bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caracterización de las condiciones y necesidades de salud e higiénico sanitarias en alojamientos temporales de emergencia por temporada invernal en San Benito Abad (Sucre), diciembre 2022
Authors: Rojas Hernández Juan Camilo , Carreño Niño Mónica Carolina , Hernández Londoño Carlos Alberto , Hernández Gavilán Edwin Aldemar , Mora Solano Estephannía , Berrío Pérez Olga Maritza , Borbón Ramos Milena Edith
Published: September 2023

Introducción: La Mojana es una subregión compuesta por cuatro departamentos y 11 municipios al norte de Colombia y es considerada como un sistema hídrico complejo; durante el 2022 la zona se vio afectada por altas precipitaciones como consecuencia de las condiciones del Fenómeno de La Niña asociadas a inundaciones y altos niveles de los ríos, afectando a miles de familias en la región y el país, lo que generó desplazamientos y alojamientos temporales en la población. El objetivo del estudio fue caracterizar las condiciones de salud y el estado higiénico-sanitario en los alojamientos temporales de San Benito de Abad en el área de La Mojana. Metodología: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en los alojamientos localizados en la zona rural del municipio, por medio de un cuestionario semiestructurado, adaptado por el Grupo Factores de Riesgo Ambiental de la evaluación comunitaria para respuesta a emergencias de salud pública (CASPER) y de la evaluación de daños y análisis de necesidades (EDAN), por medio del aplicativo EWARS in a box. Resultados y conclusiones: se caracterizaron 680 personas que se encontraban en 160 alojamientos temporales. En el 59,3 % de los alojamientos se contaba con tanques de almacenamiento de agua para consumo humano; sin embargo, no se disponía de sistema de alcantarillado. El 72,7 % de los alojamientos tenía suministro eléctrico constante. Se observó que el 63,6 % de la población desechaba sus residuos en cuerpos hídricos y el 66,7 % reportó aumento de la presencia de roedores. En cuanto a la composición demográfica, el 53 % pertenecía al género masculino, edades entre dos meses hasta los 99 años, el grupo más representativo fue el de 16 a 59 años (53,7 %). En condiciones de salud, se identificó hipertensión arterial (41,4 %), enfermedad renal (18 %) y alguna discapacidad (14,3 %) como patologías más prevalentes. Los síndromes febriles, especialmente los respiratorios (68 %) y la enfermedad diarreica aguda (26,9 %), así como las agresiones por animales, estaban presentes. Es crucial abordar de manera prioritaria el suministro de agua potable, la adecuada disposición de excretas y la gestión de residuos, mientras la población retorna a sus viviendas.
Implantação da NR 20 em uma distribuidora de combustíveis em Pelotas/RS
Authors: Mathies Eduardo Lucas Acosta , Tessaro Alessandra Buss , Mattos Flávia Costa , Nunes Jorge Luiz Oleinik , Bandeira Jorge Luiz Saes
Published: September 2023

Os trabalhadores de distribuidoras de combustíveis correm riscos de acidentes (como incêndios e explosões) e de saúde (exposição à produtos químicos). O benzeno, o tolueno e o xileno, produtos que compõem a gasolina são altamente tóxicos, cancerígenos e dependendo das condições podem sofrer alterações e se tornarem mais agressivos. O fato de os distribuidores de combustíveis estarem situados também nos meios urbanos, ao lado de residências reforça a necessidade de mais rigor na segurança em todos os processos e atividades desses estabelecimentos. A boa aplicação da NR 20 evita acidentes nas distribuidoras de combustíveis e garante a segurança e a saúde de todos. A norma faz uma análise de risco que facilita a identificação dos problemas. Com base nos requisitos da NR 20 e nas orientações do guia de referência para implementação da NR 20 em postos de serviços, elaborado pela FECOMBUSTÍVEIS, foi montado um roteiro para fazer e documentar as evidências do cumprimento dos 45 requisitos da norma, com o objetivo consolidar o prontuário da instalação da distribuidora de combustíveis analisada. Como resultados obtivemos o Prontuário de Instalação.
Gênero, imigração e direitos humanos no contexto do direito internacional do trabalho: o papel da Organização Internacional do Trabalho
Authors: Medeiros Raísa Nogueira , Ventura Lucia Aimée Martinez
Published: September 2023

Este artigo examina o papel da Organização Internacional do Trabalho (OIT) na promoção da igualdade de gênero e na proteção dos direitos das mulheres migrantes no contexto do direito internacional do trabalho e das políticas de imigração. Os esforços da OIT para abordar questões específicas de gênero na legislação trabalhista, como remuneração desigual e violência de gênero, são analisados, juntamente com seu foco na proteção dos direitos de todos os trabalhadores independentemente de sua situação imigratória. O artigo destaca o papel crítico da colaboração entre a OIT, governos, sociedade civil e organizações internacionais para garantir a promoção e defesa da igualdade entre homens e mulheres. É enfatizada a importância de enfrentar esses desafios por meio de lentes de gênero, bem como a necessidade de maior conscientização e educação sobre tais questões. Por meio da análise dos esforços da OIT, o artigo reforça a necessidade de defesa e colaboração contínuas para garantir que o direito internacional do trabalho proteja os direitos de todos os indivíduos, especialmente mulheres e trabalhadores migrantes.
Discriminações por gênero e orientação sexual no ambiente de trabalho
Authors: Binsfeld Willian Ricardo , Lapa Thaís de Souza
Published: September 2023

