bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patency and Survival in Patients Undergoing Revascularization for Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Rahman Ömer Faruk , Özkısacık Erdem Ali
Published: May 2024

Aim: Peripheral arterial disease is a progressive, and chronic disease caused by atherosclerosis, and characterized by narrowing, or occlusion of the arterial structures of the lower extremities, which can lead to high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to investigate the short and medium-term patency, and survival outcomes of different peripheral arterial revascularization techniques.
Material and Methods: Patients undergoing revascularization for lower extremity arterial disease between January 2015 and August 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups according to the type of revascularization: endovascular, surgical, or hybrid. Major amputation, occlusion, and death were the primary endpoints. Expected primary patency and overall survival rates were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analyses.
Results: The study included 285 patients and 338 revascularization procedures. There was no difference in primary outcome between treatment groups (p=0.080). Improvement in Rutherford category was observed in 57.1% of patients after revascularization. There was no difference between the groups in terms of change in Rutherford category (p=0.230). Expected primary patency rates were significantly lower in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia, and in patients with chronic renal failure (respectively; p
Borik Asit LPS ile Uyarılan Glioblastoma Hücrelerinde İnflamazom Aktivasyonunu İnhibe Eder
Authors: Hacıoğlu Ceyhan
Published: May 2024

Amaç: En sık görülen primer beyin tümörleri olan gliomalar, çeşitli klinik özellikler ve kötü prognoz sergiler. İnflamazom aktivasyonu, glioma gelişiminde rol oynayan, nükleotid bağlama alanı lösin açısından zengin aile pirin içeren 3 (NLRP3) gibi inflamazomlar tarafından düzenlenen, merkezi sinir sistemindeki inflamatuar mikro ortamla yakından bağlantılıdır. Ancak NLRP3'ün insan gliomasındaki rolü belirsizliğini koruyor. Bu çalışma borik asidin U87 glioblastoma hücreleri ve NLRP3 inflamazom aktivasyonu üzerindeki etkilerini araştırmaktadır.
Gereç ve Yöntemler: Enzime bağlı immünosorbent analizi (ELISA) yöntemini kullanarak 24, 48 ve 72 saat boyunca çeşitli borik asit konsantrasyonlarına maruz kalan U87 hücrelerindeki hücre canlılığını, 5-bromo-2'-deoksiüridin (BrdU), NLRP3, interlökin (IL)-1β, IL-18, kaspaz 1, apoptoz indükleyici faktörü (AIF) ve sitokrom c seviyelerini değerlendirdik.
Bulgular: Sonuçlarımız, 0-6,4 mM aralığında borik asit konsantrasyonlarına maruz kalmanın ardından U87 hücre canlılığında zamana ve konsantrasyona bağlı bir azalma olduğunu ortaya koydu. BrdU analizi, 24 saatlik borik asit uygulamasından sonra hücre çoğalmasının azaldığını gösterdi. Lipopolisakkarit (LPS) kullanılarak U87 hücrelerinde inflamatuar aktivasyonun uyarılması, yüksek NLRP3, IL-1β, IL-18 ve kaspaz-1 seviyeleriyle sonuçlandı. Ancak borik asit uygulaması bu etkiyi ortadan kaldırarak inflamazom aktivasyonu azalttı. Ayrıca borik asit+LPS tedavisi AIF ve sitokrom c düzeylerini indükleyerek apoptoza yol açtı.
Sonuç: Bulgularımız borik asidin U87 hücrelerinde NLRP3 inflamatuar aktivasyonunu inhibe ettiğini, dolayısıyla hücre canlılığını baskıladığını gösterdi. Bu, borik asidin NLRP3 inflamatuarını engelleyerek inflamatuar mikro ortamı hafiflettiğini ve glioblastomanın ilerlemesinde potansiyel terapötik avantajlar sunduğunu göstermektedir.
Evaluation of the Obesity and Depression in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Aktüre Gülşah , Kayapinar Osman , Özde Cem , Coşkun Gökhan , Sayın Ahmet Egemen , Ekşi Ensar
Published: May 2024

Aim: Hypertension is one of the most common preventable causes of death in the world. In previous studies, the contribution of anxiety and depression symptoms in hypertension was investigated, but results were unclear. Obesity is one of the most important risk factors that leads to hypertension. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of body mass index (BMI) and Hamilton depression score on blood pressure in patients who comes to the Family Medicine Unit in Duzce University.
Material and Methods: In this sectional study, 228 people diagnosed with obesity were included who admitted Duzce University family medicine unit. The relationship between BMI and Hamilton depression scores with systolic and diastolic blood pressure were studied in patients.
Results: 200 of the patients (88%) enrolled in the study were women, and 28 of them (%12) were men. In our study, there was not significant effect of gender, occupational status, educational status and smoking on Hamilton depression score. Hamilton depression scores were analyzed in 228 patients, there was no depression in 182 patient (79.8%). Minor depression was detected in 35 patient (15.3%), major depresssion was found in 11 patients (4.8%). Increasing in The Hamilton depression score had a statistically significant effect on the increase in systolic blood pressure (p=0.017).
Conclusion: According to these results, increasing BMI and Hamilton depression score were found to be associated with blood pressure increase. Holistic approaches to hypertensive patients are very important. Patient’s lifestyle, habits, current weight and psychological stress status should be examined in detail. This shows us that biopsychosocial holistic approach of family medicine unit to patient plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of hypertension.
Attitudes and Beliefs of African American Women Regarding Mental Health Services: A Womanist Exploration
Authors: Borum Valerie
Published: May 2024

