bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synovial monocytes contribute to chronic inflammation in childhood-onset arthritis via IL-6/STAT signalling and cell-cell interactions
Authors: Schmidt Tobias , Dahlberg Alma , Berthold Elisabet , Król Petra , Arve-Butler Sabine , Rydén Emilia , Najibi Seyed Morteza , Mossberg Anki , Bengtsson Anders A. , Kahn Fredrik , Månsson Bengt , Kahn Robin
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Monocytes are key effector cells in inflammatory processes. We and others have previously shown that synovial monocytes in childhood-onset arthritis are activated. However, very little is known about how they contribute to disease and attain their pathological features. Therefore, we set out to investigate the functional alterations of synovial monocytes in childhood-onset arthritis, how they acquire this phenotype, and whether these mechanisms could be used to tailorize treatment.

Methods

The function of synovial monocytes was analysed by assays believed to reflect key pathological events, such as T-cell activation-, efferocytosis- and cytokine production assays using flow cytometry in untreated oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (oJIA) patients (n=33). The effect of synovial fluid on healthy monocytes was investigated through mass spectrometry and functional assays. To characterize pathways induced by synovial fluid, we utilized broad-spectrum phosphorylation assays and flow cytometry, as well as inhibitors to block specific pathways. Additional effects on monocytes were studied through co-cultures with fibroblast-like synoviocytes or migration in transwell systems.

Results

Synovial monocytes display functional alterations with inflammatory and regulatory features, e.g., increased ability to induce T-cell activation, resistance to cytokine production following activation with LPS and increased efferocytosis. In vitro, synovial fluid from patients induced the regulatory features in healthy monocytes, such as resistance to cytokine production and increased efferocytosis. IL-6/JAK/STAT signalling was identified as the main pathway induced by synovial fluid, which also was responsible for a majority of the induced features. The magnitude of synovial IL-6 driven activation in monocytes was reflected in circulating cytokine levels, reflecting two groups of low vs. high local and systemic inflammation. Remaining features, such as an increased ability to induce T-cell activation and markers of antigen presentation, could be induced by cell-cell interactions, specifically via co-culture with fibroblast-like synoviocytes.

Conclusions

Synovial monocytes in childhood-onset arthritis are functionally affected and contribute to chronic inflammation, e.g., via promoting adaptive immune responses. These data support a role of monocytes in the pathogenesis of oJIA and highlight a group of patients more likely to benefit from targeting the IL-6/JAK/STAT axis to restore synovial homeostasis.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for stroke rehabilitation: insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of neuroinflammation
Authors: Sheng Rongjun , Chen Changchun , Chen Huan , Yu Peipei
Published: May 2023

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide, with most survivors reporting dysfunctions of motor, sensation, deglutition, cognition, emotion, and speech, etc. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), one of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, is able to modulate neural excitability of brain regions and has been utilized in neurological and psychiatric diseases. Moreover, a large number of studies have shown that the rTMS presents positive effects on function recovery of stroke patients. In this review, we would like to summarized the clinical benefits of rTMS for stroke rehabilitation, including improvements of motor impairment, dysphagia, depression, cognitive function, and central post-stroke pain. In addition, this review will also discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying rTMS-mediated stroke rehabilitation, especially immune regulatory mechanisms, such as regulation of immune cells and inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, the neuroimaging technique as an important tool in rTMS-mediated stroke rehabilitation has been discussed, to better understanding the mechanisms underlying the effects of rTMS. Finally, the current challenges and future prospects of rTMS-mediated stroke rehabilitation are also elucidated with the intention to accelerate its widespread clinical application.
Binary liquid film condensation from water-ammonia vapors mixture flowing downward along a parallel plate condenser
Authors: Nasr Abdelaziz , Nassif Ahmed , Al-Ghamdi Abdulmajeed S.
Published: May 2023

The ammonia-water film condensation is used as an efficient working fluid in industrial applications such as refrigeration, plate condenser and evaporator, absorber/generator heat exchange, air-conditioning, heat pumps and separation processes. The present work focuses on a numerical investigation of water-ammonia condensation on a falling binary liquid film inside a parallel plate condenser by mixed convection. The parallel plate condenser is composed by two parallel vertical plates. One of the plates is wetted by liquidfilm and cooled by the thermal flux cooling while the other plate is isothermal and dry. Parametric computations were performed to investigate the effects of the inlet parameters of gas, the properties of the binary liquid film as well as the thermal flux cooling on the combined mass and heat transfer and on the efficiency of the parallel plate condenser. The results show that an increase in the inlet vapor of ammonia as well as of vapor water enhances the efficiency of the parallel plate condenser. It is shown also that an enhancement of efficiency of the parallel plate condenser has been recorded when the thermal flux cooling and inlet liquid flow rate is elevated. Whereas the increase of the inlet liquid concentration of ammonia inhibits the efficiency of the parallel plate condenser.
Composition of subgingival microbiota associated with periodontitis and diagnosis of malignancy—a cross-sectional study
Authors: Narayanan Aswathy , Söder Birgitta , Meurman Jukka , Lundmark Anna , Hu Yue O. O. , Neogi Ujjwal , Yucel-Lindberg Tülay
Published: May 2023

