bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid expansion and international spread of M1UK in the post-pandemic upsurge of Streptococcus pyogenes infections in United Kingdom
Authors: Sriskan Shiranee , Vieira Ana , Wan Yu , Ryan Yan , Li Ho Kwong , Guy Rebecca L. , Papangeli Maria , Huse Kristin , Reeves Lucy C. , Soo Valerie WC , Daniel Roger , Harley Alessandra , Broughton Karen , Dhami Chenchal , Ganner Mark , Ganner Marjorie , Mumin Zaynab , Razaei Maryam , Rundberg Emma , Mammadox Rufat , Mills Ewurabena A. , Sgro Vincenzo , Mok Kai Yi , Didelot Xavier , Croucher Nicholas , Jauneikaite Elita , Lamagni Theresa , Brown Colin S , Coelho Juliana 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The UK observed a marked increase in scarlet fever and invasive group A streptococcal infection in 2022 with severe outcomes in children and similar trends worldwide. Here we report lineage M1UK to be the dominant source of invasive infections in this upsurge and associated with pleural empyema. Compared with ancestral M1global strains, invasive M1UK strains exhibited reduced genomic diversity and fewer mutations in two-component regulator genes covRS. The emergence of M1UK was dated to 2008. Following a bottleneck coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, three emergent M1UK clades underwent rapid nationwide expansion, despite lack of detection in previous years. All M1UK isolates thus-far sequenced globally have a phylogenetic origin in the UK, with dispersal of the new clades in Europe. While waning immunity may promote streptococcal epidemics, the genetic features of M1UK point to a fitness advantage in pathogenicity, and a striking ability to persist through population bottlenecks.
Influence of non-tuberculous bacterial infection on prognosis of hemoptysis
Authors: FAN Wei , CHANG Yaowen , WANG Wenhui 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective Non-tuberculous bacterial infection delayed the prognosis and discharge time of patients with hemoptysis. This paper mainly analyzed the bacterial infection of lung and its mechanism.
Methods Sixty-two patients with pulmonary hemoptysis accompanied by bacterial infection in the past 5 years were screened and divided into the experimental group and the control group according to whether leukocytes were elevated after bacterial infection. Multiple COX regression analysis was performed on gender, age, leukocytes, C-reactive protein, prothrombinase time and platelets of the two groups, and the correlation between PLT and PT and bacterial infection was analyzed by subject work characteristic curves.
Results The decrease of PLT and the prolongation of PT were positively correlated with the hemoptysis caused by leukocyte elevation.
Conclusion Patients with elevated white blood cells after bacterial infection can significantly prolong PT and decrease PLT. For patients with hemoptysis accompanied by bacterial infection, increasing PLT can play a dual role in hemostasis and control inflammation.
Childhood Obesity is Associated With a High Degree of Metabolic Disturbance in Children From Brazilian Semi-Arid Region
Authors: Ferreira Isabella B. B. , Gomes Alexvon N. , Almeida Isadora B. C. , Fernandes Mariana D. , Coutinho Ludmilla F. , Lago Renata , Menezes Camila A. , Vianna Nelzair A. , Oliveira Ricardo Riccio , Fukutani Eduardo R. , Menezes Rodrigo C. , Ladeia Ana Marice , Andrade Bruno B. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Projected to impact 310 million children by the next decade, childhood obesity is linked to serious health issues like metabolic disturbance and cardiovascular diseases. This study introduces a novel approach for the integrated assessment of inflammatory, glycemic and lipid disorders in obese children in resources-limited settings and also identifies key factors contributing to these changes. Conducting a cross-sectional analysis of 231 children aged 5–12 years from public schools in Brazil's semi-arid region, the research involved collecting medical history, anthropometric measurements, and blood samples to analyse glycemic and lipid profiles, along with C-reactive protein levels. We used an adapted the Molecular Degree of Perturbation model to analyse deviations in metabolic markers from a healthy control group. Statistical analyses included Mann-whitney and Fisher exact tests, backward logistic regression, and hierarchical cluster analysis. The study identified a direct and independent association between elevated Metabolic Disturbance Degree and both overweight and obesity in children, with significant differences in CRP, Triglycerides, and HDL levels noted between obese and healthy-weight groups. The findings highlight the critical need for early detection and comprehensive understanding of obesity-related changes to mitigate the severe health risks associated with childhood obesity.
