bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farming and feasting during the Bronze Age–Iron Age transition in Britain (ca. 900–500 bce): multi-isotope evidence for societal change
Authors: Madgwick Richard , Esposito Carmen , Lamb Angela L.
Published: September 2023

The Late Bronze Age saw the rise of a new site type in southern Britain, commonly termed a midden. These vast monumental mounds, some comprising tens of thousands of artefacts/ecofacts dominated by animal bone and ceramics, signal a societal refocus towards agricultural intensification and communal feasting on a grand scale. These sites point to agricultural produce being the mainstay of the economy, with bronze having a reduced social and economic importance. This likely created new regimes of managing landscapes and livestock and new networks and agricultural catchments anchored on the sites. Major questions remain surrounding the strategies employed to enhance agricultural productivity, how landscapes and livestock were managed, and how different sites and regions met these challenges at a time of climatic deterioration. This article employs multi-isotope analyses on domestic and wild fauna to address these questions. It presents carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur (δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S, respectively) isotope analyses on 235 animals from 6 midden sites in 2 major regions of midden accumulation: the Vale of Pewsey in Wiltshire and the Thames Valley. The results demonstrate distinct differences in approaches to maximising agricultural productivity, with varied strategies apparent at a site, species, and regional level. Some sites, such as Potterne and Runnymede, clearly drew domestic fauna from a wide catchment where wide-ranging management and foddering regimes were employed. Other sites, such as East Chisenbury, had a more restricted catchment but a tightly controlled, intensive management regime. These data provide new insights into regional responses to the reorganisation of the economy, landscape use, and developing agricultural networks during the Bronze Age–Iron Age transition in Britain, revealing dynamic and evolving societal change.
Total contact casts versus removable offloading interventions for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Bin , Lin Aifang , Huang Jianping , Xie Jianying , Liu Quanyong , Yang Chenxi , Zhang Zhengmao
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of total contact casts (TCCs) versus removable offloading interventions among patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).

Methods

A comprehensive search was done in databases Embase, Cochrane Library, and, PubMed. The references of retrieved articles were reviewed, up until February 2023. Controlled trials comparing the effects of TCCs with removable offloading interventions (removable walking casts and footwear) in patients with DFUs were eligible for review.

Results

Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis, involving 591 patients with DFUs. Among them, 269 patients were in the intervention group (TCC), and 322 in the control group (removable walking casts/footwear). The analysis revealed that the TCC group had higher healing rates (Risk Ratio(RR)=1.22; 95% confidence interval(CI):1.11 to 1.34, p<0.001), shorter healing time (Standard Mean Difference(SMD)=-0.57; 95%CI: -1.01 to -0.13, P=0.010), and elevated occurrence of device-related complications (RR=1.70; 95%CI:1.01 to 2.88, P=0.047), compared with the control group. Subgroup analysis illustrated patients using TCCs had higher healing rates than those using removable walking casts (RR=1.20; 95%CI:1.08 to 1.34, p=0.001) and footwear (RR=1.25; 95%CI:1.04 to 1.51, p=0.019), but they required comparable time for ulcer healing compared with those using removable walking casts (SMD=-0.60; 95%CI: -1.22 to 0.02, P=0.058) or footwear group (SMD=-0.52; 95%CI: -1.17 to 0.12, P=0.110). Although patients using TCCs had significantly higher incidence of device-related complications than those using footwear (RR=4.81; 95%CI:1.30 to 17.74, p=0.018), they had similar one compared with those using the removable walking casts (RR=1.27; 95%CI:0.70 to 2.29, p=0.438).

Conclusion

The use of TCCs in patients with DFUs resulted in improved rates of ulcer healing and shorter healing time compared to removable walking casts and footwear. However, it is important to note that TCCs were found to be associated with increased prevalence of complications.
Accuracy and impact on quality of life of real-time continuous glucose monitoring in children with hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia
Authors: Sivasubramanian Madhini , Avari Parizad , Gilbert Clare , Doodson Louise , Morgan Kate , Oliver Nick , Shah Pratik
Published: September 2023

Objective

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is the standard of care for glucose monitoring in children with diabetes, however there are limited data reporting their use in hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HH). Here, we evaluate CGM accuracy and its impact on quality of life in children with HH.

Methods

Real-time CGM (Dexcom G5 and G6) was used in children with HH aged 0-16years. Data from self-monitoring capillary blood glucose (CBG) and CGM were collected over a period of up to 28days and analysed. Quality of life was assessed by the PedsQL4.0 general module and PedsQL2.0 family impact module, completed by children and their parents/carers before and after CGM insertion. Analysis of accuracy metrics included mean absolute relative difference (MARD) and proportion of CGM values within 15, 20, and 30% or 15, 20, and 30 mg/dL of reference glucose values >100 mg/dL or ≤100 mg/dL, respectively (% 15/15, % 20/20, % 30/30). Clinical reliability was assessed with Clarke error grid (CEG) analyses.

