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38095271
Polymicrobial Infection Induces Adipose Tissue Dysfunction via Gingival Extracellular Vesicles.
Recent studies have indicated that periodontitis promotes metabolic dysregulation and insulin resistance by affecting the function of white adipose tissue (WAT). However, the mechanisms linking periodontitis to adipose tissue dysfunction still need to be explored. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) deliver messages to distal sites and regulate their function. Also, recent studies have shown that periodontitis changes the composition of EVs in body fluids and that EVs might be one of the mechanisms underlying the relationship between periodontitis and insulin resistance. Herein, we explored the impact of polymicrobial oral infection with periodontal pathogens on the function of WAT and the role of gingival EVs (gEVs) in the process. Mice were subjected to oral inoculation with 10<sup>9</sup> <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i> and 10<sup>8</sup> <i>Fusobacterium nucleatum</i> every other day for 14 wk. This prolonged bacterial infection induced WAT dysfunction, characterized by reduced levels of AKT phosphorylation, adiponectin, leptin, and genes associated with adipogenesis and lipogenesis. We successfully isolated gEVs with satisfactory yield and purity. The RNA sequencing results showed that the differentially expressed microRNAs in the gEVs of mice with polymicrobial oral infection were involved in insulin signaling and adipose tissue function. Notably, our in vitro experiments and RNA sequencing results revealed the functional similarities between gEVs and plasma-derived EVs. Furthermore, intraperitoneal injection with gEVs derived from mice with oral infection induced the dysfunction of WAT in healthy mice. Overall, our findings provide evidence for the influence of polymicrobial oral infection on WAT function and propose gEVs as a novel pathway through which periodontal infection may exert its effects on WAT.
38095270
The urgency of Burkitt lymphoma diagnosis in fluid cytology-A tertiary care experience.
Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive high-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma commonly diagnosed in young age and is known to involve extra nodal sites. But the involvement of body fluids by BL is an uncommon presentation. Rapid diagnosis of BL is vital to prevent complications like tumour lysis syndrome. Cytological examination of body fluids continues to be an indispensable tool for rapid diagnosis of BL.
38095272
Reduced oxygen desaturation in the vastus lateralis of chronic stroke survivors during graded muscle contractions.
Label="BACKGROUND" NlmCategory="UNASSIGNED">Few studies have examined changes in skeletal muscle physiology post-stroke. This study examined changes in tissue oxygen saturation (StO<sub>2</sub>) of the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle of stroke survivors and age-matched control participants during maximal and submaximal isometric contractions of the knee extensor muscles.
38095273
Antibiotic-Loaded Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylenes.
The occurrence of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) after total joint replacement constitutes a great burden for the patients and the healthcare system. Antibiotic-loaded polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement is often used in temporary spacers during antibiotic treatment. PMMA is not a load-bearing solution and needs to be replaced by a functional implant. Elution from the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) bearing surface for drug delivery can combine functionality with the release of clinically relevant doses of antibiotics. In this study, the feasibility of incorporating a range of antibiotics into UHMWPE is investigated. Drug stability is assessed by thermo-gravimetric analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Drug-loaded UHMWPEs are prepared by compression molding, using eight antibiotics at different loading. The predicted intra-articular concentrations of drugs eluted from UHMWPE are above minimum inhibitory concentration for at least three weeks against Staphylococci, which are the major causative bacteria for PJI. The antibacterial efficacy is confirmed for samples covering 2% of a representative knee implant in vitro over 72 hours, showing that a small fraction of the implant surface loaded with antibiotics might be sufficient against Staphylococci. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
38095274
Intention to stay of pediatric nurses: Does pediatric nurse-parent partnership and perceived stress matter?
To explore intentions to stay of pediatric nurses and to determine how pediatric nurse-parent partnership and perceived stress differ among the subgroups.
38095275
Risk and Time to Diagnosis of Lung Cancer in Incidental Pulmonary Nodules.
To determine the risk of lung cancer in incidental pulmonary nodules, as well as the time until cancer growth is detected.
38095276
The CXCL10/CXCR3 axis regulates Th1 cell differentiation and migration in experimental autoimmune prostatitis through the PI3K/AKT pathway.
To investigate the mechanism of the CXCL10/CXCR3 axis regulating Th1 cell differentiation and migration through the PI3K/AKT pathway in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).
38095277
SARC-F and modified versions using arm and calf circumference: Diagnostic performance for sarcopenia screening and the impact of obesity.
SARC-F is limited by low sensitivity for sarcopenia identification. As surrogates of muscle mass, mid-arm circumference (MAC) and/or calf circumference have been proposed as additions to SARC-F to enhance sarcopenia identification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of SARC-F, SARC-CalF, SARC-F + MAC, and SARC-CalF + MAC in sarcopenia detection, and to assess the impact of obesity on their diagnostic performance.
38095278
Endoscopic treatment of subglottic stenosis with flexible bronchoscopy via laryngeal mask airway.
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic treatment of subglottic stenosis with flexible bronchoscopy via laryngeal mask airway (LMA) approach.
38095279
Nutritional status of school-age children (5-19 years) in South Asia: A scoping review.
Information on malnutrition for school-age children and adolescents (5-19 years) in South Asia is fragmented and inconsistent, which limits the prioritization of nutrition policies, programmes and research for this age group. This scoping review aimed to synthesize existing evidence on the burden of malnutrition for children and adolescents aged 5-19 years in South Asia, and on interventions to improve their nutritional status. Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline and Google Scholar were systematically searched for articles published between January 2016 and November 2022. Eligible studies reported the prevalence of undernutrition, overweight/obesity, micronutrient deficiencies and unhealthy dietary intakes, and interventions that aimed to address these in South Asia. In total, 296 articles met our inclusion criteria. Evidence revealed widespread, yet heterogeneous, prevalence of undernutrition among South Asian children and adolescents: thinness (1.9%-88.8%), wasting (3%-48%), underweight (9.5%-84.4%) and stunting (3.7%-71.7%). A triple burden of malnutrition was evident: the prevalence of overweight and obesity ranged from 0.2% to 73% and 0% to 38% (with rapidly rising trends), respectively, alongside persistent micronutrient deficiencies. Diets often failed to meet nutritional requirements and high levels of fast-food consumption were reported. Education, fortification, supplementation and school feeding programmes demonstrated beneficial effects on nutritional status. Comprehensive and regular monitoring of all forms of malnutrition among children and adolescents, across all countries in South Asia is required. Further, more large-scale intervention research is needed to ensure policy and programmes effectively target and address malnutrition among children and adolescents in South Asia.
38095281
Chest Computed Tomography Findings in Unilateral Pulmonary Fibrosis Secondary to Chronic Hypoperfusion.
Unilateral lung fibrosis is uncommon and few cases secondary to parenchymal hypoperfusion have been reported, requiring further understanding of this entity. This study aims to report the chest computed tomography (CT) findings of patients with unilateral lung fibrosis related to parenchymal hypoperfusion observed in our institution.
38095280
The relationship between systemic inflammatory response, screen detection and outcome in colorectal cancer.
A raised systemic inflammatory response correlates with poorer colorectal cancer (CRC) outcomes. Faecal immunochemical test bowel screening aims to detect early-stage disease. We assessed the relationship between systemic inflammatory response, screen detection and CRC survival.
38095282
Postnatal persistence of hippocampal Cajal-Retzius cells has a critical role in the establishment of the hippocampal circuit.
Cajal-Retzius (CR) cells are a transient neuron type that populate the postnatal hippocampus. To understand how CR cells' persistence influences the maturation of hippocampal circuits, we combined a specific transgenic mouse line with viral vector injection to selectively ablate CR cells from the postnatal hippocampus. We observed layer-specific changes in the dendritic complexity and spine density of CA1 pyramidal cells. In addition, transcriptomic analysis highlighted significant changes in the expression of synaptic related genes across development. Finally, we were able to identify significant changes in the expression levels of Latrophilin-2, a postsynaptic guidance molecule known for its role in the entorhinal-hippocampal connectivity. Those findings were supported by changes in the synaptic proteomic content in CA1 stratum lacunosum-moleculare. Our results reveal a critical role of CR cells in the establishment of the hippocampal network.
38095283
Thioredoxin-1 and its mimetic peptide improve systolic cardiac function and remodeling after myocardial infarction.
Myocardial infarction (MI) is characterized by a significant loss of cardiomyocytes (CMs), and it is suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in cell cycle arrest, leading to impaired CM renewal. Thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) scavenges ROS and may play a role in restoring CM renewal. However, the truncated form of Trx-1, Trx-80, can compromise its efficacy by exerting antagonistic effects. Therefore, a Trx-1 mimetic peptide called CB3 was tested as an alternative way to restore CMs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Trx-1, Trx-80, and CB3 on mice with experimental MI and study the underlying mechanism of CB3 on CMs. Mouse cardiac parameters were quantified by echocardiography, and infarction size and fibrosis determined using Trichrome and Picro-Sirius Red staining. The study found that Trx-1 and CB3 improved mouse cardiac function, reduced the size of cardiac infarct and fibrosis, and decreased the expression of cardiac inflammatory markers. Furthermore, CB3 polarized macrophages into M2 phenotype, reduced apoptosis and oxidative stress after MI, and increased CM proliferation in cell culture and in vivo. CB3 effectively protected against myocardial infarction and could represent a new class of compounds for treating MI.
38095285
Introduction to the ICADA 2023 canine atopic dermatitis pathogenesis review articles and updated definition.
38095284
A plasmid containing the human metallothionein-II gene selectively distinguishes trivalent lanthanum from several divalent heavy metal cations during monoclonal antibody-assisted agarose gel electrophoresis.