Aurora Kinase A inhibition enhances DNA damage and tumor cell death with 131I-MIBG therapy in high-risk neuroblastoma
Authors: Kumar Prerna , Koach Jessica , Nekritz Erin , Mukherjee Sucheta , Braun Benjamin S. , DuBois Steven G. , Nasholm Nicole , Haas-Kogan Daphne , Matthay Katherine K. , Weiss William A. , Gustafson Clay , Seo Youngho 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial pediatric solid tumor. 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) is a targeted radiopharmaceutical highly specific for neuroblastoma tumors, providing potent radiotherapy to widely metastatic disease. Aurora kinase A (AURKA) plays a role in mitosis and stabilization of the MYCN protein in neuroblastoma. Here we explore whether AURKA inhibition potentiates a response to MIBG therapy.
Results
Using an in vivo model of high-risk neuroblastoma, we demonstrated a marked combinatorial effect of 131I-MIBG and alisertib on tumor growth. In MYCN amplified cell lines, the combination of radiation and an AURKA A inhibitor increased DNA damage and apoptosis and decreased MYCN protein levels.
Conclusion
The combination of AURKA inhibition with 131I-MIBG treatment is active in resistant neuroblastoma models and is a promising clinical approach in high-risk neuroblastoma.
Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses provide insights into anthocyanin biosynthesis for leaf colour formation in Quercus mongolica
Authors: Yuan Yangchen , Liu Jialin , Li Xinman , Zhao Zipeng , Pang Jiushuai , Zhou Miaomiao , Dong Junsheng , Chen Huimin , Huo Wei , Wang Qian , Su Beibei , Liu Hongshan , Zhang Jiang , Huang Dazhuang , Yang Minsheng 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Quercus mongolica is a tall tree with a broad, rounded crown and lush leaves. In autumn, the leaves turn red and have great ornamental value. However, the molecular mechanisms that cause the change in leaf colour are unknown. In this study, we identified 12 differentially expressed genes involved in anthocyanin synthesis by analysing the transcriptome of Q. mongolica leaves in six developmental stages (S1 − S6). We further analysed the dynamics of anthocyanin content in Q. mongolica leaves in four developmental stages (S1, S2, S5, and S6) using differential gene expression patterns. We detected a total of 48 anthocyanins and categorised these into seven major anthocyanin ligands. The most abundant anthocyanins in the red leaves of Q. mongolica were cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-sophoroside, and pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside. Correlation analysis of differentially expressed genes and anthocyanin content identified highly expressed QmANS as a key structural gene associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis in Q. mongolica. A transcription factor-structural gene correlation analysis showed that the 1bHLH, 3bZIP, 1MYB, 10NAC, and 2WRKY transcription factors played strong positive roles in regulating anthocyanin structural genes (|PCC| > 0.90), with the QmNAC transcription factor playing a major role in anthocyanin biosynthesis.
Contributions of countries without a carbon neutrality target to limit global warming
Authors: Li Wei , Zhou Jiaxin , Ciais Philippe , Gasser Thomas , Wang Jingmeng , Li Zhao , Zhu Lei , Han Mengjie , He Jiaying , Sun Minxuan , Liu Li , Huang Xiaomeng 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is a key negative emission technology in future climate mitigation. Some countries have made no commitment to carbon neutrality, but they are viewed as potential candidates for BECCS. Here we analyze the contribution of these countries with respect to BECCS and ask the question of how much would be lost for global climate change mitigation if these countries decide not to adopt BECCS. The cooling effect due to carbon-dioxide removal (CDR) through switchgrass cultivation and carbon capture in these countries is largely counterbalanced by its biophysical warming, but the net effect is still an extra cooling. These countries play a more important role in the low-warming scenario than the overshoot scenario, despite the inequality of temperature change among countries. Our study highlights the importance of efforts from all countries in global climate mitigation.
