bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ЕТИЧНІ ТА ПРАВОВІ ВИКЛИКИ ЦИФРОВОГО БЕЗСМЕРТЯ: МЕЖІ АВТОНОМІЇ ТА ІДЕНТИЧНОСТІ В ЦИФРОВУ ЕПОХУ
Authors: Пипяк М. І. , Кокарча Ю. А.
Published: July 2023

У статті досліджено етичні та правові виклики, пов'язані з поняттям цифрового безсмертя в контексті сучасної цифрової епохи. Розглянуто етичні та правові питання, пов'язані зі збереженням цифрового сліду та представленням особи після біологічної смерті в інтернеті. Запропоновано аналізувати етичні аспекти цифрового безсмертя, звертаючи увагу на право людини вирішувати, що залишити після своєї смерті в цифровому просторі. Розтлумачено також поняття правового статусу цифрової особи. Досліджено правові норми, які регулюють доступ до даних померлих осіб та їхніх цифрових акаунтів. Також запропоновано механізми, які можуть забезпечити виконання волі людини щодо її цифрового відображення після смерті, зокрема враховуючи автономію та ідентичність у цифровому просторі. Крім іншого, зосереджено увагу на правових аспектах видалення цифрових слідів померлих осіб і забезпеченні приватності й гідності померлих у цифровому середовищі. Досліджено процедури та правові механізми, які можуть бути розроблені для вирішення цих питань. Стаття сприяє поєднанню аспектів правознавства та філософії для аналізу етичних, правових та філософських вимірів цифрового безсмертя. Авторами запропоновано розглянути актуальні проблеми та обговорити можливі наслідки цифрового безсмертя. Зазначено про важливість знаходження балансу між індивідуальними правами на приватність та контролем над своїм цифровим спадком і колективними інтересами, такими як суспільні норми, етика та захист інших осіб. Висновки, представлені в статті, можуть слугувати основою для подальшого обговорення й розробки етичних та правових чинників, які враховуватимуть особисті, соціальні й технологічні аспекти цифрового безсмертя. Подальше дослідження цієї теми може сприяти розвитку прогресивних правових і політичних інструментів, які забезпечать гармонію між індивідуальними правами та суспільними потребами у цифровому просторі.
ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ СУДОВОЮ ЕКОНОМІЧНОЮ ЕКСПЕРТИЗОЮ ЗБИТКІВ, ЗАВДАНИХ УНАСЛІДОК ЗБРОЙНОЇ АГРЕСІЇ ПРОТИ УКРАЇНИ
Authors: Лукавенко К. С.
Published: July 2023

Унаслідок широкомасштабних воєнних дій російської федерації після 24 лютого 2022 року, які призвели до збитків, ушкоджень і руйнувань у розмірі, за різними підрахунками, на суму від сотень мільярдів до трильйона доларів США, гостро постало питання захисту порушених прав та інтересів постраждалих осіб. Колосальної шкоди зазнали громадяни України, які втратили своїх близьких і рідних та яким заподіяно фізичні страждання, моральну шкоду, майнові (матеріальні) збитки від знищення та ушкодження майна. Обстрілів зазнали об’єкти військової, транспортної, промислової інфраструктури, об’єкти, що забезпечують життєдіяльність населених пунктів різних форм власності. Водночас значних збитків зазнав вітчизняний бізнес. Специфічним аспектом шкоди останнього є не лише прямі втрати від руйнувань та знищень, але й упущена вигода, неможливість отримання доходів у майбутньому, порушення нормальної господарської діяльності, втрата економічних зв’язків, порушення ланок виробництва, зниження капіталізації підприємств. Постановою Кабінету міністрів України № 326 від 20 березня 2022 року затверджено «Порядок визначення шкоди та збитків, завданих Україні внаслідок збройної агресії російської федерації» (далі – Постанова № 326 від 20 березня 2022 року). Однак нормативний акт не передбачав методики для фіксації заподіяної шкоди та визначення розміру заподіяних збитків. Документ лише зобов’язував державні органи розробити такі методики в шестимісячний строк. У статті на основі вивчення експертної практики та наукових джерел визначено основні методики, за якими, на думку автора, повинні розраховуватися збитки, які завдані бюджету країни, підприємствам та організаціям. Також виділено категорії збитків, розрахунок котрих відносять до завдань судового експерта-економіста в розрізі постанови № 326 від 20 березня 2022 року. Зроблено висновок про те, що експертний супровід визначення розміру шкоди та збитків від пошкодження і руйнування будівель, споруд та інших об’єктів інфраструктури внаслідок збройної агресії російської федерації є важливим елементом реалізації механізмів відшкодування понесених втрат, у тому числі за рахунок країни-агресора.
The Laminin Receptors Basal Cell Adhesion Molecule/Lutheran and Integrin α7β1 on Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Godavarthy Parimala Sonika , Walter Christina B. , Lengerke Claudia , Klein Gerd
Published: July 2023