Trivalent lanthanide ions are known for their ability to interact with calcium-binding sites in various proteins. There is a need to assess the bioavailability of lanthanides and other heavy metals introduced into the body as components of implants or as contrast agents. This study aimed to develop a method to address bioavailability and/or presence of trivalent lanthanide ions by examining electrophoretic mobility in an agarose gel of a plasmid harboring the human metallothionein-II gene (<i>hMT-II</i>). Mobility of the plasmid was specifically altered by a monoclonal antibody raised against the zinc-binding transcription factor that controls the activity of the <i>hMT-II</i> gene. This study showed that the plasmid acquired a lanthanide-specific mobility pattern that allowed the presence of lanthanide ions to be readily determined in a 0.8% agarose gel. These findings suggest that this plasmid/monoclonal antibody combination under selected conditions may be useful in industrial, environmental, and biomedical settings to identify, separate, or capture lanthanide ions in complex mixtures that contain an array of metal ions.
38095286
Spliceosome component PHD finger 5A is essential for the early B lymphopoiesis.
The spliceosome, a multi-megadalton ribonucleoprotein complex, is essential for pre-mRNA splicing in the nucleus and ensuring genomic stability. Its precise and dynamic assembly is pivotal for its function. Spliceosome malfunctions can lead to developmental abnormalities and potentially contribute to tumorigenesis. The specific role of the spliceosome in B cell development is poorly understood. Here, we reveal that the spliceosomal U2 snRNP component PHD finger protein 5A (Phf5a) is vital for early B cell development. Loss of Phf5a results in pronounced defects in B cell development, causing an arrest at the transition from pre-pro-B to early pro-B cell stage in the bone marrow of mutant mice. Phf5a-deficient B cells exhibit impaired immunoglobulin heavy (IgH) chain expression due to defective V-to-DJ gene rearrangement. Mechanistically, our findings suggest that Phf5a facilitates IgH gene rearrangement by regulating the activity of recombination-activating gene endonuclease and influencing chromatin interactions at the Igh locus.
38095288
Addressing the overlooked: Integrating oral healthcare in a geriatric care system: Insights from Singapore.
Oral health of the older population has long been overlooked in global healthcare agenda. Limited access to oral healthcare for dependent older adults results in poor oral health, negatively impacting their quality of life, nutrition and overall well-being. Especially for nations experiencing rapid ageing population, efforts must be urgently made to integrate oral healthcare services into the current healthcare system and policy. Singapore stands out as one of the most rapidly ageing nations in Southeast Asia, achieving remarkable progress in the healthcare field, as well as advancements in social modernization and economic growth. It now faces the growing burden of the dependent older population and is required to respond to the complex challenges associated with providing holistic eldercare services and ensuring the well-being of its ageing population. This narrative review offers an overview of Singapore's current healthcare policy and system development for the older population, with a specific focus on oral healthcare. The goal is to shed light on this underexplored area, highlighting the challenges that need to be tackled to improve the accessibility of oral health services for dependent older adults.
38095287
Reduced duration and dosage of venetoclax is efficient in newly diagnosed patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
The combination of Venetoclax (VEN) and Azacitidine (AZA) increases survival outcomes and yields excellent responses in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, dose reduction (or discontinuation) is commonly encountered due to therapy-related toxicity. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the efficiency and safety of a lower dosage of venetoclax for the treatment of AML.
38095289
What You Didn't Know About "The Nutrition Factor".
38095290
Trends in Dietary Micronutrient Adequacy in Young Adults Over the Latest 25 Years in Japan.
It has been assumed that economically developed countries are well nourished compared to developing countries, but little is known about how economic status affects dietary micronutrient intake in the future childbearing generation.
38095291
Editorial.
38095292
Early Childhood Caries and Nutritional Status of Children: A Review.
Early childhood caries (ECC) is a serious public health issue affecting children around the world. Severe symptoms and complications commonly found with ECC are adverse effects on health and growth retardation triggered by sensitivity, pain, and abscesses associated with decayed teeth, premature tooth loss, and insufficient food intake due to difficulty in chewing and keeping food in the mouth.
38095294
Truncal valve repair in an adolescent with severe annular dilatation.
Approximately 20% of patients with truncus arteriosus might need a truncal valve procedure within 20 years after anatomical repair due to regurgitation. These patients commonly develop valve regurgitation due to root dilatation with a sufficient amount of good quality valvular tissue. Thus, the reduction of the truncal annulus is the single most important factor to achieve durable repair, especially in patients in whom the Ross procedure is not an option.
38095295
Editors' Recognition for Reviewing in 2023.
38095293
Effects of resistance exercises on inhibitory control and plasma epinephrine levels: A registered report of a crossover randomized controlled trial.
According to the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) theory, activity of the LC, the major releaser of NE in the brain, regulates inhibitory control. As there is reciprocal communication between circulating epinephrine and the LC, plasma epinephrine is used as the index of LC-NE activity. The aim of this crossover randomized controlled trial is to expand on previous findings by investigating the effects of free-weight, multiple-joint, and structural barbell resistance exercises. Previous studies have had some methodological limitations, such as failure to report the process of randomization, absence of resistance exercise familiarization before the maximal strength testing, and lack of protocol publication. To address these issues, this study incorporates resistance exercise familiarization, transparent reporting of randomization, and submission as a registered report. The results suggest that a single session of resistance exercise (barbell squat, press, and deadlift) with an intensity of 65%-78% 1RM for five repetitions (70%-90% relative intensity) and three sets with 3-min rest intervals improved Stroop congruent reaction time (RT) only (t(27) = -2.663, mean reduction = -15 ms, p = .013, 95% CI [-26, -3]). No significant enhancements were observed in Stroop incongruent RT, inhibitory control as indexed by Stroop effect, or inhibitory control as indexed by the RT difference between the Stroop task and the simple reaction task. Moreover, the alterations in plasma epinephrine levels did not significantly associate with changes in any measure of cognitive performance.
38095296
Introduction to Mini-symposium Focused on Pediatric Thoracic Imaging.
38095297
Folate regulation of planar cell polarity pathway and F-actin through folate receptor alpha.
Folate deficiency contribute to neural tube defects (NTDs) which could be rescued by folate supplementation. However, the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. Besides, there is considerable controversy concerning the forms of folate used for supplementation. To address this controversy, we prepared culture medium with different forms of folate, folic acid (FA), and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5mTHF), at concentrations of 5 μM, 500 nM, 50 nM, and folate free, respectively. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were treated with different folates continuously for three passages, and cell proliferation and F-actin were monitored. We determined that compared to 5mTHF, FA showed stronger effects on promoting cell proliferation and F-actin formation. We also found that FOLR1 protein level was positively regulated by folate concentration and the non-canonical Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway signaling was significantly enriched among different folate conditions in RNA-sequencing analyses. We demonstrated for the first time that FOLR1 could promote the transcription of Vangl2, one of PCP core genes. The transcription of Vangl2 was down-regulated under folate-deficient condition, which resulted in a decrease in PCP activity and F-actin formation. In summary, we identified a distinct advantage of FA in cell proliferation and F-actin formation over 5mTHF, as well as demonstrating that FOLR1 could promote transcription of Vangl2 and provide a new mechanism by which folate deficiency can contribute to the etiology of NTDs.
38095299
CXCL12 promotes the crossing of retinal ganglion cell axons at the optic chiasm.
Binocular vision requires the segregation of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons extending from the retina into the ipsilateral and contralateral optic tracts. RGC axon segregation occurs at the optic chiasm, which forms at the ventral diencephalon midline. Using expression analyses, retinal explants and genetically modified mice, we demonstrate that CXCL12 (SDF1) is required for axon segregation at the optic chiasm. CXCL12 is expressed by the meninges bordering the optic pathway, and CXCR4 by both ipsilaterally and contralaterally projecting RGCs. CXCL12 or ventral diencephalon meninges potently promoted axon outgrowth from both ipsilaterally and contralaterally projecting RGCs. Further, a higher proportion of axons projected ipsilaterally in mice lacking CXCL12 or its receptor CXCR4 compared to wildtype mice due to misrouting of presumptive contralaterally-specified RGC axons. Although RGCs also expressed the alternative CXCL12 receptor ACKR3, the optic chiasm developed normally in mice lacking ACKR3. Our data support a model whereby meningeal-derived CXCL12 helps drive axon growth from CXCR4-expressing RGCs towards the diencephalon midline, enabling contralateral axon growth. These findings further our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling optic pathway development.
38095298
The relationship between hyperpolypharmacy and one-year outcomes in patients with critical limb ischemia undergoing below-knee endovascular therapy.
Critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients take too many medications because they are elderly and frail patients with multiple comorbidities. Polypharmacy is associated with frailty, although its prognostic significance in CLI patients is unknown. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of hyperpolypharmacy among adults with CLI and its effect on 1-year amputation and mortality.
38095300
Pain treatment in Mexico: The urgency for interventional techniques.
38095301
Varicella gangrenosum-a gruesome complication of a benign infection.
38095302
New materials used for the synthesis of 2-chlorophenyl cyclopentyl ketone seized from an illicit ketamine manufacturing unit.
Ketamine deemed as a psychoactive substance has gained popularity for recreational use owing to its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects. Understanding the synthetic processes of ketamine can provide essential clues for law enforcement officers against illicit ketamine manufacturing. In this case report, a chemical company was being monitored by law enforcement officers due to its importation of precursors and materials that could be used for the synthesis of illicit drugs. After materials and products seized from this chemical company were employed for analyses using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses, ketamine, hydroxylamine, 2-chlorophenyl cyclopentyl ketone, and cyclopentanone p-toluenesulfonylhydrazone were identified. In addition, a novel process for the synthesis of ketamine precursor 2-chlorophenyl cyclopentyl ketone from cyclopentanone p-toluenesulfonylhydrazone and 2-chlorobenzaldehyde was validated. This is the first report to uncover this novel process for the synthesis of 2-chlorophenyl cyclopentyl ketone and can be used to increase awareness among law enforcement officers and forensic practitioners about these novel starting materials for the synthesis of ketamine.
