bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel, rapid, ultrasensitive diagnosis platform for detecting Candida albicans using restriction endonuclease‐mediated real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification
Authors: Wang Yizhe , Zhou Yuhong , Lu Jingrun , Yu Honglan , Wang Yu
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Candida albicans (C. albicans, CA) is an essential invasive fungus in clinical diagnosis. Although several detection methods exist, none meet the need for early diagnosis. A rapid, sensitive, and specific diagnostic tool is crucial for effective prevention and control of C. albicans infections.

Methods

This study aimed to develop a new, rapid, and ultrasensitive diagnostic tool for C. albicans detection based on restriction endonuclease-mediated real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification (ERT-LAMP-CA). The ERT-LAMP-CA technology combines LAMP amplification, restriction endonuclease cleavage, and real-time fluorescence detection in a single reaction tube, which can complete a diagnosis of C. albicans in a short time (approximately 1 h).

Results

Herein, we developed the primer sequences required for ERT-LAMP-CA based on the ITS2 gene of C. albicans and found that ERT-LAMP-CA limit of detection was approximately 500 ag/μL genomic DNA and can present negative results for non-C. albicans templates. We tested sputum samples from 64 patients with suspected C. albicans infections to validate ERT-LAMP-CA applicability in clinical sample testing and found that ERT-LAMP-CA was consistent with multiplex PCR-capillary electrophoresis.

Discussion

In conclusion, ERT-LAMP-CA is a rapid, accurate, and sensitive assay with excellent potential for clinical and basic laboratory diagnosis and an efficient screening strategy.
Research, management, and conservation of the yellow-shouldered Amazon (Amazona barbadensis) across its range in the southern Caribbean and mainland Venezuela: 1980s to the present
Authors: Briceño-Linares José Manuel , Aranguren-Alvarez Jesús , Clarenda Julianka , Díaz Alejandro , Doest Odette , Haines Jack , Houtepen Erik , Martin Rowan O. , Millán Pablo Antonio , Nunes Giancarlo , Schmaltz Lauren , Sucre Bibiana , van Slobbe Frank , Rodríguez Jon Paul
Published: November 2024

The yellow-shouldered Amazon (Amazona barbadensis) has been the object of a decentralized research and conservation program throughout its range, spanning mainland Venezuela, the Venezuelan islands of La Blanquilla and Margarita, and Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire in the southern Caribbean. Multiple interventions have been implemented since the 1980s, primarily on the islands of Bonaire and Margarita, including nest protection, the provision of artificial nests, predator control, health monitoring, ecosystem restoration, community education and awareness. As a result, fledgling recruitment in these two locations has increased and populations have grown substantially. In this article, we summarize the interventions and their impact on population abundance and poaching of nestlings. The status of populations in the Venezuelan mainland continues to be uncertain – yellow-shouldered Amazons were observed recently in their historical distribution, but poaching is still widespread. A 2024 reintroduction in Aruba was the first step toward reestablishment of parrots in the island after being extirpated around 1950. Building on four decades of experience and work, a multi-stakeholder range-wide action plan produced with the vision that by 2031 Amazona barbadensis has functional, viable wild populations throughout its historical range. Steps taken to date suggest that this is within reach if past successes can be sustained and replicated elsewhere, particularly in mainland Venezuela.
Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in women with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Zylla Maura M. , Leiner Johannes , Rahm Ann-Kathrin , Hoffmann Tobias , Lugenbiel Patrick , Schweizer Patrick , Mages Christine , Mereles Derliz , Kieser Meinhard , Scholz Eberhard , Katus Hugo A. , Frey Norbert , Thomas Dierk
Published: November 2024

Background

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) often coincide. Female sex is associated with both increased prevalence of HFpEF and reduced therapeutic efficacy of catheter ablation of AF. This sub-analysis of the previously published AFFECT-study evaluates outcome after cryoballoon-ablation in women with and without HFpEF.

Methods

One-hundred-and-two patients (LVEF ≥ 50%) scheduled for cryoballoon-ablation of AF were prospectively enrolled. Forty-two were female. Comprehensive baseline assessment included echocardiography, stress echocardiography, six-minute-walk-test, biomarker- and quality-of-life-assessment (QoL, SF-36), and was repeated at follow-up ≥12 months after AF-ablation. Baseline parameters, procedural characteristics and outcome after AF-ablation were compared between women with and without HFpEF.

