bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual Instruction
Authors:   , Notebaard Jamilla
Published: March 2024

The introduction of projection of photographic light images in academic teaching in the Netherlands was a fitting response to the increased number of students in the late 19th century: while the professor was explaining, everyone saw the same illustration material. Moreover, image projection allowed more examples to be shown in a shorter time frame.
This thesis focuses on the role of the optical lantern in knowledge transfer at Dutch universities between 1880 and 1940. To interpret the different roles of projection, I chose to examine three academic disciplines: botany, art history and dentistry. These disciplines all represent a specific "thought collective". In the words of science philosopher Ludwik Fleck's this represents a community of people who exchange ideas among themselves and maintain a certain intellectual interaction. One important basis of a "thought collective" concerns academic education, as it contributes to both the formation and continuity of the community. Therefore, this research considers lectures with projected images as an intrinsic part of the training of new generations of scientists. This creates a new connection between the subfields of university history and history of science. Accordingly, this research into daily teaching practice by means of projected slides allows us to gain a better understanding of the different focal points of knowledge transfer, of the relationship between textbooks and lectures and between theory and practice. The enormous quantities of glass slides still to be found in the various archive repositories today offer an excellent opportunity for research into the relationship between teaching practice and science communication.
Focused Ultrasound-mediated Blood-Brain Barrier Opening for Diffuse Midline Glioma Radiosensitisation
Authors:   , 't Hart Elvin
Published: March 2024

Diffuse midline glioma (DMG), previously known as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma when located in the pontine area, is a very aggressive paediatric brain tumour. After diagnosis, children with pontine DMG have a poor prognosis with a median survival of 11 months and a mortality rate of 95% within two years. Due to the location and invasive growth of the tumour, is DMG difficult to treat. Surgery is practically impossible, chemotherapy is limited due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and radiotherapy, which it is still the current treatment option, is restricted by severe side-effects and radio resistance occurrence. Microbubble and focused ultrasound-mediated BBB opening (FUS-BBBO) has made drug delivery into the brain parenchyma and potentially the tumour possible. Drug delivery of radiosensitisers, compounds that render tumour cells sensitive to radiation, by FUS-BBBO in combination with radiotherapy can have a beneficial effect for the patients. Although radiosensitization seems be a promising method for the treatment of DMG, there is no conclusive evidence regarding its effectiveness. The goal of this thesis was to validate the treatment effectiveness of radiosensitization through FUS-BBBO-mediated drug delivery in a DMG patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse model.
Colombianos en retorno desde Venezuela: el rol de las redes sociales y de las movilidades transfronterizas en sus emprendimientos
Authors: Riaño Yvonne , Aliaga Sáez Felipe
Published: March 2024

Se estudia el emprendimiento y la reintegración de personas colombianas que migraron a Venezuela hacia el año 2000 y fueron deportadas a Colombia en2015 por el gobierno venezolano. Se investiga hasta qué punto sus movilidades espaciales transfronterizas y sus redes sociales contribuyen alavancedesus microemprendimientos, y cómo el contexto geopolítico influye en su reintegración socioeconómica. La metodologíacomprendelaobservación etnográfica multisituada, lasentrevistasbiográficas, los mapas mentales y los talleres participativosMingarealizados con 18 individuos. Se concluye que,pese asu notable resiliencia, las personas en retornoy sus emprendimientos se enfrentan a una precariedad constante debido a la falta de apoyo estatal, los conflictos geopolíticos prevalentes, la débil economía local y el trauma de la deportación. Así mismo,buscandomejorar su reintegración socioeconómica, los migrantes que retornanefectúanestrategias de movilidad transfronterizaparaaprovechar las oportunidadesofrecidas por diferenteslugaresenColombiay Venezuela.
In vitro and in silico biopotentials of phytochemical compositions and antistaphylococcal and antipseudomonal activities of volatile compounds of Argania spinosa (L.) seed oil
Authors: Almuhayawi Mohammed S. , Alruhaili Mohammed H. , Gattan Hattan S. , Alharbi Mohanned Talal , Nagshabandi Mohammed K. , Hagagy Nashwa , Almuhayawi Saad M. , Al Jaouni Soad K. , Selim Samy , Mostafa Ehab M. , Elnosary Mohamed E.
Published: March 2024

Active components in medicinal plants provide unlimited useful and traditional medicines. Antimicrobial activities are found in secondary metabolites in plant extracts such as argan oil. This experimental investigation aims to determine argan oil’s volatile compounds and examine their in vitro antimicrobial properties. In silico simulations, molecular docking, pharmacokinetics, and drug-likeness prediction revealed the processes underlying the in vitro biological possessions. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to screen argan oil’s primary components. In silico molecular docking studies were used to investigate the ability of the selected bioactive constituents of argan oil to act effectively against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolated from infections. The goal was to study their ability to interact with both bacteria’s essential therapeutic target protein. The 21 chemicals in argan oil were identified by GC/MS. Docking results for all compounds with S. aureus and P. aeruginosa protease proteins ranged from −5 to −9.4 kcal/mol and −5.7 to −9.7 kcal/mol, respectively, compared to reference ligands. Our docking result indicates that the 10-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester was the most significant compound with affinity scores of −9.4 and −9.7 kcal/mol for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa proteins, respectively. The minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of argan oil were 0.7 ± 0.03 and 0.5 ± 0.01 for S. aureus and 0.4 ± 0.01 and 0.3 ± 0.02 for P. aeruginosa, respectively. We confirmed the antimicrobial properties of argan oil that showed significant growth inhibition for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.
Engineering tumor-oxygenated nanomaterials: advancing photodynamic therapy for cancer treatment
Authors: Zuo Tingting , Li Xiaodie , Ma Xuan , Zhang Ye , Li Xueru , Fan Xuehai , Gao Mingze , Xia Donglin , Cheng Huijun
Published: March 2024

