN USING THE TEST SYSTEM OPISTORCH-IG-IFA BEST
Authors:   FSAE Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Maksimova M.S. , Stepanova E.V. ,   FSAE Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Fomina N.S. ,   FSAE Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Morozova L.F. ,   FSAE Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Turbabina N.A. ,   FSAE Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Kondrashin A.V. ,   FSAE Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Anikina A.S. ,   FSAE Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Malisheva N.S. ,   FSBEI HPE Kursk State University, Morozov E.N. ,   FSAE Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation
Published: February 2024

The purpose of our study was to conduct a comparative analysis of two methods of semi-quantitative accounting of the results of enzyme immunoassay: calculation by “sample index” and by “antibody units”. For a comparative assessment of the accounting method, 111 blood serum samples of patients with a positive result for opisthorchiasis were taken. Diagnosis of opisthorchiasis according to the clinical picture of the disease is difficult due to the absence of symptoms and syndromes characteristic only of this disease. When using laboratory diagnostic methods, it is necessary to correctly select the method of accounting for the results obtained.
NIHR Global Health Research Group on Vaccines for vulnerable people in Africa (VAnguard): Concept and Launch event report
Authors: Zirimenya Ludoviko , Zalwango Flavia , Owino Esther A. , Karanja Henry K. , Natukunda Agnes , Nkurunungi Gyaviira , Bukirwa Victoria , Kiwanuka Achilles , Chibita Monica , Mogire Reagan , Chi Primus , Webb Emily , Kaleebu Pontiano , Elliott Alison M ,   NIHR VAnguard group
Published: February 2024

Background Vaccination is an important public health intervention, but not everyone benefits equally. Biological, social and structural factors render some communities vulnerable and unable to secure optimal health benefits from vaccination programmes. This drives health inequity and undermines wider vaccine impact by allowing the persistence of non-immune communities as foci for recurrent disease outbreaks. The NIHR Global Health Research Group on Vaccines for vulnerable people in Africa (VAnguard) aims to understand how biological, social, and structural factors interact to impair vaccine impact in vulnerable African communities. Methods The VAnguard project will be implemented through three thematic work packages (1-3) and four cross-cutting work packages (4-7). Work package 1 will investigate the biological drivers and mechanisms of population differences in vaccine responses. Work package 2 will support the understanding of how structural, social and biological determinants of vaccine response interrelate to determine vaccine impact. Work package 3 will synthesise data and lead analyses to develop, model and test community-based integrated strategies to optimise vaccine access, uptake and effectiveness. Work package 4 will plan and implement field investigations (community survey and qualitative studies (with support of work package 2) to explore structural, social & biological determinants impairing vaccine impact. Work package 5 will collaborate with work packages 1-4, to engage communities in designing interventions that aim to directly optimise vaccine impact through a process of co-learning and co-creation between them and the researchers. Work package 6 will build capacity for, and a culture of, consultative, collaborative multidisciplinary vaccine research in East Africa. Work package 7 will support the overall project management and governance. Following the project inception on the 1st of September 2022, project launch was held in November 2022. Conclusion Results from this project will contribute to the development of integrated strategies that will optimise vaccine benefits and drive health equity.
Các nhân tố ảnh hưởng đến kiệt quệ tài chính của các doanh nghiệp xây dựng và doanh nghiệp bất động sản niêm yết trên thị trường chứng khoán Việt Nam
Authors: Phan Thùy Dương , Ngô Thị Thanh Nga
Published: February 2024

Bài viết so sánh các yếu tố ảnh hưởng đến kiệt quệ tài chính của các doanh nghiệp xây dựng và bất động sản niêm yết trên thị trường chứng khoán Việt Nam từ năm 2010 đến 2020. Sử dụng dữ liệu bảng đã được xử lý dữ liệu ngoại lai, và sử dụng phương pháp hồi quy bình phương nhỏ nhất tổng quát khả thi, nhóm tác giả chỉ ra khủng hoảng tài chính, mức độ sử dụng đòn bẩy tài chính có tác động thuận chiều, trong khi quy mô doanh nghiệp và hiệu quả hoạt động có tác động ngược chiều đến kiệt quệ tài chính của các doanh nghiệp. Các doanh nghiệp ngành bất động sản chịu tác động của hiệu quả hoạt động nhiều hơn, trong khi mức độ sử dụng đòn bẩy tài chính là nhân tố tác động lớn hơn đến các doanh nghiệp xây dựng. Nhóm tác giả đưa ra khuyến nghị về giới hạn nợ trong việc sử dụng đòn bẩy tài chính và việc nâng cao hiệu quả hoạt động cũng làm giảm nguy cơ dẫn đến kiệt quệ tài chính của các doanh nghiệp này.
Robot-Assisted Free Flap Reconstruction for Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vrakas Panagiotis , Kalaskar Deepak , Dwivedi Raghav C
Published: February 2024