38095303
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for Crohn's perianal fistula-a real-world experience.
Remission rates of medically and surgically treated complex perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease are low. Recently, trials have demonstrated the potential for long-term remission with local injection of allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (darvadstrocel). Our aim was to analyse outcomes from our real-world experience with this new treatment.
38095304
Case report: Venetoclax plus Azacitidine in treatment of acute undifferentiated leukemia.
Acute undifferentiated leukemia (AUL) is a clinical rare leukemia with an overall poor prognosis. Currently, there are no well-established treatment guidelines for AUL, further exploration of optimal treatment options is now required.
38095306
Mortality among US veterans with a physician-documented diagnosis of pyruvate kinase deficiency.
Real-world studies of pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency and estimates of mortality are lacking. This retrospective observational study aimed to identify patients with PK deficiency and compare their overall survival (OS) to that of a matched cohort without PK deficiency. Patients with &#8805;1 diagnosis code related to PK deficiency were selected from the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA) database (01/1995-07/2019); patients with a physician-documented diagnosis were included (PK deficiency cohort; index: date of first diagnosis code related to PK deficiency). Patients in the PK deficiency cohort were matched 1:5 to patients from the general VHA population (non-PK deficiency cohort; index: random visit date during match's index year). OS from index was compared between the two cohorts. Eighteen patients in the PK deficiency cohort were matched to 90 individuals in the non-PK deficiency cohort (both cohorts: mean age 57 years, 94% males; median follow-up 6.0 and 8.0 years, respectively). At follow-up, patients in the non-PK deficiency cohort had significantly longer OS than the PK deficiency cohort (median OS: 17.1 vs. 10.9 years; hazard ratio: 2.3; <i>p</i>&#8201;=&#8201;0.0306). During their first-year post-index, 75% and 40% of the PK deficiency cohort had laboratory-confirmed anemia and iron overload, respectively. Among patients who died, cause of death was highly heterogeneous. These results highlight the increased risk of mortality and substantial clinical burden among patients with PK deficiency. While the intrinsic characteristics of the VHA database may limit the generalizability of the results, this is the first real-world study to characterize mortality in patients with PK deficiency.
38095305
Reducing Cholesterol Level in Live Macrophages Improves Delivery Performance by Enhancing Blood Shear Stress Adaptation.
In recent years, live-cell-based drug delivery systems have gained considerable attention. However, shear stress, which accompanies blood flow, may cause cell death and weaken the delivery performance. In this study, we found that reducing cholesterol in macrophage plasma membranes enhanced their tumor targeting ability by more than 2-fold. Our study demonstrates that the reduced cholesterol level deactivated the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and consequently promoted the nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB), which in turn enhanced the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by shear stress. A proof-of-concept system using low cholesterol macrophages attached to MXene (e.g., l-RX) was fabricated. In a melanoma mouse model, l-RX and laser irradiation treatments eliminated tumors with no recurrences observed in mice. Therefore, cholesterol reduction is a simple and effective way to enhance the targeting performance of macrophage-based drug delivery systems.
38095307
Steroidogenesis and androgen/estrogen signaling pathways are altered in in vitro matured testicular tissues of prepubertal mice.
Children undergoing cancer treatments are at risk for impaired fertility. Cryopreserved prepubertal testicular biopsies could theoretically be later matured <i>in vitro</i> to produce spermatozoa for assisted reproductive technology. A complete <i>in vitro</i> spermatogenesis has been obtained from mouse prepubertal testicular tissue, although with low efficiency. Steroid hormones are essential for the progression of spermatogenesis, the aim of this study was to investigate steroidogenesis and steroid signaling in organotypic cultures. Histological, RT-qPCR, western blot analyses, and steroid hormone measurements were performed on <i>in vitro</i> cultured mouse prepubertal testicular tissues and age-matched <i>in vivo</i> controls. Despite a conserved density of Leydig cells after 30 days of culture (D30), transcript levels of adult Leydig cells and steroidogenic markers were decreased. Increased amounts of progesterone and estradiol and reduced androstenedione levels were observed at D30, together with decreased transcript levels of steroid metabolizing genes and steroid target genes. hCG was insufficient to facilitate Leydig cell differentiation, restore steroidogenesis, and improve sperm yield. In conclusion, this study reports the failure of adult Leydig cell development and altered steroid production and signaling in tissue cultures. The organotypic culture system will need to be further improved before it can be translated into clinics for childhood cancer survivors.
38095309
Cognitive-behavioral stress management relieves anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder in parents of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia patients: a randomized, controlled study.
Cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) is an effective psychological intervention to relieve psychological and symptomatic distress. This study aimed to investigate the effect of CBSM in anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in parents of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients.
38095308
The Potential Role of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone to Regulate Thyroid Function and Gut Microbiota Composition of Graves' Disease in Mice.
Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder disease, and its prevalence continues to increase worldwide. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a naturally antioxidant compound in milk, vegetables, and meat. We aim to identify the treatment efficacy of PQQ on GD and its regulatory effect on intestinal microbiota. The GD mice model was built by an adenovirus expressing autoantigen thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (Ad-TSHR289). Fecal samples were collected for 16S rDNA sequencing after PQQ pretreatments (20, 40, or 60 mg/kg BW/day) for 4 weeks. Thyroid and intestine functions were measured. The levels of serum TSHR and T4 were significantly raised, and the thyroid gland size was typically enlarged in the GD group than in controls, reversed by PQQ therapy. After PQQ replenishment, <i>IL6</i> and <i>TNF&#945;</i> levels in small intestine tissues were lower than those in the GD group, with <i>Nrf2</i> and <i>HO1</i> levels improved. Also, the PQQ supplement could maintain the mucosal epithelial barrier impaired by GD. In microbial analyses, PQQ treatment could prompt the diversity recovery of gut microbiota and reconstruct the microbiota composition injured by GD. <i>Lactobacillus</i> served as the most abundant genus in all groups, and the abundance of <i>Lactobacillu</i>s was increased in the GD group than in control and PQQ groups. Besides, <i>Lactobacillus</i> was highly correlative with all samples and the top 50 genera. PQQ supplementation regulates thyroid function and relieves intestine injury. PQQ changes the primary composition and abundance of GD's intestine microbiota by moderating <i>Lactobacillus</i>, which may exert in the pathogenesis and progression of GD.
38095310
A randomized multiplex CRISPRi-Seq approach for the identification of critical combinations of genes.
Identifying virulence-critical genes from pathogens is often limited by functional redundancy. To rapidly interrogate the contributions of combinations of genes to a biological outcome, we have developed a <u>mu</u>ltiplex, <u>r</u>andomized <u>C</u>RISPR <u>i</u>nterference <u>s</u>equencing (MuRCiS) approach. At its center is a new method for the randomized self-assembly of CRISPR arrays from synthetic oligonucleotide pairs. When paired with PacBio long-read sequencing, MuRCiS allowed for near-comprehensive interrogation of all pairwise combinations of a group of 44 <i>Legionella pneumophila</i> virulence genes encoding highly conserved transmembrane proteins for their role in pathogenesis. Both amoeba and human macrophages were challenged with <i>L. pneumophila</i> bearing the pooled CRISPR array libraries, leading to the identification of several new virulence-critical combinations of genes. <i>lpg2888</i> and <i>lpg3000</i> were particularly fascinating for their apparent redundant functions during <i>L. pneumophila</i> human macrophage infection, while <i>lpg3000</i> alone was essential for <i>L. pneumophila</i> virulence in the amoeban host <i>Acanthamoeba castellanii</i>. Thus, MuRCiS provides a method for rapid genetic examination of even large groups of redundant genes, setting the stage for application of this technology to a variety of biological contexts and organisms.
38095311
Compliant substrates mitigate the senescence associated phenotype of stress induced mesenchymal stromal cells.
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a promising cell population for musculoskeletal cell-based therapies due to their multipotent differentiation capacity and complex secretome. Cells from younger donors are mechanosensitive, evidenced by changes in cell morphology, adhesivity, and differentiation as a function of substrate stiffness in both two- and three-dimensional culture. However, MSCs from older individuals exhibit reduced differentiation potential and increased senescence, limiting their potential for autologous use. While substrate stiffness is known to modulate cell phenotype, the influence of the mechanical environment on senescent MSCs is poorly described. To address this question, we cultured irradiation induced premature senescent MSCs on polyacrylamide hydrogels and assessed expression of senescent markers, cell morphology, and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Compared to cells on tissue culture plastic, senescent MSCs exhibited decreased markers of the senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP) when cultured on 50 kPa gels, yet common markers of senescence (e.g., p21, CDKN2A, CDKN1A) were unaffected. These effects were muted in a physiologically relevant heterotypic mix of healthy and senescent MSCs. Conditioned media from senescent MSCs on compliant substrates increased osteoblast mineralization compared to conditioned media from cells on TCP. Mixed populations of senescent and healthy cells induced similar levels of osteoblast mineralization compared to healthy MSCs, further indicating an attenuation of the senescent phenotype in heterotypic populations. These data indicate that senescent MSCs exhibit a decrease in senescent phenotype when cultured on compliant substrates, which may be leveraged to improve autologous cell therapies for older donors.
38095312
Extraordinary Magnetic Response of an Anisotropic 2D Antiferromagnet via Site Dilution.
A prominent characteristic of 2D magnetic systems is the enhanced spin fluctuations, which reduce the ordering temperature. We report that a magnetic field of only 1000th of the Heisenberg superexchange interaction can induce a crossover, which for practical purposes is the effective ordering transition, at temperatures about 6 times the N&#233;el transition in a site-diluted two-dimensional anisotropic quantum antiferromagnet. Such a strong magnetic response is enabled because the system directly enters the antiferromagnetically ordered state from the isotropic disordered state, skipping the intermediate anisotropic stage. The underlying mechanism is achieved on a pseudospin-half square lattice realized in the [(SrIrO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>1</sub>/(SrTiO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>] superlattice thin film that is designed to linearly couple the staggered magnetization to external magnetic fields by virtue of the rotational symmetry-preserving Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. Our model analysis shows that the skipping of the anisotropic regime despite finite anisotropy is due to the enhanced isotropic fluctuations under moderate dilution.
