bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interfacing the space of flows and the space of places in the platform society. Ten years of Airbnb in Florence
Authors: Romano Antonello , Capineri Cristina , Bonini Tiziano
Published: February 2024

Drawing on Manuel Castells' inspiring concepts of space of flows and space of places (1996), we argue that digital platforms play the key role of an interface, a medium, between the space of places and the space of flows. Indeed, digital platforms can be considered as network orchestrators, managing flows of data and information which are produced by users and distributed globally by means of the platform itself. In order to demonstrate how the interfacing process operates on urban space, we investigate the Airbnb platform by applying Castells' ideas. The contribution develops a spatio-temporal analysis of 12,126 georeferenced listings (accommodations) and 651,515 reviews left by Airbnb users on the platform from 2010 to 2019 in Florence (Italy). Listings and reviews act as an echo chamber for the space of flows and forge specific places that accommodate the requirements of the Airbnb community. Furthermore, the progressive transformation of private apartments into nodes of the global tourism network creates an increasingly fragmented spatial array combining globally connected portions of the city and geographically contiguous but unconnected spaces. Such a process is geographically uneven and reproduces well-known patterns of value concentration where symbols create a virtually-forged urban reality, destined to mimic the place projected in the platform.
The Settlement Experiences of First-Generation Indo-Guyanese Women in the Greater Toronto Area
Authors: Singh Nadia
Published: February 2024

The settlement experiences of first-generation Indo-Guyanese women in Toronto, Ontario remains historically understudied with a dearth of literature that exclusively focuses on this demographic. In response, this study aims to bridge these gaps in Canadian literature by presenting key findings derived from qualitative semi-structured interviews with eight first- generation Indo-Guyanese women who shared their challenges, successes, and overall processes and needs encountered during their settlement journeys in Toronto. Through an intersectionality and Indo-Caribbean feminist theoretical lens, this study also critically examines how participants’ settlement experiences are/were impacted by larger Canadian institutions and power structures along the parameters of their race, ethnicity, gender, and immigration status.
Subtle Curry Traits: exploring constructions of “South Asianness” in a meme-sharing group
Authors: Baweja Sonia
Published: February 2024

Subtle Curry Traits (SCT) is a digital group, comprising of almost 1 million members, that was created by diasporic South Asian youth to share humorous posts. While the group serves as an avenue for community building, it constructs a South Asian cultural identity that is based on inclusion and exclusion. Informed by critical cultural studies, post-colonial scholars and, anti-racist transnational feminists I analyze how notions of South Asianness are articulated, expressed, and constructed in the group, paying particular attention to the identities that are erased and overlooked. I do this by providing a narrative literature review of digital spaces and diasporic youth, historical and diasporic formations of South Asianness, and by conducting a multimodal critical discourse analysis on 76 posts shared on SCT’s Instagram page. I find that the traits and realities highlighted on the group as “South Asian” construct a heteropatriarchal, casteist, and North-Indian based identity as South Asian.
INSURGENCY OF THE ETHNIC ARMED ORGANIZATIONS’ ROLE IN MYANMAR’S 2021 COUP: A TOTAL PEOPLE’S WAR ANALYSIS
Authors: Firdaus Mei Rinta Sukma , Hendra Afrizal , Hadianto Muhammad , Timur Fauzia Gustarina Cempaka
Published: February 2024

This article attempts to uncover events in Myanmar during the 2021 coup and its relationship with the country's various Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs). The Tatmadaw initiated the 2021 coup because the civilian government's landslide victory was based on deceit and fraud. The aim was to ascertain whether the Ethnic Armed Organizations' (EAOs) inability to overturn the military coup is linked to their shortcomings in implementing the total people's war (TPW) strategy. To that end, this qualitative article utilized a historiography-analytical-based approach in its analysis. The analysis was grounded in a methodology that incorporated a framework encompassing Kiras' four concepts of a successful insurgency and Nasution's perspective on nationalism. The two methodological tools, therefore, consist of the concepts "space," "time," "support," and also "legitimacy." The EAOs' myriad backgrounds and resources make their implementation of the mentioned concept vary. The article concludes by saying that further research is needed to clarify and make other generalizations on the research question.
A customized drone for ocean and atmospheric measurements and its performances
Authors: Rangan Srinivasan , Shanmugam Yuvaraj , Valluvan Gowthaman , Prakash Thamarai
Published: February 2024

Drones- Unmanned Aerial vehicles (UAVs)- have become more significant across the world for a wide range of commercial and terrestrial defense applications in recent years. The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT)- Ministry of Earth Sciences (MOES)- is exploring UAVs with a specific focus on maritime applications. NIOT has customized a heavy lift category drone, operable in marine environments and capable of withstanding coastal wind conditions of up to 40 kmph. It can lift and carry an instrumentation payload of 10 kg, conduct ocean data collection, and even take seawater samplings. The 10 kg payload of the UAV might hold a Conductivity Temperature Depth (CTD) sensor, a programmable sea water sampler, and a multi-parameter sensor (MPS) for ocean data collections, and a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) device integrated with a high frame rate camera system for coastal mapping and digital elevation model (DEM) developmental applications. The customized hexacopter UAV is capable of withstanding winds of up to 10 m/s and features a waterproof IPX7 thruster with a maximum thrust of 153 N per axis. The UAV system is also interfaced with a Global Positioning System (GPS), a barometric pressure sensor, a compass, a highly accurate gyroscope, a 15 MP surveillance camera, and an accelerometer sensor connected to a reliable cube orange flight controller module with a redundant 32-bit controller through a serial peripheral interface (SPI). The drone structure and frame is composed of carbon fiber composites to provide an excellent weight-to-strength ratio. This paper presents the outcomes of an initial field test, carried out to ensure the drone’s suitability for various marine applications with intended payloads ranging from 5 - 10 kg weight, including coastal demonstrations and ocean data collections performed at Nellore (Andra Pradesh) and Chennai (Tamil Nadu) coastal waters.
Highlights