Management of oropharyngeal cancer is undergoing a shift due to different profiles of patients, who tend to be younger and show better prognosis. Transoral robotic surgery is being established as the first-line approach as the procedure has shown minimal invasiveness and good oncological and functional outcomes, while avoiding extensive open surgery approaches and intensive chemoradiotherapy treatments. Naturally, the next step in the management of oropharyngeal cancer would be using the same technology for reconstruction to preserve the function and anatomy of the oropharynx. Free flaps, especially the radial forearm free flap and the anterolateral thigh flap, proved to be ideal for oropharyngeal reconstruction, and robotic assistance in these cases is yet to be explored. A limited number of studies have reported robot-assisted oropharyngeal reconstruction, so this review summarizes the currently available data and explores the feasibility, safety, and functional outcomes of this novel technique.
From Policy to Practice: Evaluating the One-Year Outcomes of Moldova's Higher Education Reforms
Authors: Dragos Cimpoies
Published: February 2024

The article critically evaluates the outcomes of the ambitious higher education reforms initiated in Moldova in 2022, with a focus on their impact on the national higher education system. Recognizing the pivotal role of higher education in economic growth and societal well-being, the reform aimed to elevate academic standards and align Moldova's higher education system with European norms. The evaluation employs a mixed-method approach, integrating a comprehensive review of government reports, policy documents, academic literature, and primary data from stakeholder interviews. This methodological framework enables an in-depth examination of the reform's key components, objectives, and its impact on the structure, content, and quality of higher education and research in Moldova. Although the reform has streamlined academic processes and achieved partial alignment with European standards, significant challenges persist, including declining student numbers, demographic shifts, migration, and an aging academic workforce. The analysis reveals that despite some positive gains, the reform falls short in addressing broader systemic issues, such as declining enrollments and the aging faculty dilemma. The outcomes of Moldova's higher education reform underscore the necessity for continuous monitoring and dynamic adjustment. The study proposes two main avenues for ongoing change: the development of highly specialized universities or the further consolidation of the higher education system into a single public university in Moldova. These suggestions aim to address the identified challenges, ensuring the reform's long-term success and sustainability.
Long-term change in a North Sea inshore fish assemblage between 1899-1913 and 2018-2019
Authors: Hunt GL , Engelhard GH , Pinnegar JK , Barry J , Wigham BD , Polunin NVC
Published: February 2024

Marine communities have been impacted by human activities for centuries, yet historical data are rarely incorporated into modern conservation efforts and restoration targets. For inshore waters, survey data sets are typically lacking because they extend back by only a few decades, despite their ecological significance as nursery grounds for many fish species. We investigated long-term change in a demersal fish assemblage from inshore waters of the Northumberland coast (UK). We collated unique historical data (1899-1913) that were sampled using a wooden beam trawl during scientific trawling investigations, shortly after the onset of widespread mechanised trawling in the North Sea. Twelve decades later (2018-2019), we re-surveyed the same bays using a modern otter trawl. The results revealed marked declines in the abundance and diversity of the entire fish and flatfish assemblage as well as among individual species. Elasmobranchs and formerly abundant species such as grey gurnard Eutrigla gurnardus were completely absent in contemporary surveys, while dab Limanda limanda and plaice Pleuronectes platessa were the most dominant species in both periods. Changes were also detected in the size distributions of the entire fish and flatfish assemblages, with proportionally fewer large individuals recorded in contemporary surveys. These findings suggest that over a century of trawling and climate change, combined with pollution, habitat alteration and increased predation risk are likely contributors to changes in the inshore fish assemblage. This work provides further evidence of long-term decline in North Sea inshore waters and offers an invaluable benchmark for improving coastal ecosystem status.
Enabling factors and constraints for the adoption of animal welfare-enhancing technologies among Finnish dairy farmers
Authors: Kallioniemi Marja K. , Kymäläinen Hanna-Riitta , Niemi Jarkko K.
Published: February 2024

