bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examen del movimiento
Authors:   Italia, Simonetta Elena
Published: February 2024

Este manual técnico-operativo permite a profesionales que operan con personas en edad de desarrollo, en el campo educativo o terapéutico, realizar una evaluación psicomotora escrupulosa a través del Examen Neurofuncional Psicomotor. Esta herramienta permite individuar las eventuales dificultades y fortalezas en el sujeto y de este modo reconocer, a través de en el sujeto y de reconocer, a través de la observación del comportamiento, la tipología psicomotora a la que pertenece. El trabajo de sistematización de las observaciones en estrategias psicomotoras bien definidas, no tiene el propósito de "etiquetar" rígidamente a la persona, pero con mayor claridad, a partir del "movimiento corporal; cualquier malestar de origen psico afectivo - relacional. 290 páginas ISBN: 978-9942-645-33-3 e- ISBN: 978-9942-645-34-0
Website Inventaris UMKM Desa Labanasem sebagai Sarana Promosi dan Penguatan Kegiatan Usaha Masyarakat
Authors: Febrita Ruth Ema , Ayatullah Mohamad Dimyati , Kareja Novilia
Published: February 2024

Desa Labanasem merupakan salah satu desa di Kecamatan Kabat, Banyuwangi, yang memiliki permasalahan dalam pengelolaan UMKM yang ada. Keterbatasan tenaga dan personil untuk melakukan kunjungan dan monitoring satu per satu terhadap UMKM yang ada membuat perangkat desa Labanasem kesulitan dalam memahami kebutuhan UMKM sehingga dukungan yang diberikan oleh desa kepada UMKM belum maksimal. Selain itu, sebagian besar UMKM memiliki kendala dalam hal pemasaran produknya, dimana sebagian besar UMKM hanya dilakukan di depan rumah dan berakibat pada pendapatan secara ekonomi tidak maksimal. Oleh karena itu pelaksanaan kegiatan pengabdian ini menghadirkan sebuah website untuk menginventarisasi UMKM yang ada secara digital sekaligus sebagai sebuah sistem informasi yang menjembatani UMKM dan perangkat desa. Solusi ini membantu UMKM dalam mengkomunikasikan kebutuhan dan kondisi terkini usahanya sehingga strategi dan bantuan dari perangkat desa dapat tepat sasaran. Selain itu, pelaku UMKM dibekali dengan pelatihan digital marketing supaya dapat meningkatkan penjualan. UMKM diharapkan dapat mengoptimalkan penggunaaan dari sosial media sebagai sarana dalam melakukan pemasaran produk.
Body image in eating disorders
Authors:   , Rekkers Martha Elisabeth
Published: February 2024

The aim of this thesis was to extend knowledge related to assessment and treatment of negative body experience in eating disorders (EDs), with an emphasis on the role of body functionality in reducing body dissatisfaction. To achieve this, questionnaires about body appreciation, especially body functionality needed further clinical validation to facilitate research of body experience therapy. In Chapter 2 and 3 we evaluated the psychometric properties of the Dutch versions of the Body Cathexis Scale (BCS) and the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) in both a female ED sample and a female community sample. In conclusion, these studies showed that the Dutch versions of both questionnaires are valid, reliable and valuable to measure body satisfaction and body functionality appreciation in people with EDs. Furthermore, we argued that body exposure protocols have to be developed and evaluated to better target negative body experience in EDs. In Chapter 4 we presented the development and description of a body-oriented treatment protocol with focus on positive body exposure. We discussed the scientific basis of the protocol: positive body experience (PBE) and described its content and structure, illustrated by clinical case vignettes. An important and innovative aspect of the protocol is that during body exposure the focus lies not only on aesthetic, but also on functional body experience. In Chapter 5 a pilot pre-post study is presented, that evaluated the outcomes of positive body exposure with regard to changes in negative body experience and eating pathology and factors that influence these changes. Significant positive changes in body experience, eating pathology and depressive symptoms were found. A limitation of all our studies was that we had to restrict our samples to female participants, because only a very small minority of the participants in the ED samples were men. It is therefore unclear whether our findings can be applied to men with an ED. Another limitation concerns the research design of the pilot study. The lack of a control group and follow-up measures in our clinical study imply that the results must be interpreted with caution. Since Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) are not always feasible or only to be executed with considerable compromises in terms of applicability in a clinical setting, we recommend that future research could use alternative designs like single case or cohort studies. In our discussion we highlight the importance of body experience problems in EDs. We argue that negative body experience may be a core problem in EDs. This makes an effective treatment of body experience problems an important element of the treatment of EDs. We have underlined the importance of positive body exposure that contains and integrates both positive aesthetic and functional body experience and made a first step towards description and evaluation of such a protocol.
ÜRETKEN YAPAY ZEKÂ VE PAZARLAMA STRATEJİLERİ: SWOT ANALİZİ PERSPEKTİFİ
Authors: DURMUŞ ŞENYAPAR Hafize Nurgül
Published: February 2024