In the adult organism, hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) reside in the bone marrow (BM) in specialized hematopoietic stem cell niches of which the extracellular matrix (ECM) is an integral component. Laminins (LM) are a family of heterotrimeric ECM molecules of which mainly family members containing an α4 or α5 chain are expressed in cells from BM niches and involved in HSPC homing and proliferation. Various integrin and non-integrin laminin receptors have been identified and characterized. Among these, the integrins α6β1 and α3β1 were reported to be strongly expressed on human and mouse HSPC. In the present study, we focus on two further specific laminin receptors, namely integrin α7β1 and basal cell adhesion molecule/Lutheran (BCAM/Lu). Using RT-PCR analyses, immunofluorescence staining, immunoblotting and flow cytometry, we show that both are strongly expressed by human lineage-negative CD34 + HSPC. Treatment with function-blocking antibodies against BCAM/Lu neither inhibits the strong adhesive interaction of CD34 + HSPC with LM-511/LM-521 nor the LM-511/LM-521 mediated changes in CD34 + HSPC proliferation, but however, influences the cytokine-induced differentiation of HSPC in colony formation assays. In addition, stromal-derived factor (SDF) 1α-mediated transmigration of CD34 + HSPC through an endothelial cell layer was effectively diminished by BCAM/Lu antibodies, suggesting a direct involvement of BCAM/Lu in the migration process. This study indicates that both laminin receptors newly identified on human CD34 + HSPC should be taken into consideration in future studies.
The importance of cytoplasmic strings during early human embryonic development
Authors: Joo Kata , Nemes Annamaria , Dudas Beata , Berkes-Bara Eva , Murber Akos , Urbancsek Janos , Fancsovits Peter
Published: July 2023

Objectives: During human in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments, embryologists attempt to select the most viable embryos for embryo transfer (ET). Previously, embryos were evaluated based on light microscopic morphological parameters. However, this is currently accomplished by morphokinetic analysis of time-lapse recordings. This technique provides us the opportunity to observe cytoplasmic strings at the blastocyst stage. The aim of this work was to examine the relationship between the presence of cytoplasmic strings (CS) and the embryo viability in human in vitro fertilised embryos.

Study design: Herein, we present an evaluation of the morphokinetic data on the development of embryos obtained during IVF treatments performed at the Division of Assisted Reproduction between December 2020 and March 2021. The dynamics of embryo development, embryo morphology, and morphokinetic scores generated by a time-lapse system were compared between the presence of cytoplasmic strings (CS+) and their absence (CS-) at the blastocyst stage.

Results: The development of 208 embryos from 78 patients was examined. Moreover, 81.2% of the embryos had CS in the blastocyst stage; 77% of CS existed in embryos created by conventional IVF, while 86% of CS existed in embryos fertilised by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (p = 0.08). A greater number of CS+ embryos developed into a higher quality blastocyst (52.1% vs. 20.5%, p = 0.02). The morphokinetic score values characterising the development of embryos, such as Known Implantation Data Score (KIDScore) and Intelligent Data Analysis (iDAScore), were higher in CS+ groups (KID: 6.1 ± 2.1 vs. 4.7 ± 2.07; iDA: 8.0 ± 1.9 vs. 6.8 ± 2.3, p < 0.01). The dynamics of the early embryo development were similar between the two groups; however, CS+ embryos reached the blastocyst stage significantly earlier (tB: 103.9 h vs. tB: 107.6 h; p = 0.001).

Conclusion: Based on our results, the number of embryos with cytoplasmic strings was higher than that without cytoplasmic strings, and its presence is not related to the fertilisation method. These embryos reached the blastocyst stage earlier, and their morphokinetic (KIDScore and iDAScore) parameters were better. All these results suggest that the presence of CS indicates higher embryo viability. The examination of this feature may help us make decisions about the embryos with higher implantation potential.
Determination of the major axis direction and macroseismic epicenter of the assessed intensity map based on relocated aftershock sequences
Authors: Xu Zhishuang , Liu Jie , Yalikun Alimujiang , Li Xiaoli , Ren Jing , Wen Xintao
Published: July 2023

The rapid assessment of an intensity map following a strong earthquake forms the foundation for risk assessment and emergency response in Chinese mainland. The determination of the major axis direction in the assessed intensity map depends on various factors, including nearby active faults, instrumental intensities, and the distribution of aftershocks. To evaluate the effectiveness of promptly determining the major axis direction based on early aftershock distribution, we relocated and analyzed aftershock sequences occurring within 2 h of eighteen aftershock-rich earthquakes with a magnitude of Ms ≥ 6.0 in Chinese mainland from 2012 to 2021. HypoDD was used for relocation, and the standard deviational ellipse fitting technique was employed for analysis. Comparing the aftershock ellipses resulting from our analysis with the macroseismic intensity maps obtained from field surveys reveals a high level of agreement, with an average difference of approximately 9° in the major axis directions of the aftershock ellipses and the meizoseismal zones. For the majority of earthquakes, regardless of focal mechanisms, the lengths of the major axes of the aftershock ellipses closely correspond to the intensity VIII scale. Additionally, the spatial distribution of aftershocks aids in distinguishing the seismogenic fault from the two fault planes with distinctly different dips as indicated by the focal mechanism solution. Moreover, the distance between the aftershock center and the macroseismic epicenter systematically increases as the dip decreases. These findings hold significant scientific value as they contribute to the prompt determination of assessed intensity maps and provide effective guidance for earthquake emergency response.
Sulphur isotope stratigraphy of drill cuttings and stratigraphic correlation of Permian-Triassic evaporites
Authors: Salisbury Jack , Gröcke Darren R. , McKie Tom
Published: July 2023