The restructuring of dairy farm production has resulted in enlarged unit sizes and production capacities on commercial farms in Finland. Concurrently, the livestock sector is facing high expectations and pressure to enhance farm animal welfare. Many dairy farms have invested in state-of-the-art technology, e.g. the proportion of milk milked by robots had risen 41% by 2019. Using a survey framework based on the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), our aim was to explore which factors may limit farmers’ willingness to adopt animal welfare-enhancing solutions. The decision to adopt a technology can be seen as a holistic issue that is affected by farmer attitudes, farm-specific constraints, and information provided by trusted sources. The financial situation of farms, appropriate technological devices, animal welfare, and human well-being should all be considered holistically. We utilize our exploratory survey sample as an indicator for discussing the current situation. The most critical constraints were related to financial issues, farmers’ personal coping challenges, and device operation problems in the barn environment. To promote the adoption of new technologies, farmers require technical and other support from trusted groups and evidence on the functionality of the technology. The insights from this exploratory study highlight the importance of available resources; the most important deficiencies related to available resources were financial and personal capacity to cope with duties.
Redox mechanisms of environmental toxicants on male reproductive function
Authors: Hussain Tarique , Metwally Elsayed , Murtaza Ghulam , Kalhoro Dildar Hussain , Chughtai Muhammad Ismail , Tan Bie , Omur Ali Dogan , Tunio Shakeel Ahmed , Akbar Muhammad Shahzad , Kalhoro Muhammad Saleem
Published: February 2024

Humans and wildlife, including domesticated animals, are exposed to a myriad of environmental contaminants that are derived from various human activities, including agricultural, household, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial products. Excessive exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and phthalates consequently causes the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. The equilibrium between reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant system is preserved to maintain cellular redox homeostasis. Mitochondria play a key role in cellular function and cell survival. Mitochondria are vulnerable to damage that can be provoked by environmental exposures. Once the mitochondrial metabolism is damaged, it interferes with energy metabolism and eventually causes the overproduction of free radicals. Furthermore, it also perceives inflammation signals to generate an inflammatory response, which is involved in pathophysiological mechanisms. A depleted antioxidant system provokes oxidative stress that triggers inflammation and regulates epigenetic function and apoptotic events. Apart from that, these chemicals influence steroidogenesis, deteriorate sperm quality, and damage male reproductive organs. It is strongly believed that redox signaling molecules are the key regulators that mediate reproductive toxicity. This review article aims to spotlight the redox toxicology of environmental chemicals on male reproduction function and its fertility prognosis. Furthermore, we shed light on the influence of redox signaling and metabolism in modulating the response of environmental toxins to reproductive function. Additionally, we emphasize the supporting evidence from diverse cellular and animal studies.
The state-of-art polyurethane nanoparticles for drug delivery applications
Authors: Song Wencong , Muhammad Saz , Dang Shanxing , Ou Xingyan , Fang Xingzi , Zhang Yinghe , Huang Lihe , Guo Bing , Du XueLian
Published: February 2024

Nowadays, polyurethanes (PUs) stand out as a promising option for drug delivery owing to their versatile properties. PUs have garnered significant attention in the biomedical sector and are extensively employed in diverse forms, including bulk devices, coatings, particles, and micelles. PUs are crucial in delivering various therapeutic agents such as antibiotics, anti-cancer medications, dermal treatments, and intravaginal rings. Effective drug release management is essential to ensure the intended therapeutic impact of PUs. Commercially available PU-based drug delivery products exemplify the adaptability of PUs in drug delivery, enabling researchers to tailor the polymer properties for specific drug release patterns. This review primarily focuses on the preparation of PU nanoparticles and their physiochemical properties for drug delivery applications, emphasizing how the formation of PUs affects the efficiency of drug delivery systems. Additionally, cutting-edge applications in drug delivery using PU nanoparticle systems, micelles, targeted, activatable, and fluorescence imaging-guided drug delivery applications are explored. Finally, the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in drug design and delivery is discussed. The review concludes by addressing the challenges and providing perspectives on the future of PUs in drug delivery, aiming to inspire the design of more innovative solutions in this field.
The projection method: a unified formalism for community detection
Authors: Gösgens Martijn , van der Hofstad Remco , Litvak Nelly
Published: February 2024

