bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic and clinical characterization of Klebsiella pneumoniae carrying the pks island
Authors: Wang Zhiqian , Liu Yanjun , Liu Peilin , Jian Zijuan , Yan Qun , Tang Bin , Yang Awen , Liu Wenen
Published: September 2023

Background

The pks island and its production of the bacterial secondary metabolite genotoxin, colibactin, have attracted increasing attention. However, genomic articles focusing on pks islands in Klebsiella pneumoniae, as well as comparative genomic studies of mobile genetic elements, such as prophages, plasmids, and insertion sequences, are lacking. In this study, a large-scale analysis was conducted to understand the prevalence and evolution of pks islands, differences in mobile genetic elements between pks-negative and pks-positive K. pneumoniae, and clinical characteristics of infection caused by pks-positive K. pneumoniae.

Methods

The genomes of 2,709 K. pneumoniae were downloaded from public databases, among which, 1,422 were from NCBI and 1,287 were from the China National GeneBank DataBase (CNGBdb). Screening for virulence and resistance genes, phylogenetic tree construction, and pan-genome analysis were performed. Differences in mobile genetic elements between pks-positive and pks-negative strains were compared. The clinical characteristics of 157 pks-positive and 157 pks-negative K. pneumoniae infected patients were investigated.

Results

Of 2,709 K. pneumoniae genomes, 245 pks-positive genomes were screened. The four siderophores, type VI secretion system, and nutritional factor genes were present in at least 77.9% (191/245), 66.9% (164/245), and 63.3% (155/245) of pks-positive strains, respectively. The number and fragment length of prophage were lower in pks-positive strains than in pks-negative strains (p < 0.05). The prevalence of the IS6 family was higher in pks-negative strains than in pks-positive strains, and the prevalence of multiple plasmid replicon types differed between the pks-positive and pks-negative strains (p < 0.05). The detection rate of pks-positive K. pneumoniae in abscess samples was higher than that of pks-negative K. pneumoniae (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The pks-positive strains had abundant virulence genes. There were differences in the distribution of mobile genetic elements between pks-positive and pks-negative isolates. Further analysis of the evolutionary pattern of pks island and epidemiological surveillance in different populations are needed.
Viruses of the Turriviridae: an emerging model system for studying archaeal virus-host interactions
Authors: Overton Michael S. , Manuel Robert D. , Lawrence C. Martin , Snyder Jamie C.
Published: September 2023

Viruses have played a central role in the evolution and ecology of cellular life since it first arose. Investigations into viral molecular biology and ecological dynamics have propelled abundant progress in our understanding of living systems, including genetic inheritance, cellular signaling and trafficking, and organismal development. As well, the discovery of viral lineages that infect members of all three domains suggest that these lineages originated at the earliest stages of biological evolution. Research into these viruses is helping to elucidate the conditions under which life arose, and the dynamics that directed its early development. Archaeal viruses have only recently become a subject of intense study, but investigations have already produced intriguing and exciting results. STIV was originally discovered in Yellowstone National Park and has been the focus of concentrated research. Through this research, a viral genetic system was created, a novel lysis mechanism was discovered, and the interaction of the virus with cellular ESCRT machinery was revealed. This review will summarize the discoveries within this group of viruses and will also discuss future work.
Sestrin2 protects against hypoxic nerve injury by regulating mitophagy through SESN2/AMPK pathway
Authors: Pan Cunyao , Ai Chongyi , Liang Lanlan , Zhang Baoyi , Li Qionglin , Pu Lingling , Wang Zirou , Liu Weili , Chen Zhaoli , Liu Hui , Wang Xinxing
Published: September 2023

Hypoxia induced by high altitude can lead to severe neurological dysfunction. Mitophagy is known to play a crucial role in hypoxic nerve injury. However, the regulatory mechanism of mitophagy during this injury remains unclear. Recent studies have highlighted the role of Sestrin2 (SESN2), an evolutionarily conserved stress-inducible protein against acute hypoxia. Our study demonstrated that hypoxia treatment increased SESN2 expression and activated mitophagy in PC12 cells. Furthermore, the knock-out of Sesn2 gene led to a significant increase in mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP concentrations, which protected the PC12 cells from hypoxic injury. Although the AMPK/mTOR pathway was significantly altered under hypoxia, it does not seem to participate in mitophagy regulation. Instead, our data suggest that the mitophagy receptor FUNDC1 plays a vital role in hypoxia-induced mitophagy. Moreover, SESN2 may function through synergistic regulation with other pathways, such as SESN2/AMPK, to mediate cellular adaptation to hypoxia, including the regulation of mitophagy in neuron cells. Therefore, SESN2 plays a critical role in regulating neural cell response to hypoxia. These findings offer valuable insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms governing the regulation of mitophagy under hypoxia and further highlight the potential of SESN2 as a promising therapeutic target for hypoxic nerve injury.
Long-term social isolation stress exacerbates sex-specific neurodegeneration markers in a natural model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Oliva Carolina A. , Lira Matías , Jara Claudia , Catenaccio Alejandra , Mariqueo Trinidad A. , Lindsay Carolina B. , Bozinovic Francisco , Cavieres Grisel , Inestrosa Nibaldo C. , Tapia-Rojas Cheril , Rivera Daniela S.
Published: September 2023

