bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stunting dan Absennya Hak Perempuan
Authors: Zaluchu Fotarisman , Simatupang Irfan
Published: October 2023

Stunting merupakan persoalan global. Indonesia adalah satu satu negara yang memiliki bebanbesar stunting baik di kawasan Asia Tenggara maupun di seluruh dunia. Tren prevalensi stuntingdi Indonesia menunjukkan penurunan, namun lebih didominasi oleh intervensi langsung kepadapenderita dan anak usia di bawah lima tahun. Dampak seperti demikian tidak permanen karenatidak menyentuh ibu hamil atau ibu balita, sosok terdekat pada setiap balita stunting. Salah satukonteks stunting yang diabaikan selama ini adalah pemenuhan hak kesehatan seksual dan keadilangender pada ibu. Sebelum berkeluarga, selama hamil dan saat membesarkan anak, banyak hakreproduksi perempuan diabaikan bahkan dikesampingkan. Akhirnya kondisi optimum kesehatanibu dan balita tidak pernah terpenuhi. Tulisan ini mendiskusikan hak-hak kesehatan seksual dankeadilan gender serta menjelaskan kaitannya dengan masalah stunting. Sebagaimana dibahasdalam tulisan terlihat jelas bahwa pemerintah tidak berhasil dalam memberikan layanan yangmemenuhi hak perempuan. Banyak layanan kesehatan justru tidak berpihak bahkan tidak dapatdiakses perempuan. Dengan demikian, pemerintah sebenarnya menjadi pihak yang berkontribusibagi tidak terpenuhinya hak perempuan. Tulisan ini merekomendasikan bahwa upaya penurunanprevelansi stunting tidak hanya masalah kesehatan. Pemberdayaan perempuan melalui kelompok-kelompok perempuan penting untuk dikedepankan. Pemenuhan hak kesehatan reproduksi ibumelalui rekonstruksi norma di masyarakat juga penting dilakukan oleh pemerintah melalui institusinegara. Selain itu, pemerintah harus memastikan terpenuhinya layanan kesehatan yang berpihakkepada perempuan. Dengan cara itu maka stunting akan dapat dicegah terjadinya di masa yangakan datang.Kata kunci: stunting, hak kesehatan reproduksi, gender, Indonesia
Relasi Gender dalam Pembagian Kerja dan Dinamika Adaptasi Musim pada Komunitas Pesisir Desa Sei Nagalawan
Authors: Aulia Farid
Published: October 2023

Kondisi yang berhubungan dengan pengelolaan hutan mangrove merupakan bagian dari tradisikomunitas pesisir dengan penyebutan lokal untuk masing-masing jenis kegiatan yang ada.Kegiatan ini menjadi bagian dari siklus kehidupan komunitas pesisir yang bekerja sebagai nelayan.Relasi gender yang terbentuk merupakan adaptasi terhadap musim yang berubah-ubah sesuaidengan penanggalan Islam. Relasi gender menjadi bagian dari pembagian kerja laki-laki danperempuan yang berinteraksi dengan mangrove dan laut. Desa Nagalawan berhasil melakukanaktivitas budidaya dan pengelolaan ekosistem mangrove sebagai kawasan ekowisata. MasyarakatDesa Sei Nagalawan telah mengatasi dinamika musim dengan memanfaatkan mangrove sebagaisumber penghasilan sebagai subside dari keterbatasan melaut. Komunitas pesisir melakukanaktivitas di sekitar mangrove untuk mendapatkan penghasilan tambahan di saat laut tidak mampumenopang kehidupan mereka. Tulisan ini mengungkapkan pembagian kerja laki-laki danperempuan pada komunitas pesisir Desa Sei Nagalawan yang memperlihatkan relasi gender dalampembagian kerja dan sistem pengetahuan lokal mereka. Perubahan cuaca dan musim menjadiindikator yang penting dalam aktivitas sehari-hari. Mengungkapkan siklus hidupnya, maka akandiketahui pula rentang waktu yang dialokasikan untuk bekerja. Metode yang digunakan secarakualitatif dengan melakukan teknik wawancara mendalam dan observasi lapangan. Temuanlapangan menunjukkan adaptasi terhadap musim dapat mempengaruhi relasi gender yangterbentuk dalam kehidupan sosial budaya komunitas pesisir di Desa Sei Nagalawan. Pengetahuantentang waktu pasang surut musim selalu dihubungkan dengan penanggalan Hijriah di dalamsistem penanggalan Islam.Kata kunci: dinamika adaptasi, pembagian kerja, pemanfaatan mangrove, komunitas pesisir
Strategi Kebijakan Stabilisasi Harga Komoditas Pangan di Provinsi Sumatera Utara
Authors: Sitepu Rasidin Karo Karo , Asaad Mhd , Sebayang Veralianta Br
Published: October 2023