We present the class of projection methods for community detection that generalizes many popular community detection methods. In this framework, we represent each clustering (partition) by a vector on a high-dimensional hypersphere. A community detection method is a projection method if it can be described by the following two-step approach: 1) the graph is mapped to a query vector on the hypersphere; and 2) the query vector is projected on the set of clustering vectors. This last projection step is performed by minimizing the distance between the query vector and the clustering vector, over the set of clusterings. We prove that optimizing Markov stability, modularity, the likelihood of planted partition models and correlation clustering fit this framework. A consequence of this equivalence is that algorithms for each of these methods can be modified to perform the projection step in our framework. In addition, we show that these different methods suffer from the same granularity problem: they have parameters that control the granularity of the resulting clustering, but choosing these to obtain clusterings of the desired granularity is nontrivial. We provide a general heuristic to address this granularity problem, which can be applied to any projection method. Finally, we show how, given a generator of graphs with community structure, we can optimize a projection method for this generator in order to obtain a community detection method that performs well on this generator.
Research on fault-controlled hydrocarbon accumulation in rifted lacustrine basins based on structural geological modeling: a case study of the Banqiao area in Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Chen Yan , Liu Haitao , Jiang Zhenglong , Sun Jinghui , Zhao Changyi , Jiang Wenya , Dong Xiongying , Li Hongjun
Published: February 2024

The Banqiao area in the Bohai Bay Basin has experienced three stages of extensional deformation, leading to the formation of numerous fault-bound traps. Faults, acting as boundary conditions for these traps, play a crucial role in hydrocarbon accumulation. In this study, we conducted a 3D structural modeling of the area using high-resolution 3D seismic data and established a fault-reservoir database based on previous research. Our findings reveal four levels of faults in the Banqiao area: basin-controlling faults, boundary faults, derivative master faults, and secondary adjusting faults. The structural units can be categorized into subsag areas, slope areas, stress tran-sition zones, bifurcation and main incised fault zones, and southern block areas. The segmented growth of the main boundary faults controls the evolution of the subsags, with the subsidence center gradually shifting eastward from Rift Phase I to Rift Phase II, aligning with the distribution of source rocks. Fault-bound traps in the Banqiao area include single faults, intersecting faults, and side faults. Faults primarily act as barriers to lateral hydrocarbon migration during the process of hydrocarbon accumulation, while also providing pathways to a lesser extent. By integrating the fault-reservoir database with the fault system classification, we identified four types of fault-controlled hydro-carbon accumulation models: like-dipping fault barrier model, oppositely-dipping fault barrier model, intersecting fault barrier model, and reactivation-controlled secondary hydrocarbon ac-cumulation model. This structural geological model effectively demonstrates the spatial configura-tion of faults and their role in hydrocarbon accumulation in the Banqiao area. The fault control mechanisms presented in the model can also be applied to other blocks in the Bohai Bay Basin, laying a foundation for future petroleum exploration in continental rifted basins and facilitating the ap-plication of big data algorithms in various geoscientific research fields.
Assessing knowledge about self-regulated learning: validation of a measurement tool for preschoolers
Authors: Grüneisen Lena , Dörrenbächer-Ulrich Laura , Kapsali Efsevia , Perels Franziska
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Self-regulated learning (SRL), as the self-directed and goal-orientated control of one’s learning process, is an important ability for academic success. Even at preschool age, when its development is at a very early stage, SRL helps to predict later learning outcomes. Valid test instruments are needed to identify preschoolers who require SRL support and help them to start school successfully.

Methods

The present study aimed to provide an adequate SRL test instrument for preschoolers by revising and optimizing an existing strategy knowledge test and validating the revised version–the SRL Strategy Knowledge Test—in a sample of n = 104 German preschoolers (Mage = 5;11 years; 48.1% girls). For the validation, we used measures of (1) SRL and related constructs, (2) psychomotor development, and (3) academic competence, to determine three levels of validity: (a) convergent, (b) divergent, and (c) criterion. All the correlation analyses controlled for child intelligence.

Results

The results showed that the test is of moderate difficulty and sufficiently reliable (Cronbach’s α = 0.74), can generate normally distributed data, and has a one-factor structure. In line with our hypotheses, we found significant correlations for the convergent and criterion measures, and numerically smaller and insignificant correlations for divergent measures. The correlations for the criterion measures failed to be significant when controlling for intelligence.

