bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soldier Sojourners and Cityscapes: Anzac Impressions of the Port Cities of Durban, Cape Town, and Freetown During the First World War and the Significance of the Built Environment
Authors: Walton Sarah-Jane
Published: April 2024

Between 1916 and 1919, thousands of Anzac troops visited the port cities of Durban, Cape Town and, to a lesser extent, Freetown on their way to Europe during the First World War. Their impressions were recorded in diaries or letters back home, and published in local papers. Identity formation, race, and the colonial encounter have thus far taken centre stage for understanding Anzac experiences as ‘soldier tourists.’ This paper argues that ideas about ‘modernity,’ progress,’ and the built environment were equally part of the colonial encounter for these soldier sojourners as they visited these African ports cities. With details on urban sanitation, housing, architecture, infrastructure, transport and population, Anzac assessments of these urban spaces were informed not only by travel writing conventions and literary tropes of Africa, but by city guide books and hegemonic trans-empire discourses about the ‘ideal’ modern city.’ The latter however, was not independent of ideas of race, but rather interacted with, and was often shaped by, a sense of white, Anglophone, superiority.
C.S. Lewis on Female Scholars: A Reply to John D. Rateliff
Authors: Lepojärvi Jason
Published: April 2024

In John D. Rateliff’s study ‘The Missing Women: J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lifelong Support for Women’s Higher Education’, Tolkien’s support of women is unfavourably contrasted with the supposedly dismissive attitude of C.S. Lewis. Rateliff offers three pieces of evidence in support of his argument that Lewis held a contemptuous attitude towards female research students in particular: a private letter by Lewis written in mock late-medieval English; Lewis’s comments about Damaris Tighe, the heroine in Charles Williams’s novel The Place of the Lion; and the character Jane Studdock in Lewis’s own novel That Hideous Strength. This paper argues that Rateliff’s evidence is not only limited but selective and misunderstood. What Lewis rebukes is academic complacency and vanity, not female researchers, many of whom Lewis respected and even befriended. The principle of biographical verification (grounding biographical speculations in biographical rather than imaginative literature) seriously complicates Rateliff’s argument.
Conducting pedagogues: a dialogue with Maestro Jean-François Rivest, act II
Authors: Lima Erickinson , Muniz André
Published: April 2024

Understanding the didactic-pedagogical structures concerning the teaching-learning process of the conducting, are not summarized to the technical-gestural aspects, it permeates administrative, logistics and psych-pedagogical elements. To visualize this perspective in the light of labor reality, the narratives of academic, artistic and professional life are resorted through a cycle of interviews with national (Brazil) and international conductors. The professional to be interviewed is the Canadian conductor and professor Jean-François Rivest. Considered one of the most prominent violinist of his generation, Rivest studied at Julliard School with Ivan Galamian, and his musical path soon led him to a fruitful international career. As a Professor at the Université de Montréal, founded the institution's Symphony Orchestra. Giving voice to conductors as Rivest allows us to visualize new practical, conceptual and pedagogical perspectives, and directs us to look at the real needs of the field of conducting: to think and act beyond the gestural technique.
Analysis of Research and Development in the Textile and Footwear Industry
Authors: Burlankov Stepan , Petrenko Mikhail , Selivanova Anzhelika , Burlankov Petr
Published: April 2024

Introduction. Rethinking the operational models of textile and footwear industry companies, transforming their organisational structures and marketing strategies, necessitates research and development to create new samples and materials that are most demanded in the new conditions. Methods. The research concept is based on the axiomatic method and system-logical analysis, the method of formalising the model of modern directions of research and development in the textile and footwear industry, the method of summarising results, the method of comparative analysis in processing economic information, and the hypothetical method of the necessity of digital design of new products using the "House of Quality" approach. Results and Discussion. Current research and development in the textile and footwear industry are directed towards creating new goods (samples, products), new technologies and equipment, and new types of production raw materials. In the textile and footwear industry, automation and digitalisation stand out as key tools for research and development, enhancing the efficiency of design and production processes, particularly for custom orders and small-scale production. Conclusion. Despite the advent of numerous innovations in textile materials, fibers, garments, and footwear, the level of research and development activities in specific companies is inadequate, which poses a significant threat to the economic security and the ability to meet societal needs for industry products. The proposed resulting indicator for research and development is the innovation saturation coefficient, which measures the efficiency of research and development expenditures. To enhance the effectiveness of the project phase in research and development within the textile and footwear industry, it is suggested to use the "House of Quality" tool.
PAGER-scFGA: unveiling cell functions and molecular mechanisms in cell trajectories through single-cell functional genomics analysis
Authors: Huang Fengyuan , Welner Robert S. , Chen Jake Y. , Yue Zongliang
Published: April 2024

Background: Understanding how cells and tissues respond to stress factors and perturbations during disease processes is crucial for developing effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) enables high-resolution identification of cells and exploration of cell heterogeneity, shedding light on cell differentiation/maturation and functional differences. Recent advancements in multimodal sequencing technologies have focused on improving access to cell-specific subgroups for functional genomics analysis. To facilitate the functional annotation of cell groups and characterization of molecular mechanisms underlying cell trajectories, we introduce the Pathways, Annotated Gene Lists, and Gene Signatures Electronic Repository for Single-Cell Functional Genomics Analysis (PAGER-scFGA).

