bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O impacto da pandemia Covid-19 no mundo do trabalho e suas implicações na questão da desigualdade racial no Brasil
Authors: Theodoro Wilson , Campos Vieira Adhara
Published: January 2024

O presente artigo analisa o racismo a partir da perspectiva ESG ou ASG – Environmental, Social and Governance, que significa usar fatores ambientais, sociais e de governança para avaliar empresas e países sobre quão avançados estão em relação à sustentabilidade, ligada às Nações Unidas e à Organização Internacional do Trabalho, e avalia algumas das formas por meio das quais o racismo estrutural e institucional funciona como mecanismo de exclusão no mundo do trabalho. Nessa linha de investigação, perpassa o mito da democracia racial brasileira, as questões históricas relacionadas à constituição do racismo moderno e específico da sociedade brasileira, a conexão entre racismo e exclusão racial e social e os impactos de tais elementos sobre o direito ao trabalho decente, interpretado como direito fundamental albergado pelas normas internacionais e pelo ordenamento jurídico nacional.Trata, ademais, do agravamento desse contexto ante a pandemia do Covid-19, que assolou o mundo os cenários de crise na educação, na saúde e no trabalho.
Perfil de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana de bacterias de relevancia clínica aisladas de un río de la zona agropecuaria de Los Andes ecuatorianos
Authors: González Romero Ana Carolina , Tipán Pillajo Indira Kasandra , Cordovez Martínez María del Carmen , Martínez Durán Eliana Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

Introducción: La contaminación del agua con bacterias resistentes a los antibióticos se ha convertido en un problema mundial y sigue en crecimiento debido a la evolución de estos microorganismos. La mayoría de las enfermedades transmitidas por el agua son causadas por microorganismos encontrados en cuerpos hídricos, contaminados con heces humanas o animales. Objetivo: Identificar el perfil de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana de bacterias de relevancia clínica aisladas del río Guamote, situado en una zona agropecuaria de Los Andes ecuatorianos. Metodología.  Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, con diseño de campo no experimental, enfoque cuantitativo y transversal. Se inició con la recolección de muestras de agua en seis puntos geográficos diferentes, para proceder con la medición de pH, temperatura del ambiente y agua. El aislamiento e identificación de las bacterias se realizó por medio de pruebas convencionales, empleando medios de cultivo juntamente con pruebas bioquímicas. El perfil de resistencia a los antibióticos se determinó por el método de difusión del disco en agar. Resultados: Se identificaron (12/15) 80,0 % bacterias pertenecientes al orden    Enterobacterales (Citrobacter freundii, Citrobacter amalonaticus, Enterobacter cloacae, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella oxytoca), (2/15) 13.30 % correspondiente a la familia Aeromonadaceae y (1/15) 6,70 % a Enterococcus faecalis. La mayoría de los Enterobacterales presentaron resistencia a amoxacilina, amoxacilina /ácido clavulánico, aztreonam, kanamicina, colistín, tetraciclinas, y trimetoprim sulfametoxazol y sensiblidad intermedia a imipenem. Las cepas de Aeromonas spp. mostraron resistencia a amoxacilina y sensibilidad intermedia a imipemem. Conclusión: Existe contaminación del agua de la cuenca del río Guamote por Enterobacterales, Aeromonas sp y E. faecalis; con resistencia a antibióticos de uso clínico. Área de estudio general: Laboratorio Clínico. Área de estudio específica: Microbiología. Tipo de estudio:  Artículo original.
Salud mental en la educación superior en el período de post-pandemia de covid-19
Authors: Arévalo Lara Sridam , Freire Palacios Verónica
Published: January 2024

Objetivo: Evaluar y comparar la salud mental de la comunidad académica del Instituto Superior Tecnológico Riobamba (ISTR) en Ecuador durante el período de post-pandemia de COVID-19. Metodología: En el estudio participaron 154 personas que fueron seleccionadas a través de un muestreo aleatorio estratificado, cumpliendo dos roles, el rol estudiante N=77 y rol docente N= 77. Se utilizó el Cuestionario de Salud General de Goldberg (GHQ-28) y se aplicó una prueba de Chi Cuadrado de Homogeneidad X2 para comparar los resultados entre estudiantes y docentes. Resultados: En cuanto al diagnóstico de salud mental, se identificaron varios síntomas destacados en cada dimensión. En la Dimensión Somática, se destacaron la cefalea (35.7%) y el agotamiento (31.2%). En la Dimensión Ansiedad, prevalecieron el agobio y la tensión (33.1%) y el insomnio (31.8%). En la Dimensión Social, se observó un mayor impacto en el tiempo de activación (22.7%) y la capacidad de disfrutar (22.7%). En la Dimensión Depresión, se resaltaron los nervios incontrolables (14.3%) y las ideas autolíticas persistentes (11.0%). El análisis estadístico reveló diferencias significativas en las dimensiones Somática (X2=4.026; p=0.045) y Depresión (X2=4.107; p=0.043) entre estudiantes y docentes. Sin embargo, no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las dimensiones Social (X2=2.77; p=0.096) y Ansiedad (X2=0.496; p=0.481). Conclusión: Este estudio indica la presencia de posibles casos de problemas de salud mental en la población estudiantil y docente del ISTR luego del período de pandemia de COVID-19. Además, se confirma la existencia de diferencias significativas en las dimensiones Somática y Depresión entre estos dos grupos, lo que subraya la importancia de abordar de manera específica las necesidades de salud mental en estos contextos académicos. Área de estudio general: Psicología. Área de estudio específica: Salud mental. Tipo de estudio:  Artículos originales.
Dietary intake pattern of lactating mother and under five children in selected districts of southern Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Ishrat Nourin , Kazi Turjaun Akhter , Nandi Rakhi , Syed Mahfuz Al Hasan , Rahim Abu Torab MA , Bhattachaijee Lalita , Shaheen Nazma
Published: January 2024