Üretken yapay zekâ, pazarlamada kişiselleştirme, gelişmiş müşteri deneyimleri ve gelişmiş pazarlama etkinliği için fırsatlar sunarak süreçleri önemli ölçüde dönüştürürken tüketici güveni, direnci ve yapay zekânın pazarlamadaki daha geniş toplumsal ve etik etkileri ile ilgili zorluklar yaratmaktadır. Üretken yapay zekânın pazarlama stratejilerine entegrasyonunun getirdiği güçlü yanları, zayıf yanları, fırsatları ve tehlikeleri SWOT analiziyle sistematik bir şekilde analiz ederek iş dünyasına bu alandaki kritik bakış açılarını sunmayı hedefleyen bu çalışmanın bulguları, üretken yapay zekânın pazarlama stratejileri için önemli bir fırsat sunduğunu, ancak aynı zamanda bazı potansiyel tehditler ve zayıflıklarla da karşı karşıya olduğunu göstermektedir. Üretken yapay zekâyı kullanarak müşteri deneyimini kişiselleştirmek, pazarlama kampanyalarını optimize etmek ve yenilikçi pazarlama stratejileri geliştirmek; üretken yapay zekânın aşırı kullanımından kaçınmak, müşteri ilişkilerini güçlendirmek ve veri güvenliğini sağlamak; yapay zekâyı kullanarak yeni pazarlar keşfetmek, müşteri değerini artırmak ve iş performansını iyileştirmek ile veri güvenliğini sağlamak, şeffaflık politikaları geliştirmek ve algoritmik önyargıyı azaltmak işletmeler açısından kritik stratejiler olarak belirlenmiştir.
Long-term Energy System Modelling for a Clean Energy Transition and Improved Energy Security in Botswana’s Energy Sector using OSeMOSYS (Open-Source Energy Modelling System)
Authors: Saad Ranea , Plazas-Niño Fernando , Cannone Carla , Yeganyan Rudolf , Howells Mark , Luscombe Hannah
Published: February 2024

Botswana heavily relies on coal for electricity, resulting in significant carbon emissions. With 40% of electricity sourced from imported fossil fuels, the nation faces vulnerability to volatile prices and supply instability. To address this, leveraging abundant solar resources could decarbonise and enhance energy security. However, an unexplored cost-effective strategy hinders progress. This study utilises the Open-Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) to analyse costs, energy generation, and fuel requirements for Botswana's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and energy security goals up to 2050. Six scenarios—Least Cost (LC), Business-As-Usual (BAU), Net Zero by 2050 (NZ), Coal Phase Out by 2045 (CPO), Fossil Fuel Phase Out by 2045 (FFPO), and Import Phase Out by 2045 (IMPPO)—are compared. Solar technologies, especially in the NZ and IMPPO scenarios, demonstrate significance. Achieving Fossil Fuel Phase Out by 2045 (FFPO) is cost-effective, saving $31 million and incurring $2 billion less in investment compared to BAU. Yet, for Botswana to decarbonise and improve energy security without import reliance, NZ and IMPPO pathways are preferable, though they require higher capital investment, necessitating private sector financing. Recommended policies include detailed solar PV and storage strategies, updated renewable energy (RE) targets, coal and natural gas phase-outs, and an enhanced regulatory role for the Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA).
Error Correction in the Equations of Energy-Work Relation
Authors: Annamalai Chinnaraji
Published: February 2024

This paper points out the error in the energy-work equations and corrects the errors. In classical mechanics, the energy of an object in motion is the form of energy that quantifies the work performed by the object due to its motion and mass. The energy is also transformed into sound energy, thermal energy including heat and light, and material deformation.
PRODUÇÃO AUDIOVISUAL E AS TECNOLOGIAS DIGITAIS EM SALA DE AULA
Authors: Veiga André Barroso da , Stecz Solange Straube
Published: February 2024

Este estudo pretende criar um entendimento sobre o audiovisual como possibilidade de integração entre as Tecnologias Digitais de Informação e Comunicação (TIC) de maneira criativa nos processos de aprendizagem. Para tal, parte-se de um referencial teórico, por autores como Bergala, Deleuze, Franco, Freire, Kenski, Levy, Moran e Stecz, para refletir a respeito do uso do cinema em sala de aula como atividade criativa, além de buscar compreender sobre como as tecnologias digitais, que estão tão presentes no cotidiano urbano contemporâneo, também são acessí­veis para a realização dessas atividades pedagógicas. Pontuando programas e recursos digitais utilizados em uma prática pedagógica que busca a produção audiovisual junto aos estudantes de turmas do ensino médio no Colégio Estadual do Paraná, em Curitiba, que foram observadas no ano de 2020. Este artigo é um desdobramento da pesquisa de mestrado profissional no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Artes (PPGARTES) pela Universidade Estadual do Paraná (UNESPAR).
MACUMBANÇA: ẸNI BÁ ṢE OUN TÍ ẸNÌKAN Ò ṢE RÍ Á RÍ OHUN TÍ ẸNÌKAN Ò RÍ RÍ, UM EBÓ EPISTÊMICO NA ENCRUZILHADA COM IGOR FAGUNDES
Authors: Cruz Jesse da
Published: February 2024

Esta escrita é resultado de um ebó despachado na encruzilhada para Exu. Provoco aqui que Exu, por seu caráter de mensageiro, de abrir e trilhar caminhos, também se conecta como um mediador cultural, proporcionando metáforas e conexões outras de forma potente para pensarmos possibilidade de articular o corpo, a (trans)culturalidade e a pesquisa.Esta encruzilhada se faz com o convidado Professor Doutor Igor Teixeira Silva Fagundes da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, por meio de um encontro virtual que posteriormente resultou em um convite especial para este momento. As questões foram encaminhadas por email, Junho/2021, onde ficou aberto para que o convidado pudesse intervir tanto nas questões, como na forma e maneira de responder, visto que estamos nos deslocando pela macumba, cuja ritualidade milenar é feita conforme as ações desejadas e solicitadas.
SETE PALMOS DE TERRA: REFLEXÕES SOBRE DANÇA, COREOEDIÇÃO E PROCESSO DE CRIAÇÃO EM CONTEXTO
Authors: Aguiar Helen Cristiane
Published: February 2024