Results

Women with HFpEF (n = 20) were characterized by higher median left atrial volume index (35.8 ml/m2 vs. 25.8 ml/m2, P < 0.001), left ventricular hypertrophy (median left ventricular mass index: 92.0 g/m2 vs. 83.0 g/m2, P = 0.027), reduced distance in the 6-min-walk-test (median: 453 m vs. 527 m, P = 0.008) and higher left atrial pressures (median: 14.0 mmHg vs.9.5 mmHg, P = 0.008) compared to women without HFpEF (n = 21). During follow-up, HFpEF-patients more often experienced AF-related re-hospitalization (36.8% vs. 9.1%, P = 0.039) and numerically higher AF-recurrence-rates (57.9% vs. 31.1%, P = 0.109). There was no significant improvement of heart failure-related symptoms, echocardiographic parameters and cardiac biomarkers levels. QoL showed no significant improvement in both subgroups. Women with HFpEF still exhibited a lower SF-36 Physical Component Summary Score vs. women without HFpEF (median: 41.2 vs. 52.1, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Women with HFpEF constitute a distinct subgroup with high rates of AF-related events after AF-ablation, and persistence of both symptoms and functional hallmarks of HFpEF. Consideration of sex-specific cardiac co-morbidities is crucial for personalization and optimization of AF-therapy.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05603611.
The serum uric acid/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio: a novel predictor for the presence of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Li Wei , Luo Songyuan , Lin Wenhui , Hu Xiaolu , Zhou Dan , Xu Wenmin , Zhou Yingling , Luo Jianfang , Feng Yingqing
Published: November 2024

Objective

Robust evidence has demonstrated that inflammation plays an important role in the occurrence and development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). The serum uric acid (UA)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (UHR) has recently been recognized as a new biomarker for evaluating inflammatory and anti-inflammatory interactions. However, whether UHR is associated with AAA remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the association between UHR and presence of AAA.

Methods

We prospectively performed a hospital-based and community-based AAA screening program using ultrasonography in 9,064 individuals at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital and two communities in China. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association between UHR and presence of AAA. In addition, the restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression method was used to visually investigate the dose-response relationship between UHR and the presence of AAA. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted to adjust for baseline variations and diminish selection bias, and subgroup analysis was performed to investigate the consistency of the conclusions.

Results

The prevalence of AAA was 2.45% (222/9,064) in the present study. The optimal cut-off value of UHR was 17.0%, which was selected according to the receiver operator characteristic curve. The prevalence of AAA was 3.96% in the high-UHR group (UHR ≥ 17%) and 1.54% in the low-UHR group (UHR < 17%) (P < 0.001). After adjusting for other relevant clinical covariates, UHR was independently associated with the presence of AAA, either as a continuous variable (odds ratio [OR] 1.03, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.01–1.05, P < 0.001) or as a categorical variable (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.18–2.26, P = 0.003). The RCS curve showed a nonlinear dose-response relationship between UHR and the presence of AAA. Moreover, the positive correlation between UHR and the presence of AAA remained significant after PSM and subgroup analyses.

Conclusions

UHR was positively associated with the presence of AAA, and there was a non-linear dose-response relationship between them. Thus, UHR may serve as a novel and reliable predictor of AAA.
Combined high-intensity interval and resistance training improves cardiorespiratory fitness more than high-intensity interval training in young women with overweight/obesity: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Yifei , Yang Xin , Deng Jiamei , Wang Zhenshan , Yang Dongxue , Han Yanbai , Wang Hongli
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with resistance training (RT) versus HIIT alone on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and glycolipid metabolism in young women with overweight/obesity.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial divided 40 subjects into an experimental group (HIIT+RT) and a control group (HIIT). Both groups underwent training three times per week for eight weeks. Body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and glycolipid levels were assessed before and after the intervention.

Results

The results revealed that compared to baseline, both the experimental and control groups showed significant improvements in body weight, body mass index (BMI), Body fat, waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), vital capacity (VC), oxygen pulse (VO2/HR), minute ventilation, resting heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.05). Additionally, a significant increase in muscle mass and a significant reduction in 2-hour postprandial glucose were observed in the experimental group (p<0.05). Muscle mass (mean difference: 2.75%), VO2peak (mean difference: 1.61 mL/min/kg), VC (mean difference: 334mL), and VO2/HR (mean difference: 0.51mL/beat) showed greater improvement in the HIIT+RT group compared to the HIIT group (p<0.05).

Conclusion

In conclusion, an 8-week regimen of either combined HIIT and RT or HIIT significantly improves body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and glycolipid metabolism in women with overweight/obesity. However, the combined training appears to offer more benefits than HIIT alone. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects and feasibility of combined training.

Trial registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR2300075961.
Spatial variation in water quality of the Burhi Gandak River: a multi-location assessment
Authors: Priyadarshee Akash , Rahul Atul Kumar , Kumar Vijay , Kumar Ashish , Kumar Niraj
Published: November 2024