Food diversity is an important aspect of a healthy diet that reflects the various sources of nutrients that are consumed. Consumption of various food groups is used as a proxy indicator to assess the overall dietary intake and micro nutrient adequacy of studied population. The present study was undertaken to assess the dietary intake pattern of under-five children and lactating women from five upazilas of Satkhira, Khulna and Barisal districts, the most impoverished regions of southern Bangladesh. The study was cross-sectional in design where lactating (129) and under-five children (162) were selected as the target population. A two stage cluster sampling was used and information on food consumption was collected using a 24-hour dietary recall. The lion portion of lactating women’s diet was from plant source (560g) whereas animal sources contributed insignificant portion (67g). For lactating women energy intake fulfilled less than half of the RNI (41%) while protein and carbohydrate intake fulfilled almost half of the RNI (51%and 48% respectively). Fat intake was found severely low, fulfilling 11% of RNI. In under five children except protein all the macronutrient intake was considerably low. Protein intake fulfilled 98% and 107% of RNI for children of 6-23months and 24-59 months respectively. In case of micronutrients only vitamin C fulfilled above 101% of RNI for lactating mother while no other micronutrient fulfilled half of the RNI. In under five children almost half of RNI was fulfilled for vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Findings of the present study revealed that the diet of lactating mother and under five children in southern part of Bangladesh is inadequate both in quantity and quality.
Bangladesh J. Nutr. Vol. 28-31, December 2018, P: 25-31
Literature Review to Evaluate the Impact of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for Lung Cancer Patient in COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kharis Selly Anastassia Amellia , Zili Arman Haqqi Anna , Fajar Fauzan Ihza , Putri Agustiani , Arisanty Melisa
Published: January 2024

Cancer patients are considered susceptible to COVID-19 associated with the presence of an immunosuppressive state. One type of cancer that causes many deaths is lung cancer. There are many challenges and difficulties, especially in treating lung cancer during the COVID-19 period. As technology develops, experts are trying to use machine learning and artificial intelligence in the treatment and detection of lung cancer. Artificial intelligence and machine learning can be used to predict lung cancer using data from microarrays, pictures, and other sources. Limited data on COVID-19 patients with a relatively small sample, information regarding the implementation of machine learning and artificial intelligence for the treatment of COVID-19 patients with lung cancer is still limited. Therefore, it is necessary to have a literature review to explain the effect of machine learning and artificial intelligence for lung cancer patients during the COVID-19 period from existing studies. The literature review used in this study. Sourced from the search results of journals from various countries related to lung cancer and COVID-19 in Pubmed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The results show an important role of machine learning and artificial intelligence for lung cancer patients in COVID-19 pandemic.
LAW ENFORCEMENT OF LAND GRACE
Authors: Weku Robert Lengkong , Adhyaksa Andika
Published: January 2024

This study aims to analyze legal protection for acts of land grabbing and to analyze the prevention and handling of acts of land grabbing. The type of research used is normative legal research, relying on and using library data, namely secondary data in the field of law. The technique of obtaining legal materials is by means of library research by collecting legal materials by reading, quoting, recording and understanding various legal literature and laws. The results of the study show that 1) The legal provisions themselves have accommodated land grabbing in both criminal and civil aspects. 2) Enabling legal sanctions in forcing someone's obedience to the law as above contains aspects of prevention and enforcement aspects.
The Prevalence of Coronary Artery Disease in Amyloidosis Is 23%
Authors: Sanchez Lucianne Alers , Ayutyanont Napatkamon , Junqueira Erica , Majidi Farzad , Akhondi Hossein
Published: January 2024

Purpose: This observational cross-sectional analysis evaluates the prevalence of coronary artery disease in TTR and non-TTR amyloidosis. Methods: Amyloidosis cases were identified in a large multi-center medical database using defined criteria. The presentation of CAD was determined through ICD codes for cardiac catheterization records and other precisely identifiable data, such as the history of stenting or bypass graft operations. TTR and non-TTR amyloidosis groups were compared regarding their baseline demographics, clinical, laboratory, and imaging presentations. Results: Out of 5273 subjects in the study, 79 had TTR, and 5194 had non-TTR amyloidosis. On average, non-TTR patients are significantly older than TTR patients (70.39±13.26 vs. 63.09±19.40, p=.0013). Overall, CAD was present in 1221 (23.16%) subjects. The prevalence of CAD was comparable between the non-TTR and TTR amyloid groups (23.2% vs. 22.8%, p>0.05). However, hypertension was more present in the non-TTR group than in TTR (32% vs. 12%, p=.0001). Race, gender, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia did not differ between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: CAD prevalence in TTR and non-TTR is around 23%. The type of amyloidosis does not impact the prevalence of CAD.
Kelp-associated variability in seawater chemistry during a marine heatwave event connects to transgenerational effects in the purple urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus
Authors: Kozal LC , Nelson JC , Hofmann GE
Published: January 2024