Results: We have developed PAGER-scFGA, which integrates cell functional annotations and gene-set enrichment analysis into popular single-cell analysis pipelines such as Scanpy. Using differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from pairwise cell clusters, PAGER-scFGA infers cell functions through the enrichment of potential cell-marker genesets. Moreover, PAGER-scFGA provides pathways, annotated gene lists, and gene signatures (PAGs) enriched in specific cell subsets with tissue compositions and continuous transitions along cell trajectories. Additionally, PAGER-scFGA enables the construction of a gene subcellular map based on DEGs and allows examination of the gene functional compartments (GFCs) underlying cell maturation/differentiation. In a real-world case study of mouse natural killer (mNK) cells, PAGER-scFGA revealed two major stages of natural killer (NK) cells and three trajectories from the precursor stage to NK T-like mature stage within blood, spleen, and bone marrow tissues. As the trajectories progress to later stages, the DEGs exhibit greater divergence and variability. However, the DEGs in different trajectories still interact within a network during NK cell maturation. Notably, PAGER-scFGA unveiled cell cytotoxicity, exocytosis, and the response to interleukin (IL) signaling pathways and associated network models during the progression from precursor NK cells to mature NK cells.

Conclusion: PAGER-scFGA enables in-depth exploration of functional insights and presents a comprehensive knowledge map of gene networks and GFCs, which can be utilized for future studies and hypothesis generation. It is expected to become an indispensable tool for inferring cell functions and detecting molecular mechanisms within cell trajectories in single-cell studies. The web app (accessible at https://au-singlecell.streamlit.app/) is publicly available.
Mesenchymal cell migration on one-dimensional micropatterns
Authors: Heyn Johannes C. J. , Rädler Joachim O. , Falcke Martin
Published: April 2024

Quantitative studies of mesenchymal cell motion are important to elucidate cytoskeleton function and mechanisms of cell migration. To this end, confinement of cell motion to one dimension (1D) significantly simplifies the problem of cell shape in experimental and theoretical investigations. Here we review 1D migration assays employing micro-fabricated lanes and reflect on the advantages of such platforms. Data are analyzed using biophysical models of cell migration that reproduce the rich scenario of morphodynamic behavior found in 1D. We describe basic model assumptions and model behavior. It appears that mechanical models explain the occurrence of universal relations conserved across different cell lines such as the adhesion-velocity relation and the universal correlation between speed and persistence (UCSP). We highlight the unique opportunity of reproducible and standardized 1D assays to validate theory based on statistical measures from large data of trajectories and discuss the potential of experimental settings embedding controlled perturbations to probe response in migratory behavior.
Discovery of novel melatonin–mydroxyquinoline hybrids as multitarget strategies for Alzheimer’s disease therapy
Authors: Wang Wei , Pan Tingting , Su Rui , Chen Mingbin , Xiong Wandi , Xu Congjun , Huang Ling
Published: April 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that seriously affects human health, and current treatment strategies are far from meeting clinical needs. Inspired by multi-target drug design strategies, a series of novel natural products-based melatonin–hydroxyquinoline hybrids were designed and synthesized, targeting anti-oxidation and metal-chelating at the same time. Most of the compounds showed significant oxygen radical absorbance capacity and Aβ1–42 aggregation inhibition. Moreover, the compounds possess good blood-brain barrier permeability. 6b and 6c have a good ability to alleviate oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. 6b and 6c possess metal-chelating properties with the chelation ratio being 2:1. Furthermore, 6b can significantly mitigate metal-induced Aβ aggregation. This work may provide a new multi-target treatment strategy for Alzheimer’s disease.
Infection with the multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae New Delhi metallo-B-lactamase strain in patients with COVID-19: Nec Hercules contra plures?
Authors: Janc Jarosław , Słabisz Natalia , Woźniak Anna , Łysenko Lidia , Chabowski Mariusz , Leśnik Patrycja
Published: April 2024

Background

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, in patients treated for SARS-CoV-2 infection, infections with the Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria producing New Delhi metallo-B-lactamase (NDM) carbapenemase in the USA, Brazil, Mexico, and Italy were observed, especially in intensive care units (ICUs). This study aimed to assess the impact of Klebsiella pneumoniae NDM infection and other bacterial infections on mortality in patients treated in ICUs due to COVID-19.