Although studies indicate the influence of cultural beliefs on attitudes toward mental health and depression care services, there is a need to focus on the process of how culture plays a role in perceptions of mental health and depression care [1]. The purpose of this study is to explore, utilizing qualitative methods (e.g., focus groups), how cultural beliefs influence 40 African American women in their perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs about mental health services and mental health assistance-seeking behaviors, specifically regarding depression care. Participants’ narratives reveal a clear preference for service provider-client race concordance. Participants’ narratives also reveal cultural and communal stigma and gender socialization to be a “Strong Black Woman” as deterrents to mental health assistance seeking behaviors. Recommendations for incorporating the role that ethnocultural beliefs and values of different culturally-gendered groups regarding mental health and assistance-seeking behaviors be included in social work and allied health professions [2].
Creating Social Work Civic Citizens: A Professional and Educational Responsibility?
Authors: Ferguson Aidan , Erwin Jennifer
Published: May 2024

All levels of education have been tasked with creating empowered, civic-minded citizens. It is often assumed that students come into college having received a robust civics education in high school, leaving a potential gap between education and abilities of graduates to become ethical and effective social workers and civic citizens. When broached in higher education, disagreement often lies in what civic competency means, how it is addressed in the classroom, and - for higher education - if it is appropriate to support a particular “agenda” or ideology in creating pedagogical goals. For social work, the disconnect between historical professional goals, the current political and professional climate, and academic barriers and freedoms can be further impacted by disparate views on whether it is appropriate for social work to support education aimed at increasing civic competency and engagement. This conceptual paper will review the historical roots of the profession, explore current issues related to civic competency and political education, and discuss the future of civics education in social work.
The Patents of the Federal Scientific Center "VIK named after V. R. Williams" 2000–2024.
Authors: Otroshko Sergey , Shevtsov Alexey , Kosolapov Vladimir , Georgiadi Nelly
Published: May 2024

The catalog contains descriptions of patents of the Federal Scientific Center “VIK im. In R. Williams" on inventions and utility models for the period 2000–2024. in the field of mechanization, canning and storage of feed, field and meadow feed production, selection and seed production processes, procurement and storage of high-quality bulk feed, grass meal, feed sampling, and manure disposal. Each publication about a patent for an invention (utility model) contains the name of the invention (utility model), International Patent Classification (IPC) indices, patent number, application number, priority date, information about the patent holder and authors, publication date and bulletin number. The catalog is intended for agricultural specialists, employees of research institutes, design bureaus, experimental stations, students of agricultural educational institutions.
Optimization of genetic distance threshold for inferring the CRF01_AE molecular network based on next-generation sequencing
Authors: Hu Lijuan , Zhao Bin , Liu Mingchen , Gao Yang , Ding Haibo , Hu Qinghai , An Minghui , Shang Hong , Han Xiaoxu
Published: May 2024

Introduction

HIV molecular network based on genetic distance (GD) has been extensively utilized. However, the GD threshold for the non-B subtype differs from that of subtype B. This study aimed to optimize the GD threshold for inferring the CRF01_AE molecular network.

Methods

Next-generation sequencing data of partial CRF01_AE pol sequences were obtained for 59 samples from 12 transmission pairs enrolled from a high-risk cohort during 2009 and 2014. The paired GD was calculated using the Tamura-Nei 93 model to infer a GD threshold range for HIV molecular networks.

Results

2,019 CRF01_AE pol sequences and information on recent HIV infection (RHI) from newly diagnosed individuals in Shenyang from 2016 to 2019 were collected to construct molecular networks to assess the ability of the inferred GD thresholds to predict recent transmission events. When HIV transmission occurs within a span of 1-4 years, the mean paired GD between the sequences of the donor and recipient within the same transmission pair were as follow: 0.008, 0.011, 0.013, and 0.023 substitutions/site. Using these four GD thresholds, it was found that 98.9%, 96.0%, 88.2%, and 40.4% of all randomly paired GD values from 12 transmission pairs were correctly identified as originating from the same transmission pairs. In the real world, as the GD threshold increased from 0.001 to 0.02 substitutions/site, the proportion of RHI within the molecular network gradually increased from 16.6% to 92.3%. Meanwhile, the proportion of links with RHI gradually decreased from 87.0% to 48.2%. The two curves intersected at a GD of 0.008 substitutions/site.