Social interactions have a significant impact on health in humans and animal models. Social isolation initiates a cascade of stress-related physiological disorders and stands as a significant risk factor for a wide spectrum of morbidity and mortality. Indeed, social isolation stress (SIS) is indicative of cognitive decline and risk to neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of chronic, long-term SIS on the propensity to develop hallmarks of AD in young degus (Octodon degus), a long-lived animal model that mimics sporadic AD naturally. We examined inflammatory factors, bioenergetic status, reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress, antioxidants, abnormal proteins, tau protein, and amyloid-β (Aβ) levels in the hippocampus of female and male degus that were socially isolated from post-natal and post-weaning until adulthood. Additionally, we explored the effect of re-socialization following chronic isolation on these protein profiles. Our results showed that SIS promotes a pro-inflammatory scenario more severe in males, a response that was partially mitigated by a period of re-socialization. In addition, ATP levels, ROS, and markers of oxidative stress are severely affected in female degus, where a period of re-socialization fails to restore them as it does in males. In females, these effects might be linked to antioxidant enzymes like catalase, which experience a decline across all SIS treatments without recovery during re-socialization. Although in males, a previous enzyme in antioxidant pathway diminishes in all treatments, catalase rebounds during re-socialization. Notably, males have less mature neurons after chronic isolation, whereas phosphorylated tau and all detectable forms of Aβ increased in both sexes, persisting even post re-socialization. Collectively, these findings suggest that long-term SIS may render males more susceptible to inflammatory states, while females are predisposed to oxidative states. In both scenarios, the accumulation of tau and Aβ proteins increase the individual susceptibility to early-onset neurodegenerative conditions such as AD.
Challenges and advanced concepts for the assessment of learning and memory function in mice
Authors: Lang Benjamin , Kahnau Pia , Hohlbaum Katharina , Mieske Paul , Andresen Niek P. , Boon Marcus N. , Thöne-Reineke Christa , Lewejohann Lars , Diederich Kai
Published: September 2023

The mechanisms underlying the formation and retrieval of memories are still an active area of research and discussion. Manifold models have been proposed and refined over the years, with most assuming a dichotomy between memory processes involving non-conscious and conscious mechanisms. Despite our incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanisms, tests of memory and learning count among the most performed behavioral experiments. Here, we will discuss available protocols for testing learning and memory using the example of the most prevalent animal species in research, the laboratory mouse. A wide range of protocols has been developed in mice to test, e.g., object recognition, spatial learning, procedural memory, sequential problem solving, operant- and fear conditioning, and social recognition. Those assays are carried out with individual subjects in apparatuses such as arenas and mazes, which allow for a high degree of standardization across laboratories and straightforward data interpretation but are not without caveats and limitations. In animal research, there is growing concern about the translatability of study results and animal welfare, leading to novel approaches beyond established protocols. Here, we present some of the more recent developments and more advanced concepts in learning and memory testing, such as multi-step sequential lockboxes, assays involving groups of animals, as well as home cage-based assays supported by automated tracking solutions; and weight their potential and limitations against those of established paradigms. Shifting the focus of learning tests from the classical experimental chamber to settings which are more natural for rodents comes with a new set of challenges for behavioral researchers, but also offers the opportunity to understand memory formation and retrieval in a more conclusive way than has been attainable with conventional test protocols. We predict and embrace an increase in studies relying on methods involving a higher degree of automatization, more naturalistic- and home cage-based experimental setting as well as more integrated learning tasks in the future. We are confident these trends are suited to alleviate the burden on animal subjects and improve study designs in memory research.
A mini-review on functional magnetic resonance imaging on brain structure of vascular cognitive impairment
Authors: Wei Zeyi , Yue Jinhuan , Li Xiaoling , Zhao Weiwei , Cao Danna , Li Ang , Yang Guanhu , Zhang Qinhong
Published: September 2023

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is the initial stage of vascular dementia (VaD). Early diagnosis and treatment of VCI are crucial to prevent the progression of VaD. In order to gain a better understanding of VCI, this study aimed to investigate the use of advanced imaging techniques such as structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). These techniques allow researchers to observe the structural and functional changes in the brain that are associated with VCI. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and sMRI techniques have been widely used in studies focusing on gray matter, brain networks, and functional abnormalities during rest. By searching and summarizing recent literature, this study has provided valuable evidence on the use of advanced imaging techniques in understanding and treating VCI. The findings from this study can aid in the development of early intervention strategies for patients with VCI, potentially slowing down or even halting the progression of VCI to full-blown VaD.
Gait analysis patterns and rehabilitative interventions to improve gait in persons with hereditary spastic paraplegia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Faccioli Silvia , Cavalagli Angela , Falocci Nicola , Mangano Giulia , Sanfilippo Irene , Sassi Silvia
Published: September 2023