Periodontitis is one of the world’s most prevalent infectious conditions, affecting between 25 and 40% of the adult population. It is a consequence of the complex interactions between periodontal pathogens and their products, which trigger the host inflammatory response, chronic inflammation, and tissue destruction. Chronic systemic low-grade inflammation is involved in numerous diseases, and it is also known that long-lasting inflammation and chronic infections predispose one to cancer. Here, we characterized and compared the subgingival microbiota associated with periodontitis and diagnosis of malignancy in a longitudinal 10-year follow-up study. The study was conducted on 50 patients with periodontitis and 40 periodontally healthy individuals. The recorded clinical oral health parameters were periodontal attachment loss (AL), bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and plaque index (PI). Subgingival plaque was collected from each participant, from which DNA was extracted, and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing performed. Cancer diagnoses data were collected between the years 2008–2018 from the Swedish Cancer Registry. The participants were categorized based on having cancer at the time of sample collection (CSC), having developed cancer later (DCL), and controls without any cancer. The most abundant phyla across all 90 samples were Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Fusobacteria. At the genus level, Treponema, Fretibacterium, and Prevotella were significantly more abundant in samples of periodontitis patients compared to non-periodontitis individuals. With regard to samples of cancer patients, Corynebacterium and Streptococcus were more abundant in the CSC group; Prevotella were more abundant in the DCL group; and Rothia, Neisseria, and Capnocytophaga were more abundant in the control group. In the CSC group, we also found that the presence of periodontal inflammation, in terms of BOP, GI, and PLI, significantly correlated with species belonging to the genera Prevotella, Treponema, and Mycoplasma. Our results revealed that several subgingival genera were differentially enriched among the studied groups. These findings underscore the need for further research to fully understand the role that oral pathogens may play in the development of cancer.
Glabridin inhibited the spread of polymyxin-resistant Enterobacterium carrying ICEMmoMP63
Authors: Fu Jiafang , Liu Yayu , Wang Fengtian , Zong Gongli , Wang Zhen , Zhong Chuanqing , Cao Guangxiang
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The role of integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) in antibiotic resistance in Morganella morganii is unknown. This study aimed to determine whether an ICE identified in the M. morganii genome contributed to the polymyxin resistance.

Methods

Whole-genome sequencing was performed followed by bioinformatics analyses to identify ICEs and antibiotic resistance genes. Conjugation assays were performed to analyze the transferability of a discovered ICE. A drug transporter encoded on the ICE was heterogeneously expressed in Escherichia coli, minimum inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics were determined, and a traditional Chinese medicine library was screened for potential efflux pump inhibitors.

Results

An antibiotic resistance-conferring ICE, named ICEMmoMP63, was identified. ICEMmoMP63 was verified to be horizontally transferred among Enterobacteriaceae bacteria. G3577_03020 in ICEMmoMP63 was found to mediate multiple antibiotic resistances, especially polymyxin resistance. However, natural compound glabridin was demonstrated to inhibit polymyxin resistance.

Discussion

Our findings support the need for monitoring dissemination of ICEMmoMP63 in Enterobacteriaceae bacteria. Combined glabridin and polymyxin may have therapeutic potential for treating infections from multi-drug resistant bacteria carrying ICEMmoMP63.
Safety assessment of Enterococcus lactis based on comparative genomics and phenotypic analysis
Authors: Lu Jingda , Shen Tingting , Zhang Yixin , Ma Xinwei , Xu Sheng , Awad Sameh , Du Muying , Zhong Zhi
Published: May 2023

Enterococcus faecium is sometimes used in food production; however, its acquisition of antibiotic resistance has become an alarming health concern. The E. lactis species is closely related to E. faecium and has good probiotic potential. This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance of E. lactis. We analyzed the antibiotic resistance phenotype and whole-genome sequences of 60 E. lactis isolates (23, 29, and 8 isolates from dairy products, Rice wine Koji, and human feces, respectively). These isolates showed varying degree of resistance to 13 antibiotics, and were sensitive to ampicillin and linezolid. The E. lactis genomes carried only a subset of commonly reported antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in E. faecium. Five ARGs were detected across the investigated E. lactis, including two universally present genes (msrC and AAC(6′)-Ii) and three rarely detected ARGs (tet(L), tetM, and efmA). To identify other undescribed antibiotic resistance-encoding genes, a genome-wide association study was performed, returning 160 potential resistance genes that were associated with six antibiotics, namely chloramphenicol, vancomycin, clindamycin, erythromycin, quinupristin-dalfopristin, and rifampicin. Only around one-third of these genes encode known biological functions, including cellular metabolism, membrane transport, and DNA synthesis. This work identified interesting targets for future study of antibiotic resistance in E. lactis. The fact that the lower number of ARGs present in E. lactis supports that it may be an alternative to E. faecalis for use in the food industry. Data generated in this work is of interest to the dairy industry.
[18F]AlF-NOTA-ADH-1: A new PET molecular radiotracer for imaging of N-cadherin-positive tumors
Authors: Liu Zhenfeng , Wen Guanghua , Huang Yuqiao , Dong Yanzhao , Wang Zewei , Alhaskawi Ahmad , Zhang Shuyi , Wang GuoLin , Ye Qianni , Zhou Haiying , Lu Hui , Dong Mengjie
Published: May 2023

Background

The cell adhesion molecule (CAM) N-cadherin has become an important target for tumor therapy. The N-cadherin antagonist, ADH-1, exerts significant antitumor activity against N-cadherin-expressing cancers.

