bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Galaxy assembly revealed by globular clusters
Authors: Chen Yingtian , Gnedin Oleg Y.
Published: April 2024

Many observable properties of globular clusters (GCs) provide valuable insights for unveiling the hierarchical assembly of their host galaxy. For the Milky Way (MW) in particular, GCs from different accreted satellite galaxies show distinct chemical, spatial, kinematic, and age distributions. Here we examine such clustering features for model GC populations in simulated galaxies, which are carefully selected to match various observational constraints of the MW assembly. We evaluate several widely used clustering, dimensionality reduction, and supervised classification methods on these model GCs, using 10 properties that are observable in the MW. We can categorize in-situ and ex-situ formed GCs with about 90% accuracy, based solely on their clustering features in these 10 variables. The methods are also effective in distinguishing the last major merger in MW analogs with similar accuracy. Although challenging, we still find it possible to identify one, and only one, additional smaller satellite. We develop a new technique to classify the progenitors of MW GCs by combining several methods and weighting them by the validated accuracy. According to this technique, about 60% of GCs belong to the in-situ group, 20% are associated with the Gaia-Sausage/Enceladus event, and 10% are associated with the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy. The remaining 10% of GCs cannot be reliably associated with any single accretion event.
CD9 shapes glucocorticoid sensitivity in pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Zhang Chi , Chan Kathy Yuen Yee , Ng Wing Hei , Cheung John Tak Kit , Sun Qiwei , Wang Han , Chung Po Yee , Cheng Frankie Wai Tsoi , Leung Alex Wing Kwan , Zhang Xiao-Bing , Lee Po Yi , Fok Siu Ping , Lin Guanglan , Poon Ellen Ngar Yun , Feng Jian-Hua , Tang Yan-Lai , Luo Xue-Qun , Huang Li-Bin , Kang Wei , Tang Patrick Ming Kuen , Huang Junbin , Chen Chun , Dong Junchao , Mejstrikova Ester , Cai Jiaoyang , Liu Yu , Shen Shuhong , Yang Jun J , Yuen Patrick Man Pan , Li Chi Kong , Leung Kam Tong
Published: April 2024

Resistance to glucocorticoids (GCs), the common agents for remission induction in pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL), poses a significant therapeutic hurdle. Therefore, dissecting the mechanisms shaping GC resistance could lead to new treatment modalities. Here, we showed that CD9- BCP-ALL cells were preferentially resistant to prednisone and dexamethasone over other standard cytotoxic agents. Concordantly, we identified significantly more poor responders to the prednisone prephase among BCP-ALL patients with a CD9- phenotype, especially for those with adverse presenting features including older age, higher white cell count and BCR-ABL1. Furthermore, gain- and loss-of-function experiments dictated a definitive functional linkage between CD9 expression and GC susceptibility, as demonstrated by the reversal and acquisition of relative GC resistance in CD9low and CD9high BCP-ALL cells, respectively. Despite physical binding to the GC receptor NR3C1, CD9 did not alter its expression, phosphorylation or nuclear translocation but potentiated the induction of GC-responsive genes in GCresistant cells. Importantly, the MEK inhibitor trametinib exhibited higher synergy with GCs against CD9- than CD9+ lymphoblasts to reverse drug resistance in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our results elucidate a previously unrecognized regulatory function of CD9 in GC sensitivity, and inform new strategies for management of children with resistant BCP-ALL.
The opinions of mothers with children of ages 0-2 about human milk banks: A qualitative study
Authors: Kürtüncü Meltem , Kurt Aylin , Arslan Nurten
Published: April 2024

Objective: This study aimed to review the opinions of mothers with children of ages 0-2 about human milk banks. Method: The study was of phenomenological design. The purposive sampling method of criteria sampling was used. Seventeen mothers of children aged 0-2 who were hospitalized in the pediatrics department of a state hospital and who consented to participate were recruited into the study. The data gathered from the discussions were grouped under themes in Colaizzi's phenomenological content analysis. Results: The mothers pointed out that they did not look positively on human milk banks because of religious concerns. The mothers stated that they would share their human milk if they knew the child and parents who gets donor human milk. Conclusion: As in organ and blood donation systems, human milk banks can be implemented under the support of the Ministry of Health, which will be instrumental in developing human milk donation protocols and registration systems. This will increase the numbers of babies benefiting from breast milk, thus extending the duration of the breastfeeding period. This in turn will result in the growth and development of healthier generations.
E-Government: Efektivitas Pelayanan Aplikasi Pegadaian Digital Service Syariah Di Pegadaian Cabang Malang
Authors: Mala Iva Khoiril
Published: April 2024