Methods

The 160 patients who qualified for the study were hospitalized in ICUs due to COVID-19. Three groups were distinguished: patients with COVID-19 infection only (N = 72), patients with COVID-19 infection and infection caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae NDM (N = 30), and patients with COVID-19 infection and infection of bacterial etiology other than Klebsiella pneumoniae NDM (N = 58). Mortality in the groups and chosen demographic data; biochemical parameters analyzed on days 1, 3, 5, and 7; comorbidities; and ICU scores were analyzed.

Results

Bacterial infection, including with Klebsiella pneumoniae NDM type, did not elevate mortality rates. In the group of patients who survived the acute phase of COVID-19 the prolonged survival time was demonstrated: the median overall survival time was 13 days in the NDM bacterial infection group, 14 days in the other bacterial infection group, and 7 days in the COVID-19 only group. Comparing the COVID-19 with NDM infection and COVID-19 only groups, the adjusted model estimated a statistically significant hazard ratio of 0.28 (p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed that age, APACHE II score, and CRP were predictors of mortality in all the patient groups.

Conclusion

In patients treated for SARS-CoV-2 infection acquiring a bacterial infection due to prolonged hospitalization associated with the treatment of COVID-19 did not elevate mortality rates. The data suggests that in severe COVID-19 patients who survived beyond the first week of hospitalization, bacterial infections, particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae NDM, do not significantly impact mortality. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, APACHE II score, and CRP were predictors of mortality in all the patient groups.
Signal-averaged electrocardiography as a noninvasive tool for evaluating the ventricular substrate in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy: reassessment of an old tool
Authors: Nguyen Dinh Son Ngoc , Lin Chin-Yu , Chung Fa-Po , Chang Ting-Yung , Lo Li-Wei , Lin Yenn-Jiang , Chang Shih-Lin , Hu Yu-Feng , Tuan Ta-Chuan , Chao Tze-Fan , Liao Jo-Nan , Kuo Ling , Liu Chih-Min , Liu Shin-Huei , Wu Cheng-I , Kuo Ming-Jen , Li Guan-Yi , Huang Yu-Shan , Wu Shang-Ju , Siow Yoon Kee , Bautista Jose Antonio L. , Cao Dat Tran , Chen Shih-Ann
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Signal-averaged electrocardiography (SAECG) provides diagnostic and prognostic information regarding cardiac diseases. However, its value in other nonischemic cardiomyopathies (NICMs) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of SAECG in patients with NICM.

Methods and results

This retrospective study included consecutive patients with NICM who underwent SAECG, biventricular substrate mapping, and ablation for ventricular arrhythmia (VA). Patients with baseline ventricular conduction disturbances were excluded. Patients who fulfilled at least one SAECG criterion were categorized into Group 1, and the other patients were categorized into Group 2. Baseline and ventricular substrate characteristics were compared between the two groups. The study included 58 patients (39 men, mean age 50.4 ± 15.5 years), with 34 and 24 patients in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Epicardial mapping was performed in eight (23.5%) and six patients (25.0%) in Groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.897), respectively. Patients in Group 1 had a more extensive right ventricular (RV) low-voltage zone (LVZ) and scar area than those in Group 2. Group 1 had a larger epicardial LVZ than Group 2. Epicardial late potentials were more frequent in Group 1 than in Group 2. There were more arrhythmogenic foci within the RV outflow tract in Group 1 than in Group 2. There was no significant difference in long-term VA recurrence.

Conclusion

In our NICM population, a positive SAECG was associated with a larger RV endocardial scar, epicardial scar/late potentials, and a higher incidence of arrhythmogenic foci in the RV outflow tract.
Correlations of university students' feelings during the COVID-19 pandemic with academic adaptation and quality of life
Authors: Carneiro Priscilla Rodrigues Caminha , Oliveira Silva George , Aredes Natália Del Angelo , Bittencourt Margarete Carréra , Quaresma Fernando Rodrigues Peixoto , Nascimento Ladislau Ribeiro do
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to identify the feelings experienced by university students during the COVID-19 pandemic and its correlation with academic adaptation and quality of life (QoL). Through a cross-sectional and correlational design, 90 university students completed a questionnaire about feelings, academic adaptation, and QoL during the pandemic. Spearman's correlation was used to identify the correlation between the feelings of academic adaptation and quality of life. Multiple linear regression models were used to identify the predictors of feelings of academic adaptation and the physical and mental components of the quality of life. Good academic adaptation and good QoL scores were identified in the sample. During the pandemic period, students experienced feelings of exhaustion, discouragement, irritation, exhaustion, insecurity, drowsiness, anxiety, worry, and tiredness with greater intensity. Positive feelings, such as energy and willingness, were reported as well. The feelings could predict variations in academic adaptation and physical and mental health. Additionally, a greater correlation of feelings was identified with the QoL domains related to the individual's perception of mental health. The results of this study highlight that, in the context of public health emergencies, investments are needed in institutional policies to support students, avoid difficulties in academic adaptation that impact dropout, and avoid the emergence or worsening of disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Arthrospira platensis enriched with Cr(III), Mg(II), and Mn(II) ions improves insulin sensitivity and reduces systemic inflammation in equine metabolic affected horses
Authors: Tomal Artur , Szłapka-Kosarzewska Jolanta , Mironiuk Małgorzata , Michalak Izabela , Marycz Krzysztof
Published: April 2024