Discussion

The missing evidence for criterion validity when controlling for intelligence may have been due to limitations in the measures used to examine criterion validity. The SRL Strategy Knowledge Test can be used in practice to diagnose the need for SRL support and in future studies and interventions on SRL development.
Power system operational reliability assessment based on the data center energy consumption elastic space
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Gao Jinkun , Qian Hao , Yu Juan , Luo Shaojie , Guo Qiang
Published: February 2024

In the era of big data, data centers with high energy consumption, interconnectivity, and load flexibility have developed rapidly. However, due to data privacy issues, the traditional power-system operational reliability assessment (ORA) struggles to precisely consider the load flexibility of data centers, leading to inaccurate evaluation. To this end, this article proposes an ORA method considering the load flexibility of data centers via the energy consumption elastic space. By transforming the inner operation constraints of data centers into an equivalent elastic space, the ORA does not require any private data to complete the evaluation. Specifically, the energy consumption model of data centers is established to accurately describe the load flexibility. Then, based on multi-parametric programming techniques, the energy consumption elastic space of data centers is characterized by data centers’ power demand constraints, which do not involve privacy data, and no privacy concerns exist. Finally, the ORA model and the evaluation method based on the energy consumption elastic space can be constructed. With a lot of data center operation constraints being replaced by power demand constraints, the proposed method can complete an evaluation faster without accuracy loss. Its effectiveness is validated through simulations using the IEEE RTS 24-bus system and a provincial 661-bus system.
Remote detection and monitoring of post-mining heat island
Authors: Worsa-Kozak Magdalena , Górniak-Zimroz Justyna , Szrek Aleksandra , Chudy Krzysztof
Published: February 2024

Underground hard coal mining activity in southern Poland has lasted more than 200 years. Among many factors related to mining and influencing the natural environment, the longest-active are coal waste heaps and tailings ponds. Several hundred objects are inventoried in Lower and Upper Silesia, of which 109 are located in the Lower Silesian Coal Basin (LSCB). These remnants of mining activity are built of gangue, waste coal, and coal silt (post-mining wastes). They cause environmental hazards, i.e., soil, air, groundwater, and surface water pollution in the storage area. They also tend to combust spontaneously, emitting enormous amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and increasing their neighborhood’s air, soil, and water temperature. Indigenous fires occur more than 20 years after the end of the waste disposal phase. The post-mining heat island (PMHI) phenomena, related to thermal activity development of the post-coal mining heaps and tailings ponds, is still under-recognition and research. Therefore, our study aims to improve and develop a methodology for remote detection and monitoring of heat islands resulting from coal mining operations to track the thermal activity of heaps and tailings ponds in LSCB from mines closure to 2023. The study used open satellite data from the Landsat program to identify and track post-mining heat islands over 23 years within the former mining area and verify the results within the borders of the inventoried heaps and tailings ponds. As a result, geospatial analysis on a time scale was carried out to identify post-mining hot spots. The self-heating intensity index (SHII) and the air temperature thermal indicator (ATTI) were calculated for identified and confirmed objects. SHII ranged between 0.00 and 10.07, and ATTI, on the other hand, varied from −12.68 to 25.18. Moreover, maps of the thermal activity of selected heaps were developed, the characteristics of the self-combustion phenomena were identified, and the remote detection of PMHI and its monitoring methodology was developed. The provided method can be used in the future to regularly monitor coal mining areas to prevent and identify hazardous hot spots and verify the maturity stage of the self-combustion processes.
Memory T cells: promising biomarkers for evaluating protection and vaccine efficacy against leishmaniasis
Authors: Nateghi-Rostami Mahmoud , Sohrabi Yahya
Published: February 2024