Komoditi bahan makanan termasuk kategori dalam volatile food yang dominan dalam menentukaninflasi karena harga yang fluktuatif sehingga menjadi penyumbang dalam inflasi nasional dandaerah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis stabilisasi harga dan merumuskan rekomendasikebijakan untuk mengantisipasi gejolak harga komoditas pangan strategis di provinsi SumateraUtara. Menggunakan data sekunder mingguan, periode Januari 2021-Desember 2022 (104observasi). Teknis analisis menggunakan model ARIMA dan koefisien variasi. Hasil analisis denganmengacu pada indikator stabilisasi harga sebagai acuan dalam melakukan stabilisasi pasokan danharga pangan di tingkat konsumen menunjukkan bahwa terdapat tujuh komoditas yang perlusegera di intervensi yaitu Kedelai Biji Kering, Cabai Rawit Merah, Telur Ayam Ras, Daging SapiMurni, Gula Pasir, Minyak Goreng dan Tepung Terigu. Alternatif kebijakan dalam rangka untukmenjaga stabilisasi harga pangan adalah: 1) harga terjangkau, 2) ketersediaan pasokan, 3)kelancaran distribusi, dan 4) komunikasi efektif. Keempat strategi tersebut dapat di implementasidalam bentuk: 1) pelaksanaan operasi pasar pangan murah, 2) Pemantauan harga dan pasokansecara harian yang dilakukan oleh Satuan Petugas Pangan, 3) Pelaksanaan bazar komoditi panganmenjelang dan saat HBKN, 4) Kerjasama Antar Daerah, 5) Upaya ketersediaan pasokan komoditaspangan, 6) Giat pendistribusian komoditas ke beberapa pasar di wilayah Sumatera Utara, 7)Koordinasi dengan TPID secara intensif dengan Kementerian Perdagangan dan Biro PerekonomianPemerintah Provinsi Sumatera Utara,(8) pelaksanaan High Level Meeting TPID menjelang dan saatHBKN di beberapa kabupaten/kota provinsi Sumatera Utara, dan 9) Penggunaan Dana InsentifDaerah untuk meningkatkan ketersediaan pangan.Kata Kunci: ARIMA, fluktuasi harga, koefisien variasi, stabilisasi harga
Rigged Elections: The Failure of Mexico’s New Labor Model to Protect Farmworker Rights
Authors: Daria James
Published: October 2023

Due to recent labor reforms and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) negotiation, Mexico ratified freedom of association and collective bargaining rights. This new labor model promises the end of employer protection unions that thwart labor organizing and drive down wages. Through an ethnographic case study of farm labor organizing in the agro-export industry in San Quintín, Baja California, Mexico, this article argues that recent labor reforms are not sufficient to democratize labor relations in rural industries as they fail to overcome regional and transnational power structures. Although limited to one case, this article fills a gap in the literature on the impact of recent labor reforms on farmworkers. Mexico’s salaried agricultural workers offer critical insights into the promises and failures of current efforts to reform labor laws and remediate the adverse effects of economic integration.
RE- HISTORICISING AND RECLAIMING HISTORY - A GAMBIT OF HEGEMONIC HINDUTVA IN AN ETHNOCENTRIC ETHOS
Authors: SENGUPTA Purbalı
Published: October 2023

Çoğunlukçu siyasetin acımasız gündemiyle hareket eden BJP hükümeti, metin istilasıyla amansızca bir devlet propagandası yürütüyor. Althusserci bir anlamda, bireyleri 'Hindu Uyrukları' olarak çağırmanın bu kültürel hegemonyası, medyanın ve demagoji retoriğinin yardımıyla önemli bir yükseliş gördü. Tarih, temelde özselleştirilmiş bir Hindu kimliğine odaklanan kusurlu bir Ulus ve Milliyetçilik anlatısı üretmek için bir odak noktası haline geldi. Hindu milliyetçi ideolojisine uygun yeni okul müfredatının tasarımını başlatan Murli Manohar Joshi'nin mirasını takiben, BJP tarafından yönetilen devletlerin, Hindu yöneticileri savaşlarda galip olarak tasvir etmek için yapılan önemli doğaçlamalarla sağcı bir dokunuş sağlamak için tarihi yeniden yazdığı iddia ediliyor. İslami 'Öteki'ye karşı. Paul Gilroy, ikinci dünya savaşı sonrası çok ırklı İngiliz toplumunu 'İngilizlik' krizine saplantısı nedeniyle eleştirerek, tarihi nostaljinin felç edici etkisine karşı bir panzehir olarak önerdi. Çağdaş Hint toplumu, Hindu olmayanları milliyetçilik karşıtı bir yabancı olarak inşa eden kültürel farklılık söylemleri üzerine kurulu benzer bir yeni ırkçılıkla boğuşuyor. Bu makale, günün kültürel tartışmalarına bir müdahale formüle etmeyi ve kimlikleri yeniden düşünmemize yardımcı olabilecek kozmopolitanizm ve kültürlerarasıcılık teorileri aracılığıyla alternatif bir bakış açısı yaratmayı amaçlıyor.
Prospective applications of extracellular vesicle-based therapies in regenerative medicine: implications for the use of dental stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Wang Wenhao , Xu Zinan , Liu Minyi , Cai Mingxiang , Liu Xiangning
Published: October 2023