Prediction and Optimization Method for Welding Quality of Components in Ship Construction
Authors: Liu Jinfeng , Cheng Yifa , Jing Xuwen , Liu Xiaojun , Chen Yu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Welding process, as one of the crucial industrial technologies in ship construction, accounts for approximately 70% of the workload and costs account for approximately 40% of the total cost. The existing welding quality prediction methods have hypothetical premises and subjective factors, which cannot meet the dynamic control requirements of intelligent welding for processing quality. Aiming at the low efficiency of quality prediction problems poor timeliness and unpredictability of quality control in ship assembly-welding process, a data and model driven welding quality prediction method is proposed. Firstly, the influence factors of welding quality are analyzed and the correlation mechanism between process parameters and quality is determined. According to the analysis results, a stable and reliable data collection architecture is established. And the welding process monitoring elements are determined based on the feature dimensionality reduction methods. To improve the accuracy of welding quality prediction, the prediction model is constructed by fusing the adaptive simulated annealing, the particle swarm optimization, and the back propagation neural network algorithms. Finally, the effectiveness of the prediction method is verified through 24 sets of plate welding experiments, the prediction accuracy reaches over 90%.
Re-appearance of Hydropuntia Eucheumatoides With Details on the Epifaunal Assemblages From the Coastal Waters of South Andaman
Authors: Raihana R. , Padmavati G 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The present study was conducted at Corbyn’s Cove in November 2022 during low tide. The seaweed sample was collected & identified as Hydropuntia eucheumatoides. Morphometric measurements such as total length (72.9 ± 0.04mm), apex thickness (2.91 ± 0.02mm) and base thickness 2.51 ± 0.01mm were measured. Y-branch length was found to be 21.84mm while Y branch distance (15.02mm) and Y branch thickness was 1.88mm recorded. Wet weight of this seaweed was 17.619 ± 0.02g, dry weight was 2.827 ± 0.01g and the moisture content was found 14.79%. Associated macrofauna (gastropods) with H. eucheumatoides were identified as Euplica scripts, Pardalinops testudinaria, Cerithium echinatum and one Majoidea crab Menaethius sp. Among the meiofauna, Harpacticoida (68 no.) and Nematoda (62 no.) were dominant, followed by Polychaeta (17 no.), Amphipoda (7 no.) and Ostracoda (2no), whereas two other meiofaunal groups viz. Tanaidacea and Kinorhyncha (1 no. each) were found to be the least. Taxonomic studies on this seaweed species are unavailable from this area. This study provides first information on the biomass and morphometry of the macroalgae as well as the meiofauna and macrofauna association with H. eucheumatoides.
Visualisation of running form changes measured by wearable sensors for conditioning management, an application of the Functional Data Analysis
Authors: Doi Hirofumi , Matsui Hidetoshi , Nishioka Daisuke , Ito Yuri , Saura Ryuichi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Running is a widely-accepted activity among the general public, with runners aspiring to achieve optimal performance. However, established methods for the regular monitoring of running forms is lacking. To address this gap, we explore a versatile visualization method utilizing the widely-adopted Inertial Measurement Unit sensor. The running forms of 17-year-old male high school students were monitored during long-distance running training. Acceleration and angular velocity data were collected from a sensor attached to the lumbar region; data from the left foot contact to the next left foot contact were defined as the running cycle. Fatigue during running was assessed using the Borg Scale. The distribution of principal component scores obtained from functional principal component analysis of the running form data corresponded to changes in fatigue from one measurement session to another. However, no consistent trends or changes were observed across subjects. The running forms of participants who were measured twice exhibited a close distribution and similarity, yet unique features were also observed during each measurement. The findings suggest that changes and characteristics of runners' running forms can be readily visualized using a generic approach based on commonly-used sensors and functional data analysis.