Background

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are a group of inheritance diseases resulting in gait abnormalities, which may be detected using instrumented gait analysis. The aim of this systematic review was 2-fold: to identify specific gait analysis patterns and interventions improving gait in HSP subjects.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, REHABDATA, and PEDro databases, in accordance with reporting guidelines of PRISMA statement and Cochrane's recommendation. The review protocol was recorded on the PROSPERO register. Patients with pure and complicated HSP of any age were included. All types of studies were included. Risk of bias, quality assessment, and meta-analysis were performed.

Results

Forty-two studies were included: 19 were related to gait analysis patterns, and 24 were intervention studies. The latter ones were limited to adults. HSP gait patterns were similar to cerebral palsy in younger subjects and stroke in adults. Knee hyperextension, reduced range of motion at knee, ankle, and hip, reduced foot lift, and increased rapid trunk and arm movements were reported. Botulinum injections reduced spasticity but uncovered weakness and improved gait velocity at follow-up. Weak evidence supported intrathecal baclofen, active intensive physical therapy (i.e., robot-assisted gait training, functional exercises, and hydrotherapy), and functional electrical stimulation. Some improvements but adverse events were reported after transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation, and spinal cord stimulation implant.

Conclusion

Knee hyperextension, non-sagittal pelvic movements, and reduced ROM at the knee, ankle, and hip represent the most peculiar patterns in HSP, compared to diplegic cerebral palsy and stroke. Botulinum improved comfortable gait velocity after 2 months. Nonetheless, interventions reducing spasticity might result in ineffective functional outcomes unveiling weakness. Intensive active physical therapy and FES might improve gait velocity in the very short term.
A five-year observational prospective mono-center study of the efficacy of alemtuzumab in a real-world cohort of patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sandgren Sofia , Novakova Lenka , Nordin Anna , Axelsson Markus , Malmeström Clas , Zetterberg Henrik , Lycke Jan
Published: September 2023

Background

Alemtuzumab (ALZ) is a pulsed immune reconstitution therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective

To assess basic characteristics, therapeutic effects, and prognostic biomarkers on clinical and imaging parameters of disease activity for relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) patients selected for ALZ, in a real-world long-term setting.

Methods

Fifty-one RRMS patients [female = 31; mean age 36 (standard deviation 7.1) years; median expanded disability status scale (EDSS) 2 (interquartile range (IQR) 1.5)] initiating ALZ treatment, were consecutively included. Patients were assessed at baseline and thereafter annually for 5 years with clinical measures, symbol digit modality test (SDMT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Concentrations of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), reflecting astrogliosis, and neurofilament light (NfL), reflecting axonal damage, were measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples collected at baseline and after 2 years in CSF, and annually in serum. Control subjects were symptomatic controls (SCs, n = 27), who were examined at baseline and after 5 years without evidence of neurological disease.

Results

While the mean annualized relapse rate was significantly reduced from baseline at each year of follow-up, disability was essentially maintained at a median EDSS of 1.5 and IQR between 1.13 and 2.25. New MRI activity was recorded in 26 patients (53%) over 5 years. The proportion of patients who achieved no evidence of disease activity (NEDA-3), 6-months confirmed disability worsening (CDW), and 6-months confirmed disability improvement (CDI) at 5 years were 33, 31, and 31%, respectively. The SDMT score was reduced for patients (p < 0.001), but unchanged for SCs. ALZ treatment did not change GFAP levels, whereas there was a significant decrease for RRMS patients in median CSF and serum NfL levels at follow-up [CSF month 24: 456 pg./mL (IQR 285.4) (p = 0.05); serum month 24: 6.7 pg/mL (IQR 4.7) (p < 0.01); serum month 60: 7.2 pg/mL (IQR 4.7) (p < 0.01)], compared to baseline [CSF: 1014 pg/mL (IQR 2832.5); serum 8.6 pg/mL (IQR 17.4)].

Conclusion

In this real-world mono-center population, we observed a progression-free survival of 69%, cumulative NEDA-3 of 33%, and reduced NfL levels, over a five-year follow-up. This confirms ALZ as an effective pulsed immune reconstitution therapy that significantly reduces neuro axonal loss, and therefore has the potential to reduce long-term neurological disability. ALZ did not appear to affect astrogliosis.
Analysis of shared ceRNA networks and related-hub genes in rats with primary and secondary photoreceptor degeneration
Authors: Liang Jia , Fang Dong , Yao Fei , Chen Lu , Zou Zhenhua , Tang Xiangcheng , Feng Lujia , Zhuang Yijing , Xie Ting , Wei Pengxue , Li Pengfeng , Zheng Huiyan , Zhang Shaochong
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Photoreceptor degenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive death of photoreceptor cells, resulting in irreversible visual impairment. However, the role of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in photoreceptor degeneration is unclear. We aimed to explore the shared ceRNA regulation network and potential molecular mechanisms between primary and secondary photoreceptor degenerations.