Giant kelpMacrocystis pyriferaprovides the foundation for immense biodiversity on the coast of California, USA. Kelp forests can change seawater retention time, altering water chemistry, including pH and dissolved oxygen (DO), as well as the magnitude and predictability of variability in the same properties. Environmental heterogeneity across space and time could drive organismal performance and processes such as transgenerational plasticity (TGP), where parental experience modifies the offspring phenotype, potentially conferring tolerance to future environmental stress. We monitored environmental variability by deploying temperature, pH, and DO sensors inside and outside a temperate kelp forest in the Santa Barbara Channel (SBC) throughout the gametogenesis period of a key herbivore, the purple urchinStrongylocentrotus purpuratus. Over the 6 mo period, pH and temperature were slightly elevated inside the kelp forest, accompanied by more predictable, low-frequency variability relative to outside. AdultS. purpuratuswere conditioned inside and outside the kelp spanning gametogenesis. The urchins were spawned and their larvae were raised under high (1053 µatm) and lowpCO2(435 µatm) at 15°C in the laboratory to assess their physiological response to the maternal and developmental environments. Larvae raised under highpCO2were more susceptible to acute thermal stress; however, within each larval treatment, progeny from outside-conditioned mothers had a 0.4°C higher lethal temperature (LT50). Our results indicate that heterogeneity in abiotic factors associated with kelp can have transgenerational effects in the field, and interactions between factors, including temperature and pH, will impact purple urchins as local variability associated with marine heatwaves and upwelling evolves with climate change.
‘Man Spekeþ, bere brayeþ’: The Zoopoetics of Bear Roaring and Silence in the Middle Ages
Authors: Lewis Liam
Published: January 2024

This article traces how medieval texts written in English and French adopt the link between human language and bear roaring to inscribe bears into the poetic landscape. I place this discussion in the context of archaeological evidence, which reveals a steady increase in the presence of ursids in England after the Norman conquest, before which they were extinct, and culminating in the bear fighting arenas of early modern England. I show that works such as the Femina, the Roman de Renart and the Ovide moralisé depict ursids in ways that reflect a foundational interest in the ties that bind the act of writing with a zoopoetical reflection on animality. In this way, bears in literary texts are not limited by their extinction from a landscape, or conversely by their presence as commodities. Rather, literary bears may be read in dialogue with a complex and evolving historical and archaeological record.
Celso Furtado: homem, obra e caminho
Authors: Silveira Jorge Luis Rocha da
Published: January 2024

O objetivo principal deste ensaio foi homenagear – ainda que de forma breve e tardia – o economista e escritor Celso Furtado. Para isso, se fez um apanhado de sua biografia e atuação na Superintendência de Desenvolvimento do Nordeste (SUDENE). A partir desses pontos, foram selecionadas informações sobre sua formação pessoal e preocupação social que se acredita ver revelada na presença de tal órgão estatal, em outras ações e também muito de sua produção. Além disso, se pretendeu rememorar os principais eventos que marcaram a trajetória do homenageado. Espera-se, assim, que a história de Furtado contribua para identificar seu papel no debate nacional que levou à inserção do tema da pobreza e do desenvolvimento na agenda da governança, a partir do ano de 1950.
Fênix alada: desejo, necessidade e circunstância na história de vida de uma mulher brasileira
Authors: Santhiago Ricardo , Patai Daphne
Published: January 2024

Este artigo é um dos resultados de um projeto que revisita as narrativas autobiográficas de mulheres brasileiras que, nos anos 1980, narraram suas experiências para um projeto de história oral. Algumas dessas mulheres foram entrevistadas novamente, trinta anos depois, possibilitando a investigação de diversas formas de aproveitamento analítico. Neste texto, analisa-se a história de vida de Norma, mulher brasileira que buscava, na mudança para o exterior, a rearticulação dos sentidos para a sua existência. A partir de um conjunto de narrativas pessoais altamente complexo e cativante, abordam-se questões ligadas a mudança, continuidade, independência, frustração e apelo a circunstâncias.
A escrita de si na formação crítica de estudantes do Novo Ensino Médio
Authors: Passeggi Maria da Conceição , Cajai Patrícia de Ávila Vechiatto
Published: January 2024