In the 21st century, research on extracellular vesicles (EVs) has made remarkable advancements. Recently, researchers have uncovered the exceptional biological features of EVs, highlighting their prospective use as therapeutic targets, biomarkers, innovative drug delivery systems, and standalone therapeutic agents. Currently, mesenchymal stem cells stand out as the most potent source of EVs for clinical applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Owing to their accessibility and capability of undergoing numerous differentiation inductions, dental stem cell-derived EVs (DSC-EVs) offer distinct advantages in the field of tissue regeneration. Nonetheless, it is essential to note that unmodified EVs are currently unsuitable for use in the majority of clinical therapeutic scenarios. Considering the high feasibility of engineering EVs, it is imperative to modify these EVs to facilitate the swift translation of theoretical knowledge into clinical practice. The review succinctly presents the known biotherapeutic effects of odontogenic EVs and the underlying mechanisms. Subsequently, the current state of functional cargo loading for engineered EVs is critically discussed. For enhancing EV targeting and in vivo circulation time, the review highlights cutting-edge engineering solutions that may help overcome key obstacles in the clinical application of EV therapeutics. By presenting innovative concepts and strategies, this review aims to pave the way for the adaptation of DSC-EVs in regenerative medicine within clinical settings.
Prevalence of aortic aneurysms and dissections in patients with systemic vessel aneurysms and dissections; matched case-control study using a national sample cohort
Authors: Song Jihye , Lim Yong Cheol , Kim Do Jung
Published: October 2023

Objective

Aneurysms in systemic arteries are rare, and little is known about their relationship with aortic aneurysms. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of aortic aneurysms and dissections (AAD) in patients with other systemic vessel aneurysms and dissections (OVAD) and identify their potential risk factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used a nationwide representative cohort sample from the Korea National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort database. We defined OVAD as systemic vessel aneurysms and dissections excluding intracranial and aortic dissections and aneurysms. With a total of 690 OVAD patients and 2,760 non-OVAD matched controls, we investigated the prevalence of AAD in patients with OVAD and potential risk factors for their concurrence using the χ2 test and logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of AAD in patients with OVAD was 10.6% (73/690) and 0.3% (9/2,760) in patients with non-OVAD. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for having concurrent AAD with OVAD was 37.56 (95% CI: 18.29–77.12, p < 0.001) after stratification by sex, age, income, region of residence and after adjustment for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and extent of disability. The adjusted ORs of AAD were significantly higher in females [adjusted OR = 47.63 (95% CI: 10.72–211.55)], and individuals aged ≥60 years [adjusted OR = 28.18 (95% CI: 13.42–59.17)], as well as those without hypertension [adjusted OR = 95.44 (95% CI: 18.21–500.23)], diabetes mellitus [adjusted OR = 46.39 (95% CI: 18.85–114.17)], without dyslipidemia [adjusted OR = 60.99 (95% CI: 20.83–178.56), p < 0.001 for all]. The prevalence of AAD significantly differed by according to specific sites of OVAD in carotid artery, upper extremity artery, iliac artery, lower extremity artery, and splanchnic artery (p < 0.001 for all).

Conclusions

The prevalence of AAD in patients with OVAD was 37.56 times higher than that in the matched population. We may approach aneurysms as systemic diseases and further investigations of pathophysiology would help to clarify the relationships between AAD and OVAD.
Low-iodine 40-keV virtual monoenergetic CT angiography of the lower extremities
Authors: Fahrni Guillaume , Mingas Thomas , Deliessche Arthur , Hraichi Smail , Rotzinger David C. , Si-Mohamed Salim A. , Boccalini Sara , Douek Philippe
Published: October 2023

Introduction

To evaluate a reduced iodine volume protocol for lower extremity CT angiography (CTA) using dual-energy CT (DECT).

Methods

This retrospective study included consecutive patients who underwent lower extremity CTA from June to December 2022. A 10 ml 1:1 mixed test bolus was performed, followed by a 40 ml full bolus at a 2.5/s injection rate, using 400 mg/ml iodine contrast media. Conventional and 40 keV virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) were reconstructed. For both reconstructions, five main artery segments were assessed with a 3-point image quality score as well as quantitative attenuation, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) measurements with diagnostic quality thresholds (respectively >150 HU and >3).

Results

Forty patients were included in the study (mean age 68 ± 12 yo). 200 artery segments were assessed. Median qualitative image scores were 3 [IQR, 3, 3] for both reconstructions. 40 keV VMI upgraded qualitative scores for 51 (26%) of patients, including 9 (5%) from nondiagnostic to diagnostic quality. 40 keV VMI obtained attenuation and CNR diagnostic quality for respectively 100% and 100% of segments, compared with 96% and 98% for conventional images (p < 0.001). Distal artery segments showed the most differences between 40 keV VMI and conventional images.

Conclusion

A low-iodine lower extremity CTA protocol is feasible, with 40 keV virtual monoenergetic spectral reconstruction enabling maintained diagnostic image quality at the distal artery segments.
Experimental study and clustering of operating staff of search systems in the sense of stress resistance
Authors: Shakhovska Nataliya , Kaminskyi Roman , Khudoba Bohdan
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The main goal of this study is to develop a methodology for the organization of experimental selection of operator personnel based on the analysis of their behavior under the influence of micro-stresses.

Methods

A human-machine interface model has been developed, which considers the change in the functional state of the human operator. The presented concept of the difficulty of detecting the object of attention contributed to developing a particular sequence of ordinary test images with stressor images included in it and presented models of the flow of presenting test images to the recipient.

Results

With the help of descriptive statistics, the parameters of individual box-plot diagrams were determined, and the recipient group was clustered.