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a promising treatment modality, employs photosensitizers to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) within localized tumor regions. This technique involves administering a photosensitizer followed by light activation in the presence of oxygen (O2), resulting in cytotoxic ROS production. PDT’s spatiotemporal selectivity, minimally invasive nature, and compatibility with other treatment modalities make it a compelling therapeutic approach. However, hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME) poses a significant challenge to conventional PDT. To overcome this hurdle, various strategies have been devised, including in-situ O2 generation, targeted O2 delivery, tumor vasculature normalization, modulation of mitochondrial respiration, and photocatalytic O2 generation. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent developments in designing tumor-oxygenated nanomaterials to enhance PDT efficacy. Furthermore, we delineate ongoing challenges and propose strategies to improve PDT’s clinical impact in cancer treatment.
Correlation between RNA N6-methyladenosine and ferroptosis in cancer: current status and prospects
Authors: Liu Qianzi , Lv Linxi , Cai Xueding , Zhu Jiandong , Li Jifa , Yang Lehe , Xie Xiaona , Zhao Chengguang , Zhao Haiyang
Published: March 2024

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant chemical modification in eukaryotic cells. It is a post-transcriptional modification of mRNA, a dynamic reversible process catalyzed by methyltransferase, demethylase, and binding proteins. Ferroptosis, a unique iron-dependent cell death, is regulated by various cell metabolic events, including many disease-related signaling pathways. And different ferroptosis inducers or inhibitors have been identified that can induce or inhibit the onset of ferroptosis through various targets and mechanisms. They have potential clinical value in the treatment of diverse diseases. Until now, it has been shown that in several cancer diseases m6A can be involved in the regulation of ferroptosis, which can impact subsequent treatment. This paper focuses on the concept, function, and biological role of m6A methylation modification and the interaction between m6A and ferroptosis, to provide new therapeutic strategies for treating malignant diseases and protecting the organism by targeting m6A to regulate ferroptosis.
The Fbn1 gene variant governs passive ascending aortic mechanics in the mgΔlpn mouse model of Marfan syndrome when superimposed to perlecan haploinsufficiency
Authors: Tarraf Samar A. , de Souza Rodrigo Barbosa , Herrick Ashley , Pereira Lygia V. , Bellini Chiara
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms arise from pathological tissue remodeling that leads to abnormal wall dilation and increases the risk of fatal dissection/rupture. Large variability in disease manifestations across family members who carry a causative genetic variant for thoracic aortic aneurysms suggests that genetic modifiers may exacerbate clinical outcomes. Decreased perlecan expression in the aorta of mgΔlpn mice with severe Marfan syndrome phenotype advocates for exploring perlecan-encoding Hspg2 as a candidate modifier gene.

Methods

To determine the effect of concurrent Hspg2 and Fbn1 mutations on the progression of thoracic aortopathy, we characterized the microstructure and passive mechanical response of the ascending thoracic aorta in female mice of four genetic backgrounds: wild-type, heterozygous with a mutation in the Fbn1 gene (mgΔlpn), heterozygous with a mutation in the Hspg2 gene (Hspg2+/−), and double mutants carrying both the Fbn1 and Hspg2 variants (dMut).

Results

Elastic fiber fragmentation and medial disarray progress from the internal elastic lamina outward as the ascending thoracic aorta dilates in mgΔlpn and dMut mice. Concurrent increase in total collagen content relative to elastin reduces energy storage capacity and cyclic distensibility of aortic tissues from mice that carry the Fbn1 variant. Inherent circumferential tissue stiffening strongly correlates with the severity of aortic dilatation in mgΔlpn and dMut mice. Perlecan haploinsufficiency superimposed to the mgΔlpn mutation curbs the viability of dMut mice, increases the occurrence of aortic enlargement, and reduces the axial stretch in aortic tissues.

Discussion

Overall, our findings show that dMut mice are more vulnerable than mgΔlpn mice without an Hspg2 mutation, yet later endpoints and additional structural and functional readouts are needed to identify causative mechanisms.
Case Report: Heart aneurysm of unknown origin in a two-year-old child diagnosed in the course of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children
Authors: Mystkowska Dominika , Galeczka Michal , Tarala Wojciech , Banaszak Pawel , Sliwka Joanna , Pawlak Szymon , Fiszer Roland
Published: March 2024