Apresentamos reflexões sobre a escrita de si como dispositivo poético-criativo no Novo Ensino Médio. Admitimos como pressuposto que a “reflexividade autobiográfica” (Passeggi, 2011, p. 148), em situação de interlocução com o si mesmo e com o outro, promove a formação crítica pela tomada de consciência de suas potencialidades heurísticas e hermenêuticas. O corpus compreende 22 textos, elaborados por estudantes da primeira série em Oficinas de criação, na disciplina de Produção Textual, em um colégio de São Paulo (SP). Para as análises, escolhemos o poema “Ser”, de Carla Adriani, aluna que participou da pesquisa, por ser representativo da importância da escrita poética de si para a reflexão crítica e sua formação. Estimamos que o reconhecimento da palavra de adolescentes enquanto pessoas historicamente situadas e capazes de refletir criticamente sobre suas próprias experiências, frequentemente negligenciadas, trazem contribuições significativas para inovações estético-poéticas no Novo Ensino Médio e avanços para a pesquisa qualitativa, relacionados à formação crítica de jovens estudantes.
In vitro interactions of proton pump inhibitors and azoles against pathogenic fungi
Authors: Gao Lujuan , Xia Xuqiong , Gong Xiao , Zhang Heng , Sun Yi
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Azole resistance has been increasingly reported and become an issue for clinical managements of invasive mycoses. New strategy with combination therapy arises as a valuable and promising alternative option. The aim of the present study is to investigate the in vitro combinational effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and azoles against pathogenic fungi.

Methods

In vitro interactions of PPIs including omeprazole (OME), lansoprazole (LAN), pantoprazole (PAN), and rabeprazole (RAB), and commonly used azoles including itraconazole (ITC), posaconazole (POS), voriconazole (VRC) and fluconazole (FLC), were investigated via broth microdilution chequerboard procedure adapted from the CLSI M27-A3 and M38-A2. A total of 67 clinically isolated strains, namely 27 strains of Aspergillus spp., 16 strains of Candida spp., and 24 strains of dematiaceous fungi, were studied. C. parapsilosis (ATCC 22019) and A. flavus (ATCC 204304) was included to ensure quality control.

Results

PPIs individually did not exert any significant antifungal activity. The combination of OME with ITC, POS, or VRC showed synergism against 77.6%, 86.6%, and 4% strains of tested pathogenic fungi, respectively, while synergism of OME/FLC was observed in 50% strains of Candida spp. Synergism between PAN and ITC, POS, or VRC was observed against 47.8%, 77.6% and 1.5% strains of tested fungi, respectively, while synergism of PNA/FLC was observed in 50% strains of Candida spp. Synergism of LAN with ITC, POS, or VRC was observed against 86.6%, 86.6%, and 3% of tested strains, respectively, while synergism of LAN/FLC was observed in 31.3% strains of Candida spp. Synergy of the combination of RAB with ITC, POS, or VRC was observed against 25.4%, 64.2%, and 4.5% of tested strains, respectively, while synergism of RAB/FLC was observed in 12.5% of Candida spp.. Among PPIs, synergism was least observed between RAB and triazoles, while among triazoles, synergism was least observed between VRC and PPIs. Among species, synergy was much more frequently observed in Aspergillus spp. and dematiaceous fungi as compared to Candida spp. Antagonism between PPIs with ITC or VRC was occasionally observed in Aspergillus spp. and dematiaceous fungi. It is notable that PPIs combined with azoles showed synergy against azole resistant A. fumigatus, and resulted in category change of susceptibility of ITC and POS against Candida spp.

Discussion

The results suggested that PPIs combined with azoles has the potential to enhance the susceptibilities of azoles against multiple pathogenic fungi and could be a promising strategy to overcome azole resistance issues. However, further investigations are warranted to study the combinational efficacy in more isolates and more species, to investigate the underlying mechanism of interaction and to evaluate the potential for concomitant use of these agents in human.
Between Black mothers and daughters: a critical intergenerational duoethnography on the silence of health disparities and hope of loud healing
Authors: Winfield Asha S. , Hickerson Hope , Doub Deshara C. , Winfield Ann R. , McPhatter Brigitte
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Black American women's health outcomes have been altered by a number of factors. Those factors include social determinants of health, lack of culturally competent healthcare providers, and generations of medical racism leading to prolonged pain, delayed care, and sometimes, untimely deaths.

Methods

This original research article centers Southern Black women's lived experiences through family storytelling. We explored generations of health narratives in regard to age, region, and at times, their own acts of silence. Building from theorizing on loud healing, two Black daughters turned the mic on for their mothers by engaging in a critical intergenerational double duoethnography to discuss decades of healing over a 3 months long conversation (in person, over the phone, and on video chat).

Results

The analysis of the interviews/dialogue between Black mothers and daughters identified several themes connected to loud healing: (1) some healths lessons are quietly taught from intergenerational trauma; (2) the silencing of Black matriarchs occurs in generations not just spirals; (3) loud healing is a faith-filled call to action; (4) mothers and daughters help turn the mic on for each other; (5) Loud healing is affirming and produces visibility; (6) the body teaches culturally competent health lessons; (7) Trusting loud healing to leave the mic on and door open.