Methods

In this study, [18F]AlF-NOTA-ADH-1 was radiosynthesized. An in vitro cell binding test was performed, and the biodistribution and micro-PET imaging of the probe targeting N-cadherin were also studied in vivo.

Results

Radiolabeling of ADH-1 with [18F]AlF achieved a yield of up to 30% (not decay-corrected) with a radiochemical purity of >97%. The cell uptake study showed that Cy3-ADH-1 binds to SW480 cells but weakly binds to BXPC3 cells in the same concentration range. The biodistribution results demonstrated that [18F]AlF-NOTA-ADH-1 had a good tumor/muscle ratio (8.70±2.68) in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumor xenografts but a lower tumor/muscle ratio (1.91±0.69) in SW480 tumor xenografts and lowest tumor/muscle ratio (0.96±0.32) in BXPC3 tumor xenografts at 1 h post-injection (p.i.) These findings were in accordance with the immunohistochemistry results. The micro PET imaging results revealed good [18F]AlF-NOTA-ADH-1 tumor uptake in pancreatic cancer PDX xenografts with strong positive N-calcium expression, while lower tumor uptake in SW480 xenografts with positive expression of N-cadherin, and significantly lower tumor uptake in BXPC3 xenografts with low expression of N-cadherin, which was consistent with the biodistribution and immunohistochemistry results. The N-cadherin-specific binding of [18F]AlF-NOTA-ADH-1 was further verified by a blocking experiment involving coinjection of a non radiolabeled ADH-1 peptide, resulting in a significant reduction in tumor uptake in PDX xenografts and SW480 tumor.

Conclusion

[18F]AlF-NOTA-ADH-1 was successfully radiosynthesized, and Cy3-ADH-1 showed favorable N-cadherin-specific targeting ability by in vitro data. The biodistribution and microPET imaging of the probe further showed that [18F]AlF-NOTA-ADH-1 could discern different expressions of N-cadherin in tumors. Collectively, the findings demonstrated the potential of [18F]AlF-NOTA-ADH-1 as a PET imaging probe for non-invasive evaluation of the N-cadherin expression in tumors.
Assessing lung aeration using ultrasound after birth in near-term lambs at risk of respiratory distress
Authors: Pryor E. J. , Davies I. M. , Crossley K. J. , Thiel A. M. , McGillick E. V. , Rodgers K , Nitsos I , Kitchen M. J. , Blank D. A. , Hooper S. B.
Published: May 2023

Background

Optimizing respiratory support after birth requires real-time feedback on lung aeration. We hypothesized that lung ultrasound (LUS) can accurately monitor the extent and progression of lung aeration after birth and is closely associated with oxygenation.

Methods

Near-term (140 days gestation, term ∼147 days), spontaneously breathing lambs with normal (controls; n = 10) or elevated lung liquid levels (EL; n= 9) were delivered by Caesarean section and monitored for four hours after birth. LUS (Phillips CX50, L3–12 transducer) images and arterial blood gases were taken every 5–20 min. LUS images were analyzed both qualitatively (grading) and quantitatively (using the coefficient of variation of pixel intensity (CoV) to estimate the degree of lung aeration), which was correlated with the oxygen exchange capacity of the lungs (Alveolar-arterial difference in oxygen; AaDO2).

Results

Lung aeration, measured using LUS, and the AaDO2 improved over the first 4 h after birth. The increase in lung aeration measured using CoV of pixel intensity, but not LUS grade, was significantly reduced in EL lambs compared to controls (p = 0.02). The gradual decrease in AaDO2 after birth was significantly correlated with increased lung aeration in both control (grade, r2 = 0.60, p < 0.0001; CoV, r2 = 0.54, p < 0.0001) and EL lambs (grade, r2 = 0.51, p < 0.0001; CoV, r2 = 0.44, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

LUS can monitor lung aeration and liquid clearance after birth in spontaneously breathing near-term lambs. Image analysis techniques (CoV) may be able detect small to moderate differences in lung aeration in conditions with lung liquid retention which are not readily identified using qualitative LUS grading.
Feasibility, and barriers to use escitalopram in functional gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Alkhowaiter Saad S. , Alshahrani Amani H. , Almarzouqi Hala F. , Alonazi Gadah K. , Alhawassi Tariq M. , AlRasheed Maha M.
Published: May 2023

Background and study aims: The feasibility and barriars of escitalopram use in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are still debated. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy and barriars of escitalopram use in managing FGIDs in the Saudi population.