Prediction Horizon-varying Model Predictive Control (MPC)for Autonomous Vehicle Control
Authors: Chen Zhenbin , Lai Jiaqin , Li Peixin , Awad Omar I. , Zhu Yubing 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The prediction horizon is a key parameter in model predictive control (MPC), related to the effectiveness and stability of model predictive control. In vehicle control, the selection of prediction horizon is influenced by factors such as speed, path curvature, and target point density. To accommodate varying conditions such as road curvature and vehicle speed, we proposed a control strategy using the Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) algorithm to adjust the prediction horizon, enabling MPC to achieve optimal performance, and called it PPO-MPC. In this paper, we constructed the vehicle dynamics model and designed a basic model prediction control. We have established a state space related to the path information and vehicle state, regarded the prediction horizon as actions, and designed a reward function to optimize the policy and value function. We conducted simulation verifications at various speeds and compared the MPC of the fixed Prediction Horizon. The simulation demonstrates that the PPO-MPC proposed in this article exhibits strong trajectory tracking capability.
Association between cytokine network and organ damage in crush syndrome
Authors: Matsumoto Hisatake , Imamura Yukio , Shimizu Kentaro , Ogura Hiroshi , Oda Jun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Crush syndrome, a fatal disease caused by prolonged compression of the extremities, produces lethal arrhythmias and acute renal failure. In crush syndrome, injury-related molecular patterns are released into the blood from the contused tissue, and cytokines are produced by activated immune cells. Excessive cytokine production triggers a systemic inflammatory response. In severe cases, inflammation becomes difficult to control, leading to multiple organ damage. This study evaluated the relationship between cytokine networks and organ damage in crush syndrome. In the established rat crush syndrome model, serum was collected 6 and 24 hours after crush injury, and TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were evaluated by ELISA. At both time points, hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed on collected lung tissue, and lung injury was evaluated by Lung Injury Score (LIS). IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were elevated at 6 and 24 hours after crush injury. Hierarchical clustering and network analysis confirmed formation of this common cytokine network at each time point. The network including these common cytokines also correlated strongly with LIS at each time point. Collectively, we found a cytokine network including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 to be associated with organ damage in the acute phase after crush injury.
Humoral and cellular immune responses analysis using FTIR spectroscopy on newborns of mothers vaccinated against COVID-19 with mRNA or viral vector vaccine
Authors: Mata-Miranda Monica Maribel , Martinez-Cuazitl Adriana , Gutierrez-Cortes Hermes , Cordero-Hernandez Librado , Guerrero-Ruiz Melissa , Lopez-Reyes Alberto , Rodriguez-Baez Alvaro , Vazquez-Zapien Gustavo J. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has provoked more than 6 million deaths worldwide. The scarcity of effective treatments and its virulence converted the vaccines into an essential tool to face it. The most used vaccines were the mRNA, adenovirus vector, and inactivated whole-virus. However, nowadays, infants aged < 6 months are not eligible for any vaccines against COVID-19, and their immunization relies on the passive immunity. In this research, we investigated the humoral and cellular immune response generated on newborns of SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated mothers with mRNA or viral vector (VV) vaccine employing Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in saliva samples. For this purpose, saliva samples of newborns and their mothers were collected; the population was divided in two groups, VV and mRNA, which were subdivided into three subgroups: before pregnancy (BP), at the first (FTP) and second (STP) trimesters of pregnancy. The samples were analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy, and the bands associated to the humoral and cellular immune responses, such as IgG, IgA, and IFN-γ were analyzed. To elucidate the quantity of those immunoglobins and the cytokine, the integrated areas were calculated and compared. Likewise, the correlation of the humoral and cellular immune response between the newborns and their mothers was also evaluated, as well as the correlation between cellular and humoral immune response. Compared with the mRNA vaccine, the VV vaccine produced a significant humoral and cellular immune response in newborns and their mothers when they received it at the STP. However, no correlation was observed between newborns and their mothers. The mRNA vaccine showed a more significant humoral immunity generation in newborns and their mothers when it was administrated BP. Nevertheless, compared with the VV vaccine, it only showed statistical significance in the mothers, highlighting that IgG showed a moderate positive correlation between the newborns and their mothers.