The stratigraphy of the European late Permian-Triassic commonly lacks chronostratigraphic constraint due to the scarcity of diagnostic fossils for biostratigraphy. This is particularly true for the United Kingdom, and as a result, stratigraphic correlation within and between sedimentary basins is primarily reliant on lithostratigraphy. Evaporitic sulphate can be used to develop time series of δ34Sevap data that can be utilised for stratigraphic correlation. However, the availability of continuous drillcore is limited, whilst drill cuttings are commonly acquired but are widely overlooked for stable isotope stratigraphy. We derive a δ34Sevap record from drill cuttings from the southern North Sea Basin, and successfully correlate it with an equivalent published δ34Sevap record from a continuous drillcore in the Cleveland Basin, Yorkshire, United Kingdom. We have chosen seven points in the δ34Sevap records for stratigraphic correlation, defining eight packages of isotopically distinct coeval strata. This is significant, as the ubiquity of drill cuttings presents the opportunity to derive δ34Sevap curves with high geospatial resolution. Equivalent gamma ray logs were used for correlation and compared with the δ34Sevap curves. The correlations agree relatively well, however, the δ34Sevap correlation permits the development of more robust chronostratigraphic constraints. Specifically, the δ34Sevap records constrain the age of the Bunter Shale and Bunter Sandstone in the western Southern North Sea to the latest Permian. This has significant implications for understanding the stratigraphy and palaeogeographic evolution of United Kingdom Permian-Triassic sedimentary basins, and may have economic implications, since the Bunter Sandstone is being considered as a potential reservoir for CO2 storage in the United Kingdom sector.
Fibroblast growth factor-23 and cardiovascular disease among prevalent hemodialysis patients focusing on residual kidney function
Authors: Kee Youn Kyung , Jeon Hee Jung , Oh Jieun , Cho Ajin , Lee Young-Ki , Yoon Jong-Woo , Kim Hyunsuk , Yoo Tae-Hyun , Shin Dong Ho
Published: July 2023

Background

In patients undergoing incident hemodialysis, increased fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) levels are associated with the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the influence of residual kidney function (RFK) on this association is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between FGF-23 levels, RKF, and CVD in patients undergoing prevalent hemodialysis.

Methods

This cross-sectional and longitudinal observational study included 296 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis for at least three months who were followed up for a median of 44 months. RKF was defined as 24-h urine output >200 mL, left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction as E/E’ >15 on echocardiographic parameters. CVD was defined as hospitalization or emergency room visits due to cardiovascular causes, such as angina, myocardial infarction, or congestive heart failure.

Results

The median intact FGF-23 (iFGF-23) level was 423.8 pg/mL (interquartile range, 171–1,443). Patients with an FGF-23 level > 423.8 pg/mL significantly had a lower proportion of RKF (39.2% vs. 60.1%, P < 0.001) and a higher proportion of LV diastolic dysfunction (54. 1% vs. 29.1%, P < 0.001) than those with an iFGF-23 level ≤ 423.8 pg/mL. The odds ratio (OR) for LV diastolic dysfunction was significantly higher in patients with RFK (OR per one-unit increase in the natural log-transformed iFGF-23 levels, 1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–2.93) than in patients without RKF (OR per one-unit increase in the natural log-transformed iFGF-23 levels: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.01–1.99) in multivariate analysis (p < 0.001). During the follow-up period, 55 patients experienced CVD. The hazard ratio (HR) for CVD development was also significantly higher in patients with RKF (HR per one-unit increase in the natural log-transformed iFGF-23 levels, 2.64; 95% CI: 1.29–5.40) than those without RKF (HR per one-unit increase in the natural log-transformed iFGF-23 levels: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.04–1.99) in multivariate analysis (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Increased iFGF-23 levels were associated with LV diastolic dysfunction and CVD development in patients undergoing prevalent hemodialysis; however, the loss of RKF attenuated the magnitude of these associations. Therefore, in these patients, RKF strongly influenced the detrimental role of iFGF-23 in the development of CVD.
Warthin-like papillary thyroid carcinoma: a case report and comprehensive review of the literature
Authors: Missaoui Abdel Mouhaymen , Hamza Fatma , Belabed Wafa , Mellouli Manel , Maaloul Mohamed , Charfi Slim , Jardak Issam , Sellami-Boudawara Tahya , Rekik Nabila , Abid Mohamed
Published: July 2023

Background

Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) is the most frequent endocrine malignancy with a variety of histological presentations. Warthin-like Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (WLPTC) is an uncommon neoplasm that is recognized as a distinct subtype of PTC in the WHO classification of thyroid tumors. In this report, we present a novel case of WLPTC in a female patient and provide an in-depth review of the available literature on its clinical, pathological, and therapeutic characteristics.

Case presentation

A 27-year-old female patient was referred for neck swelling. Ultrasound showed two suspicious thyroid nodules leading to a thyroidectomy. She was diagnosed with intermediate-risk bifocal foci of classic PTC and WLPTC, arising from a background of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT). This pT1b(m) N1b M0 malignancy was treated with adjuvant isotopic ablation and suppressive thyroxine therapy. The 1-year outcomes were favorable.