Patients and Methods: We included 51 patients who received escitalopram for irritable bowel syndrome (n = 26), functional heartburn (n = 10), globus sensation (n = 10) or combined disorders (n = 5). We used an irritable bowel syndrome-severity scoring system IBS-SSS), GerdQ questionnaire and Glasgow Edinburg Throat Scale (GETS) to assess disease severity change before and after treatment.

Results: The median age was 33 years (25th- 75th percentiles: 29–47), and 26 (50.98%) were males. Forty-one patients experienced side effects (80.39%), but most side effects were mild. The most common side effects were drowsiness/fatigue/dizziness (54.9%), xerostomia (23.53%), nausea/vomiting (21.57%) and weight gain (17.65%). IBS-SSS was 375 (255–430) and 90 (58–205) before and after treatment, respectively (p < 0.001). GerdQ score was 12 (10–13) before treatment and 7 (6–10) after treatment (p = 0.001). GETS score before treatment was 32.5 (21–46) and after treatment became 22 (13–31) (p = 0.002). Thirty-five patients refused to take the medications, and seven patients discontinued the medication. Possible causes of the poor compliance were fear of the medications and not being convinced of taking psychiatric medications for functional disorders (n = 15).

Conclusion: Escitalopram could be a safe and effective treatment for functional gastrointestinal disorders. Targeting and managing factors leading to poor compliance could further improve the treatment outcome.
Puerarin inhibited oxidative stress and alleviated cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Yao Min , Qi Jiajia , Song Rui , Wang Lei , Li Jiacheng , Zhou Xian , Chang Dennis , Huang Qi , Li Lili , Wang Ning
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Puerarin (PUE) is a natural compound isolated from Puerariae Lobatae Radix, which has a neuroprotective effect on IS. We explored the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of PUE on cerebral I/R injury by inhibiting oxidative stress related to the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway in vitro and in vivo.

Methods: The middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) rats and oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R) were selected as the models, respectively. The therapeutic effect of PUE was observed using triphenyl tetrazolium and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Tunel-NeuN staining and Nissl staining to quantify hippocampal apoptosis. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Biochemical method to detect oxidative stress levels. The protein expression related to PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway was detected by using Western blotting. Finally, co-immunoprecipitation was used to study the molecular interaction between Keap1 and Nrf2.

Results:In vivo and vitro studies showed that PUE improved neurological deficits in rats, as well as decreased oxidative stress. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry indicated that the release of ROS can be inhibited by PUE. In addition, the Western blotting results showed that PUE promoted the phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt, and enabled Nrf2 to enter the nucleus, which further activated the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes such as HO-1. The combination of PUE with PI3K inhibitor LY294002 reversed these results. Finally, co-immunoprecipitation results showed that PUE promoted Nrf2-Keap1 complex dissociation.

Discussion: Taken together, PUE can activate Nrf2 via PI3K/Akt and promote downstream antioxidant enzyme expression, which could further ameliorate oxidative stress, against I/R-induced Neuron injury.
Bevacizumab loaded CalliSpheres® bronchial arterial chemoembolization combined with immunotherapy and targeted therapy for advanced lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Haitao , Li Yahua , Li Zongming , Han Xinwei , Ren Kewei
Published: May 2023

Background: As a new drug delivery and embolization system, drug-eluted bronchial artery chemoembolization (DEB-BACE) can not only embolize the tumor blood supply artery but also load chemotherapy drugs and slowly release them into the local environment. Bevacizumab (BEV) combined with chemotherapy drugs has attained significant achievements in the first-line treatment of advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The role of BEV-loaded DEB-BACE combined with immunotherapy and targeted therapy in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is unclear. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab-loaded CalliSpheres® bronchial arterial chemoembolization combined with immunotherapy and targeted therapy in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods: Nine patients with LUAD who received BEV-loaded CalliSpheres® BACE combined with immunotherapy and targeted therapy from 1 Jan 2021 to Dec 2021 were included in this study. The primary endpoint was the disease control rate (DCR) and the objective response rate (ORR). The secondary endpoints were the overall survival rates (OS) at 6 months and 12 months. The tumor response was evaluated according to the mRECIST standard. Safety was assessed by the occurrences of adverse events and the severity of the adverse events.

Results: All patients received CalliSpheres® BACE loaded with BEV (200 mg) in combination with immunotherapy and targeted therapy. A total of nine patients received the BACE procedures 20 times, four of them received a third session of BACE, three underwent a second session of DEB-BACE, and two underwent one cycle of DEB-BACE. Partial response and stable disease were found in seven (77.8%), and two (22.2%) patients, respectively, 1 month after the last multimodal treatment. The ORR at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months was 77.8%, 66.7%, 44.4%, and 33.3%, respectively, while the DCR was 100%, 77.8%, 44.4%, and 33.3%, respectively. The OS rates at 6-and 12-month were 77.8% and 66.7%, respectively. There were no serious adverse events.

