bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of augmented reality for inquiry-based activity about the phenomenon of seasons: effect on mental effort and learning outcomes
Authors: Martin Elena , Castéra Jérémy , Cheneval-Armand Hélène , Brandt-Pomares Pascale
Published: July 2023

Despite the profusion of studies on the use of augmented reality (AR) for teaching, the scientific results on the students’ learning do not fully converge. On the one hand, some studies have shown AR’s benefits, including autonomy and improvement of learning by reducing mental effort. On the other hand, other studies have highlighted the strong limitations of AR technology for learning, such as cognitive over loading in some specific cases. This study investigates the impact of AR on the mental effort and learning outcomes of students who were involved in an inquiry-based science training session. The sample was composed of French Master’s degree students. A control group who used physical modeling activities and an experimental group who used an AR model for the first time studied the phenomenon of the seasons. The students were tested on their learning outcomes and mental effort during the training session. Results revealed no significant differences, except for the short-term test which showed better learning results for the control group. Moreover, a link between mental effort and learning outcomes was observed independently of the group conditions. Despite the first use of an AR model to study a complex scientific phenomenon, the experimental group (AR) performs in similar way to the control group (without AR) in long-term learning outcomes and mental effort.
Genetic liability to multiple factors and uterine leiomyoma risk: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Qu Yangming , Chen Lanlan , Guo Shijie , Liu Ying , Wu Hui
Published: July 2023

Background and objective

Uterine leiomyoma is the most common benign tumor in females of reproductive age. However, its causes have never been fully understood. The objective of our study was to analyze the causal association between various factors and uterine leiomyoma using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

Genetic variables associated with risk factors were obtained from genome-wide association studies. Summary-level statistical data for uterine leiomyoma were obtained from FinnGen and the UK Biobank (UKB) consortium. We used inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, and weighted median methods in univariate analysis. Multivariable MR analysis was used to identify independent risk factors. A fixed-effect model meta-analysis was used to combine the results of the FinnGen and UKB data.

Results

In the FinnGen data, higher genetically predicted age at natural menopause, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and fasting insulin were associated with an increased risk of uterine leiomyoma, while higher age at menarche was associated with a reduced risk of uterine leiomyoma. Multivariable MR analysis of SBP and DBP showed that higher DBP might be an independent risk factor of uterine leiomyoma. In the UKB data, the results for age at natural menopause, SBP, DBP, and age at menarche were replicated. The result of the meta-analysis suggested that uterine leiomyoma could also be affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and 2-hour glucose level.

Conclusion

Our MR study confirmed that earlier menstrual age, hypertension, obesity, and elevated 2-hour glucose post-challenge were risk factors for uterine leiomyoma, and the causal relationship between smoking and uterine leiomyoma was ruled out. In addition, later age of menopause and endometriosis were found to increase the risk of uterine leiomyoma, while PCOS was found to decrease the risk.
Case Report: A novel EPAS1 mutation in a case of paraganglioma complicated with polycythemia and atrial septal defect
Authors: Yang Haiyan , Chen Yue , Liu Kai , Zhao Liming
Published: July 2023

Background

Paraganglioma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor and is highly associated with hereditary susceptibility genes, often occurring as part of a genetic syndrome. The genetic heterogeneity of paraganglioma poses challenges in diagnosis, counseling, and clinical management.

Case summary

We present the case of a 60-year-old woman with hypertension, atrial septal defect, and polycythemia, who experienced paroxysmal palpitations, sweating, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Her blood pressure was severely unstable. Blood laboratory tests revealed elevated catecholamine levels, contrast-enhanced CT of her whole abdomen showed a round retroperitoneal mass with soft tissue density, and somatostatin receptor imaging (68Ga PET-CT) indicated a retroperitoneal mass with abnormally increased expression of somatostatin receptor. It is interesting to note that whole exome sequencing (WES) analyses on both blood and tumor samples revealed a novel EPAS1 mutation, specifically the c.2501A > G; p.Tyr834Cys variant, which has never been reported. The patient was diagnosed with paraganglioma and underwent successful Da Vinci robot-assisted laparoscopic resection of the retroperitoneal tumor. During a 3-month follow-up period, her blood pressure stabilized, and her symptoms significantly improved.

Conclusion

This case reveals that the EPSA1 mutation may be the primary driver of paraganglioma complicated by atrial septal defect and polycythemia. Additionally, the utilization of Da Vinci robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery contributed to a favorable prognosis for the patient.
Predicting metabolic syndrome by obesity- and lipid-related indices in mid-aged and elderly Chinese: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Yuqing , Gui Jiaofeng , Liu Haiyang , Guo Lei-lei , Li Jinlong , Lei Yunxiao , Li Xiaoping , Sun Lu , Yang Liu , Yuan Ting , Wang Congzhi , Zhang Dongmei , Wei Huanhuan , Li Jing , Liu Mingming , Hua Ying , Zhang Lin
Published: July 2023

Objective

To predict the optimal cut-off values for screening and predicting metabolic syndrome(MetS) in a middle-aged and elderly Chinese population using 13 obesity and lipid-related indicators, and to identify the most suitable predictors.