We present a case of a 22-month-old boy with a hypokinetic and thin-walled aneurysm of the left ventricle apex. The lesion was diagnosed during routine echocardiography examination in the course of MIS-C, and its occurrence due to MIS-C is plausible. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed an akinetic aneurysm of the LV apex with a full-wall ischemic scar. Aortography confirmed a normal course of coronary arteries, with adequate perfusion of essential branches and no evidence of stenosis or aneurysms. The boy underwent consultation with the heart team and was deemed eligible for surgery. The aneurysm was excised up to the margin of healthy tissues, and both the surgery and the periprocedural period were uneventful. Determining the origin of the aneurysm is challenging. The most probable etiology appears to be a congenital lesion. Another consideration is an ischemic lesion that may have resulted from impaired coronary circulation during the complicated course of MIS-C. It is possible that this disturbance resolved spontaneously before aortography was performed. Additionally, a complication of pericarditis cannot be entirely ruled out.
System-wide school mindfulness: addressing elementary students’ social-emotional learning and wellbeing
Authors: Henriksen Danah , Gruber Natalie
Published: March 2024

When considering students’ educational needs, emotional and mental health are often lower school priorities than content learning and traditional curricula. Yet, a growing youth mental health crisis is a reality that educators cannot afford to ignore. In this article, we present an illustrative case, at the school community level, as a form of pedagogical innovation. In this practical article, we discuss how a disenfranchised school community incorporated a systemic mindfulness intervention into its school culture, yielding positive and impressive results. Based on teachers’ pedagogical perspectives, we share perceptions of changes in students’ behavior, mental health, general outcomes, and teacher retention. This was spurred by a need to support students’ emotion regulation at school. We situate this local community innovation within the larger issue of youth mental health within US society and education. We describe the local context and setting of the school, including the need for trauma-informed social–emotional support for students with significant needs. After describing the mindfulness innovation in detail, we then share our qualitative analysis and results of its impact. Discussing interviews with school staff and administrators, and our observations of the school and classrooms, we distill findings and offer insights about the outcomes of mindfulness used at the level of an entire school community. Our implications suggest the potential of such community mental/emotional health innovations in education for students and teachers, leading to multiple areas of school improvement.
“We try to give a good life to the children”-refugee parents and ECE professionals experiences of the early childhood education partnership in Norway
Authors: Lund Hilde Hjertager
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Children in Europe and Norway grow up in an increasingly culturally diverse society. As of 2022, 20% of children in Norwegian Early Childhood Education (ECE) institutions have a minority background. It is essential for parents and ECE professionals to work together to ensure a good start for these children. The partnership between the ECE institutions and parents is a statutory right and duty, and parents should, on equal terms, participate and influence what happens in the ECE institutions. However, research has shown a wide variation in how ECE professionals create partnerships with minority and refugee parents, and many find working with this group of parents challenging. This article explores the experiences of the interactions and encounters between refugee parents and ECE professionals in a Norwegian ECE setting. The aim is to analyze the tensions in this partnership and provide insights into these encounters, negotiation processes and their experiences.

Methodology

The study is based on semi-structured interviews with twelve refugee parents, interviews with six pedagogical leaders, and one kindergarten manager. Additionally, fieldwork was conducted in one ECE institution to provide contextual depth.

Results

The data is analyzed thematically using an inductive research design. Through this analysis, three prominent themes emerged: 1) Barriers, 2) “Norwegianness”, and 3) Trust. The findings highlight the importance of trust in children’s care and the ECE institution’s safety. At the same time, refugee parents emphasize education as a key to a promising future in Norway and value the education aspect of ECE institutions as high. Communication and language barriers pose an extra burden or stress for both ECE professionals and refugee parents. “Norwegianness” as a cultural norm within ECE institutions is linked to the values, norms, and cultural capital valid within the ECE institution.

Discussion

The findings are discussed within the theoretical frameworks of cultural capital and power relations and critical pedagogy. The interactions and encounters between refugee parents and ECE professionals show tensions arising from differences in cultural norms and understandings. In summary, this article explores the challenges posed by cultural diversity in ECE institutions and argues for using cultural sensitivity to foster more flexibility in these encounters to enhance inclusion and belonging in ECE institutions.
Case report: A novel splice-site mutation of MTX2 gene caused mandibuloacral dysplasia progeroid syndrome: the first report from China and literature review
Authors: Fu Xiaohui , Chen Shuli , Huang Xiao , Lu Qinghua , Cui Yunfei , Lin Weinan , Yang Qin
Published: March 2024

Background

Mandibuloacral dysplasia (MAD) syndrome is a rare genetic disease. Several progeroid syndromes including mandibuloacral dysplasia type A (MADA), mandibuloacral dysplasia type B(MADB), Hutchinson-Gilford progeria (HGPS) and mandibular hypoplasia, deafness, and lipodystrophy syndrome (MDPL) have been reported previously. A novel MAD progeroid syndrome (MADaM) has recently been reported. So far, 7 cases of MADaM diagnosed with molecular diagnostics have been reported in worldwide. In the Chinese population, cases of MAD associated with the MTX2 variant have never been reported.

Methods

The clinical symptoms and the genetic analysis were identified and investigated in patients presented with the disease. In addition, we analyzed and compared 7 MADaM cases reported worldwide and summarized the progeroid syndromes reported in the Chinese population to date.