A drone is customised to with stand elevated wind conditions of coastal regions
Design is fully flexible meeting the ease of transport from one location to other
Highly stable mechanical design to sustain winds of up to 45 KMPH
Redundant flight control mechanism is evolved to assure fail safe operations of drone
Drone built in with redundant GPS module to avoid scenario like NO Geo-reference at any time
Design is type certified and UIN registered with DGCA - India
Insects Under The Skin? Ziploc And Matchbox Evidence In The Expert Forensic Stain Laboratory
Authors:   Benecke Forensic Biology, International Research & Consulting, Landsberg-Straße 16, 50678 Cologne, Germany, Baumjohann Kristina , Benecke Mark ,   Benecke Forensic Biology, International Research & Consulting, Cologne, Germany
Published: February 2024

The idea of insects living inside and on the (human) body literally drives people affected by the thought crazy. We receive samples containing alleged insect stain evidence on a regular basis which on examination mostly turn out to be non-animal fragments of skin, hair, fibers et cetera. Those insects (mostly parts) found in the samples cannot survive in or on the human body and do not cause the reported health problems. We present cases from our forensic laboratory, collected over twenty years, together with information about the samples and our way to handle the clients.
Advancing research in marine functional connectivity for improved policy and management
Authors: Darnaude AM , Tanner SE , Hunter E , Costantini F
Published: February 2024

Marine functional connectivity (MFC) refers to the dynamic spatial exchange of biomass, individuals, genes, and energy via the collective movements of all marine organisms during their lifetimes. In addition to controlling the distribution and resilience of marine biodiversity and exploited stocks, MFC plays a key role in the structure and functioning of ecosystems, at sea and at the land-sea interface. As marine ecosystems and their species face climate change and unprecedented multiple anthropogenic pressures, rapid action is needed to comprehend MFC patterns and their changes in order to anticipate the fates of ocean services to humanity. Despite many advances in techniques to measure or infer marine species’ distributions and spatial dynamics, significant progress is still necessary. A full understanding of MFC requires better knowledge of the relationships between marine communities and their habitats, quantification of fluxes of matter and energy, and the capacity to forecast how the many services provided by the ocean may change. The 17 papers in this Theme Section showcase the range of approaches and scales applied in contemporary MFC studies and encompass the diversity of ecosystems and taxa investigated worldwide. The innovative approaches presented here to advance MFC science pave the way to enrich current understanding of MFC’s role in ecosystem functioning, and flag how MFC knowledge can be better applied to protect marine resources and manage marine and littoral habitats.
CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH MEDIA DISCOURSE: LINGUISTIC, PRAGMATIC, SOCIAL AND DIGITAL ASPECTS
Authors: MIALKOVSKA LIUDMYLA , STERNICHUK VITA , PETRUK VICTORIIA , HONCHAR KATERYNA , KNYSH TETIANA , PANCHENKO VICTORIA , YANOVETS ANZHELIKA
Published: February 2024

The academic paper analyzes the linguopragmatic, social, and digital aspects of contemporary English-language media discourse, with a focus on its role in shaping public opinion and cultural perceptions. The introduction examines the relevance and importance of English-language media in the modern globalized world, emphasizing their impact on intercultural communication and public consciousness. The present research primarily analyzes the linguopragmatic features of English-language media discourse, in particular, the use of language strategies for achieving communicative goals. The academic paper considers how language tools influence the formation of messages and their perception by the audience. The focus is then shifted to the social and cultural aspects of media discourse. An analysis is conducted of the ways the media influence the formation and maintenance of gender stereotypes, as well as how they reflect and can potentially impact racial and ethnic representations in society. The scientific work examines the ways in which the media can enhance or provoke public debate on these important issues, as well as their role in shaping cultural identities. This is followed by a discussion of the digital transformation of English-language media discourse, with a focus on the role of social media and digital strategies in communication. The conclusions emphasize the significance of the balance between freedom of speech and media responsibility. The need to combat disinformation and increase the media literacy of the audience is emphasized. The academic paper suggests directions for further studies, in particular, analyzing the impact of English-language media discourse on different cultural contexts and developing strategies to ensure objectivity in media content. The research results have practical implications for developing media strategies and raising the level of media literacy, as well as for understanding the impact of media on modern society and intercultural interactions.
CURRENT ISSUES IN THE CRIMINAL LEGAL PROTECTION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE IN UKRAINE
Authors: AKIMOV MYKHAILO , POKHYLENKO IRYNA , CHERNIKOVA INNA , ZORIANA BURYK
Published: February 2024