The Burhi Gandak River, a significant tributary of the Ganga River and a vital water source in Bihar, India, is facing critical water quality degradation due to rapid population growth, urbanization, and industrial activities. This study conducts a detailed water quality assessment of the river, focusing on the effects of these anthropogenic factors across different locations, seasons, and industrial zones. Water samples were collected and analyzed for key parameters, including pH, total dissolved solids (TDSs), total hardness (TH), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and dissolved oxygen (DO). The results indicate significant spatial and temporal variations, with water quality deteriorating notably in areas like Samastipur and Khagaria, where industrial and urban activities are more concentrated. For instance, BOD levels increased from 7.5 mg/L to 9.5 mg/l as the river flows through urban Samastipur, signaling a decline in water quality. Additionally, sugar mills located along the river contribute to higher pollution levels during operational months, especially in Lauria and Sugauli. Seasonal analysis shows that the lean season experiences the highest levels of degradation, while monsoon floods increase suspended solids due to sediment inflow. These findings emphasize the urgent need for improved regulation of industrial discharge and urban waste management to protect the water quality of the Burhi Gandak River and the livelihoods dependent on it.
Implementation of a national rapid prenatal exome sequencing service in England: evaluation of service outcomes and factors associated with regional variation
Authors: Ramakrishnan Rema , Mallinson Corinne , Hardy Steven , Broughan Jennifer , Blyth Maisie , Melis Gabriella , Franklin Catherine , Hill Melissa , Mellis Rhiannon , Wu Wing Han , Allen Stephanie , Chitty Lyn S. , Knight Marian ,   EXPRESS Clinical Outcomes Group
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Prenatal exome sequencing (pES) can enhance genetic diagnosis of fetuses with structural anomalies and has recently been introduced as a national service in England. We aimed to examine service outcomes such as diagnostic yield (definite final diagnosis), referral rate, and sources of referral, and explore variation in outcomes of pES by individual or service level factors between 01 October 2021 and 30 June 2022.

Methods

pES testing results from the National Health Service laboratories performing testing were linked to National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Disease Registration Service data and the Maternity Services Data Set and descriptive statistics computed.

Results

There were 475,089 women who gave birth in England during the study period. The referral rate for pES was 8.6 (95% CI 7.8, 9.4) per 10,000 maternities. About 59% of those referred proceeded with pES testing and 35% of women who proceeded received a definite final diagnosis with a median turnaround time of 15 days. Of those who had pES testing, 64.6% had a live birth, 25.3% underwent termination of pregnancy (median gestational age at termination: 26 weeks), and 9.3% had a stillbirth. Among the 85 women who had a definite final diagnosis, 40% had a termination of pregnancy, 18% had a stillbirth, and 42% had a live birth. The corresponding figures among women without a definite final diagnosis were 18%, 5%, and 78%, respectively. Among women who had a termination of pregnancy, the median gestational age at final report was 24.9 weeks and 26.2 weeks at termination. Variation observed in some of the characteristics and outcomes between regional services were limited by small sample size.

Conclusion

This study showed that of those referred, pES testing provided a diagnosis for one in three pregnancies with a fetal anomaly across England during the study period when other tests had been non-informative. Women who opted for a termination of pregnancy underwent the procedure at relatively late gestations. Earlier referral for pES, streamlining pathways, and faster turnaround times may help results to be available at an earlier gestation to allow families more time to make decisions around continuing or terminating their pregnancy. The variation in service outcomes between regional services needs to be investigated further to understand the reasons for these differences.
CXCR4 antagonism ameliorates leukocyte abnormalities in a preclinical model of WHIM syndrome
Authors: Roland Lilian , Nguyen Chi Huu , Zmajkovicova Katarina , Khamyath Mélanie , Kalogeraki Maria , Schell Bérénice , Gourhand Vanessa , Rondeau Vincent , Abou Nader Zeina , Monticelli Halenya , Maierhofer Barbara , Johnson Robert , Taveras Arthur , Espéli Marion , Balabanian Karl
Published: November 2024

Background

WHIM (Warts, Hypogammaglobulinemia, Infections, and Myelokathexis) syndrome is an ultra-rare, combined primary immunodeficiency and chronic neutropenic disorder characterized by a range of clinical presentations, including peripheral neutropenia, lymphopenia, and recurrent infections. WHIM syndrome is most often caused by gain-of-function mutations in the gene encoding C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). As such, inhibition of CXCR4 with XOLREMDI® (mavorixafor), an orally bioavailable CXCR4 antagonist, demonstrated clinically meaningful increases in absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts and concomitant reduction in infections in patients with WHIM syndrome, resulting in its recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval. The impact of CXCR4 antagonism on other aspects of the pathobiology in WHIM syndrome, such as lymphopoiesis and leukocyte trafficking between primary and secondary lymphoid organs, is less understood.

Methods

In the current study, the effects of CXCR4 antagonism on leukocyte trafficking and distribution in primary and secondary lymphoid organs were investigated in a mouse model of WHIM syndrome carrying the heterozygous Cxcr41013 mutation. Cxcr4+/1013 and Cxcr4 wild-type mice received the orally bioavailable CXCR4 antagonist X4-185. Blood, spleen and bone marrow samples were collected for numeration, flow cytometry, and functional studies.