Discussion

A suitable range of GD thresholds, 0.008-0.013 substitutions/site, was identified to infer the CRF01_AE molecular transmission network and identify HIV transmission events that occurred within the past three years. This finding provides valuable data for selecting an appropriate GD thresholds in constructing molecular networks for non-B subtypes.
Comparative analysis of near-surface and surface urban heat islands in the Yangtze River Delta region
Authors: Shi Xiao , Sun Ming , Luo Xiaochun
Published: May 2024

Compared with surface temperature, the near-surface temperature is more related with human health. However, extensive researches have been conducted on the UHI effect globally using surface temperature considering its accessibility. In this study, a comparative analysis of near-surface and surface urban heat islands in the Yangtze River Delta Region is investigated. This study first proposed a spatialization method suitable for air temperature in highly urbanized areas with complex land cover. Based on this method, a dataset of 1-km gridded air temperature is developed, and an in-depth analysis of the changes of near-surface and surface heat island is further carried out. Results show that both the near-surface urban heat island intensity (NSUHII) and surface urban heat island intensity (SUHII) are rather strong over the past 20 years, presenting similar spatial distributions as well. However, in the rapidly expanding urban areas especially during summer and winter seasons, the difference in magnitude and time variations (R) between NSUHII and SUHII are pronounced. Hence, adaptions and mitigation strategies on NSUHI and SUHI should be developed and implemented separately in such occasions, which is especially important for developed areas such as Yangtze River Delta Region.
Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor-1 as a potential target for host-directed therapy during chronic schistosomiasis in murine model
Authors: Mosala Paballo , Mpotje Thabo , Abdel Aziz Nada , Ndlovu Hlumani , Musaigwa Fungai , Nono Justin Komguep , Brombacher Frank
Published: May 2024

Schistosomiasis remains the most devastating neglected tropical disease, affecting over 240 million people world-wide. The disease is caused by the eggs laid by mature female worms that are trapped in host’s tissues, resulting in chronic Th2 driven fibrogranulmatous pathology. Although the disease can be treated with a relatively inexpensive drug, praziquantel (PZQ), re-infections remain a major problem in endemic areas. There is a need for new therapeutic drugs and alternative drug treatments for schistosomiasis. The current study hypothesized that cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs) could mediate fibroproliferative pathology during schistosomiasis. Cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs) are potent lipid mediators that are known to be key players in inflammatory diseases, such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. The present study aimed to investigate the role of cysLTR1 during experimental acute and chronic schistosomiasis using cysLTR1-/- mice, as well as the use of cysLTR1 inhibitor (Montelukast) to assess immune responses during chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection. Mice deficient of cysLTR1 and littermate control mice were infected with either high or low dose of Schistosoma mansoni to achieve chronic or acute schistosomiasis, respectively. Hepatic granulomatous inflammation, hepatic fibrosis and IL-4 production in the liver was significantly reduced in mice lacking cysLTR1 during chronic schistosomiasis, while reduced liver pathology was observed during acute schistosomiasis. Pharmacological blockade of cysLTR1 using montelukast in combination with PZQ reduced hepatic inflammation and parasite egg burden in chronically infected mice. Combination therapy led to the expansion of Tregs in chronically infected mice. We show that the disruption of cysLTR1 is dispensable for host survival during schistosomiasis, suggesting an important role cysLTR1 may play during early immunity against schistosomiasis. Our findings revealed that the combination of montelukast and PZQ could be a potential prophylactic treatment for chronic schistosomiasis by reducing fibrogranulomatous pathology in mice. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that cysLTR1 is a potential target for host-directed therapy to ameliorate fibrogranulomatous pathology in the liver during chronic and acute schistosomiasis in mice.
Impact of fucosyltransferase 1-mediated epidermal blood group antigen H on anti-inflammatory response in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Li Na , Oh Jang-Hee , Suh Joong Heon , Jin Seon-Pil , Lee Dong Hun , Lee Youngae , Chung Jin Ho
Published: May 2024

The presence of the blood group H2 antigen on the membrane of red blood cells determines blood type O in individuals and this H2 antigen serves as a precursor to the A and B antigens expressed in blood types A and B, respectively. However, the specific involvement of ABH antigens in skin diseases is unknown. Therefore, we aim to investigate the expression of ABH antigens in skin tissue of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and MC903-induced AD-like mice. We demonstrated that the expression of ABH antigen is primarily located in the granular and horny layers of the skin in healthy control individuals. However, in patients with AD, the expression of the ABH antigen was absent or diminished in these layers, while the H2 antigen expression increased in the spinous layers of the affected skin lesions. Then, we investigated the biological function of blood group H antigen mediated by fucosyltransferase 1 (Fut1) in the skin, utilizing an AD mouse model induced by MC903 in wild-type (WT) and Fut1-knockout mice. After the application of MC903, Fut1-deficient mice, with no H2 antigen expression on their skin, exhibited more severe clinical signs, increased ear swelling, and elevated serum IgE levels compared with those of WT mice. Additionally, the MC903-induced thickening of both the epidermis and dermis was more pronounced in Fut1-deficient mice than that in WT mice. Furthermore, Fut1-deficient mice showed a significantly higher production of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-6 in skin lesions compared with that of their WT counterparts. The expression of chemokines, particularly Ccl2 and Ccl8, was notably higher in Fut1-deficient mice compared with those of WT mice. The infiltration of CD4+ T cells, eosinophils, and mast cells into the lesional skin was significantly elevated in Fut1-deficient mice compared with that in WT mice. These findings demonstrate the protective role of H2 antigen expression against AD-like inflammation and highlight its potential therapeutic impact on AD through the regulation of blood group antigens.
A helping HAND: therapeutic potential of MAGL inhibition against HIV-1-associated neuroinflammation
Authors: League Alexis F. , Yadav-Samudrala Barkha J. , Kolagani Ramya , Cline Calista A. , Jacobs Ian R. , Manke Jonathan , Niphakis Micah J. , Cravatt Benjamin F. , Lichtman Aron H. , Ignatowska-Jankowska Bogna M. , Fitting Sylvia
Published: May 2024