Methods

We established animal models for both types of photoreceptor degenerations and conducted retina RNA sequencing to identify shared differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Using ceRNA regulatory principles, we constructed a shared ceRNA network and performed function enrichment and protein–protein interaction (PPI) analyses to identify hub genes and key pathways. Immune cell infiltration and drug–gene interaction analyses were conducted, and hub gene expression was validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results

We identified 37 shared differentially expressed lncRNAs, 34 miRNAs, and 247 mRNAs and constructed a ceRNA network consisting of 3 lncRNAs, 5 miRNAs, and 109 mRNAs. Furthermore, we examined 109 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) through functional annotation, PPI analysis, and regulatory network analysis. We discovered that these diseases shared the complement and coagulation cascades pathway. Eight hub genes were identified and enriched in the immune system process. Immune infiltration analysis revealed increased T cells and decreased B cells in both photoreceptor degenerations. The expression of hub genes was closely associated with the quantities of immune cell types. Additionally, we identified 7 immune therapeutical drugs that target the hub genes.

Discussion

Our findings provide new insights and directions for understanding the common mechanisms underlying the development of photoreceptor degeneration. The hub genes and related ceRNA networks we identified may offer new perspectives for elucidating the mechanisms and hold promise for the development of innovative treatment strategies.
Solubility of anhydrite and gypsum at temperatures below 100°C and the gypsum-anhydrite transition temperature in aqueous solutions: a re-assessment
Authors: Voigt Wolfgang , Freyer Daniela
Published: September 2023

Anhydrite and gypsum are omnipresent in sedimentary rocks of all types. They occur as massive layers or are distributed within other geological formations as in clays. Understanding the conditions of formation and the stability of the hydrated and anhydrous form of calcium sulfate is crucial in an elucidation of the genesis of the geological formations envisaged as potential host rock for radioactive waste disposal. Estimations of the temperature, where gypsum is dehydrated to anhydrite in water vary between 30°C and 60°C. The extremely slow crystallization kinetics of anhydrite at T < 90°C prevents a direct determination of this transition temperature. In the present work the different approaches to fix this temperature are discussed. It is shown that careful assessment of solubility data and calorimetric measurements yields a transition temperature of 42°C ± 1°C. For results essentially deviating from this value methodic deficiencies are revealed and discussed. Thus, a long-standing discussion about the thermodynamic aspect of the gypsum-anhydrite conversion can be closed, not the kinetic part.
A cross-sectional study on the association between dietary inflammatory index and hyperuricemia based on NHANES 2005–2018
Authors: Wang Hao , Qin Shengmei , Li Feng , Zhang Huanhuan , Zeng Ling
Published: September 2023

Background

Hyperuricemia is a common condition that can lead to gout and other related diseases. It has been suggested that Inflammatory factors play important role in the development and progression of hyperuricemia. The dietary inflammatory index (DII) enables the assessment of the inflammatory potential of an individual’s diet. This study aimed to investigate the association between DII and hyperuricemia.

Methods

This study was performed based on a cross-sectional dataset from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2018. Participants aged 18 years and above with dietary intake and serum uric acid level information were included. DII scores were calculated using dietary intake data, based on which participants were categorized into tertiles. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was adopted to investigate the association between DII and hyperuricemia.

Results

Among a total of 31,781 participants in the analysis, 5,491 had hyperuricemia. After adjusting confounding factors, the odds of hyperuricemia are significantly higher in the second (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07–1.29) and third tertiles (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.19–1.44) relative to the first one.

Conclusion

This study suggested that diet with higher inflammatory potential, as measured by DII, is associated with increased hyperuricemia risk. These findings indicated that dietary modification may be a potential approach for hyperuricemia’s prevention and control.
High resting energy expenditure, less fat-free mass, and less muscle strength in HIV-infected children: a matched, cross-sectional study
Authors: Franco-Oliva Andrea , Pinzón-Navarro Beatriz Adriana , Martínez-Soto-Holguín Martha C. , León-Lara Ximena , Ordoñez-Ortega Javier , Pardo-Gutiérrez Ana Laura , Guevara-Cruz Martha , Avila-Nava Azalia , García-Guzmán Alda Daniela , Guevara-Pedraza Laura , Medina-Vera Isabel
Published: September 2023

Background and aims

Many improvements have been made in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in pediatric patients; however, challenges remain in terms of achieving normal growth, body composition, and metabolism during treatment, etc. Current nutritional recommendations are based on studies performed in adults, with limited data on the HIV-infected pediatric population. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the resting energy expenditure (REE) of asymptomatic HIV-infected pediatric patients with healthy counterparts and to compare body composition, dietary intake, and physical activity between the two groups.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of asymptomatic HIV-infected children who were receiving antiretroviral therapy; the infected group was compared with the uninfected group, matched by age (± 6 months), sex, and body mass index (± 0.5 z-score). Participants were recruited between 2021 and 2022, as outpatients. In both groups, REE was determined by indirect calorimetry and body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis and hand strength, measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer.