Conclusion: BEV-loaded CalliSpheres® transcatheter bronchial arterial chemoembolization combined with immunotherapy and targeted therapy is a promising and well-tolerated treatment for patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
The role of peptides in reversing chemoresistance of breast cancer: current facts and future prospects
Authors: Huang Yongxiu , Peng Hongyao , Zeng Anqi , Song Linjiang
Published: May 2023

Breast cancer is the first malignant tumor in women, and its incidence is also increasing year by year. Chemotherapy is one of the standard therapies for breast cancer, but the resistance of breast cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs is a huge challenge for the effective treatment of breast cancer. At present, in the study of reversing the drug resistance of solid tumors such as breast cancer, peptides have the advantages of high selectivity, high tissue penetration, and good biocompatibility. Some of the peptides that have been studied can overcome the resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs in the experiment, and effectively control the growth and metastasis of breast cancer cells. Here, we describe the mechanism of different peptides in reversing breast cancer resistance, including promoting cancer cell apoptosis; promoting non-apoptotic regulatory cell death of cancer cells; inhibiting the DNA repair mechanism of cancer cells; improving the tumor microenvironment; inhibiting drug efflux mechanism; and enhancing drug uptake. This review focuses on the different mechanisms of peptides in reversing breast cancer drug resistance, and these peptides are also expected to create clinical breakthroughs in promoting the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy drugs in breast cancer patients and improving the survival rate of patients.
The emerging roles and mechanism of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications in urologic tumours progression
Authors: Zhu Wenhao , Zhao Renshan , Guan Xiaomin , Wang Xu
Published: May 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa), bladder cancer (BC), and renal cell cancer (RCC) are the most common urologic tumours in males. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), adenosine N6 methylation, is the most prevalent RNA modification in mammals. Increasing evidence suggests that m6A plays a crucial role in cancer development. In this review, we comprehensively analyzed the influence of m6A methylation on Prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and renal cell cancer and the relationship between the expression of relevant regulatory factors and their development and occurrence, which provides new insights and approaches for the early clinical diagnosis and targeted therapy of urologic malignancies.
A novel T-cell exhaustion-related feature can accurately predict the prognosis of OC patients
Authors: Yuan Kemiao , Zhao Songyun , Ye Bicheng , Wang Qi , Liu Yuan , Zhang Pengpeng , Xie Jiaheng , Chi Hao , Chen Yu , Cheng Chao , Liu Jinhui
Published: May 2023

The phenomenon of T Cell exhaustion (TEX) entails a progressive deterioration in the functionality of T cells within the immune system during prolonged conflicts with chronic infections or tumors. In the context of ovarian cancer immunotherapy, the development, and outcome of treatment are closely linked to T-cell exhaustion. Hence, gaining an in-depth understanding of the features of TEX within the immune microenvironment of ovarian cancer is of paramount importance for the management of OC patients. To this end, we leveraged single-cell RNA data from OC to perform clustering and identify T-cell marker genes utilizing the Unified Modal Approximation and Projection (UMAP) approach. Through GSVA and WGCNA in bulk RNA-seq data, we identified 185 TEX-related genes (TEXRGs). Subsequently, we transformed ten machine learning algorithms into 80 combinations and selected the most optimal one to construct TEX-related prognostic features (TEXRPS) based on the mean C-index of the three OC cohorts. In addition, we explored the disparities in clinicopathological features, mutational status, immune cell infiltration, and immunotherapy efficacy between the high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR) groups. Upon the integration of clinicopathological features, TEXRPS displayed robust predictive power. Notably, patients in the LR group exhibited a superior prognosis, higher tumor mutational load (TMB), greater immune cell infiltration abundance, and enhanced sensitivity to immunotherapy. Lastly, we verified the differential expression of the model gene CD44 using qRT-PCR. In conclusion, our study offers a valuable tool to guide clinical management and targeted therapy of OC.
Population structure and hybridization under contemporary and future climates in a heteroploid foundational shrub species (Artemisia tridentata)
Authors: Grossfurthner Lukas P. , Milano Elizabeth R. , Hohenlohe Paul A. , Waits Lisette P. , Richardson Bryce A.
Published: May 2023