Results

Cxcr4+/1013 mice exhibited profound peripheral blood leukopenia as seen in patients with WHIM syndrome. CXCR4 antagonism corrected circulating leukopenia and mobilized functional neutrophils without disrupting granulopoiesis in the bone marrow of Cxcr4+/1013 mice. Furthermore, Cxcr4+/1013 displayed aberrant splenic T and B-cell counts and frequency. Treatment with X4-185 normalized splenic T-cell abnormalities, correcting the reduced CD8+ T-cell numbers, restoring the CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio, and ameliorating peripheral blood T-cell lymphopenia. In addition, CXCR4 antagonism was able to correct the abnormal frequencies and numbers of splenic marginal zone and follicular B cells in Cxcr4+/1013 mice, and ultimately normalize B-cell lymphopenia in the peripheral circulation.

Conclusions

Our study provides comprehensive evidence that oral dosing with a CXCR4 antagonist can effectively correct WHIM-associated neutrophil and lymphocyte abnormalities in a mouse model of WHIM syndrome. These findings extend our understanding of how targeting the dysregulated CXCR4 signaling pathway can ameliorate the pathogenesis of WHIM syndrome.
Molecular hybridization modification improves the stability and immunomodulatory activity of TP5 peptide
Authors: Wang Junyong , Tang Yuan , Zhao Xuelian , Ding Zetao , Ahmat Marhaba , Si Dayong , Zhang Rijun , Wei Xubiao
Published: November 2024

Thymopentin (TP5) plays an important role in host immunomodulation, yet its bioavailability is significantly limited by its short half-life. YW12D is a peptide with strong stability but relatively weak immunoactivity. Tuning the physicochemical properties of such molecules may yield synthetic molecules displaying optimal stability, safety and enhanced immunological activity. Here, natural peptides were modified to improve their activity by hybridization strategies. A hybrid peptide YW12D-TP5 (YTP) that combines TP5 and YW12D is designed. The half-life of YTP in plasma is significantly longer than that of YW12D and TP5. YTP also displays an improved ability to protect the host from CTX-induced weight loss and thymus and spleen indices decrease than YW12D and TP5. In addition, YTP promotes dendritic cell maturation and increases the expression of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, and IgM. A combination of antibody-specific blocking assay, SPR, molecular dynamics simulations and western blotting suggest that the immunomodulatory effect of YTP is associated with its activation of the TLR2-NF-кB signaling axis. In sum, we demonstrate that peptide hybridization is an effective strategy for redirecting biological activity to generate novel bioactive molecules with desired properties.
Advances in research on the role of high carbohydrate diet in the process of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Authors: Zhang Ying , Xun Linting , Qiao Ran , Jin Shumei , Zhang Bing , Luo Mei , Wan Ping , Zuo Zan , Song Zhengji , Qi Jialong
Published: November 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, systemic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by episodic inflammation that requires life-long management. Although the etiology of IBD is not fully understood, it is hypothesized to involve a multifaceted interplay among genetic susceptibility, the host immune response, and environmental factors. Previous studies have largely concluded that IBD is associated with this complex interplay; however, more recent evidence underscores the significant role of dietary habits as risk factors for the development of IBD. In this review, we review the molecular mechanisms of high-sugar and high-fat diets in the progression of IBD and specifically address the impacts of these diets on the gut microbiome, immune system regulation, and integrity of the intestinal barrier, thereby highlighting their roles in the pathogenesis and exacerbation of IBD.
The role of macrophage migratory behavior in development, homeostasis and tumor invasion
Authors: Murrey Michael W. , Ng Isaac Trinstern , Pixley Fiona J.
Published: November 2024

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) recapitulate the developmental and homeostatic behaviors of tissue resident macrophages (TRMs) to promote tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. TRMs arise in the embryo and colonize developing tissues, initially to guide tissue morphogenesis and then to form complex networks in adult tissues to constantly search for threats to homeostasis. The macrophage growth factor, colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1), which is essential for TRM survival and differentiation, is also responsible for the development of the unique motility machinery of mature macrophages that underpins their ramified morphologies, migratory capacity and ability to degrade matrix. Two CSF-1-activated kinases, hematopoietic cell kinase and the p110δ catalytic isoform of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, regulate this machinery and selective inhibitors of these proteins completely block macrophage invasion. Considering tumors co-opt the invasive capacity of TAMs to promote their own invasion, these proteins are attractive targets for drug development to inhibit tumor progression to invasion and metastasis.
Distinct distribution and responses of IgM+, IgT1+ and IgT2+ B cells in common carp
Authors: Eltijani Awatif , Embregts Carmen W. E. , Magadan Susana , Wang Jingjing , Brugman Sylvia , Boudinot Pierre , Wiegertjes Geert F. , Forlenza Maria
Published: November 2024

