bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulatory Mechanisms of Pollen Development: Transcriptomic and Bioinformatic Insights into the Role of β-1,3 Glucanase Gene (LbGlu1) in Lycium barbarum
Authors: Zhang Xin , Bei Zhanlin , Li Jinglong , Ma Haijun , Wang Cuiping , Xu Wendi , Ren Yufeng , Zhou Jun , Yan Xingfu
Published: May 2024

Pollen fertility is a critical factor in seed development and crop breeding. Extensive studies have explored the mechanisms of pollen fertility in model plants and economic crops. However, the mechanisms of pollen abortion in medicinal and edible plants, including Lycium barbarum, remain elusive. This study utilized transcriptome analysis to identify key genes and regulatory networks implicated in pollen fertility in L. barbarum. The results demonstrated differential expression of 12,185 genes (DEGs) between the sterile and fertile lines, encompassing 489 genes that exhibited variation across the five stages of pollen development. Additionally, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the DEGs were predominantly associated with energy metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and notably, hydrolase activity. Co-expression network analysis unveiled two modules intimately associated with fertility, each comprising 908 and 756 hub genes, incorporating β-1,3-glucanase genes (Glu) and co-expressed transcription factors (TFs). Phylogenetic analysis implied that LbGlu1 was a potential candidate gene implicated in regulating pollen abortion in L. barbarum. This work advances a novel understanding of pollen abortion in L. barbarum and offers theoretical support for the utilization of sterility genes to enhance crop improvement.
Promising and Failed Breeding Techniques for Overcoming Sterility and Increasing Seed Set in Bananas (Musa spp.)
Authors: Waniale Allan , Mukasa Settumba B. , Tugume Arthur K. , Barekye Alex , Tumuhimbise Robooni
Published: May 2024

Most banana improvement programs are restricted to using a sub-set of edible landraces for sexual hybridization as the majority are female sterile. This results from an array of factors that work in tandem and lead to sterility. Use of pollen germination media (PGM) during pollination significantly increases seed set, but it is a very small fraction compared to the potential seed set. This research therefore explored early pollination (a day before anthesis), evening pollination, saline treatment, plant growth regulators (PGRs) treatment, and ovule culture as potential techniques for overcoming sterility in bananas. Early and evening pollinations did not increase seed set because of immature flowers and a mismatch of male and female flower opening, respectively (t-prob. = 0.735 and 0.884). Immersion of bunches in a saline solution before pollination and ovule culture also did not overcome pollination barriers. Auxin antagonists (TIBA and salicylic acid) increased seed set, though their respective increases were not statistically significant (t-prob. = 0.123 and 0.164, respectively). The use of auxin antagonists shows great potential for overcoming pollination barriers in bananas. However, application rates and time of application have to be optimized and used holistically with other promising techniques, such as use of PGM.
Acute Kidney Injury in the Context of COVID-19: An Analysis in Hospitalized Mexican Patients
Authors: Borrego-Moreno Juan Carlos , Cárdenas-de Luna María Julieta , Márquez-Castillo José Carlos , Reyes-Ruiz José Manuel , Osuna-Ramos Juan Fidel , León-Juárez Moisés , del Ángel Rosa María , Rodríguez-Carlos Adrián , Rivas-Santiago Bruno , Farfan-Morales Carlos Noe , García-Herrera Ana Cristina , De Jesús-González Luis Adrián
Published: May 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a considerable proportion of patients developed a severe condition that included respiratory failure, shock, or multiple organ dysfunction. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) has been recognized as a possible cause of severe COVID-19 development. Given this, this study investigates the occurrence and consequences of AKI in Mexican patients to contribute to better knowledge and management of this problem. Methods: Using a retrospective observational cohort methodology, we investigated 313 cases from a cohort of 1019 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at the IMSS Zacatecas General Hospital of Zone No. 1 in 2020. The prevalence of AKI was determined using the AKIN criteria based on serum creatinine levels and a detailed review of demographic characteristics, medical history, comorbidities, and clinical development. Results: The data showed a 25.30% prevalence of AKI among patients infected with severe COVID-19. Remarkably, these patients with AKI exhibited an advanced age (>65 years), arterial hypertension, a higher number of white blood cells during admission and the hospital stay, and elevated levels of C-reactive protein, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Clinically, patients with AKI had signs of prostration, pneumonia, and the requirement for ventilatory assistance when compared to those without AKI. Finally, those diagnosed with AKI and COVID-19 had a 74% death rate. Relative risk analyses indicated that age (>65 years), arterial hypertension, high creatinine levels, endotracheal intubation, and pneumonia are associated with the development of AKI. On the other hand, among the protective factors against AKI, high hemoglobin levels and the consumption of statins during COVID-19 were found. Conclusions: The findings of this study underscore the significance of promptly identifying and effectively managing AKI to potentially alleviate the negative consequences of this complication within the Mexican population during COVID-19.
Prognostic Factors in Necrotizing Fasciitis: Insights from a Two-Decade, Two-Center Study Involving 209 Cases
Authors: Megas Ioannis-Fivos , Delavari Sarina , Marti Edo Alejandro , Habild Götz , Billner Moritz , Reichert Bert , Breidung David
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a critical disease with high morbidity and mortality rates that poses significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Prognostic factors for the clinical course of NF remain unclear and are currently under research. This study aims to identify such factors in a large cohort of patients which represents a major comprehensive investigation of prognostic factors for NF. Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on necrotizing fasciitis cases from 2003 to 2023 at two German hospitals. Data included demographics, comorbidities, laboratory findings, infection site, causative microorganisms and outcomes. Statistical analysis involved t-tests, chi-square tests, and ROC analysis. Results: A total of 209 patients were included, with a mortality rate of 18%. Patients were categorized into survivors (n = 171) and non-survivors (n = 38). Non-survivors were significantly older (68.9 ± 13.9 years vs. 55.9 ± 14.3 years; p < 0.01) and exhibited a higher prevalence of peripheral vascular diseases, cancer, and heart, liver, or renal insufficiency. Laboratory findings and scoring results also varied significantly between the two groups. The ROC curve analysis identified age as a predictor of mortality, with an optimal cut-off value of 68.5 years (sensitivity: 60.5%, specificity: 81.9%). Higher age was associated with increased mortality risk. Conclusions: The patient’s age stands out as the primary predictive element for mortality in necrotizing fasciitis. Additionally, we advocate for employing the Laboratory and Anamnestic Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LARINF—score), which holds substantial prognostic significance and is straightforward to calculate. Considering our findings, crafting a clinical algorithm or scoring mechanism to forecast mortality in NF would be a promising target for future research.
Resilience and Positive Wellbeing Experienced by 5–12-Year-Old Children with Refugee Backgrounds in Australia: The Childhood Resilience Study
Authors: Riggs Elisha , Gartland Deirdre , Szwarc Josef , Stow Mardi , Paxton Georgia , Brown Stephanie J.
Published: May 2024