Results

Seventy-eight participants were enrolled, where n = 39 HIV-infected children and n = 39 controls, with a mean age of 11.6 ± 3.4 years old. REE was significantly higher in the HIV group (1254.4 ± 334.7 kcal/day vs. 1124.7 ± 321 kcal/day, p = 0.013) than in the control group. Fat-free mass (FFM) was lower in the HIV group (28.2 ± 10.5 kg vs. 32 ± 11.2 kg, p = 0.001); this trend continued when the index skeletal muscle was evaluated (7.2 ± 1.2 vs. 7.6 ± 1.5, p = 0.04). The strength of the dominant hand was also lower in the HIV group (12 (8–18) kg vs. 20 (10.5–26) kg, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Children with asymptomatic HIV infection have higher REE than their uninfected peers. They also present decreased FFM, skeletal muscle mass index, and muscle strength. These parameters should be considered during nutritional assessment in this population to have a favorable impact on nutritional status and growth.
Bevacizumab-Irinotecan combination therapy in recurrent low-grade glioma, previously treated with chemo-radiotherapy: a case report
Authors: Castelli Barbara , Fonte Carla , Guidi Milena , Tellini Marco , Di Nicola Marco , Iacono Alessandro , Buccoliero Anna Maria , Greto Daniela , Genitori Lorenzo , Sardi Iacopo
Published: September 2023

Low grade gliomas (LGGs) of pineal region are usually difficult to remove and they frequently relapse or progress after front line chemotherapy. Bevacizumab-Irinotecan (BEVIRI) combination has been successfully attempted in children with recurrent LGGs, in most cases not previously irradiated. The efficacy of bevacizumab has also been described in radiation necrosis. Considering the possible overlapping of radiation treatment effect and disease progression and difficulty in differentiating, we report on the use of BEVIRI in a case of a recurrent relapsing low-grade glioma of the pineal region, subjected to multiple neurosurgical interventions, also treated with a carboplatin-etoposide regimen and a radiation course, at present at one-year follow-up showing a stable response, with no adverse events.
MRI and amino acid PET detection of whole-brain tumor burden
Authors: Chen Peng , Scarpelli Matthew L. , Healey Debbie R. , Mehta Shwetal , Quarles C. Chad
Published: September 2023

Background

[18F]fluciclovine amino acid PET has shown promise for detecting brain tumor regions undetected on conventional anatomic MRI scans. However, it remains unclear which of these modalities provides a better assessment of the whole brain tumor burden. This study quantifies the performance of [18F]fluciclovine PET and MRI for detecting the whole brain tumor burden.

Methods

Thirteen rats were orthotopically implanted with fluorescently transduced human glioblastoma cells. Rats underwent MRI (T1- and T2-weighted) and [18F]fluciclovine PET. Next brains were excised, optically cleared, and scanned ex vivo with fluorescence imaging. All images were co-registered using a novel landmark-based registration to enable a spatial comparison. The tumor burden identified on the fluorescent images was considered the ground truth for comparison with the in vivo imaging.

Results

Across all cases, the PET sensitivity for detecting tumor burden (median 0.67) was not significantly different than MRI (combined T1+T2-weighted) sensitivity (median 0.61; p=0.85). However, the combined PET+MRI sensitivity (median 0.86) was significantly higher than MRI alone (41% higher; p=0.004) or PET alone (28% higher; p=0.0002). The specificity of combined PET+MRI (median=0.91) was significantly lower compared with MRI alone (6% lower; p=0.004) or PET alone (2% lower; p=0.002).

Conclusion

In these glioblastoma xenografts, [18F]fluciclovine PET did not provide a significant increase in tumor burden detection relative to conventional anatomic MRI. However, a combined PET and MRI assessment did significantly improve detection sensitivity relative to either modality alone, suggesting potential value in a combined assessment for some tumors.
Research hotspots and trend analysis of abdominal pain in inflammatory bowel disease: a bibliometric and visualized analysis
Authors: Peng Shuai , Xia Yuan , Wang Ying , Yu Xiaoyun , Wu Zunan , Zhang Li , Xu Ke , Shen Lei , Luo Hesheng
Published: September 2023

Aims: The study aimed to provide a bibliometric and visual analysis of research on abdominal pain in inflammatory bowel disease and discuss the current status, research hotspots, and future developments.

Methods: We used the Web of Science Core Collection to comprehensively search the literature on abdominal pain-related research in IBD published between 2003 and 2022. The bibliometric and visual analysis was performed through CiteSpace, VOSviewer software, R language, and the bibliometric online analysis platform, including authors, institutions, countries, journals, references, and keywords in the literature.