Results

The present study reports a case of a novel homozygous mutation c.378 + 1G > A in the MTX2 gene, which has not been previously reported in the literature. Patients present with early onset and severe symptoms and soon after birth are found to have growth retardation. In addition to the progeroid features, skeletal deformities, generalized lipodystrophy reported previously, and other multisystem involvement, e.g. hepatosplenic, renal, and cardiovascular system, this case was also reported to have combined hypogammaglobulinemia. She has since been admitted to the hospital several times for infections. Among 22 previously reported progeroid syndromes, 16/22 were MADA or HGPS caused by LMNA gene mutations, and the homozygous c.1579C > T (p.R527C) mutation may be a hot spot mutation for MAD in the Chinese population. MAD and HGPS mostly present in infancy with skin abnormalities or alopecia, MDPL mostly presents in school age with growth retardation as the first manifestation, and is often combined with an endocrine metabolism disorder after several decades.

Conclusion

This is the first case of MAD syndrome caused by mutations in MTX2 gene reported in the Chinese population. MTX2 gene c.378 + 1G > A homozygous mutation has not been previously reported and the report of this patient expands the spectrum of MTX2 mutations. In addition, we summarized the genotypes and clinical characteristics of patients with progeroid syndromes in China.
Analyzing grid connected shaded photovoltaic systems with steady state stability and crow search MPPT control
Authors: Ben Smida Mouna , Azar Ahmad Taher , Sakly Anis , Hameed Ibrahim A.
Published: March 2024

The field of research in maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods is making significant progress with a wide range of techniques, from simple yet inefficient approaches to more complex but effective ones. Therefore, it is important to suggest a simple and effective strategy to control the global maximum power point (GMPP) of a photovoltaic (PV) system especially under partial shading conditions (PSC). This paper proposes a novel metaheuristic MPPT called the Crow Search Algorithm (CSA) to ameliorate the tracking performance of a grid connected shaded PV system. The CSA is a nature inspired method based on the intelligent behaviors of crows in its search process for hidden food sources. This novel method succeeds to mitigate the adverse impacts of partial shading on the performance of PV systems by accurately tracking the GMPP. Based on the small-signal dynamic model, the stability of the proposed system is analyzed. Simulation results for three different levels of partial shading, including zero, weak, and severe shading, demonstrate the better performance of the suggested CSA compared to fuzzy logic controller (FLC) and Inc-Cond techniques. In fact, the comparison is carried out in terms of simplicity of implementation, high efficiency, and low power loss, decreasing considerably the convergence time.
Long-term changes in vegetation and land use in mountainous areas with heavy snowfalls in northern Japan: an 80-year comparison of vegetation maps
Authors: Shitara Takuto , Kurokawa Hiroko , Oguro Michio , Sasaki Takehiro , Ohashi Haruka , Niiyama Kaoru , Shibata Mitsue , Matsui Tetsuya
Published: March 2024

Comparison of old and new vegetation maps is an effective way to detect vegetation dynamics. Recent developments in computer technology have made it possible to accurately compare old paper vegetation maps with current digitized vegetation maps to reveal long-term vegetation dynamics. Recently, a 1:50,000 scale vegetation map of the Hakkoda Mountains in northern Japan, located in the ecotone of cool temperate and subalpine forests in northern Japan under an East Asian monsoon climate, from 1930 was discovered. We compared the 1930s vegetation map with the most recent 2010 vegetation map to test the following hypotheses: 1) the occurrence of upward expansion of the upper limit of cool-temperate deciduous forests, and 2) whether designation as a national park in 1936 would have reduced forestry and land use, expanded beech forests, and cool-temperate deciduous forests. To compare vegetation changes, 67 types of vegetation legends for the 1930 and 2010 maps were unified to 21 based on plant species composition. Consequently, vegetation has changed substantially over the past 80 years. 1) In the subalpine zone above 1,000 m, the coniferous forest area decreased by half. In the cool temperate zone below 1,000 m, the area of beech forests increased 1.48 times, and some of them could be shifted upwards, replacing subalpine fir forests in the lower part of the subalpine zone. 2) In areas below 700 m, deciduous oak forests once used as thickets were almost halved. Instead, climax and beech forests expanded. However, we also found that even after the area was declared a national park, oak forests were cleared and converted to commercial forests such as cedar plantations, cattle ranches, and horse pastures in some areas. These results will be useful for future ecosystem and biodiversity research/conservation and will provide baseline information for climate change adaptation policies.
Carbon conduction effect and multi-scenario carbon emission responses of land use patterns transfer: a case study of the Baiyangdian basin in China
Authors: Gao Xing , Zhao Meiran , Zhang Mengmeng , Guo Zhongyuan , Liu Xiao , Yuan Zihua
Published: March 2024