Since the preservation of cultural heritage sites is essential, their criminal legal protection remains relevant today. This study aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the norms of Ukraine's Criminal Code that, in one way or another, relate to the protection of Ukrainian cultural heritage. The research employed the methods of analysis, synthesis, scientific generalization, and formal-logical method. The paper explores Articles 178, 193, 201, 298, 307, and 316 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. In the context of Article 178 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, it is stated that the subject of this criminal offense - a religious building or place of worship - is much narrower than the concept of "cultural heritage." At the same time, Articles 193 and 201 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine specify that the subject can only be a tangible object associated with intangible cultural heritage objects.Part 2 of Article 298 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine directly relates to the criminal-legal protection of cultural heritage in Ukraine. The article analyzes the sanctions of Part 2 of Article 298 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and provides recommendations for determining punishment under this part of the article. The paper also describes violations of legislative technique in constructing the composition of the criminal offense stipulated in Part 2 of Article 298 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and offers recommendations for their elimination.
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 currently depends on fossil fuels and imports for its electricity generation, which has given rise to issues of carbon emissions and unstable electricity supply due to conditions in neighbouring countries. Over the last few years, renewable energy penetration has grown, but not to the extent that is required to achieve decarbonisation and energy security. Conducting robust modelling analyses to explore potential and practical alternatives in the energy mix is crucial for providing essential information to key stakeholders involved in energy policy decision-making. The challenge lies in the requirement for a significant amount of data to accurately model diverse energy pathways on a national scale. Thus, this data note aims to fill the current data gap by supplying crucial information on input data and assumptions necessary for long-term energy planning in Botswana. The article details historical and/or projected data pertaining to electricity generation and consumption, electricity imports and exports, fuel prices, emissions, refineries, power transmission and distribution, electricity generation technologies, as well as renewable energy potential and reserves for the years 2015 to 2050. While the data is country-specific, it is primarily technology-based making it applicable to other countries. The article outlines various sources, assumptions, and modelling guidelines, aiming to assist in the development of new datasets. This dataset contributes to the accessibility of energy-related information for policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers, benefiting not only Botswana but also other developing countries.
Note for the P versus NP Problem
Authors: Vega Frank
Published: February 2024

P versus NP is considered as one of the most important open problems in computer science. This consists in knowing the answer of the following question: Is P equal to NP? It was essentially mentioned in 1955 from a letter written by John Nash to the United States National Security Agency. However, a precise statement of the P versus NP problem was introduced independently by Stephen Cook and Leonid Levin. Since that date, all efforts to find a proof for this problem have failed. Another major complexity class is NP-complete. It is well-known that P is equal to NP under the assumption of the existence of a polynomial time algorithm for some NP-complete. We show that the Monotone Weighted Xor 2-satisfiability problem (MWX2SAT) is NP-complete and P at the same time.
Note for the Millennium Prize Problems
Authors: Vega Frank
Published: February 2024

The Riemann hypothesis and the $P$ versus $NP$ problem are two of the most important unsolved Millennium Prize Problems. Let $\Psi(n) = n \cdot \prod_{q \mid n}\left(1 + \frac{1}{q} \right)$ denote the Dedekind $\Psi$ function where $q \mid n$ means the prime $q$ divides $n$. Define, for $n \geq 3$; the ratio $R(n) = \frac{\Psi(n)}{n \cdot \log \log n}$ where $\log$ is the natural logarithm. Let $N_{n} = 2 \cdot \ldots \cdot q_{n}$ be the primorial of order $n$. We prove if the inequality $R(N_{n+1}) < R(N_{n})$ holds for all primes $q_{n}$ (greater than some threshold), then the Riemann hypothesis is true. In this note, we show that the previous inequality always holds for all large enough prime numbers. $P$ versus $NP$ is considered as one of the most fundamental open problems in computer science. This consists in knowing the answer of the following question: Is $P$ equal to $NP$? It was essentially mentioned in 1955 from a letter written by John Nash to the United States National Security Agency. However, a precise statement of the $P$ versus $NP$ problem was introduced independently by Stephen Cook and Leonid Levin. Since that date, all efforts to find a proof for this problem have failed. Another major complexity class is $NP$-complete. It is well-known that $P$ is equal to $NP$ under the assumption of the existence of a polynomial time algorithm for some $NP$-complete. We show that the Monotone one-in-three 3-satisfiability ($M-1IN3-3SAT$) is $NP$-complete and $P$ at the same time.
Correlation between subcutaneous adipose tissue of the head and body mass index in children and young adults aged 8–19 years: implications for functional neuroimaging
Authors: Gorniak Stacey L. , Meng Hao , Yazdekhasti Saba , Pollonini Luca
Published: February 2024