Resumo: Este ensaio tem a intenção de descrever e refletir sobre a obra artí­stica Sete Palmos de Terra, criada em 2021 para a Téssera Companhia de Dança da UFPR de modo a apontar a historicidade no processo de criação. Trata-se de uma obra videodançante, criada e coreoeditada durante a pandemia da covid-19. Sua concepção, para execução ao ar livre e em cova rasa, sugere retorno à terra e surge como metáfora de uma angustia dançada. O objetivo da investigação aqui proposta é ancorar-se na abordagem metodológica da crí­tica de processo proposta por Cecí­lia Almeida Salles (2000; 2006; 2013), por permitir um percurso reflexivo que convida pesquisadores e os próprios artistas a pensar sobre o processo de criação a partir de documentos, anotações, vestí­gios, além de relações complexas que permeiam a obra em sua gênese. Rastros artí­sticos, reverberações que perduram e permeiam a obra [in]acabada, são memórias artí­sticas que carregam um pouco da história de sua construção e traduzem o [re]conhecimento de um funcionamento criativo não linear e contextualizado, e realçam o processo de criação em movimento constante.Palavras-chave: Processo de criação; Dança; Videodança; Corpo; Edição.
Um Núcleo: reflexões sobre registro audiovisual de improvisos em dança e música.
Authors: Cadore Fabio
Published: February 2024

A partir da necessidade de documentar em vídeo e áudio uma pesquisa de improviso em dança contemporânea e música, surgiram questões relacionadas ao ato de registrar uma performance artística. Durante o primeiro semestre de 2022 realizou-se encontros para improviso no Um Núcleo de Pesquisa Artística em Dança, na Faculdade de Artes do Paraná, Unespar Curitiba Campus II. Os encontros foram filmados por celular e os sons dos instrumentos gravados através de placa de som. A soma de arquivos de áudio e vídeo em softwares de edição abriram questões referentes às fronteiras entre o registro com pretensão de ser o mais fiel ao evento ocorrido e as modificações do vivenciado em função das escolhas arbitrárias de enquadramento da câmera e as diferenças de qualidade entre o que foi ouvido pelos participantes e o que foi captado pelos equipamentos de áudio. Como consequência percebeu-se que registrar é escolher, o audiovisual é sempre uma leitura possível do momento único experimentado. O material bruto captado então foi encarado como matéria prima para a construção de obras audiovisuais que já não mais retratam e documentam e sim contam uma nova narrativa, e, assim, o processo de edição pode ser visto como semelhante ao processo de composição tanto coreográfica quanto musical.
Saturated fatty acids differently affect mitochondrial function and the intestinal epithelial barrier depending on their chain length in the in vitro model of IPEC-J2 enterocytes
Authors: Guerbette Thomas , Rioux Vincent , Bostoën Mégane , Ciesielski Vincent , Coppens-Exandier Hugo , Buraud Marine , Lan Annaïg , Boudry Gaëlle
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Maintenance of the intestinal barrier mainly relies on the mitochondrial function of intestinal epithelial cells that provide ATP through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Dietary fatty acid overload might induce mitochondrial dysfunction of enterocytes and may increase intestinal permeability as indicated by previous in vitro studies with palmitic acid (C16:0). Yet the impact of other dietary saturated fatty acids remains poorly described.

Methods: To address this question, the in vitro model of porcine enterocytes IPEC-J2 was treated for 3 days with 250 µM of lauric (C12:0), myristic (C14:0), palmitic (C16:0) or stearic (C18:0) acids.

Results and discussion: Measurement of the transepithelial electrical resistance, reflecting tight junction integrity, revealed that only C16:0 and C18:0 increased epithelial permeability, without modifying the expression of genes encoding tight junction proteins. Bioenergetic measurements indicated that C16:0 and C18:0 were barely β-oxidized by IPEC-J2. However, they rather induced significant OXPHOS uncoupling and reduced ATP production compared to C12:0 and C14:0. These bioenergetic alterations were associated with elevated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial fission. Although C12:0 and C14:0 treatment induced significant lipid storage and enhanced fusion of the mitochondrial network, it only mildly decreased ATP production without altering epithelial barrier. These results point out that the longer chain fatty acids C16:0 and C18:0 increased intestinal permeability, contrary to C12:0 and C14:0. In addition, C16:0 and C18:0 induced an important energy deprivation, notably via increased proton leaks, mitochondrial remodeling, and elevated ROS production in enterocytes compared to C12:0 and C14:0.
Disinformation in the Spanish public debate: an analysis of political speeches in the Congress of Deputies
Authors: Domínguez-García Ricardo , Velasco-Molpeceres Ana , Pérez-Curiel Concha
Published: February 2024