Este artigo visa discutir e propor uma ampliação às reflexões em torno do legado de pesquisas centradas na divisão sexual do trabalho e em que medida esta divisão tem se mantido de formas reconfiguradas nas relações de trabalho e repercutido em relações de gênero desiguais. A ampliação, que no âmbito teórico é proposta ao trazer à cena a orientação sexual como parte das discussões de gênero no trabalho, enquadrando a homofobia como parte discussão sobre a dominação masculina e mobilizando a categoria analítica de homonegatividade, é também aventada ao recuperar resultados de pesquisas empíricas que evidenciaram discriminações no ambiente de trabalho fundadas ou associadas à orientação sexual, declarada ou suposta. Um dos resultados encontrados é o de que esta discriminação varia de acordo com o grau de homonegatividade no local de trabalho, afetando a manifestação ou ocultação da orientação sexual no local de trabalho - diferente do caso do sexo de quem trabalha, que não seria possível “omitir”. Com o conjunto de categorias e situações aqui reunidos e discutidos, acredita-se contribuir na construção de parâmetros e critérios de identificação de violências, discriminações e violações de direitos no ambiente de trabalho fundados em critérios de gênero - mais especificamente, de um modo particular de compreender gênero que leva em conta a dimensão da sexualidade, cuja caracterização é um passo fundamental para seu posterior enfrentamento.
Mechanisms of resistance to EGFR-targeted therapies in colorectal cancer: more than just genetics
Authors: Parseghian Christine , Eluri Madhulika , Kopetz Scott , Raghav Kanwal
Published: September 2023

The development of acquired resistance to anti-EGFR therapies remains poorly understood, with most research to date exploring, and trying to overcome, various genomic mechanisms of resistance. However, recent work supports a model of resistance whereby transcriptomic mechanisms of resistance predominate in the presence of active cytotoxic chemotherapy combined with anti-EGFR therapy in the first-line setting, with a greater predominance of acquired MAPK mutations after single-agent anti-EGFR therapy in the later-line setting. The proposed model has implications for prospective studies evaluating anti-EGFR rechallenge strategies guided by acquired MAPK mutations and highlights the need to address transcriptional mechanisms of resistance.
SFAlab: image-based quantification of mechano-active ventral actin stress fibers in adherent cells
Authors: Mostert Dylan , Grolleman Janine , van Turnhout Mark C. , Groenen Bart G. W. , Conte Vito , Sahlgren Cecilia M. , Kurniawan Nicholas A. , Bouten Carlijn V. C.
Published: September 2023

Ventral actin stress fibers (SFs) are a subset of actin SFs that begin and terminate at focal adhesion (FA) complexes. Ventral SFs can transmit forces from and to the extracellular matrix and serve as a prominent mechanosensing and mechanotransduction machinery for cells. Therefore, quantitative analysis of ventral SFs can lead to deeper understanding of the dynamic mechanical interplay between cells and their extracellular matrix (mechanoreciprocity). However, the dynamic nature and organization of ventral SFs challenge their quantification, and current quantification tools mainly focus on all SFs present in cells and cannot discriminate between subsets. Here we present an image analysis-based computational toolbox, called SFAlab, to quantify the number of ventral SFs and the number of ventral SFs per FA, and provide spatial information about the locations of the identified ventral SFs. SFAlab is built as an all-in-one toolbox that besides analyzing ventral SFs also enables the identification and quantification of (the shape descriptors of) nuclei, cells, and FAs. We validated SFAlab for the quantification of ventral SFs in human fetal cardiac fibroblasts and demonstrated that SFAlab analysis i) yields accurate ventral SF detection in the presence of image imperfections often found in typical fluorescence microscopy images, and ii) is robust against user subjectivity and potential experimental artifacts. To demonstrate the usefulness of SFAlab in mechanobiology research, we modulated actin polymerization and showed that inhibition of Rho kinase led to a significant decrease in ventral SF formation and the number of ventral SFs per FA, shedding light on the importance of the RhoA pathway specifically in ventral SF formation. We present SFAlab as a powerful open source, easy to use image-based analytical tool to increase our understanding of mechanoreciprocity in adherent cells.
Redox/pH-responsive hollow manganese dioxide nanoparticles for thyroid cancer treatment
Authors: Liu Jinren , Guo Changzhi , Li Chunxiang , Jia Qiushi , Xie Zhengrong , Wang Ziyue , Tian Hongda , Li Zhongyuan , Hao Liguo
Published: September 2023