38095313
Electrocatalytic Urea Synthesis via N<sub>2</sub> Dimerization and Universal Descriptor.
Electrocatalytic urea synthesis through N<sub>2</sub> + CO<sub>2</sub> coreduction and C-N coupling is a promising and sustainable alternative to harsh industrial processes. Despite considerable efforts, limited progress has been made due to the challenges of breaking inert N&#8801;N bonds for C-N coupling, competing side reactions, and the absence of theoretical principles guiding catalyst design. In this study, we propose a mechanism for highly electrocatalytic urea synthesis using two adsorbed N<sub>2</sub> molecules and CO as nitrogen and carbon sources, respectively. This mechanism circumvents the challenging step of N&#8801;N bond breaking and selective CO<sub>2</sub> to CO reduction, as the free CO molecule inserts into dimerized *N<sub>2</sub> and binds concurrently with two N atoms, forming a specific urea precursor *NNCONN* with both thermodynamic and kinetic feasibility. Through the proposed mechanism, Ti<sub>2</sub>@C<sub>4</sub>N<sub>3</sub> and V<sub>2</sub>@C<sub>4</sub>N<sub>3</sub> are identified as highly active catalysts for electrocatalytic urea formation, exhibiting low onset potentials of -0.741 and -0.738 V, respectively. Importantly, taking transition metal atoms anchored on porous graphite-like carbonitride (TM<sub>2</sub>@C<sub>4</sub>N<sub>3</sub>) as prototypes, we introduce a simple descriptor, namely, effective d electron number (&#934;), to quantitatively describe the structure-activity relationships for urea formation. This descriptor incorporates inherent atomic properties of the catalyst, such as the number of d electrons, the electronegativity of the metal atoms, and the generalized electronegativity of the substrate atoms, making it potentially applicable to other urea catalysts. Our work advances the comprehension of mechanisms and provides a universal guiding principle for catalyst design in urea electrochemical synthesis.
38095315
Cutting-Edge Research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: Celebrating the 130th Anniversary of Wuhan University.
Thanks to the fast-paced progress of microscopic theories and nanotechnologies, a tremendous world of fundamental science and applications has opened up at the nanoscale. Ranging from quantum physics to chemical and biological mechanisms and from device functionality to materials engineering, nanoresearch has become an essential part of various fields. As one of the top universities in China, Wuhan University (WHU) aims to promote cutting-edge nanoresearch in multiple disciplines by leveraging comprehensive academic programs established throughout 130 years of history. As visible in prestigious scientific journals such as <i>ACS Nano</i>, WHU has made impactful advancements in various frontiers, including nanophotonics, functional nanomaterials and devices, biomedical nanomaterials, nanochemistry, and environmental science. In light of these contributions, WHU will be committed to serving talents and scientists wholeheartedly, fully supporting international collaborations and continuously driving innovative research.
38095316
Transcriptomic and Proteomic Characterization of the Immune Response to Elective Spinal Reconstructive Surgery: Impact of Aging and Comparisons with the Traumatic Injury Response.
Major surgery triggers trauma-like stress responses linked to age, surgery duration, and blood loss, resembling polytrauma. This similarity suggests elective surgery as a surrogate model for studying polytrauma immune responses. We investigated stress responses across age groups and compared them to those of polytrauma patients.
38095317
Bespoke Tailoring of Graphenoid Sheets: A Rippled Molecular Carbon Comprising Cyclically Fused Nonbenzenoid Rings.
The incorporation of nonbenzenoid rings into the hexagonal networks of graphenoid nanostructures is of immense importance for electronic, magnetic, and mechanical properties, but the underlying mechanisms of nonbenzenoid ring fusion are rather unexplored. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of a rippled C<sub>84</sub> molecular carbon, which contains 10 nonbenzenoid rings (five-, seven-, and eight-membered rings) that are contiguously fused to give a cyclic geometry. The fused nonbenzenoid rings impart high solubility, configurational stability, multiple reversible redox behaviors, unique aromaticity, and a narrow band gap to the system. Moreover, this carbon nanostructure allows for further functionalization via electrophilic substitution and metalation reactions, enabling access to finely tuned derivatives. Interestingly, both the bowl-shaped and planar conformations of the core in molecular carbon are observed in the solid state. Additionally, this molecular carbon displays ambipolar transport characteristics.
38095314
An isotope dilution-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS)-based candidate reference measurement procedure for the quantification of carbamazepine in human serum and plasma.
An isotope dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS)-based candidate reference measurement procedure (RMP) was developed and validated to accurately measure serum and plasma concentrations of carbamazepine.
38095318
Evaluation of transcription factors and cytokine expressions of T-cell subsets in CD19 deficiency and their possible relationship with autoimmune disease.
CD19 deficiency is a rare, predominantly antibody deficiency, and there are few studies showing that it can be seen in autoimmune diseases. The aim of study was evaluated to transcription factor and cytokine expressions of helper T (Th)-cell subsets in CD19 deficiency and the possible mechanism role of this factor expression in autoimmune disease. Transcription factor and cytokine expressions of Th1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg) cells were investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method. In the study, in the patient/control comparison, transcription factor and cytokine expressions of Th1 (T-bet, STAT1, and STAT4) were found to be significantly downregulated, but IFN-γ was significantly upregulated in patients. Th2 factor GATA3, STAT6, IL-4, and IL-5 were significantly downregulated. For Th17, RORγt was downregulated while IL-22 was upregulated. In the heterozygous/control comparison, there was no significant change in gene expressions other than IL-5. T-bet, STAT1, GATA3, IL-4, RORγt, FoxP3, and TGF-β were significantly downregulated in the patient/heterozygous comparison. It was revealed for the first time that the expression of the transcription factors and cytokines in CD19 deficiency. These findings might be showing the predominance of Th1 factors and suppressed Treg factors which could be related with autoimmunity in CD19 deficiency.
38095319
Short communication: first case of bacteraemia caused by Dielma fastidiosa in a patient hospitalized with diverticulitis.
Dielma fastidiosa is a gram-negative, anaerobic rod belonging to the family Erysipelotrichaceae. D. fastidiosa has previously been isolated in human stool samples as part of the commensal flora; however, prior to this case, it has never been identified as a human pathogen. We present the first case of bacteraemia with D. fastidiosa. Bacterial growth in the blood culture bottle was detected by the automated blood culture system BacT/ALERT 3D. Culturing was performed, and bacterial colonies were identified as D. fastidiosa using MALDI-TOF MS. A subsequent whole-genome sequencing using Illumina NovaSeq was performed, and a phylogenetic tree depicting all available sequences of D. fastidiosa was generated. The reference MALDI-TOF spectrum and species identification was compared with the previously published spectrum. Whole-genome sequencing confirmed the tentative MALDI-TOF species identification. Notably, the maximum-likelihood-based phylogenetic analysis placed the D. fastidiosa isolate from this clinical case within the known variation of the eight publicly available sequences of this species. We identified D. fastidiosa by whole-genome sequencing followed by maximum-likelihood analysis as a possible pathogen in this case of bacteraemia in a patient hospitalized with diverticulitis.
38095320
Ion Concentration-Dependent Surface Charge Density Inside a Nanopore.
Surface charges shape the electrical double layer (EDL) structure at solid-liquid interfaces, critically influencing the performance of energy storage and micro/nanofluidic devices. However, accurately measuring surface charge density in nanoconfined spaces continues to be a challenge. Here, we introduce a methodology via solid-state nanopores that can investigate the dependence of surface charge density on salt concentrations and nanopore diameters. Measurements, complemented by a theoretical model, reveal that the surface charge density decreases as both the salt concentration in bulk solutions and the nanopore sizes are reduced. Notably, when the salt concentration in the bulk solution drops below 10<sup>-3</sup> M, protons dominate ion conductance in a nanopore, resulting in a constant surface charge density. This study introduces an effective approach to surface charge characterization and may serve in the design of electrokinetically driven nanofluidic systems.
38095321
Testing standard basis sets for direct ionizations: H<sup>+</sup> + H at E<sub>Lab</sub> =&#8201;0.1-100&#8201;keV.
With the simplest-level electron nuclear dynamics (SLEND) method, we test standard Slater-type-orbital/contracted-Gaussian-functions (STO/CGFs) basis sets for the simulation of direct ionizations (DIs), charge transfers (CTs), and target excitations (TEs) in H<sup>+</sup> + H at E<sub>Lab</sub> &#8201;=&#8201;0.1-100&#8201;keV. SLEND is a time-dependent, variational, on-the-fly, and nonadiabatic method that treats nuclei and electrons with classical dynamics and a Thouless single-determinantal state, respectively. While previous tests for CTs and TEs exist, this is the first SLEND/STO/CGFs test for challenging DIs. Spin-orbitals with negative/positive energies are treated as bound/unbound states for bound-to-bound (CT and TE) and bound-to-unbound (DI) transitions. SLEND/STO/CGFs simulations correctly reproduce all the features of DIs, CTs and TEs over all the considered impact parameters and energies. SLEND/STO/CGFs simulations correctly predict CT integrals cross-sections (ICSs) over all the considered energies and predict satisfactory DI and TE ICSs within some energy ranges. Strategies to improve SLEND/STO/CGFs for DI predictions are discussed.
38095323
All-Hydrocarbon Stapled Peptide Multifunctional Agonists at Opioid and Neuropeptide FF Receptors: Highly Potent, Long-Lasting Brain Permeant Analgesics with Diminished Side Effects.