Understanding the immune response to Leishmania infection and identifying biomarkers that correlate with protection are crucial for developing effective vaccines. One intriguing aspect of Leishmania infection is the persistence of parasites, even after apparent lesion healing. Various host cells, including dendritic cells, fibroblasts, and Langerhans cells, may serve as safe sites for latent infection. Memory T cells, especially tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM), play a crucial role in concomitant immunity against cutaneous Leishmania infections. These TRM cells are long-lasting and can protect against reinfection in the absence of persistent parasites. CD4+ TRM cells, in particular, have been implicated in protection against Leishmania infections. These cells are characterized by their ability to reside in the skin and rapidly respond to secondary infections by producing cytokines such as IFN-γ, which activates macrophages to kill parasites. The induction of CD4+ TRM cells has shown promise in experimental immunization, leading to protection against Leishmania challenge infections. Identifying biomarkers of protection is a critical step in vaccine development and CD4+ TRM cells hold potential as biomarkers, as their presence and functions may correlate with protection. While recent studies have shown that Leishmania-specific memory CD4+ T-cell subsets are present in individuals with a history of cutaneous leishmaniasis, further studies are needed to characterize CD4+ TRM cell populations. Overall, this review highlights the importance of memory T cells, particularly skin-resident CD4+ TRM cells, as promising targets for developing effective vaccines against leishmaniasis and as biomarkers of immune protection to assess the efficacy of candidate vaccines against human leishmaniasis.
The immunobiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccine responses: potential influences of cross-reactive memory responses and aging on efficacy and off-target effects
Authors: Collins Craig P. , Longo Dan L. , Murphy William J.
Published: February 2024

Immune responses to both SARS-CoV-2 infection and its associated vaccines have been highly variable within the general population. The increasing evidence of long-lasting symptoms after resolution of infection, called post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or “Long COVID,” suggests that immune-mediated mechanisms are at play. Closely related endemic common human coronaviruses (hCoV) can induce pre-existing and potentially cross-reactive immunity, which can then affect primary SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as vaccination responses. The influence of pre-existing immunity from these hCoVs, as well as responses generated from original CoV2 strains or vaccines on the development of new high-affinity responses to CoV2 antigenic viral variants, needs to be better understood given the need for continuous vaccine adaptation and application in the population. Due in part to thymic involution, normal aging is associated with reduced naïve T cell compartments and impaired primary antigen responsiveness, resulting in a reliance on the pre-existing cross-reactive memory cell pool which may be of lower affinity, restricted in diversity, or of shorter duration. These effects can also be mediated by the presence of down-regulatory anti-idiotype responses which also increase in aging. Given the tremendous heterogeneity of clinical data, utilization of preclinical models offers the greatest ability to assess immune responses under a controlled setting. These models should now involve prior antigen/viral exposure combined with incorporation of modifying factors such as age on immune responses and effects. This will also allow for mechanistic dissection and understanding of the different immune pathways involved in both SARS-CoV-2 pathogen and potential vaccine responses over time and how pre-existing memory responses, including potential anti-idiotype responses, can affect efficacy as well as potential off-target effects in different tissues as well as modeling PASC.
Gene-edited pigs: a translational model for human food allergy against alpha-Gal and anaphylaxis
Authors: Wang Ying , Hils Miriam , Fischer Andrea , Wölbing Florian , Biedermann Tilo , Schnieke Angelika , Fischer Konrad
Published: February 2024

The prevalence of food allergy is rising and is estimated to approach 10%. Red meat allergy is the first known food allergy elicited by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies recognizing a carbohydrate. Due to the loss of function of the alpha−1,3−galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) gene in humans, the disaccharide galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) cannot be synthesized and therefore became immunogenic. IgE sensitization is elicited through the skin by repetitive tick bites transmitting α-Gal. The underlying mechanisms regarding innate and adaptive immune cell activation, including the B-cell isotype switch to IgE, are poorly understood, requiring further research and physiologically relevant animal models. Here, we describe a new animal model of red meat allergy using percutaneous α-Gal sensitization of gene-edited GGTA1-deficient pigs. Total and α-Gal-specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG4, and IgE levels were tracked. Further key factors associated with allergic skin inflammation, type 2 immunity, and allergy development were measured in PBMCs and skin samples. Significant increases in α-Gal-specific IgG1 and IgE levels indicated successful sensitization to the allergen α-Gal. Intracutaneous sensitizations with α-Gal recruited lymphocytes to the skin, including elevated numbers of T helper 2 (Th2) cells. Finally, α-Gal-sensitized pigs not only recognized α-Gal as non-self-antigen following α-Gal exposure through the skin but also developed anaphylaxis upon antigen challenge. Based on the similarities between the porcine and human skin, this new large animal model for α-Gal allergy should help to unveil the consecutive steps of cutaneous sensitization and aid the development of prophylactic and treatment interventions.
Integrated multiomic analysis reveals disulfidptosis subtypes in glioblastoma: implications for immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy
Authors: Yang Xue , Cai Zehao , Wang Ce , Jiang Chenggang , Li Jianguang , Chen Feng , Li Wenbin
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Glioblastoma (GBM) presents significant challenges due to its malignancy and limited treatment options. Precision treatment requires subtyping patients based on prognosis. Disulfidptosis, a novel cell death mechanism, is linked to aberrant glucose metabolism and disulfide stress, particularly in tumors expressing high levels of SLC7A11. The exploration of disulfidptosis may provide a new perspective for precise diagnosis and treatment of glioblastoma.