Di era teknologi seperti sekarang ini PT. Pegadaian Syariah selalu melakukan inovasi, yaitu sebagai solusi keuangan menghadirkan ragam produk dan layanan yang tidak hanya menyediakan kebutuhan nasabah akan dana, akan tetapi juga kenyamanan dan kecepatan pelayanan. PDSS adalah inovasi yang dibuat guna menghadapi serbuan financial technologi (fintech) yang makin merangsek ke masyarakat. Namun, seberapa efektifitas pelayanan publik aplikasi PDSS untuk peningkatan kualitas pelayanan terhadap kepuasan konsumen serta kualitas pelayanan nasabah dalam penggunaan aplikasi tersebut. jenis penelitian deskriptif dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Hasil Penelitian menunjukkan adanya sistem online yang diberikan oleh pegadaian dirasa cukup efektif untuk para nasabah yang ingin melakukan transaksi dimana saja. Namun, sistem pegadaian digital kurang berjalan dengan baik dikarenakan kurangnya sosialisasi dari pihak pegadaian terhadap sistem pelayanan yang baru yaitu pelayanan secara online yang bisa diakses dengan mudah, gratis dan di download melalui appstore maupun playstore. Dapat ditarik kesimpulan komparatif kualitas pelayanan pengguna aplikasi ini dan manual untuk kualitas pelayanan nasabah sama-sama puas dalam bertransaksi namun nasabah lebih memilih melakukan transaksi secara online karena cukup menghemat waktu.
PROSPECTS FOR IMPROVING THE INSTITUTION OF RELEASE FROM SERVING A SENTENCE
Authors: Sokolov Aleksandr Anatol’evich
Published: April 2024

The article examines a number of gaps in the legal regulation of the institution of early release from serving a sentence. It is proposed to change the list of grounds for exemption in the direction of expansion, taking into account the new conditions emerging in Russia and the world in the last few years. The provisions of the Concept of the Development of the Penal Enforcement System of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030 are given as circumstances determining the possibility of changing the criminal and penal enforcement legislation. The proposed ways of reform are explained from the standpoint of their expediency, necessity and sufficiency to meet the needs of Russian society and the state. The paper analyzes the opinions of scientists, domestic and foreign legal acts, statistical data. As a result, the author concludes that it is possible to expand the list of grounds for exemption from serving a sentence by legislating their new types.
ON THE ISSUE OF CRITERIA FOR PAROLE: ANALYSIS OF THE POINT SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING THE CORRECTION OF CONVICTS IN CHINA
Authors: Mjahanova Aleksandra
Published: April 2024

In the article, taking into account some shortcomings of the regulation of the institution of parole in Russia, the corresponding Chinese experience is analyzed. Attention is drawn to the point system for evaluating the correction of a convict in China for subsequent decision-making on his parole. The criteria for assessing the degree of correction of convicts, the specifics of accrual (deduction) of points, including in relation to certain categories of convicts, the circumstances of making a positive or other assessment of correction, the corresponding powers of the working group of the prison administration are highlighted. The conclusion is formulated that in China there is a clear and formalized approach to assessing the degree of correction of convicts, which allows the court to make a sufficiently objective decision on their parole.
INTERNATIONAL ROUND TABLE «PROBATION SYSTEM IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION: PENAL AND OTHER ASPECTS» (NOVEMBER 18, 2022)
Authors: Skiba Andrej Petrovich , Petrjanin Aleksej Vladimirovich , Korobova Irina Nikolaevna
Published: April 2024

On November 18, 2022, the Department of Criminal Enforcement Law of the Academy of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia jointly with the St. Petersburg Academy of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, as well as the Union of Criminologists and Criminologists within the framework of the International Scientific and Practical Conference “The Penal Enforcement System at the present stage, taking into account the implementation of the Concept of the Development of the penal enforcement system of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030” (November 17-18, 2022) an international round table “The probation system in the Russian Federation: penal and other aspects” was held. A feature of the scientific event was a wide list of discussed issues due to theoretical and applied intersectoral problems arising during the implementation of the Institute of probation in the Russian Federation.
International Scientific and Practical Conference «Actual problems of penal enforcement law and execution of punishments» in memory of Professors N. A. Struchkov and M. P. Melentyev on the issues of appointment, execution and early release from criminal penalties in extreme (emergency) conditions (thematic session devoted to the problems of regulating the treatment of convicted prisoners of war, April 14, 2023)
Authors: Skiba Andrey , Petryanin Aleksey Vladimirovich , Korobova Irina Nikolaevna , Batbold Galbadrakh
Published: April 2024

On April 14, 2023, on the basis of the Academy of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, an international scientific and practical conference “Actual problems of penal enforcement law and execution of punishments” was held in memory of professors N. A. Struchkov and M. P. Melentyev on the appointment, execution and early release from criminal penalties in extreme (emergency) conditions (thematic session dedicated to the problems of regulation of the treatment of convicted prisoners of war). The co- organizers of this event, in addition to the Department of Penal Enforcement Law of the Academy of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, were the St. Petersburg Academy of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, the Institute of Judicial Enforcement Service of the University of Internal Affairs of Mongolia, as well as the Union of Criminologists and Criminologists. The conference was the first of its kind and identified areas for further improvement of theory, legislation and practice in the field of execution of punishments in extreme (emergency) conditions, including the regime of special conditions in institutions of the penal system, as well as correctional and preventive measures against convicted prisoners of war.
CONTROL OF THE MAXIMUM POWER POINT OF A SOLAR PANEL, USING SERVO SYSTEM CONTROLLER WITH INTEGRATOR AND PI CONTROLLER DESIGNED BY THE ROOTS LOCUS METHOD
Authors: Garcia-Jaimes Luis Eduardo , Herrera-Jaramillo Diego Alejandro , Arroyave-Giraldo Maribel , Elam-Escudero Habib
Published: April 2024