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affects nearly 40 million people globally, with roughly 80% of all people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy. Antiretroviral treatment suppresses viral load in peripheral tissues but does not effectively penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Thus, viral reservoirs persist in the central nervous system and continue to produce low levels of inflammatory factors and early viral proteins, including the transactivator of transcription (Tat). HIV Tat is known to contribute to chronic neuroinflammation and synaptodendritic damage, which is associated with the development of cognitive, motor, and/or mood problems, collectively known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Cannabinoid anti-inflammatory effects are well documented, but therapeutic utility of cannabis remains limited due to its psychotropic effects, including alterations within brain regions encoding reward processing and motivation, such as the nucleus accumbens. Alternatively, inhibiting monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) has demonstrated therapeutic potential through interactions with the endocannabinoid system.

Methods

The present study utilized a reward-related operant behavioral task to quantify motivated behavior in female Tat transgenic mice treated with vehicle or MAGL inhibitor MJN110 (1 mg/kg). Brain tissue was collected to assess dendritic injury and neuroinflammatory profiles, including dendritic microtubule-associated protein (MAP2ab) intensity, microglia density, microglia morphology, astrocyte density, astrocytic interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) colocalization, and various lipid mediators.

Results

No significant behavioral differences were observed; however, MJN110 protected against Tat-induced dendritic injury by significantly upregulating MAP2ab intensity in the nucleus accumbens and in the infralimbic cortex of Tat(+) mice. No or only minor effects were noted for Iba-1+ microglia density and/or microglia morphology. Further, Tat increased GFAP+ astrocyte density in the infralimbic cortex and GFAP+ astrocytic IL-1ß colocalization in the nucleus accumbens, with MJN110 significantly reducing these measures in Tat(+) subjects. Lastly, selected HETE-related inflammatory lipid mediators in the striatum were downregulated by chronic MJN110 treatment.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of MJN110 without cannabimimetic behavioral effects and suggest a promising alternative to cannabis for managing neuroinflammation.
The involvement and application potential of exosomes in breast cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Yun , Ma Qiji , Wang Tielin , Xing Jie , Li Qirong , Wang Dongxu , Wang Gang
Published: May 2024

Breast cancer has a high incidence and a heightened propensity for metastasis. The absence of precise targets for effective intervention makes it imperative to devise enhanced treatment strategies. Exosomes, characterized by a lipid bilayer and ranging in size from 30 to 150 nm, can be actively released by various cells, including those in tumors. Exosomes derived from distinct subsets of immune cells have been shown to modulate the immune microenvironment within tumors and influence breast cancer progression. In addition, tumor-derived exosomes have been shown to contribute to breast cancer development and progression and may become a new target for breast cancer immunotherapy. Tumor immunotherapy has become an option for managing tumors, and exosomes have become therapeutic vectors that can be used for various pathological conditions. Edited exosomes can be used as nanoscale drug delivery systems for breast cancer therapy, contributing to the remodeling of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments and influencing the efficacy of immunotherapy. This review discusses the regulatory role of exosomes from different cells in breast cancer and the latest applications of exosomes as nanoscale drug delivery systems and immunotherapeutic agents in breast cancer, showing the development prospects of exosomes in the clinical treatment of breast cancer.
Developing a PmSLP3-based vaccine formulation that provides robust long-lasting protection against hemorrhagic septicemia–causing serogroup B and E strains of Pasteurella multocida in cattle
Authors: Fegan Jamie E. , Waeckerlin Regula C. , Tesfaw Liyuwork , Islam Epshita A. , Deresse Getaw , Dufera Dawit , Assefa Eyob , Woldemedhin Wubet , Legesse Abinet , Akalu Mirtneh , Bayissa Berecha , Nguyen Quynh Huong , Ng Dixon , Ahn Sang Kyun , Schryvers Anthony B. , Tefera Takele A. , Moraes Trevor F. , Gray-Owen Scott D.
Published: May 2024

Background

Pasteurella multocida is a bacterial pathogen that causes a variety of infections across diverse animal species, with one of the most devastating associated diseases being hemorrhagic septicemia. Outbreaks of hemorrhagic septicemia in cattle and buffaloes are marked by rapid progression and high mortality. These infections have particularly harmful socio-economic impacts on small holder farmers in Africa and Asia who are heavily reliant on a small number of animals kept as a means of subsistence for milk and draft power purposes. A novel vaccine target, PmSLP-3, has been identified on the surface of hemorrhagic septicemia–associated strains of P. multocida and was previously shown to elicit robust protection in cattle against lethal challenge with a serogroup B strain.