Disinformation is one of the main challenges faced by modern democratic societies, becoming a crucial focus of study in political communication. Terms such as lie, falsehood, hoax, disinformation, or post-truth have become part of the daily language of the media, featured in numerous scientific studies, and entered political discourse. With the aim of delving into and determining the characteristic features of Spanish politicians' discourse on disinformation, a methodology of quantitative and qualitative content analysis is applied to a total of 1,115 interventions by members of the Congress of Deputies during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. This period is chosen due to its high levels of disinformation and polarization. The results indicate that the issue of disinformation is a minor topic on the Spanish political agenda. Furthermore, metrics confirm a much higher use of terms such as lie, false, and hoax, to the detriment of other words like disinformation or post-truth. An impact of the pandemic on the main themes related to this phenomenon is also detected, with health and the economy being the primary frames identified. From an interpretative perspective, this is attributed to the tendency of Spanish politicians to use this issue as just one element within a polarizing and confrontational rhetoric, generally eschewing proactive debates on the measures needed to address disinformation.
Promising results of a clinical feasibility study: CIRBP as a potential biomarker in pediatric cardiac surgery
Authors: Lücht Jana , Seiler Raphael , Herre Alexa Leona , Brankova Liliya , Fritsche-Guenther Raphaela , Kirwan Jennifer , Huscher Dörte , Münzfeld Hanna , Berger Felix , Photiadis Joachim , Tong Giang , Schmitt Katharina R. L.
Published: February 2024

Objective

Cold-inducible RNA binding Protein (CIRBP) has been shown to be a potent inflammatory mediator and could serve as a novel biomarker for inflammation. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and capillary leak syndrome (CLS) are frequent complications after pediatric cardiac surgery increasing morbidity, therefore early diagnosis and therapy is crucial. As CIRBP serum levels have not been analyzed in a pediatric population, we conducted a clinical feasibility establishing a customized magnetic bead panel analyzing CIRBP in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods

A prospective hypothesis generating observational clinical study was conducted at the German Heart Center Berlin during a period of 9 months starting in May 2020 (DRKS00020885, https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00020885). Serum samples were obtained before the cardiac operation, upon arrival at the pediatric intensive care unit, 6 and 24 h after the operation in patients up to 18 years of age with congenital heart disease (CHD). Customized multiplex magnetic bead-based immunoassay panels were developed to analyze CIRBP, Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), Monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), Syndecan-1 (SDC-1), Thrombomodulin (TM), Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A), Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), and Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) in 25 µl serum using the Luminex MagPix® system.

Results

19 patients representing a broad range of CHD (10 male patients, median age 2 years, 9 female patients, median age 3 years) were included in the feasibility study. CIRBP was detectable in the whole patient cohort. Relative to individual baseline values, CIRBP concentrations increased 6 h after operation and returned to baseline levels over time. IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and MCP-1 concentrations were significantly increased after operation and except for MCP-1 concentrations stayed upregulated over time. SDC-1, TM, Ang-2, as well as FGF-23 concentrations were also significantly increased, whereas VEGF-A concentration was significantly decreased after surgery.

Discussion

Using customized magnetic bead panels, we were able to detect CIRBP in a minimal serum volume (25 µl) in all enrolled patients. To our knowledge this is the first clinical study to assess CIRBP serum concentrations in a pediatric population.
Robinia pseudoacacia sand stabilizer: its sand fixation effects and mechanical properties
Authors: Ren Tingjie , Gao Yong , Yuan Limin , Zhao Chen
Published: February 2024

To explore the sand stabilization effects of the Robinia pseudoacacia sand stabilizer, a series of spraying experiments was conducted using different dry matter dosages (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 g/m2). The sand stabilization effects, mechanical properties, and wind erosion conditions of the stabilizer were measured. The results show the following: 1) after spraying the sand stabilizer, a consolidated layer with a thickness of 1–14 mm is formed on the sand surface. The average compressive strength increased by 206.21% compared to the control group (0 g/m2), and wind erosion was reduced by 35.47%–65.92%. 2) The compressive strength of the consolidation layer positively correlated with the dosage and thickness (the depth or the vertical dimension of the consolidation layer) (p < 0.05) and inversely correlated with wind erosion and total porosity. As the dosage increased, the total porosity decreased, the thickness of the consolidation layer increased, and the compressive strength increased even more, making the material more resistant to wind erosion.
Development and validation of a prognostic model based on clinical laboratory biomarkers to predict admission to ICU in Omicron variant-infected hospitalized patients complicated with myocardial injury
Authors: Yu Xueying , Li Xiaoguang , Xia Shuai , Lu Tianyu , Zong Ming , Suo Chen , Man Qiuhong , Xiong Lize
Published: February 2024

Aims

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a prognostic model based on clinical laboratory biomarkers for the early identification of high-risk patients who require intensive care unit (ICU) admission among those hospitalized with the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and complicated with myocardial injury (MI).

Methods

This single-center study enrolled 263 hospitalized patients with confirmed Omicron variant infection and concurrent MI. The patients were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts. Relevant variables were collected upon admission, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used to select candidate variables for constructing a Cox regression prognostic model. The model’s performance was evaluated in both training and validating cohorts based on discrimination, calibration, and net benefit.