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a critical endocrine condition in horses, characterized by hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance, posing a significant threat to their health. This study investigates the efficacy of supplementing EMS-affected horses with Arthrospira platensis enriched with Cr(III), Mg(II), and Mn(II) ions using biosorption process in improving insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, reducing inflammation, and mitigating obesity-related fat accumulation. Our results demonstrate that Arthrospira supplementation reduces baseline insulin and glucose levels, contributing to decreased adipose tissue inflammation. Furthermore, Arthrospira supplementation results in a decrease in body weight and improvements in overall body condition scores and cresty neck scores. Additionally, administration of Arthrospira leads to reduced levels of triglycerides and aspartate aminotransferase, indicating a decrease in hepatic adiposity and inflammation. These findings suggest that Arthrospira, enriched with essential micro- and macroelements, can be an advanced feed additive to enhance insulin sensitivity, promote weight reduction, and alleviate inflammatory processes, thereby improving the overall condition of horses affected by EMS. The use of Arthrospira as a feed additive has the potential to complement conventional management strategies for EMS.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices in biosafety and biosecurity in medical biology laboratories in Togo, 2021
Authors: Halatoko Wemboo Afiwa , Sondou Essozimna , Sopoh Ghislain Emmanuel , Kassegne Amèwouga , Katawa Gnatoulma , Salou Mounerou , Karou Simplice Damintoti , Ouendo Edgard-Marius
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Faced with the emergence of pandemics and the omnipresence of gaps in the process of controlling elements likely to impact the implementation of biosafety and biosecurity measures, the evaluation of the related determinants becomes an urgent necessity.

Methods

The subject addressed in this study was primarily aimed at exploring the current situation of knowledge, attitudes and practices of biosafety and biosecurity as well as the associated factors in medical biology laboratories in Togo in 2021. A cross-sectional study with an analytical focus among laboratory professionals was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Statistical tests were performed using Epi Info 7.2.3.0 (2019) and Stata 13 (2013) software.

Results

Of the 322 participants, 49.1% had good knowledge while 62.4% and 77.6% had good attitudes and practices respectively. In 23.4% (25/107) of the laboratories, the staff surveyed ate their meals in the manipulation room, of which 80.0% (20/25) were in the public sector. Although the results showed that respondents who had received prior training in this area had higher score on the knowledge component (p = 0.03), this intervention had no direct effect on the attitude (p = 0.91) or practice (p = 0.84) scores. Trained participants were significantly more likely to have good knowledge. Regional disparity was noted on the knowledge and practice components and several gaps were identified.

Discussion

Biosafety and biosecurity remain a challenge in medical biology laboratories in Togo. Based on the gaps identified, training, substantial improvement of the working environment, and provision of resources to achieve optimal and sustainable biosafety and biosecurity practices in Togo are required.
Spatial network structure and influencing factors of carbon emission intensity in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao greater bay area
Authors: Wei Heng , Zheng Chaohui
Published: April 2024

Introduction: In response to China’s ambitious dual-carbon goals, this study investigates the spatial correlation and influencing factors of carbon emission intensity within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area (GBA), a region pivotal for the nation’s energy conservation and emission reduction efforts. Through a comprehensive analysis encompassing the period from 2000 to 2020, this research aims to delineate the spatial dynamics of carbon emissions and identify actionable insights for regional low-carbon development.

Methods: Utilizing an integrated methodology comprising spatial autocorrelation analysis, Social Network Analysis (SNA), and the Quadratic Assignment Procedure (QAP), the study analyzes carbon emission data alongside socio-economic variables. These methodologies allow for a nuanced exploration of the spatial correlation structure and the determination of factors influencing carbon emission intensity across the GBA.

Results: Findings reveal a cyclical fluctuation in the spatial network of carbon emissions from 2000 to 2020, characterized by varying degrees of cohesion among cities, indicating significant opportunities for spatial optimization. A “core-periphery” pattern emerges, with economically robust cities such as Hong Kong and Macao at the core, and less developed cities like Huizhou and Jiangmen on the periphery. Cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen play crucial mediator roles. The QAP analysis further identifies six major influencing factors: geographic spatial proximity, economic development level, urbanization rate, industrial configuration, level of technological innovation, and environmental protection efforts, with the latter four having a markedly positive impact on spatial relevance.