Literature review

It covered articles published from 1995 to 2022, by searching PubMed and Google Scholar using specific terms. Out of 148 articles reviewed by two authors, 25 relevant articles were selected, including 13 case reports and 12 case series. The study included 150 cases of WLPTC. Data related to clinical presentation, imaging, histological features, management, and outcomes, were extracted. The mean age of diagnosis was 39 years, with a female predominance. The most common clinical presentation was neck swelling. Thyroid autoimmunity was positive in 71.6% of patients. Lymph node metastases were present in 28% of cases, with no reported distant metastases. Overall, the outcomes were favorable.

Conclusion

WLPTC shares similar clinical and radiological presentations as classic PTC. The hallmark histological features of WLPTC are papillae lined with oncocytic tumor cells with papillary nuclear changes and lymphoid stroma. WLPTC is almost constantly associated with CLT. The management of WLPTC aligns with that of classic PTC with comparable stage and risk category, often resulting in favorable outcomes.
Can senior executive characteristics improve carbon emission performance? Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Xun , He Mengqi , Zhang Shaoyong , Zhuang Zhao , Cai Cheng
Published: July 2023

In recent years, the backbone of China's market economy has involved controlling corporate carbon emissions and reducing environmental pollution. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the characteristics of senior managers and the carbon emission performance of enterprises. The empirical study used panel data on high-emission industries operating in the China A-shares market from 2014 to 2017. The results showed that the natural age, education level, and professional background of senior managers in high-emission enterprises were negatively correlated with the carbon emission performance of enterprises. However, in the case of large enterprises, there is no strong relationship between the natural age of executives and carbon emission performance, while professional background and education level are negatively correlated with carbon emission performance. However, natural age is significantly related to carbon emission performance in small and medium-sized enterprises. In the regional classification of enterprises, the natural age and professional background of the core executives of high-emitting enterprises in the eastern region are negatively correlated with carbon emission performance, while the professional background of the core executives of high-emitting enterprises in the central and western regions is positively correlated with carbon emission performance. Moreover, the natural age and educational level of executives are negatively correlated with carbon emission performance. To measure the carbon emission performance of an enterprise, the study used the balanced scorecard evaluation system (CEP). Meanwhile, it innovatively classifies and sorts the sample companies based on their overall size and distribution area, and analyzes the carbon performance and executive characteristics from two perspectives. The study provides suggestions and countermeasures for companies in China, especially those in high-emission industries, to help reduce pollution.
The association between the CD4/CD8 ratio and surgical site infection risk among HIV-positive adults: insights from a China hospital
Authors: Liu Bo , Li Kangpeng , Li Shengtao , Zhao Rugang , Zhang Qiang
Published: July 2023

Purpose

It is well known that the CD4/CD8 ratio is a special immune-inflammation marker. We aimed to explore the relationship between the CD4/CD8 ratio and the risk of surgical site infections (SSI) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive adults undergoing orthopedic surgery.

Methods

We collected and analyzed data from 216 HIV-positive patients diagnosed with fractures at the department of orthopedics, Beijing Ditan Hospital between 2011 and 2019. The demographic, surgical, and hematological data for all patients were collected in this retrospective cohort study. We explored the risk factors for SSI using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Then, the clinical correlation between the CD4 count, CD4/CD8 ratio, and SSI was studied using multivariate logistic regression models after adjusting for potential confounders. Furthermore, the association between the CD4/CD8 ratio and SSI was evaluated on a continuous scale with restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves based on logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 23 (10.65%) patients developed SSI during the perioperative period. Patients with hepatopathy (OR=6.10, 95%CI=1.46-28.9), HIV viral load (OR=8.68, 95%CI=1.42-70.2; OR=19.4, 95%CI=3.09-179), operation time (OR=7.84, 95%CI=1.35-77.9), and CD4 count (OR=0.05, 95%CI=0.01-0.23) were risk factors for SSI (P-value < 0.05). Our study demonstrated that a linear relationship between CD4 count and surgical site infection risk. In other words, patients with lower CD4 counts had a higher risk of developing SSI. Furthermore, the relationship between CD4/CD8 ratio and SSI risk was non-linear, inverse ‘S’ shaped. The risk of SSI increased substantially when the ratio was below 0.913; above 0.913, the risk of SSI was almost unchanged. And there is a ‘threshold-saturation’ effect between them.

Conclusion

Our research shows the CD4/CD8 ratio could be a useful predictor and immune-inflammation marker of the risk of SSI in HIV-positive fracture patients. These results, from a Chinese hospital, support the beneficial role of immune reconstitution in HIV-positive patients prior to orthopedic surgery.
The roles of inflammasomes in cancer
Authors: Deng Zihan , Lu Lisen , Li Binghui , Shi Xiujuan , Jin Honglin , Hu Weidong
Published: July 2023

Inflammation is a key characteristic of all stages of tumor development, including tumor initiation, progression, malignant transformation, invasion, and metastasis. Inflammasomes are an important component of the inflammatory response and an indispensable part of the innate immune system. Inflammasomes regulate the nature of infiltrating immune cells by signaling the secretion of different cytokines and chemokines, thus regulating the anti-tumor immunity of the body. Inflammasome expression patterns vary across different tumor types and stages, playing different roles during tumor progression. The complex diversity of the inflammasomes is determined by both internal and external factors relating to tumor establishment and progression. Therefore, elucidating the specific effects of different inflammasomes in anti-tumor immunity is critical for promoting the discovery of inflammasome-targeting drugs. This review focuses on the structure, activation pathway, and identification methods of the NLRP3, NLRC4, NLRP1 and AIM2 inflammasomes. Herein, we also explore the role of inflammasomes in different cancers and their complex regulatory mechanisms, and discuss current and future directions for targeting inflammasomes in cancer therapy. A detailed knowledge of inflammasome function and regulation may lead to novel therapies that target the activation of inflammasomes as well as the discovery of new drug targets.
Transfusion-dependent non-severe aplastic anemia: characteristics and outcomes in the clinic
Authors: Zhang Yawen , He Yao , Wang Suli , Sun Jingnan , Jia Jinsong , Gong Yuemin , He Guangsheng , Li Jianyong
Published: July 2023