Carbon pooling and release occur all the time in all corners of the earth, where the land use factor is key to influencing the realization of carbon peaking and neutrality. Land use patterns and carbon emissions change under different scenarios and analyzing the correlation will help formulate scientific land use policies for the future. In this study, through remote sensing data, we investigated the changes in land use patterns and carbon emissions in the Baiyangdian basin in China from 2000 to 2020 and analyzed the carbon conduction effect with the help of a land transfer matrix. The geographical simulation and optimization system-future land use simulation (GeoSOS-FLUS) and Markov models were used to predict the land use changes and carbon emissions under the four different scenarios for the region in 2035. The results indicated that 1) the net land use carbon emissions increased from 52,163.03 × 103 to 260,754.91.28 × 103 t from 2000 to 2020, and the carbon source-sink ratio exhibited a general uptrend; 2) the net carbon emissions due to terrestrial transfers increased over time. The carbon conduction effects due to the transfer of forests, grasslands, water areas, and unused lands to built-up lands also showed a rising trend, albeit the latter two exhibited only small changes; 3) in 2035, the net carbon uptake under the four development scenarios was predicted to be 404,238.04 × 103, 402,009.45 × 103, 404,231.64 × 103, and 404,202.87×103 t, respectively, with all values much higher than that of the study area in 2020. The maximum carbon sink capacity was 817.88 × 103 t under the double-carbon target scenario, and the maximum carbon source emission was 405,033.61 × 103 t under the natural development scenario. The above results provide an essential reference for low carbon-based urban land use regulations for the Baiyangdian basin and other similar projects in the future.
The fast and the capacious: memory-efficient multi-GPU accelerated explicit state space exploration with GPUexplore 3.0
Authors: Wijs Anton , Osama Muhammad
Published: March 2024

The GPU acceleration of explicit state space exploration, for explicit-state model checking, has been the subject of previous research, but to date, the tools have been limited in their applicability and in their practical use. Considering this research, to our knowledge, we are the first to use a novel tree database for GPUs. This novel tree database allows high-performant, memory-efficient storage of states in the form of binary trees. Besides the tree compression this enables, we also propose two new hashing schemes, compact-cuckoo and compact multiple-functions. These schemes enable the use of Cleary compression to compactly store tree roots. Besides an in-depth discussion of the tree database algorithms, the input language and workflow of our tool, called GPUexplore 3.0, are presented. Finally, we explain how the algorithms can be extended to exploit multiple GPUs that reside on the same machine. Experiments show single-GPU processing speeds of up to 144 million states per second compared to 20 million states achieved by 32-core LTSmin. In the multi-GPU setting, workload and storage distributions are optimal, and, frequently, performance is even positively impacted when the number of GPUs is increased. Overall, a logarithmic acceleration up to 1.9× was achieved with four GPUs, compared to what was achieved with one and two GPUs. We believe that a linear speedup can be easily accomplished with faster P2P communications between the GPUs.
The role of dermal fibroblasts in autoimmune skin diseases
Authors: Shi Zeqi , Liu Zhong , Wei Yujia , Zhang Ri , Deng Yunhua , Li Dong
Published: March 2024

Fibroblasts are an important subset of mesenchymal cells in maintaining skin homeostasis and resisting harmful stimuli. Meanwhile, fibroblasts modulate immune cell function by secreting cytokines, thereby implicating their involvement in various dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and atopic dermatitis. Recently, variations in the subtypes of fibroblasts and their expression profiles have been identified in these prevalent autoimmune skin diseases, implying that fibroblasts may exhibit distinct functionalities across different diseases. In this review, from the perspective of their fundamental functions and remarkable heterogeneity, we have comprehensively collected evidence on the role of fibroblasts and their distinct subpopulations in psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, and scleroderma. Importantly, these findings hold promise for guiding future research directions and identifying novel therapeutic targets for treating these diseases.
Assessing the performance of five adult mosquito sampling methods for malaria vector surveillance in various ecosystems in Cameroon
Authors: Nwane Philippe , Piameu Michael , Emalio Yannick Niamsi , Ekoko Wolfgang Eyisap , Mandeng Stanislas Elysée , Mbakop Lili Ranaise , Patchoke Salomon , Toto Jean-Claude , Alenou Leo Dilane , Bikoi Elisabeth Ngo , Onguina Hugues , Nvondo Narcisse , Mimpfoundi Remy , Tabue Raymond , Bigoga Jude , Fondjo Etienne , Awono-Ambene Parfait , Etang Josiane
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Many sampling methods are used for entomological surveillance of vector borne diseases. This paper, evaluated the performance of five methods with regard to various ecosystems encountered in Cameroon.

Material and methods

Two entomological databases generated during two study periods were examined: 2011-2014 in the North Region, and 2018-2019 in the Centre Region. Mosquitoes were collected using the (Human Landing Catches) (HLC) and four alternative methods including Clay Pots (CPs), Pyrethroid Spray Catches (PSCs), Window Exit Traps (WETs) and Centers for Disease Control-Light Traps (CDC-LTs) for which the performance was assessed in this study.

Results

A total of 29 anopheline species were identified from samples collected during the two study periods. All these anopheline species were found in North Region, with 5 species being the most abundant and prévalent, i.e. An. gambiae s.l, An. funestus, An. rufipes, An. paludis and An. pharoensis. In the Centre Region, only five species including An. gambiae s.l, An. funestus, An. coustani, An. ziemanni and An. paludis were recorded. Among these, An. gambiae s.l was the most abundant and prevalent species. Data confirmed HLC as the best in sampling outdoor and indoor mosquitoes in the surveyed HDs. The alternative methods showed variable records regarding the species richness. Based on the number of mosquitoes collected, CP was an alternative to HLC for outdoor collections in Garoua and Pitoa HDs, while WET was an alternative in Mayo Oulo HD. In the Centre Region, CDC-LT was an alternative to HLC for indoor collections in Ekié and Nkolbisson HDs, while PSC proved to be the best alternative in Nkolondom HD. Regarding the species richness WET appeared as an alternative to HLC in sampling outdoor mosquitoes in Garoua and Mayo Oulo HDs, while CP was the best alternative in Pitoa HD. In the Centre Region, CDC-LT was an alternative for outdoor and indoor collections in Nkolbisson HD, and the best alternative for outdoor collections in Ekie HD.