Discussion: The study’s insights underscore the importance of understanding the spatial dynamics of carbon emissions and the role of socioeconomic factors in shaping these patterns. For policymakers and stakeholders in the GBA, these findings highlight the necessity of targeted intervention strategies that consider both the unique position of cities within the spatial network and the broader socio-economic context. This approach can significantly contribute to achieving China’s dual-carbon objectives, promoting energy conservation, and facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Enhancing carbon emission performance in resource-based cities through technological innovation under China’s digital economic development strategy
Authors: Wang Saige , Zhou Anhua , Zhang Yue , Yang Gang , Peng Xu
Published: April 2024

As indispensable contributors to the energy and resource sectors, resource-based cities have played a pivotal role in shaping China’s carbon emission landscape. The carbon emission performance of these cities directly impacts the overall carbon footprint of the country, thus highlighting the significance of enhancing carbon emission efficiency within resource-based urban areas to drive nationwide carbon reduction initiatives effectively. The digital economic development strategy presents a promising avenue for improving carbon emission efficiency in resource-based cities. This study employs the super efficiency epsilon-based measure model to assess the carbon emission performance of 103 resource-based cities over the period from 2011 to 2019. Additionally, it utilizes an intermediate effect model to analyse the impact mechanism of digital economic development on carbon emission performance. The findings reveal a substantial 6.3% enhancement in carbon emission performance in resource-based cities attributed to the implementation of the digital development strategy, primarily driven by technological innovation. Furthermore, the study identifies significant dual-threshold effects within economic growth and environmental regulation, shedding light on the complex interplay between these factors. These insights offer valuable guidance for regional carbon reduction endeavors and serve as a valuable supplement to the understanding of the environmental implications of digital economic development in resource-based cities.
Identification and functional analysis of lactic acid metabolism-related differentially expressed genes in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Haiyan , Qian Fuchu , Bao Shengjie
Published: April 2024

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality rate that seriously threatens human health. We aimed to investigate the expression, prognostic value, and immune cell infiltration of lactic acid metabolism-related genes (LAMRGs) in HCC using bioinformatics.

Methods: The HCC database (The Cancer Genome Atlas–Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma) was downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normal and tumor groups were identified. The LAMRGs were obtained from literature and GeneCards and MSigDB databases. Lactic acid metabolism-related differentially expressed genes (LAMRDEGs) in HCC were screened from the DEGs and LAMRGs. Functional enrichment analyses of the screened LAMRDEGs were further conducted using Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). The genes were used in multivariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analyses to construct a prognostic model. Then, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed using STRING and CTD databases. Furthermore, the CIBERSORTx online database was used to assess the relationship between immune cell infiltration and hub genes.

Results: Twenty-eight lactic acid metabolism-related differentially expressed genes (LAMRDEGs) were identified. The GO and KEGG analyses showed that the LAMRDEGs were related to the prognosis of HCC. The GSEA indicated that the LAMRDEGs were significantly enriched in tumor related pathways. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, 14 key genes (E2F1, SERPINE1, GYS2, SPP1, PCK1, CCNB1, CYP2C9, IGFBP3, KDM8, RCAN1, ALPL, FBP1, NQO1, and LCAT) were found to be independent prognostic factors of HCC. Finally, the LASSO and Cox regression analyses showed that six key genes (SERPINE1, SPP1, CCNB1, CYP2C9, NQO1, and LCAT) were associated with HCC prognosis. Moreover, the correlation analyses revealed that the expression of the six key genes were associated with immune infiltrates of HCC.

Conclusion: The LAMRDEGs can predict the prognosis and may be associated with immune cells infiltration in patients with HCC. These genes might be the promising biomarkers for the prognosis and treatment of HCC.
The effects of IL-27 and IL-35 gene variation and expression levels on the susceptibility and clinical manifestations of pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Gao Lei , Xiong Yan-Jun , Liang Ya-Xue , Huang Peng-Fei , Liu Shuang , Xiao Yu , Huang Qian , Wang Hua , Wu Hui-Mei
Published: April 2024