Methods

Here, we further investigate the protective efficacy of this surface lipoprotein, including evaluating the immunogenicity and protection upon formulation with a variety of adjuvants in both mice and cattle.

Results

PmSLP-3 formulated with Montanide ISA 61 elicited the highest level of serum and mucosal IgG, elicited long-lasting serum antibodies, and was fully protective against serogroup B challenge. Studies were then performed to identify the minimum number of doses required and the needed protein quantity to maintain protection. Duration studies were performed in cattle, demonstrating sustained serum IgG titres for 3 years after two doses of vaccine and full protection against lethal serogroup B challenge at 7 months after a single vaccine dose. Finally, a serogroup E challenge study was performed, demonstrating that PmSLP-3 vaccine can provide protection against challenge by the two serogroups responsible for hemorrhagic septicemia.

Conclusion

Together, these data indicate that PmSLP-3 formulated with Montanide ISA 61 is an immunogenic and protective vaccine against hemorrhagic septicemia-causing P. multocida strains in cattle.
Genetic associations in ankylosing spondylitis: circulating proteins as drug targets and biomarkers
Authors: Zhang Ye , Liu Wei , Lai Junda , Zeng Huiqiong
Published: May 2024

Background

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a complex condition with a significant genetic component. This study explored circulating proteins as potential genetic drug targets or biomarkers to prevent AS, addressing the need for innovative and safe treatments.

Methods

We analyzed extensive data from protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs) with up to 1,949 instrumental variables (IVs) and selected the top single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associated with AS risk. Utilizing a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, we assessed the causal relationships between identified proteins and AS risk. Colocalization analysis, functional enrichment, and construction of protein-protein interaction networks further supported these findings. We utilized phenome-wide MR (phenMR) analysis for broader validation and repurposing of drugs targeting these proteins. The Drug-Gene Interaction database (DGIdb) was employed to corroborate drug associations with potential therapeutic targets. Additionally, molecular docking (MD) techniques were applied to evaluate the interaction between target protein and four potential AS drugs identified from the DGIdb.

Results

Our analysis identified 1,654 plasma proteins linked to AS, with 868 up-regulated and 786 down-regulated. 18 proteins (AGER, AIF1, ATF6B, C4A, CFB, CLIC1, COL11A2, ERAP1, HLA-DQA2, HSPA1L, IL23R, LILRB3, MAPK14, MICA, MICB, MPIG6B, TNXB, and VARS1) that show promise as therapeutic targets for AS or biomarkers, especially MAPK14, supported by evidence of colocalization. PhenMR analysis linked these proteins to AS and other diseases, while DGIdb analysis identified potential drugs related to MAPK14. MD analysis indicated strong binding affinities between MAPK14 and four potential AS drugs, suggesting effective target-drug interactions.

Conclusion

This study underscores the utility of MR analysis in AS research for identifying biomarkers and therapeutic drug targets. The involvement of Th17 cell differentiation-related proteins in AS pathogenesis is particularly notable. Clinical validation and further investigation are essential for future applications.
Evolution of 3-D chlorophyll in the northwestern Pacific Ocean using a Gaussian-activation deep neural network model
Authors: Zhao Xianzhi , Gong Xiang , Gong Xun , Liu Jiyao , Wang Guoju , Wang Lixin , Guo Xinyu , Gao Huiwang
Published: May 2024

Insufficient studies in characterizing vertical structure of Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) in the ocean critically limit better understanding about marine ecosystem based on global climate change. In this study, we developed a Gaussian-activation deep neural network (Gaussian-DNN) model to assess vertical Chl-a structure in the upper ocean at high spatial resolution. Our Gaussian-DNN model used the input variables including satellite data of sea surface Chl-a and in-situ vertical physics profiles (temperature and salinity) in the northwestern Pacific Ocean (NWPO). After validation test based on two independent datasets of BGC-Argo and ship measurement, we applied the Gaussian-DNN model to reconstruct temporal evolution of 3-D Chl-a structure in the NWPO. Our modelling results successfully explain over 80% of the Chl-a vertical profiles in the NWPO at a horizontal resolution of 1° × 1° and 1 m vertical resolution within upper 300 meters during 2004 to 2022. Moreover, according to our modelling results, the Subsurface Chlorophyll Maxima (SCMs) and total Chl-a within 0-300 m depths were extracted and presented seasonal variability overlapping longer-time trends of spatial discrepancies all over the NWPO. In addition, our sensitivity testing suggested that sea-water temperatures predominantly control 3-D structures of the Chl-a in the tropical NWPO, while salinity played a key role in the temperate gyre of the NWPO. Here, our development of the Gaussian-DNN model may also be applied to craft long term, 3-D Chl-a products in the global ocean.
Skill assessment of seasonal forecasts of ocean variables
Authors: Balmaseda Magdalena Alonso , McAdam Ronan , Masina Simona , Mayer Michael , Senan Retish , de Bosisséson Eric , Gualdi Silvio
Published: May 2024