High body mass index (BMI) is presumed to signify high amounts of fat (subcutaneous adipose tissue) distributed across the body. High amounts of fat co-occurring with increased BMI has been cited as a potential neuroimaging barrier. Presence of increased fat may result in high electrical impedance and increased light diffusion—resulting in low signal to noise ratios during electroencepholography (EEG), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) measurements. Examining if subcutaneous fat in the head increases with respect to total body fat percentage and BMI in school-aged children and adolescents is an essential next step in developing possible mathematical corrections for neuroimaging modalities. We hypothesized that percentage of subcutaneous adipose tissue in the head region would increase with respect to both total body fat percentage and BMI. Increased subcutaneous head fat percentage was associated with a positive linear relationship with BMI and a quadratic relationship with total body fat. The data indicate that participant age, sex, and adiposity should be considered in the development of model corrections for neuroimaging signal processing in school-aged children and adolescents. Strength of regression coefficients in our models differed from those in adults, indicating that age-specific models should be utilized.
Assessing capacitance soil moisture sensor probes’ ability to sense nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium using volumetric ion content
Authors: Stroobosscher Zoë J. , Athelly Akshara , Guzmán Sandra M.
Published: February 2024

Accurate and near real-time volumetric soil water and volumetric ion content (VIC) measurements can both inform precise irrigation scheduling and aid in fertilizer management applications in cropping systems. To assist in the monitoring of these measurements, capacitance-based soil moisture probes are used in agricultural best management practice (BMP) programs. However, the ability of these sensors to detect nutrients in the soil sourced from fertilizers is not well understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of a capacitance-based soil moisture probe in detecting Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), and Potassium (K) movement in the soil. To achieve this, a laboratory-based setup was established using pure sand soil cores. Raw soil moisture and VIC probe readings from the cores were contrasted across multiple N, P, and K rates. The N treatments applied were rates of 0, 112, 168, and 224 kg/ha; for P, were 0, 3.76, and 37.6 kg/ha, and for K were 0, 1.02, 1.53, and 2.04 kg/ha. Each nutrient was evaluated separately using a randomized complete block design experiment with three replications for N and K, and 5 replications for P. The impact of each nutrient rate on the sensitivity of VIC readings was determined by evaluating differences in three points of the time series, including the observed maximum point, inflection point, and convergence value as well as the time of occurrence of those points over a 24-hour period. These points were assessed at depths 5, 15, 25, 35, 45, and 55 cm. The findings of this study highlight the capacitance-based soil moisture probes’ responsiveness to changes in all K rates at most depths. However, its sensitivity to changes in N and P rates is comparatively lower. The results obtained in this study can be used to develop fertilizer management protocols that utilize K movement as the baseline to indirectly assess N and P, while helping to inform those who currently use the probe which nutrients the probe may be detecting. The probes’ readings could be incorporated into decision support systems for irrigation and nutrient management and improve control systems for precision water and nutrient management.
Enhancing the inhibition of dental erosion and abrasion with quercetin-encapsulated hollow mesoporous silica nanocomposites
Authors: Chen Jia-Min , Cheng Yi-Ling , Yang Meng-Hui , Su Chen , Yu Hao
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Dental erosion and abrasion pose significant clinical challenges, often leading to exposed dentinal tubules and dentine demineralization. The aim of this study was to analyse the efficacy of quercetin-encapsulated hollow mesoporous silica nanocomposites (Q@HMSNs) on the prevention of dentine erosion and abrasion.

Method: Q@HMSNs were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for their biocompatibility. A total of 130 dentine specimens (2 mm × 2 mm × 2 mm) were prepared and randomly distributed into 5 treatment groups (n = 26): DW (deionized water, negative control), NaF (12.3 mg/mL sodium fluoride, positive control), Q (300 μg/mL quercetin), HMSN (5.0 mg/mL HMSNs), and Q@HMSN (5.0 mg/mL Q@HMSNs). All groups were submitted to in vitro erosive (4 cycles/d) and abrasive (2 cycles/d) challenges for 7 days. The specimens in the DW, NaF, and Q groups were immersed in the respective solutions for 2 min, while treatment was performed for 30 s in the HMSN and Q@HMSN groups. Subsequently, the specimens were subjected to additional daily erosion/abrasion cycles for another 7 days. The effects of the materials on dentinal tubule occlusion and demineralized organic matrix (DOM) preservation were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The penetration depth of rhodamine B fluorescein into the etched dentine was assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The erosive dentine loss (EDL) and release of type I collagen telopeptide (ICTP) were measured. The data were analysed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc Tukey’s test (α = 0.05).

Results: Q@HMSNs were successfully synthesized and showed minimal toxicity to human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) and gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Q@HMSNs effectively occluded the dentinal tubules, resulting in a thicker DOM in the Q@HMSN group. The CLSM images showed more superficial penetration in the HMSN and Q@HMSN groups than in the quercetin, NaF, and DW groups. The Q@HMSN group exhibited a significantly lower EDL and reduced ICTP levels compared to the other groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Q@HMSNs hold promise for inhibiting dentine erosion and abrasion by promoting tubule occlusion and DOM preservation.
Inorganic Fe-O and Fe-S oxidoreductases: paradigms for prebiotic chemistry and the evolution of enzymatic activity in biology
Authors: Huang Xiao-Lan , Harmer Jeffrey R. , Schenk Gerhard , Southam Gordon
Published: February 2024