Conclusion

The current study revealed variable performance of the five tested adult mosquito collection methods across the prospected HDs in North and Centre Regions of Cameroon. Further investigations will be conducted on other collection methods, e.g., aspiration, mosquito electrocuting grid trap, ovitraps and human-baited double net trap.
Development and validation of a machine learning model to predict prognosis in liver failure patients treated with non-bioartificial liver support system
Authors: Shi Shi , Yang Yanfen , Liu Yuanli , Chen Rong , Jia XiaoXia , Wang Yutong , Deng Chunqing
Published: March 2024

Background and objectives

The prognosis of liver failure treated with non-bioartificial liver support systems is poor. Detecting its risk factors and developing relevant prognostic models still represent the top priority to lower its death risk.

Methods

All 215 patients with liver failure treated with non-bioartificial liver support system were retrospectively analyzed. Potential prognostic factors were investigated, and the Nomogram and the Random Survival Forests (RSF) models were constructed, respectively. Notably, we evaluated the performance of models and calculated the risk scores to divide patients into low-risk and high-risk groups.

Results

In the training set, multifactorial Cox regression analysis showed that etiology, hepatic encephalopathy, total bilirubin, serum alkaline phosphatase, platelets, and MELD score were independent factors of short-term prognosis. The RSF model (AUC: 0.863, 0.792) performed better in prediction than the Nomogram model (AUC: 0.816, 0.756) and MELD (AUC: 0.658, 0.700) in the training and validation groups. On top of that, patients in the low-risk group had a significantly better prognosis than those in the high-risk group.

Conclusion

We constructed the RSF model with etiology, hepatic encephalopathy, total bilirubin, serum alkaline phosphatase, platelets, and MELD score, which showed better prognostic power than the Nomogram model and MELD score and could help physicians make optimal treatment decisions.
Interactions between halotolerant nitrogen-fixing bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi under saline stress
Authors: Ji Chao , Ge Yuhan , Zhang Hua , Zhang Yingxiang , Xin Zhiwen , Li Jian , Zheng Jinghe , Liang Zengwen , Cao Hui , Li Kun
Published: March 2024

Background and aims

Soil salinity negatively affects crop development. Halotolerant nitrogen-fixing bacteria (HNFB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are essential microorganisms that enhance crop nutrient availability and salt tolerance in saline soils. Studying the impact of HNFB on AMF communities and using HNFB in biofertilizers can help in selecting the optimal HNFB-AMF combinations to improve crop productivity in saline soils.

Methods

We established three experimental groups comprising apple plants treated with low-nitrogen (0 mg N/kg, N0), normal-nitrogen (200 mg N/kg, N1), and high-nitrogen (300 mg N/kg, N2) fertilizer under salt stress without bacteria (CK, with the addition of 1,500 mL sterile water +2 g sterile diatomite), or with bacteria [BIO, with the addition of 1,500 mL sterile water +2 g mixed bacterial preparation (including Bacillus subtilis HG-15 and Bacillus velezensis JC-K3)].

Results

HNFB inoculation significantly increased microbial biomass and the relative abundance of beta-glucosidase-related genes in the rhizosphere soil under identical nitrogen application levels (p < 0.05). High-nitrogen treatment significantly reduced AMF diversity and the relative abundance of beta-glucosidase, acid phosphatase, and urea-related genes. A two-way analysis of variance showed that combined nitrogen application and HNFB treatment could significantly affect soil physicochemical properties and rhizosphere AMF abundance (p < 0.05). Specifically, HNFB application resulted in a significantly higher relative abundance of Glomus-MO-G17-VTX00114 compared to that in the CK group at equal nitrogen levels.

Conclusion

The impact of HNFB on the AMF community in apple rhizospheres is influenced by soil nitrogen levels. The study reveals how varying nitrogen levels mediate the relationship between exogenous HNFB, soil properties, and rhizosphere microbes.
Application of photoelectrochemical oxidation of wastewater used in the cooling tower water and its influence on microbial corrosion
Authors: Kokilaramani Seenivasan , Satheeshkumar Alagersamy , Nandini M. S. , Narenkumar Jayaraman , AlSalhi Mohamad S. , Devanesan Sandhanasamy , Natarajan Prabhu Manickam , Rajamohan Rajaram , Rajasekar Aruliah , Malik Tabarak
Published: March 2024

Background

Cooling towers are specialized heat exchanger devices in which air and water interact closely to cool the water's temperature. However, the cooling water contains organic nutrients that can cause microbial corrosion (MC) on the metal surfaces of the tower. This research explores the combined wastewater treatment approach using electrochemical-oxidation (EO), photo-oxidation (PO), and photoelectrochemical oxidation (PEO) to contain pollutants and prevent MC.

Methods

The study employed electro-oxidation, a process involving direct current (DC) power supply, to degrade wastewater. MC studies were conducted using weight loss assessments, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and x-ray diffraction (XRD).