There is growing demand for seasonal forecast products for marine applications. The availability of consistent and sufficiently long observational records of ocean variables permits the assessment of the spatial distribution of the skill of ocean variables from seasonal forecasts. Here we use state-of-the-art temporal records of sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface height (SSH) and upper 300m ocean heat content (OHC) to quantify the distribution of skill, up to 2 seasons ahead, of two operational seasonal forecasting systems contributing to the seasonal multi-model of the Copernicus Climate Change Services (C3S). This study presents the spatial distribution of the skill of the seasonal forecast ensemble mean in terms of anomaly correlation and root mean square error and compares it to the persistence and climatological benchmarks. The comparative assessment of the skill among variables sheds light on sources/limits of predictability at seasonal time scales, as well as the nature of model errors. Beyond these standard verification metrics, we also evaluate the ability of the models to represent the observed long-term trends. Results show that long-term trends contribute to the skill of seasonal forecasts. Although the forecasts capture the long-term trends in general, some regional aspects remain challenging. Part of these errors can be attributed to specific aspects of the ocean initialization, but others, such as the overestimation of the warming in the Eastern Pacific are also influenced by model error. Skill gains can be obtained by improving the trend representation in future forecasting systems. In the meantime, a forecast calibration procedure that corrects the linear trends can produce substantial skill gains. The results show that calibrated seasonal forecasts beat both the climatological and persistence benchmark almost at every location for all initial dates and lead times. Results demonstrate the value of the seasonal forecasts for marine applications and highlight the importance of representing the decadal variability and trends in ocean heat content and sea level.
A worldwide coastal analysis of the climate wave systems
Authors: Mazzaretto Ottavio Mattia , Menendez Melisa
Published: May 2024

Wind generated waves of a sea state are generally the result of the superposition of wind sea and swells, making the frequency-direction wave energy distribution crucial for comprehending this behavior. Wave spectral partitioning methods provide groups of waves with similar characteristics, thus they have been usually applied to identify wind sea and swell. In addition, several swells can coexist in a sea state. This study develops a method to estimate the wave systems and analyze their characteristics over the coast worldwide using 32year (1989-2020) historical information and more than 10.000 locations. A wave system is considered as the long-term climate conditions prevailing over a frequency-direction wave energy area collecting similar environmental and physical characteristics. The method is applied for the hourly time series of the directional wave spectra. First, the watershed clustering algorithm is used and the partitions found are classified as wind sea or swells based on a wave age criterion. The information obtained from the swell spectral partitions is then used to estimate the probability of their occurrence within specific frequency-direction bins and the clustering algorithm is applied anew to this population in order to identify the number of significant long-term climate wave systems locally and their characteristics. Outcomes reveal that on average swells coexist with wind sea in approximately 70% of the global coast, whereas about 25% is predominantly dominated by pure swells and the wind sea dominates only in the 5%. Only the 2% of the global coast line presents one swell wave system. About 50% of the global coastal locations exhibit three and four, whereas the 15% presents two swell wave systems. The analysis shows that about 30% of the coastal locations present at least five swell wave systems, mostly on Pacific islands and enclosed seas.
A Mendelian randomization study on the causal effects of cigarette smoking on liver fibrosis and cirrhosis
Authors: Guo Liwei , An Yong , Huang Xu , Liu Wenhua , Chen Fangfang , Fan Yuchen , Gao Shuai , Han Liyan , Wang Kai
Published: May 2024

Background

Liver fibrosis significantly impacts public health globally. Untreated liver fibrosis eventually results in cirrhosis. Cigarette smoking is the main etiologic factor for various diseases. However, the causal effects of cigarette smoking on liver fibrosis and cirrhosis have yet to be fully elucidated.

Methods

In this study, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to assess the association between cigarette smoking, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected as instrumental variables from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of European ancestry. Patients were divided into six exposure categories as follows: “ever smoked,” “pack years of smoking,” “age of smoking initiation,” “smoking status: never,” “smoking status: current,” and “smoking status: previous.” The outcomes of this study included liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. MR-Egger, weighted median, inverse variance weighted, simple mode, and weighted mode were selected as the analysis methods. Cochran’s Q and the MR-PRESSO tests were conducted to measure heterogeneity. The MR-Egger method was performed to evaluate horizontal pleiotropy, while the “leave-one-out” analysis was performed for sensitivity testing.

Results

The results of this study showed that having a smoking history increases the risk of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis [“ever smoked”: odds ratio (OR) = 5.704, 95% CI: 1.166–27.910, p = 0.032; “smoking status: previous”: OR = 99.783, 95% CI: 2.969–3.353e+03, p = 0.010]. A negative correlation was observed between patients who never smoked and liver fibrosis and cirrhosis (“smoking status: never”: OR = 0.171, 95% CI: 0.041–0.719, p = 0.016). However, there were no significant associations between “smoking status: current,” “pack years of smoking,” and “age of smoking initiation” and liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Cigarette smoking did not have a significant horizontal pleiotropic effect on liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The “Leave-one-out” sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were stable.