Results

Prospective longitudinal study with data analysed from 40 children. The overall MARD between reference glucose and paired CGM values (n=4,928) was 13.0% (Dexcom G5 12.8%, Dexcom G6 13.1%). The proportion of readings meeting %15/15 and %20/20 were 77.3% and 86.4%, respectively, with CEG analysis demonstrating 97.4% of all values in zones A and B. Within the hypoglycaemia range (<70 mg/dL), the median ARD was 11.4% with a sensitivity and specificity of 64.2% and 91.3%, respectively. Overall PedsQL child report at baseline and endpoint were 57.6 (50.5 – 75.8) and 87.0 (82.9 – 91.2), and for parents were 60.3 (44.8 – 66.0) and 85.3 (83.7 – 91.3), respectively (both p<0.001).

Conclusion

Use of CGM for children with HH is feasible, with clinically acceptable accuracy, particularly in the hypoglycaemic range. Quality of life measures demonstrate significant improvement after CGM use. These data are important to explore use of CGM in disease indications, including neonatal and paediatric diabetes, cystic fibrosis and glycogen storage disorders.
The draft genome of the microscopic Nemertoderma westbladi sheds light on the evolution of Acoelomorpha genomes
Authors: Abalde Samuel , Tellgren-Roth Christian , Heintz Julia , Vinnere Pettersson Olga , Jondelius Ulf
Published: September 2023

Background: Xenacoelomorpha is a marine clade of microscopic worms that is an important model system for understanding the evolution of key bilaterian novelties, such as the excretory system. Nevertheless, Xenacoelomorpha genomics has been restricted to a few species that either can be cultured in the lab or are centimetres long. Thus far, no genomes are available for Nemertodermatida, one of the group’s main clades and whose origin has been dated more than 400 million years ago.

Methods: DNA was extracted from a single specimen and sequenced with HiFi following the PacBio Ultra-Low DNA Input protocol. After genome assembly, decontamination, and annotation, the genome quality was benchmarked using two acoel genomes and one Illumina genome as reference. The gene content of three cnidarians, three acoelomorphs, four deuterostomes, and eight protostomes was clustered in orthogroups to make inferences of gene content evolution. Finally, we focused on the genes related to the ultrafiltration excretory system to compare patterns of presence/absence and gene architecture among these clades.

Results: We present the first nemertodermatid genome sequenced from a single specimen of Nemertoderma westbladi. Although genome contiguity remains challenging (N50: 60 kb), it is very complete (BUSCO: 80.2%, Metazoa; 88.6%, Eukaryota) and the quality of the annotation allows fine-detail analyses of genome evolution. Acoelomorph genomes seem to be relatively conserved in terms of the percentage of repeats, number of genes, number of exons per gene and intron size. In addition, a high fraction of genes present in both protostomes and deuterostomes are absent in Acoelomorpha. Interestingly, we show that all genes related to the excretory system are present in Xenacoelomorpha except Osr, a key element in the development of these organs and whose acquisition seems to be interconnected with the origin of the specialised excretory system.

Conclusion: Overall, these analyses highlight the potential of the Ultra-Low Input DNA protocol and HiFi to generate high-quality genomes from single animals, even for relatively large genomes, making it a feasible option for sequencing challenging taxa, which will be an exciting resource for comparative genomics analyses.
Persistent homology analysis of type 2 diabetes genome-wide association studies in protein–protein interaction networks
Authors: Song Euijun
Published: September 2023

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) involving increasing sample sizes have identified hundreds of genetic variants associated with complex diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, it is unclear how GWAS hits form unique topological structures in protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks. Using persistent homology, this study explores the evolution and persistence of the topological features of T2D GWAS hits in the PPI network with increasing p-value thresholds. We define an n-dimensional persistent disease module as a higher-order generalization of the largest connected component (LCC). The 0-dimensional persistent T2D disease module is the LCC of the T2D GWAS hits, which is significantly detected in the PPI network (196 nodes and 235 edges, P<0.05). In the 1-dimensional homology group analysis, all 18 1-dimensional holes (loops) of the T2D GWAS hits persist over all p-value thresholds. The 1-dimensional persistent T2D disease module comprising these 18 persistent 1-dimensional holes is significantly larger than that expected by chance (59 nodes and 83 edges, P<0.001), indicating a significant topological structure in the PPI network. Our computational topology framework potentially possesses broad applicability to other complex phenotypes in identifying topological features that play an important role in disease pathobiology.
Reflexivity, embodiment, and ethics of care in rangeland political ecology: reflections of three feminist researchers on the experience of transdisciplinary knowledge co-production
Authors: Ravera Federica , Fernández-Giménez Maria E. , Oteros-Rozas Elisa
Published: September 2023