Inflammatory cytokines have crucial roles in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB), and interleukin (IL)-27 and IL-35 have a pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effect on many diseases, including infectious diseases. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between IL-27 and IL-35 gene polymorphism, expression levels, and pulmonary TB (PTB) susceptibility. Nine single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL-27 gene (rs181206, rs153109, and rs17855750) and the IL-35 gene (rs4740, rs428253, rs9807813, rs2243123, rs2243135, and rs568408) were genotyped by the SNPscan technique in 497 patients with PTB and 501 controls. There was no significant difference regarding the genotype and allele frequencies of the above SNPs in the IL-27 and IL-35 genes between patients with PTB and controls. Haplotype analysis showed that the frequency of the GAC haplotype in the IL-35 gene was significantly decreased in patients with PTB when compared to controls (p = 0.036). Stratified analysis suggested that the frequency of the IL-27 rs17855750 GG genotype was significantly increased in patients with PTB with fever. Moreover, the lower frequency of the IL-35 rs568408 GA genotype was associated with drug-induced liver injury in patients with PTB. The IL-35 rs428253 GC genotype, as well as the rs4740 AA genotype and A allele, showed significant relationships with hypoproteinemia in patients with PTB. When compared with controls, the IL-27 level was significantly increased in patients with PTB. Taken together, IL-35 gene variation might contribute to a protective role on the susceptibility to PTB, and IL-27 and IL-35 gene polymorphisms were associated with several clinical manifestations of patients with PTB.
Clinical and immunological comparison of COVID-19 disease between critical and non-critical courses: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hedayati-Ch Mojtaba , Ebrahim-Saraie Hadi Sedigh , Bakhshi Arash
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which appeared in 2019, has been classified as critical and non-critical according to clinical signs and symptoms. Critical patients require mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) admission, whereas non-critical patients require neither mechanical ventilation nor ICU admission. Several factors have been recently identified as effective factors, including blood cell count, enzymes, blood markers, and underlying diseases. By comparing blood markers, comorbidities, co-infections, and their relationship with mortality, we sought to determine differences between critical and non-critical groups.

Method

We used Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases for our systematic search. Inclusion criteria include any report describing the clinical course of COVID-19 patients and showing the association of the COVID-19 clinical courses with blood cells, blood markers, and bacterial co-infection changes. Twenty-one publications were eligible for full-text examination between 2019 to 2021.

Result

The standard difference in WBC, lymphocyte, and platelet between the two clinical groups was 0.538, -0.670, and -0.421, respectively. Also, the standard difference between the two clinical groups of CRP, ALT, and AST was 0.482, 0.402, and 0.463, respectively. The odds ratios for hypertension and diabetes were significantly different between the two groups. The prevalence of co-infection also in the critical group is higher.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our data suggest that critical patients suffer from a suppressed immune system, and the inflammation level, the risk of organ damage, and co-infections are significantly high in the critical group and suggests the use of bacteriostatic instead of bactericides to treat co-infections.
Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles regulate macrophage polarization: role and therapeutic perspectives
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Wang Weihua , Hu Die , Liang Yan , Liu Zhanyu , Zhong Tianyu , Wang Xiaoling
Published: April 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important cell-to-cell communication mediators. This paper focuses on the regulatory role of tumor-derived EVs on macrophages. It aims to investigate the causes of tumor progression and therapeutic directions. Tumor-derived EVs can cause macrophages to shift to M1 or M2 phenotypes. This indicates they can alter the M1/M2 cell ratio and have pro-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects. This paper discusses several key points: first, the factors that stimulate macrophage polarization and the cytokines released as a result; second, an overview of EVs and the methods used to isolate them; third, how EVs from various cancer cell sources, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, lung carcinoma, breast carcinoma, and glioblastoma cell sources carcinoma, promote tumor development by inducing M2 polarization in macrophages; and fourth, how EVs from breast carcinoma, pancreatic carcinoma, lungs carcinoma, and glioblastoma cell sources carcinoma also contribute to tumor development by promoting M2 polarization in macrophages. Modified or sourced EVs from breast, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer can repolarize M2 to M1 macrophages. This exhibits anti-tumor activities and offers novel approaches for tumor treatment. Therefore, we discovered that macrophage polarization to either M1 or M2 phenotypes can regulate tumor development. This is based on the description of altering macrophage phenotypes by vesicle contents.
Protection of neutrophils by bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells is enhanced by tumor-associated inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Liang Yingqi , Lou Xiulan , Xu Yazhang , Zheng Zhiyuan
Published: April 2024