Our previous study reported the multifunctional agonist for opioid and neuropeptide FF receptors DN-9, along with its cyclic peptide analogues c[<i>D</i>-Cys<sup>2</sup>, Cys<sup>5</sup>]-DN-9 and c[<i>D</i>-Lys<sup>2</sup>, Asp<sup>5</sup>]-DN-9. These analogues demonstrated potent antinociceptive effects with reduced opioid-related side effects. To develop more stable and effective analgesics, we designed, synthesized, and evaluated seven hydrocarbon-stapled cyclic peptides based on DN-9. <i>In vitro</i> calcium mobilization assays revealed that most of the stapled peptides, except <b>3</b>, displayed multifunctional agonistic activities at opioid and neuropeptide FF receptors. Subcutaneous administration of all stapled peptides resulted in effective and long-lasting antinociceptive activities lasting up to 360 min. Among these stapled peptides, <b>1a</b> and <b>1b</b> emerged as the optimized compounds, producing potent central antinociception following subcutaneous, intracerebroventricular, and oral administrations. Additionally, subcutaneous administration of <b>1a</b> and <b>1b</b> caused nontolerance antinociception, with limited occurrence of constipation and addiction. Furthermore, <b>1a</b> was selected as the final optimized compound due to its wider safety window compared to <b>1b</b>.
38095322
Left atrial strain in fetal echocardiography - could it be introduced to everyday clinical practice?
Prenatal cardiology is a part of preventive cardiology based on fetal echocardiography and fetal interventional cardiology, which facilitates treatment of congenital heart defects (CHD) in pediatric patients and consequently in adults. Timely prenatal detection of CHD plays a pivotal role in facilitating the appropriate referral of pregnant women to facilities equipped to provide thorough perinatal care within the framework of a well-structured healthcare system. The aim of this paper is to highlight the role of left atrial strain (LAS) in prenatal evaluation of fetal heart and prediction of structural and functional disorders.
38095324
Effect of social support on fetal movement self-monitoring behavior in Chinese women: a moderated mediation model of health beliefs.
Strengthening the management of women's self-monitoring during pregnancy is important to reduce fetal death in utero and improve maternal and infant outcomes. However, due to the lack of awareness among pregnant women about the importance of self-monitoring fetal movement, resulting in low behavioral compliance, adverse pregnancy outcomes remain common in China. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social support and health beliefs and the self-monitoring behavior of fetal movement. In addition, we examined the moderating and mediating effects of health beliefs on fetal movement self-monitoring.
38095325
Rapid Spin Depolarization in the Layered 2D Ruddlesden-Popper Perovskite (BA)(MA)PbI.
We report temperature-dependent spectroscopy on the layered (<i>n</i> = 4) two-dimensional (2D) Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite (BA)(MA)PbI. Helicity-resolved steady-state photoluminescence (PL) reveals no optical degree of polarization. Time-resolved PL shows a photocarrier lifetime on the order of nanoseconds. From simultaneously recorded time-resolved differential reflectivity (TR&#916;R) and time-resolved Kerr ellipticity (TRKE), a photocarrier lifetime of a few nanoseconds and a spin relaxation time on the order of picoseconds was found. This stark contrast in lifetimes clearly explains the lack of spin polarization in steady-state PL. While we observe clear temperature-dependent effects on the PL dynamics that can be related to structural dynamics, spin relaxation is nearly <i>T</i>-independent. Our results highlight that spin relaxation in 2D (BA)(MA)PbI occurs at time scales faster than the exciton recombination time, which poses a bottleneck for applications aiming to utilize this degree of freedom.
38095326
Phytotoxic and Antimicrobial Terrein Derivatives and Butenolides Isolated from the Endophytic Fungus <i>Aspergillus terreus</i> HT5.
Two new terrein derivatives, aspergilethers A and B (<b>1</b> and <b>2</b>), two known analogues (<b>3</b> and <b>4</b>), and three known butenolides (<b>5</b>-<b>7</b>) were isolated from the endophyte <i>Aspergillus terreus</i> HT5. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis and ECD and NMR calculations. Interestingly, <b>1</b> and <b>2</b> had unpresented medium aliphatic side chains in terrein derivatives, with different absolute configurations at C-7, which was very scarce. (+)-Terrein (<b>3</b>) exhibited potent postemergence phytotoxicity toward Amaranthaceae, Portulacaceae, and Fabaceae, with MIC values of 250-1000 &#956;g/mL. Transcriptome analysis and qRT-PCR suggested that (+)-terrein induced the transcriptional expression of aging-related genes to accelerate organ senescence and stimulated plant detoxification response. The conjugated system between keto carbonyl and double bonds in the cyclopentenone ring and side chain, and the configurations of C-2 and C-3, played critical roles in the phytotoxicity of terrein derivatives. Meanwhile, <b>3</b> was first reported to display moderate antioomycetes activity toward <i>Phytophthora nicotiana</i>.
38095327
Mechanisms of programmed cell death.
38095328
Melatonin protects Kir2.1 function in an oxidative stress-related model of aging neuroglia.
Melatonin is a pleiotropic biofactor and an effective antioxidant and free radical scavenger and, as such, can be protective in oxidative stress-related brain conditions including epilepsy and aging. To test the potential protective effect of melatonin on brain homeostasis and identify the corresponding molecular targets, we established a new model of oxidative stress-related aging neuroglia represented by U-87 MG cells exposed to D-galactose (D-Gal). This model was characterized by a substantial elevation of markers of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation. The function of the inward rectifying K<sup>+</sup> channel Kir2.1, which was identified as the main Kir channel endogenously expressed in these cells, was dramatically impaired. Kir2.1 was unlikely a direct target of oxidative stress, but the loss of function resulted from a reduction of protein abundance, with no alterations in transcript levels and trafficking to the cell surface. Importantly, melatonin reverted these changes. All findings, including the melatonin antioxidant effect, were reproduced in heterologous expression systems. We conclude that the glial Kir2.1 can be a target of oxidative stress and further suggest that inhibition of its function might alter the extracellular K<sup>+</sup> buffering in the brain, therefore contributing to neuronal hyperexcitability and epileptogenesis during aging. Melatonin can play a protective role in this context.
38095329
LeishIF4E2 is a cap-binding protein that plays a role in Leishmania cell cycle progression.
Leishmania encode six paralogs of the cap-binding protein eIF4E and five eIF4G candidates, forming unique complexes. Two cap-binding proteins, LeishIF4E1 and LeishIF4E2, do not bind any identified LeishIF4Gs, thus their roles are intriguing. Here, we combine structural prediction, proteomic analysis, and interaction assays to shed light on LeishIF4E2 function. A nonconserved C-terminal extension was identified through structure prediction and sequence alignment. m<sup>7</sup> GTP-binding assays involving both recombinant and transgenic LeishIF4E2 with and without the C-terminal extension revealed that this extension functions as a regulatory gate, modulating the cap-binding activity of LeishIF4E2. The interactomes of the two LeishIF4E2 versions were investigated, highlighting the role of the C-terminal extension in binding to SLBP2. SLBP2 is known to interact with a stem-loop structure in the 3' UTRs of histone mRNAs. Consistent with the predicted inhibitory effect of SLBP2 on histone expression in Xenopus laevis, a hemizygous deletion mutant of LeishIF4E2, exhibited an upregulation of several histones. We therefore propose that LeishIF4E2 is involved in histone expression, possibly through its interaction between SLBP2 and LeishIF4E2, thus affecting cell cycle progression. In addition, cell synchronization showed that LeishIF4E2 expression decreased during the S-phase, when histones are known to be synthesized. Previous studies in T. brucei also highlighted an association between TbEIF4E2 and SLBP2, and further reported on an interaction between TbIF4E2 and S-phase-abundant mRNAs. Our results show that overexpression of LeishIF4E2 correlates with upregulation of cell cycle and chromosome maintenance proteins. Along with its effect on histone expression, we propose that LeishIF4E2 is involved in cell cycle progression.
38095331
Elevated growth differentiation factor 15 is associated with echocardiographic markers of right heart overload in atrial fibrillation.
38095330
Impact of post-stroke aphasia on functional communication, quality of life, perception of health and depression: A case-control study.
Post-stroke aphasia is associated with a reduced quality of life (QoL) and higher risk of depression. Few studies have addressed the effect of coping with aphasia. Our aim is to evaluate the impact of post-stroke aphasia on self-reported QoL and symptoms of depression.
38095332
Atypical COVID-19 erythema nodosum in a patient with ulcerative colitis treated with Upadacitinib.
38095334
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with cardiogenic shock: safe and effective, but the most critical patients require further investigations.
38095333
xmlns:ns0="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML">Mixtures of <ns0:math> <ns0:semantics><ns0:mrow><ns0:mi>t</ns0:mi></ns0:mrow> <ns0:annotation>$$ t $$</ns0:annotation></ns0:semantics> </ns0:math> factor analysers with censored responses and external covariates: An application to educational data from Peru.
xmlns:ns0="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML">Analysing data from educational tests allows governments to make decisions for improving the quality of life of individuals in a society. One of the key responsibilities of statisticians is to develop models that provide decision-makers with pertinent information about the latent process that educational tests seek to represent. Mixtures of <ns0:math> <ns0:semantics><ns0:mrow><ns0:mi>t</ns0:mi></ns0:mrow> <ns0:annotation>$$ t $$</ns0:annotation></ns0:semantics> </ns0:math> factor analysers (MtFA) have emerged as a powerful device for model-based clustering and classification of high-dimensional data containing one or several groups of observations with fatter tails or anomalous outliers. This paper considers an extension of MtFA for robust clustering of censored data, referred to as the MtFAC model, by incorporating external covariates. The enhanced flexibility of including covariates in MtFAC enables cluster-specific multivariate regression analysis of dependent variables with censored responses arising from upper and/or lower detection limits of experimental equipment. An alternating expectation conditional maximization (AECM) algorithm is developed for maximum likelihood estimation of the proposed model. Two simulation experiments are conducted to examine the effectiveness of the techniques presented. Furthermore, the proposed methodology is applied to Peruvian data from the 2007 Early Grade Reading Assessment, and the results obtained from the analysis provide new insights regarding the reading skills of Peruvian students.