Discussion

Our collective and individual lived experiences reveal the very real impacts of culture, identity, and power on Black women's health and storytelling. By interrogating the past with our stories, this group of Black mothers and daughters represents three generations of medical erasures, amplification of voice, and the need for loud healing for loud, tangible change.
Heterogeneous distributed problem-solving involving visual objects as boundary objects
Authors: Harvey Francis
Published: January 2024

Communication involving visualizations in science and applications involves or even requires coordination. Much visualization research focuses on tasks in research or applications and provides valuable insights that help improve these modes and means of communication. That focus and resulting benefits makes a reduction to tasks or defined goals seem amenable for a more thorough consideration of social and cultural aspects. This contribution to the focus topicInsights in Visual Communicationsuggests that the boundary object concept can greatly help deepen considerations of social and cultural heterogeneity and adds insights and perspectives to better consider social and cultural aspects of visual communication. The theoretical concept of boundary objects, originating in heterogeneous distributed problem solving research, offer a pragmatic basis for enhancing visual communication to improve meaning production. The overarching issue for developing this direction in visual communication can be formulated through a broad question: In heterogeneous situations, how can research enhance communication involving visual objects for problem solving through a consideration of social and cultural aspects? I consider an example of cooperative design of maps to show how research can benefit from a consideration of boundary objects. The example highlights a cooperative mode of visual communication used in decision making involving both explicit and implicit goals and aspects from a cognitive perspective. The potential for improvements and better solutions in visual communication can benefit from a stronger consideration of the boundary objects concept.
Higher adjuvant radioactive iodine therapy dosage helps intermediate-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma patients achieve better therapeutic effect
Authors: Li Xue , Zheng Hongyuan , Ma Chao , Ji Yanhui , Wang Xuan , Sun Danyang , Meng Zhaowei , Zheng Wei
Published: January 2024

Objective

This retrospective study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of varying dosages of adjuvant radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy on intermediate-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients.

Methods

This retrospective study involved a total of 427 intermediate-risk PTC patients, out of which 202 received a 3.7GBq dosage of RAI, and 225 received a 5.55GBq dosage. The evaluation involved assessing the therapeutic outcomes, number of treatment cycles, and successful remnant ablation rates in both dose groups, six months post-adjuvant RAI therapy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors linked with excellent response (ER). Following this, prognostic nomograms were constructed to provide a visual representation of the prediction models. Calibration curves, the concordance index (C-index), and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were employed to evaluate the predictive performance of these nomograms. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was applied to assess the models’ goodness-of-fit. Additionally, the clinical utility of the prognostic nomograms was appraised through decision curve analysis (DCA)

Results

The high-dose (HD) group exhibited significantly higher proportions of ER, single treatment cycles, and successful remnant ablation rates (p<0.05). Being male, receiving a 3.7GBq dose, having an N1b stage, an sTg level ≥10ng/ml, or an sTg/TSH ratio ≥0.11 were independent risk factors for Non-ER. Two prognostic nomograms, “sTg Nomogram” and “sTg/TSH Nomogram”, were established. The ranking of factors contributing to ER, in descending order, included the sTg or sTg/TSH ratio, N stage, therapy dosage, sex, and soft tissue invasion. The “sTg/TSH Nomogram” demonstrated a higher C-index compared to the “sTg Nomogram”. The calibration curves indicated excellent calibration for both nomograms. DCA demonstrated that the net benefit of the “sTg/TSH Nomogram” was higher than that of the “sTg Nomogram”.

Conclusion

Higher initial RAI therapy doses can improve therapeutic efficacy for intermediate-risk PTC patients. The developed nomograms, particularly the “sTg/TSH Nomogram”, could assist clinicians in optimal therapeutic decision-making.
The adverse role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the reproductive system
Authors: Pan Jing , Liu Pengfei , Yu Xiao , Zhang Zhongming , Liu Jinxing
Published: January 2024

Reproductive system diseases pose prominent threats to human physical and mental well-being. Besides being influenced by genetic material regulation and changes in lifestyle, the occurrence of these diseases is closely connected to exposure to harmful substances in the environment. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), characterized by hormone-like effects, have a wide range of influences on the reproductive system. EDCs are ubiquitous in the natural environment and are present in a wide range of industrial and everyday products. Currently, thousands of chemicals have been reported to exhibit endocrine effects, and this number is likely to increase as the testing for potential EDCs has not been consistently required, and obtaining data has been limited, partly due to the long latency of many diseases. The ability to avoid exposure to EDCs, especially those of artificially synthesized origin, is increasingly challenging. While EDCs can be divided into persistent and non-persistent depending on their degree of degradation, due to the recent uptick in research studies in this area, we have chosen to focus on the research pertaining to the detrimental effects on reproductive health of exposure to several EDCs that are widely encountered in daily life over the past six years, specifically bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates (PAEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), parabens, pesticides, heavy metals, and so on. By focusing on the impact of EDCs on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which leads to the occurrence and development of reproductive system diseases, this review aims to provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of EDCs’ damage to human health and to encourage further in-depth research to clarify the potentially harmful effects of EDC exposure through various other mechanisms. Ultimately, it offers a scientific basis to enhance EDCs risk management, an endeavor of significant scientific and societal importance for safeguarding reproductive health.
Ecological and economic influencing factors on the spatial and temporal evolution of carbon balance zoning in the Taihu Basin
Authors: Wang Yazhu , Wang Yuxiang , Duan Xuejun
Published: January 2024