Photovoltaic system applications require to use a solar panel, a power converter, and a load. When voltage reduction from a panel to a battery is necessary, a buck converter is usually proposed. In the specialized literature, there are a wide variety of controllers oriented to commercial panels; However, even though measuring the energy extraction of a solar panel is the main indicator, there are other metrics such as switching effort that also affect the overall performance of the PV system. The main contribution of this work is the design of two digital controllers for photovoltaic energy extraction: a servo system controller with integrator and a PI controller based on root locus techniques considering an MPPT algorithm and system perturbations to demonstrate the reliability and efficiency of the controllers under different system scenarios. Finally, a detailed explanation of the performance of the controllers is given, showing that the two algorithms are suitable for controlling the point of maximum power in photovoltaic panels.
Desde la economía circular a la innovación abierta en el sector empresarial ecuatoriano. Propuesta de un modelo para su concreción
Authors: Castro-Perdomo Nelson Arsenio , Florez-Barzola William J.
Published: April 2024

El trabajo que se presenta tiene como objetivo, “elaborar un modelo que facilita la complementariedad entre Economía Circular e Innovación Abierta, desde una perspectiva de sostenibilidad, reflejada en la mejora económica y la ecoeficiencia de las empresas”, basado en la necesidad de buscar herramientas que permitan una complementariedad entre ambas y con ello, lograr una mejor respuesta en el desempeño empresarial, desde una perspectiva de sostenibilidad. Para dar respuesta a dicho objetivo se utilizaron tanto métodos de orden teórico como empíricos y dentro de estos últimos al de Modelación, lográndose como principal resultado, un modelo abierto, flexible y dinámico, que privilegia la Mejora Continua, la Gestión del Conocimiento, la Vigilancia Tecnológica y los Planes de Negocio, que articula con carácter sistémico, las acciones de complementariedad entre la Economía Circular y la Innovación Abierta, para el cual se detallan funciones y requerimientos, para que, una vez implementado,  permita a la empresa en cuestión, lograr mejoras económicas y una ecoeficiencia acorde con los principios de la sostenibilidad.
The objective of the presented work is to 'develop a model that facilitates complementarity between Circular Economy and Open Innovation from a sustainability perspective, reflected in the economic improvement and eco-efficiency of companies.' This is based on the need to find tools that enable complementarity between both approaches, aiming to achieve a better response in business performance from a sustainability perspective. To address this objective, both theoretical and empirical methods were used, including Modeling within the latter. The main result obtained is an open, flexible, and dynamic model that emphasizes Continuous Improvement, Knowledge Management, Technological Surveillance, and Business Plans. It systematically articulates actions of complementarity between Circular Economy and Open Innovation. The model details functions and requirements so that, once implemented, it allows the company in question to achieve economic improvements and eco-efficiency in line with sustainability principles.
Prevalence of myopia in schoolchildren of a highly urbanized city in Eastern Siberia
Authors: Levchenko Yu. S.
Published: April 2024

Myopia is one of the most urgent problems of modern ophthalmology. Statistics show that the number of children and adolescents suffering from myopia is steadily increasing worldwide. But it also noted that in different regions of the Russian Federation, the proportion of children who are diagnosed with myopia may differ markedly. Purpose: to determine the prevalence and structure of myopia in schoolchildren of the city of Krasnoyarsk, depending on age and gender. Materials and methods. A survey of 3005 students of secondary schools in the city of Krasnoyarsk aged from 6 to 18 years, including 1,421 schoolboys and 1,584 schoolgirls, was conducted. Refraction was determined after cycloplegia using the autorefractometry method. Results. The predominant type of refraction in primary school students of both fi elds is emmetropia, myopia is in second place and other refractive errors are in third place. The prevalence of myopia in schoolchildren increases as they grow up. At the same time, in the schools of the city of Krasnoyarsk, already in the primary grades in the group of subjects of both sexes, the proportion of students with myopia was 17.9 %, in the middle – 36.8 %, and by the high classes it reached 49.7 %. When considering the data obtained, depending on gender, approximately the same proportions of myopia were found in primary grades in both schoolgirls (19.2 %) and schoolchildren (16.7 %), in middle grades, a statistically significant predominance of myopic refraction in girls, compared with boys (42.8 and 29.5 %, respectively, p < 0.05). In high school, the proportion of myopia increases both in girls to 52.1 % and in boys to 47.2 %. The proportion of subjects with emmetropic refraction decreases as individuals of both sexes grow up. The percentage of other refractive errors remains without significant gender-age changes. Low myopia was the most common in all groups, but its percentage significantly decreased as they moved to higher grades, simultaneously with an increase in the proportion of moderate and high myopia. Conclusions. There is an increase in the prevalence of myopia in schoolchildren as they move to higher grades. A threefold increase in the proportion of myopia in high school compared with primary school was revealed. It is necessary to further study the prevalence of myopia in all Russian regions and develop preventive programs to control myopia in children.
Persistence-based clustering with outlier-removing filtration
Authors: Bois Alexandre , Tervil Brian , Oudre Laurent
Published: April 2024