Transfusion-dependent non-severe aplastic anemia (TD-NSAA) is a rare condition of bone marrow failure that can persist for a long time or develop into severe aplastic anemia (SAA). Little is known about the clinical and laboratory characteristics, and disease prognosis and outcomes in TD-NSAA patients. The clinical and laboratory data of 124 consecutive TD-NSAA patients in the Chinese Eastern Collaboration Group of Anemia from December 2013 and January 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. In 124 TD-NSAA patients, the median age was 32 years (range: 3-80) and the median disease course was 38 months (range: 3-363). Common complications were iron overload (53/101, 52.5%), liver and kidney dysfunction (42/124, 33.9%), diabetes mellitus/impaired glucose tolerance (24/124, 19.4%), and severe infection (29 cases, 23.4%). 58% of patients (57/124) developed severe aplastic anemia with a median progression time of 24 months (range: 3-216). Patients with absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <0.5×109/L, severe infection, or iron overload had a higher probability of progression to SAA (P=0.022, P=0.025, P=0.001). Patients receiving antithymocyte globulin (ATG) plus Cyclosporin A (CsA) had a higher overall response rate compared to those receiving CsA alone (56.7% vs 19.3%, P < 0.001). The addition of ATG was the favorable factor for efficacy (P=0.003). Fourteen patients developed secondary clonal hematologic disease: eleven patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, two patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, and one patient with acute myeloid leukemia, respectively. Ten patients (8.1%) died with a median follow-up of 12 months (range: 3- 36 months). Patients with TD-NSAA usually have a prolonged course of disease, and are prone to be complicated with important organ damage and disease progression to SAA. Intensive immunosuppressive therapy based on ATG might be an appropriate approach for TD-NSAA.

Clinical trial registration:http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=125480&htm=4, identifier ChiCTR2100045895.
Current understanding of CTLA-4: from mechanism to autoimmune diseases
Authors: Hossen Md Munnaf , Ma Yanmei , Yin Zhihua , Xia Yuhao , Du Jing , Huang Jim Yi , Huang Jennifer Jin , Zou Linghua , Ye Zhizhong , Huang Zhong
Published: July 2023

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are characterized by the production of autoreactive lymphocytes, immune responses to self-antigens, and inflammation in related tissues and organs. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) is majorly expressed in activated T cells and works as a critical regulator in the inflammatory response. In this review, we first describe the structure, expression, and how the signaling pathways of CTLA-4 participate in reducing effector T-cell activity and enhancing the immunomodulatory ability of regulatory T (Treg) cells to reduce immune response, maintain immune homeostasis, and maintain autoimmune silence. We then focused on the correlation between CTLA-4 and different ADs and how this molecule regulates the immune activity of the diseases and inhibits the onset, progression, and pathology of various ADs. Finally, we summarized the current progress of CTLA-4 as a therapeutic target for various ADs.
Population structure and reproductive dynamics of the ridged swimming crab Charybdis natator in the southern Taiwan Strait of China: significant changes within 25 years
Authors: Lin Bai-an , Jiang Yan , Liu Min
Published: July 2023

The ridged swimming crab Charybdis natator (Portunidae) is a commercially important crustacean species in China. The purpose of this study is to compare its population structure and reproductive pattern within the same fishing area (the southern Taiwan Strait) from two datasets over 25 years; one from 1994−1996 (the early years of the C. natator fishery) and the other from 2019. The overall sex ratio (male:female) changed from a male bias (1:0.76, p < 0.01) in 1994−1996 to a female bias (1:1.38, p < 0.01) in 2019. Male body sizes (carapace width, CW) were significantly larger than those of females in both datasets (p < 0.05). The average CW and body weight (BW) of males and females in 2019 were significantly smaller (p < 0.01) and lighter (p < 0.01) than those in 1994−1996. The maximum body size and the proportion of large-sized individuals (CW > 10 cm) decreased dramatically over 25 years. One spawning peak season was identified from each dataset, i.e., March−August 1994−1996 and February−April 2019, revealing a 1-month shift. The minimum body sizes for female maturation (carrying eggs) were 6.9 cm CW in 1994−1996 and 6.1 cm CW in 2019, an 11.6% reduction over 25 years. For the first time, the CW at 50% female maturation, the relationship between female absolute fecundity and CW, and egg diameters were obtained from the 2019 dataset, which can be applied in the future comparisons. Recent studies have revealed a consistent spawning peak in February–April for several commercially important crabs in the southern Taiwan Strait. These findings should be considered in crab fishery management. Furthermore, both fishery- and environment-associated factors influencing crustacean population structure and reproductive dynamics merit further investigation.
Sediment transport trend and its influencing factors in coastal bedrock island sea areas-a case study of Chudao island, China
Authors: Zhou Yadi , Wang Hu , Yan Yuru
Published: July 2023