Methods

The data for this cross-sectional investigation came from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), including 9457 middle-aged and elderly people aged 45-98 years old. We examined 13 indicators, including waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), waist-height ratio (WHtR), visceral adiposity index (VAI), a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), lipid accumulation product index (LAP), conicity index (CI), Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI), triglyceride-glucose index (TyG-index) and their combined indices (TyG-BMI, TyG-WC, TyG-WHtR). The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the usefulness of indicators for screening for MetS in the elderly and to determine their cut-off values, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC). Association analysis of 13 obesity-related indicators with MetS was performed using binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 9457 middle-aged and elderly Chinese were included in this study, and the overall prevalence of the study population was 41.87% according to the diagnostic criteria of NCEP ATP III. According to age and gender, the percentage of males diagnosed with MetS was 30.67% (45-54 years old: 30.95%, 55-64 years old: 41.02%, 65-74 years old: 21.19%, ≥ 75 years old: 6.84%). The percentage of females diagnosed with MetS was 51.38% (45-54 years old: 31.95%, 55-64 years old: 39.52%, 65-74 years old: 20.43%, ≥ 75 years old: 8.10%). The predictive power of Tyg-related parameters was more prominent in both sexes. In addition, LAP and CVAI are also good at predicting MetS. ABSI had a poor prediction ability.

Conclusions

Among the middle-aged and elderly population in China, after adjusting for confounding factors, all the indicators except ABSI had good predictive power. The predictive power of Tyg-related parameters was more prominent in both sexes. In addition, LAP and CVAI are also good at predicting MetS.
Case Report: Repeated esophageal obstruction in a patient with type 3C diabetes mellitus
Authors: Koyama Katsumasa , Anno Takatoshi , Takenouchi Haruka , Kimura Tomohiko , Kaku Kohei , Kaneto Hideaki
Published: July 2023

Although diabetic neuropathy is a well-known cause of gastrointestinal motility disorders, it is rare that diabetic neuropathy brings about esophageal obstruction. Here, we report a case with Type 3C diabetes mellitus (DM) lasting over 15 years and repeated esophageal obstruction resulting in chicken-meat-induced esophageal obstruction and candidiasis. This case highlights the importance of management of DM to prevent the development of complications such as diabetic neuropathy and associated symptoms.
Evaluating solid sorbents for CO2 capture: linking material properties and process efficiency via adsorption performance
Authors: Saenz Cavazos Paola A. , Hunter-Sellars Elwin , Iacomi Paul , McIntyre Sean R. , Danaci David , Williams Daryl R.
Published: July 2023

Expanding populations and growing economies result in higher energy needs. Meeting this increasing demand, while lowering carbon emissions, calls for a broad energy mix and commercial deployment of solutions like carbon capture and carbon removal technologies. The scale-up of these solutions is partially hindered by the lack of materials-related information, particularly in the case of solid adsorption-based carbon capture technologies. Furthermore, experimental measurement parameters used and how data is presented lack uniformity, which makes material comparisons extremely difficult. This review examines the current state of solid sorbent characterization for carbon capture, exploring physical and chemical properties, performance parameters, and process indicators. Adsorbent performance parameters demonstrate to be the crucial link between intrinsic material properties and the overall adsorption process effectiveness and therefore are the focus of this work. This paper outlines the relevant techniques used to measure Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to adsorption performance such as CO2 adsorption capacity, selectivity, kinetics, ease of regeneration, stability, adsorbent cost, and environmental impact. Additionally, this study highlights the relevant experimental conditions for diluted versus concentrated CO2 streams. Lastly, efforts in harmonizing experimental data sets are considered, and an outlook on solid sorbent characterization for carbon capture processes is presented. Overall, the aim of this work is to provide the reader a critical understanding of KPIs from atomic to process scale, highlighting the importance of experimental data throughout.
Energy finance risk warning model based on GABP algorithm
Authors: Nai Chao
Published: July 2023

Energy finance is the product of the close combination of the energy industry and the financial industry, and the two affect each other. The energy crisis may lead to a financial crisis, and the financial crisis may also lead to a energy crisis. Early risk warning for the energy financial crisis can effectively mitigate and reduce risks. This article used the GABP (Genetic Algorithm Back Propagation) algorithm model to systematically analyze and predict the risks of energy financial crises. After establishing indicators for energy finance risk warning, this article collected relevant data from 150 energy companies and 210 financial companies, and compared them with the GABP algorithm model and manual analysis model. The error value of the model is determined by the numerical expansion in the positive and negative directions based on zero scale values. The closer the zero scale value is, the smaller the error; the farther it is from the zero scale value, the greater the error. The results show that the average accuracy of the GABP model for energy finance risk warning is 85.2%, and the minimum error value is −0.23. The average accuracy of using manual analysis models for energy finance risk warning is 75.8%, with a minimum error value of 1.89. The GABP algorithm has advantages in constructing energy finance risk warning models.
Projected effects of climate change and urban expansion on species-level biodiversity of plants in main city clusters of Northern China
Authors: Ma Tianxiao , Liang Yu , Li Zhouyuan , Liu Bo , Wu Mia M. , Lau Matthew K. , Feng Yue
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Northern China is considered a global hotspot of biodiversity loss due to dramatic climate and land use change characterized by rapid urban expansion. However, little is known that the impacts of these two drivers in shaping the future availability of habitat for plants in urban areas of Northern China, especially at a high spatial resolution.