38095335
xmlns:ns0="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML">Band gap, Jahn-Teller deformation, octahedra rotation in transition metal perovskites LaTiO <ns0:math> <ns0:semantics> <ns0:mrow><ns0:msub><ns0:mrow /> <ns0:mrow><ns0:mn>3</ns0:mn></ns0:mrow> </ns0:msub> </ns0:mrow> <ns0:annotation>$$ {}_3 $$</ns0:annotation></ns0:semantics></ns0:math>.
xmlns:ns0="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML">The LaTiO <ns0:math> <ns0:semantics> <ns0:mrow><ns0:msub><ns0:mrow /> <ns0:mrow><ns0:mn>3</ns0:mn></ns0:mrow> </ns0:msub> </ns0:mrow> <ns0:annotation>$$ {}_3 $$</ns0:annotation></ns0:semantics> </ns0:math> perovskite (where Ti is in a d1 state) is investigated by using an all electron Gaussian basis and many functionals, ranging from pure GGA (PBE), to hybrids (full range, B3LYP and PBE0, and range separated, HSE06) to Hartree Fock. Recently, Varignon et al. (Phys. Rev. Res 1, 033131, 2019), showed that, when GGA+U or HSE06 are used, a metallic solution and fractional occupancy of the t <ns0:math> <ns0:semantics> <ns0:mrow><ns0:msub><ns0:mrow /> <ns0:mrow><ns0:mn>2</ns0:mn> <ns0:mi>g</ns0:mi></ns0:mrow> </ns0:msub> </ns0:mrow> <ns0:annotation>$$ {}_{2g} $$</ns0:annotation></ns0:semantics> </ns0:math> subshell are obtained. Here, it is shown that when a full range hybrid functional is used, an integer occupancy is obtained, as suggested by the Jahn-Teller theorem. When the exact exchange percentage varies from 0 to 100, the system is insulating when it exceeds 20. By reducing progressively the symmetry from cubic down to orthorhombic, the relative importance of the Jahn-Teller deformation and of the rotation of the octahedra is explored.
38095336
Cardiovascular safety of Janus Kinase inhibitor therapy in a multi-ethnic population.
Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors are a class of drugs that have been shown to be effective in treating a variety of autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs). However, there have been concerns about their potential to increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Some studies have found no ethnic differences. This study aimed to assess the cardiovascular safety of JAK inhibitor therapy in a large multi-ethnic patient cohort and to identify if there is a correlation between the age of patients in the cohort with an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
38095337
The female self-advocacy in Cancer Survivorship scale is a psychometrically sound measure of self-advocacy in male cancer survivors.
To develop and psychometrically evaluate an adapted version of the Female Self-Advocacy in Cancer Survivorship (FSACS) Scale in men with a history of cancer.
38095338
Utilization of Multi-Parametric Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Early Diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
It is challenging to diagnose suspected Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients in the very early stage of the disease. More evidence is needed to demonstrate the potential of quantitative MRI (qMRI) in precisely identifying patients before substantial physical decline occurs.
38095339
Upcoming events of interest.
38095340
ITIH5 inhibits proliferation, adipogenic differentiation, and secretion of inflammatory cytokines of human adipose stem cells-A new key in treating obesity?
Inter-α-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 5 (ITIH5) is widely expressed in the human body, and it is detected to be particularly abundant in adipose tissue. ITIH5 expression is increased in people with obesity compared to lean persons and is decreased by diet-induced weight loss. This suggests that ITIH5 may be involved in the development of adiposity and clinical metabolic variables, although its exact function remains unknown. We measured the protein concentration of ITIH5 in adipose samples from patients undergoing abdominoplasty and tested for correlation with the subjects' BMI as well as inflammatory mediators. We stimulated human adipose stem cells (ASCs) with recombinant (r)ITIH5 protein and tested for an effect on proliferation, differentiation, and immunosuppressive properties when the cells were exposed to an artificial inflammatory environment. We found positive correlations between ITIH5 levels and the BMI (p < .001) as well as concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1) in adipose tissue (p < .01). Application of the rITIH5 protein inhibited both proliferation (p < .001) and differentiation of ASCs. Especially, the development of mature adipocytes was reduced by over 50%. Moreover, rITIH5 decreased the release of IL-6 and MCP-1 when the cells were exposed to TNF-α and IL-1β (p < .001). Our data suggest that ITIH5 is an adipokine that is increasingly released during human adipose tissue development, acting as a regulator that inhibits proliferation and adipogenic differentiation of ASCs. ITIH5 thus presents itself as a positive regulator of adipose tissue homeostasis, possibly protecting against both hyperplasia and hypertrophy of adipose tissue and the associated chronic inflammation.
38095341
Acid-sensing ion channel 1a blockade reduces myocardial injury in rodent models of myocardial infarction.
38095342
Clinical and histopathological features in horses with neuroaxonal degeneration: 100 cases (2017-2021).
Adult horses with proprioceptive ataxia and behavior changes that have histologic lesions consistent with neurodegenerative disease have been increasingly recognized.
38095343
In memoriam: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Jeanette Erdmann.
38095344
The causal relationship between bacterial pneumonia and diabetes: a two-sample mendelian randomization study.
Previous observational studies have established the high prevalence of bacterial pneumonia in diabetic patients, which in turn leads to increased mortality. However, the presence of a causal connection between bacterial pneumonia and diabetes remains unobserved.
38095345
Correction to "H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> Self-Supplying and GSH-Depleting Nanocatalyst for Copper Metabolism-Based Synergistic Chemodynamic Therapy and Chemotherapy".
38095346
Infectious aneurysms, a rare form of intracranial aneurysms: a description of two cases with distinct clinical and insidious imaging manifestations.
38095347
Private Equity and Plastic Surgery.
38095348
Application of mPEG-CS-cRGD/<i>Bmi-1RNAi</i>-PTX nanoparticles in suppression of laryngeal cancer by targeting cancer stem cells.
Although surgery-based comprehensive therapy is becoming the main approach to treat laryngeal cancer, recurrence, metastasis, radiotherapy resistance and chemotherapy tolerance are still the main causes of death in patients. Targeted inhibition of laryngeal cancer stem cells has been considered as the consensus to cure laryngeal cancer. Our previous study has confirmed proto-oncogene <i>Bmi-1</i> as <i>a</i> key regulator for self-renewal of laryngeal cancer stem cells. Targeted knockdown of <i>Bmi-1</i> gene effectively inhibited the self-renewal and differentiation of laryngeal cancer stem cells, leading to the promoted sensitivity to chemotherapy including paclitaxel. However, due to off-target effects and quick degradation of the naked <i>Bmi-1</i>-RNAi small RNA oligo by nuclease in body fluids, it is urgently needed to develop a tumor-targeted delivery system with a protective shell. In this study, we designed and synthesized cRGD peptide-modified chitosan-polyethylene glycol slow-release nanoparticles (mPEG-CS-cRGD/<i>Bmi-1RNAi</i>-PTX) containing <i>Bmi-1RNAi</i> siRNA oligo and paclitaxel, which showed spherical in shape, 200&#8201;nm diameter in size, low cytotoxicity, strong DNA wrapping, resistance to nuclease degradation and high transfection efficiency to cells. Functional analysis indicated significant suppression of cell proliferation and migration and induction of apoptosis by the nanocomplex in laryngeal cancer cells <i>in vitro</i>. By application to the mouse model with laryngeal cancer, the nanocomplex inhibited tumor growth significantly <i>in vivo</i>. In addition, cRGD peptide, paclitaxel and <i>Bmi-1</i> siRNA in the nanoparticles showed synergistic effects to suppress laryngeal cancer stem cells. In conclusion, this study not only developed a laryngeal tumor-targeted chemotherapeutic system, but also demonstrated a <i>Bmi-1</i> RNAi-based chemotherapeutic strategy to inhibit cancer stem cells, having strong potential to treat laryngeal cancer patients suffering therapy resistance and/or tumor recurrence.
38095349
Effective treatment with Gilteritinib-based regimens for FLT3-mutant extramedullary relapse in acute promyelocytic leukemia.
Extramedullary relapse (EMR) is rare in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and, there is a lack of information on its management. Current practices for EMR in APL are always to adopt strategies from other subtypes of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and Acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Gilteritinib, a highly selective FLT3 inhibitor, has demonstrated a remarkable effect on EMR in FLT3-mutant AML. Therefore, it is worthwhile exploring if FLT3 mutation can be a therapeutic target and assessing the efficacy of Gilteritinib on FLT3-mutant EMR in APL.
38095350
Reversal of Regioselectivity in Asymmetric C ̶ H Bond Annulation with Bromoalkynes under Cobalt Catalysis.
Metal-catalyzed asymmetric C-H bond annulation strategy offers a versatile platform, allowing the construction of complex P-chiral molecules through atom- and step-economical fashion.  However, regioselective insertion of pi-coupling partner between M-C bond with high enantio-induction remain elusive.   Using commercially available Co(II) salt and chiral-Salox ligands, we demonstrate an unusual protocol for the regio-reversal, enantioselective C-H bond annulation of phosphinamide with bromoalkyne through desymmetrization. The reaction proceeds through ligand-assisted enantiodetermining cyclocobaltation followed by regioselective insertion of bromoalkyne between Co-C, subsequent reductive elimination, and halogen exchange with carboxylate resulted in P-stereogeneic compounds in excellent ee (up to 99%).  The isolation of cobaltacylce involved in the catalytic cycle and the outcome of control experiments provide support for a plausible mechanism.