This article describes a non-parametric clustering algorithm with an outlier removal step. Our method is based on tools from topological data analysis: we define a new filtration on metric spaces which is a variant of the Vietoris–Rips filtration that adds information about the points' nearest neighbor to the persistence diagram. We prove a stability theorem for this filtration, and evaluate our method on point cloud and graph datasets, showing that it can compete with state-of-the-art methods while being non-parametric.
Rational design of a near-infrared fluorescent probe for monitoring butyrylcholinesterase activity and its application in development of inhibitors
Authors: Li Hao , Li Xiao-Dong , Yan Chao-Hua , Ni Zhen-Hua , Lü Mu-Han , Zou Li-Wei , Yang Ling
Published: April 2024

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is widely expressed in multiple tissues and has a vital role in several key human disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and tumorigenesis. However, the role of BChE in human disorders has not been investigated. Thus, to quantitatively detect and visualize dynamical variations in BChE activity is essential for exploring the biological roles of BChE in the progression of a number of human disorders. Herein, based on the substrate characteristics of BChE, we customized and synthesized three near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe substrates with cyanine-skeleton, and finally selected a NIR fluorescence probe substrate named CYBA. The CYBA demonstrated a significant increase in fluorescence when interacting with BChE, but mainly avoided AChE. Upon the addition of BChE, CYBA could be specifically hydrolyzed to TBO, resulting in a significant NIR fluorescence signal enhancement at 710 nm. Systematic evaluation revealed that CYBA exhibited exceptional chemical stability in complex biosamples and possessed remarkable selectivity and sensitivity towards BChE. Moreover, CYBA was successfully applied for real-time imaging of endogenous BChE activity in two types of nerve-related living cells. Additionally, CYBA demonstrated exceptional stability in the detection of complex biological samples in plasma recovery studies (97.51%–104.01%). Furthermore, CYBA was used to construct a high-throughput screening (HTS) method for BChE inhibitors using human plasma as the enzyme source. We evaluated inhibitory effects of a series of natural products and four flavonoids were identified as potent inhibitors of BChE. Collectively, CYBA can serve as a practical tool to track the changes of BChE activity in complicated biological environments due to its excellent capabilities.
Targeted remodeling of the human gut microbiome using Juemingzi (Senna seed extracts)
Authors: Narrowe Adrienne B. , Lemons Johanna M. S. , Mahalak Karley K. , Firrman Jenni , Abbeele Pieter Van den , Baudot Aurélien , Deyaert Stef , Li Yanfang , Yu Liangli (Lucy) , Liu LinShu
Published: April 2024

The genus Senna contains globally distributed plant species of which the leaves, roots, and seeds have multiple traditional medicinal and nutritional uses. Notable chemical compounds derived from Senna spp. include sennosides and emodin which have been tested for antimicrobial effects in addition to their known laxative functions. However, studies of the effects of the combined chemical components on intact human gut microbiome communities are lacking. This study evaluated the effects of Juemingzi (Senna sp.) extract on the human gut microbiome using SIFR® (Systemic Intestinal Fermentation Research) technology. After a 48-hour human fecal incubation, we measured total bacterial cell density and fermentation products including pH, gas production and concentrations of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The initial and post-incubation microbial community structure and functional potential were characterized using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Juemingzi (Senna seed) extracts displayed strong, taxon-specific anti-microbial effects as indicated by significant reductions in cell density (40%) and intra-sample community diversity. Members of the Bacteroidota were nearly eliminated over the 48-hour incubation. While generally part of a healthy gut microbiome, specific species of Bacteroides can be pathogenic. The active persistence of the members of the Enterobacteriaceae and selected Actinomycetota despite the reduction in overall cell numbers was demonstrated by increased fermentative outputs including high concentrations of gas and acetate with correspondingly reduced pH. These large-scale shifts in microbial community structure indicate the need for further evaluation of dosages and potential administration with prebiotic or synbiotic supplements. Overall, the very specific effects of these extracts may offer the potential for targeted antimicrobial uses or as a tool in the targeted remodeling of the gut microbiome.
Harnessing climate services to support community resilience planning: lessons learned from a community-engaged approach to assessing NOAA’s National Water Model
Authors: Raub Kristin B. , Laufer Joshua , Flynn Stephen E. , Daniels Shemilore , Sivalingam Trissha
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Inland and coastal flooding and other water-based natural disasters are projected to increase in severity, frequency, and intensity as global temperatures rise, placing a growing number of US communities at risk. Governments at the local, state, and federal levels have been embracing resilience planning to better predict, mitigate, and adapt to such shocks and hazards. A growing number of climate services have been developed to aid communities engaged in these efforts to access, interpret, and make decisions with climate-related data and information. An important tool for potentially supporting this planning is the National Water Model (NWM), created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Water Center (NWC). The NWM is a river and streamflow model that can forecast conditions for the continental United States.