Although there is a growing interest in transdisciplinary knowledge co-production approaches applied to rangeland political ecology, the research paradigms and methodologies still dominating this field of research leave little room for equitable engagement with research participants and genuine action-oriented research. In this article, we provide a reflection on new practices grounded in feminist studies of science and care ethic literature to orient transgressive and engaged transdisciplinary political rangeland ecology research. Feminist epistemologies call for reflection on who produces knowledge and how such knowledge is used and shared. Feminist practices, such as reflexivity, embodiment, reciprocity, and care, cultivate awareness of the power dynamics embedded in the research process and motivate researchers to counteract asymmetrical or extractive relationships when we identify them. We first introduce the scholarship that inspires key principles of our feminist research approach and then reflect on our experiences as researchers and as activists working with Spanish and Catalan networks of women pastoralists. Three research questions guide our reflective process: (i) how can feminist theories of knowledge co-production contribute to rangeland political ecology; (ii) how can feminist methodologies be applied in practice so that collaboration between women pastoralists, their organizations, and researchers is mutually reinforcing, care-full, and action-oriented; and (iii) what are the challenges and limitations of our experiences to foster transformation and emancipation in knowledge co-production processes?
Toll-like receptor-guided therapeutic intervention of human cancers: molecular and immunological perspectives
Authors: Mukherjee Suprabhat , Patra Ritwik , Behzadi Payam , Masotti Andrea , Paolini Alessandro , Sarshar Meysam
Published: September 2023

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) serve as the body’s first line of defense, recognizing both pathogen-expressed molecules and host-derived molecules released from damaged or dying cells. The wide distribution of different cell types, ranging from epithelial to immune cells, highlights the crucial roles of TLRs in linking innate and adaptive immunity. Upon stimulation, TLRs binding mediates the expression of several adapter proteins and downstream kinases, that lead to the induction of several other signaling molecules such as key pro-inflammatory mediators. Indeed, extraordinary progress in immunobiological research has suggested that TLRs could represent promising targets for the therapeutic intervention of inflammation-associated diseases, autoimmune diseases, microbial infections as well as human cancers. So far, for the prevention and possible treatment of inflammatory diseases, various TLR antagonists/inhibitors have shown to be efficacious at several stages from pre-clinical evaluation to clinical trials. Therefore, the fascinating role of TLRs in modulating the human immune responses at innate as well as adaptive levels directed the scientists to opt for these immune sensor proteins as suitable targets for developing chemotherapeutics and immunotherapeutics against cancer. Hitherto, several TLR-targeting small molecules (e.g., Pam3CSK4, Poly (I:C), Poly (A:U)), chemical compounds, phytocompounds (e.g., Curcumin), peptides, and antibodies have been found to confer protection against several types of cancers. However, administration of inappropriate doses of such TLR-modulating therapeutics or a wrong infusion administration is reported to induce detrimental outcomes. This review summarizes the current findings on the molecular and structural biology of TLRs and gives an overview of the potency and promises of TLR-directed therapeutic strategies against cancers by discussing the findings from established and pipeline discoveries.
Important denominator between autoimmune comorbidities: a review of class II HLA, autoimmune disease, and the gut
Authors: Berryman Meghan A. , Ilonen Jorma , Triplett Eric W. , Ludvigsson Johnny
Published: September 2023

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are associated with more diseases than any other region of the genome. Highly polymorphic HLA genes produce variable haplotypes that are specifically correlated with pathogenically different autoimmunities. Despite differing etiologies, however, many autoimmune disorders share the same risk-associated HLA haplotypes often resulting in comorbidity. This shared risk remains an unanswered question in the field. Yet, several groups have revealed links between gut microbial community composition and autoimmune diseases. Autoimmunity is frequently associated with dysbiosis, resulting in loss of barrier function and permeability of tight junctions, which increases HLA class II expression levels and thus further influences the composition of the gut microbiome. However, autoimmune-risk-associated HLA haplotypes are connected to gut dysbiosis long before autoimmunity even begins. This review evaluates current research on the HLA-microbiome-autoimmunity triplex and proposes that pre-autoimmune bacterial dysbiosis in the gut is an important determinant between autoimmune comorbidities with systemic inflammation as a common denominator.
A novel bispecific antibody dual-targeting approach for enhanced neutralization against fast-evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Kim Ji Woong , Kim Hyun Jung , Heo Kyun , Lee Yoonwoo , Jang Hui Jeong , Lee Ho-Young , Park Jun Won , Cho Yea Bin , Lee Ji Hyun , Shin Ha Gyeong , Yang Ha Rim , Choi Hye Lim , Shim Hyun Bo , Lee Sukmook
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The emergence of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants has caused unprecedented health and socioeconomic crises, necessitating the immediate development of highly effective neutralizing antibodies. Despite recent advancements in anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD)-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) derived from convalescent patient samples, their efficacy against emerging variants has been limited. In this study, we present a novel dual-targeting strategy using bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) that specifically recognize both the SARS-CoV-2 RBD and fusion peptide (FP), crucial domains for viral attachment to the host cell membrane and fusion in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

Using phage display technology, we rapidly isolated FP-specific mAbs from an established human recombinant antibody library, identifying K107.1 with a nanomolar affinity for SARS-CoV-2 FP. Furthermore, we generated K203.A, a new bsAb built in immunoglobulin G4-(single-chain variable fragment)2 forms and demonstrating a high manufacturing yield and nanomolar affinity to both the RBD and FP, by fusing K102.1, our previously reported RBD-specific mAb, with K107.1.