38095351
Extended orbital exenteration, epithetic restoration, and patient supply: A cross-sectional study of a historic cohort.
The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical course and to redefine an optimized algorithm for OE cases until epithetic restoration.
38095352
RNA-directed DNA methylation as a weapon in parental conflict.
38095353
Baseline serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor association with future cognition in community-dwelling older adults undergoing annual memory screening.
It has been shown that peripheral measures of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF), an important neurotrophin instrumental to the biology of learning, may contribute to predicting cognitive decline. However, the two primary forms of BDNF, mature (mBDNF) and pro (proBDNF), and how they contribute to cognition longitudinally has not been well studied.
38095354
Enzyme-Catalyzed Oxidative Degradation of Ergothioneine.
Ergothioneine is a sulfur-containing metabolite that is produced by bacteria and fungi, and is absorbed by plants and animals as a micronutrient. Ergothioneine reacts with harmful oxidants including singlet oxygen or hydrogen peroxide, and may therefore protect cells against oxidative stress. In this report we describe two enzymes from actinobacteria that cooperate in the specific oxidative degradation of ergothioneine. The first enzyme is an iron-dependent thiol dioxygenase that produces ergothioneine sulfinic acid. A crystal structure of ergothioneine dioxygenase from Thermocatellispora tengchongensis reveals many similarities with cysteine dioxygenases, suggesting that the two enzymes share a common mechanism. The second enzyme is a metal-dependent ergothioneine sulfinic acid desulfinase that produces Na-trimethylhistidine and SO2. The discovery that certain actinobacteria contain the enzymatic machinery for O2-dependent biosynthesis and O2-dependent degradation of ergothioneine indicates that these organisms may actively manage their ergothioneine content.
38095355
To DISP or not? The Far-Reaching Reaction Mechanisms Underpinning Lithium-air batteries.
The short history of research on Li-O2 batteries has seen a remarkable number of mechanistic U-turns over the years. From the initial use of carbonate electrolytes, that were then found to be entirely unsuitable, to the belief that (su)peroxide was solely responsible for degradation, before the more reactive singlet oxygen was found to form, to the hypothesis that capacity depends on a competing surface/solution mechanism before a practically exclusive solution mechanism was identified. Herein, we argue for an ever-fresh look at the reported data without bias towards supposedly established explanations. We explain how the latest findings on rate and capacity limits, as well as the origin of side reactions, are connected via the disproportionation (DISP) step in the (dis)charge mechanism. Therefrom, directions emerge for the design of electrolytes and mediators on how to suppress side reactions and to enable high rate and high reversible capacity.
38095356
Intravenous loss of over-the-wire catheter guidewires in 13 horses.
Over-the-wire (OTW) catheter placement is performed frequently in horses. Intravascular loss of a guidewire has been anecdotally reported, but there is limited information regarding the treatment and outcome of horses that have experienced this complication of OTW catheter placement.
38095357
Efficient Noble-Metal-Free Integration Electrolysis for Solar H2 and Supercapacitor Electrode Coproduction in Acidic Water.
Solar driven proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is of great promise for stable and high pure H2 production, but often limited by the serious partial loading issue due to the intermittency nature of solar energy, the kinetically sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the usage of noble metal-based anodes (e.g., Pt, Ir, and Ru). Herein, we report an efficient integrated water electrolysis by replacing OER with favorable pyrrole electrooxidation polymerization for H2 generation in acidic solutions, wherein nonprecious Co2P and carbon cloth (CC) served as cathode and anode, respectively. A voltage of only 1.0 V was needed to afford 10 mA cm-2, 590 mV smaller than that in traditional PEMWE based on noble Pt/C@RuO2 benchmark couple. Moreover, simple carbonization of the resulting polypyrrole/CC at anode yielded a supercapacitor electrode with a high specific capacitance of 290 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 and robust stability, which then functioned as energy reservoir to alleviate the partial loading issue for solar H2 and supercapacitor electrode coproduction.
38095358
Perusal on the role of DMF solvent and hydrogen bonding in the formation of 1D polymeric chains in mixed ligand Ni(II) complex as an anticancer agent: a computational approach.
A novel mixed ligand Ni(II) metal complex has been investigated for the modification in structural conformation, coordination bond, and noncovalent interactions. The novel Ni(II) metal complex [Ni(TFPB)<sub>2</sub>(1,10-Ph)(DMF)] has been synthesized and structurally characterized, which featured six coordination with three bidentate ligands connected through oxygen and nitrogen atoms. The single-crystal X-ray analysis showed that the compound possessed octahedral geometry and C-H&#8230;F, C-H&#8230;O, and &#960;&#8230;&#960; intermolecular interactions resulting in the formation of supramolecular architecture contributed significantly towards the crystal packing and molecular stability. Hirshfeld surface analysis was carried out to validate various intermolecular interactions. Further, the 3D structural topologies were visualized using energy framework analysis. To explore the coordination stability and chemically reactive parameters of the novel Ni(II) complex, the electronic structure was optimized using density functional theory calculations. The natural bond orbital analysis revealed the various hyperconjugative interactions exhibited by the complex. In addition, the complex was screened for <i>in silico</i> studies to understand the antitumoricidal potential of the novel Ni(II) complex. Molecular docking studies were also performed against three targeted proteins (PDB ID: 6H0W, 6NE5, and 6E91) to investigate the binding mode and protein-ligand interactions. These results are further analyzed by molecular dynamic simulation to confirm the best possible interactions and stability in the active site of the targeted proteins with a simulation period of 100&#8201;ns.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Tuning the Work Function of MXene via Surface Functionalization.
MXenes, a class of two-dimensional materials, have garnered significant attention due to their versatile surface chemistry and customizable properties. In this study, we investigate the work function (WF) tuning capabilities of MXene Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<i><sub>x</sub></i>, where T<i><sub>x</sub></i> denotes the surface termination, synthesized via both conventional hydrogen fluoride-etched and recently reported molten salt-etched routes. When MXene samples are subjected to gas phase reactions, WF variations exceeding 0.6 eV are achieved, highlighting the potential for precise WF control. Notably, the WF increases from &#8764;4.23 eV (in N-doped MXene etched using molten salt) to &#8764;4.85 eV (N-doped MXene etched using HF). Complementary density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal WF tuning across a &gt;1 eV range via modification of the surface with different terminal groups (bare metal, F*, O*, N*, and Cl*). These changes in WF are attributed to surface termination modifications and the formation of TiO<sub>2</sub> and TiN phases during annealing. DFT calculations further unveil an inverse correlation between the WF and the electron affinity of surface terminations. The findings from this comprehensive study provide insights into the tunable WF of MXenes, paving the way for their potential applications as interfacial layers in photovoltaic, energy conversion, and storage technologies.
38095360
Identification of new small molecule allosteric SHP2 inhibitor through pharmacophore-based virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation studies, synthesis and <i>in&#160;vitro</i> evaluation.
Src homology-2 (SH2) domain-containing phosphatase-2 (SHP2) is the first identified protooncogene and is a promising target for developing small molecule inhibitors as cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Pharmacophore-based virtual screening (PBVS) is a pharmacoinformatics methodology that employs physicochemical knowhow of the chemical space into the dynamic environs of computational technology to extract virtual molecular hits that are precise and promising for a drug target. In the current study, PBVS has been applied on Enamine<sup>TM</sup> Advanced Collection of 551,907 molecules by using a pharmacophore model developed upon <b>SHP099</b> by Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software to identify potential small molecule allosteric SHP2 inhibitors. Obtained 37 hits were further filtered through DruLiTo software for drug-likeness and PAINS remover which yielded 35 hits. These were subjected to molecular docking studies against the tunnel allosteric site of SHP2 (PDB ID: 5EHR) to screen them according to their binding affinity for the enzyme. Top 5 molecules having highest binding affinity for 5EHR were passed through an ADMET prediction screening and the top 2 hits (ligands <b>111675</b> and <b>546656</b>) with the most favourable ADMET profile were taken for post screening molecular docking and MD simulation studies. From the protein-ligand interaction pattern, conformational stability and energy parameters, ligand <b>111675</b> (SHP2 K<sub>i</sub> = 0.118&#8201;&#181;M) resulted as the most active molecule. Further, the synthesis and <i>in&#160;vitro</i> evaluation of the lead compound <b>111675</b> unveiled its potent inhibitory activity (IC<sub>50</sub> = 0.878&#8201;&#177;&#8201;0.008&#8201;&#181;M) against SHP2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
38095361
Neural tube-associated boundary caps are a major source of mural cells in the skin.
In addition to their roles in protecting nerves and increasing conduction velocity, peripheral glia plays key functions in blood vessel development by secreting molecules governing arteries alignment and maturation with nerves. Here we show in mice that a specific, nerve-attached cell population, derived from boundary caps (BCs), constitutes a major source of mural cells for the developing skin vasculature. Using Cre-based reporter cell tracing and single-cell transcriptomics, we show that BC derivatives migrate into the skin along the nerves, detach from them and differentiate into pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells. Genetic ablation of this population affects the organization of the skin vascular network. Our results reveal the heterogeneity and extended potential of the BC population in mice, which gives rise to mural cells, in addition to previously described neurons, Schwann cells and melanocytes. Finally, our results suggest that mural specification of BC derivatives takes place before their migration along nerves to the mouse skin.
38095362
Repeatability of adaptation in sunflowers reveals that genomic regions harbouring inversions also drive adaptation in species lacking an inversion.