Discussion

Overall, the proposed approach based on the example of the conducted grouping makes it possible to ensure the objectivity and efficiency of the professional selection of applicants for operator specialties.
Soil toposequences, soil erosion, and ancient Maya land use adaptations to pedodiversity in the tropical karstic landscapes of southern Mexico
Authors: Sedov Sergey , Rivera-Uria M. Yazmin , Ibarra-Arzave Georgina , García-Ramírez Pamela , Solleiro-Rebolledo Elizabeth , Cabadas-Báez Héctor V. , Valera-Fernández Daisy , Díaz-Ortega Jaime , Guillén-Domínguez Karla A. , Moreno-Roso Sol de Jesús , Fedick Scott L. , Leonard Daniel , Golden Charles , Morell-Hart Shanti , Liendo-Stuardo Rodrigo R.
Published: October 2023

The soil mantle of the tropical karst landscapes of southern Mexico was a key resource for ancient Maya agriculture and experienced deep transformation due to long-term human impacts under changing environmental conditions. We conducted a comparative analysis of three compound soil toposequences in mountainous (Sierra de Chiapas/Middle Usumacinta Valley, Busiljá, and Chinikihá archaeological sites) and platform (NE Yucatán Peninsula, Yalahau region) karst landscapes to reconstruct general tendencies and regional variations in pedodiversity development and soil–human interactions since the Early Preclassic Period. Toposequence characterization is based on macro- and micromorphological observations, accompanied by a suite of laboratory data. Calcareous upland geoforms of all toposequences have similar soil combinations consisting of shallow Rendzina and deep red clayey Terra Rossa types of profiles. We argue that Rendzinas, now dominant in the upland soil cover, in most cases, are not a product of incipient pedogenesis on limestone; they have developed from the residues of Terra Rossa soils after their advanced erosion. Pedosediments generated by ancient soil erosion have been found in the piedmont and depression positions in the mountainous landscapes of Chiapas, as a result of lateral downslope soil removal, and in the subsurface karstic cavities in the platform of NE Yucatán, indicating vertical “soil piping.” The soils of the lowland domains show contrasting differences between the toposequences: gleyic clay–rich soils and humic alluvial soils prevail in Chinikihá and Busiljá, whereas hydromorphic carbonate soils have formed in Yalahau karstic depressions. These differences in the lowland soil properties led to divergent ancient Maya land use strategies; in Chinikihá and Busiljá, the major agricultural domain was developed in the lowlands, implying largescale artificial drainage. On the contrary, in Yalahau, mostly upland Rendzinas were cultivated, implying “precision agriculture” and “container gardening.”
Temporal dynamics of muscle mitochondrial uncoupling-induced integrated stress response and ferroptosis defense
Authors: Igual Gil Carla , Löser Alina , Lossow Kristina , Schwarz Maria , Weber Daniela , Grune Tilman , Kipp Anna P. , Klaus Susanne , Ost Mario
Published: October 2023

Mitochondria play multifaceted roles in cellular function, and impairments across domains of mitochondrial biology are known to promote cellular integrated stress response (ISR) pathways as well as systemic metabolic adaptations. However, the temporal dynamics of specific mitochondrial ISR related to physiological variations in tissue-specific energy demands remains unknown. Here, we conducted a comprehensive 24-hour muscle and plasma profiling of male and female mice with ectopic mitochondrial respiratory uncoupling in skeletal muscle (mUcp1-transgenic, TG). TG mice are characterized by increased muscle ISR, elevated oxidative stress defense, and increased secretion of FGF21 and GDF15 as ISR-induced myokines. We observed a temporal signature of both cell-autonomous and systemic ISR in the context of endocrine myokine signaling and cellular redox balance, but not of ferroptotic signature which was also increased in TG muscle. We show a progressive increase of muscle ISR on transcriptional level during the active phase (night time), with a subsequent peak in circulating FGF21 and GDF15 in the early resting phase. Moreover, we found highest levels of muscle oxidative defense (GPX and NQO1 activity) between the late active to early resting phase, which could aim to counteract excessive iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in muscle of TG mice. These findings highlight the temporal dynamics of cell-autonomous and endocrine ISR signaling under skeletal muscle mitochondrial uncoupling, emphasizing the importance of considering such dissociation in translational strategies and sample collection for diagnostic biomarker analysis.
Initiating luteal phase support with sc progesterone based on low serum progesterone on the transfer day in true natural cycle frozen embryo transfers
Authors: Demirel Cem , Özcan Pınar , Tülek Fırat , Timur Hikmet Tunç , Pasin Özge
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Concerning contemporary in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) practice, the use of frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles has become more common than fresh transfers. Natural cycle (NC), programmed artificial cycle and mild stimulation cycle are primary endometrium preparation cycles. Monitoring serum progesterone levels in FET cycles are in the scope of current research focus. Low progesterone levels on the day of embryo transfer is presumed to negatively affect pregnancy outcomes, while progesterone supplementation may improve pregnancy rates. The purpose of our trial is to evaluate whether initiating subcutaneous (SC) progesterone supplementation on the day of embryo transfer when serum progesterone levels are below 10 ng/mL in tNC-FET will result in pregnancy rates comparable to those of patients with sufficient serum progesterone.

Methods

Retrospective single centre study was conducted between August 2022 and April 2023 with 181 tNC-FETs. Patients were separated into groups according to serum progesterone concentrations (≥10 ng/mL and <10 ng/mL) on embryo transfer (ET) day. S.c progesterone (25 mg) was given on the day of ET when serum progesterone was <10 ng/mL, continuing until the 10th gestational week. Blood samples for pregnancy tests were collected 12 days after ET. Outcome parameters were pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), miscarriage rate, multiple pregnancy rate, biochemical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR).