The escalation in carbon dioxide concentration has precipitated global climate warming, accentuating ecological and environmental concerns. Notably, China stands as the world’s largest carbon emitter, with the Taihu Lake basin emerging as a carbon-intensive region within the country. This paper undertakes a comprehensive analysis spanning 2005 to 2020, calculating the economic contribution coefficient of carbon emissions and the ecological carrying coefficient of carbon absorption in the Taihu Lake basin. The study includes a delineation of carbon balance zones and an exploration of the geographical and spatial influences of both ecosystem and economic factors. The overarching trend in carbon emissions within the Taihu Lake Basin initially exhibited rapid growth, followed by a fluctuating decline, with the pivotal year being 2012, recording the apex of emissions at 575.8293 million tons. Concurrently, total carbon absorption demonstrated a fluctuating growth trajectory, ascending from 82.3503 million tons in 2005 to 85.6488 million tons in 2020. The carbon emission intensity in the basin manifested a pattern of high concentration in the northeast and low concentration in the southwest, while the carbon absorption intensity displayed the inverse pattern. The carbon balance across the Taihu Lake Basin revealed a spatial incongruity, characterized by a suboptimal pattern in the northeast and a favorable pattern in the southwest. Zhejiang Province emerged as an ecological stronghold within the basin, acting as the primary carbon sink functional area. Urban built-up areas and forested regions emerged as principal influencers of carbon balance in the Taihu Lake basin. Urban construction land, population density, and arable land area were identified as primary contributors to carbon emissions, whereas per capita GDP, forests, grasslands, and water bodies were identified as main contributors to carbon absorption in the watershed.
The CXCL16-CXCR6 axis in glioblastoma modulates T-cell activity in a spatiotemporal context
Authors: Chia Tzu-Yi , Billingham Leah K. , Boland Lauren , Katz Joshua L. , Arrieta Victor A. , Shireman Jack , Rosas Aurora-Lopez , DeLay Susan L. , Zillinger Kaylee , Geng Yuheng , Kruger Jeandre , Silvers Caylee , Wang Hanxiang , Vazquez Cervantes Gustavo Ignacio , Hou David , Wang Si , Wan Hanxiao , Sonabend Adam , Zhang Peng , Lee-Chang Catalina , Miska Jason
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) pathobiology is characterized by its significant induction of immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment, predominantly mediated by immunosuppressive tumor-associated myeloid cells (TAMCs). Myeloid cells play a pivotal role in shaping the GBM microenvironment and influencing immune responses, with direct interactions with effector immune cells critically impacting these processes.

Methods

Our study investigates the role of the CXCR6/CXCL16 axis in T-cell myeloid interactions within GBM tissues. We examined the surface expression of CXCL16, revealing its limitation to TAMCs, while microglia release CXCL16 as a cytokine. The study explores how these distinct expression patterns affect T-cell engagement, focusing on the consequences for T-cell function within the tumor environment. Additionally, we assessed the significance of CXCR6 expression in T-cell activation and the initial migration to tumor tissues.

Results

Our data demonstrates that CXCL16 surface expression on TAMCs results in predominant T-cell engagement with these cells, leading to impaired T-cell function within the tumor environment. Conversely, our findings highlight the essential role of CXCR6 expression in facilitating T-cell activation and initial migration to tumor tissues. The CXCL16-CXCR6 axis exhibits dualistic characteristics, facilitating the early stages of the T-cell immune response and promoting T-cell infiltration into tumors. However, once inside the tumor, this axis contributes to immunosuppression.

Discussion

The dual nature of the CXCL16-CXCR6 axis underscores its potential as a therapeutic target in GBM. However, our results emphasize the importance of carefully considering the timing and context of intervention. While targeting this axis holds promise in combating GBM, the complex interplay between TAMCs, microglia, and T cells suggests that intervention strategies need to be tailored to optimize the balance between promoting antitumor immunity and preventing immunosuppression within the dynamic tumor microenvironment.
From MASH to HCC: the role of Gas6/TAM receptors
Authors: Apostolo Daria , Ferreira Luciana L. , Vincenzi Federica , Vercellino Nicole , Minisini Rosalba , Latini Federico , Ferrari Barbara , Burlone Michela E. , Pirisi Mario , Bellan Mattia
Published: January 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is the replacement term for what used to be called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It is characterized by inflammation and injury of the liver in the presence of cardiometabolic risk factors and may eventually result in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer. Several pathogenic mechanisms are involved in the transition from MASH to HCC, encompassing metabolic injury, inflammation, immune dysregulation and fibrosis. In this context, Gas6 (Growth Arrest-Specific 6) and TAM (Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK) receptors may play important roles. The Gas6/TAM family is involved in the modulation of inflammation, lipid metabolism, fibrosis, tumor progression and metastasis, processes which play an important role in the pathophysiology of acute and chronic liver diseases. In this review, we discuss MASH-associated HCC and the potential involvement of the Gas6/TAM system in disease development and progression. In addition, since therapeutic strategies for MASH and HCC are limited, we also speculate regarding possible future treatments involving the targeting of Gas6 or TAM receptors.
Efficient 3D real-time adaptive AUV sampling of a river plume front
Authors: Berild Martin Outzen , Ge Yaolin , Eidsvik Jo , Fuglstad Geir-Arne , Ellingsen Ingrid
Published: January 2024