Methods

Here, we modelled the habitat suitability of 2,587 plant species from the flora of Northern China and estimated how future climate and urban expansion may affect species-level plant biodiversity across three shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios for the year 2050 in main city clusters.

Results

The results suggested that climate and urban expansion combined could cause a decline of up to 6.5% in plant biodiversity of Northern China, while urban expansion alone may cause 4.7–6.2% and climate change cause 0.0–0.3% by 2050. The contribution of urban expansion was higher in urban areas, while the contribution of climate change was higher in natural areas. Species may lose an average of 8.2–10.0% of their original environmentally suitable area. Our results verified that the process of urban expansion would necessarily result in large-scale biodiversity loss.

Discussion

The plant biodiversity loss in city clusters of Northern China was mainly determined by urban expansion rather than climatic change. The impact of climate change should not be ignored, since climate change will likely cause a higher reduction of area for some species. Based on these findings, we proposed that plant biodiversity loss in Northern China will accelerate in the future unless both urban expansion change and climate change are minimized.
Variations in climate drive behavior and survival of small desert tortoises
Authors: Berry Kristin H. , Mack Jeremy S. , Anderson Kemp M.
Published: July 2023

In the Mojave Desert, timing and amounts of precipitation profoundly affect the availability of water and annual plant foods necessary for the threatened Agassiz’s desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) to survive, especially during prolonged droughts. As part of recovery actions to increase declining populations, we translocated 83 juvenile and young desert tortoises raised in head-start pens for 4–10 years to a new location 15 km away during the fall of 2013 and 2014. We tracked them for 9 years during a megadrought, during multiple years of low rainfall, and a few years when precipitation neared or exceeded long-term norms. We evaluated behaviors and how precipitation and forage availability affected survival. At the end of the study, 21.6% of tortoises were alive, and six had grown to adulthood. Annual models of survival indicated that tortoise size was the driving variable in most years, followed by the number of repeatedly used burrows during periods of temperature extremes. Other variables affecting survival in ≥1 year were vegetation, movements during the first 2 years post-translocation, and condition index, a measure of health. Tortoises moved more, expanded home ranges, and grew rapidly in years when winter rainfall approached or exceeded long-term norms and annual plants were available to eat. During dry years, movements and growth were limited. Exceptions to this pattern occurred in the last year of study, a dry year: tortoises grew and moved more, and home ranges increased. The increase in size and approaching adulthood may have stimulated greater traveling. Some left the study area, indicating a need for large release areas. We may have aided survival by offering water twice yearly when handling because some tortoises drank and increased in mass up to 40%. Prolonged droughts and hotter temperatures can limit the recovery of populations, reduce the survival of young tortoises, and increase the time to maturity.
Potentially differential impacts on niche overlap between Chinese endangered Zelkova schneideriana and its associated tree species under climate change
Authors: Zhou Yanrong , Lu Xin , Zhang Guangfu
Published: July 2023

Climate change has a significant impact on the potential distribution for endangered trees. However, to date, little is known about how the endangered trees and main associated ones in different types of subtropical forests respond to climate change. Here, we first selected the endangered Zelkova schneideriana endemic to China and its associated trees as focus species from two subtropical forest communities (i.e. deciduous broad-leaf forest, bamboo and broad-leaf mixed forest) in China, and divided them into two species pairs: Z. schneideriana vs. Celtis sinensis, and Z. schneideriana vs. Phyllostachys edulis. Then, we simulated the three species’ suitable areas under current and future climate scenarios using Maxent based on the occurrence records and environmental variables, and further measured niche overlap between each species pair over time. Our Maxent showed: (1) Temperature-related factors have greater influence on Z. schneideriana than the other factors. The most important factor influencing its population distribution was Min temperature of coldest month (Bio6), followed by Mean diurnal range (Bio2), with the total contribution of 78.9%. (2) Currently, the suitable area of Z. schneideriana was predicted to be 106.50 × 104 km2, mostly located in the subtropical region of China, especially in Anhui, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces. (3) Its suitable area would decrease and its average migration distance was 19.72 km under 16 future climate scenarios, with the core distribution migrating northeast. (4) There is an asynchrony of potential niche overlap between species pairs. One species pair with C. sinensis will rise in terms of Schoener’s D and I values whereas the other one with P. edulis will decline in the future. This asynchrony can be ascribed to the different future suitable ranges of these focus species as well as their ecological characteristics. Our study provides a new perspective on the conservation for endangered trees and surrounding neighbors in Chinese subtropical forests.
Turnover of multiple sex chromosomes in Harttia catfish (Siluriformes, Loricariidae): a glimpse from whole chromosome painting
Authors: Sassi Francisco de Menezes Cavalcante , Deon Geize Aparecida , Sember Alexandr , Liehr Thomas , Oyakawa Osvaldo Takeshi , Moreira Filho Orlando , Bertollo Luiz Antonio Carlos , Vicari Marcelo Ricardo , Cioffi Marcelo de Bello
Published: July 2023