Methods

Transcriptome sequencing was conducted on samples from GBM patients treated at Tiantan Hospital (January 2022 - December 2023). Data from CGGA and TCGA databases were collected. Consensus clustering based on disulfidptosis features categorized GBM patients into two subtypes (DRGclusters). Tumor immune microenvironment, response to immunotherapy, and drug sensitivity were analyzed. An 8-gene disulfidptosis-based subtype predictor was developed using LASSO machine learning algorithm and validated on CGGA dataset.

Results

Patients in DRGcluster A exhibited improved overall survival (OS) compared to DRGcluster B. DRGcluster subtypes showed differences in tumor immune microenvironment and response to immunotherapy. The predictor effectively stratified patients into high and low-risk groups. Significant differences in IC50 values for chemotherapy and targeted therapy were observed between risk groups.

Discussion

Disulfidptosis-based classification offers promise as a prognostic predictor for GBM. It provides insights into tumor immune microenvironment and response to therapy. The predictor aids in patient stratification and personalized treatment selection, potentially improving outcomes for GBM patients.
Unveiling the driving role of pH on community stability and function during lignocellulose degradation in paddy soil
Authors: Wang Yi , Chen Yonglun , Gao Xiuqing , Wang Qiong , Cui Mingyu , Zhang Dongdong , Guo Peng
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Crop straw, a major by-product of agricultural production, is pivotal in maintaining soil health and preserving the ecological environment. While straw incorporation is widely recognized as a sustainable practice, the incomplete decomposition of crop residues poses challenges to plant growth, increasing the risk of pests and diseases. This necessitates a comprehensive investigation.

Methods

The current study employs a 28-day pot experiment to simulate the degradation of rice straw in paddy soils. The impacts of bioaugmentation and biostimulation on lignocellulose degradation are systematically evaluated.

Results

Results indicate a high lignocellulose degradation ability in paddy soil, with over 80% straw weight loss within 28 days. Bioaugmentation with a lignocellulolytic microbial consortium enhances straw degradation during the initial stage (0–14 days). In contrast, biostimulation with readily available nutrients leads to soil acidification, hindering straw degradation and reducing microbial diversity. Furthermore, pH emerges as a critical factor influencing microbial community stability and function during lignocellulose degradation. Microbial co-occurrence network analysis reveals that microorganisms occupy ecological niches associated with different cellulose components. Notably, Module M2, comprising Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Gemmatimonadota, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, Myxococcota, Halobacterota, and Acidobacteriota, positively correlates with pH and weight loss.

Discussion

This study significantly advances our understanding of microbial mechanisms in soil decomposition, emphasizing the pivotal role of pH in community stability and function in paddy soil. These findings can inform future strategies for managing rice straw while safeguarding soil ecosystem health.
Padina boergesenii mediated synthesis of Se-ZnO bimetallic nanoparticles for effective anticancer activity
Authors: Thirupathi Balaji , Pongen Yimtar Lanutoshi , Kaveriyappan Govindarajan Rasiravathanahalli , Dara Pavan Kumar , Rathinasamy Suresh , Vinayagam Saranya , Sundaram Thanigaivel , Hyun Baek Kwang , Durairaj Thirumurugan , Sekar Suresh Kumar Rajamani
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Evaluating the anticancer property of Padina boergesenii mediated bimetallic nanoparticles.

Methods

The present study focuses on synthesizing Se-ZnO bimetallic nanoparticles from an aqueous algal extract of brown algae Padina boergesenii.Synthesized Se-ZnO NPs were characterized by UV, FTIR, SEM-EDS and HRTEM for confirmation along with the anticancer activity by MTT assay.