Oxidoreductases play crucial roles in electron transfer during biological redox reactions. These reactions are not exclusive to protein-based biocatalysts; nano-size (<100 nm), fine-grained inorganic colloids, such as iron oxides and sulfides, also participate. These nanocolloids exhibit intrinsic redox activity and possess direct electron transfer capacities comparable to their biological counterparts. The unique metal ion architecture of these nanocolloids, including electron configurations, coordination environment, electron conductivity, and the ability to promote spontaneous electron hopping, contributes to their transfer capabilities. Nano-size inorganic colloids are believed to be among the earliest ‘oxidoreductases’ to have ‘evolved’ on early Earth, playing critical roles in biological systems. Representing a distinct type of biocatalysts alongside metalloproteins, these nanoparticles offer an early alternative to protein-based oxidoreductase activity. While the roles of inorganic nano-sized catalysts in current Earth ecosystems are intuitively significant, they remain poorly understood and underestimated. Their contribution to chemical reactions and biogeochemical cycles likely helped shape and maintain the balance of our planet’s ecosystems. However, their potential applications in biomedical, agricultural, and environmental protection sectors have not been fully explored or exploited. This review examines the structure, properties, and mechanisms of such catalysts from a material’s evolutionary standpoint, aiming to raise awareness of their potential to provide innovative solutions to some of Earth’s sustainability challenges.
Relationship between peri-coronary inflammation and coronary vascular function in patients with suspected coronary artery disease
Authors: Chen Mengyu , Liu Bing , Li Xu , Li Dong , Fan Lijuan
Published: February 2024

Background

In this study, we aim to investigate the relationship between the attenuation of peri-coronary adipose tissue (PCAT) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) and the assessment of coronary vascular functions using coronary flow reserve (CFR).

Methods

We included 364 patients who underwent 13N-NH3 positron emission tomography/computed tomography and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). We determined the relationship between fat attenuation index (FAI), PCAT volume, and other qualitative CT-derived anatomic parameters with CFR.

Results

We detected a decrease in CFR (<2.5) in 206 (57%) patients. At the patient level, those with reduced CFR showed a significantly higher prevalence of diffused atherosclerosis (41% vs. 23%; P < 0.001) and higher FAI (−75.5 HU vs. −77.1 HU; P = 0.014). In patients without obstructive CAD, FAI was significantly higher in those with reduced CFR (−75.5 HU vs. −77.7 HU, P = 0.026). On the vessel level, 1,092 vessels were analyzed, and 642 (59%) exhibited reduced CFR. The vessels with reduced CFR presented a significantly higher prevalence of obstructive CAD (37% vs. 26%; P < 0.001), diffused atherosclerosis (22% vs. 11%; P < 0.001), low-attenuation plaque (6% vs. 3%; P = 0.030), and positive remodeling (7% vs. 2%; P = 0.001). FAI was higher in vessels with reduced CFR (−80.8 HU vs. −81.8 HU; P = 0.045) than in normal CFR. In the patient-level analysis, obstructive CAD, diffused atherosclerosis, and FAI were independently linked with CFR. FAI was still associated with global CFR after adjusting for traditional risk factors (age, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking). FAI remained independently associated with reduced CFR in patients without obstructive CAD.

Conclusions

Coronary perivascular inflammation evaluated by CCTA was independently associated with coronary vascular function. In patients without obstructive CAD, FAI was higher in the presence of reduced CFR. Altogether, FAI can help reveal microcirculatory damage in patients who do not exhibit epicardial artery stenosis.
Microbial Greenhouse Gas Dynamics Associated With Warming Coastal Permafrost, Western Canadian Arctic
Authors: Lapham Laura L. , Dallimore Scott R. , Magen Cédric , Henderson Lillian C. , Powers Leanne C. , Gonsior Michael , Clark Brittany , Côté Michelle , Fraser Paul , Orcutt Beth N.
Published: February 2024

Permafrost sediments contain one of the largest reservoirs of organic carbon on Earth that is relatively stable when it remains frozen. As air temperatures increase, the shallow permafrost thaws which allows this organic matter to be converted into potent greenhouse gases such as methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) through microbial processes. Along the Beaufort Sea coast in the vicinity of the Tuktoyaktuk Peninsula, Northwest Territories, Canada, warming air temperatures are causing the active layer above permafrost to deepen, and a number of active periglacial processes are causing rapid erosion of previously frozen permafrost. In this paper, we consider the biogeochemical consequences of these processes on the permafrost sediments found at Tuktoyaktuk Island. Our goals were to document the in situ carbon characteristics which can support microbial activity, and then consider rates of such activity if the permafrost material were to warm even further. Samples were collected from a 12 m permafrost core positioned on the top of the island adjacent to an eroding coastal bluff. Downcore CH4, total organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations and stable carbon isotopes revealed variable in situ CH4 concentrations down core with a sub-surface peak just below the current active layer. The highest DOC concentrations were observed in the active layer. Controlled incubations of sediment from various depths were carried out from several depths anaerobically under thawed (5°C and 15°C) and under frozen (−20°C and −5°C) conditions. These incubations resulted in gross production rates of CH4 and CO2 that increased upon thawing, as expected, but also showed appreciable production rates under frozen conditions. This dataset presents the potential for sediments below the active layer to produce potent greenhouse gases, even under frozen conditions, which could be an important atmospheric source in the actively eroding coastal zone even prior to thawing.
Separating the effects of life course adiposity on diabetic nephropathy: a comprehensive multivariable Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Han , Zhang QingYa , Song YiJue , Wang LiJun , Cai MinChao , Bao JinFang , Yu Qing
Published: February 2024

Aims

Previous Mendelian randomization (MR) of obesity and diabetic nephropathy (DN) risk used small sample sizes or focused on a single adiposity metric. We explored the independent causal connection between obesity-related factors and DN risk using the most extensive GWAS summary data available, considering the distribution of adiposity across childhood and adulthood.