Results

Our comprehensive in vitro functional analyses revealed that the K203.A bsAb significantly outperformed the parental RBD-specific mAb in terms of neutralization efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Furthermore, intravenous monotherapy with K203.A demonstrated potent in vivo neutralizing activity without significant in vivo toxicity in a mouse model infected with a SARS-CoV-2 variant.

Conclusion

These findings present a novel bsAb dual-targeting strategy, directed at SARS-CoV-2 RBD and FP, as an effective approach for rapid development and management against continuously evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Composition of planktonic foraminifera test-bound organic material and implications for carbon cycle reconstructions
Authors: Paoloni Tommaso , Hoogakker Babette , Navarro Rodriguez Alba , Pereira Ryan , McClymont Erin L. , Jovane Luigi , Magill Clayton
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Foraminiferal shells are extensively used to reconstruct the marine environment in the geological past. The foraminifera test-bound organic material (FBOM), sheltered by the test from potential diagenetic alteration and contamination, has great feasibility to improve our understanding of carbon and nitrogen cycling. The FBOM δ13C has been proposed as a proxy for reconstructing past environmental conditions. However, to fully exploit the proxy potential of FBOM, its molecular composition and the influence of the latter on the FBOM δ13C need to be assessed.

Method

Here we use a novel combination of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, flame ionization detection (GC-MS/FID) and liquid chromatography organic carbon and nitrogen detection (LC-OCD/ OND) analyses to study the FBOM chemical composition.

Results

Our results indicate that polysaccharides and proteins dominate FBOM, as proposed by earlier studies, with no evidence of detectable lipids (alkyl lipids, trimethylsilyl ethers of fatty alcohols, trimethylsilyl esters of fatty acids and steranes derivatives were targeted).

Discussion

Previous studies suggested that FBOM δ13C may be used to reconstruct past atmospheric CO2 concentrations. However, our results indicate that the use of FBOM δ13C to reconstruct CO2 carries an approximate uncertainty of ±21 ppm for past atmospheric CO2 abundance. We suggest that FBOM δ13C can be used as a novel proxy to reconstruct particulate organic material (POM) δ13C. This is also supported by the recently confirmed minor fractionation between POM and FBOM δ13C.
Male infertility risk and gut microbiota: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Fu Zhi-da , Wang Yao , Yan Hong-li
Published: September 2023

Background

In recent decades, the decline of male sperm quality has become a worldwide phenomenon, with sperm quality of critical importance for the ability to conceive naturally. Recent studies suggest that male fertility function is closely linked to the gut microbiota, however, the cause-and-effect association between the gut microbiota and male infertility risk is currently unclear.

Methods

We performed one two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study, which uses summary data on human gut microbiota from the MiBioGen consortium as factors of exposure. FinnGen Consortium R8 data was used to obtain GWAS data for male infertility. To evaluate cause-and-effect associations linking gut microbiota and male infertility risk with multiple Mendelian randomization methods, we included inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and Maximum Likelihood (ML) Ratio. The heterogeneity of instrumental variables was evaluated through Cochran's Q, Rucker's Q, and leave-one-out analysis methods.

Results

We found a positive association between Allisonella, Anaerotruncus, Barnesiella, Intestinibacter, and Lactococcus with male infertility risk according to the MR analysis results. Bacteroides Romboutsia, Ruminococcaceae (NK4A2140group), and Ruminococcaceae (UCG011) play a protective function in male infertility pathogenesis.

Conclusion

It was found that gut microbiota and infertility are causally related in this study. In subsequent studies, there is a need to build a larger and more comprehensive GWAS database on male infertility, which will reveal the underlying mechanisms for gut microbiota and male infertility. There is a need for randomized controlled trials for validating the protective effect of the associated gut microbiota against male infertility risk, and for exploring the associated mechanisms.
Controlling bacterial biofilm formation by native and methylated lupine 11S globulins
Authors: Enan Gamal , Abdel-Shafi Seham , El-Nemr Mona , Shehab Wesam , Osman Ali , Sitohy Mahmoud , Sitohy Basel
Published: September 2023

The antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of the 11S globulins isolated from lupin seeds (Lupinus termis), and its methylated derivative (M11S), were investigated against seven pathogenic gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The MIC of 11S ranged from 0.1 to 4.0 μg/ml against 0.025 to 0.50 μg/ml for M11S, excelling some specific antibiotics. The MICs of M11S were 40–80 times lower than some specific antibiotics against gram-positive bacteria and 2–60 times lower than some specific antibiotics against gram-negative bacteria. One MIC of 11S and M11S highly reduced the liquid growth of all tested bacteria during 24 h at 37°C. They also inhibited biofilm formation by 80%−86% and 85%−94%, respectively (gram-positive), and 29%−44% and 43%−50%, respectively (gram-negative). M11S prevented biofilm formation by gram-positive bacteria at minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC), 0.025–0.1 μg/ml against 0.1–0.5 μg/ml for gram-negative bacteria, i.e., 4–20 times and 4–7 times anti-biofilm inhibitory action compared with 11S, respectively. Biofilm formation of two bacteria revealed no adhered cells on glass slides for 24 h at 37°C, i.e., was entirely prevented by one MBIC of 11S and M11S. Scanning electron microscopy indicated microbial biofilm deformation under the action of 11S and M11S, indicating their broad specificity and cell membrane-targeted action.
Circulating vitamin levels mediate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and cholecystitis: a two-step bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Miao Changhong , Xiao Lu , Xu Xinyi , Huang Shuoxuan , Liu Jiajin , Chen Kuang
Published: September 2023

Background

The relationship between gut microbiota and the occurrence of cholecystitis remains unclear. Existing research lacks a clear understanding of how circulating vitamin levels modulate this relationship. Therefore, our study aims to investigate whether circulating vitamin levels mediate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and cholecystitis using a two-step bidirectional Mendelian randomization approach.