The nano drug delivery system MnO2/CDDP@PDA-Cy5.5 was synthesized in this study to increase the efficacy of Cisplatin (CDDP) on thyroid cancer and alleviate the damage to normal tissue, with the aim of enhancing the anti-cancer efficacy, increasing the drug load, optimizing the control of drug release, and alleviating the systemic toxicity arising from drug off-target. On that basis, high efficacy and low toxicity win-win can be obtained. In this study, hollow manganese dioxide nanoparticles (MnO2 NPs) were prepared based on the template method. CDDP was loaded into the hollow cavity and then modified with polydopamine (PDA) and Cy5.5, with the aim of obtaining the nano-drug loading system MnO2/CDDP@PDA-Cy5.5 NPs. The NPs precisely delivered drugs by intelligently responding to the tumor microenvironment (TME). As indicated by the release curves, the NPs release CDDP rapidly by inducing the decomposition of PDA and MnO2 under acidic or redox conditions, and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent Mn2+ was generated. The results of the in vivo MRI studies suggested that T1 contrast at the tumor site was notably enhanced under the Enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. After the intravenous administration, the effective tumor accumulation exhibited by the NPs was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging as a function of time. Compared with free CDDP, the in vivo therapeutic effect was remarkably increased. As indicated by the above-described results, MnO2/CDDP@PDA-Cy5.5 NPs is a drug delivery system exhibiting diagnostic and therapeutic functions.
Partnering essential oils with antibiotics: proven therapies against bovine Staphylococcus aureus mastitis
Authors: Abd El-Hamid Marwa I. , El-Tarabili Reham M. , Bahnass Mosa M. , Alshahrani Mohammed Abdulrahman , Saif Ahmed , Alwutayd Khairiah Mubarak , Safhi Fatmah Ahmed , Mansour Abdallah Tageldein , Alblwi Noaf Abdullah N. , Ghoneim Mohammed M. , Elmaaty Ayman Abo , Al-harthi Helal F. , Bendary Mahmoud M.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

There is an urgent need to develop therapeutic options for biofilm-producing Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Therefore, the renewed interest in essential oils (EOs), especially carvacrol, linalool and eugenol, has attracted the attention of our research group.

Methods

Multidrug resistance and multivirulence profiles in addition to biofilm production of S. aureus strains isolated from cows with mastitis were evaluated using both phenotypic and genotypic methods. The antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of EOs were tested using both in vitro and molecular docking studies. Moreover, the interactions between commonly used antibiotics and the tested EOs were detected using the checkerboard method.

Results

We found that all our isolates (n= 37) were biofilm methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) producers and 40.5% were vancomycin resistant S. aureus (VRSA). Unfortunately, 73 and 43.2% of the recovered MRSA isolates showed multidrug resistant (MDR) and multivirulence patterns, respectively. The antimicrobial activities of the tested EOs matched with the phenotypic evaluation of the antibiofilm activities and molecular docking studies. Linalool showed the highest antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities, followed by carvacrol and eugenol EOs. Fortunately, synergistic interactions between the investigated EOs and methicillin or vancomycin were detected with fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) values ≤ 0.5. Moreover, the antimicrobial resistance patterns of 13 isolates changed to sensitive phenotypes after treatment with any of the investigated EOs. Treatment failure of bovine mastitis with resistant S. aureus can be avoided by combining the investigated EOs with available antimicrobial drugs.

Conclusion

We hope that our findings can be translated into a formulation of new pharmaceutical dosage forms against biofilm-producing S. aureus pathogens.
Thematic analysis in social media influencers: who are they following and why?
Authors: Alves de Castro Charles
Published: September 2023

The focus of this study is to holistically analyse the influence of social media influencers' content on young people's lives in Ireland. To address this main objective, this study aimed to answer the following research question: Who are the five preferred influencers that this young sample follows and what are their motives for following them? To answer this research question, this study analyzed two free-answer questions that were part of a longer questionnaire via thematic analysis using NVivo. This study's sample population comprised 81 participants between 16 and 26 years old, part of the Generation Z cohort and living in Ireland. The results of the analysis indicated five main motives that make this young sample follow their preferred social media influencers. Furthermore, the findings in this study confirm that the sample is susceptible to being influenced by SMIs in different contexts. In this regard, three drivers play a crucial role consist of parasocial relationship, trust, and relatability. Finally, the insights discovered in this research can provide essential information to marketers to support the development of more effective marketing communication strategies.
Pericardial effusion following percutaneous left atrial appendage closure using the LAmbre device
Authors: Yu Yibo , Chu Huimin , Wang Binhao , He Bin , Fu Guohua
Published: September 2023

Background

Pericardial effusion (PE) is an uncommon but serious complication that occurs following percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). There are few data regarding PE following implantation of the LAmbre device for LAAC.

Methods

Patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous LAAC using the LAmbre device at the Arrhythmia Center of Ningbo First Hospital from October 2017 to March 2021 were retrospectively reviewed (n = 133). PE was defined as acute if diagnosed ≤7 days post LAAC (n = 3, 2.3%) or delayed if diagnosed >7 days post LAAC (n = 3, 2.3%). The clinical characteristics and procedural data were compared between patients with PE (PE group, n = 6) and without PE (non-PE group, n = 127). The predictors of PE were analyzed by logistic regression.

Results

All patients with PE recovered following treatment by pericardiocentesis. Patients with PE were found to have a higher incidence of congestive heart failure (50.0% vs. 13.4%, P = 0.044) and had larger measured LAA orifice diameters (33.5 mm ± 6.0 mm vs. 28.3 mm ± 5.2 mm, P = 0.018) and landing zone diameters (27.8 mm ± 4.8 mm vs. 23.9 mm ± 4.8 mm, P = 0.054) compared with those without PE. The diameters of the device umbrellas (31.7 mm ± 5.6 mm vs. 26.9 mm ± 5.0 mm, P = 0.026) and covers (36.3 mm ± 4.6 mm vs. 33.4 mm ± 4.0 mm, P = 0.075) implanted were larger in the PE group compared to the non-PE group. Univariate logistic regression revealed that congestive heart failure (OR = 6.47, 95% CI = 1.21–34.71, P = 0.029) and LAA maximal orifice diameter (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.02–1.45, P = 0.027) were both associated with PE following LAmbre device implantation.