In teleosts, the immunoglobulin classes produced by B cells are IgM, IgD, and IgT/IgZ. IgT was initially described as an immunoglobulin specialized in mucosal responses; accumulating evidence, however, shows that it is also involved in systemic immune responses. Two types of IgT/IgZ (IgT1 and IgT2) were previously described in common carp, but their further characterization was hampered by the lack of specific tool. In the current study, we developed and validated polyclonal antibodies against carp IgT1 and IgT2 and used them in combination with well validated monoclonal antibody against carp IgM (WCI12), to study the distribution of IgM+, IgT1+ and IgT2+ B cells or their secreted immunoglobulins in various mucosal and systemic organs of carp. Finally, we also preliminary assessed the B cell response to infection with the blood-borne parasite Trypanoplasma borreli. Using these tools, we report on the distinct expression of soluble immunoglobulins in systemic and mucosal compartments. IgT1 and IgM were expressed in mucosal as well as systemic organs and responded to systemic parasitic infection, whereas IgT2 was preferentially expressed at mucosal sites and did not respond to systemic infections. By studying the distribution of B cells in different organs, compartmentalization of the three B cell subtypes was observed in gills and gut, whereas splenic B cells appeared as organized clusters around ellipsoids. Our results provide insights into the distribution and to some extent the function of B cells in carp, indicating that our newly developed tools are valuable for future studies aiming at the further characterization of immune responses of carp to infections and vaccination.
Current hotspots and trends in cancer metabolic reprogramming: a scientometric analysis
Authors: Yang Shanshan , Lin Miaomiao , Hao Shaodong , Ye Hui , Zhang Xuezhi
Published: November 2024

Background

Metabolic reprogramming (MR) in cancer (CA) has been a focus of intense research in the recent two decades. This phenomenon has attracted great interest because it offers potential targets for cancer therapy. To capture the intellectual landscape of this field, we conducted a bibliometric analysis to assess the scientific output, major contributors, and trends in the MR/CA research.

Methods

We performed a systematic search using the Web of Science to retrieve articles published on MR of cancer from 2006 until 2023. The bibliometric tools such as Biblioshiny, VOSviewer, and Microsoft Excel were used to identify the most prolific authors, institutions, citation patterns, and keywords. We also used co-citation analysis to map the conceptual structure of the field and identify influential publications. Furthermore, we examined the literature by analyzing publication years, citations, and research impact factors.

Results

A total of 4,465 publications about MR/CA were retrieved. Publications on MR/CA increased rapidly from 2006 to 2023. Frontiers in Oncology published the most papers, while Cell Metabolism had the most citations. Highly cited papers were mainly published in Cancer Cell, Nature, Cell, Science and Cell Metabolism. China and the United States led the way in publications and contributed the most to MR/CA research. The University of Texas System, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Fudan University were the most productive institutions. The profitable authors were Deberardinis Ralph J and Chiarugi Paola. The current topics included MR in tumorigenesis and progression of CA, MR of tumor cells and tumor microenvironment, the effect of MR on the CA treatment, the underlying mechanisms of MR (such as gene regulation, epigenetics, extracellular vesicles, and gut microbiota), and the modulation of MR. Some topics such as tumor microenvironment, lipid MR, circular RNA, long noncoding RNA, exosome, prognostic model, and immunotherapy may be the focus of MR/CA research in the next few years.

Conclusion

This study evaluated the global scientific output in the field of MR/CA research, analyzing its quantitative characteristics. It identified some significant and distinguished papers and compiled information regarding the current status and evolving trends of MR/CA research.
Key processes controlling the variability of the summer marine CO2 system in Fram Strait surface waters
Authors: Aguado Gonzalo Fernando , Stokowski Marcin , Koziorowska-Makuch Katarzyna , Makuch Przemysław , Beszczyńska-Möller Agnieszka , Kukliński Piotr , Kuliński Karol
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to decouple and quantify the influence of various biological and physical processes on the structure and variability of the marine carbonate system in the surface waters of the eastern part of the Fram Strait area. This productive region is characterized by its complex hydrographic and sea ice dynamics, providing an ideal set up to study their influence on the variability of the marine carbonate system. Different variables of the marine CO2 system: Total Alkalinity (TA), Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC), partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), and pH, were analysed together with temperature, salinity, sea ice extension, and chlorophyll a distribution during three consecutive summers (2019, 2020 and 2021), each of them having a unique oceanographic setting. The data revealed that TA and DIC are mostly controlled by the mixing of Atlantic water and sea ice meltwater. The combined effects of organic matter production/remineralization, calcium carbonate precipitation/dissolution, and air/sea CO2 gas exchange cause deviations from this salinity-related mixing. The scale of these deviations and the proportion between the effects observed for TA and DIC suggest interannual shifts in net primary production and dominant phytoplankton species in the area. These shifts are correlated with the sea ice extent and the spread of the Polar Surface Waters in the region. Net primary production is the main factor controlling the temporal and spatial variability of pH and pCO2 in the study area followed by the influence of temperature and, mixing of water masses expressed with salinity (seawater freshening). Surface waters of the Fram Strait area were generally undersaturated in CO2. The lowest pCO2 values, coinciding with an increase in oxygen saturation, were observed in areas of mixing of Arctic and Atlantic-derived water masses. However, as shown for 2021, a reduction of the sea ice extent may induce a westward shift of the chlorophyll maximum, resulting in pCO2 increase and pH decrease in the eastern part. This indicates that sea ice extent and associated spread of Polar Surface Waters may be important factors shaping primary production, and thus pCO2 and pH, in the Fram Strait area.
Aerobic and anaerobic poise of white swimming muscles of the deep-diving scalloped hammerhead shark: comparison to sympatric coastal and deep-water species
Authors: Royer Mark , Garcia Danielle , Dickson Kathryn , Weng Kevin C. , Meyer Carl , Holland Kim N. , Drazen Jeffrey C.
Published: November 2024

Scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) routinely perform rapid dives to forage on mesopelagic prey. These deep dives consist of intensive swimming followed by recovery periods in the surface mixed layer. Swimming muscle temperature profiles suggest that S. lewini suppresses gill function as a means to reduce convective heat loss during dives into cool water. Such intensive swimming behavior coupled with reduced respiration prompted us to test whether the aerobic and anaerobic metabolic capacities of the white swimming muscle tissue of this species are greater than those of other shark species from the same region. The activities of key enzymes used in aerobic and anaerobic metabolism provide an indirect indicator of the metabolic potential (“poise”) of a tissue. Here we measured the maximal activities [international units (µmol substrate converted to product per min, U) per gram of wet tissue mass at 10°C] of the citric acid cycle enzymes citrate synthase (CS) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and glycolytic enzymes pyruvate kinase (PK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from white swimming muscle of S. lewini. Enzyme activities, and ratios of these enzyme activities that indicate relative indexes of aerobic to anaerobic capacity, were compared to those measured in three sympatric coastal carcharhinid sharks and two deep-dwelling species, Echinorhinus cookei and Hexanchus griseus. This is the first report of swimming-muscle enzyme activity for these deep-dwelling species. In comparison to the other species, S. lewini had significantly higher activities of both LDH and MDH in the white muscle, and a higher MDH/CS ratio. The high LDH activities suggest that the white muscle of S. lewini relies on relatively high rates of anaerobic ATP production, with would result in build up of high lactate levels, during deep foraging dives. High MDH activity in S. lewini white muscle suggests the potential for lactate levels to be rapidly reduced when aerobic conditions are restored while in the surface mixed layer between dives. These biochemical characteristics may enable S. lewini to swim rapidly while suppressing gill function during deep dives and thereby exploit a very different ecological niche from sympatric shark species (e.g., coastal carcharhinids) and hunt more rapidly via faster swimming for deep-water prey compared to species that permanently inhabit deep depths.
Ultrasound combined with DSA-guided pulsed radiofrequency for perineal herpes zoster pain management: clinical outcomes and complications
Authors: Dong Qing-Peng , Li Shao-Jun
Published: November 2024

Background

Herpes zoster (HZ) in the perineal area is a rare disease. There are limited treatment options for this disease. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of ultrasound combined with digital subtraction angiography (DSA)-guided pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) for perineal herpes zoster-related pain.

Methods

Two hundred and twelve patients with perineal HZ were enrolled at the pain department. From January 1, 2018 to December 30, 2019, patients with HZ in the perineal area were treated with PRF under DSA guidance, and from January 1, 2020 to October 30, 2023, patients with HZ in the perineal area were treated with PRF under ultrasound combined with DSA guidance. The included patients were divided into two groups: DSA group and ultrasound + DSA group. The visual analog scale (VAS), central sensitization inventory (CSI), sleep quality scores (SQS), the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36) at baseline and after the PRF treatment were analyzed to evaluate clinical efficacy.

Results

The mean VAS scores, CSI scores, SQS, and SF-36 scores were statistically significantly lower after treatment compared to baseline (p < 0.001). There was no significant change in VAS scores, CSI scores, SQS, and SF-36 scores between the DSA group and the ultrasound + DSA group (p > 0.05). The time it took from the start of the puncture to the successful puncture was significantly shorter in the ultrasound + DSA group compared to the DSA group (41.2 ± 21.2 vs. 48.1 ± 20.3, p = 0.035). The ultrasound + DSA group had a higher percentage of satisfaction with the procedure than the DSA group (90/99, 90.9% vs. 62/78, 79.5%, p = 0.030). A total of 27 postoperative complications occurred. The incidence of puncture site hematoma was significantly higher in the DSA group (10/78, 12.8%) than that in the ultrasound + DSA group (4/99, 4.0%) (p = 0.032).