Methods

However, community end-users were not being effectively engaged in ways that result in widespread tool use and adoption. From 2021 to 2023, seven geographically diverse US communities agreed to participate in a study to understand how the NWM might be applied in resilience planning. Interviews and collaborative sessions were conducted with NWC/NOAA staff and community resilience stakeholders in Burlington, VT; Cincinnati, OH; Portland, OR; Charlotte, NC; Boulder, CO; Minneapolis; MN; and Houston, TX

Results and Discussion

Results provide an improved understanding of potential applications of the National Water Model and have identified actions to overcome the barriers to its use among municipal and regional resilience planners. This research yielded a set of recommendations, co-developed between the seven communities and NWC/ NOAA staff, for how these barriers could be overcome to facilitate wider use of the NWM and its data and visualization services in resilience planning. This study highlights the NWM’s applicability at shorter timescales in resilience planning and points to a more general need for climate services to accommodate near-, medium-, and longterm time frames. The study also found many community stakeholders who use water science and information in resilience planning have diverse disciplinarily backgrounds. Importantly, the majority were not trained hydrologists or water scientists, pointing to the critical need for climate service developers, including the NWC, to embrace co-development efforts that involve a wider range of end-users, including community resilience planners.
A novel approach for denoising electrocardiogram signals to detect cardiovascular diseases using an efficient hybrid scheme
Authors: Bing Pingping , Liu Wei , Zhai Zhixing , Li Jianghao , Guo Zhiqun , Xiang Yanrui , He Binsheng , Zhu Lemei
Published: April 2024

Background

Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals are inevitably contaminated with various kinds of noises during acquisition and transmission. The presence of noises may produce the inappropriate information on cardiac health, thereby preventing specialists from making correct analysis.

Methods

In this paper, an efficient strategy is proposed to denoise ECG signals, which employs a time-frequency framework based on S-transform (ST) and combines bi-dimensional empirical mode decomposition (BEMD) and non-local means (NLM). In the method, the ST maps an ECG signal into a subspace in the time frequency domain, then the BEMD decomposes the ST-based time-frequency representation (TFR) into a series of sub-TFRs at different scales, finally the NLM removes noise and restores ECG signal characteristics based on structural self-similarity.

Results

The proposed method is validated using numerous ECG signals from the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database, and several different types of noises with varying signal-to-noise (SNR) are taken into account. The experimental results show that the proposed technique is superior to the existing wavelet based approach and NLM filtering, with the higher SNR and structure similarity index measure (SSIM), the lower root mean squared error (RMSE) and percent root mean square difference (PRD).

Conclusions

The proposed method not only significantly suppresses the noise presented in ECG signals, but also preserves the characteristics of ECG signals better, thus, it is more suitable for ECG signals processing.
Measuring parents' regulatory media use for themselves and their children
Authors: Suh Bolim , Kirkorian Heather , Barr Rachel , Kucker Sarah C. , Torres Chioma , Radesky Jenny S.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Parents often use media to manage their own or their child's emotions and behaviors, which is called “regulatory media use.” While the use of media to alleviate negative emotions and behaviors may be helpful in the short-term, there may be negative consequences in the long-term (e.g., for children's development of self-regulatory skills). Research remains limited, often relying on a single, binary question asking whether a parent ever uses media to calm their child. To enable future research on the effects of regulatory media use, this paper described initial scale development efforts for measuring parents' regulatory media use for themselves (parent scale) and their children (child scale).

Methods

These scales were tested in an aggregate sample of parents with children 1–10 years old, and with each of three subsamples representing parents of children in infancy (15-25 months old), early childhood (2–5 years old), and middle childhood (5–10 years old).

Results

Overall, the results provide initial support for the scales as a reliable tool for measuring regulatory media use. Both scales for parents and children had a stable three-factor structure that held within each of the three subsamples. Further, both scales had predictive validity, each predicting parenting stress and child screen time.

Discussion

Building upon earlier studies that often focused on single items to measure regulatory purposes, the initial scales appear to capture a multifaceted range of regulatory uses of media. The comprehensive measurement of regulatory media use enabled by these scales can inform more effective and tailored media guidelines and interventions, and the potential applications and implications for future research are discussed.
Fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitors mitigate the neuropathogenicity of Borrelia burgdorferi or its remnants ex vivo
Authors: Parthasarathy Geetha
Published: April 2024