Methods

In this study, we initially employed Linkage Disequilibrium Score Regression (LDSC) analysis to assess the genetic correlation of five circulating vitamin level genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary datasets, thereby avoiding potential sample overlap. Subsequently, we conducted a two-step analysis to investigate the causal effects between gut microbiota and cholecystitis. In the second step, we explored the causal relationship between circulating vitamin levels and cholecystitis and identified the mediating role of vitamin D. The primary method used for causal analysis was the inverse variance-weighted approach. We performed additional sensitivity analyses to ensure result robustness, including the cML-MA method and reverse Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Results

An increment of one standard deviation in RuminococcaceaeUCG003 was associated with a 25% increased risk of cholecystitis (OR = 1.25, 95%CI = 1.01–1.54, p = 0.04), along with a 3% decrease in 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (OR = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.944–0.998, p = 0.04). However, following the rigorous Bonferroni correction, every one standard deviation decrease in circulating vitamin D levels was associated with a 33% increased risk of cholecystitis (OR = 0.67, 95%CI = 0.49–0.90, p = 0.008, Padjust = 0.04). Thus, the potential link between gut microbiota and cholecystitis risk might be mediated by circulating vitamin D levels (proportion mediated = 5.5%). Sensitivity analyses provided no evidence of pleiotropy.

Conclusion

Our study results suggest that an elevated abundance of specific gut microbiota is associated with an increased susceptibility to cholecystitis, with the causal relationship being mediated by circulating vitamin D levels. Further large-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to validate the causal effects of gut microbiota on cholecystitis risk. This study provides novel insights into cholecystitis prevention through the regulation of gut microbiota.
Monitoring of single extracellular vesicle heterogeneity in cancer progression and therapy
Authors: Lee Yoon-Jin , Chae Shinwon , Choi Dongsic
Published: September 2023

Cancer cells actively release lipid bilayer extracellular vesicles (EVs) that affect their microenvironment, favoring their progression and response to extracellular stress. These EVs contain dynamically regulating molecular cargos (proteins and nucleic acids) selected from their parental cells, representing the active biological functionality for cancer progression. These EVs are heterogeneous according to their size and molecular composition and are usually defined based on their biogenetic mechanisms, such as exosomes and ectosomes. Recent single EV detection technologies, such as nano-flow cytometry, have revealed the dynamically regulated molecular diversity within bulk EVs, indicating complex EV heterogeneity beyond classical biogenetic-based EV subtypes. EVs can be changed by internal oncogenic transformation or external stress such as chemotherapy. Among the altered combinations of EV subtypes, only a specific set of EVs represents functional molecular cargo, enabling cancer progression and immune modulation in the tumor microenvironment through their altered targeting efficiency and specificity. This review covers the heterogeneity of EVs discovered by emerging single EV analysis technologies, which reveal the complex distribution of EVs affected by oncogenic transformation and chemotherapy. Encouragingly, these unique molecular signatures in individual EVs indicate the status of their parental cancer cells. Thus, precise molecular profiling of circulating single EVs would open new areas for in-depth monitoring of the cancer microenvironment and shed new light on non-invasive diagnostic approaches using liquid biopsy.
Case report: Early onset de novo FSGS in a child after kidney transplantation—a successful treatment
Authors: Carvajal Abreu Karla , Loos Sebastian , Fischer Lutz , Pape Lars , Wiech Thorsten , Kemper Markus J. , Tönshoff Burkhard , Oh Jun , Schild Raphael
Published: September 2023

Background

Early onset de novo focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) in the kidney allograft in patients without FSGS in the native kidney is a rare disorder in children. It usually occurs mostly beyond the first year after kidney transplantation and often leads to graft loss. Standardized treatment protocols have not yet been established.

Case description

We describe a boy with early onset de novo FSGS in the transplanted kidney and non-selective glomerular proteinuria (maximum albumin-to-creatinine ratio of 3.8 g/g; normal range, ≤0.03 g/g creatinine). Manifestation occurred at 30 days posttransplant and was accompanied by a significant graft dysfunction (eGFR 61 ml/min per 1.73 m2). Treatment with 25 sessions of plasmapheresis over 14 weeks and three consecutive days of methylprednisolone pulse therapy (10 mg/kg per day) followed by oral prednisolone as rejection prophylaxis (3.73 mg/m2 per day) led to sustained remission of proteinuria (albumin-to-creatinine ratio of 0.028 g/g) and normalization of graft function (eGFR 92 ml/min per 1.73 m2) after 14 weeks. The follow-up period was 36 months.