Coastal bedrock islands sea areas have a unique natural environment, frequent human activities, and complex sedimentary dynamic processes. In this paper, we select the Chudao Island sea area off the coast of Shandong Peninsula, China, as a typical research area to investigate the sediment transport trends and influencing factors by means of high-precision bathymetric survey, high-density sediment sampling, grain-size trend analysis and hydrodynamic numerical modeling. Results and analysis indicate that the grain size parameters including mean grain-size, sorting coefficient and skewness are zonal distributed, roughly parallel to the isobaths. While the overall sediment transport trend is from island shore to sea, with several convergence centers near the loop centers of bottom flow and at the edge of the agriculture area. The near-bottom flow velocity is primary factor that controlling the significance of sediment transport trend, while the flow decides the general patterns of sediment transport trend and sediment distribution. Submarine topography can either directly transport sediments down its slope, or indirectly affect the direction of sediment transport by constraining the near-bottom flow from shallow to deep waters. Besides the natural factors of bottom flow and submarine topography, human activities represented by aquaculture also affect the sediment transport trend in coastal bedrock island sea areas. First, the increased sedimentation rate caused by organic matters and the diffusion of scallop fragments may cause sediment coarsening. Second, the artificial aquaculture facilities can reduce flow velocity and therefore hinder the initiation, suspension and transport of sediment near the aquaculture areas. Our methods and findings provide high-resolution details to insight into the sediment transport trends to improve the understanding of the modern sediment dynamics in small-scale coastal bedrock island sea areas and provide reference for corresponding engineering and agriculture activities.
Antibiofilm Efficacy of Luteolin Against Single and Dual Species of Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Fu Yuting , Wang Wenjing , Zeng Qiao , Wang Ting , Qian Weidong
Published: July 2023

Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis biofilm-associated infections have been a huge challenge to the medical community. However, the efficacy of natural products against mixed biofilms of C. albicans and E. faecalis still remains largely unexploited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of luteolin against planktonic cell growth, adhesion, and biofilm formation of C. albicans and E. faecalis in single and mixed cultures in vitro. The results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentrations of luteolin against planktonic cells of C. albicans, E. faecalis, and mixed cultures were 32 and 64 μg ml–1, respectively. The results displayed that a remarkable variation in biofilm biomass, viability, structure, and composition of single and dual-species biofilms formed by mono- and dual-species biofilms of C. albicans and E. faecalis in the presence of luteolin was confirmed by mainly crystal violet staining assay (CVSA), optical microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). The tolerance of luteolin-treated single- and dual-species biofilms to antibiotics was found to obviously decrease, and the loss of biofilm matrix components (mainly polysaccharides and proteins) was revealed by CLSM. Moreover, luteolin was effective at inactivating biofilm cells, as well as destructing preformed biofilm structures by single and dual species by CVSA, FESEM, and CLSM. Collectively, these data indicate the potential of luteolin as a promising antibiofilm agent for the therapeutic management of biofilm-related infections induced by single and dual species of C. albicans and E. faecalis.
Tropical Cellulolytic Bacteria: Potential Utilization of Sugarcane Bagasse as Low-Cost Carbon Source in Aquaculture
Authors: Ren Wei , Xu Xueni , Long Hao , Zhang Xiang , Cai Xiaoni , Huang Aiyou , Xie Zhenyu
Published: July 2023

Sugarcane bagasse (SB), as a major by-product of sugarcane, is one of the most abundant organic matter and characterized by cheap and easily available carbon source in Hainan Island, China. The objective of this study was to isolate tropical cellulolytic bacteria from Hainan Island and demonstrate their prospects of utilization of SB as a low-cost carbon source to greatly reduce the cost of aquaculture. A total of 97 cellulolytic marine bacteria were isolated, of which, 58 cellulolytic marine bacteria displayed the hydrolysis capacity (HC) of more than 1, while 28 cellulolytic marine bacteria displayed more than 2. Of the 28 tropical cellulolytic bacterial strains with HC more than 2, Microbulbifer sp. CFW-C18 and Vibrio sp. MW-M19 exhibited excellent SB decomposition in a small-scale laboratory simulation of shrimp aquaculture, up to 75.31 and 74.35%, respectively, and both of them were safe for shrimps. Meanwhile, both of CFW-C18 and MW-M19 besides displaying low multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index, also increased the C/N ratio (CFW-C18: C/N ratio of 14.34; MW-M19: C/N ratio of 14.75) of the small-scale laboratory simulation of shrimp aquaculture by decreasing the nitrogen content after a supplement of SB for 15 days. More importantly, CFW-C18 and MW-M19 displayed a relatively low MAR index, 0.47 and 0.1, respectively, especially MW-M19, with the lowest MAR index (0.1), which was resistant to only three antibiotics, streptomycin, amikacin, and levofloxacin, indicating that this strain was safe and non-drug resistance for further use. Overall, tropical cellulolytic bacteria isolated from Hainan Island, especially CFW-C18 and MW-M19, will provide the proficient candidates as probiotics for further construction of the recirculating aquaculture system based on the supplement of low-cost external carbon source—SB.
COVIDanno, COVID-19 annotation in human
Authors: Feng Yuzhou , Yang Mengyuan , Fan Zhiwei , Zhao Weiling , Kim Pora , Zhou Xiaobo
Published: July 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiologic agent of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), has caused a global health crisis. Despite ongoing efforts to treat patients, there is no universal prevention or cure available. One of the feasible approaches will be identifying the key genes from SARS-CoV-2-infected cells. SARS-CoV-2-infected in vitro model, allows easy control of the experimental conditions, obtaining reproducible results, and monitoring of infection progression. Currently, accumulating RNA-seq data from SARS-CoV-2 in vitro models urgently needs systematic translation and interpretation. To fill this gap, we built COVIDanno, COVID-19 annotation in humans, available at http://biomedbdc.wchscu.cn/COVIDanno/. The aim of this resource is to provide a reference resource of intensive functional annotations of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among different time points of COVID-19 infection in human in vitro models. To do this, we performed differential expression analysis for 136 individual datasets across 13 tissue types. In total, we identified 4,935 DEGs. We performed multiple bioinformatics/computational biology studies for these DEGs. Furthermore, we developed a novel tool to help users predict the status of SARS-CoV-2 infection for a given sample. COVIDanno will be a valuable resource for identifying SARS-CoV-2-related genes and understanding their potential functional roles in different time points and multiple tissue types.
Electroacupuncture relieves portal hypertension by improving vascular angiogenesis and linking gut microbiota in bile duct ligation rats
Authors: Huang Po-Yu , Liu Hsuan-Miao , Ko Yan-Ru , Chang Zi-Yu , Lee Tzung-Yan
Published: July 2023