Methods

To evaluate the overall effect of each obesity-related exposure on DN (Ncase = 3,676, Ncontrol = 283,456), a two-sample univariate MR (UVMR) analysis was performed. The independent causal influence of each obesity-related feature on DN was estimated using multivariable MR (MVMR) when accounting for confounding variables. It was also used to examine the independent effects of adult and pediatric obesity, adjusting for their interrelationships. We used data from genome-wide association studies, including overall general (body mass index, BMI) and abdominal obesity (waist-to-hip ratio with and without adjustment for BMI, i.e., WHR and WHRadjBMI), along with childhood obesity (childhood BMI).

Results

UVMR revealed a significant association between adult BMI (OR=1.24, 95%CI=1.03-1.49, P=2.06×10-2) and pediatric BMI (OR=1.97, 95%CI=1.59-2.45, P=8.55×10-10) with DN risk. At the same time, adult WHR showed a marginally significant increase in DN (OR =1.27, 95%CI = 1.01-1.60, P=3.80×10-2). However, the outcomes were adverse when the influence of BMI was taken out of the WHR (WHRadjBMI). After adjusting for childhood BMI, the causal effects of adult BMI and adult abdominal obesity (WHR) on DN were significantly attenuated and became nonsignificant in MVMR models. In contrast, childhood BMI had a constant and robust independent effect on DN risk(adjusted for adult BMI: IVW, OR=1.90, 95% CI=1.60-2.25, P=2.03×10-13; LASSO, OR=1.91, 95% CI=1.65-2.21, P=3.80×10-18; adjusted for adult WHR: IVW, OR=1.80, 95% CI=1.40-2.31, P=4.20×10-6; LASSO, OR=1.90, 95% CI=1.56-2.32, P=2.76×10-10).

Interpretation

Our comprehensive analysis illustrated the hazard effect of obesity-related exposures for DN. In addition, we showed that childhood obesity plays a separate function in influencing the risk of DN and that the adverse effects of adult obesity (adult BMI and adult WHR) can be substantially attributed to it. Thus, several obesity-related traits deserve more attention and may become a new target for the prevention and treatment of DN and warrant further clinical investigation, especially in childhood obesity.
LncRNA as a regulator in the development of diabetic complications
Authors: Geng Mengrou , Liu Wei , Li Jinjie , Yang Ge , Tian Yuan , Jiang Xin , Xin Ying
Published: February 2024

Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, which induces the production of AGEs, ROS, inflammatory cytokines, and growth factors, leading to the formation of vascular dysfunction and target organ damage, promoting the development of diabetic complications. Diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiomyopathy are common complications of diabetes, which are major contributors to disability and death in people with diabetes. Long non-coding RNAs affect gene transcription, mRNA stability, and translation efficiency to influence gene expression for a variety of biological functions. Over the past decade, it has been demonstrated that dysregulated long non-coding RNAs are extensively engaged in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including diabetic complications. Thus, this review discusses the regulations of long non-coding RNAs on the primary pathogenesis of diabetic complications (oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and microvascular dysfunction), and some of these long non-coding RNAs may function as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for diabetic complications.
Genetic association of lipid-lowering drug target genes with erectile dysfunction and male reproductive health
Authors: Su Quanxin , Wang Rui , Luo Yayin , Tang Qizhen , Wang Kenan
Published: February 2024

Objective

The effect of hypolipidemic drugs on male erectile function is still controversial. This Mendelian randomization (MR) study aimed to explore the potential impact of lipid-lowering drug targets on ED.

Methods

We collected seven genetic variants encoding lipid-lowering drug targets (LDLR, HMGCR, NPC1L1, PCSK9, APOB, APOC3 and LPL) from published genome-wide association study (GWAS) statistics, and performed drug target MR analysis. The risk of ED was defined as the primary outcome, sex hormone levels and other diseases as the secondary outcomes. Mediation analyses were performed to explore potential mediating factors.

Results

The results showed that LDLR, LPL agonists and APOC3 inhibitors were significantly associated with a reduced risk of ED occurrence. APOB inhibitors were associated with an increased risk of ED occurrence. In terms of sex hormone levels, LDLR and LPL agonists were significantly associated with increased TT levels, and HMGCR was associated with decreased TT and BT levels significantly. In terms of male-related disease, MR results showed that LDLR agonists and PCSK9 inhibitors were significantly associated with an elevated risk of PH; HMGCR, NPC1L1 inhibitors were associated with a reduced risk of PCa; and LDLR agonists were significantly associated with a reduced risk of AS and MI; in addition, HMGCR inhibitors were associated with a reduced risk of PCa.