Conclusions

This case underlines the efficacy of immunosuppressive and antibody eliminating therapy in early onset de novo FSGS after kidney transplantation.
The paradox of civic education in Malawi's education system: regaining the missed opportunities
Authors: Chibambo Mackenzie Ishmael , Divala Joseph Jinja
Published: September 2023

There is a common assumption that the removal of civics from the curriculum between 1995 and 2002, when Malawi became a democracy might have deformed citizenship and civic education (CE). This narrative assumes that civics, as a discipline, was critical for instilling democratic and civic values among Malawians. This then prompted the Tonse Alliance Government (TAG) to change the Ministry of Civic Education and Culture (MoCC) to the Ministry of Civic Education and National Unity (MoCENU) as the first step. Additionally, the then Minister of MoCENU proposed a policy change to reintroduce civics in schools arguing that, it is only through this subject that democratic citizenship can be realized. Accordingly, this paper sought to argue that mere changing of MoCC to MoCENU, and reintroducing civics in schools may add nothing toward the creation of democratic citizenship when we consider global trends. This paper therefore utilized qualitative research design especially Critical Hermeneutics to analyze available literature on citizenship and CE trends, its conceptions and common issues around the globe. In doing so, the paper sought to explain whether Malawi's CE projects have been on the right trajectory or not, and how power-relations and political interests have shaped its development. Mainly, we ascribed to the epigram that, straightening a tree is better done in its sapling. In other words, the best spaces for behavior change and habit formation remain the schools because they are naturally designed to prepare children for such roles and functions. While our arguments might not be final, we still understand that many researches have held a fragmented view of citizenship and CE. We thus sought to analyze these two concepts in the lenses of Critical Pedagogy as suggested by Paulo Freire and Henry Giroux who understood schools as political spaces where the hegemony captures the curriculum to oppress society while protecting their interests. By advocating for a democratic model of education anchored in humanization, problem-posing, and critical conscientization, Critical Pedagogy molds students into future citizens who values critical thinking, transparency and democratic values.
Year-round growth potential and moisture stress tolerance of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum L.) under fragile hill ecosystems of the Eastern Himalayas (India)
Authors: Rangappa Krishnappa , Rajkhowa Dipjyoti , Layek Jayanta , Das Anup , Saikia Uday Sankar , Mahanta Kaberi , Sarma Anjan Kumar , Moirangthem Prabha , Mishra Vinay Kumar , Deshmukh Nishant Anandrao , Rajbonshi Namrata , Kandpal Basant K.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Under a changing climate, the fragile ecosystems of the Eastern Himalayas (EH) are persistently challenged by prolonged dry spells and erratic rainfall. Identification of suitable high-yielding crops with higher moisture stress tolerance and adaptability is paramount for the region. Although the region received a good amount of rainfall in the rainy season, the winter months, viz., November to March, rarely received any rain. Even within the rainy season, there are several intermittent drought spells that hinder crop productivity.

Methods

The present study has used field and microcosm experiments to assess the year-round cultivation potential and extent of moisture stress tolerance in the lesser-known buckwheat crop of the region.

Results and discussion

Sowing of buckwheat from mid-September to mid-December produced better grain yield, the highest being when sowing in October (9.83 q ha−1) and the crop was found suitable to grow all through the year for higher green biomass (12.6–38.4 q ha−1). The moisture stress tolerance of buckwheat was significantly enhanced by increased total root length and root surface area by 12.4 and 34.7%, respectively. Increased photo-protective carotenoids, chlorophyll b, and favorable stomatal attributes with substantial epicuticular wax have significantly improved the moisture stress tolerance of Buckwheat. In addition, leaf proline was found 25.4% higher and total soluble protein, reducing sugar, and cell membrane stability were found 29.2, 38.1, and 36.5% lower compared to the control, respectively. A significantly lower rate of water loss (25.6%) with its stomatal and non-stomatal adaptations and versatile pollen structural traits under moisture stress over control, make the buckwheat crop potentially more stress tolerant and economical crop for EH of India.
The Global Burden of Vascular Intestinal Disorders in 204 Countries and Territories From 1990 to 2019: Global Burden of Diseases Study
Authors: Jiang Tianxiang , Cai Zhaolun , Mu Mingchun , Zhao Zhou , Shen Chaoyong , Zhang Bo
Published: September 2023

Objectives: Assess the prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of vascular intestinal disorders (VID) from 1990 to 2019.

Methods: This study conducted a secondary data analysis utilizing the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019. The prevalence, mortality and DALYs of VID were analyzed by sex, age and socio-demographic index (SDI), respectively. Analyses were performed by using R software.

Results: Globally, the number of prevalent VID cases increased from 100,158 (95% uncertainty interval: 89,428–114,013) in 1,990–175,740 (157,941–198,969) in 2019. However, the age-standardized rates (ASR) of VID prevalence declined from 2.47 (95% uncertainty interval: 2.24–2.76) per 100,000 population to 2.21 (1.98–2.48) per 100,000 population between 1990 and 2019. Furthermore, the ASR of mortality also decreased from 1990 to 2019. Between 1990 and 2019, the regions with high and high-middle level exhibited the highest diseases burden.