Results

Of the 263 eligible patients, 210 were non-ICU patients and 53 were ICU patients. The prognostic model was built using four selected predictors: white blood cell (WBC) count, procalcitonin (PCT) level, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level. The model showed good discriminative ability in both the training cohort (concordance index: 0.802, 95% CI: 0.716–0.888) and the validation cohort (concordance index: 0.799, 95% CI: 0.681–0.917). For calibration, the predicted probabilities and observed proportions were highly consistent, indicating the model’s reliability in predicting outcomes. In the 21-day decision curve analysis, the model had a positive net benefit for threshold probability ranges of 0.2 to 0.8 in the training cohort and nearly 0.2 to 1 in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

In this study, we developed a clinically practical model with high discrimination, calibration, and net benefit. It may help to early identify severe and critical cases among Omicron variant-infected hospitalized patients with MI.
Rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease risk prediction in anti-MDA5 positive dermatomyositis: the CROSS model
Authors: Wang Lei , Lv Chengyin , You Hanxiao , Xu Lingxiao , Yuan Fenghong , Li Ju , Wu Min , Zhou Shiliang , Da Zhanyun , Qian Jie , Wei Hua , Yan Wei , Zhou Lei , Wang Yan , Yin Songlou , Zhou Dongmei , Wu Jian , Lu Yan , Su Dinglei , Liu Zhichun , Liu Lin , Ma Longxin , Xu Xiaoyan , Zang Yinshan , Liu Huijie , Ren Tianli , Liu Jin , Wang Fang , Zhang Miaojia , Tan Wenfeng
Published: February 2024

Background

The prognosis of anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 positive dermatomyositis (anti-MDA5+DM) is poor and heterogeneous. Rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) is these patients’ leading cause of death. We sought to develop prediction models for RP-ILD risk in anti-MDA5+DM patients.

Methods

Patients with anti-MDA5+DM were enrolled in two cohorts: 170 patients from the southern region of Jiangsu province (discovery cohort) and 85 patients from the northern region of Jiangsu province (validation cohort). Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify risk factors of RP-ILD. RP-ILD risk prediction models were developed and validated by testing every independent prognostic risk factor derived from the Cox model.

Results

There are no significant differences in baseline clinical parameters and prognosis between discovery and validation cohorts. Among all 255 anti-MDA5+DM patients, with a median follow-up of 12 months, the incidence of RP-ILD was 36.86%. Using the discovery cohort, four variables were included in the final risk prediction model for RP-ILD: C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, anti-Ro52 antibody positivity, short disease duration, and male sex. A point scoring system was used to classify anti-MDA5+DM patients into moderate, high, and very high risk of RP-ILD. After one-year follow-up, the incidence of RP-ILD in the very high risk group was 71.3% and 85.71%, significantly higher than those in the high-risk group (35.19%, 41.69%) and moderate-risk group (9.54%, 6.67%) in both cohorts.

Conclusions

The CROSS model is an easy-to-use prediction classification system for RP-ILD risk in anti-MDA5+DM patients. It has great application prospect in disease management.
Hepatocyte-specific mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 in sexual dimorphism and susceptibility to alcohol induced liver injury
Authors: Walter Mary Nancy , Montoya-Durango Diego , Rodriguez Walter , Wang Yali , Zhang JingWen , Chariker Julia H. , Rouchka Eric C. , Maldonado Claudio , Bennett Anton , McClain Craig James , Barve Shirish , Gobejishvili Leila
Published: February 2024

Background

It is well established that females are more susceptible to the toxic effects of alcohol, although the exact mechanisms are still poorly understood. Previous studies noted that alcohol reduces the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP1), a negative regulator of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in the liver. However, the role of hepatocyte- specific MKP1 in the pathogenesis of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) remains uncharacterized. This study aimed to evaluate the role of hepatocyte-specific MKP1 in the susceptibility and sexual dimorphism in alcohol-induced liver injury.

Methods

C57Bl/6 mice were used in an intragastric ethanol feeding model of alcohol-associated steatohepatitis (ASH). Hepatocyte-specific Mkp1-/- knockout and (Mkp1+/+ “f/f” male and female mice were subjected to the NIAAA chronic plus binge model. Primary mouse hepatocytes were used for in vitro studies. Liver RNA sequencing was performed on an Illumina NextSeq 500. Liver injury was evaluated by plasma alanine transaminase (ALT), hepatic ER stress and inflammation markers. Statistical analysis was carried out using ANOVA and the unpaired Student’s t-test.

Results

ASH was associated with the severe injury accompanied by increased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and significant downregulation of Dusp1 mRNA expression. In vitro, ethanol treatment resulted in a time-dependent decrease in Dusp1 mRNA and protein expression in primary hepatocytes in both males and females; however, this effect was significantly more pronounced in hepatocytes from females. In vivo, female mice developed more liver injury in a chronic plus binge model which was accompanied by a significant decrease in liver Dusp1 mRNA expression. In comparison, liver Dusp1 was not changed in male mice, while they developed milder injury to alcohol. Mkp1 deletion in hepatocytes led to increased alcohol induced liver injury, ER stress and inflammation in both sexes.