The pathological increase in the intrahepatic resistance and decrease peripheral vascular tone in the development of portal hypertension (PHT). PHT has been linked to lower microbial diversity and weakened intestinal barrier, and interplay alters inflammatory signaling cascades. Electroacupuncture (EA) may ameliorate the inflammatory response and limit arterial vasodilatation and portal pressure. This study addresses the possible mechanisms underlying putative hemodynamics effects of EA in PHT rats. PHT was induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) over 7 days in rats. BDL rats were treated with low-frequency EA (2 Hz) at acupoint, ST36, 10 min once daily for 7 consecutive days. EA significantly reduced portal pressure and enhanced maximum contractile responses in the aorta, and blunts the angiogenesis cascade in PHT rats. EA decreased the aortic angiogenesis signaling cascade, reflected by downregulated of ICAM1, VCAM1, VEGFR1, and TGFβR2 levels. In addition, EA preserved claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1 levels in BDL-induced PHT model. Furthermore, EA demonstrates to have a positive effect on the gut Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and endotoxins. These results summarize the potential role of EA in the gut microbiota could potentially lead to attenuate intestine injury which could further contribute to vascular reactivity in PHT rats.
Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) applications in cognitive aging: a review and commentary
Authors: Naparstek Sharon , Yeh Ashley K. , Mills-Finnerty Colleen
Published: July 2023

Differentiating healthy from pathological aging trajectories is extremely timely, as the global population faces an inversion where older adults will soon outnumber younger 5:1. Many cognitive functions (e.g., memory, executive functions, and processing speed) decline with age, a process that can begin as early as midlife, and which predicts subsequent diagnosis with dementia. Although dementia is a devastating and costly diagnosis, there remains limited evidence for medications, therapies, and devices that improve cognition or attenuate the transition into dementia. There is an urgent need to intervene early in neurodegenerative processes leading to dementia (e.g., depression and mild cognitive impairment). In this targeted review and commentary, we highlight transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) as a neurostimulation method with unique opportunities for applications in diseases of aging, reviewing recent literature, feasibility of use with remote data collection methods/telehealth, as well as limitations and conflicts in the literature. In particular, small sample sizes, uneven age distributions of participants, lack of standardized protocols, and oversampling of non-representative groups (e.g., older adults with no comorbid diagnoses) limit our understanding of the potential of this method. We offer recommendations for how to improve representativeness, statistical power, and generalizability of tVNS research by integrating remote data collection techniques.
Comparative Proteomic Profiling Identifies Reciprocal Expression of Mitochondrial Proteins Between White and Gray Matter Lesions From Multiple Sclerosis Brains
Authors: Rai Nagendra Kumar , Singh Vaibhav , Li Ling , Willard Belinda , Tripathi Ajai , Dutta Ranjan
Published: July 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, where ongoing demyelination and remyelination failure are the major factors for progressive neurological disability. In this report, we employed a comprehensive proteomic approach and immunohistochemical validation to gain insight into the pathobiological mechanisms that may be associated with the progressive phase of MS. Isolated proteins from myelinated regions, demyelinated white-matter lesions (WMLs), and gray-matter lesions (GMLs) from well-characterized progressive MS brain tissues were subjected to label-free quantitative mass spectrometry. Using a system-biology approach, we detected increased expression of proteins belonging to mitochondrial electron transport complexes and oxidative phosphorylation pathway in WMLs. Intriguingly, many of these proteins and pathways had opposite expression patterns and were downregulated in GMLs of progressive MS brains. A comparison to the human MitoCarta database mapped the mitochondrial proteins to mitochondrial subunits in both WMLs and GMLs. Taken together, we provide evidence of opposite expression of mitochondrial proteins in response to demyelination of white- and gray-matter regions in progressive MS brain.
Development of split-force-controlled body weight support (SF-BWS) robot for gait rehabilitation
Authors: Takai Asuka , Teramae Tatsuya , Noda Tomoyuki , Ishihara Koji , Furukawa Jun-ichiro , Fujimoto Hiroaki , Hatakenaka Megumi , Fujita Nobukazu , Jino Akihiro , Hiramatsu Yuichi , Miyai Ichiro , Morimoto Jun
Published: July 2023