The remarkable fish biodiversity encompasses also great sex chromosome variability. Harttia catfish belong to Neotropical models for karyotype and sex chromosome research. Some species possess one of the three male-heterogametic sex chromosome systems, XY, X1X2Y or XY1Y2, while other members of the genus have yet uncharacterized modes of sex determination. Particularly the XY1Y2 multiple sex chromosome system shows a relatively low incidence among vertebrates, and it has not been yet thoroughly investigated. Previous research suggested two independent X-autosome fusions in Harttia which led to the emergence of XY1Y2 sex chromosome system in three of its species. In this study, we investigated evolutionary trajectories of synteny blocks involved in this XY1Y2 system by probing six Harttia species with whole chromosome painting (WCP) probes derived from the X (HCA-X) and the chromosome 9 (HCA-9) of H. carvalhoi. We found that both painting probes hybridize to two distinct chromosome pairs in Amazonian species, whereas the HCA-9 probe paints three chromosome pairs in H. guianensis, endemic to Guyanese drainages. These findings demonstrate distinct evolutionary fates of mapped synteny blocks and thereby elevated karyotype dynamics in Harttia among the three evolutionary clades.
Berberine-containing natural-medicine with boiled peanut-OIT induces sustained peanut-tolerance associated with distinct microbiota signature
Authors: Srivastava Kamal , Cao Mingzhuo , Fidan Ozkan , Shi Yanmei , Yang Nan , Nowak-Wegrzyn Anna , Miao Mingsan , Zhan Jixun , Sampson Hugh A. , Li Xiu-Min
Published: July 2023

Background

Gut microbiota influence food allergy. We showed that the natural compound berberine reduces IgE and others reported that BBR alters gut microbiota implying a potential role for microbiota changes in BBR function.

Objective

We sought to evaluate an oral Berberine-containing natural medicine with a boiled peanut oral immunotherapy (BNP) regimen as a treatment for food allergy using a murine model and to explore the correlation of treatment-induced changes in gut microbiota with therapeutic outcomes.

Methods

Peanut-allergic (PA) mice, orally sensitized with roasted peanut and cholera toxin, received oral BNP or control treatments. PA mice received periodic post-therapy roasted peanut exposures. Anaphylaxis was assessed by visualization of symptoms and measurement of body temperature. Histamine and serum peanut-specific IgE levels were measured by ELISA. Splenic IgE+B cells were assessed by flow cytometry. Fecal pellets were used for sequencing of bacterial 16S rDNA by Illumina MiSeq. Sequencing data were analyzed using built-in analysis platforms.

Results

BNP treatment regimen induced long-term tolerance to peanut accompanied by profound and sustained reduction of IgE, symptom scores, plasma histamine, body temperature, and number of IgE+ B cells (p <0.001 vs Sham for all). Significant differences were observed for Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio across treatment groups. Bacterial genera positively correlated with post-challenge histamine and PN-IgE included Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Hydrogenanaerobacterium (all Firmicutes) while Verrucromicrobiacea. Caproiciproducens, Enterobacteriaceae, and Bacteroidales were negatively correlated.

Conclusions

BNP is a promising regimen for food allergy treatment and its benefits in a murine model are associated with a distinct microbiota signature.
Divergent functional outcomes of NLRP3 blockade downstream of multi-inflammasome activation: therapeutic implications for ALS
Authors: Clénet Marie-Laure , Keaney James , Gillet Gaëlle , Valadas Jorge S. , Langlois Julie , Cardenas Alvaro , Gasser Julien , Kadiu Irena
Published: July 2023