Conclusion

After performing drug-targeted MR analysis, we found that that there was a causal relationship between lipid-lowering drug targets and ED. APOC3, APOB, LDLR and LPL may be new candidate drug targets for the treatment of ED.
Tick bite-induced alpha-gal syndrome and immunologic responses in an alpha-gal deficient murine model
Authors: Sharma Surendra Raj , Choudhary Shailesh K. , Vorobiov Julia , Commins Scott P. , Karim Shahid
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) is a delayed allergic reaction due to specific IgE antibodies targeting galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-gal), a carbohydrate found in red meat. This condition has gained significant attention globally due to its increasing prevalence, with more than 450,000 cases estimated just in the United States alone. Previous research has established a connection between AGS and tick bites, which sensitize individuals to α-gal antigens and elevate the levels of specific IgE. However, the precise mechanism by which tick bites influence the host’s immune system and contribute to the development of AGS remains poorly understood. This study investigates various factors related to ticks and the host associated with the development of AGS following a tick bite, using mice with a targeted disruption of alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase (AGKO) as a model organism.

Methods

Lone-star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and gulf-coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum) nymphs were used to sensitize AGKO mice, followed by pork meat challenge. Tick bite site biopsies from sensitized and non-sensitized mice were subjected to mRNA gene expression analysis to assess the host immune response. Antibody responses in sensitized mice were also determined.

Results

Our results showed a significant increase in the total IgE, IgG1, and α-gal IgG1 antibodies titers in the lone-star tick-sensitized AGKO mice compared to the gulf-coast tick-sensitized mice. Pork challenge in Am. americanum -sensitized mice led to a decline in body temperature after the meat challenge. Gene expression analysis revealed that Am. americanum bites direct mouse immunity toward Th2 and facilitate host sensitization to the α-gal antigen.

Conclusion

This study supports the hypothesis that specific tick species may increase the risk of developing α-gal-specific IgE and hypersensitivity reactions or AGS, thereby providing opportunities for future research on the mechanistic role of tick and host-related factors in AGS development.
IL-27 alters inflammatory cytokine expression and limits protective immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a neonatal BCG vaccination model
Authors: Bradford Shelby D. , Ryan Kenneth J. , Divens Ashley M. , Povroznik Jessica M. , Bonigala Sunilkanth , Robinson Cory M.
Published: February 2024

Background

Efforts to control tuberculosis (TB), caused by the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), have been hampered by the immense variability in protection from BCG vaccination. While BCG protects young children from some forms of TB disease, long-term protection against pulmonary disease is more limited, suggesting a poor memory response. New vaccines or vaccination strategies are required to have a realistic chance of eliminating TB disease. In TB endemic areas, routine immunization occurs during the neonatal period and as such, we hypothesized that inadequate protective immunity elicited by BCG vaccination could be the result of the unique early-life immune landscape. Interleukin (IL)-27 is a heterodimeric cytokine with immune suppressive activity that is elevated in the neonatal period.

Objective

We investigated the impact of IL-27 on regulation of immune responses during neonatal BCG vaccination and protection against Mtb.

Methods

Here, we used a novel model of neonatal vaccination and adult aerosol challenge that models the human timeline of vaccine delivery and disease transmission.

Results

Overall, we observed improved control of Mtb in mice unresponsive to IL-27 (IL-27Rα-/-) that was consistent with altered expression patterns of IFN-γ and IL-17 in the lungs. The balance of these cytokines with TNF-α expression may be key to effective bacterial clearance.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest the importance of evaluating new vaccines and approaches to combat TB in the neonatal population most likely to receive them as part of global vaccination campaigns. They further indicate that temporal strategies to antagonize IL-27 during early life vaccination may improve protection.
CD34+DNAM-1brightCXCR4+ haemopoietic precursors circulate after chemotherapy, seed lung tissue and generate functional innate-like T cells and NK cells
Authors: Perrone Carola , Bozzano Federica , Dal Bello Maria Giovanna , Del Zotto Genny , Antonini Francesca , Munari Enrico , Maggi Enrico , Moretta Francesca , Farshchi Alireza Hajabbas , Pariscenti Gianluca , Tagliamento Marco , Genova Carlo , Moretta Lorenzo , De Maria Andrea
Published: February 2024

Background

There is little information on the trajectory and developmental fate of Lin-CD34+DNAM-1bright CXCR4+ progenitors exiting bone marrow during systemic inflammation.

Objective

To study Lin-CD34+DNAM-1bright CXCR4+ cell circulation in cancer patients, to characterize their entry into involved lung tissue and to characterize their progenies.

Methods

Flow cytometric analysis of PBMC from 18 patients with lung cancer on samples collected immediately before the first and the second treatment was performed to study Lin-CD34+DNAM-1bright CXCR4+ precursors. Precursors were purified (>99%) and cultured in vitro from all patients. Paired PBMC and tissue samples from patients undergoing tumor resection were analyzed by flow cytometry to assess tissue entry and compare phenotype and developmental potential of Lin-CD34+DNAM-1bright CXCR4+ cells in both compartments.