Results

About half (49.7%) had adequate progesterone concentrations (≥10ng/mL) on ET day. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding positive pregnancy test, OPR, multiple pregnancies, and miscarriage rates (57.8% versus 52.7%; 34.4% versus 29.7%, 1.1% versus 2.2%; 7.8% versus 5.5%; respectively, for progesterone concentrations on ET day ≥10 ng/mL and <10 ng/mL). With 55.2% of transfers leading to clinical pregnancy, significant differences emerged in biochemical pregnancy and CPR (3.3% vs 12.1%, P=0.02; 54.4% vs 40.7%, P=0.03, for ≥10 ng/mL and <10 ng/mL progesterone concentrations on ET day).

Discussion

This study indicates that nearly half of the tNC-FETs may need luteal phase support due to low progesterone. However, 25 mc sc progesterone rescued the luteal support and yielded similar OPR as compared to normal progesterone group. Further studies are needed for understanding optimal progesterone levels, supplementation effectiveness, and potential benefits of earlier supplementation in FETs.
Analysis of the light performance of Chinese solar greenhouse with internal insulation based on a solar radiation model
Authors: Sun Qian , Song Yang , Yang Zhigang , Liu Xiaorui , Cui Shimao
Published: October 2023

Chinese solar greenhouses are important agricultural building facilities with highly efficient and sustainable solar energy consumption. A solar greenhouse with an external insulation blanket for heat preservation is the most prevalent type of CSG. However, greenhouse performance degrades as the thermal insulation performance of the external blanket deteriorates over time when the blanket is exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Moreover, the external blanket is usually parked in an inconvenient location on the south roof in the practice, resulting in shading owing to its increasing coverage length. This significantly influences the solar radiation received by the south roof and that projected on the wall, ultimately affecting the light performance of the greenhouse. Therefore, a solar greenhouse with an innovatively applied internal insulation system was proposed in this study. To analyze the light performance of the solar greenhouse, a solar radiation model was established and verified by comparing the measured and calculated values. Based on the calculated model results, the spatial distribution of solar radiation inside the greenhouse and its allocation to the interior surfaces of the greenhouse were simulated. The total captured and transmitted solar radiation accumulations were compared for three different roof shapes. The captured and transmitted radiation accumulation of the greenhouse with internal insulation increased by 3.9–9.5 and 1.8–4.4 MJ compared to the two other greenhouses, respectively. The effect of the position of the parked blanket on the beam solar radiation projected on the wall and ground was considered. The results indicated that the increased blanket coverage length decreased the cumulative radiation on the wall by 25.24%–99.82%, which did not contribute to improving greenhouse energy-saving production. This study provides a new approach to greenhouse design and optimization.
Annual short-burst mass anthelmintic administration reduces tuberculosis severity but not prevalence in a wildlife reservoir
Authors: Lello Joanne , Gassó Diana , Gonçalves Pilar , Risco David , García Waldo L. , Segalés Joaquim , Garrido-Amaro Cristina , Mentaberre Gregorio , Torres-Blas Irene , Velarde Roser , López-Olvera Jorge R. , Fernández-Llario Pedro , Serrano Emmanuel
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC), is an important disease in both human and animal systems. Helminths are commonly found in coinfection with MTC and TB is often exacerbated in such coinfections. Long-term anthelmintic administration, to control helminths, can improve a host’s ability to control MTC infection. Mass drug administration programmes, in which anthelmintics are given only once or twice a year, leaving periods where helminth reinfection can occur, are common in both human and domestic animal populations. To date, the effect of such intermittent control programmes on MTC infection and severity has not been explored.

Methods

Here we investigate the consequences of a ten-day, annual, mass ivermectin administration on TB prevalence and severity in free-ranging juvenile and yearling (<2 years) wild boar (Sus scrofa).

Results

This single annual anthelmintic treatment administered over six years reduced TB severity. Further, the proportion of wild boar with severe TB continued to decrease with successive treatments. TB prevalence, however, did not decrease significantly over the course of the study.

Discussion

While ivermectin has direct anti-mycobacterial effects in vitro, the short duration of treatment means that the reduction in TB severity we observe in wild boar is unlikely to be accounted for by such a direct mechanism. Disruption of the helminth community and subsequent modification or enhancement of the host immune response is a potential mechanism. Future work should examine the consequences of annual anthelmintic drug administration on helminth community composition and structure and on the host immunological responses through time.
Movement behavior, habitat selection, and functional responses to habitat availability among four species of wintering waterfowl in California
Authors: Overton Cory T. , Casazza Michael L.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Habitat selection analyses provide a window into the perceived value of habitats by animals and how those perceptions compare with other animals, change across time, or change in relation to availability (termed functional responses). Habitat selection analysis and functional responses can be used to develop strategies to avoid habitat limitations, guide habitat management, and set attainable conservation goals. GPS relocations of marked animals are the principal data used in habitat selection analysis. The accuracy and frequency with which tracking devices collect data are increasing and may result in non-stationary point processes that result from latent behaviors previously unidentifiable in sparse data.

Methods

We investigated non-stationary step length distributions and integrated a two-mixture model of animal movement with step selection analysis to identify patterns of activity among four species of co-occurring waterfowl that winter in the Central Valley of California, United States. We evaluated relative strength of selection and compared functional responses across a range of habitat types for two goose and two dabbling duck species.