Current and past climatic changes can shift plant climatic niches, which may cause spatial overlap or separation between related taxa. The former often leads to hybridization and introgression, which may generate novel variation and influence the adaptive capacity of plants. An additional mechanism facilitating adaptations to novel environments and an important evolutionary driver in plants is polyploidy as the result of whole genome duplication. Artemisia tridentata (big sagebrush) is a landscape-dominating foundational shrub in the western United States which occupies distinct ecological niches, exhibiting diploid and tetraploid cytotypes. Tetraploids have a large impact on the species’ landscape dominance as they occupy a preponderance of the arid spectrum of A. tridentata range. Three distinct subspecies are recognized, which co-occur in ecotones – the transition zone between two or more distinct ecological niches – allowing for hybridization and introgression. Here we assess the genomic distinctiveness and extent of hybridization among subspecies at different ploidies under both contemporary and predicted future climates. We sampled five transects throughout the western United States where a subspecies overlap was predicted using subspecies-specific climate niche models. Along each transect, we sampled multiple plots representing the parental and the potential hybrid habitats. We performed reduced representation sequencing and processed the data using a ploidy-informed genotyping approach. Population genomic analyses revealed distinct diploid subspecies and at least two distinct tetraploid gene pools, indicating independent origins of the tetraploid populations. We detected low levels of hybridization (2.5%) between the diploid subspecies, while we found evidence for increased admixture between ploidy levels (18%), indicating hybridization has an important role in the formation of tetraploids. Our analyses highlight the importance of subspecies co-occurrence within these ecotones to maintain gene exchange and potential formation of tetraploid populations. Genomic confirmations of subspecies in the ecotones support the subspecies overlap predicted by the contemporary climate niche models. However, future mid-century projections of subspecies niches predict a substantial loss in range and subspecies overlap. Thus, reductions in hybridization potential could affect new recruitment of genetically variable tetraploids that are vital to this species’ ecological role. Our results underscore the importance of ecotone conservation and restoration.
Label-free optical interferometric microscopy to characterize morphodynamics in living plants
Authors: Ebrahimi Samira , Moreno-Pescador Guillermo , Persson Staffan , Jauffred Liselotte , Bendix Poul Martin
Published: May 2023

During the last century, fluorescence microscopy has played a pivotal role in a range of scientific discoveries. The success of fluorescence microscopy has prevailed despite several shortcomings like measurement time, photobleaching, temporal resolution, and specific sample preparation. To bypass these obstacles, label-free interferometric methods have been developed. Interferometry exploits the full wavefront information of laser light after interaction with biological material to yield interference patterns that contain information about structure and activity. Here, we review recent studies in interferometric imaging of plant cells and tissues, using techniques such as biospeckle imaging, optical coherence tomography, and digital holography. These methods enable quantification of cell morphology and dynamic intracellular measurements over extended periods of time. Recent investigations have showcased the potential of interferometric techniques for precise identification of seed viability and germination, plant diseases, plant growth and cell texture, intracellular activity and cytoplasmic transport. We envision that further developments of these label-free approaches, will allow for high-resolution, dynamic imaging of plants and their organelles, ranging in scales from sub-cellular to tissue and from milliseconds to hours.
Eco-effective Sustainable Risk Assessment Model for homogeneous solid waste mortars based on the Cradle to Cradle paradigm
Authors: Cadenas Nigme , Vásquez Stanescu Carmen Luisa , Gómez-Caicedo Melva Inés , Gaitan-Angulo Mercedes , Briñez Torres Carlos Yesid
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The unrestricted use of non-renewable natural resources in masonry mortars and the rapid increase in solid waste contribute to the deterioration of the environment. It is a priority for the United Nations to promote growth without compromising the ability of new generations to attend to their own; for this purpose, 17 Sustainable Development Goals for all countries have been formulated. The present work arises from the need to propose a model to evaluate, in the design phase, homogeneous solid waste and total or partial substitutes for some of the components of the mortars used in the construction sector, based on the Cradle to Cradle paradigm, which has the objective of including improved materials for the health of living beings and the environment by establishing a circular system in the manufacture of mortars including only safe and healthy materials that can be reused with a guarantee of not affecting the health of living beings and the environment and contributing to sustainability.

Methods

Based on the positivist epistemological current, projective documentary research begins by analyzing scientific publications that recommend the use of solid waste only to verify its rheological properties, ignoring how the inclusion of this material can affect living beings and the environment; it is contrasted with the results of published public access research regarding the chemical substances that make up said material.

Results

The eco-effective model is designed and its application is validated in identifying potential risks to the health of living beings and the environment in the waste of the selected cases; recommending the avoidance of recycling those materials that cause concern; contributing improved mortar designs for living beings and the planet, which minimize the use of natural resources and increase productivity in the field of construction; and implementing this vision through continuous development and improvement.

Conclusions

The eco-effective model facilitates doing the right things from the design stage, promoting growth with opportunities, diversity, and abundance for the present generation as well as future generations.
Hilliard Seigler, M.D. and the origins of kidney transplantation and immunology at Duke
Authors: Knechtle Stuart J. , Barr Justin
Published: May 2023

The contributions of Dr. Hilliard Seigler to the founding of the Duke kidney transplantation program were considerable in both surgery and immunology. Some of these highlights are summarized based upon interviews with Dr. Seigler by the authors.
Samorząd terytorialny jako nowa jakość w stosunkach międzynarodowych. Agresja na Ukrainę jako czynnik weryfikujący
Authors: Faliński Stanisław
Published: May 2023