NOD-Like Receptor Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome modulation has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach targeting inflammation amplified by pyroptotic innate immune cell death. In diseases characterized by non-cell autonomous neurodegeneration including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the activation of several inflammasomes has been reported. Since functional redundancy can exist among inflammasome pathways, here we investigate the effects of NLRP3 inhibition on NLRP3, NLR family CARD Domain Containing 4 (NLRC4) and non-canonical pathways to understand whether NLRP3 blockade alone can mitigate pro-inflammatory cytokine release and pyroptotic cell death in contexts where single or multiple inflammasome pathways independent of NLRP3 are activated. In this study we do not limit our insights into inflammasome biology by solely relying on the THP-1 monocytic line under the LPS/nigericin-mediated NLRP3 pathway activation paradigm. We assess therapeutic potential and limitations of NLRP3 inhibition in multi-inflammasome activation contexts utilizing various human cellular systems including cell lines expressing gain of function (GoF) mutations for several inflammasomes, primary human monocytes, macrophages, healthy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patient induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived microglia (iMGL) stimulated for canonical and non-canonical inflammasome pathways. We demonstrate that NLRP3 inhibition can modulate the NLRC4 and non-canonical inflammasome pathways; however, these effects differ between immortalized, human primary innate immune cells, and iMGL. We extend our investigation in more complex systems characterized by activation of multiple inflammasomes such as the SOD1G93A mouse model. Through deep immune phenotyping by single-cell mass cytometry we demonstrate that acute NLRP3 inhibition does not ameliorate spinal cord inflammation in this model. Taken together, our data suggests that NLRP3 inhibition alone may not be sufficient to address dynamic and complex neuroinflammatory pathobiological mechanisms including dysregulation of multiple inflammasome pathways in neurodegenerative disease such as ALS.
The extracellular vesicles targeting tumor microenvironment: a promising therapeutic strategy for melanoma
Authors: Li Yongmin , Liu Fei
Published: July 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small particles secreted by numerous cell types and circulate in almost all body fluids, acting as crucial messengers for cell-to-cell communication. EVs involves multiple physiological and pathological processes, including tumor progression, via their multiple cargoes. Therefore, EVs have become attractive candidates for the treatment of tumor, including melanoma. Notably, due to the crucial role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in promoting tumor malignant phenotype, and the close intercellular communication in TME, EVs-based therapy by targeting TME has become a cutting-edge and prospective strategy for inhibiting melanoma progression and strengthening the anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we aimed to summarize and discuss the role of therapeutic EVs, which target the components of TME in melanoma, thereby providing insights into these promising clinical strategies for the treatment of melanoma patients.
NFκB1 inhibits memory formation and supports effector function of ILC2s in memory-driven asthma
Authors: Verma Mukesh , Verma Divya , Sripada Anand Santosh , Sirohi Kapil , Varma Rangati , Sahu Anita , Alam Rafeul
Published: July 2023

Background

ILC2s are capable of generating memory. The mechanism of memory induction and memory-driven effector function (trained immunity) in ILC2s is unknown.

Objective

NFκB1 is preferentially expressed at a high level in ILC2s. We examined the role of NFkB1 in memory induction and memory-driven effector function in a mouse model of asthma.

Methods

Intranasal administration of Alternaria, flexivent, ELISA, histology, real-time PCR, western blot, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining.

Results

NFκB1 was essential for the effector phase of memory-driven asthma. NFκB1 was critical for IL33 production, ILC2 generation, and production of type-2 cytokines, which resulted in eosinophilic inflammation and other features of asthma. NFκB1 induction of type-2 cytokines in ILC2s was independent of GATA3. NFκB1 was important for allergen induction of ILC3s and FoxP3+ Tregs. NFκB1 did not affect Th2 cells or their cytokine production. In contrast to its protagonistic role in the effector phase, NFκB1 had an antagonistic role in the memory phase. NFκB1 inhibited allergen-induced upregulation of memory-associated repressor and preparedness genes in ILC2s. NFκB1 upregulated RUNX1. NFκB1 formed a heterodimer with RUNX1 in ILC2s.

Conclusions

NFκB1 positively regulated the effector phase but inhibited the induction phase of memory. The foregoing pointed to an interdependent antagonism between the memory induction and the memory effector processes. The NFκB1-RUNX1 heterodimer represented a non-canonical transcriptional activator of type-2 cytokines in ILC2s.
Climate change adaptation strategies for small-scale Hilsa fishers in the coastal area of Bangladesh: social, economic, and ecological perspectives
Authors: Mozumder Mohammad Mojibul Hoque , Schneider Petra , Islam Mohammad Mahmudul , Deb Dibash , Hasan Mehedi , Monzer Md. Abdulla , Nur As-Ad Ujjaman
Published: July 2023