Refugee research tends to be deficit based and focused on the risks threatening positive adaptation and wellbeing. High rates of mental (and physical) health issues have been reported for refugee adults and children, including intergenerational trauma. This study uses the new Child Resilience Questionnaire (CRQ), co-designed with refugee background communities, to describe resilience and positive wellbeing experienced by children of refugee-background. The Childhood Resilience Study (CRS) recruited 1132 families with children aged 5–12 years in Victoria and South Australia, Australia. This included the recruitment of 109 families from 4 refugee background communities: Assyrian Chaldean (Iraq, Syria), Hazara (Afghanistan), Karen (Burma, Thailand) and Sierra Leonean families. CRQ-parent/caregiver report (CRQ-P/C) scores were categorised into ‘low’, ‘moderate’ and ‘high’. The child’s emotional and behavioural wellbeing was assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, with positive wellbeing defined as <17 on the total difficulties score. Tobit regression models adjusted for a child’s age. The CRQ-P/C scores were not different for boys and girls of refugee background. Children of refugee-background (n = 109) had higher average CRQ-P/C scores than other CRS children (n = 1023) in the personal, school and community domains, but were lower in the family domain. Most children with ‘high’ resilience scores had positive wellbeing for both children of refugee-background (94.6%) and other CRS children (96.5%). Contrary to common stereotypes, children of refugee-background show specific individual, family, school and cultural strengths that can help them navigate cumulative and complex risks to sustain or develop their positive wellbeing. A better understanding as to how to build strengths at personal, family, peer, school and community levels where children are vulnerable is an important next step. Working in close collaboration with refugee communities, schools, policy makers and key service providers will ensure the optimal translation of these findings into sustainable practice and impactful public policy.
Distress as a Function of Social Exclusion and Assertiveness among Homosexual/Bisexual People
Authors: Cheung Chau-kiu , Tsang Eileen Yuk-ha
Published: May 2024

Homosexual (lesbian or gay) and bisexual (i.e., LGB) people tend to suffer from social exclusion and thus distress. To prevent or relieve distress, the people’s assertiveness about justice and rights is an advocated means, but its effectiveness is uncertain, considering possible conflict with social exclusion. To clarify the effectiveness, this study analyzed data collected from 189 Chinese LGB adults in Hong Kong, which is a special administrative region of China generally Westernized and liberal to sexual orientation. Controlling for prior distress reported, the analysis showed that distress was lower when assertiveness was higher or social exclusion experienced was lower. However, distress was higher when both assertiveness and social exclusion experienced were higher. The higher distress implies a conflict between assertiveness and social exclusion to raise distress. It also implies the need to avoid conflict when promoting assertiveness and eliminating social exclusion to prevent distress in LGB people.
Multiple Sclerosis: From the Application of Oligoclonal Bands to Novel Potential Biomarkers
Authors: Maglio Grazia , D’Agostino Marina , Caronte Francesco Pio , Pezone Luciano , Casamassimi Amelia , Rienzo Monica , Di Zazzo Erika , Nappo Carmela , Medici Nicola , Molinari Anna Maria , Abbondanza Ciro
Published: May 2024