Conclusions

In this single-center experience, both acute and delayed PE were uncommon in patients with AF following LAmbre device implantation. Congestive heart failure and a larger LAA orifice were identified as predictors for the occurrence of PE.
Case report: Self-expanding transcatheter valve implantation (Acurate Neo 2) in a very small native aortic annulus
Authors: Medda Massimo , Casilli Francesco , Bande Marta , Tespili Maurizio , Donatelli Francesco
Published: September 2023

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a treatment of choice in patients with symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis (AS) and intermediate-to-high surgical risk. The presence of a small aortic annulus (SAA) has been associated with a higher incidence of prosthesis–patient mismatch (PPM) when surgical aortic valve replacement (sAVR) is performed. TAVR might be a treatment option offering better hemodynamics with a lower incidence of PPM. When a severe AS with a SAA is treated, TAVR-related risk as the coronary obstruction and the annulus rupture, must be also prevented. We present a case of a TAVR in a very small aortic annulus; to our knowledge, this is the smallest native aortic annulus treated percutaneously in a tricuspid stenotic aortic valve with a Self-Expanding Transcatheter Heart Valve (THV) Acurate Neo 2.
Analysing the elevation-distributed hydro-climatic regime of the snow covered and glacierised Hunza Basin in the upper Indus
Authors: Nazeer Aftab , Maskey Shreedhar , Skaugen Thomas , McClain Michael E.
Published: September 2023

In the high altitude Hindukush Karakoram Himalaya (HKH) mountains, the complex weather system, inaccessible terrain and sparse measurements make the elevation-distributed precipitation and temperature among the most significant unknowns. The elevation-distributed snow and glacier dynamics in the HKH region are also little known, leading to serious concerns about the current and future water availability and management. The Hunza Basin in the HKH region is a scarcely monitored, and snow- and glacier-dominated part of the Upper Indus Basin (UIB). The current study investigates the elevation-distributed hydrological regime in the Hunza Basin. The Distance Distribution Dynamics (DDD) model, with a degree day and an energy balance approach for simulating glacial melt, is forced with precipitation derived from two global datasets (ERA5-Land and JRA-55). The mean annual precipitation for 1997–2010 is estimated as 947 and 1,322 mm by ERA5-Land and JRA-55, respectively. The elevation-distributed precipitation estimates showed that the basin receives more precipitation at lower elevations. The daily river flow is well simulated, with KGE ranging between 0.84 and 0.88 and NSE between 0.80 and 0.82. The flow regime in the basin is dominated by glacier melt (45%–48%), followed by snowmelt (30%–34%) and rainfall (21%–23%). The simulated snow cover area (SCA) is in good agreement with the MODIS satellite-derived SCA. The elevation-distributed glacier melt simulation suggested that the glacial melt is highest at the lower elevations, with a maximum in the elevation 3,218–3,755 masl (14%–21% of total melt). The findings improve the understanding of the local hydrology by providing helpful information about the elevation-distributed meltwater contributions, water balance and hydro-climatic regimes. The simulation showed that the DDD model reproduces the hydrological processes satisfactorily for such a data-scarce basin.
Impact of mechanical stratigraphy on fracture growth and propagation
Authors: Su Xiaocen , Gong Lei , Fu Xiaofei , Wang Yougong , Gao Shuai , Wang Jie , Qin Xinnan , Luo Hairong , Bao Tianlu
Published: September 2023

Mechanical stratigraphy plays an important role in controlling the nucleation, propagation, and development of fractures. The fracture development pattern and development mode were defined in this study via a detailed description. Fracture growth and evolution in bedded rocks were numerically simulated. The results show that fracture growth and propagation are controlled by the mechanical layer. Fractures are divided into bed-confined fractures and throughgoing fractures based on their spatial configuration with the mechanical layer. Fractures preferentially nucleate and expand in the mechanical layer and terminate at mechanical contact. After that, new fractures are generated between two adjacent fractures. No new fractures are further developed when stress reaches a certain value, indicating a saturation state. Finally, throughgoing fractures are developed. Under the same stress field, the bed-confined fracture density is positively correlated with Young’s modulus of the mechanical layer and is negatively correlated with its thickness. Bed-confined fractures can extend to another mechanical layer to develop throughgoing fractures only under significant stress fields or at mechanical contact with small thickness or minor difference in mechanical properties. Exploring the impact of mechanical stratigraphy on fracture development and propagation in bedded rocks is of great significance to investigate the fracture distribution in hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Parents’ approaches to numeracy support: what parents do is rarely what they think is most important
Authors: Msall Camille , Douglas Ashli-Ann , Rittle-Johnson Bethany
Published: September 2023