Results: A total of 3,503 relevant articles are included, indicating that the number of articles in this field has increased in recent years. The United States leads the way with a dominant position in terms of article output, followed by China and JAPAN. United States (967 articles), University of Calgary (98 articles), and World Journal of Gastroenterology (127 articles) are the top publishing countries, institutions, and journals, respectively; keyword analysis shows that gut microbiota, depression, stress, visceral hypersensitivity, and multidisciplinary approach are the hot spots and trends in this research area.

Conclusion: Abdominal pain-related studies in IBD have received increasing attention in the past two decades. This study provides the first bibliometric analysis of papers in this research area using visualization software and data information mining. It provides insights into this field’s current status, hot spots, and trends. However, many outstanding issues in this research area still need further exploration to provide a theoretical basis for its clinical application.
Progression of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Liu Yanhui , Kong Haobo , Cai Heping , Chen Guanru , Chen Huiying , Ruan Wenyi
Published: September 2023

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by a slow progression and caused by the inhalation of harmful particulate matter. Cigarette smoke and air pollutants are the primary contributing factors. Currently, the pathogenesis of COPD remains incompletely understood. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway has recently emerged as a critical regulator of inflammation and oxidative stress response in COPD, playing a pivotal role in the disease’s progression and treatment. This paper reviews the association between the PI3K/Akt pathway and COPD, examines effective PI3K/Akt inhibitors and novel anti-COPD agents, aiming to identify new therapeutic targets for clinical intervention in this disease.
Potential targets and applications of nanodrug targeting myeloid cells in osteosarcoma for the enhancement of immunotherapy
Authors: Zhu Jianshu , Fan Jiawei , Xia Yuanliang , Wang Hengyi , Li Yuehong , Feng Zijia , Fu Changfeng
Published: September 2023

Targeted immunotherapies have emerged as a transformative approach in cancer treatment, offering enhanced specificity to tumor cells, and minimizing damage to healthy tissues. The targeted treatment of the tumor immune system has become clinically applicable, demonstrating significant anti-tumor activity in both early and late-stage malignancies, subsequently enhancing long-term survival rates. The most frequent and significant targeted therapies for the tumor immune system are executed through the utilization of checkpoint inhibitor antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor T cell treatment. However, when using immunotherapeutic drugs or combined treatments for solid tumors like osteosarcoma, challenges arise due to limited efficacy or the induction of severe cytotoxicity. Utilizing nanoparticle drug delivery systems to target tumor-associated macrophages and bone marrow-derived suppressor cells is a promising and attractive immunotherapeutic approach. This is because these bone marrow cells often exert immunosuppressive effects in the tumor microenvironment, promoting tumor progression, metastasis, and the development of drug resistance. Moreover, given the propensity of myeloid cells to engulf nanoparticles and microparticles, they are logical therapeutic targets. Therefore, we have discussed the mechanisms of nanomedicine-based enhancement of immune therapy through targeting myeloid cells in osteosarcoma, and how the related therapeutic strategies well adapt to immunotherapy from perspectives such as promoting immunogenic cell death with nanoparticles, regulating the proportion of various cellular subgroups in tumor-associated macrophages, interaction with myeloid cell receptor ligands, activating immunostimulatory signaling pathways, altering myeloid cell epigenetics, and modulating the intensity of immunostimulation. We also explored the clinical implementations of immunotherapy grounded on nanomedicine.
Identification technique of cryptomining behavior based on traffic features
Authors: Dong Lijian , Li Zhigang , Li Xiangrong , Wang Xiaofeng , Liu Yuan
Published: September 2023