Results

After wastewater is subjected to electro-oxidation for 4 h, a notable decrease in pollutants was observed, with degradation efficiencies of 71, 75, and 96%, respectively. In the wastewater treated by PEO, microbial growth is restricted as the chemical oxygen demand decreases.

Discussion

A metagenomics study revealed that bacteria present in the cooling tower water consists of 12% of Nitrospira genus and 22% of Fusobacterium genus. Conclusively, PEO serves as an effective method for treating wastewater, inhibiting microbial growth, degrading pollutants, and protecting metal from biocorrosion.
Beneficial effects of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) extract residue as a feed additive on production, health status, and gastrointestinal bacteria in sika deer (Cervus nippon)
Authors: Wu Yan , Zhao Shuting , Zheng Peihe , Liu Hanlu , Qu Zhengyi , Hou Wei , Yuan Weitao , Feng Tao , Zhan Xiaofeng , Shen Jinlong , Wang Kaiying
Published: March 2024

American ginseng residue is an industrial by-product of ginseng saponin extraction, including polysaccharides and amino acids; however, it is often discarded into the natural environment, representing a waste of resources as well as an environmental issue. In this study, we examined the effects of adding American ginseng residue to the basal diet of sika deer. Twelve antler-bearing male sika deer were assigned randomly to groups fed a diet supplemented with 0% (CON), 1% (LGR), and 3% (HGR) American ginseng residue, respectively, (n = 4 per group) for 5 weeks. Supplementation with 3% American ginseng residue significantly increased antler production and feed utilization efficiency in antler-bearing sika deer (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in serum biochemical indexes among the three groups, but serum immunoglobulin A and glutathione peroxidase levels were significantly increased in the LGR and HGR groups (p < 0.05). Supplementation with American ginseng residue affected rumen fermentation in sika deer, significantly increasing the rumen contents of acetic acid, propionic acid, and total volatile fatty acids, and decreasing rumen fluid pH (p < 0.05), but had no significant effect on microbial protein or ammoniacal nitrogen content. American ginseng residue also affected the rumen bacterial composition, with significant up-regulation of Bacteroidota abundance in the HGR group, significant increases in Fibrobacterota and Fibrobacter abundance in the LGR group, and a significant decrease in Oscillospiraceae_UCG-005. Supplementation with ginseng residue had no significant effect on volatile fatty acids in the feces of sika deer, but did affect the composition of fecal bacteria, with significant decreases in Desulfobacterota and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group in the HGR group, and a significant increase in Ruminococcus in the LGR group (p < 0.05). In addition, the abundance of Paeniclostridium in the feces decreased linearly with increasing concentration of ginseng residue, with a significant difference among the groups (p < 0.05). This study comprehensively evaluated the effects of American ginseng residue as a potential feed additive on the production performance and gastrointestinal bacterial community in antler-bearing sika deer. The results indicated that ginseng residue was a suitable feed additive for improving production performance and health in sika deer.
An insight into the role of the N-terminal domain of Salmonella CobB in oligomerization and Zn2+ mediated inhibition of the deacetylase activity
Authors: Beura Shibangini , Pritam Pulak , Dhal Ajit Kumar , Jana Arindam , Dash Aiswarya , Mohanty Pritisundar , Panda Alok Kumar , Modak Rahul
Published: March 2024

Prokaryotic deacetylases are classified into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent sirtuins and Zn2+-dependent deacetylases. NAD+ is a coenzyme for redox reactions, thus serving as an essential component for energy metabolism. The NAD+-dependent deacetylase domain is quite conserved and well characterized across bacterial species like CobB in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, Rv1151c in Mycobacterium, and SirtN in Bacillus subtilis. E. coli CobB is the only bacterial deacetylase with a known crystal structure (PDB ID: 1S5P), which has 91% sequence similarity with Salmonella CobB (SeCobB). Salmonella encodes two CobB isoforms, SeCobBS and SeCobBL, with a difference of 37 amino acids in its N-terminal domain (NTD). The hydrophobic nature of NTD leads to the stable oligomerization of SeCobBL. The homology modeling-based predicted structure of SeCobB showed the presence of a zinc-binding motif of unknown function. Tryptophan fluorescence quenching induced by ZnCl2 showed that Zn2+ has a weak interaction with SeCobBS but higher binding affinity toward SeCobBL, which clearly demonstrated the crucial role of NTD in Zn2+ binding. In the presence of Zn2+, both isoforms had significantly reduced thermal stability, and a greater effect was observed on SeCobBL. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies reflected a ninefold increase in the scattering intensity of SeCobBL upon ZnCl2 addition in contrast to an ∼onefold change in the case of SeCobBS, indicating that the Zn2+ interaction leads to the formation of large particles of SeCobBL. An in vitro lysine deacetylase assay showed that SeCobB deacetylated mammalian histones, which can be inhibited in the presence of 0.25–1.00 mM ZnCl2. Taken together, our data conclusively showed that Zn2+ strongly binds to SeCobBL through the NTD that drastically alters its stability, oligomeric status, and enzymatic activity in vitro.
A clinical-radiomics combined model based on carotid atherosclerotic plaque for prediction of ischemic stroke
Authors: Han Na , Hu Wanjun , Ma Yurong , Zheng Yu , Yue Songhong , Ma Laiyang , Li Jie , Zhang Jing
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To accurately predict the risk of ischemic stroke, we established a radiomics model of carotid atherosclerotic plaque-based high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (HR-VWMRI) and combined it with clinical indicators.