Conclusion: Globally, the diseases burden associated with VID demonstrated a decline from 1990 to 2019. However, concerted efforts are still required to enhance measures to combat VID within countries categorized as high and high-middle SDI.
Detection of Bagworm Infestation Area in Oil Palm Plantation Based on UAV Remote Sensing Using Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Johari Siti Nurul Afiah Mohd , Khairunniza-Bejo Siti , Shariff Abdul Rashid Mohamed , Husin Nur Azuan , Masri Mohamed Mazmira Mohd , Kamarudin Noorhazwani
Published: September 2023

Due to its rapid reproduction rate and brief life cycle, the most well-known oil palm pest, Metisa plana (Lepidoptera: Psychidae), also known as the bagworm, can spread to epidemic proportions. The outbreak can significantly reduce oil palm yield by resulting in 40% crop losses and 10% to 13% leaf defoliation. A manual census was conducted to count the number of pests and determine the category of infestation; however, when covering a large area, it typically takes more time and labour. Therefore, this study used unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as a quick way to detect the severity levels of infestation in oil palm plantations, including healthy (zero), low, mild, and severe infestation using DJI Inspire 2 with Micasense Altum-PT multispectral camera at an altitude of 70 m above ground. Three combinations were created from the most significant vegetation indices: NDVI and NDRE, NDVI and GNDVI, and NDRE and GNDVI. According to the results, the best combination in classifying healthy and low levels was found to be NDVI and GNDVI, with 100% F1 score. In addition, the combination of NDVI and NDRE was found to be the best combination in classifying mild and severe level. The most important vegetation index that could detect every level of infestation was NDVI. Furthermore, Weighted KNN become the best model that constantly gave the best performance in classifying all the infestation levels (F1 score > 99.70%) in all combinations. The suggested technique is crucial for the early phase of severity-level detection and saves time on the preparation and operation of the control measure.
Pork Consumption Patterns among Rural Residents in China: A Regional and Cultural Perspective (2000–2020)
Authors: Zhang Haizhao , Shi Zizhong , Zhou Hui , Hu Xiangdong
Published: September 2023

Pork is a principal component of the food supply for residents in China, acting as a primary source of animal protein. Analyzing the factors affecting pork consumption among rural Chinese residents is critical for understanding trends in the pig market and the direction of price control. China encompasses an immense geographical area (ranked third in the world) and is home to a globally acknowledged cultural diversity. This results in China having a diverse range of regional and cultural characteristics. These factors may profoundly influence the meat consumption habits of rural residents in China in a real-world context. In econometric decision making, traditional fixed effects models are incapable of estimating regional and cultural factors as these come under individual effects. In this study, leveraging a distinct fixed-effect filter model recently developed, we estimate these regional and cultural variables to verify whether they are statistically significant. This approach adds a fresh perspective to traditional consumption theory. This study uses panel data from 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions registered in national data as the research object. The detailed findings include: (1) Rural residents in coastal provinces show a stronger inclination towards pork consumption compared to those in inland areas. (2) The ethnic feature of provinces also presents a significant impact, with provinces reflecting Mongolian, Zhuang, Tujia, and Yi ethnic characteristics pointing to higher pork consumption. This contrasts with provinces characterized by Yao, Li, and Muslim ethnicities, which tend towards the opposite. Based on these empirical findings, this paper provides policy suggestions for optimizing the layout of the pig industry, which will offer multi-dimensional regulatory directions for optimizing the pig industry layout in China.
Detection of Varroa destructor Infestation of Honeybees Based on Segmentation and Object Detection Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Liu Mochen , Cui Mingshi , Xu Baohua , Liu Zhenguo , Li Zhenghao , Chu Zhenyuan , Zhang Xinshan , Liu Guanlu , Xu Xiaoli , Yan Yinfa
Published: September 2023

Varroa destructor infestation is a major factor leading to the global decline of honeybee populations. Monitoring the level of Varroa mite infestation in order to take timely control measures is crucial for the protection of bee colonies. Machine vision systems can achieve non-invasive Varroa mite detection on bee colonies, but it is challenged by two factors: the complex dynamic scenes of honeybees and small-scale and limited data on Varroa destructor. We design a convolutional neural network integrated with machine vision to solve these problems. To address the first challenge, we separate the image of the honeybee from its surroundings using a segmentation network, and the object-detection network YOLOX detects Varroa mites within the segmented regions. This collaboration between segmentation and object detection allows for more precise detection and reduces false positives. To handle the second challenge, we add a Coordinate Attention (CA) mechanism in YOLOX to extract a more discriminative representation of Varroa destructor and improve the confidence loss function to alleviate the problem of class imbalance. The experimental results in the bee farm showed that the evaluation metrics of our model are better than other models. Our network’s detection value for the percentage of honeybees infested with Varroa mites is 1.13%, which is the closest to the true value of 1.19% among all the detection values.
A Scientometric Analysis of Research Trends and Knowledge Structure on the Climate Effects of Irrigation between 1993 and 2022
Authors: Huang Siyu , Li Sien , Wu Mousong , Wang Chunyu , Yang Danni
Published: September 2023