In previous studies, we showed that fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) contribute to inflammatory mediator output from primary rhesus microglia in response to live Borrelia burgdorferi. We also demonstrated that non-viable B. burgdorferi can be as pathogenic as live bacteria, if not more so, in both CNS and PNS tissues. In this study we assessed the effect of live and non-viable B. burgdorferi in inducing FGFR expression from rhesus frontal cortex (FC) and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) tissue explants as well as their neuronal/astrocyte localization. Specific FGFR inhibitors were also tested for their ability to attenuate inflammatory output and apoptosis in response to either live or non-viable organisms. Results show that in the FC, FGFR2 was the most abundantly expressed receptor followed by FGFR3 and FGFR1. Non-viable B. burgdorferi significantly upregulated FGFR3 more often than live bacteria, while the latter had a similar effect on FGFR1, although both treatments did affect the expressions of both receptors. FGFR2 was the least modulated in the FC tissues by the two treatments. FGFR1 expression was more prevalent in astrocytes while FGFR2 and FGFR3 showed higher expression in neurons. In the DRG, all three receptor expressions were also seen, but could not be distinguished from medium controls by immunofluorescence. Inhibition of FGFR1 by PD166866 downregulated both inflammation and apoptosis in both FC and DRG in response to either treatment in all the tissues tested. Inhibition of FGFR1-3 by AZD4547 similarly downregulated both inflammation and apoptosis in both FC and DRG in response to live bacteria, while with sonicated remnants, this effect was seen in one of the two FC tissues and 2 of 3 DRG tissues tested. CCL2 and IL-6 were the most downregulated mediators in the FC, while in the DRG it was CXCL8 and IL-6 in response to FGFR inhibition. Downregulation of at least two of these three mediators was observed to downregulate apoptosis levels in general. We show here that FGFR inhibition can be an effective anti-inflammatory treatment in antibiotic refractive neurological Lyme. Alternatively, two biologics may be needed to effectively curb neuroinflammation and pathology in the CNS and PNS.
Seaweed and the applicability of freeze drying techniques
Authors: Ashworth Helen , Donohoe Paul , Kibblewhite Blair
Published: April 2024

Seaweed, often considered an overlooked resource, are marine algae with many applications in various industries. The many species of seaweed possess a range of nutritional values, environmental benefits, and their versatility make them an attractive subject of research and development. One promising method for preserving and utilising seaweed effectively is freeze drying. This review explores the world of seaweed, its properties, applications, and the potential of freeze-drying techniques in harnessing the above benefits. The review examines the freeze-drying process and discusses its applicability and advantages in preserving seaweed as a sustainable resource. The discussion also includes the diverse uses of seaweed, from culinary applications to pharmaceuticals and beyond, highlighting the potential of freeze-drying to unlock seaweed’s full potential
Perovskite materials with improved stability and environmental friendliness for photovoltaics
Authors: Kumar Sujit , Sharma Sasanka Sekhor , Giri Jayant , Makki Emad , Sathish T. , Panchal Hitesh
Published: April 2024

Finding innovative, stable, and environmentally acceptable perovskite (PVK) sunlit absorber constituents has developed a major area of study in photovoltaics (PVs). As an alternative to lead-based organic-inorganic halide PVKs, these PVKs are being researched for use in cutting-edge PVK solar cells. While there has been progress in this field as of late, there are still several scientific and technical questions that have yet to be answered. Here, we offer insights into the big picture of PVK toxicity/instability research, and then we discuss methods for creating stable, non-toxic PVKs from scratch. It is also believed that the processing of the proposed PVKs, which occurs between materials design and actual devices, poses novel challenges. PVK PVs that are both stable and ecologically benign can be created if these topics receive more attention. It is interesting to note that although perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have impressive power conversion efficiency, their commercial adoption is hindered by lead toxicity. Lead is a hazardous material that can cause harm to humans and the environment. As a result, researchers worldwide are exploring non-toxic lead-free photovoltaics (PSCs) for a sustainable and safe environment. To achieve this goal, lead in PSCs is replaced by non-toxic or less harmful metals such as tin, germanium, titanium, silver, bismuth, and copper. A study has been conducted that provides information on the characteristics, sustainability, and obstacles of replacing lead with these metals in PSCs. The paper also explores solutions for stability and efficiency issues in lead-free, non-toxic PSC commercialization, including altering manufacturing techniques and adding additives. Lastly, it covers the latest developments/future perspectives in lead-free perovskite solar cells that can be implemented in lead-free PSCs.
Clinical outcomes of diverticular disease in young adults: results from a tertiary referral center
Authors: Santacroce Giovanni , Lenti Marco Vincenzo , Abruzzese Giulia Maria , Alunno Giacomo , Di Terlizzi Francesco , Frenna Carmine , Gentile Antonella , Latorre Mario Andrea , Petrucci Clarissa , Ruggeri Damiano , Soriano Simone , Aronico Nicola , De Silvestri Annalisa , Corazza Gino Roberto , Iacucci Marietta , Di Sabatino Antonio
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Diverticular disease (DD), commonly associated with the elderly, is becoming more prevalent among younger individuals. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the differences in the natural history and outcomes between young and old patients with DD.