The article describes the international cooperation of local governments, which are a form of decentralization of democratic states. This cooperation developed massively after the Second World War. Today more than 200,000 local and regional communities participate in it, cooperating not only by direct contacts, but also through various types of organizations and networks. This is a new and growing phenomenon in the international environment. On selected examples of Polish local governments, it is shown how strong are the positive ties between members of territorial communities from different countries, built by this cooperation. Their strength and nature are shown by presenting the activities of selected Polish local governments during the extreme crisis, i.e. the war in Ukraine. Thus, it was presented how Polish local governments help the attacked Ukrainians and Ukraine.
Relacje rządowo-samorządowe w Polsce w trakcie pandemii COVID-19
Authors: Gawłowski Robert
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sudden change not only in societal behaviour but also in terms of forms and scale how public administration was running. The aim of this paper is to present intergovernmental relation (IGR) during the first and second wave of COVID-19. In order to do this Central and Self-Government Common Commission (CSGCC) and national local government associations were taken into consideration. In conclusion it is said that during the first wave centralize approach towards the IGR was apparent, however, in the second wave it evolved toward more multilevel relations.
Rządowe programy wsparcia samorządu terytorialnego w latach 2018–2022
Authors: Jarosz Adam J.
Published: May 2023

In the period of 2018–2022 Polish government implemented the record number of programs for financial support of local governments. Their aim was to improve local services, maintain the high level of investments, aid in the fight against COVID-19 pandemics and rebuilding the economy, as well as equalising the potential decline of incomes related to the taxation reforms implemented since 2019. Programs on the record amount of 135,58 billion PLN helped to remain the investments on the earlier level, as the COVID-19 pandemics caused only temporary decline in own revenues.
Potencjał wykorzystania technologii blockchain na szczeblu samorządu terytorialnego
Authors: Mincewicz Wojciech
Published: May 2023

The aim of the article is to analyze the possibilities of using blockchain technology at the local government level. The analysis of the literature on the subject and the case study method were used to assess the potential of using the blockchain. Solutions already existing, observed and successfully implemented in other countries were investigated. Using the case study method, four implementation areas have been identified, namely: supporting election processes, functioning of the administration, cybersecurity and efficient functioning of the supply chain. The diagnosis carried out in relation to the progress of works in Poland indicates significant problems and challenges, including the lack of coherent actions at the central government level. The use of blockchain technology is incidental in the Polish local government. The possibility of improving and accelerating the work should be noticed in the activities of the European Union, which for several years has been adopting solutions aimed at intensifying the implementation processes.
Evaluation of Tires Acting on Soil in Field Conditions Using the 3D Scanning Method
Authors: Ptak Weronika , Czarnecki Jarosław , Brennensthul Marek , Lejman Krzysztof , Małecka Agata
Published: May 2023

This research presents the results of tests conducted under field conditions and included measuring the footprint of tires on soil. Two agricultural tires of the same size but different internal structures were tested, 500/50R17 (radial) and 500/50-17 (bias-ply). The factors were tire inflation pressure (0.8 bar, 1.6 bar, and 2.4 bar) and tire vertical load (7.8 kN, 11.8 kN, and 15.7 kN). The footprint made on the soil was scanned with a 3D scanner, resulting in a digital image of the tire footprint on the soil to enable an analysis of the measured parameters: length, width, depth, and contact area (in 3D form). Statistical analysis showed that for radial tire footprints, both inflation pressure and vertical load had a significant effect on all analyzed parameters. For bias-ply tire footprints, it was shown that only inflation pressure had a significant effect on all of the analyzed parameters, while the significance of the effect of the vertical load was not confirmed for the footprint depth. Based on the results obtained, the suitability of models describing the relationship between operating factors and the actual footprint area was verified. It was found that for a radial tire, the model formulated based on laboratory tests can predict the contact surface under field conditions (the correlation coefficient R2 was equal to 0.9226). In the case of a bias-ply tire, the correlation coefficient R2 reached a value equal to 0.5828. This indicates a less accurate estimation of the surface area under field conditions based on the model designed after laboratory testing.
Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from Calabrian Bergamot Citrus Waste: Selection of Best Green Extraction
Authors: Gattuso Antonio , Piscopo Amalia , Romeo Rosa , De Bruno Alessandra , Poiana Marco
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to select the best green extraction technique to recover the bioactive compounds in Calabrian Bergamot waste (Pomace). Different experimental variables such as solvent, time, and temperature were tested and the main physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant activity and constituents, such as total flavonoids, individual flavonoids, and limonoids (UHPLC-DAD) were analyzed. Later, the best extraction methodology was applied to characterize the individual portions that compose the bergamot pomace (albedo/pulp, seeds, and juice) of three different Calabrian cultivars: Fantastico, Femminello, and Castagnaro. Results of this study evidence that bergamot waste possesses a high antioxidant content that can be potentially used for further applications in the food industry.
Identification of Characteristic Parameters in Seed Yielding of Selected Varieties of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Using Artificial Intelligence Methods
Authors: Sieracka Dominika , Zaborowicz Maciej , Frankowski Jakub
Published: May 2023