Results

Goose species (greater white-fronted goose [Anser albifrons] and lesser snow goose [Anser caerulescens caerulescens]) used habitats similarly and displayed similar functional responses with habitat availability. Northern pintail (Anas acuta) displayed functional responses for habitats that provided primary food resources and sanctuary from hunting that were more similar to geese than to mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), which expressed a more generalist pattern of habitat selection.

Discussion

Our results define conditions where food resource competition between geese and ducks could operate, which indicate that some species may be more impacted than others. Specifically, early season food limitation may manifest more strongly in snow geese due to longer movements and stronger functional response with rice availability. Late season limitations may manifest in northern pintail, which remain reliant on rice later but may not be reflected in habitat selection patterns due to a consistent functional response with rice availability. We show that multiple movement processes present in high-resolution data can be used to obtain a variety of information about animal behavior and that subsequent step selection analyses may demonstrate unique functional responses relative to alternate habitat selection methods that warrant additional investigation.
Opportunities for enhancing MLCommons efforts while leveraging insights from educational MLCommons earthquake benchmarks efforts
Authors: von Laszewski Gregor , Fleischer J. P. , Knuuti Robert , Fox Geoffrey C. , Kolessar Jake , Butler Thomas S. , Fox Judy
Published: October 2023

MLCommons is an effort to develop and improve the artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem through benchmarks, public data sets, and research. It consists of members from start-ups, leading companies, academics, and non-profits from around the world. The goal is to make machine learning better for everyone. In order to increase participation by others, educational institutions provide valuable opportunities for engagement. In this article, we identify numerous insights obtained from different viewpoints as part of efforts to utilize high-performance computing (HPC) big data systems in existing education while developing and conducting science benchmarks for earthquake prediction. As this activity was conducted across multiple educational efforts, we project if and how it is possible to make such efforts available on a wider scale. This includes the integration of sophisticated benchmarks into courses and research activities at universities, exposing the students and researchers to topics that are otherwise typically not sufficiently covered in current course curricula as we witnessed from our practical experience across multiple organizations. As such, we have outlined the many lessons we learned throughout these efforts, culminating in the need for benchmark carpentry for scientists using advanced computational resources. The article also presents the analysis of an earthquake prediction code benchmark while focusing on the accuracy of the results and not only on the runtime; notedly, this benchmark was created as a result of our lessons learned. Energy traces were produced throughout these benchmarks, which are vital to analyzing the power expenditure within HPC environments. Additionally, one of the insights is that in the short time of the project with limited student availability, the activity was only possible by utilizing a benchmark runtime pipeline while developing and using software to generate jobs from the permutation of hyperparameters automatically. It integrates a templated job management framework for executing tasks and experiments based on hyperparameters while leveraging hybrid compute resources available at different institutions. The software is part of a collection called cloudmesh with its newly developed components, cloudmesh-ee (experiment executor) and cloudmesh-cc (compute coordinator).
Single-cell RNA-seq public data reveal the gene regulatory network landscape of respiratory epithelial and peripheral immune cells in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Zhang Lin , Nishi Hafumi , Kinoshita Kengo
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 leads to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which can result in acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ failure. However, its comprehensive influence on pathological immune responses in the respiratory epithelium and peripheral immune cells is not yet fully understood.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed multiple public scRNA-seq datasets of nasopharyngeal swabs and peripheral blood to investigate the gene regulatory networks (GRNs) of healthy individuals and COVID-19 patients with mild/moderate and severe disease, respectively. Cell-cell communication networks among cell types were also inferred. Finally, validations were conducted using bulk RNA-seq and proteome data.

Results

Similar and dissimilar regulons were identified within or between epithelial and immune cells during COVID-19 severity progression. The relative transcription factors (TFs) and their targets were used to construct GRNs among different infection sites and conditions. Between respiratory epithelial and peripheral immune cells, different TFs tended to be used to regulate the activity of a cell between healthy individuals and COVID-19 patients, although they had some TFs in common. For example, XBP1, FOS, STAT1, and STAT2 were activated in both the epithelial and immune cells of virus-infected individuals. In contrast, severe COVID-19 cases exhibited activation of CEBPD in peripheral immune cells, while CEBPB was exclusively activated in respiratory epithelial cells. Moreover, in patients with severe COVID-19, although some inflammatory genes, such as S100A8/A9, were found to be upregulated in both respiratory epithelial and peripheral immune cells, their relative regulators can differ in terms of cell types. The cell-cell communication analysis suggested that epidermal growth factor receptor signaling among epithelia contributes to mild/moderate disease, and chemokine signaling among immune cells contributes to severe disease.

Conclusion

This study identified cell type- and condition-specific regulons in a wide range of cell types from the initial infection site to the peripheral blood, and clarified the diverse mechanisms of maladaptive responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
PTPN1 is a prognostic biomarker related to cancer immunity and drug sensitivity: from pan-cancer analysis to validation in breast cancer
Authors: Zhao Ruijun , Chen Shuanglong , Cui Weiheng , Xie Chaoyu , Zhang Aiping , Yang Li , Dong Hongmei
Published: October 2023

Background

Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 1 (PTPN1), a member of the protein tyrosine phosphatase superfamily, has been identified as an oncogene and therapeutic target in various cancers. However, its precise role in determining the prognosis of human cancer and immunological responses remains elusive. This study investigated the relationship between PTPN1 expression and clinical outcomes, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity in human cancers, which will improve understanding regarding its prognostic value and immunological role in pan-cancer.