This study examines social, economic, and ecological adaptation strategies for small-scale Hilsa fishers in Bangladesh’s coastal areas in response to the impacts of climate change. The Hilsa fishery and the communities dependent on it are vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, making it imperative to adopt mechanisms to cope with its consequences. Using a mixed-method approach, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and a review of secondary resources, this study explores adaptation policies, relevant factors, and aspects of the Hilsa fishing community’s response to climate change. The study finds that climate change poses a significant threat to biodiversity, potentially leading to changes in fish migration systems and declining fish stocks. The Hilsa fishers perceive that addressing climate change requires policies that combat poverty, preserve or restore biodiversity, and enhance ecosystem services simultaneously. The study identifies social adaptation strategies such as risk reduction, social relationships, and participation in adaptation planning. Economic adaptation strategies include alternative livelihood development, aquaculture, and access to credit. The study also suggests that effective ecological adaptation actions include developing climate change knowledge and fishers’ local ecological knowledge, establishing more effective sanctuaries, and developing networks among protected areas. The study concludes that formal adaptation policies should consider fishers’ interests and practices for adaptation, including their knowledge of social, economic, and ecological issues, to address the impacts of climate change on small-scale fishers and their communities.
Prey and habitat characteristics contribute to hotspots of distribution for an endangered coastal dolphin
Authors: Brough Tom E. , Rayment William J. , Slooten Liz , Dawson Steve
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Understanding the characteristics of hotspots of species distribution provides opportunities for habitat-based management; a vital and often missing component in the conservation of mobile marine species. Correlates of species distribution derived from species distribution models (SDMs) are assumed to represent the characteristics of important habitat, which often include physical and biological (i.e., prey) components. In this study, we integrate surveys of Hector’s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori) with in-situ data on environmental characteristics and prey to identify the statistical correlates of distribution and to assess ‘what makes hotspots unique’.

Methods

Between 2014 and 2017, ca. 300 surveys were carried out at hotspots and areas not routinely used by dolphins at Banks Peninsula on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. A broad range of prey and environmental variables were explored as drivers of dolphin distribution using generalized additive models, and principal component analysis was employed to determine a key environmental signature for hotspots.

Results

The relative abundance of dolphins was strongly correlated with prey abundance and a range of environmental variables representing habitat type and oceanographic conditions. The combination of high prey abundance and sandy, shallow, high current and low turbidity habitat was strongly represented at hotspots.

Discussion

These characteristics are also likely attributes of habitat with high ecological value generally, being related to high biodiversity, productivity, naturalness and ecosystem function. This study showcases the importance of targeted investigations into the characteristics of species hotspots to better guide the management of important areas for the conservation of both species and ecosystems.
Spawning characteristics of blue sprat (Spratelloides gracilis) in the waters of Penghu, central Taiwan Strait
Authors: Cheng Li Chi , Lan Yang Chi , Lan Kuo Wei , Weng Jinn Shing , Chen Yu Kai , Hsiao Sheng Tai , Wu Yi Sui , He Jia Shin , Huang Hsing Han , Huang Yu Cih , Cheng Hung An
Published: July 2023

Blue sprat (Spratelloides gracilis) is an economically valuable species that inhabits the central Taiwan Strait. However, despite the implementation of a local management scheme involving a closed season between 1 May and 1 June, the annual catch has rapidly decreased over the decades. Thus, the efficacy of the implemented regulations must be investigated. This study sought to clarify the reproductive biology, spawning ground, and behavior of this species in the waters of Penghu. In total, 6,549 specimens were collected between March 2021 and September 2022. Considering gonadosomatic index, group maturity, and oocyte diameter, we found that the spawning season (March–September) peaked in April; new cohorts were distinctly recruited after the spawning peak. The distribution of the spawning ground (latitude, 23°41′N to 23°43′N; longitude, 119°32′E to 119°39′E) was determined by considering the fishing area of mature females and DNA analysis of adhered eggs. We further noted shoals of fish darting in the bottom water without clear schooling movement, females’ abdomen frequently contacting substrata for eggs able to attach on during oviposition, and males releasing sperms making water milky white; these indicate that S. gracilis exhibits promiscuous spawning behavior. Our findings may facilitate the management and conservation of S. gracilis in this region.
Augmenting the double pipe heat exchanger efficiency using varied molar Ag ornamented graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles aqueous hybrid nanofluids
Authors: Armstrong Michael , Mahadevan Sivasubramanian , Selvapalam Narayanan , Santulli Carlo , Palanisamy Sivasubramanian , Fragassa Cristiano
Published: July 2023

The optimization of heat transfer in heat exchanging equipment is paramount for the efficient management of energy resources in both industrial and residential settings. In pursuit of this goal, this empirical study embarked on enhancing the heat transfer performance of a double pipe heat exchanger (DPHX) by introducing silver (Ag)-graphene oxide (GO) hybrid nanofluids into the annulus of the heat exchanger. To achieve this, three distinct molar concentrations of Ag ornamented GO hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized by blending GO nanoparticles with silver nitrate at molarities of 0.03 M, 0.06 M, and 0.09 M. These Ag-GO hybrid nanoparticles were then dispersed in the base fluid, resulting in the formation of three distinct hybrid nanofluids, each with a consistent weight percentage of 0.05 wt%. Thorough characterization and evaluation of thermophysical properties were performed on the resulting hybrid nanomaterials and nanofluids, respectively. Remarkably, the most significant enhancement in heat transfer coefficient, Nusselt number, and thermal performance index (62.9%, 33.55%, and 1.29, respectively) was observed with the 0.09 M Ag-GO hybrid nanofluid, operating at a Reynolds number of 1,451 and a flow rate of 47 g/s. These findings highlight the substantial improvement in thermophysical properties of the base fluid and the intensification of heat transfer in the DPHX with increasing Ag molarity over GO. In summary, this study emphasizes the vital importance of optimizing the molarity of the material, which also plays a significant role in nanoparticle synthesis to achieve the optimal amplification of heat transfer.
A critical review of experimental analyses performed on animals, post-mortem human subjects, and substitutes to explore primary blast-induced Traumatic Brain Injuries
Authors: Elster Natacha , Boutillier Johanna , Magnan Pascal , Naz Pierre , Willinger Rémy , Deck Caroline
Published: July 2023