The coastal environment faces multiple challenges due to climate change and human activities. Sustainable marine resource management necessitates knowledge, and development of efficient ocean sampling approaches is increasingly important for understanding the ocean processes. Currents, winds, and freshwater runoff make ocean variables such as salinity very heterogeneous, and standard statistical models can be unreasonable for describing such complex environments. We employ a class of Gaussian Markov random fields that learns complex spatial dependencies and variability from numerical ocean model data. The suggested model further benefits from fast computations using sparse matrices, and this facilitates real-time model updating and adaptive sampling routines on an autonomous underwater vehicle. To justify our approach, we compare its performance in a simulation experiment with a similar approach using a more standard statistical model. We show that our suggested modeling framework outperforms the current state of the art for modeling such spatial fields. Then, the approach is tested in a field experiment using two autonomous underwater vehicles for characterizing the three-dimensional fresh-/saltwater front in the sea outside Trondheim, Norway. One vehicle is running an adaptive path planning algorithm while the other runs a preprogrammed path. The objective of adaptive sampling is to reduce the variance of the excursion set to classify freshwater and more saline fjord water masses. Results show that the adaptive strategy conducts effective sampling of the frontal region of the river plume.
Long-term statistics and wind dependence of near-bottom and deep-sea ambient noise in the northwest South China Sea
Authors: Guo Wei , Liu Juan , Xu Guojun , Li Guangming , Xu Pan
Published: January 2024

Research on ocean ambient noise is highly important for environment monitoring, marine mammal protection, underwater communication and navigation. In this paper, we present the long-term statistics and wind dependence of near-bottom and deep-sea ambient noise in the northwest South China Sea, at a depth of 1240 m. The data were collected from 11th July 2022 to 31st December 2022 together with local wind speeds ranging from 1 to 58 knots (two typhoons involved), and the processing frequency band is between 20 and 2000 Hz. The long-term mean noise level is calculated along with its skewness, kurtosis and percentile distributions. Diurnal and monthly average of noise levels are analyzed, and the large fluctuations in lower (≤100 Hz) and higher (≥400 Hz) frequencies are respectively caused by the variation of the number of nearby and distant ships and the diverse distributions of the windspeeds in individual months. We find that the noise level in winter (Dec.) is 10~11 dB higher than that in summer (Jul.) at higher frequencies. The probability densities of noise levels in the situation of a fixed wind speed are likely to obey the Burr distributions in low frequencies (50 and 100 Hz) and the Weibull distributions in high frequencies (400 and 1000 Hz). In addition, the mean noise levels for different Beaufort scales match well with the 5-dB-addtion Wenz curves, and a mathematic relationship is acquired between the noise level and wind speed in the experimental site. The results are of great representativeness, and are significant to data-driven noise modelling, evaluation and improvement of sonar performance in the region of South China Sea with an incomplete deep-water sound channel.
Intrathermocline eddies observed in the northwestern subtropical Pacific Ocean
Authors: Cai Shangzhan , Huang Jiang , Wang Weibo , Jing Chunsheng , Xu Jindian , Li Kai , Kuang Fangfang
Published: January 2024

Two anticyclonic intrathermocline eddies (ITEs) were detected by an underwater glider in the northwestern subtropical Pacific Ocean during August-October 2019. They both exhibited a lens-shaped vertical structure within the thermocline with their cores located at ~170 m. The North Pacific Subtropical Mode Water (STMW) was found within the cores of these two ITEs. The lens-shaped structure of ITE1 observed by the glider was very clear since the glider seemed to have moved into its core during the observation. Further analysis reveals that ITE1 displayed no signals at the sea surface and lasted for about 20 days (26 August-14 September 2019). ITE1 was locally formed and the water inside it was a mixture of local water and the water in the northern adjacent area. The low-salinity water at 0-50 m from the northern adjacent area extended southwestward and mixed with the local water. As a result, the local salinity-forced restratification caused a potential vorticity (PV) decrease in the subsurface and finally resulted in the generation of ITE1. The baroclinic instability at 50-170 m may be the main energy source for ITE1 generation. On the other hand, the lens-shaped structure of ITE2 observed by the glider was less prominent since the glider did not move into its core. Further analysis reveals that the lens-shaped structure of ITE2 was also very clear near its core and ITE2 displayed clear signals at the surface as an anticyclonic eddy (AE2). AE2/ITE2 was remotely generated within the main formation region of STMW and then moved southwestward. The low PV STMW was trapped in AE2 and a lens-shaped structure developed in the subsurface. Subduction of the STMW caused the generation of ITE2.
Deep-STP: a deep learning-based approach to predict snake toxin proteins by using word embeddings
Authors: Zulfiqar Hasan , Guo Zhiling , Ahmad Ramala Masood , Ahmed Zahoor , Cai Peiling , Chen Xiang , Zhang Yang , Lin Hao , Shi Zheng
Published: January 2024