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs), which are distributed in many tissues including bone marrow, have been reported to play a critical role in tumor development. While bone marrow, the primary site for hematopoiesis, is important for establishing the immune system, whether MSCs in the bone marrow can promote tumor growth via influencing hematopoiesis remains unclear. We observed that the numbers of MSCs and neutrophils were increased in bone marrow in tumor-bearing mice. Moreover, co-culture assay showed that MSCs strongly protected neutrophils from apoptosis and induced their maturation. G-CSF and GM-CSF have been well-documented to be associated with neutrophil formation. We found a remarkably increased level of G-CSF, but not GM-CSF, in the supernatant of MSCs and the serum of tumor-bearing mice. The G-CSF expression can be enhanced with inflammatory cytokines (IFNγ and TNFα) stimulation. Furthermore, we found that IFNγ and TNFα-treated MSCs enhanced their capability of promoting neutrophil survival and maturation. Our results indicate that MSCs display robustly protective effects on neutrophils to contribute to tumor growth in bone niches.
Trivalent mRNA vaccine-candidate against seasonal flu with cross-specific humoral immune response
Authors: Mazunina Elena P. , Gushchin Vladimir A. , Kleymenov Denis A. , Siniavin Andrei E. , Burtseva Elena I. , Shmarov Maksim M. , Mukasheva Evgenya A. , Bykonia Evgeniia N. , Kozlova Sofia R. , Evgrafova Elina A. , Zolotar Anastasia N. , Shidlovskaya Elena V. , Kirillova Elena S. , Krepkaia Anastasiya S. , Usachev Evgeny V. , Kuznetsova Nadezhda A. , Ivanov Igor A. , Dmitriev Sergey E. , Ivanov Roman A. , Logunov Denis Y. , Gintsburg Alexander L.
Published: April 2024

Seasonal influenza remains a serious global health problem, leading to high mortality rates among the elderly and individuals with comorbidities. Vaccination is generally accepted as the most effective strategy for influenza prevention. While current influenza vaccines are effective, they still have limitations, including narrow specificity for certain serological variants, which may result in a mismatch between vaccine antigens and circulating strains. Additionally, the rapid variability of the virus poses challenges in providing extended protection beyond a single season. Therefore, mRNA technology is particularly promising for influenza prevention, as it enables the rapid development of multivalent vaccines and allows for quick updates of their antigenic composition. mRNA vaccines have already proven successful in preventing COVID-19 by eliciting rapid cellular and humoral immune responses. In this study, we present the development of a trivalent mRNA vaccine candidate, evaluate its immunogenicity using the hemagglutination inhibition assay, ELISA, and assess its efficacy in animals. We demonstrate the higher immunogenicity of the mRNA vaccine candidate compared to the inactivated split influenza vaccine and its enhanced ability to generate a cross-specific humoral immune response. These findings highlight the potential mRNA technology in overcoming current limitations of influenza vaccines and hold promise for ensuring greater efficacy in preventing seasonal influenza outbreaks.
The role and therapeutic potential of SIRTs in sepsis
Authors: You Jiaqi , Li Yilin , Chong Wei
Published: April 2024

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by the host’s dysfunctional response to infection. Abnormal activation of the immune system and disturbance of energy metabolism play a key role in the development of sepsis. In recent years, the Sirtuins (SIRTs) family has been found to play an important role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. SIRTs, as a class of histone deacetylases (HDACs), are widely involved in cellular inflammation regulation, energy metabolism and oxidative stress. The effects of SIRTs on immune cells are mainly reflected in the regulation of inflammatory pathways. This regulation helps balance the inflammatory response and may lessen cell damage and organ dysfunction in sepsis. In terms of energy metabolism, SIRTs can play a role in immunophenotypic transformation by regulating cell metabolism, improve mitochondrial function, increase energy production, and maintain cell energy balance. SIRTs also regulate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), protecting cells from oxidative stress damage by activating antioxidant defense pathways and maintaining a balance between oxidants and reducing agents. Current studies have shown that several potential drugs, such as Resveratrol and melatonin, can enhance the activity of SIRT. It can help to reduce inflammatory response, improve energy metabolism and reduce oxidative stress, showing potential clinical application prospects for the treatment of sepsis. This review focuses on the regulation of SIRT on inflammatory response, energy metabolism and oxidative stress of immune cells, as well as its important influence on multiple organ dysfunction in sepsis, and discusses and summarizes the effects of related drugs and compounds on reducing multiple organ damage in sepsis through the pathway involving SIRTs. SIRTs may become a new target for the treatment of sepsis and its resulting organ dysfunction, providing new ideas and possibilities for the treatment of this life-threatening disease.
Understanding the high-temperature corrosion behavior of zirconium alloy as cladding tubes: a review
Authors: Tang Yan , Liao Jingjing , Yun Di
Published: April 2024

Operated under extreme conditions, corrosion occurs between zirconium alloy cladding tubes and the coolant in the primary loop of pressurized water reactors (PWRs), contributing to a reduction in the effective metallic material thickness. Therefore, understanding the corrosion behavior of zirconium alloy is vital to both raising the burnup of PWR and the improvement of safety properties of these reactors. During the past decades, extensive investigation was conducted with various conditions, such as changing corrosion temperatures and alloying elements, but contradiction persists and universal conclusion remain elusive. In the present work, a variety of research results that focused on corrosion kinetics, microstructural evolution, and the influence of alloying elements were integrated and summarized, so that a valuable reference can be provided to further research.
The role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in endometriosis
Authors: Psilopatis Iason , Theocharis Stamatios , Beckmann Matthias W.
Published: April 2024