Methods

Adult patients with DD diagnosed between 2010 and 2022 at an Italian tertiary referral center were enrolled, and their demographic and clinical data were retrieved. The patients were categorized as young or old based on the 25th percentile of the population's age at diagnosis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the association between the collected variables and the age of disease presentation. Additionally, survival analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between the age of diagnosis and clinical outcomes at follow-up, including disease recurrence, hospital access, surgery, and death.

Results

A total of 220 DD patients (with a median age of 66 years, IQR 55–74, and a female-to-male ratio of 1.4:1) were included in the study, comprising 54 patients receiving a diagnosis before the age of 49 years (young DD patients) and 166 patients diagnosed after the age of 49 years (old DD patients). Male sex (57 vs. 36%, p < 0.01), smoking (38 vs. 14%, p < 0.01), and alcohol consumption (54 vs. 38%) were highly prevalent in young patients. The complications at the time of diagnosis, particularly abscesses and free perforations, occurred more frequently in younger patients (p = 0.04). Moreover, young DD patients experienced a higher rate of hospitalization and surgical intervention (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively) over a median follow-up period of 5 years.

Conclusion

Preventive strategies and prompt diagnosis are crucial in young patients with DD for achieving better disease outcomes and preventing complications.
Clinical efficacy of acupuncture therapy combined with core muscle exercises in treating patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Xia , Zhai Guohua , Zhang Hongkai , Li Xuefei , Wu Mingqi , Zhang Sidi , Cui Jiawen , Tang Zhanying , Hu Zhijun
Published: April 2024

Introduction

This meta-analysis aimed to determine the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with core muscle exercises on pain and functional status in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Methods

This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-analysis criteria for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Randomized controlled trials published till November 2023 were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature, and Wanfang databases. The search strategy was related to disease type, intervention, and control measures and was structured around the search terms “low back pain,” “acupuncture therapy,” and “exercise.” Two reviewers applied inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sensitivity and fixed effects analyses were performed to determine the primary outcomes.

Results

We included 11 randomized controlled trials (n = 727) on acupuncture combined with core muscle exercises in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Compared with controls, clinical efficacy was significant, with improvements in pain scores (visual analog pain scale and numerical rating scale) and Oswestry Disability Index in the intervention group.

Discussion

Acupuncture therapy combined with core muscle exercises improved pain and functional status in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain, with favorable clinical outcomes compared with single-core muscle training. Multicenter large-sample trials are required to obtain more reliable conclusions.
Recombinant probiotic Lactococcus lactis delivering P62 mitigates moderate colitis in mice
Authors: Laguna Juliana Guimarães , Freitas Andria dos Santos , Barroso Fernanda Alvarenga Lima , De Jesus Luís Cláudio Lima , De Vasconcelos Octávio Augusto Greco Gomes , Quaresma Ludmila Silva , Américo Monique Ferrary , Campos Gabriela Munis , Glória Rafael de Assis , Dutra Joyce da Cruz Ferraz , Da Silva Tales Fernando , Vital Kátia Duarte , Fernandes Simone O. , Souza Ramon O. , Martins Flaviano dos Santos , Ferreira Enio , Santos Túlio Marcos , Birbrair Alexander , De Oliveira Marcos Felipe Andrade , Faria Ana Maria Caetano , Carvalho Rodrigo Dias de Oliveira , Venanzi Franco Maria , Le Loir Yves , Jan Gwénaël , Guédon Éric , Azevedo Vasco Ariston de Carvalho
Published: April 2024

Introduction and objective

p62 is a human multifunctional adaptor protein involved in key cellular processes such as tissue homeostasis, inflammation, and cancer. It acts as a negative regulator of inflammasome complexes. It may thus be considered a good candidate for therapeutic use in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as colitis. Probiotics, including recombinant probiotic strains producing or delivering therapeutic biomolecules to the host mucosal surfaces, could help prevent and mitigate chronic intestinal inflammation. The objective of the present study was to combine the intrinsic immunomodulatory properties of the probiotic Lactococcus lactis NCDO2118 with its ability to deliver health-promoting molecules to enhance its protective and preventive effects in the context of ulcerative colitis (UC).

Material and methods

This study was realized in vivo in which mice were supplemented with the recombinant strain. The intestinal barrier function was analyzed by monitoring permeability, secretory IgA total levels, mucin expression, and tight junction genes. Its integrity was evaluated by histological analyses. Regarding inflammation, colonic cytokine levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and expression of key genes were monitored. The intestinal microbiota composition was investigated using 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing.