Recently, the growth of blockchain technology and the economic benefits of cryptocurrencies have led to a proliferation of malicious cryptomining activities on the internet, resulting in significant losses for companies and institutions. Therefore, accurately detecting and identifying these behaviors has become essential. To address low accuracy in detecting and identifying cryptomining behaviors in encrypted traffic, a technique for identifying cryptomining behavior traffic is proposed. This technique is based on the time series characteristics of network traffic and introduces the feature of long-range dependence, and the recognition effect is not easily affected by the encryption algorithm. First, 48-dimensional features are extracted from the network traffic using statistical methods and the rescaled range method, of which 47 dimensions are statistical features and 1 dimension is a long-range dependence feature. Second, because there is much less cryptomining traffic information than normal network traffic information in the dataset, the dataset is processed using oversampling to make the two types of traffic data balanced. Finally, a random forest model is used to identify the type of traffic based on its features. Experiments demonstrate that this approach achieves good detection performance and provides an effective solution for identifying encrypted network traffic with malicious cryptomining behavior. The long-range dependence features introduced therein together with the statistical features describe a more comprehensive flow characteristics, and the preprocessing of the dataset improves the performance of the identification model.
Effects of Eimeria maxima infection doses on growth performance and gut health in dual-infection model of necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens
Authors: Goo Doyun , Choi Janghan , Ko Hanseo , Choppa Venkata Sesha Reddy , Liu Guanchen , Lillehoj Hyun Soon , Kim Woo Kyun
Published: September 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the different doses of Eimeria maxima (EM) oocysts on growth performance and intestinal health in broiler chickens challenged with a dual infection model of necrotic enteritis (NE) using EM and NetB+Clostridium perfringens (CP). A total of 432 fourteen-d-old male Cobb 500 broiler chickens were divided into 6 groups with 6 replicates each. The six different groups were as follows: Control, non-challenged; T0+, challenged with CP at 1 × 109 colony forming unit; T5K+, T0+ + 5,000 EM oocysts; T10K+, T0+ + 10,000 EM oocysts; T20K+; T0+ + 20,000 EM oocysts; and T40K+; T0+ + 40,000 EM oocysts. The challenge groups were orally inoculated with EM strain 41A on d 14, followed by NetB+CP strain Del-1 on 4 days post inoculation (dpi). Increasing EM oocysts decreased d 21 body weight, body weight gain, feed intake (linear and quadratic, p < 0.001), and feed efficiency (linear, p < 0.001) from 0 to 7 dpi. Increasing EM oocysts increased jejunal NE lesion score and intestinal permeability on 5, 6, and 7 dpi (linear, p < 0.05). On 7 dpi, increasing the infection doses of EM oocysts increased jejunal CP colony counts (linear, p < 0.05) and increased fecal EM oocyst output (linear and quadratic, p < 0.001). Furthermore, increasing the infection doses of EM oocysts decreased the villus height to crypt depth ratios and the goblet cell counts (linear, p < 0.05) on 6 dpi. Increasing EM oocysts downregulated the expression of MUC2, B0AT, B0,+AT, PepT1, GLUT2, AvBD3 and 9, LEAP2, and TLR4, while upregulating CLDN1, CATHL3, IL-1β, IFN-γ, TNFSF15, TNF-α, IL-10, and Gam56 and 82 on 6 dpi (linear, p < 0.05). Additionally, increasing EM oocysts decreased Pielou’s evenness and Shannon’s entropy (linear, p < 0.01). In conclusion, increasing the infection doses of EM significantly aggravated the severity of NE and exerted negative impact on intestinal health from 5 to 7 dpi.
Selected adjuvants increase the efficacy of foliar biofortification of iodine in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain
Authors: Magor Esther , Wilson Matthew Deas , Wong Henri , Cresswell Tom , Sánchez-Palacios José Tonatiuh , Bell Richard William , Penrose Beth
Published: September 2023

Agronomic biofortification of crops is a promising approach that can improve the nutritional value of staple foods by alleviating dietary micronutrient deficiencies. Iodine deficiency is prevalent in many countries, including Australia, but it is not clear what foliar application strategies will be effective for iodine fortification of grain. This study hypothesised that combining adjuvants with iodine in foliar sprays would improve iodine penetration in wheat, leading to more efficient biofortification of grains. The glasshouse experiment included a total of nine treatments, including three reference controls: 1) Water; 2) potassium iodate (KIO3) and 3) potassium chloride (KCl); and a series of six different non-ionic surfactant or oil-based adjuvants: 4) KIO3 + BS1000; 5) KIO3 + Pulse® Penetrant; 6) KIO3 + Uptake®; 7) KIO3 + Hot-Up®; 8) KIO3 + Hasten® and 9) KIO3 + Synerterol® Horti Oil. Wheat was treated at heading, and again during the early milk growth stage. Adding the organosilicon-based adjuvant (Pulse®) to the spray formulation resulted in a significant increase in grain loading of iodine to 1269 µg/kg compared to the non-adjuvant KIO3 control at 231µg/kg, and the water and KCl controls (both 51µg/kg). The second most effective adjuvant was Synerterol® Horti Oil, which increased grain iodine significantly to 450µg/kg. The Uptake®, BS1000, Hasten®, and Hot-Up® adjuvants did not affect grain iodine concentrations relative to the KIO3 control. Importantly, iodine application and the subsequent increase in grain iodine had no significant effects on biomass production and grain yield relative to the controls. These results indicate that adjuvants can play an important role in agronomic biofortification practices, and organosilicon-based products have a great potential to enhance foliar penetration resulting in a higher translocation rate of foliar-applied iodine to grains, which is required to increase the iodine density of staple grains effectively.
Spatial variations and mechanisms for the stability of water use efficiency in China
Authors: Xu Xiaojuan , Liu Jing , Jiao Fusheng , Zhang Kun , Yang Yue , Qiu Jie , Zhu Yingying , Lin Naifeng , Zou Changxin
Published: September 2023