Conclusion

Hepatocyte Mkp1 plays a significant role in alcohol induced liver injury. Alcohol downregulates Mkp1 expression in hepatocytes in a sex dependent manner and could play a role in sexual dimorphism in increased female susceptibility to alcohol.
A unique STK4 mutation truncating only the C-terminal SARAH domain results in a mild clinical phenotype despite severe T cell lymphopenia: Case report
Authors: Al-Saud Bandar , Alajlan Huda , Alruwaili Hibah , Almoaibed Latifa , Al-Mazrou Amer , Ghebeh Hazem , Al-Alwan Monther , Alazami Anas M.
Published: February 2024

Mutations in STK4 (MST1) are implicated in a form of autosomal recessive combined immunodeficiency, resulting in recurrent infections (especially Epstein-Barr virus viremia), autoimmunity, and cardiac malformations. Here we report a patient with an atypically mild presentation of this disease, initially presenting with severe T cell lymphopenia (< 500 per mm3) and intermittent neutropenia, but now surviving well on immunoglobulins and prophylactic antibacterial treatment. She harbors a unique STK4 mutation that lies further downstream than all others reported to date. Unlike other published cases, her mRNA transcript is not vulnerable to nonsense mediated decay (NMD) and yields a truncated protein that is expected to lose only the C-terminal SARAH domain. This domain is critical for autodimerization and autophosphorylation. While exhibiting significant differences from controls, this patient’s T cell proliferation defects and susceptibility to apoptosis are not as severe as reported elsewhere. Expression of PD-1 is in line with healthy controls. Similarly, the dysregulation seen in immunophenotyping is not as pronounced as in other published cases. The nature of this mutation, enabling its evasion from NMD, provides a rare glimpse into the clinical and cellular features associated with the absence of a “null” phenotype of this protein.
A silver bullet for ageing medicine?: clinical relevance of T-cell checkpoint receptors in normal human ageing
Authors: Rimmer Lucy , Mann Derek A. , Sayer Avan A. , Amarnath Shoba , Granic Antoneta
Published: February 2024

Immunosenescence describes dysregulation of the immune system with ageing manifested in both the innate and adaptive immunity, including changes in T-cell checkpoint signaling. Through complex and nuanced process, T-cells lose excitatory signaling pathways and upregulate their inhibitory signaling, leading to ineffective immune responses that contribute to the formation of the ageing phenotype. Here we expand on the expression, function, and clinical potential of targeting the T-cell checkpoint signaling in age and highlight interventions offering the most benefits to older adults’ health. Notably, modifications in vaccination such as with mTOR inhibitors show immediate clinical relevance and good tolerability. Other proposed treatments, including therapies with monoclonal antibodies fail to show clinical efficacy or tolerability needed for implementation at present. Although T-cell co-signaling fits a valuable niche for translational scientists to manage immunosenescence, future study would benefit from the inclusion of older adults with multiple long-term conditions and polypharmacy, ensuring better applicability to actual patients seen in clinical settings.
The vertical distribution of fish on two offshore oil platforms
Authors: Tothill Thomas , Meeuwig Jessica J. , van Elden Sean
Published: February 2024

Knowledge of platform ecology is necessary to best inform decommissioning practice. Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) video is often collected during standard industry operations and may provide insight into the marine life associating with offshore platforms, however, the utility of this video for ecological assessments remains unclear. Archival ROV video surveys at the Wandoo oil platforms on Australia’s North West Shelf was evaluated for its utility, with only 4.9% of imagery usable for standardised ecological studies. Based on the subset of usable ROV video, the influence of depth and structural complexity on attributes of the fish assemblage on the Wandoo oil platforms was examined. Vertical ROV transects on three vertical shafts on the Wandoo platforms were stratified into 10 m depth strata from 0 to 50 m, with 111 fish taxa from 25 families identified and counted across all depth strata. At both platforms, taxonomic richness and abundance was significantly highest in shallow regions and declined with depth. Small reef fish were predominantly associated with structurally complex habitat in shallow regions (<22 m), whilst large demersal species dominated below 32 m. Future decommissioning policy in Australia should consider the vertical fish distributions and the importance of shallow sections of platforms. Finally, the dearth of usable video was due to the haphazard method of collection and it is recommended that future surveys should be conducted according to scientific standards to ensure greater utility of the video for both industry use and scientific research.
Case report: The first account of undifferentiated sarcoma with epithelioid features originating in the pleura
Authors: Xiao Ling-Xi , Liu Li , Deng Wang
Published: February 2024

Undifferentiated epithelioid sarcoma (USEF) is a rare subtype of undifferentiated soft tissue sarcoma that presents unique challenges in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Here, we report a case of USEF occurring in the pleura of a 51-year-old man for the first time. Thoracoscopic examination revealed widespread nodular changes, and pathological analysis confirmed the presence of numerous epithelioid atypical cells. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis demonstrated an undifferentiated phenotype with distinct characteristics: epithelial membrane antigen (foci +), vimentin (+), Ki-67 (+70% +), TTF-1 (+), P53 (mutant type +90%), INI-1 (+), and CK5/6 (small foci +). Immunohistochemical examination of the tumor showed that the tumor was an undifferentiated epithelioid sarcoma. High-throughput DNA sequencing revealed pivotal mutations, including a nonsense mutation in the NF1 gene (c.641A > G(p.H214R)). and critical TP53 missense mutation (c.641A > G(p.H214R)). This TP53 mutation, with a tumor mutation burden of 16.5 Muts/Mb, signifies a high level of genomic instability, likely contributing to the rapid progression and aggressiveness of the disease. Detection of the TP53 mutation provides essential insights, indicating the disease’s rapid progression and highlighting the potential for targeted therapies. Although the patient’s disease progressed extremely rapidly and he tragically died within a week, we discussed the results of IHC and DNA sequencing in detail and discussed his possible treatment options. Insights gained from this case will be critical in shaping future diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms for USEF, particularly in the context of TP53 mutations.
Shoot transcriptome revealed widespread differential expression and potential molecular mechanisms of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) against Fusarium wilt
Authors: Bhutia Karma L. , Ahmad Mahtab , Kisku Anima , Sudhan R. A. , Bhutia Nangsol D. , Sharma V. K. , Prasad Bishun Deo , Thudi Mahendar , Obročník Oliver , Bárek Viliam , Brestic Marian , Skalicky Milan , Gaber Ahmed , Hossain Akbar
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The yield of chickpea is severely hampered by infection wilt caused by several races of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc).