Results

Significant circulation of Lin-CD34+DNAM-1bright CXCR4+ precursors was observed 20d after the first treatment. Precursors express CXC3CR1, CXCR3, CXCR1 consistent with travel towards inflamed tissues. Flowcytometric analysis of lung tissue samples showed precursor presence in all patients in tumor and neighboring uninvolved areas. Successful purification and in vitro culture from both blood and lung tissue generates a minor proportion of maturing NK cells (<10%) and a predominant proportion (>85%) of α/β T-progenies with innate-like phenotype expressing NKG2D,NKp30,DNAM-1. Innate-like maturing T-cells in vitro are cytotoxic, can be triggered via NKR/TCR co-stimulation and display broad spectrum Th1,Th2 and Th1/Th17 cytokine production.

Conclusion

In advanced stage lung cancer CD34+DNAM-1brightCXCR4+ inflammatory precursors increase upon treatment, enter involved tissues, generate functional progenies and may thus represent an additional player contributing to immune balance in the highly SDF-1/CXCR4-biased pro-metastatic tumor microenvironment.
MSC exosomes attenuate sterile inflammation and necroptosis associated with TAK1-pJNK-NFKB mediated cardiomyopathy in diabetic ApoE KO mice
Authors: Banerjee Abha , Singla Dinender K.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Diabetes is a debilitating disease that leads to complications like cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. In this study, we investigated the pathophysiology of diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction in mice with dyslipidemia. We hypothesize diabetes in ApoE knockout (ApoE-/-) mice induces cardiac dysfunction by increasing inflammation and necroptosis.

Methods

ApoE-/- mice were divided into experimental groups: Control, Streptozotocin (STZ), STZ + MSC-Exo (mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes), and STZ+MEF-Exo (Mouse embryonic fibroblast derived exosomes). At Day 42, we assessed cardiac function, collected blood and heart tissues. Heart tissue samples were analyzed for inflammation, necroptosis, signaling mechanism, hypertrophy and adverse structural remodeling using histology, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, RT-PCR, cytokine array and TF array.

Results and Discussion

STZ treated ApoE-/- mice developed diabetes, with significantly (p<0.05) increased blood glucose and body weight loss. These mice developed cardiac dysfunction with significantly (p<0.05) increased left ventricular internal diameter end diastole and end systole, and decreased ejection fraction, and fractional shortening. We found significant (p<0.05) increased expression of inflammatory cytokines TNF- a, IL-6, IL-1a, IL-33 and decreased IL-10 expression. Diabetic mice also exhibited significantly (p<0.05) increased necroptosis marker expression and infiltration of inflammatory monocytes and macrophages. MSC-Exos treated mice showed recovery of diabetes associated pathologies with significantly reduced blood glucose, recovered body weight, increased IL-10 secretion and M2 polarized macrophages in the heart. These mice showed reduced TAK1-pJNK-NFKB inflammation associated expression and improved cardiac function with significantly reduced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis compared to diabetic mice. Treatment with MEF-Exos did not play a significant role in attenuating diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy as these treatment mice presented with cardiac dysfunction and underlying pathologies observed in STZ mice.

Conclusion

Thus, we conclude that cardiac dysfunction develops in diabetic ApoE-/- mice, arising from inflammation, necroptosis, and adverse tissue remodeling, which is ameliorated by MSC-Exos, a potential therapeutic for diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy.
Whole genome analysis of intestinal source Bacillus and its effect on the prevention and control of hybrid snakehead (Channa maculata ♀ × Channa argus ♂) nocardiosis
Authors: Zhou Tingting , Cai Ping , Li Junwei , Li Zhongsheng , Dan Xueming , Huang Xiande , Zhang Xiaoyong
Published: February 2024

In order to explore the antagonistic mechanism of Lysinibacillus sphaericus AEB18 against Nocardia seriolae, the whole genome of strain AEB18 was sequenced, and the effect of strain AEB18 in controlling nocardiosis of hybrid snakehead was verified in vitro and in vivo. Strain AEB18 genome was a circular DNA of 4,653,716 base pairs (bp) and GC content of 37.4%, predicting 4,529 coding genes, 108 tRNAs, 37 rRNAs, and 95 non-coding (nc)RNAs. The eggNOG (Non-supervised Orthologous Groups), GO (Gene Ontology), KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) and the CAZy (Carbohydrate-Associated Enzyme) database annotated the strain AEB18 genome to 3,965, 3,325, 2,061, and 112 genes, respectively. Furthermore, nine gene clusters, including polyketones, non-ribosomal synthetic peptides, β-lactones, terpenes, ribosomal synthetic peptides, and other secondary metabolites with bacteriostatic effect were obtained through the prediction of secondary metabolites of strain AEB18. After the addition of L. sphaericus AEB18 (1 × 109 CFU/g) with a mass fraction of 1% to the basal diet for 21 days, the weight gain rate and the activity of amylase in intestinal chyme of hybrid snakehead were significantly increased (P< 0.05). In addition, hybrid snakehead fed with L. sphaericus AEB18 supplemented diets showed significantly reduced mortality rate (P< 0.05) after N. seriolae infection, compared with the control group (mortality rate was 100%). Overall, L. sphaericus AEB18 positively affected hybrid snakeheads, promoted growth and reduced mortality rate of hybrid snakeheads with nocardiosis. Taken together, the L. sphaericus AEB18 possesses great potential as a biocontrol agent, which can be commercially developed to improve disease control in freshwater aquaculture.