This study introduces a body-weight-support (BWS) robot actuated by two pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs). Conventional BWS devices typically use springs or a single actuator, whereas our robot has a split force-controlled BWS (SF-BWS), in which two force-controlled actuators independently support the left and right sides of the user’s body. To reduce the experience of weight, vertical unweighting support forces are transferred directly to the user’s left and right hips through a newly designed harness with an open space around the shoulder and upper chest area to allow freedom of movement. A motion capture evaluation with three healthy participants confirmed that the proposed harness does not impede upper-body motion during laterally identical force-controlled partial BWS walking, which is quantitatively similar to natural walking. To evaluate our SF-BWS robot, we performed a force-tracking and split-force control task using different simulated load weight setups (40, 50, and 60 kg masses). The split-force control task, providing independent force references to each PAM and conducted with a 60 kg mass and a test bench, demonstrates that our SF-BWS robot is capable of shifting human body weight in the mediolateral direction. The SF-BWS robot successfully controlled the two PAMs to generate the desired vertical support forces.
Reduced phosphorus is associated with older age and hypoalbuminemia. Risk factors for all-cause mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Ávila Marcela , Prado Ma. del Carmen , Cuevas-Budhart Miguel Ángel , Paniagua Ramón
Published: July 2023

Introduction/aim

Hyperphosphatemia is a mortality risk factor in dialysis patients; however, low phosphorus levels too. Diabetes and malnutrition are strongly associated with mortality and with reduced serum phosphorus. This study analyzed the pattern of serum phosphorus in patients on Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) and its association with mortality.

Methods

A Secondary analysis was performed on a multicenter cohort study in peritoneal dialysis patients from two previous studies done by our group.

Results

Six hundred fifty-four patients were included. Serum phosphorus was <3.6 mg/dL in 28.29% of patients, 3.6 to 5.2 mg/dL in 48.16%, and >5.2 mg/dL in 23.55%. In logistic regression analysis; education, age, and hypoalbuminemia were risk factors for low P levels. In multivariate Cox analysis P < 3.6 mg/dL, age, and low albumin were predictors for all-cause mortality. When lower P and lower albumin were combined, this group had the highest risk for all cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Conclusion

The frequency of patients with reduced serum phosphorus was higher in the Mexican population than in Europe or Asia. Low serum phosphorus levels, older age and hypoalbuminemia were risk factors for all-cause mortality. Low phosphorus combined with low albumin levels were the highest risk factor for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.
Suitability of maize crop residue fermented by Pleurotus ostreatus as feed for edible crickets: growth performance, micronutrient content, and iron bioavailability
Authors: Ventura Martin , Holland M. Elizabeth , Smith Michael Bartlett , Chaparro Jacqueline M. , Prenni Jessica , Patz Jonathan A. , Paskewitz Susan , Weir Tiffany L. , Stull Valerie J.
Published: July 2023

Small-scale farming of edible insects could help combat public health challenges such as protein energy malnutrition and anemia, but reliable low-cost feeds for insects are needed. In resource-limited contexts, where grains such as maize are prohibitively costly for use as insect feed, the feasibility of insect farming may depend on finding alternatives. Here, we explore the potential to modify plentiful maize crop residue with edible mushroom mycelium to generate a low-cost feed adjunct for the farmed two-spotted cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus. Mushroom farming, like insect agriculture, is versatile; it can yield nutritious food while increasing system circularity by utilizing lignocellulosic residues from row crops as inputs. Pleurotus ostreatus, is an edible basidiomycete capable of being cultivated on corn stover (Zea mays). Mushroom harvest results in abundant “spent” substrate, which we investigated as a candidate feed ingredient. We created six cricket feeds containing fermented Pleurotus substrate plus an unfermented control, measuring cricket mass, mortality, and maturation weekly to evaluate cricket growth performance impacts of both fungal fermentation duration and mushroom formation. Pasteurized corn stover was inoculated with P. ostreatus mycelium and fermented for 0, 2, 3, 4, or 8 weeks. Some 4 and 8-week substrates were induced to produce mushrooms through manipulations of temperature, humidity, and light conditions. Dried fermented stover (40%) was added to a 1:1 corn/soy grain mix and fed to crickets ad libitum for 44 days. The unfermented control group showed higher survivorship compared to several fermented diets. Control group mass yield was higher for 2 out of 6 fermented diets. Little variation in cricket iron content was observed via ICP-spectrometry across feeds, averaging 2.46 mg/100 g. To determine bioavailability, we conducted in vitro Caco-2 human colon epithelial cell absorption assays, showing that iron in crickets fed fruiting-induced substrates was more bioavailable than in unfruited groups. Despite more bioavailable iron in crickets reared on post-fruiting substrates, we conclude that Pleurotus-fermented stover is an unsuitable feed ingredient for G. bimaculatus due to high mortality, variability in growth responses within treatments, and low mass yield.