Results and discussion

No protective effect of L. lactis NCDO2118 pExu:p62 was observed regarding mice clinical parameters compared to the L. lactis NCDO2118 pExu: empty. However, the recombinant strain, expressing p62, increased the goblet cell counts, upregulated Muc2 gene expression in the colon, and downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines Tnf and Ifng when compared to L. lactis NCDO2118 pExu: empty and inflamed groups. This recombinant strain also decreased colonic MPO activity. No difference in the intestinal microbiota was observed between all treatments. Altogether, our results show that recombinant L. lactis NCDO2118 delivering p62 protein protected the intestinal mucosa and mitigated inflammatory damages caused by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). We thus suggest that p62 may constitute part of a therapeutic approach targeting inflammation.
Prophylactic treatment with PEGylated bovine IFNλ3 effectively bridges the gap in vaccine-induced immunity against FMD in cattle
Authors: Attreed Sarah E. , Silva Christina , Rodriguez-Calzada Monica , Mogulothu Aishwarya , Abbott Sophia , Azzinaro Paul , Canning Peter , Skidmore Lillian , Nelson Jay , Knudsen Nick , Medina Gisselle N. , de los Santos Teresa , Díaz-San Segundo Fayna
Published: April 2024

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a vesicular disease of cloven-hoofed animals with devastating economic implications. The current FMD vaccine, routinely used in enzootic countries, requires at least 7 days to induce protection. However, FMD vaccination is typically not recommended for use in non-enzootic areas, underscoring the need to develop new fast-acting therapies for FMD control during outbreaks. Interferons (IFNs) are among the immune system’s first line of defense against viral infections. Bovine type III IFN delivered by a replication defective adenovirus (Ad) vector has effectively blocked FMD in cattle. However, the limited duration of protection—usually only 1–3 days post-treatment (dpt)—diminishes its utility as a field therapeutic. Here, we test whether polyethylene glycosylation (PEGylation) of recombinant bovine IFNλ3 (PEGboIFNλ3) can extend the duration of IFN-induced prevention of FMDV infection in both vaccinated and unvaccinated cattle. We treated groups of heifers with PEGboIFNλ3 alone or in combination with an adenovirus-based FMD O1Manisa vaccine (Adt-O1M) at either 3 or 5 days prior to challenge with homologous wild type FMDV. We found that pre-treatment with PEGboIFNλ3 was highly effective at preventing clinical FMD when administered at either time point, with or without co-administration of Adt-O1M vaccine. PEGboIFNλ3 protein was detectable systemically for >10 days and antiviral activity for 4 days following administration. Furthermore, in combination with Adt-O1M vaccine, we observed a strong induction of FMDV-specific IFNγ+ T cell response, demonstrating its adjuvanticity when co-administered with a vaccine. Our results demonstrate the promise of this modified IFN as a pre-exposure prophylactic therapy for use in emergency outbreak scenarios.
From gut to liver: unveiling the differences of intestinal microbiota in NAFL and NASH patients
Authors: Huang Furong , Lyu Bo , Xie Fanci , Li Fang , Xing Yufeng , Han Zhiyi , Lai Jianping , Ma Jinmin , Zou Yuanqiang , Zeng Hua , Xu Zhe , Gao Pan , Luo Yonglun , Bolund Lars , Tong Guangdong , Fengping Xu
Published: April 2024

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly recognized for its global prevalence and potential progression to more severe liver diseases such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, yet the detailed characteristics and ecological alterations of gut microbial communities during the progression from non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to NASH remain poorly understood. Methods: In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of gut microbiota composition in individuals with NAFL and NASH to elucidate differences and characteristics. We utilized 16S rRNA sequencing to compare the intestinal gut microbiota among a healthy control group (65 cases), NAFL group (64 cases), and NASH group (53 cases). Random forest machine learning and database validation methods were employed to analyze the data. Results: Our findings indicate a significant decrease in the diversity of intestinal flora during the progression of NAFLD (p < 0.05). At the phylum level, high abundances of Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria were observed in both NAFL and NASH patients, whereas Firmicutes were less abundant. At the genus level, a significant decrease in Prevotella expression was seen in the NAFL group (AUC 0.738), whereas an increase in the combination of Megamonas and Fusobacterium was noted in the NASH group (AUC 0.769). Furthermore, KEGG pathway analysis highlighted significant disturbances in various types of glucose metabolism pathways in the NASH group compared to the NAFL group, as well as notably compromised flavonoid and flavonol biosynthesis functions. The study uncovers distinct microbiota characteristics and microecological changes within the gut during the transition from NAFL to NASH, providing insights that could facilitate the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for NAFLD.
Current examining methods and mathematical models of horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in the environment
Authors: Liu Fan , Luo Yuqiu , Xu Tiansi , Lin Hai , Qiu Yong , Li Bing
Published: April 2024

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment has garnered significant attention due to their health risk to human beings. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is considered as an important way for ARG dissemination. There are four general routes of HGT, including conjugation, transformation, transduction and vesiduction. Selection of appropriate examining methods is crucial for comprehensively understanding characteristics and mechanisms of different HGT ways. Moreover, combined with the results obtained from different experimental methods, mathematical models could be established and serve as a powerful tool for predicting ARG transfer dynamics and frequencies. However, current reviews of HGT for ARG spread mainly focus on its influencing factors and mechanisms, overlooking the important roles of examining methods and models. This review, therefore, delineated four pathways of HGT, summarized the strengths and limitations of current examining methods, and provided a comprehensive summing-up of mathematical models pertaining to three main HGT ways of conjugation, transformation and transduction. Finally, deficiencies in current studies were discussed, and proposed the future perspectives to better understand and assess the risks of ARG dissemination through HGT.