Materials and methods

In total, 127 patients were finally enrolled and randomly divided into training and test cohorts. HR-VWMRI three-dimensional T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) and contrast-enhanced T1WI (T1CE) were collected. A traditional model was built by recording and calculating radiographic features of the carotid plaques and patients’ clinical indicators. After extracting radiomics features from T1WI and T1CE images, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was used to select the optimal features and construct the radiomics_T1WI model and the radiomics_T1CE model. The traditional and radiomics features were used to build combined models. The performance of all the models predicting ischemic stroke was evaluated in the training and test cohorts, respectively.

Results

Body mass index (BMI) and intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) were independently related to ischemic stroke and were used to build the traditional model, which achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.79 versus 0.78 in the training and test cohorts, respectively. The AUC value of the radiomics_T1WI model is the lowest in the training and test cohorts, but the prediction performance is significantly improved when the model combines IPH and BMI. The AUC value of the combined_T1WI model was 0.78 and 0.81 in the training and test cohorts, respectively. In addition, in the training and test cohorts, the radiomics_T1CE model based on HR-VWMRI combined clinical characteristics, which is the combined_T1CE model, had the highest AUC value of 0.84 and 0.82, respectively.

Conclusion

Compared with other models, the radiomics_T1CE model based on HR-VWMRI combined clinical characteristics, which is a combined_T1CE model, can accurately predict the risk of ischemic stroke.
Risk factors and outcomes after interruption of sedation in subarachnoid hemorrhage (ROUTINE-SAH)—a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Schmidbauer Moritz L. , Läufer Sebastian , Maskos Andreas , Dimitriadis Konstantinos
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) often necessitates prolonged sedation to manage elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) and to prevent secondary brain injury. Optimal timing and biomarkers for predicting adverse events (AEs) during interruption of sedation (IS) after prolonged sedation are not well established. To guide sedation management in aSAH, we aimed to explore the frequency, risk factors, and outcomes of IS in aSAH.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study, a total of 148 patients with aSAH from January 2015 to April 2020 were screened. In total, 30 patients accounting for 42 IS were included in the analysis. Adverse events (AEs) during IS were used as core outcome measures and were categorized into neurological and non-neurological AEs. Baseline characteristics, clinical parameters before IS, AEs, and functional outcomes were collected using health records. Statistical analysis used generalized linear mixed-effects models with regularization to identify candidate predictors with subsequent bootstrapping to test model stability. As an exploratory analysis, multivariate linear and logistic regression was used to analyze the association between IS and intensive care unit length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and functional outcomes.

Results

The mean age was 56.9 (SD 14.8) years, and a majority of the patients presented with poor-grade SAH (16/30, 53.3%). Neurological and non-neurological AEs occurred in 60.0% (18/30) of the patients. Timing, number of IS attempts, ICP burden, craniectomy status, level of consciousness, heart rate, cerebral perfusion pressure, oxygen saturation, fraction of inspired oxygen, and temperature were selected as candidate predictors. Through bootstrapping, elapsed time since disease onset (OR 0.85, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.75–0.97), ICP burden (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.02–1.52), craniectomy (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.48–0.69), and oxygen saturation (OR, 0.80 0.72–0.89) were revealed as relevant biomarkers for neurological AEs, while none of the pre-selected predictors was robustly associated with non-neurological AEs.

Conclusion

In aSAH, complications during the definite withdrawal of sedation are frequent but can potentially be predicted using clinical parameters available at the bedside. Prospective multicenter studies are essential to validate these results and further investigate the impact of IS complications.
Advancing genetic testing for neurological disorders in Tanzania: importance, challenges, and strategies for implementation
Authors: Alimohamed Mohamed Zahir , Siima Angela Augustine , Manji Mohamed
Published: March 2024

This manuscript discusses the critical need for advancing genetic testing capabilities for neurological disorders (NDs) in Tanzania, emphasizing the importance, challenges, and strategies for implementation. Neurological disorders, often caused by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, disproportionately affect low and middle-income countries like Tanzania. Patients with neurogenetic diagnoses in Tanzania face substantial obstacles, including lack of trust in medical professionals, stigmatization, and limited access to proper care. The manuscript underscores the infancy of genetic testing implementation for NDs in Tanzania, citing challenges such as high costs, limited availability, and the absence of routine testing in diagnostic procedures. The paper recommends establishing well-characterized cohorts, conducting a nationwide emergency census survey, and enhancing diagnostic services and healthcare financing. The paper stresses on the importance of collaboration, research, public awareness, and advocacy to address the challenges posed by NDs in Tanzania. The manuscript proposes a comprehensive plan, including training and capacity building in molecular diagnosis and bioinformatics, to establish genetic testing capabilities and reduce the burden of NDs in the country. Overall, the manuscript calls for a collaborative effort involving government support, stakeholder engagement, and international partnerships to advance genetic testing and improve healthcare outcomes for individuals with neurological disorders in Tanzania.