The math children are exposed to at home is a crucial source of early math knowledge, but little is known about parents’ general approaches for supporting their children’s math development at home. The current study examined what general pedagogical approaches parents believed to be most important to use in their home and if these beliefs aligned with the approaches they reported using most often. In a survey of 344 U.S. preschool parents (56% mothers, 61% sons, 77% White, 79% with a bachelor’s degree or more), 83% of parents showed a mismatch in the pedagogical approach they used most often compared to what they believed to be most important to use. The most popular pedagogical approach to use was incorporating math during daily living experiences (the “daily living” approach) compared to three other approaches. Notably, although used most often, the “daily living” approach was the approach most frequently selected as least important. Rather, “direct teaching” was the approach most frequently selected as most important. Overall, this suggests a disconnect between how parents approach their home math support and what they believe is most important for their child’s math development at home.
Seasonal dynamics of sediment organic carbon storage for the upper streams of the Yangtze River
Authors: Hou Jianfeng , Li Fei , Wang Zhihui , Li Xuqing , Cao Rui , Yang Wanqin
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Forest streams reserve more than 90% of the organic carbon (OC) in sediments, thus playing crucial roles in the global carbon cycle. Although forest streams are widely distributed across various forest regions, seasonal dynamics of OC in forest sediments have not been fully investigated.

Methods

Here, we sampled soils (0–5  cm) in 15 representative forest stream sediments for 5 critical periods (snowmelt season, early growing season, growing season, late growing season, and seasonal snow cover season) during a one-year investigation in a geologically fragile subalpine coniferous forest catchment in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River in Sichuan province and the OC concentrations were measured by potassium dichromate external heating method.

Results

The OC concentration of stream sediments ranged from 6.39 to 458.93  g kg−1, and the average was 84.56  g kg−1 for 15 streams in 5 critical periods during a 1-year investigation. Correspondingly, their stocks ranged from 2.05 to 310.56  kg m−2, and the average was 46.03  kg m−2. The maximum and minimum OC stocks were consistently observed during the late growing season and the snowmelt season, respectively. Otherwise, the OC stocks ranged from 1.31 to 218.05, 1.29 to 182.64, and 0.99 to 190.38  kg m−2 for the upstream, midstream, and downstream sediments, and the average was 39.36, 36.58, and 37.93  kg m−2, respectively. The average ratios of the OC stocks of the upstream and downstream ranged from 0.10–6.31, with an average of 1.43, during 5 critical periods, which indicated that the forest stream sediments may play crucial roles as carbon sources.

Discussion

Furthermore, based on regression analysis, we found that the seasonal dynamics of OC concentrations and stocks were mainly regulated by precipitation, temperature, sediment depth, and litter carbon input to the streams together. These findings demonstrate that forest stream sediments may play crucial roles in the carbon biogeochemical cycle of subalpine forests and adjoining streams.
The functional response of human monocyte-derived macrophages to serum amyloid A and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Authors: Kawka Malwina , Płocińska Renata , Płociński Przemysław , Pawełczyk Jakub , Słomka Marcin , Gatkowska Justyna , Dzitko Katarzyna , Dziadek Bożena , Dziadek Jarosław
Published: September 2023

Introduction

In the course of tuberculosis (TB), the level of major acute phase protein, namely serum amyloid A (hSAA-1), increases up to a hundredfold in the pleural fluids of infected individuals. Tubercle bacilli infecting the human host can be opsonized by hSAA-1, which affects bacterial entry into human macrophages and their intracellular multiplication.

Methods

We applied global RNA sequencing to evaluate the functional response of human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs), isolated from healthy blood donors, under elevated hSAA-1 conditions and during infection with nonopsonized and hSAA-1-opsonized Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). In the same infection model, we also examined the functional response of mycobacteria to the intracellular environment of macrophages in the presence and absence of hSAA-1. The RNASeq analysis was validated using qPCR. The functional response of MDMs to hSAA-1 and/or tubercle bacilli was also evaluated for selected cytokines at the protein level by applying the Milliplex system.

Findings

Transcriptomes of MDMs cultured in the presence of hSAA-1 or infected with Mtb showed a high degree of similarity for both upregulated and downregulated genes involved mainly in processes related to cell division and immune response, respectively. Among the most induced genes, across both hSAA-1 and Mtb infection conditions, CXCL8, CCL15, CCL5, IL-1β, and receptors for IL-7 and IL-2 were identified. We also observed the same pattern of upregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-6, IL-12, IL-18, IL-23, and IL-1) and downregulated anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, TGFβ, and antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin) in the hSAA-1 treated-MDMs or the phagocytes infected with tubercle bacilli. At this early stage of infection, Mtb genes affected by the inside microenvironment of MDMs are strictly involved in iron scavenging, adaptation to hypoxia, low pH, and increasing levels of CO2. The genes for the synthesis and transport of virulence lipids, but not cholesterol/fatty acid degradation, were also upregulated.