A clearer understanding of the stability of water use efficiency (WUE) and its driving factors contributes to improving water use efficiency and strengthening water resource management. However, the stability of WUE is unclear. Based on the EEMD method, this study analyses the spatial variations and mechanisms for the stability of WUE in China, especially in the National Forest Protection Project (NFPP) areas. It is found that the stable WUE was dominated by non-significant trends and increasing trends in China, accounting for 33.59% and 34.19%, respectively. The non-significant trend of stable WUE was mainly located in the Three-North shelterbelt program area, and the increasing trend of stable WUE was in Huaihe and Taihu, Taihang Mountains, and Pearl River shelterbelt program areas. Precipitation and soil moisture promoted the stable WUE in these project areas. The unstable WUE was dominated by positive reversals or negative reversals of WUE trends. The positive reversals of unstable WUE were mainly located in the Yellow River shelterbelt program areas, which was promoted by temperature and radiation, while the negative reversals of unstable WUE were mainly distributed in the Yangtze River and Liaohe shelterbelt program areas, which were mainly induced by saturation water vapor pressure difference (VPD). Our results highlight that some ecological restoration programs need to be improved to cope with the negative climate impact on the stability of WUE.
Operationalizing the blue economy in the Gulf of Guinea, Africa
Authors: Popoola Olusola Olalekan , Olajuyigbe Ayo Emmanuel
Published: September 2023

The Blue Economy is crucial for sustainable development in Africa, and the Gulf of Guinea, one of Sub-Saharan Africa's most economically dynamic countries, faces several challenges in transitioning into this economy. This study assesses the situation of the Blue Economy in the Gulf of Guinea and proposes strategies for its operationalization. A qualitative research approach was used to examine each member state's marine conservation initiatives, regional collaboration, management approaches, and strategic frameworks. Findings show that the Gulf of Guinea is already experiencing blue economy activities, but challenges like rapid population growth, urbanization, piracy, unsustainable anthropogenic activities, poor institutional frameworks, and climate change hinder the transition. The Gulf of Guinea's ocean economy accounts for less than 10% of GDP, so integrating the blue economy into trade strategies is crucial for its transformation. A systematic approach based on national priorities, social context, and resource base is needed to foster social inclusion, economic progress, and sustainable ocean development. Enablers of blue growth, such as integrated coastal zone management, marine spatial planning, marine protected areas, marine biodiversity, and blue justice discourse, must be integrated into policy design, prioritizing sustainability and equity. A cautious, phased approach is suggested, focusing on establishing traditional sectors, growing them, integrating value chains, and implementing regional collaboration so that the blue economy delivers on its social, environmental and economic goals in the Gulf of Guinea.
Understanding and evaluating harms of AI-generated image captions in political images
Authors: Sarhan Habiba , Hegelich Simon
Published: September 2023

The use of AI-generated image captions has been increasing. Scholars of disability studies have long studied accessibility and AI issues concerning technology bias, focusing on image captions and tags. However, less attention has been paid to the individuals and social groups depicted in images and captioned using AI. Further research is needed to understand the underlying representational harms that could affect these social groups. This paper investigates the potential representational harms to social groups depicted in images. There is a high risk of harming certain social groups, either by stereotypical descriptions or erasing their identities from the caption, which could affect the understandings, beliefs, and attitudes that people hold about these specific groups. For the purpose of this article, 1,000 images with human-annotated captions were collected from news agencies “politics” sections. Microsoft's Azure Cloud Services was used to generate AI-generated captions with the December 2021 public version. The pattern observed from the politically salient images gathered and their captions highlight the tendency of the model used to generate more generic descriptions, which may potentially harm misrepresented social groups. Consequently, a balance between those harms needs to be struck, which is intertwined with the trade-off between generating generic vs. specific descriptions. The decision to generate generic descriptions, being extra cautious not to use stereotypes, erases and demeans excluded and already underrepresented social groups, while the decision to generate specific descriptions stereotypes social groups as well as reifies them. The appropriate trade-off is, therefore, crucial, especially when examining politically salient images.
What predicts the alleviation of Covid-related future anxiety in schoolchildren 6 to 9 months into the pandemic?
Authors: Voltmer Katharina , von Salisch Maria
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Although the first COVID-19-related lockdown in the Spring of 2020 has contributed to an increase in mental health problems in many children worldwide, less is known about the longer-term effects of the pandemic on their (future) anxiety. This article examines resilience factors against children’s Covid-relatedfut ure anxiety (CRFA).

Methods

N = 140 children (48,6% female) in 3rd and 4th grade classrooms in Northern Germany were asked to self-report about their CRFA, their anxiety, and the social climate in their classrooms in September (T1) and December 2020 (T2).

Results

Results indicate that 18.6% of the children experienced CRFA “often” in at least one item of the CRFA scale at T1. CRFA was more pronounced in girls and in children from immigrant families. Changes in children’s CRFA between T1 and T2 were predicted by changes in their anxiety and changes in classroom climate. Children in classrooms with increasing levels of peer support tended to have decreasing levels of CRFA, whereas their agemates’ CRFA in less supportive classrooms tended to increase over time.

Discussion

These results suggest that peer and teacher social support may bolster children’s resilience against future anxiety in challenging times. Implications for teachers and schools are discussed.