Although blast-induced Traumatic Brain Injury (bTBI) has become a signature wound of conflict, its cause is not yet fully understood. Regarding primary blast injuries, i.e., those caused by the propagation of shock waves in the body, four direct and two indirect injury mechanisms have been mainly proposed in the literature. Since numerous authors have exposed instrumented animals, Post-Mortem Human Subjects (PMHS), and head substitutes to blast conditions, the aim of this review is to classify them in terms of threat, instrumentation, and investigated mechanisms. In the first part, data are collected from 6 studies on PMHS, 1 on primates, 11 on rodents, and 6 on swine for comparison purposes. Peak amplitudes of reflected pressures, intracranial pressures and cranial strains are extracted and analyzed to establish trends. Despite the small number of comparable studies, several similarities can be highlighted. Indeed, the analyses revealed a dose-response effect for most measurements. The results also depend on the orientation of the subject (forward, backward, and sideways) for the PMHS, primates, and swine. The second goal of this review is to evaluate the behavior of substitutes developed to replace PMHS experiments. Shell strains and internal pressures are thus collected on 19 geometric and anthropomorphic substitutes to assess whether they faithfully represent a human head. The results showed that these substitutes are for the most part not properly designed and therefore cannot yet reliably replace PMHS experimental data.
Emergence delirium and postoperative delirium associated with high plasma NfL and GFAP: an observational study
Authors: Liu Xingyang , Wang Yanfeng , Wu Jinghan , Ye Chunyan , Ma Daqing , Wang E.
Published: July 2023

Background

Neuroinflammation and neuronal injury have been reported to be associated with the development of postoperative delirium in both preclinical and clinical settings. This study aimed to investigate the potential correlation between biomarkers of neurofilament light chain and glial fibrillary acidic protein and emergence and postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing surgery.

Methods

Patients who developed emergence delirium (n = 30) and postoperative delirium (n = 32), along with their matched controls, were enrolled after obtaining ethics approval and written informed consent. Delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit or Confusion Assessment Method scale, and blood samples were collected before and after surgery for plasma neurofilament light chain and glial fibrillary acidic protein measurements using a single-molecule array.

Results

The study found that in patients with emergence delirium, the increase in plasma neurofilament light chain protein levels during surgery was significantly higher than in non-delirium patients (P = 0.002). Additionally, in patients with postoperative delirium, both the increase in plasma neurofilament light chain protein levels (P < 0.001) and the increase in plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein levels during surgery (P = 0.008) were significantly higher than in non-delirium patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the increase in plasma neurofilament light chain protein was associated with emergence delirium (adjusted OR = 1.872, P = 0.005), and the increase in plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein was associated with postoperative delirium (adjusted OR = 1.419, P = 0.016). Moreover, the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification and surgical duration were also found to be associated with delirium in elderly patients.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that emergence delirium is linked to elevated levels of neurofilament light chain, a biomarker of axonal injury, during surgery. Furthermore, in addition to axonal injury, postoperative delirium was also associated with an increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein, a marker of astrocyte activation.
Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome in childhood: a narrative review
Authors: Manieri Elisa , Dondi Arianna , Neri Iria , Lanari Marcello
Published: July 2023

Despite being rare, the Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a serious, possibly fatal condition that may affect both adults and children who may be also burdened by delayed sequelae. It is an adverse drug reaction characterized by widespread skin involvement, fever, lymphadenopathy, visceral involvement, and laboratory abnormalities (eosinophilia, mononucleosis-like atypical lymphocytes). It is more frequently triggered by anticonvulsants, sulphonamides, or antibiotics, the latter being responsible for up to 30% of pediatric cases. The disease typically develops 2–8 weeks after exposure to the culprit medication, with fever and widespread skin eruption; mild viral prodromes are possible. Unfortunately, diagnosis is challenging due to the absence of a reliable test; however, a score by the European Registry of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (RegiSCAR) allows to classify suspect patients into no, possible, probable, or definite DRESS cases. Moreover, rapid-onset DRESS syndrome has been described in recent years. It affects children more often than adults and differs from the most common form because it appears ≤15 days vs. >15 days after starting the drug, it is usually triggered by antibiotics or iodinated contrast media rather than by anticonvulsants and has a higher presence of lymphadenopathy. Differential diagnosis between rapid-onset antibiotic-driven DRESS syndrome, viral exanthems, or other drug eruptions may be challenging, but it is mandatory to define it as early as possible to start adequate treatment and monitor possible complications. The present review reports the latest evidence about the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric DRESS syndrome.
Effects of Bacillus velezensis GUAL210 control on edible rose black spot disease and soil fungal community structure
Authors: Dong Wanpeng , Long Ting , Ma Jinghua , Wu Nan , Mo Weidi , Zhou Zhicheng , Jin Jing , Zhou Hongying , Ding Haixia
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Rose black spot is an economically important disease that significantly decreases flower yield. Fungicide and biological control are effective approaches for controlling rose black spot. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of application of biological and chemical control agents, including Bacillus velezensis (GUAL210), Bacillus sp. (LKW) and fungicide (CP) on the black spot disease and rhizosphere fungal community structure of edible rose.