Conclusion

Elevated serum hSAA-1 levels in tuberculosis enhance the response of host phagocytes to infection, including macrophages that have not yet been in contact with mycobacteria. SAA induces antigen processing and presentation processes by professional phagocytes reversing the inhibition caused by Mtb infection.
Analyses of human immune responses to Francisella tularensis identify correlates of protection
Authors: Lindgren Helena , Eneslätt Kjell , Golovliov Igor , Gelhaus Carl , Sjöstedt Anders
Published: September 2023

Francisella tularensis is the etiological agent of the potentially severe infection tularemia. An existing F: tularensis vaccine, the live vaccine strain (LVS), has been used to protect at-risk personnel, but it is not licensed in any country and it has limited efficacy. Therefore, there is a need of a new, efficacious vaccine. The aim of the study was to perform a detailed analysis of the characteristics of the human immune response to F. tularensis, since this will generate crucial knowledge required to develop new vaccine candidates. Nine individuals were administered the LVS vaccine and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected before and at four time points up to one year after vaccination. The properties of the PBMC were characterized by flow cytometry analysis of surface markers and intracellular cytokine staining. In addition, the cytokine content of supernatants from F. tularensis-infected PBMC cultures was determined and the protective properties of the supernatants investigated by adding them to cultures with infected monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). Unlike before vaccination, PBMC collected at all four time points after vaccination demonstrated F. tularensis-specific cell proliferation, cytokine secretion and cytokine-expressing memory cells. A majority of 17 cytokines were secreted at higher levels by PBMC collected at all time points after vaccination than before vaccination. A discriminative analysis based on IFN-γ and IL-13 secretion correctly classified samples obtained before and after vaccination. Increased expression of IFN-γ, IL-2, and MIP-1β were observed at all time points after vaccination vs. before vaccination and the most significant changes occurred among the CD4 transient memory, CD8 effector memory, and CD8 transient memory T-cell populations. Growth restriction of the highly virulent F. tularensis strain SCHU S4 in MDM was conferred by supernatants and protection correlated to levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF, and IL-17. The findings demonstrate that F. tularensis vaccination induces long-term T-cell reactivity, including TEM and TTM cell populations. Individual cytokine levels correlated with the degree of protection conferred by the supernatants. Identification of such memory T cells and effector mechanisms provide an improved understanding of the protective mechanisms against F. tularensis. mechanisms against F. tularensis.
The IL-25/ILC2 axis promotes lung cancer with a concomitant accumulation of immune-suppressive cells in tumors in humans and mice
Authors: Bahhar Ilham , Eş Zeynep , Köse Oğuzhan , Turna Akif , Günlüoğlu Mehmet Zeki , Çakır Aslı , Duralı Deniz , Magnusson Fay C.
Published: September 2023

Background

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) can be activated by interleukin (IL)-33 or IL-25. IL-25-activated ILC2 cells help protect the host against helminth infection while exacerbating allergic-like inflammation and tissue damage in the lung. In the context of cancer, IL-33-activated ILC2 cells were found to bear anti-tumoral functions in lung cancer while IL-25-activated ILC2 cells promoted tumorigenesis in colorectal cancer. The role of IL-25-activated ILC2 cells in lung cancer remains to be addressed.

Methods

We examined the overall survival of human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients according to IL25 expression as well as the distribution of ILC2 cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in various NSCLC patient tissues and peripheral blood (PB) of healthy donors (HDs). We analyzed the effect of adoptive transfer of IL-25-activated ILC2 cells on tumor growth, metastasis and survival in a heterotopic murine model of lung cancer.

Results

We report that human NSCLC patients with high IL-25 expression have reduced overall survival. Moreover, NSCLC patients bear increased frequencies of ILC2s compared to HDs. Frequencies of Tregs were also increased in NSCLC patients, concomitantly with ILC2s. In mice bearing heterotopic lung cancer, adoptive transfer of IL-25-activated ILC2s led to increased tumor growth, increased metastasis and reduced survival. The frequencies of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs) were found to be increased in the tumors of mice that received ILC2s as compared to controls.

Conclusion

Overall, our results indicate that the IL-25/ILC2 axis promotes lung cancer potentially by recruiting immune-suppressive cells to the tumors both in humans and in mice, and that it may therefore represent a suitable novel target for NSCLC immunotherapeutic development.
Vaccinomics-based next-generation multi-epitope chimeric vaccine models prediction against Leishmania tropica - a hierarchical subtractive proteomics and immunoinformatics approach
Authors: Aiman Sara , Ahmad Abbas , Khan Azmat Ali , Alanazi Amer M. , Samad Abdus , Ali Syed Luqman , Li Chunhua , Ren Zhiguang , Khan Asifullah , Khattak Saadullah
Published: September 2023

Leishmania tropica is a vector-borne parasitic protozoa that is the leading cause of leishmaniasis throughout the global tropics and subtropics. L. tropica is a multidrug-resistant parasite with a diverse set of serological, biochemical, and genomic features. There are currently no particular vaccines available to combat leishmaniasis. The present study prioritized potential vaccine candidate proteins of L. tropica using subtractive proteomics and vaccinomics approaches. These vaccine candidate proteins were downstream analyzed to predict B- and T-cell epitopes based on high antigenicity, non-allergenic, and non-toxic characteristics. The top-ranked overlapping MHC-I, MHC-II, and linear B-cell epitopes were prioritized for model vaccine designing. The lead epitopes were linked together by suitable linker sequences to design multi-epitope constructs. Immunogenic adjuvant sequences were incorporated at the N-terminus of the model vaccine constructs to enhance their immunological potential. Among different combinations of constructs, four vaccine designs were selected based on their physicochemical and immunological features. The tertiary structure models of the designed vaccine constructs were predicted and verified. The molecular docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation analyses indicated that the vaccine design V1 demonstrated robust and stable molecular interactions with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). The top-ranked vaccine construct model-IV demonstrated significant expressive capability in the E. coli expression system during in-silico restriction cloning analysis. The results of the present study are intriguing; nevertheless, experimental bioassays are required to validate the efficacy of the predicted model chimeric vaccine.
A reconceptualization of sentence production in post-stroke agrammatic aphasia: the Synergistic Processing Bottleneck model
Authors: Faroqi-Shah Yasmeen
Published: September 2023