Conclusion

The study confirmed the causal effects of cigarette smoking on liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Aquatic nitrous oxide reductase gene (nosZ) phylogeny and environmental distribution
Authors: Intrator Naomi , Jayakumar Amal , Ward Bess B.
Published: May 2024

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas and a major cause of ozone depletion. One-third of atmospheric N2O originates in aquatic environments. Reduction of N2O to dinitrogen gas (N2) requires the nitrous oxide reductase enzyme, which is encoded by the gene nosZ. Organisms that contain nosZ are the only known biological sinks of N2O and are found in diverse genera and a wide range of environments. The two clades of nosZ (Clade I and II) contain great diversity, making it challenging to study the population structure and distribution of nosZ containing organisms in the environment. A database of over 11,000 nosZ sequences was compiled from NCBI (representing diverse aquatic environments) and unpublished sequences and metagenomes (primarily from oxygen minimum zones, OMZs, where N2O levels are often elevated). Sequences were clustered into archetypes based on DNA and amino acid sequence identity and their clade, phylogeny, and environmental source were determined. Further analysis of the source and environmental distribution of the sequences showed strong habitat separation between clades and phylogeny. Although there are more Clade I nosZ genes in the compilation, Clade II is more diverse phylogenetically and has a wider distribution across environmental sources. On the other hand, Clade I nosZ genes are predominately found within marine sediment and are primarily from the phylum Pseudonomonadota. The majority of the sequences analyzed from marine OMZs represented distinct phylotypes between different OMZs showing that the nosZ gene displays regional and environmental separation. This study expands the known diversity of nosZ genes and provides a clearer picture of how the clades and phylogeny of nosZ organisms are distributed across diverse environments.
Inflammation subsequent to mild iron excess differentially alters regional brain iron metabolism, oxidation and neuroinflammation status in mice
Authors: Ashraf Azhaar Ahmad , Aljuhani Manal , Hubens Chantal J. , Jeandriens Jérôme , Parkes Harold G. , Geraki Kalotina , Mahmood Ayesha , Herlihy Amy H. , So Po-Wah
Published: May 2024

Iron dyshomeostasis and neuroinflammation, characteristic features of the aged brain, and exacerbated in neurodegenerative disease, may induce oxidative stress-mediated neurodegeneration. In this study, the effects of potential priming with mild systemic iron injections on subsequent lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in adult C57Bl/6J mice were examined. After cognitive testing, regional brain tissues were dissected for iron (metal) measurements by total reflection X-ray fluorescence and synchrotron radiation X-Ray fluorescence-based elemental mapping; and iron regulatory, ferroptosis-related, and glia-specific protein analysis, and lipid peroxidation by western blotting. Microglial morphology and astrogliosis were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Iron only treatment enhanced cognitive performance on the novel object location task compared with iron priming and subsequent LPS-induced inflammation. LPS-induced inflammation, with or without iron treatment, attenuated hippocampal heme oxygenase-1 and augmented 4-hydroxynonenal levels. Conversely, in the cortex, elevated ferritin light chain and xCT (light chain of System Xc−) were observed in response to LPS-induced inflammation, without and with iron-priming. Increased microglial branch/process lengths and astrocyte immunoreactivity were also increased by combined iron and LPS in both the hippocampus and cortex. Here, we demonstrate iron priming and subsequent LPS-induced inflammation led to iron dyshomeostasis, compromised antioxidant function, increased lipid peroxidation and altered neuroinflammatory state in a brain region-dependent manner.
Machine unlearning in brain-inspired neural network paradigms
Authors: Wang Chaoyi , Ying Zuobin , Pan Zijie
Published: May 2024

Machine unlearning, which is crucial for data privacy and regulatory compliance, involves the selective removal of specific information from a machine learning model. This study focuses on implementing machine unlearning in Spiking Neuron Models (SNMs) that closely mimic biological neural network behaviors, aiming to enhance both flexibility and ethical compliance of AI models. We introduce a novel hybrid approach for machine unlearning in SNMs, which combines selective synaptic retraining, synaptic pruning, and adaptive neuron thresholding. This methodology is designed to effectively eliminate targeted information while preserving the overall integrity and performance of the neural network. Extensive experiments were conducted on various computer vision datasets to assess the impact of machine unlearning on critical performance metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and ROC AUC. Our findings indicate that the hybrid approach not only maintains but in some cases enhances the neural network's performance post-unlearning. The results confirm the practicality and efficiency of our approach, underscoring its applicability in real-world AI systems.
Spatiotemporal consistency analysis of cerebral small vessel disease: an rs-fMRI study
Authors: Yang Jie , Xiao Rui , Liu Yujian , He Chaoliang , Han Limei , Xu Xiaoya , Chen Meining , Zhong Jianquan
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) affects older adults, but traditional approaches have limited the understanding of the neural mechanisms of SVD. This study aimed to explore the effects of SVD on brain regions and its association with cognitive decline using the four-dimensional (spatiotemporal) consistency of local neural activity (FOCA) method.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging data from 42 patients with SVD and 38 healthy controls (HCs) were analyzed using the FOCA values. A two-sample t test was performed to compare the differences in FOCA values in the brain between the HCs and SVD groups. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to analyze the association of various brain regions with SVD scores.