Conclusion

PRF can reduce pain from HZ in the perineal region, alleviate central sensitization, enhance sleep quality, and improve overall quality of life. When PRF is performed under ultrasound guidance combined with DSA, it shortens the puncture time and reduces the risk of hematoma formation at the puncture site, making it the recommended method for clinical use.
Chronic kidney disease and its associated factors in HIV-infected individuals: a comparison of antiretroviral therapy naïve and experienced patients
Authors: Asmelash Daniel , Nigatie Marye
Published: November 2024

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as one of the primary comorbidity affecting individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), even after the initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of CKD and its associated factors among HIV-infected individuals who are HAART naïve compared to those who are HAART experienced.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Mizan Tepi University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from March to May 2022. A double population proportion formula was used to select 250 study participants, with 125 being HAART naïve and 125 being HAART experienced. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Serum creatinine levels were measured using a Mindray BS-200 chemistry analyzer, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. The level of urine protein was measured using a reagent strip within 30 min of collection. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed, with a p-value of <0.05 considered statistically significant.

Result

The mean (±SD) age of the HAART-naïve individuals was 35 ± 9.5, while that of the HAART-experienced individuals was 45 ± 9.9 years. Of the total participants, 67.2% participants were women. The overall prevalence of CKD among the HIV-infected study participants was 36.4%. The prevalence of CKD was 33.6% in HAART-naïve individuals and 39.2% in HAART-experienced individuals, with a p-value of 0.03. Male sex was identified as an independent factor associated with CKD in this study.

Conclusion

The prevalence of CKD was found to be higher among HAART-experienced individuals than HAART-naïve individuals. Regular renal function assessments should be conducted before and during HAART to mitigate the risk of renal dysfunction.
An engineered Japanese encephalitis virus mRNA-lipid nanoparticle immunization induces protective immunity in mice
Authors: Zhu Jiayang , He Caiying , Liu Yusha , Chen Min , Zhang Jiayi , Chen Dong , Ni Hongxia , Wen Jinsheng
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) pose a severe threat to human health. Our previous research results, as well as those of other research groups, indicated that antibodies (Abs) induced by JEV infection or JEV vaccine vaccination could enhance ZIKV infection in vitro and exacerbate the mortality of ZIKV-infected mice, vice versa, which is known as antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). Although studies on other flaviviruses revealed that altering the amino acid residues located in the fusion loop (FL) of envelope (E) protein can reduce the level of flavivirus-cross-reactive Abs, thereby abating the ADE of heterologous flavivirus infection, it is unclear whether this strategy is equally applicable to JEV.

Methods

In this study, we constructed recombinant adenoviruses and nucleotide-modified mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) encoding JEV wild-type E protein or E protein mutant (designated as Ad5-JEV-EWT and Ad5-JEV-Emut; JEV-EWT mRNA-LNP, and JEV-Emut mRNA-LNP). We evaluated the immunogenicity of these vaccine candidates in mice and the capacity of vaccine-immune mouse sera to neutralize JEV infection or mediate ADE of ZIKV infection in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Ad5-JEV-Emut or JEV-Emut mRNA-LNP immunization induced ZIKV-cross-reactive Ab response which is dramatically lower than that induced by Ad5-JEV-EWT and JEV-EWT mRNA-LNP, respectively. The levels of JEV-neutralizing Abs induced by Ad5-JEV-Emut or JEV-Emut mRNA-LNP are comparable to that induced by Ad5-JEV-EWT and JEV-EWT mRNA-LNP, respectively. The ability of Abs induced by Ad5-JEV-Emut to enhance ZIKV infection in vitro is attenuated as compared with that induced by Ad5-JEV-EWT. Moreover, JEV-Emut mRNA-LNP immunization elicited potent T cell response similar to JEV-EWT mRNA-LNP in mice. Mice immunized with each mRNA-LNP exhibited lower level of serum viral load than the mock-immunized mice post JEV challenge. Mice receiving JEV-EWT mRNA-LNP-immune mouse sera exhibited ADE post ZIKV challenge whereas passively transferred JEV-Emut mRNA-LNP-immune mouse sera did not lead to obvious ADE of ZIKV infection in recipient mice. Most importantly, maternally acquired Abs did not enhance the mortality of 1-day-old neonates born to JEV-Emut mRNA-LNP-immunized mice post ZIKV challenge.

Discussion

These results suggest that optimizing the FL sequence of JEV could significantly reduce the level of JEV/ZIKV-cross-reactive Abs and abrogate the ADE of ZIKV infection, providing a promising strategy to develop effective and safety JEV vaccine.
Effects of L-arginine on gut microbiota and muscle metabolism in fattening pigs based on omics analysis
Authors: Liu Chengming , Yang Yiting , Wang Meng , Jiang Wenyu , Du Yong , Hao Ziling , Chen Lei , Zhu Kangping , Liu Bin , Niu Lili , Zhao Ye , Wang Yan , Gan Mailin , Shen Linyuan , Zhu Li
Published: November 2024

Introduction

L-arginine is an α-amino acid and a semi-essential nutrient of significant biological interest. It plays a role in influencing various aspects of animal meat traits, gut microbiota composition, and physiological metabolism.