The language production deficit in post-stroke agrammatic aphasia (PSA-G) tends to result from lesions to the left inferior frontal gyrus (LIFG) and is characterized by a triad of symptoms: fragmented sentences, errors in functional morphology, and a dearth of verbs. Despite decades of research, the mechanisms underlying production patterns in PSA-G have been difficult to characterize. Two major impediments to progress may have been the view that it is a purely morphosyntactic disorder and the (sometimes overzealous) application of linguistic theory without interceding psycholinguistic evidence. In this paper, empirical evidence is examined to present an integrated portrait of language production in PSA-G and to evaluate the assumption of a syntax-specific syndrome. In light of extant evidence, it is proposed that agrammatic language production results from a combination of morphosyntactic, phonomotor, and processing capacity limitations that cause a cumulative processing bottleneck at the point of articulatory planning. This proposed Synergistic Processing Bottleneck model of PSA-G presents a testable framework for future research. The paper ends with recommendations for future research on PSA-G.
Trophic guilds of marine predators in the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem
Authors: Bizzarro Joseph J. , Field John C. , Santora Jarrod A. , Curtis K. Alexandra , Wells Brian K.
Published: September 2023

Quantifying trophic relationships of marine species is fundamental to the construction and performance of ecosystem models, development of effective ecosystem-based fisheries management strategies, and support of trait-based approaches to ecological risk assessment. Accounting for food web dynamics in taxonomically diverse ecosystems, such as the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME), is especially challenging because of the sheer number of trophic linkages and their inherent variability. Consequently, analyses that can inform the most appropriate means of aggregating species or other taxonomic groups into assemblages or guilds are critical to reducing system complexity for modeling and management, particularly when data are limited. To provide a methodological approach that is globally applicable in such cases, we define trophic guilds within biogeographic regions of the CCLME, compare results among these regions, and discuss ecological and management implications. Within each biogeographic region, predator guilds were clearly demarcated by foraging habitat (benthic, nearshore pelagic, offshore pelagic), scale of foraging movements, and trophic position. Furthermore, trophic guilds were distinctive for each region, with species composition and the noted ecological characteristics largely driving guild structure. Predator species that are reliant on continental slope and offshore foraging habitat, such as adult Pacific Hake, have diets that are representative of these areas and are similar throughout the CCLME. Generally, larger, more mobile predators that typically feed in deeper offshore waters, including swordfish, sea lions, and sharks clustered together in multiple bioregions along the coast; all reliant primarily on fishes and squids. Throughout bioregions, groundfishes preyed on benthic invertebrates (e.g., decapods, amphipods, polychaetes), while shelf-oriented pelagic predators, including smaller salmon, preyed on pelagic invertebrates (e.g., euphausiids, copepods, gelatinous zooplankton). A large number of forage taxa that are well represented in this study have dynamics largely dependent on oceanographic conditions at a regional scale (e.g., decapods), basin scale (e.g., copepods), or a combination of both (e.g., euphausiids, Northern Anchovy). Such distinctions indicate that spatial and temporal scales of coherence of predators and prey also must be considered in development of ecosystem models and evaluation of management strategies. Our study quantifies the spatial coherence of predator guilds integrated over decades within and across bioregions of the CCLME, providing an improved understanding of regional ecosystem functioning. The analytical approach we developed may be easily extended to address similar ecological and ecosystem based fisheries management priorities in other marine regions.
Analysis of the structural response and strengthening performance of prefabricated substation walls under flood loads
Authors: Yao Han , Zhang Liang , Wang Qing , Han Huina , Han Fengkai , Tian Li
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The study focuses on evaluating the reliability of prefabricated perimeter walls in substations during flood events. It employs a sophisticated numerical model based on actual engineering data to assess their load-bearing capabilities. The research investigates the impact of crucial flood parameters on the structural behavior of these walls, examines the force transmission mechanisms, and suggests “W-shaped” reinforcement techniques to mitigate stress-related issues.

Methods: To meet our research goals, we developed an extensive numerical model for prefabricated perimeter walls, incorporating real-world engineering data. This model enabled us to analyze critical flood parameters, such as flood depth, flow velocity, and flood erosion. Furthermore, we investigated the force transmission mechanisms within the walls and introduced “W-shaped” reinforcement strategies to improve their load-bearing capacity.

Results: Our results indicate that flood depth and flow velocity have a substantial impact on the performance of prefabricated perimeter walls, while flood erosion has a minor effect. Safety concerns become prominent when flood depth exceeds 1.0 m or flow velocity surpasses 3 m per second. Analysis of force transmission mechanisms reveals greater displacements at higher water levels. Critical areas, including wall panel-column and wall panel-foundation connections, experience heightened stress levels.