Local adaptation commonly involves alleles of large effect, which experience fitness advantages when in positive linkage disequilibrium (LD). Because segregating inversions suppress recombination and facilitate the maintenance of LD between locally adapted loci, they are also commonly found to be associated with adaptive divergence. However, it is unclear what fraction of an adaptive response can be attributed to inversions and alleles of large effect, and whether the loci within an inversion could still drive adaptation in the absence of its recombination-suppressing effect. Here, we use genome-wide association studies to explore patterns of local adaptation in three species of sunflower: <i>Helianthus annuus</i>, <i>Helianthus argophyllus</i>, and <i>Helianthus petiolaris</i>, which each harbour a large number of species-specific inversions. We find evidence of significant genome-wide repeatability in signatures of association to phenotypes and environments, which are particularly enriched within regions of the genome harbouring an inversion in one species. This shows that while inversions may facilitate local adaptation, at least some of the loci can still harbour mutations that make substantial contributions without the benefit of recombination suppression in species lacking a segregating inversion. While a large number of genomic regions show evidence of repeated adaptation, most of the strongest signatures of association still tend to be species-specific, indicating substantial genotypic redundancy for local adaptation in these species.
38095363
Hamartoma affecting ampullary electroreceptors and epitheliotropic lymphoma in a captive electric eel Electrophorus varii.
Few reports are available describing lesions in captive electric eels Electrophorus spp. This report describes 2 types of cutaneous proliferative lesions (i.e. hamartoma and neoplasm) in a captive electric eel. Ampullary electroreceptor hamartomas appeared grossly as 2 discrete, smooth, pink, spherical, cutaneous masses measuring 6 and 18 mm in diameter. Histologically, hamartomas were composed of predominately spindle cells that were separated into lobules by a peripheral rim of polygonal cells. Spindle cells were arranged in vague streams and occasionally whorls within a myxomatous matrix. Polygonal cells arranged in variably sized trabeculae and cords within a pre-existing fibrovascular stroma surrounded the streams of spindle cells. Admixed with the polygonal cell population were multiple mucous glands and alarm cells, similar to those seen in normal regions of epidermis. Histochemical stains confirmed similar components in the normal ampullary electroreceptor as in the hamartomas. Lymphoma was also present, appearing grossly as patchy pitting, erythematous, and thickened areas of the skin affecting the entire animal. Lymphoma was diffusely infiltrating and expanding the epidermis, oral mucosa, and branchial mucosa up to 1.5 mm in thickness. It was composed of an unencapsulated, well-demarcated, moderately cellular neoplasm composed of lymphocytes arranged in small dense sheets and clusters that separated and effaced epidermal cells. This is the first report of lymphoma in an electric eel, and the first report of ampullary electroreceptor hamartoma in any animal species.
38095364
Prevalence of the scuticociliate Orchitophrya stellarum in seastars from the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
As part of a study to investigate the use of the scuticociliate Orchitophrya stellarum as a biological control for the invasive seastar Asterias amurensis in Australia, we collected prevalence data for O. stellarum from 3 seastar species (A. amurensis, A. rubens, Pisaster ochraceus) between 1996 and 1999 from the Pacific (Australia, Japan, Korea, Canada) and Atlantic (France, Netherlands, Canada) oceans. In the Pacific Ocean, for the first time, we found O. stellarum in male A. amurensis in Korea and female A. amurensis in Japan. The parasite was not detected in the invasive A. amurensis from Australia. There was no significant difference between size of infected and uninfected male seastars, nor a correlation between biased sex ratio and parasite prevalence in populations in the Pacific or Atlantic oceans. Therefore, unlike other studies, we found size and sex ratio in seastar populations in the field are unreliable indicators of parasite impacts. Regular monitoring of infected seastar populations in the field would be useful to better understand how sex ratio varies with parasite prevalence. We recommend laboratory studies under controlled conditions to determine the effect of O. stellarum on seastar populations.
38095366
Epidemiological cut-off values for non-O1/ non-O139 Vibrio cholerae disc diffusion data generated by standardised methods.
This work generates the data needed to set epidemiological cut-off values for disc-diffusion zone measurements of Vibrio cholerae. The susceptibility of 147 European isolates of non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae to 19 antibiotics was established using a standardised disc diffusion method which specified incubation of Mueller Hinton agar plates at 35°C. Epidemiological cut-off values were calculated by analysis of the zone size data with the statistically based normalised resistance interpretation method. Cut-off values for 17 agents were calculated by analysis of the aggregated data from all 4 laboratories participating in this study. The cut-off values calculated were ≥18 mm for amoxicillin/clavulanate, ≥18 mm for amikacin, ≥19 mm for ampicillin, ≥27 mm for cefepime, ≥31 mm for cefotaxime, ≥24 mm for ceftazidime, ≥24 mm for chloramphenicol, ≥31 mm for ciprofloxacin, ≥16 mm for erythromycin, ≥ 27 mm for florfenicol, ≥16 mm for gentamicin, ≥23 mm for imipenem, ≥25 mm for meropenem, ≥29 mm for nalidixic acid, ≥28 mm for norfloxacin, ≥13 mm for streptomycin and ≥23 mm for tetracycline. For the other 2 agents the data from 1 laboratory was excluded from the censored aggregation because the data from that laboratory was considered excessively imprecise. The cut-off values for these 2 agents calculated for the aggregation of the data from 3 laboratories were ≥23 mm for trimethoprim and ≥24 mm for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. These zone size data will be submitted to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and European Committee for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) for their consideration in setting international consensus epidemiological cut-off values for non O1/non-O139 V. cholerae.
38095365
Characterising injuries and pathologies of common dolphin Delphinus delphis mortalities in the South Australian Sardine Fishery.
Mortality of dolphins in fishing operations is often under-estimated, as shown by studies of beach-washed carcasses. Linking evidence obtained during necropsies with fishing method is fundamental to understanding the extent of mortality and the manner in which animals die. The South Australian Sardine Fishery (SASF) has operated a purse-seine industry since 1991. This study characterised injuries, pathological changes and life history of 49 dead dolphins collected from SASF during 2006-2019. Histology examination was conducted on 25 animals. Neonates, calves and juveniles accounted for 63% of the sample. Of mature females (n = 14), 11 were pregnant or lactating, with cryptic mortality estimated to be 20% of dolphins studied. Body condition was robust in 48 dolphins. Net marks were seen on 82%, mostly on the head, trunk and peduncle. Broken/missing teeth were noted in 63%. All dolphins had subdermal haemorrhage (moderate to severe in 96%), particularly around the head. Deep haemorrhage was common, including around occipital and flipper condyles, and organs. Copious fluid was present in the thoracic (pleural) and abdominal (ascites) cavities of half of the dolphins. Within the lungs, watery fluid and froth were observed in 100 and 39%, respectively. Recent bone fractures were documented in 43% of dolphins, mostly associated with haemorrhage. Severe blunt trauma appeared to be the primary cause of death, and 10 dolphins also had other significant pathologies. Visceral organ congestion and mild cardiomyopathy were observed. Stomachs contained prey remains in 75% of cases. The results of this study may help identify unreported purse-seine mortalities washed up in South Australia and elsewhere.
38095367
Archaic Introgression Shaped Human Circadian Traits.
When the ancestors of modern Eurasians migrated out of Africa and interbred with Eurasian archaic hominins, namely, Neanderthals and Denisovans, DNA of archaic ancestry integrated into the genomes of anatomically modern humans. This process potentially accelerated adaptation to Eurasian environmental factors, including reduced ultraviolet radiation and increased variation in seasonal dynamics. However, whether these groups differed substantially in circadian biology and whether archaic introgression adaptively contributed to human chronotypes remain unknown. Here, we traced the evolution of chronotype based on genomes from archaic hominins and present-day humans. First, we inferred differences in circadian gene sequences, splicing, and regulation between archaic hominins and modern humans. We identified 28 circadian genes containing variants with potential to alter splicing in archaics (e.g., CLOCK, PER2, RORB, and RORC) and 16 circadian genes likely divergently regulated between present-day humans and archaic hominins, including RORA. These differences suggest the potential for introgression to modify circadian gene expression. Testing this hypothesis, we found that introgressed variants are enriched among expression quantitative trait loci for circadian genes. Supporting the functional relevance of these regulatory effects, we found that many introgressed alleles have associations with chronotype. Strikingly, the strongest introgressed effects on chronotype increase morningness, consistent with adaptations to high latitude in other species. Finally, we identified several circadian loci with evidence of adaptive introgression or latitudinal clines in allele frequency. These findings identify differences in circadian gene regulation between modern humans and archaic hominins and support the contribution of introgression via coordinated effects on variation in human chronotype.
38095368
Retraction Note: The relationship of kinesiophobia with depression and anxiety in nursing homes.
The article "The relationship of kinesiophobia with depression and anxiety in nursing homes", by Ö. Yükselmiş, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27 (6): 2305-2313-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202303_31764-PMID: 37013748 has been retracted by the Editor in Chief. After publication, issues were raised about the authorship of this article by a reader stating that the article plagiarized a thesis published in Turkish. After receiving the thesis and translating it into English, the Journal compared the two texts and found they share the same results. The author re-elaborated the thesis by using the same data to create and publish a new article. The reader also stated that the Ethics Committee approval provided by the author was fake. The journal contacted the University to investigate this issue but never received a reply. After being informed, the corresponding author gave no plausible reply to these issues and asked to withdraw the manuscript. Given the evidence, the Editor in Chief decided to withdraw the manuscript and blacklisted the author for any future submissions. This manuscript has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/31764.
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Author Correction: Epigallocatechin gallate, folic acid, vitamin B12, and hyaluronic acid significantly increase apoptosis and p53 expression in HeLa cells.
Correction to: Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27 (11): 5240-5245-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202306_32642-PMID: 37318498-published online on June 13, 2023. After publication, the authors discovered that Prof. C. Gentili's affiliation was wrong as he has never been a member of the Italian Society of Colposcopy and Cervicovaginal Pathology (SICPCV). The authors never found the mistake during the review process nor requested a correction before publication. Therefore, the second affiliation has been corrected as follows: Pathologist, Independent Practitioner, Carrara, Italy. There are amendments to this paper. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/32642.