Results

The UV gave an absorbance peak at 342 and 370 nm, and the FTIR showed functional groups involved in synthesizing Se-ZnO NPs. The TEM micrographs indicated the crystalline nature and confirmed the size of the Se-ZnO NPs to be at an average size of 26.14 nm. Anticancer efficacy against the MCF-7 breast and HepG2 (hepatoblastoma) cell lines were also demonstrated, attaining an IC50 value of 67.9 µg and 74.9 µg/ml respectively, which caused 50% cell death.

Discussion

This work aims to highlight an effective method for delivering bioactive compounds extracted from brown algae and emphasize its future therapeutic prospects. The potential of Selenium-Zinc oxide nanoparticles is of great interest due to the biocompatibility and low toxicity aspects of selenium combined with the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of zinc metal. The presence of bioactive compounds contributed to the stability of the nanoparticles and acted as capping properties.
Urtica pilulifera leaves extract mitigates cadmium induced hepatotoxicity via modulation of antioxidants, inflammatory markers and Nrf-2 signaling in mice
Authors: Hussein Shaimaa , Ben Bacha Abir , Alonazi Mona , Alwaili Maha Abdullah , Mobasher Maysa A. , Alburae Najla Ali , Banjabi Abeer A. , El-Said Karim Samy
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Cadmium (Cd) is a harmful heavy metal that results in many toxic issues. Urtica pilulifera showed potential pharmaceutical applications. This study investigated the possible ameliorative mechanism of Urtica pilulifera leaves extract (UPLE) against hepatotoxicity induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in mice.

Methods:In vitro phytochemical screening and the metal-chelating activity of UPLE were ascertained. Four groups of forty male mice were used (n = 10) as follows; Group 1 (G1) was a negative control. G2 was injected i.p., with UPLE (100 mg/kg b. wt) daily. G3 was injected i.p., with Cd (5 mg/kg b. wt) daily. G4 was injected with Cd as in G3 and with UPLE as in G2. On day 11, the body weight changes were evaluated, blood, and serum samples were collected for hematological and biochemical assessments. Liver tissues were used for biochemical, molecular, and histopathological investigations.

Results: The results showed that UPLE contains promising secondary metabolites that considerably lessen the negative effects of Cd on liver. Furthermore, UPLE inhibited oxidative stress and inflammation; restored antioxidant molecules; and promoted nuclear-related factor-2 (Nrf-2) expression. Also, UPLE improved the histopathological alterations induced by Cd.

Discussion: This study explored the beneficial role of UPLE treatment in Cd-induced liver injury through enhancing Nrf-2 signaling and antioxidant enzyme gene expression in the liver of mice. Therefore, UPLE could have valuable implications against hepatotoxicity induced by environmental cadmium exposure. Which can be used as a chelating agent against Cd.
Effects of early tooth loss on chronic stress and progression of neuropathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease in adult Alzheimer’s model AppNL-G-F mice
Authors: Ochi Suzuko , Yamada Kumiko , Saito Takashi , Saido Takaomi C. , Iinuma Mitsuo , Azuma Kagaku , Kubo Kin-Ya
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by accumulated amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, aggregated phosphorylated tau protein, gliosis-associated neuroinflammation, synaptic dysfunction, and cognitive impairment. Many cohort studies indicate that tooth loss is a risk factor for AD. The detailed mechanisms underlying the association between AD and tooth loss, however, are not yet fully understood.

Methods

We explored the involvement of early tooth loss in the neuropathogenesis of the adult AppNL-G-F mouse AD model. The maxillary molars were extracted bilaterally in 1-month-old male mice soon after tooth eruption.

Results

Plasma corticosterone levels were increased and spatial learning memory was impaired in these mice at 6 months of age. The cerebral cortex and hippocampus of AD mice with extracted teeth showed an increased accumulation of Aβ plaques and phosphorylated tau proteins, and increased secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), accompanied by an increased number of microglia and astrocytes, and decreased synaptophysin expression. AD mice with extracted teeth also had a shorter lifespan than the control mice.

Discussion

These findings revealed that long-term tooth loss is a chronic stressor, activating the recruitment of microglia and astrocytes; exacerbating neuroinflammation, Aβ deposition, phosphorylated tau accumulation, and synaptic dysfunction; and leading to spatial learning and memory impairments in AD model mice.