Discussion: Our study highlights the significant role of flood depth and flow velocity in evaluating the load-bearing capacity of prefabricated perimeter walls in substation environments. To address potential structural weaknesses, we recommend implementing “W-shaped” wall reinforcement methods, which efficiently decrease both displacement and stress. These findings carry implications for substation design and flood resilience, underscoring the importance of comprehensive flood risk management strategies to protect internal facilities during floods.
Candidate effectors for leaf rust resistance gene Lr28 identified through transcriptome and in-silico analysis
Authors: Prasad Pramod , Jain Neelu , Chaudhary Jyoti , Thakur Rajni Kant , Savadi Siddanna , Bhardwaj Subhash Chander , Gangwar Om Prakash , Lata Charu , Adhikari Sneha , Kumar Subodh , Balyan Harindra Singh , Gupta Pushpendra Kumar
Published: September 2023

Puccinia spp. causing rust diseases in wheat and other cereals secrete several specialized effector proteins into host cells. Characterization of these proteins and their interaction with host’s R proteins could greatly help to limit crop losses due to diseases. Prediction of effector proteins by combining the transcriptome analysis and multiple in-silico approaches is gaining importance in revealing the pathogenic mechanism. The present study involved identification of 13 Puccinia triticina (Pt) coding sequences (CDSs), through transcriptome analysis, that were differentially expressed during wheat-leaf rust interaction; and prediction of their effector like features using different in-silico tools. NCBI-BLAST and pathogen-host interaction BLAST (PHI-BLAST) tools were used to annotate and classify these sequences based on their most closely matched counterpart in both the databases. Homology between CDSs and the annotated sequences in the NCBI database ranged from 79 to 94% and with putative effectors of other plant pathogens in PHI-BLAST from 24.46 to 54.35%. Nine of the 13 CDSs had effector-like features according to EffectorP 3.0 (≥0.546 probability of these sequences to be effector). The qRT-PCR expression analysis revealed that the relative expression of all CDSs in compatible interaction (HD2329) was maximum at 11 days post inoculation (dpi) and that in incompatible interactions (HD2329 + Lr28) was maximum at 3 dpi in seven and 9 dpi in five CDSs. These results suggest that six CDSs (>0.8 effector probability as per EffectorP 3.0) could be considered as putative Pt effectors. The molecular docking and MD simulation analysis of these six CDSs suggested that candidate Lr28 protein binds more strongly to candidate effector c14094_g1_i1 to form more stable complex than the remaining five. Further functional characterization of these six candidate effectors should prove useful for a better understanding of wheat-leaf rust interaction. In turn, this should facilitate effector-based leaf rust resistance breeding in wheat.
N2-fixing bacteria are more sensitive to microtopography than nitrogen addition in degraded grassland
Authors: Li Chengyi , Valencia Enrique , Shi Yan , Zhou Guiyao , Li Xilai
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Soil bacteria play a crucial role in the terrestrial nitrogen (N) cycle by fixing atmospheric N2, and this process is influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors. The diversity of N2-fixing bacteria (NFB) directly reflects the efficiency of soil N fixation, and the diversity of NFB in degraded alpine meadow soil may change with different N fertilizing levels and varied slopes. However, how N addition affects the diversity of NFB in degraded alpine meadows, and whether this influence varies with slope, remain poorly understood.

Methods

We conducted an N addition field experiment at three levels (2, 5, and 10 g N·m−2·a−1) to study the effects of N addition on soil NFB diversity on two different slopes in a degraded meadow on the Tibetan Plateau.

Results

There were significant differences in the dominant bacterial species between the two slopes. The Chao1 index, species richness, and beta diversity of NFB did not differ significantly between slopes, but the Shannon index did. Interestingly, N addition had no effect on the diversity of NFB or the abundance of dominant bacteria. However, we did observe a significant change in some low-abundance NFB. The community composition and diversity of NFB were significantly positively correlated with slope and soil physicochemical properties (e.g., total potassium, pH, and total nitrogen).

Conclusions

Our study highlights the variation in NFB communities among different slopes in degraded alpine meadows and their resilience to exogenous N addition. Our results also underscore the importance of considering the effects of micro-topography on soil microbial communities in future studies of alpine ecosystems.
The viewpoint of nanolipid vesicles (liposomes, exosomes, and microvesicles) as biosensors in medical health advances
Authors: Ghazizadeh Elham , Nasery Zahra
Published: September 2023

Biosensors are of significant importance today in the rapid, sensitive, and reliable detection of biological molecules in many fields, including medicine; owing to this fact, the development of a strong and reliable diagnostic agent is a very interesting topic. Because of their unique features, among other nanomaterials, lipid-based vesicles such as liposomes, exosomes, and microvesicles represent a type of biocompatible and versatile biosensing membrane surface for rapid biomarker detection and diagnosis of diseases, enhancing the assay sensitivity and decreasing the detection limit. In this review, we have reviewed the recent diagnostic application of lipid-based vesicles as biosensing substances in both conventional and novel techniques for identifying targets, especially in medicine and biotechnology sciences. Eventually, we have highlighted several recent promising developments in a new generation of biosensors based on liposome–nanomaterial hybrids and exosomes for analyzing targets and possible further advances in the future.