Irrigation, as one of the most impactful human interventions in the terrestrial water cycle, has been arousing great attention due to research on the impacts of its interaction with climate. In this paper, we used a scientometric analysis method to explore the overall publication output of the climatic effects of irrigation (CEI) field from the Web of Science Core Collection (WSCC) database, covering the time period from 1993 to 2022. And, through a visual scientific citation analysis tool, CiteSpace, we studied the knowledge structure, disciplinary trajectory, frontier hotspots, and academic impacts in the field of CEI. Using topic screening, 2919 publications related to irrigation climate were searched. CEI research has gone through the knowledge germination stage (1993–2005), knowledge accretion stage (2006–2012), and the knowledge prosperity stage (2013–2022), respectively. Ecology, earth, and marine are the most influential disciplines of research in this field, and they are influenced by earth, geology, geophysics and plant, ecology, zoology. AWM and SOTTE are the most popular journals currently. The academic impacts of scientific stakeholders are uneven. European and American countries have profound influence in the research field. The keyword of “Climate change” is the turning point in the co-word analysis network, and research hotspots focus on “carbon dioxide”, “model”, “climate”, “growth”, “temperature”, “biomass”, “global warming”, “CO2”, “global change”, “dynamics”, “adjustments”, and “atmospheric CO2”. The knowledge base of the CEI field can be divided into 14 clusters, such as cotton production, semi-arid condition, and irrigation water supply, and these three clusters are the three largest among them. This paper offers a comprehensive scientometric review of CEI, and, to some degree, provides some reference for the relevant research on the climate effects of irrigation, which will be beneficial to understand the current research situation and development trend in this field, as well as provide state-of-the-art and future perspectives.
Genome-Wide Identification of the Phytocyanin Gene Family and Its Potential Function in Salt Stress in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Jinyu , Li Huici , Zhang Gongzhan , Hu Dandan , Zhang Dan , Xu Xinjuan , Yang Yuming , Huang Zhongwen
Published: September 2023

Phytocyanins (PCs), plant-specific blue copper proteins, are crucial for various biological processes during plant development. However, a comprehensive characterization of the soybean PC gene family (GmPC) is lacking. In this study, we performed genome-wide screening of soybean PC genes, and 90 PC genes were identified in the soybean genome. Further analysis revealed that the GmPC family was categorized into four subfamilies (stellacyanins, GmSCs; uclacyanins, GmUCs; plantacyanins, GmPLCs; and early nodulin-like proteins, GmENODLs). In-depth analysis revealed that each specific GmPC subfamily exhibited similar characteristics, with segmental duplications playing a major role in expanding the members of GmPC. Additionally, synteny and evolutionary constraint analyses suggested that GmPCs have undergone strong selective pressure for purification during the evolution of soybeans. The promoter cis-regulatory elements analysis of GmPCs suggested that GmPCs might play a crucial role in various stress responses. The expression patterns of GmPCs exhibited tissue-specific variations. Moreover, 23 of the GmPCs may be involved in soybean’s response to salt stress. In all, our study presents a systematic overview of GmPC, which not only provides a valuable foundation for further functional investigations of GmPCs, but also offers new insights into the mechanism of soybean salt tolerance.
Mixed Fermentations of Yeasts and Lactic Acid Bacteria as Sustainable Processes to Enhance the Chemical Composition of Cider Made of Topaz and Red Topaz Apple Varieties
Authors: Călugăr Paul Cristian , Coldea Teodora Emilia , Pop Carmen Rodica , Stan Laura , Gal Emese , Ranga Floricuța , Hegheș Simona Codruța , Mudura Elena
Published: September 2023

This study examined the effect of simultaneous fermentations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia kluyveri, Lactobacillus plantarum and Oenococcus oeni on the chemical composition of apple cider from two apple varieties—Topaz and Red Topaz. Analytical techniques (HPLC-RID, HPLC-VWD, GC/MS, GC/FID, HPLC-DAD ESI+) were employed to analyze glucides, organic acids, volatile compounds, amino acids and phenolic compounds, respectively. Statistical analysis and and PCA were conducted to assess the correlations among samples based on the compounds identified. In the mixed fermentations, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae + Lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae + Oenococcus oeni, the amount of lactic acid was higher compared to the other samples, thus proving the effectiveness of malolactic fermentation simultaneous to alcoholic fermentation. The fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae + Pichia kluyveri resulted in the formation of greater amounts of certain volatile compounds. Moreover, the sensory analysis revealed that Saccharomyces cerevisiae + Pichia kluyveri distinguished apple-like, fruity and floral notes. This study suggests that the simultaneous inoculation of Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts results in a more complex-flavored cider. The mixed fermentation of yeast and lactic acid bacteria is a sustainable method given the shortened fermentation duration and can be successfully applied in the cider industry.