Results

The results revealed that the FOCA values in the right frontal_inf_oper, right temporal_pole_sup, and default mode network decreased, whereas those in the temporal_inf, hippocampus, basal ganglia, and cerebellum increased, in patients with SVD. Most of these varying brain regions were negatively correlated with SVD scores.

Discussion

This study suggested that the FOCA approach might have the potential to provide useful insights into the understanding of the neurophysiologic mechanisms of patients with SVD.
Engineering an in vitro retinothalamic nerve model
Authors: Amos Giulia , Ihle Stephan J. , Clément Blandine F. , Duru Jens , Girardin Sophie , Maurer Benedikt , Delipinar Tuğçe , Vörös János , Ruff Tobias
Published: May 2024

Understanding the retinogeniculate pathway in vitro can offer insights into its development and potential for future therapeutic applications. This study presents a Polydimethylsiloxane-based two-chamber system with axon guidance channels, designed to replicate unidirectional retinogeniculate signal transmission in vitro. Using embryonic rat retinas, we developed a model where retinal spheroids innervate thalamic targets through up to 6 mm long microfluidic channels. Using a combination of electrical stimulation and functional calcium imaging we assessed how channel length and electrical stimulation frequency affects thalamic target response. In the presented model we integrated up to 20 identical functional retinothalamic neural networks aligned on a single transparent microelectrode array, enhancing the robustness and quality of recorded functional data. We found that network integrity depends on channel length, with 0.5–2 mm channels maintaining over 90% morphological and 50% functional integrity. A reduced network integrity was recorded in longer channels. The results indicate a notable reduction in forward spike propagation in channels longer than 4 mm. Additionally, spike conduction fidelity decreased with increasing channel length. Yet, stimulation-induced thalamic target activity remained unaffected by channel length. Finally, the study found that a sustained thalamic calcium response could be elicited with stimulation frequencies up to 31 Hz, with higher frequencies leading to transient responses. In conclusion, this study presents a high-throughput platform that demonstrates how channel length affects retina to brain network formation and signal transmission in vitro.
Advances in gross tumor target volume determination in radiotherapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Meng Kangning , Gong Guanzhong , Liu Rui , Du Shanshan , Yin Yong
Published: May 2024

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant neoplasms. With the advancement of technology, the precision of radiotherapy (RT) for HCC has considerably increased, and it is an indispensable modality in the comprehensive management of HCC. Some RT techniques increase the radiation dose to HCC, which decreases the radiation dose delivered to the surrounding normal liver tissue. This approach significantly improves the efficacy of HCC treatment and reduces the incidence of Radiation-induced Liver Disease (RILD). Clear imaging and precise determination of the Gross Target Volume (GTV) are prerequisites of precise RT of HCC. The main hindrances in determining the HCC GTV include indistinct tumor boundaries on imaging and the impact on respiratory motion. The integration of multimodal imaging, four-dimensional imaging, and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques can help overcome challenges for HCC GTV. In this article, the advancements in medical imaging and precise determination for HCC GTV have been reviewed, providing a framework for the precise RT of HCC.
Mechanistic insights into the plant biostimulant activity of a novel formulation based on rice husk nanobiosilica embedded in a seed coating alginate film
Authors: Tritean Naomi , Trică Bogdan , Dima Ştefan-Ovidiu , Capră Luiza , Gabor Raluca-Augusta , Cimpean Anisoara , Oancea Florin , Constantinescu-Aruxandei Diana
Published: May 2024

Seed coating ensures the targeted delivery of various compounds from the early stages of development to increase crop quality and yield. Silicon and alginate are known to have plant biostimulant effects. Rice husk (RH) is a significant source of biosilica. In this study, we coated mung bean seeds with an alginate–glycerol–sorbitol (AGS) film with embedded biogenic nanosilica (SiNPs) from RH, with significant plant biostimulant activity. After dilute acid hydrolysis of ground RH in a temperature-controlled hermetic reactor, the resulting RH substrate was neutralized and calcined at 650°C. The structural and compositional characteristics of the native RH, the intermediate substrate, and SiNPs, as well as the release of soluble Si from SiNPs, were investigated. The film for seed coating was optimized using a mixture design with three factors. The physiological properties were assessed in the absence and the presence of 50 mM salt added from the beginning. The main parameters investigated were the growth, development, metabolic activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, and the Si content of seedlings. The results evidenced a homogeneous AGS film formation embedding 50-nm amorphous SiNPs having Si–O–Si and Si–OH bonds, 0.347 cm3/g CPV (cumulative pore volume), and 240 m2/g SSA (specific surface area). The coating film has remarkable properties of enhancing the metabolic, proton pump activities and ROS scavenging of mung seedlings under salt stress. The study shows that the RH biogenic SiNPs can be efficiently applied, together with the optimized, beneficial alginate-based film, as plant biostimulants that alleviate saline stress from the first stages of plant development.