Methods

In this study, the R. chinensis ‘Crimson Glory' was taken as the research object, and the field experiment was designed by randomized block design. The experiment contained 3 treatments (CP, GUAL210, LKW) and 1 control. The control effect and growth promoting effect of fungicide and biological control on rose black spot were compared. The composition and diversity of rhizosphere soil fungal community of different treatments of rose were studied by high-throughput sequencing method. The fungal community composition, correlation of environmental factors and differences in metabolic pathways related to rose disease were analyzed, and the correlation between rhizosphere soil fungal community of rose and biological control of disease was explored.

Results and discussion

Both disease incidence and disease index differed significantly among groups (LKW < GUAL210 < CP < CK), and disease control effect exhibited no significant difference between GUAL210 and LKW (60.96% and 63.86%, respectively). Biological control was superior to chemical control in terms of disease prevention effects and duration, and it significantly increased the number of branches and flowers of rose plants. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota accounted for more than 74% of the total fungal abundance, and the abundance of Ascomycota was highest in CK, followed by GUAL210, CP and LKW, which was consistent with the disease occurrence in each group. The analysis of metabolic pathways showed that the HSERMETANA-PWY in each experimental group was significantly lower than that in control group. The Shannon index in each experimental group was significantly lower than that in control group. PCoA analysis showed that the rhizosphere fungal community structure in each experimental group was significantly different from that in control group. Trichoderma, Paraphaeosphaeria, Suillus, Umbelopsis in GUAL210, and Galerina in LKW replaced Mortierella, Pestalotiopsis, Ustilaginoidea, Paraconiothyrium, Fusarium, and Alternaria as dominant flora, and played a nonneglectable role in reducing disease occurrence. The difference in rhizosphere fungal community structure had an important impact on the incidence of rose black spot disease. Biological control is crucial for establishing environment-friendly ecological agriculture. GUAL210 has promising prospects for application and development, and may be a good substitute for chemical control agents.
Intestinal colonization with Campylobacter jejuni affects broiler gut microbiota composition but is not inhibited by daily intake of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Authors: Valečková Eliška , Sun Li , Wang Helen , Dube Faruk , Ivarsson Emma , Kasmaei Kamyar Mogodiniyai , Ellström Patrik , Wall Helena
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Lactobacilli may prevent broilers from colonization with Campylobacter spp. and other gram-negative zoonotic bacteria through lactic acid production and modulation of the intestinal microbiota. This study evaluated the effects of daily intake of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 256 (LP256) on Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) loads in ceca and feces of C. jejuni challenged broilers, together with the changes in the gut microbiota.

Methods

Two experiments were conducted using the broilers Ross 308 (R-308; Experiment 1) for 42 days and Rowan Ranger broilers (RR; Experiment 2) for 63 days. The LP256 strain was administered either via silage inoculated with LP256 or direct supplementation in the drinking water. Concurrently, haylage as a forage similar to silage but without any inoculum was tested. C. jejuni loads in fecal matter and cecal content were determined by plate counts and qPCR, respectively. The cecal microbiota, in response to treatments and the challenge, were assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results and Discussion

Culturing results displayed a significant reduction in C. jejuni colonization (2.01 log) in the silage treatment in comparison to the control at 1 dpi (day post-infection) in Experiment 1. However, no treatment effect on C. jejuni was observed at the end of the experiment. In Experiment 2, no treatment effects on C. jejuni colonization were found to be statistically significant. Colonization load comparison at the peak of infection (3 dpi) to that at the end of the trial (32 dpi) revealed a significant reduction in C. jejuni in all groups, regardless of treatment. Colonization dynamics of C. jejuni in the cecal samples analyzed by qPCR showed no difference between any of the treatments in Experiment 1 or 2. In both experiments, no treatment effects on the cecal microbiota were observed. However, proportional changes in the bacterial composition were observed after the C. jejuni challenge, suggesting that colonization affected the gut microbiota. Overall, the daily intake of LP256 was not effective in reducing C. jejuni colonization in either broiler type at the end of the rearing period and did not cause any significant changes in the birds’ cecal microbiota composition.