Methods

To understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of resistance against Foc4 Fusarium wilt, RNA sequencing-based shoot transcriptome data of two contrasting chickpea genotypes, namely KWR 108 (resistant) and GL 13001 (susceptible), were generated and analyzed.

Results and Discussion

The shoot transcriptome data showed 1,103 and 1,221 significant DEGs in chickpea genotypes KWR 108 and GL 13001, respectively. Among these, 495 and 608 genes were significantly down and up-regulated in genotypes KWR 108, and 427 and 794 genes were significantly down and up-regulated in genotype GL 13001. The gene ontology (GO) analysis of significant DEGs was performed and the GO of the top 50 DEGs in two contrasting chickpea genotypes showed the highest cellular components as membrane and nucleus, and molecular functions including nucleotide binding, metal ion binding, transferase, kinase, and oxidoreductase activity involved in biological processes such as phosphorylation, oxidation–reduction, cell redox homeostasis process, and DNA repair. Compared to the susceptible genotype which showed significant up-regulation of genes involved in processes like DNA repair, the significantly up-regulated DEGs of the resistant genotypes were involved in processes like energy metabolism and environmental adaptation, particularly host-pathogen interaction. This indicates an efficient utilization of environmental adaptation pathways, energy homeostasis, and stable DNA molecules as the strategy to cope with Fusarium wilt infection in chickpea. The findings of the study will be useful in targeting the genes in designing gene-based markers for association mapping with the traits of interest in chickpea under Fusarium wilt which could be efficiently utilized in marker-assisted breeding of chickpea, particularly against Foc4 Fusarium wilt.
Pathology, microbiology, and genetic diversity associated with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and novel Erysipelothrix spp. infections in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis)
Authors: Chang Ri K. , Miller Melissa A. , Tekedar Hasan C. , Rose Divya , García Julio C. , LaFrentz Benjamin R. , Older Caitlin E. , Waldbieser Geoffrey C. , Pomaranski Eric , Shahin Khalid , Camus Alvin C. , Batac Francesca , Byrne Barbara A. , Murray Michael J. , Griffin Matt J. , Soto Esteban
Published: February 2024

Erysipelothrix spp., including E. rhusiopathiae, are zoonotic bacterial pathogens that can cause morbidity and mortality in mammals, fish, reptiles, birds, and humans. The southern sea otter (SSO; Enhydra lutris nereis) is a federally-listed threatened species for which infectious disease is a major cause of mortality. We estimated the frequency of detection of these opportunistic pathogens in dead SSOs, described pathology associated with Erysipelothrix infections in SSOs, characterized the genetic diversity and antimicrobial susceptibility of SSO isolates, and evaluated the virulence of two novel Erysipelothrix isolates from SSOs using an in vivo fish model. From 1998 to 2021 Erysipelothrix spp. were isolated from six of >500 necropsied SSOs. Erysipelothrix spp. were isolated in pure culture from three cases, while the other three were mixed cultures. Bacterial septicemia was a primary or contributing cause of death in five of the six cases. Other pathology observed included suppurative lymphadenopathy, fibrinosuppurative arteritis with thrombosis and infarction, bilateral uveitis and endophthalmitis, hypopyon, petechia and ecchymoses, mucosal infarction, and suppurative meningoencephalitis and ventriculitis. Short to long slender Gram-positive or Gram-variable bacterial rods were identified within lesions, alone or with other opportunistic bacteria. All six SSO isolates had the spaA genotype–four isolates clustered with spaA E. rhusiopathiae strains from various terrestrial and marine animal hosts. Two isolates did not cluster with any known Erysipelothrix spp.; whole genome sequencing revealed a novel Erysipelothrix species and a novel E. rhusiopathiae subspecies. We propose the names Erysipelothrix enhydrae sp. nov. and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae ohloneorum ssp. nov. respectively. The type strains are E. enhydrae UCD-4322-04 and E. rhusiopathiae ohloneorum UCD-4724-06, respectively. Experimental injection of tiger barbs (Puntigrus tetrazona) resulted in infection and mortality from the two novel Erysipelothrix spp. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Erysipelothrix isolates from SSOs shows similar susceptibility profiles to isolates from other terrestrial and aquatic animals. This is the first description of the pathology, microbial characteristics, and genetic diversity of Erysipelothrix isolates recovered from diseased SSOs. Methods presented here can facilitate case recognition, aid characterization of Erysipelothrix isolates, and illustrate assessment of virulence using fish models.
Whole-genome sequencing and evolutionary analysis of the wild edible mushroom, Morchella eohespera
Authors: Li Yixin , Yang Ting , Qiao Jinxia , Liang Jian , Li Zhonghu , Sa Wei , Shang Qianhan
Published: February 2024