Characterization of spatial and temporal changes in water area in Kunming over the past 30 years
Authors: Lee John , Li Jianhua , peng Yilong , Wang Bo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Watershed area is an important indicator reflecting the status of water resources and changes in the water environment, and its changes have a significant impact on ecosystem function, hydrological cycle and climate change. This paper analyzes the characteristics and causes of the long time series changes of the watershed area in Kunming City by using PIE-engine remote sensing computing cloud service platform, based on Landsat TM/ETM+ remote sensing images, and adopting NDWI (Normalized Difference Water Index) index. The results show that the water area of Kunming City has shown a W-shaped trend in the past 30 years, with a dynamic fluctuation of decreasing and then increasing, then decreasing and then increasing. The change of water area in Kunming is mainly influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Natural factors mainly include climate change, and anthropogenic factors mainly include urban expansion, development and utilization of urban water resources, land use changes, water conservancy project construction and environmental pollution. This paper provides an effective methodology and data support for the monitoring and protection of the watershed area in Kunming by analyzing the characteristics of the change of the watershed area in the past 30 years.
The improvement of aging time on adhesive performance of wheat starch paste for restoration of Chinese ancient books
Authors: Wang Changwei , Yao Yuqi , Zhang Yue , Yao Xiao 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In the restoration of Chinese ancient books, wheat starch paste is used as a paper adhesive, and its performance directly affects the quality of the restoration work. Allowing the starch slurry to stand for several days until it becomes slightly acidic can enhance the adhesive performance of the paste. However, the entire process relies on the manual experience of craftsmen. The study reproduces the process of making wheat starch paste for the restoration of traditional ancient books and investigates the effects of aging time on the apparent viscosity, rheological properties, and adhesive performance of the paste. The results indicate that the aging process has minimal impact on the apparent viscosity and rheological properties of starch paste. However, it significantly enhances adhesive performance, with optimal results observed after aging for approximately three days. This is attributed to the reduction in residual protein content in starch and a significant improvement in starch gelatinization capability. Infrared spectroscopy and XRD test results reveal that there are no significant changes in the molecular and crystalline structures of starch during the aging process. The acidic environment produced by starch fermentation promotes protein hydrolysis, emerging as the primary reason for the improved adhesive performance of the paste.
Evaluating the anti-inflammatory potential of JN-KI3: the therapeutic role of PI3Kγ- selective inhibitors in asthma treatment
Authors: Jia Lei , Ma Mengyun , Xiong Wendian , Zhu Jingyu , Cai Yanfei , Chen Yun , Jin Jian , Gao Mingzhu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by the involvement of numerous inflammatory cells and factors. Therefore, targeting airway inflammation is one of the crucial strategies for developing novel drugs in the treatment of asthma. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase gamma (PI3Kγ) has been demonstrated to have a significant impact on inflammation and immune responses, thus emerging as a promising therapeutic target for airway inflammatory disease, including asthma. Objective and method There are few studies reporting on the therapeutic effects of PI3Kγ-selective inhibitors in asthma disease. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and therapeutic effects of PI3Kγ-selective inhibitor JN-KI3 for treating asthma by utilizing both in vivo and in vitro approaches, thereby proving that PI3Kγ-selective inhibitors could be valuable in the treatment of asthma. Results In RAW264.7 macrophages, JN-KI3 effectively suppressed C5a-induced Akt phosphorylation in a concentration-dependent manner, with no discernible toxicity observed in RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, JN-KI3 can inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells, leading to the suppression of transcription and expression of the classical inflammatory cytokines in a concentration-dependent manner. Finally, an ovalbumin-induced murine asthma model was constructed to evaluate the initial therapeutic effect of JN-KI3 for treating asthma. Oral administration of JN-KI3 inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells and the expression of T-helper type 2 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, which was associated with the suppression of the PI3K signaling pathway. Lung tissue and immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that JN-KI3 inhibited the accumulation of inflammatory cells around the bronchus and blood vessels, as well as the secretion of mucus and excessive deposition of collagen around the airway. In addition, it reduced the infiltration of white blood cells into the lungs. Conclusion JN-KI3 shows promise as a candidate for the treatment of asthma. Our study also suggests that the inhibitory effects of PI3Kγ on inflammation could offer an additional therapeutic strategy for pulmonary inflammatory diseases.