Methods

The PTPN1 expression profile was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia databases. Kaplan-Meier, univariate Cox regression, and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were utilized to clarify the relationship between PTPN1 expression and the prognosis of pan-cancer patients. The relationships between PTPN1 expression and the presence of tumor-infiltrated immune cells were analyzed using Estimation of Stromal and Immune cells in Malignant Tumor tissues using Expression data and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to examine the effects of PTPN1 level on the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to paclitaxel. Immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting were used to investigate the relationship between PTPN1 expression, immune cell infiltration, and immune checkpoint gene expression in human breast cancer tissues and a mouse xenograft model.

Results

The pan-cancer analysis revealed that PTPN1 was frequently up-regulated in various cancers. High PTPN1 expression was associated with poor prognosis in most cancers. Furthermore, PTPN1 expression correlated highly with the presence of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and the expression of immune checkpoint pathway marker genes in different cancers. Furthermore, PTPN1 significantly predicted the prognosis for patients undergoing immunotherapy. The results of the CCK-8 viability assay revealed that PTPN1 knockdown increased the sensitivity of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells to paclitaxel. Finally, our results demonstrated that PTPN1 was associated with immune infiltration and immune checkpoint gene expression in breast cancer.

Conclusion

PTPN1 was overexpressed in multiple cancer types and correlated with the clinical outcome and tumor immunity, suggesting it could be a valuable potential prognostic and immunological biomarker for pan-cancer.
The immune cell landscape of glioblastoma patients highlights a myeloid-enriched and immune suppressed microenvironment compared to metastatic brain tumors
Authors: Musca Beatrice , Russo Maria Giovanna , Tushe Ada , Magri Sara , Battaggia Greta , Pinton Laura , Bonaudo Camilla , Della Puppa Alessandro , Mandruzzato Susanna
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Brain metastases (BrM), which commonly arise in patients with melanoma, breast cancer and lung cancer, are associated with a poor clinical prognosis. In this context, the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role since it either promotes or inhibits tumor progression. Our previous studies have characterized the immunosuppressive microenvironment of glioblastoma (GBM). The aim of this study is to compare the immune profiles of BrM and GBM in order to identify potential differences that may be exploited in their differential treatment.

Methods

Tumor and/or blood samples were taken from 20 BrM patients and 19 GBM patients. Multi-parametric flow cytometry was used to evaluate myeloid and lymphoid cells, as well as the expression of immune checkpoints in the TME and blood. In selected cases, the immunosuppressive ability of sorted myeloid cells was tested, and the ex vivo proliferation of myeloid, lymphoid and tumor cell populations was analyzed.

Results

High frequencies of myeloid cells dominated both the BrM and GBM landscapes, but a higher presence of tumor-associated macrophages was observed in GBM, while BrM were characterized by a significant presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Exhaustion markers were highly expressed in all T cells from both primary and metastatic brain tumors. Ex vivo analysis of the cell cycle of a single sample of a BrM and of a GBM revealed subsets of proliferating tumor cells and blood-derived macrophages, but quiescent resident microglial cells and few proliferating lymphocytes. Macrophages sorted from a single lung BrM exhibited a strong immunosuppressive activity, as previously shown for primary GBM. Finally, a significant expansion of some myeloid cell subsets was observed in the blood of both GBM and BrM patients.

Discussion

Our results define the main characteristics of the immune profile of BrM and GBM, which are distinguished by different levels of immunosuppressive myeloid cells and lymphocytes devoid of effector function. Understanding the role of the different cells in establishing the metastatic setting is critical for improving the therapeutic efficacy of new targeted immunotherapy strategies.
Recent large-scale mixed layer and vertical stratification maxima changes
Authors: Roch Marisa , Brandt Peter , Schmidtko Sunke
Published: October 2023

The warming climate is causing a strengthening of ocean stratification. Ocean stratification, in turn, has significant impacts on physical, biogeochemical and ecological processes, such as ocean circulation, ventilation, air-sea interactions, nutrient fluxes, primary productivity and fisheries. How these processes are affected in detail by changing stratification still remains uncertain and are likely to vary locally. Here, we investigate the state and trend of different parameters characterizing the stratification of the global upper-ocean which can be derived from Argo profiles for the period 2006-2021. Among those parameters are mixed layer depth, magnitude and depth of the vertical stratification maximum. The summertime stratification maximum has increased in both hemispheres, respectively. During wintertime, the stratification maximum has intensified in the Northern Hemisphere, while changes in the Southern Hemisphere have been relatively small. Comparisons to mixed layer characteristics show that a strengthening stratification is mainly accompanied by a warming and freshening of the mixed layer. In agreement with previous observational studies, we find a large-scale mixed layer deepening that regionally contributes to the increasing stratification. Globally, the vertical stratification maximum strengthens by 7-8% and the mixed layer deepens by 4 m during 2006-2021. This hints to an ongoing de-coupling of the surface ocean from the ocean interior. The investigated changes can help determine the origin of existing model-observation discrepancies and improve predictions on climate change impact on upper-ocean ecology and biogeochemistry.
A pilot retrospective study of a physician-directed and genomics-based model for precision lifestyle medicine
Authors: Mallin Michael , Hall Jane , Herlihy Maria , Gelman Eduard J. , Stone Michael B.
Published: October 2023