Morels (Morchella, Ascomycota) are an extremely desired group of edible mushrooms with worldwide distribution. Morchella eohespera is a typical black morel species, belonging to the Elata clade of Morchella species. The biological and genetic studies of this mushroom are rare, largely hindering the studies of molecular breeding and evolutionary aspects. In this study, we performed de novo sequencing and assembly of the M. eohespera strain m200 genome using the third-generation nanopore sequencing platform. The whole-genome size of M. eohespera was 53.81 Mb with a contig N50 of 1.93 Mb, and the GC content was 47.70%. A total of 9,189 protein-coding genes were annotated. Molecular dating showed that M. eohespera differentiated from its relative M. conica at ~19.03 Mya (million years ago) in Burdigalian. Evolutionary analysis showed that 657 gene families were contracted and 244 gene families expanded in M. eohespera versus the related morel species. The non-coding RNA prediction results showed that there were 336 tRNAs, 76 rRNAs, and 45 snRNAs in the M. eohespera genome. Interestingly, there was a high degree of repetition (20.93%) in the M. eohespera genome, and the sizes of long interspersed nuclear elements, short interspersed nuclear elements, and long terminal repeats were 0.83 Mb, 0.009 Mb, and 4.56 Mb, respectively. Additionally, selection pressure analysis identified that a total of 492 genes in the M. eohespera genome have undergone signatures of positive selection. The results of this study provide new insights into the genome evolution of M. eohespera and lay the foundation for in-depth research into the molecular biology of the genus Morchella in the future.
Serotype, antibiotic susceptibility and whole-genome characterization of Streptococcus pneumoniae in all age groups living in Southwest China during 2018–2022
Authors: Miao Chenglin , Yan Ziyi , Chen Chunmei , Kuang Linghan , Ao Keping , Li Yingying , Li Jialu , Huang Xiaocui , Zhu Xinghua , Zhao Yijia , Cui Yali , Jiang Yongmei , Xie Yi
Published: February 2024

Background

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common pathogen that colonizes the human upper respiratory tract, causing high morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence status of S. pneumoniae isolated from patients of all ages in Southwest China, including serotype, antibiotic susceptibility and other molecular characteristics, to provide a basis for clinical antibiotic usage and vaccine development.

Methods

This study was conducted from January 2018 to March 2022 at West China Hospital, West China Second University Hospital, First People’s Hospital of Longquanyi District (West China Longquan Hospital), Meishan Women and Children’s Hospital (Alliance Hospital of West China Second University Hospital) and Chengdu Jinjiang Hospital for Women and Children Health. Demographic and clinical characteristics of 263 pneumococcal disease (PD) all-age patients were collected and analyzed. The serotypes, sequence types (STs), and antibiotic resistance of the strains were determined by next-generation sequencing, sequence analysis and the microdilution broth method.

Results

The most common pneumococcal serotypes were 19F (17.87%), 19A (11.41%), 3 (8.75%), 23F (6.46%) and 6A (5.70%). Coverage rates for PCV10, PCV13, PCV15, PCV20 and PCV24 were 36.12, 61.98, 61.98, 63.12 and 64.26%, respectively. Prevalent STs were ST271 (12.55%), ST320 (11.79%), ST90 (4.18%), ST876 (4.18%) and ST11972 (3.42%). Penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae (PRSP) accounted for 82.35 and 1.22% of meningitis and nonmeningitis PD cases, respectively. Resistance genes msrD (32.7%), mefA (32.7%), ermB (95.8%), tetM (97.3%) and catTC (7.6%) were found among 263 isolates. Most isolates showed high resistance to erythromycin (96.96%) and tetracycline (79.85%), with more than half being resistant to SXT (58.94%). A few isolates were resistant to AMX (9.89%), CTX (11.03%), MEN (9.13%), OFX (1.14%), LVX (1.14%) and MXF (0.38%). All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid.

Conclusion

Our study provides reliable information, including the prevalence, molecular characterization and antimicrobial resistance of S. pneumoniae isolates causing pneumococcal diseases in Southwest China. The findings contribute to informed and clinical policy decisions for prevention and treatment.
A hybrid receptor binding protein enables phage F341 infection of Campylobacter by binding to flagella and lipooligosaccharides
Authors: Ostenfeld Line Jensen , Sørensen Anders Nørgaard , Neve Horst , Vitt Amira , Klumpp Jochen , Sørensen Martine Camilla Holst
Published: February 2024

Flagellotropic bacteriophages are interesting candidates as therapeutics against pathogenic bacteria dependent on flagellar motility for colonization and causing disease. Yet, phage resistance other than loss of motility has been scarcely studied. Here we developed a soft agar assay to study flagellotropic phage F341 resistance in motile Campylobacter jejuni. We found that phage adsorption was prevented by diverse genetic mutations in the lipooligosaccharides forming the secondary receptor of phage F341. Genome sequencing showed phage F341 belongs to the Fletchervirus genus otherwise comprising capsular-dependent C. jejuni phages. Interestingly, phage F341 encodes a hybrid receptor binding protein (RBP) predicted as a short tail fiber showing partial similarity to RBP1 encoded by capsular-dependent Fletchervirus, but with a receptor binding domain similar to tail fiber protein H of C. jejuni CJIE1 prophages. Thus, C. jejuni prophages may represent a genetic pool from where lytic Fletchervirus phages can acquire new traits like recognition of new receptors.