Endometriosis constitutes the most common cause of chronic pelvic pain in female patients and is associated with infertility. Although there is no known cause for the disease, it is a heritable condition that is determined by numerous genetic, epigenetic, and environmental aspects. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) represent nuclear receptor proteins that control gene expression. By using the MEDLINE and LIVIVO databases we conducted a literature review in order to look into the role of PPARs in the endometriosis pathophysiology and succeeded in revealing 36 pertinent publications between 2001 and 2022. In regards to PPAR expression in endometriosis, PPARγ seems to represent the most studied PPAR isoform in endometriosis and to influence various pathways involved in the disease onset and progression. It's interesting to note that diverse treatment agents targeting the PPAR system have been identified as innovative, effective therapeutic alternatives in the context of endometriosis treatment. In conclusion, PPARs appear to contribute an important role in both endometriosis pathophysiology and therapy.
Analysis of microbial community evolution, autolysis phenomena, and energy metabolism pathways in Pholiota nameko endophytes
Authors: Zhao Huan , He Yan , Wang Yichu , He Xiaolong , Zhao Ruihua , Liu Bo
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Pholiota nameko is a widely consumed edible fungus. This study focuses on two crucial developmental stages of Pholiota nameko, namely, mycelium and ascospores. The objectives of this research were to investigate changes in microbial diversity and community structure during the growth of Pholiota nameko and to analyze the adaptability of the dominant strains to their respective habitats through metabolic.

Methods

Specifically, we conducted second-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene (Illumina) on samples obtained from these stages. In addition, we isolated and characterized endophytes present in Pholiota nameko, focusing on examining the impact of dominant endophyte genera on autolysis. We also conducted a metabolic pathway analysis.

Results and discussion

The results unveiled 578,414 valid sequences of Pholiota nameko endophytic fungi. At the phylum level, the dominant taxa were Basidiomycota, Ascomycota, Zoopagomycota, and Mucoromycota. At the genus level, the dominant taxa observed were Pholiota, Inocybe, Fusarium, and Hortiboletus. For endophytic bacteria, we obtained 458,475 valid sequences. The dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, TM6, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes, while the dominant genera were Edaphobacter, Xanthomonas, Burkholderia, and Pseudomonas. Moreover, we identified the isolated strains in Pholiota nameko using 16S rDNA, and most of them were found to belong to the genus Pseudomonas, with Pseudomonas putida being the most prevalent strain. The findings revealed that the Pseudomonas putida strain has the ability to slow down the breakdown of soluble proteins and partially suppress the metabolic processes that generate superoxide anion radicals in Pholiota nameko, thereby reducing autolysis. Additionally, our results demonstrated that molybdenum enzyme-mediated anaerobic oxidative phosphorylation reactions were the primary energy metabolism pathway in the Pseudomonas putida strain. This suggests that the molybdenum cofactor synthesis pathway might be the main mechanism through which Pholiota nameko adapts to its complex and diverse habitats.
Preventive effect of Lactobacillus johnsonii YH1136 against uric acid accumulation and renal damages
Authors: Zhang Xingting , Jiang Junliang , Xin Jinge , Sun Ning , Zhao Zhifang , Gan Baoxing , Jiang Yi , Gong Xuemei , Li Hao , Ma Hailin , Ni Xueqin , Chen Yu , Bai Yang , Wang Hesong
Published: April 2024

Background

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a prevalent metabolic disorder whose development is associated with intestinal microbiota. Therefore, probiotics have emerged as a potential and safe approach for lowering uric acid (UA) levels. However, the underlying mechanisms of many effective probiotic strains remain unknown.

Methods and results

C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into two groups: control and model groups. The model group received 12 weeks of potassium oxonate. Through 16s sequencing we found that HUA resulted in a significant decrease in the total diversity of all intestinal segments. When each intestinal segment was analyzed individually, the reduction in diversity was only significant in the cecum and colon sections. RDA analysis showed that lactobacilli in the rat colon exhibited a strong correlation with model group, suggesting that Lactobacillus may play an important role in HUA. Consequently, the preventive effects of Lactobacillus johnsonii YH1136 against HUA were investigated. C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: control, model and YH1136 groups. The results showed that administering Lactobacillus johnsonii YH1136 effectively reduced serum UA levels in vivo by inhibiting hepatic xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity and promoting renal ABCG2 transporter expression. Moreover, supplementation with Lactobacillus johnsonii YH1136 significantly ameliorated pathological damage in the kidney and liver, thereby reducing UA accumulation.

Conclusion

Hyperuricemia is accompanied by an altered composition of multiple gut bacteria, of which Lactobacillus is a key genus. Lactobacillus johnsonii YH1136 may ameliorate renal involvement in HUA via the gut-kidney axis.