Currently, there is a significant increase in interest in hemp cultivation and hemp products around the world. The hemp industry is a strongly developing branch of the economies of many countries. Short-term forecasting of the hemp seed and grain yield will provide growers and processors with information useful to plan the demand for employees, technical facilities (including appropriately sized drying houses and crop cleaning lines) and means of transport. This will help to optimize inputs and, as a result, increase the income from cultivation. One of the methods of yield prediction is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) methods. Neural modeling proved to be useful in predicting the yield of many plants, which is why work was undertaken to use it also to predict hemp yield. The research was carried out on selected, popular hemp varieties—Białobrzeskie and Henola. Their aim was to identify characteristic factors: climatic, cultivation and agrotechnical, affecting the size and quality of the yield. The collected data allowed the generation of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models. It has been shown that based on a set of characteristics obtained during the cultivation process, it is possible to create a predictive neural model. Modeling using one output variable, which is seed yield, can be used in short-time prediction of industrial crops, which are gaining more and more importance.
Resistance of Sorghum Genotypes to Ergot (Claviceps Species)
Authors: Kebede Dejene , Dramadri Isaac Onziga , Rubaihayo Patrick , Odong Thomas , Edema Richard
Published: May 2023

Ergot is an important disease affecting sorghum when susceptible cultivars are grown and environmental conditions are favorable. Resistance breeding to ergot is, therefore, of paramount importance to provide effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly management options. This study was conducted to assess the response of a global collection of sorghum genotypes to ergot. A total of 358 sorghum accessions were evaluated under field conditions. Data collection was conducted based on ergot incidence, severity, and agronomic traits, and the results revealed highly significant differences among genotypes (p < 0.01) for all traits evaluated. A mean disease incidence range of 23.8% to 69.4% was observed across test environments. Of the screened genotypes, 23, 52, and 2 genotypes showed resistant reactions during 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. Disease incidence and severity showed a moderate correlation with days to 50% flowering and pollen quantity, indicating their importance in ergot infection. Resistant genotypes E313, E111, E225, E200, E351, E352, E353, and E354 were identified from this study. These genotypes could be exploited as a resistance source in breeding for resistance to ergot.
Double Disc Colter for a Zero-Till Seeder Simultaneously Applying Granular Fertilizers and Wheat Seeds
Authors: Sugirbay Adilet , Zhao Kaiyuan , Liu Guangyao , Hu Guangrui , Chen Jun , Mustafin Zhasulan , Iskakov Ruslan , Kakabayev Nurbol , Muratkhan Marat , Khan Valery , Chen Yu , Zhang Shuo
Published: May 2023

The application method of granular fertilizers and wheat seeds depends on the colter design and parameters. In this research, a new double disc colter is studied to apply the wheat seeds to the horizontal band 12 cm in width and apply granular fertilizers deeper 2 cm than the wheat seed level precisely to the middle of the band. Applying granular fertilizers and wheat seeds at different levels increases the granular fertilizer dose without harm to the wheat seeds. Furthermore, applying high doses of wheat seeds to the horizontal band decreases the competition between the seeds and suppresses the weeds. Therefore, preparing a plain seedbed after applying the fertilizers and distributing wheat seeds to the horizontal band was the research objective. The comparison experiments of the base and designed double disc colters were provided in the soil bin determining the horizontal and vertical forces and the placement of the fertilizers and seeds. The discrete element method (DEM) was used to track the soil particle behavior interacting with the double-disc colter. The simulation results and actual experiment results were satisfactory when the AB length of the wing orifice was 60 mm.
The Nondestructive Model of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy with Different Pretreatment Transformation for Predicting “Dangshan” Pear Woolliness Disease
Authors: Zhang Jiahui , Liu Li , Chen Yuanfeng , Rao Yuan , Zhang Xiaodan , Jin Xiu
Published: May 2023

The “Dangshan” pear woolliness response is a physiological disease that mostly occurs in the pear growth process. The appearance of the disease is not obvious, and it is difficult to detect with the naked eye. Therefore, finding a way to quickly and nondestructively identify “Dangshan” pear woolliness disease is of great significance. In this paper, the near-infrared spectral (NIR) data of “Dangshan” pear samples were collected at 900–1700 nm reflectance spectra using a handheld miniature NIR spectrometer, and the data were modelled and analysed using random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM) and boosting algorithms under the processing of 24 pretreatment methods. Considering the variations between different pretreatment methods, this work determined the relative optimality index of different pretreatment methods by evaluating their effects on model accuracy and Kappa and selected the best-performing first derivative with standard normal variate and Savitzky–Golay and first derivative with multiplicative scatter correction and Savitzky–Golay as the best pretreatment methods. With the best pretreatment method, all five models in the three categories showed good accuracy and stability after parameter debugging, with accuracy and F1 greater than 0.8 and Kappa floating at approximately 0.7, reflecting the good classification ability of the models and proving that near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in the rapid identification of “Dangshan” pear woolliness response disease was feasible. By comparing the performance differences of the models before and after the pretreatment methods, it was found that the ensemble-learning models such as RF and boosting were more stringent on pretreatment methods in identifying “Dangshan” pear woolliness response disease than support vector machines, and the performance of the ensemble learning models was significantly improved under appropriate pretreatment methods. This experiment provided a relatively stable detection method for “Dangshan” pear woolliness response disease under nonideal detection conditions by analysing the impact of pretreatment methods and models on the prediction result.