Methods

This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of L-arginine supplementation on gut microbiota composition and the metabolism of the longissimus dorsi muscle in fattening pigs. Eighteen Yorkshire commercial pigs were divided into two groups: a control group that received no supplements and a treatment group that was given 1% L-arginine for 52  days. The diversity and composition of microorganisms in the feces of the control (NC) and L-arginine (Arg) groups were analyzed by sequencing the 16S rRNA V3 -V4 region of the bacterial genome.

Results

The findings indicated that L-arginine supplementation increased both the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota, particularly affecting the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed significant changes in several metabolism-related pathways, including amino acid, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism. Metabolomic analysis identified 85 differential metabolites between the arginine and control groups, with phospholipids ranking among the top 20. Additionally, functional predictions indicated an increased abundance in the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway. Correlation analysis linked changes in gut microbiota to phospholipid levels, which subsequently influenced post-slaughter meat color and drip loss.

Discussion

These results suggest that L-arginine supplementation positively impacts gut microbiota composition and the metabolic profile of the longissimus dorsi muscle in fattening pigs, with potential implications for meat quality.
Quantum computation with photochromic films in a Mach–Zehnder interferometer
Authors: Scotognella Francesco
Published: November 2024

Photochromic materials are of great interest because they enable the fabrication of photo-activated switches. In this study, an experiment is proposed in which two chromene-based photochromic layers were inserted into the arms of a Mach–Zehnder interferometer. The chromene was studied from the perspective of optical absorption to determine the wavelength-dependent complex refractive index. Impinging ultraviolet light on one of the chromene layers induces a transition from the closed to the open form of the chromene, resulting in different phase shifts in the two arms of the interferometer. This results in a change in the probability of detecting a photon by the two detectors after the second mirror of the Mach–Zehnder interferometer. The experiment may be of interest to researchers working in the fields of quantum information and quantum communications.
Real-time fault detection for IIoT facilities using GA-Att-LSTM based on edge-cloud collaboration
Authors: Dong Jiuling , Li Zehui , Zheng Yuanshuo , Luo Jingtang , Zhang Min , Yang Xiaolong
Published: November 2024

With the rapid development of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology, various IIoT devices are generating large amounts of industrial sensor data that are spatiotemporally correlated and heterogeneous from multi-source and multi-domain. This poses a challenge to current detection algorithms. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network model based on the genetic algorithm, attention mechanism and edge-cloud collaboration (GA-Att-LSTM) framework is proposed to detect anomalies of IIoT facilities. Firstly, an edge-cloud collaboration framework is established to real-time process a large amount of sensor data at the edge node in real time, which reduces the time of uploading sensor data to the cloud platform. Secondly, to overcome the problem of insufficient attention to important features in the input sequence in traditional LSTM algorithms, we introduce an attention mechanism to adaptively adjust the weights of important features in the model. Meanwhile, a genetic algorithm optimized hyperparameters of the LSTM neural network is proposed to transform anomaly detection into a classification problem and effectively extract the correlation of time-series data, which improves the recognition rate of fault detection. Finally, the proposed method has been evaluated on a publicly available fault database. The results indicate an accuracy of 99.6%, an F1-score of 84.2%, a precision of 89.8%, and a recall of 77.6%, all of which exceed the performance of five traditional machine learning methods.
Predicting ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node pathological complete response: nomogram based on the inflammatory markers
Authors: Zhou Chen , Wu Xian , Lin Rongruo , Xu Li , He Tao , Yi Jinzhi , Lv Qing
Published: November 2024

Background

The prediction of ISLN pCR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) based on inflammatory markers and its prognostic value have rarely been investigated.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with ISLN-involved breast cancer who received NAC in West China Hospital between September 2009 and December 2020 were enrolled in the derivation cohort for model construction and survival analysis, and patients with the same criteria between January 2021 and July 2024 were involved in validation cohort for external validation. After randomly dividing patients into training and testing groups at 7:3 ratio, a nomogram predicting ISLN pCR was constructed based on logistic regression in training group. Internal validation was performed in the testing group and external validation was performed in the independent validation cohort. The ROC curves were applied to validate the accuracy of the model. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan−Meier plots.

Results

A total of 120 eligible patients were involved in the derivation cohort to establish the nomogram (84 patients in training group and 36 patients in testing group), and 45 patients were involved in the independent validation cohort for external validation of the nomogram. Pretreatment NLR and hormone receptor (HR) status, as well as preoperative SII, CEA, CA15-3 and anti-HER2 therapy were included in the nomogram predicting ISLN pCR. The AUC were 0.906 (95% CI 0.837-0.975, P<0.001), 0.888 (95% CI 0.751-1.000, P<0.001) and 0.828 (95% CI 0.703-0.953, P< 0.001) in training, testing groups and the validation cohort respectively. ISLN pCR was significantly associated with better prognosis (all P<0.05).

Conclusion

Inflammatory factors combined with tumor makers, hormone receptor status and anti-HER2 therapy could predict ISLN pCR effectively, which was significantly associated with improved survival outcomes.