Precision lifestyle medicine is a relatively new field in primary care, based on the hypothesis that genetic predispositions influence an individual’s response to specific interventions such as diet, exercise, and prescription medications. Despite the increase in commercially available genomic testing, few studies have investigated effects of a physician-directed program to optimize chronic disease using genomics-based precision medicine. We performed an pilot, observational cohort study to evaluate effects of the Wild Health program, a physician and health coach service offering genomics-based lifestyle and medical interventions, on biomarkers indicative of chronic disease. 871 patients underwent genomic testing, biomarker testing, and ongoing health coaching after initial medical consultation by a physician. Improvements in several clinically relevant out-of-range biomarkers at baseline were identified in a large proportion of patients treated through lifestyle intervention without the use of prescription medication. Notably, normalization of several biomarkers associated with chronic disease occurred in 47.5% (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]), 33.3% (low density lipoprotein particle number [LDL-P]), and 33.2% (C-reactive protein [CRP]). However, due to the inherent limitations of our observational study design and use of retrospective data, ongoing work will be crucial for continuing to shed light on the effectiveness of physician-led, genomics-based lifestyle coaching programs. Future studies would benefit from implementing a randomized controlled study design, tracking specific interventions, and evaluating physiological data, such as BMI.
Serum interleukin-6, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein at hospital admission can identify patients at low risk for severe COVID-19 progression
Authors: Zobel Christian Matthias , Wenzel Werner , Krüger Jan Philipp , Baumgarten Ulrich , Wagelöhner Tobias , Neumann Nino , Foroutan Behruz , Müller Rico , Müller Annette , Rauschning Dominic , Schüßler Meike , Scheit Lorenz , Weinreich Felix , Oltmanns Klaas , Keidel Franziska , Koch Maria , Spethmann Sebastian , Schreiner Maximilian
Published: October 2023

Background

COVID-19 can show a variable course, from asymptomatic infections to acute respiratory failure and death. For efficient allocation of resources, patients should be stratified according to their risk for a severe course as early as possible.

Methods

135 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia at four German hospitals were prospectively included in this observational study. A standardized clinical laboratory profile was taken at hospital admission and a panel of serum markers with possible roles in the COVID-associated cytokine storm were also determined. 112 patients could be evaluated. The primary endpoint of ventilator requirement or death within 30 days of symptom onset was met by 13 patients.

Results

Serum elevations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) at hospital admission were each highly significantly (p < 0.001) associated with ventilator requirement/death within 30 days of symptom onset. With a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 65–67%, IL-6 ≥ 52.8 pg/ml, PCT ≥ 0.11 ng/ml, and CRP ≥ 71.1 mg/L were predictive of a severe course of COVID-19. Positive likelihood ratios were between 2.6–2.8 and negative likelihood ratios were between 0.11–0.13 for these three markers.

Conclusion

Negative likelihood ratios indicate that IL-6, PCT, and CRP at hospital admission can be used for identifying patients at low risk for severe COVID-19 progression.
Metal tolerance and biosorption capacities of bacterial strains isolated from an urban watershed
Authors: Pagnucco Grace , Overfield Dustin , Chamlee Yanesa , Shuler Claudia , Kassem Amin , Opara Somie , Najaf Hawraa , Abbas Lana , Coutinho Oliver , Fortuna Aleksa , Sulaiman Fatima , Farinas James , Schittenhelm Reis , Catalfano Brian , Li Xiaohua , Tiquia-Arashiro Sonia M.
Published: October 2023

Rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to widespread metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems. This study explores the metal tolerance and biosorption characteristics of four bacterial strains (Serratia sp. L2, Raoultella sp. L30, Klebsiella sp. R3, and Klebsiella sp. R19) isolated from Saint Clair River sediments. These strains effectively removed various metal cations (As3+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Cr6+, and Ni2+) in single and multi-metal solutions. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays revealed strain-specific variations in metal tolerance, with L2 and L30 exhibiting higher tolerance. Surprisingly, R3 and R19, despite lower tolerance, demonstrated superior metal removal efficiency, challenging the notion that tolerance dictates removal efficacy. In single-metal solutions, R3 and R19 excelled at extracting various metal ions, while competitive binding in multi-metal solutions hindered removal. However, R3 and R19 retained higher removal efficiencies, possibly due to enhanced flocculation activities facilitating metal-ion contact. Comprehensive Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis highlighted the strains’ metal-binding capabilities, with novel peaks emerging after metal exposure, indicative of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed metal accumulation on bacterial surfaces and within cytoplasmic regions and revealed morphological changes and metal adsorption patterns, emphasizing the strains’ ability to adapt to metal stress. Scanning transmission microscopy (STEM) and EDX analysis uncovered metal accumulation within bacterial cells, underscoring the complexity of microbial-metal interactions. This study also confirms that the simultaneous presence of an aqueous solution may cause a mutual inhibition in the adsorption of each metal to the EPS resulting in reduced metal uptake, which emphasizes the need to select specific bacterial strains for a given metal-containing effluent. The differences in metal distribution patterns between Klebsiella sp. R19 and Raoultella sp. L30 suggest species-specific metal accumulation strategies driven by environmental conditions and metal availability. The heavy metal-removing capabilities and the ability to grow over a wide range of metal concentrations of the strains used in this study may offer an advantage to employ these organisms for metal remediation in bioreactors or in situ.