Snake venom contains many toxic proteins that can destroy the circulatory system or nervous system of prey. Studies have found that these snake venom proteins have the potential to treat cardiovascular and nervous system diseases. Therefore, the study of snake venom protein is conducive to the development of related drugs. The research technologies based on traditional biochemistry can accurately identify these proteins, but the experimental cost is high and the time is long. Artificial intelligence technology provides a new means and strategy for large-scale screening of snake venom proteins from the perspective of computing. In this paper, we developed a sequence-based computational method to recognize snake toxin proteins. Specially, we utilized three different feature descriptors, namely g-gap, natural vector and word 2 vector, to encode snake toxin protein sequences. The analysis of variance (ANOVA), gradient-boost decision tree algorithm (GBDT) combined with incremental feature selection (IFS) were used to optimize the features, and then the optimized features were input into the deep learning model for model training. The results show that our model can achieve a prediction performance with an accuracy of 82.00% in 10-fold cross-validation. The model is further verified on independent data, and the accuracy rate reaches to 81.14%, which demonstrated that our model has excellent prediction performance and robustness.
Evolution of pulmonary hypertension in interstitial lung disease: a journey through past, present, and future
Authors: Arslan Ahmad , Smith Jorden , Qureshi Muhammad Raheel , Uysal Askin , Patel Kapil K. , Herazo-Maya Jose D. , Bandyopadhyay Debabrata
Published: January 2024

Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a spectrum of disorders often complicated by pulmonary hypertension (PH) in its course. The pathophysiologic mechanism of WHO group 3 PH is different to other forms of PH. The advent of PH is a harbinger for adverse events like mortality and morbidity, implying that the PH component of disease expedites deteriorated clinical outcomes. In fact, WHO group 3 PH due to ILD has the worse prognosis among all groups of PH. Hence, early detection of PH by a comprehensive screening method is paramount. Given considerable overlap in clinical manifestations between ILD and PH, early detection of PH is often elusive. Despite, the treatment of PH due to ILD has been frustrating until recently. Clinical trials utilizing PAH-specific pulmonary vasodilators have been ongoing for years without desired results. Eventually, the INCREASE study (2018) demonstrated beneficial effect of inhaled Treprostinil to treat PH in ILD. In view of this pioneering development, a paradigm shift in clinical approach to this disease phenotype is happening. There is a renewed vigor to develop a well validated screening tool for early detection and management. Currently inhaled Treprostinil is the only FDA approved therapy to treat this phenotype, but emergence of a therapy has opened a plethora of research toward new drug developments. Regardless of all these recent developments, the overall outlook still remains grim in this condition. This review article dwells on the current state of knowledge of pre-capillary PH due to ILD, especially its diagnosis and management, the recent progresses, and future evolutions in this field.
CagA-positive Helicobacter pylori may promote and aggravate scrub typhus
Authors: Du Qiuying , Zeng Houyang , Pang Xianwu , Cao Jianyu , Xie Bo , Long Chunyi , Liang Liudan , Deng Fenglian , Huang Meijin , Li Li , Huang Fengyan , Liu Xinli , Hu Yanling , Lv Jiannan
Published: January 2024

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection may alter the host’s resistance to tsutsugamushi disease pathogens through the Th1 immune response, leading to potential synergistic pathogenic effects. A total of 117 scrub typhus cases at Beihai People’s Hospital and affiliated hospitals of Youjiang University for Nationalities and Medical Sciences were studied from January to December 2022, alongside 130 healthy individuals forming the control group. All participants underwent serum H. pylori antibody testing. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was significantly higher among scrub typhus patients (89.7%) compared to healthy individuals (54.6%) (p < 0.05). Moreover, type I H. pylori infection was notably more prevalent in scrub typhus cases (67.5%) compared to healthy individuals (30%) (p < 0.05). Multifactorial analysis demonstrated type I H. pylori infection as an independent risk factor for scrub typhus (adjusted odds ratio: 2.407, 95% confidence interval: 1.249–4.64, p = 0.009). Among scrub typhus patients with multiple organ damage, the prevalence of type I H. pylori infection was significantly higher (50.6%) than type II H. pylori infection (15.4%) (χ2 = 4.735, p = 0.030). These results highlight a higher incidence of H. pylori infection in scrub typhus patients compared to the healthy population. Additionally, type I H. pylori strain emerged as an independent risk factor for scrub typhus development. Moreover, individuals infected with type I H. pylori are more susceptible to multiple organ damage. These findings suggest a potential role of H. pylori carrying the CagA gene in promoting and exacerbating scrub typhus.
Molecular mechanisms of corpus callosum development: a four-step journey
Authors: Gavrish Maria , Kustova Angelina , Celis Suescún Juan C. , Bessa Paraskevi , Mitina Natalia , Tarabykin Victor
Published: January 2024

The Corpus Callosum (CC) is a bundle of axons connecting the cerebral hemispheres. It is the most recent structure to have appeared during evolution of placental mammals. Its development is controlled by a very complex interplay of many molecules. In humans it contains almost 80% of all commissural axons in the brain. The formation of the CC can be divided into four main stages, each controlled by numerous intracellular and extracellular molecular factors. First, a newborn neuron has to specify an axon, leave proliferative compartments, the Ventricular Zone (VZ) and Subventricular Zone (SVZ), migrate through the Intermediate Zone (IZ), and then settle at the Cortical Plate (CP). During the second stage, callosal axons navigate toward the midline within a compact bundle. Next stage is the midline crossing into contralateral hemisphere. The last step is targeting a defined area and synapse formation. This review provides an insight into these four phases of callosal axons development, as well as a description of the main molecular players involved.