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic immune-mediated disorder of the central nervous system with a high heterogeneity among patients. In the clinical setting, one of the main challenges is a proper and early diagnosis for the prediction of disease activity. Current diagnosis is based on the integration of clinical, imaging, and laboratory results, with the latter based on the presence of intrathecal IgG oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid whose detection via isoelectric focusing followed by immunoblotting represents the gold standard. Intrathecal synthesis can also be evidenced by the measurement of kappa free light chains in the cerebrospinal fluid, which has reached similar diagnostic accuracy compared to that of oligoclonal bands in the identification of patients with multiple sclerosis; moreover, recent studies have also highlighted its value for early disease activity prediction. This strategy has significant advantages as compared to using oligoclonal band detection, even though some issues remain open. Here, we discuss the current methods applied for cerebrospinal fluid analysis to achieve the most accurate diagnosis and for follow-up and prognosis evaluation. In addition, we describe new promising biomarkers, currently under investigation, that could contribute both to a better diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and to its monitoring of the therapeutic treatment response.
Transcriptome Analysis of BAFF/BAFF-R System in Murine Nephrotoxic Serum Nephritis
Authors: Möckel Tamara , Boegel Sebastian , Schwarting Andreas
Published: May 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an emerging cause for morbidity and mortality worldwide. Acute kidney injury (AKI) can transition to CKD and finally to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Targeted treatment is still unavailable. NF-κB signaling is associated with CKD and activated by B cell activating factor (BAFF) via BAFF-R binding. In turn, renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) are critical for the progression of fibrosis and producing BAFF. Therefore, the direct involvement of the BAFF/BAFF-R system to the pathogenesis of CKD is conceivable. We performed non-accelerated nephrotoxic serum nephritis (NTN) as the CKD model in BAFF KO (B6.129S2-Tnfsf13btm1Msc/J), BAFF-R KO (B6(Cg)-Tnfrsf13ctm1Mass/J) and wildtype (C57BL/6J) mice to analyze the BAFF/BAFF-R system in anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease using high throughput RNA sequencing. We found that BAFF signaling is directly involved in the upregulation of collagen III as BAFF ko mice showed a reduced expression. However, these effects were not mediated via BAFF-R. We identified several upregulated genes that could explain the effects of BAFF in chronic kidney injury such as Txnip, Gpx3, Igfbp7, Ccn2, Kap, Umod and Ren1. Thus, we conclude that targeted treatment with anti-BAFF drugs such as belimumab may reduce chronic kidney damage. Furthermore, upregulated genes may be useful prognostic CKD biomarkers.
Expression of Insl3 Protein in Adult Danio rerio
Authors: Donizetti Aldo , Calicchio Mauro , Romano Maria Zelinda , Rosati Luigi , Turco Manuela , Carrese Anna Maria , del Gaudio Rosanna , Ferrandino Ida , Aniello Francesco
Published: May 2024

Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a biomarker for Leydig cells in the testes of vertebrates, and it is principally involved in spermatogenesis through specific binding with the RXFP2 receptor. This study reports the insl3 gene transcript and the Insl3 prepropeptide expression in both non-reproductive and reproductive tissues of Danio rerio. An immunohistochemistry analysis shows that the hormone is present at a low level in the Leydig cells and germ cells at all stages of Danio rerio testis differentiation. Considering that the insl3 gene is transcribed in Leydig cells, our results highlight an autocrine and paracrine function of this hormone in the Danio rerio testis, adding new information on the Insl3 mode of action in reproduction. We also show that Insl3 and Rxfp2 belonging to Danio rerio and other vertebrate species share most of the amino acid residues involved in the ligand–receptor interaction and activation, suggesting a conserved mechanism of action during vertebrate evolution.
Effects of Piper aduncum (Piperales: Piperaceae) Essential Oil and Its Main Component Dillapiole on Detoxifying Enzymes and Acetylcholinesterase Activity of Amblyomma sculptum (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: Pereira Filho Adalberto Alves , do Vale Vladimir Fazito , de Oliveira Monteiro Caio Marcio , Barrozo Mayara Macedo , Stanton Mariana Alves , Yamaguchi Lydia Fumiko , Kato Massuo Jorge , Araújo Ricardo Nascimento
Published: May 2024

Amblyomma sculptum is a species of tick in the family Ixodidae, with equids and capybaras among its preferred hosts. In this study, the acaricidal activity of the essential oil (EO) from Piper aduncum and its main component, Dillapiole, were evaluated against larvae of A. sculptum to establish lethal concentration values and assess the effects of these compounds on tick enzymes. Dillapiole exhibited slightly greater activity (LC50 = 3.38 mg/mL; 95% CI = 3.24 to 3.54) than P. aduncum EO (LC50 = 3.49 mg/mL; 95% CI = 3.36 to 3.62) against ticks. The activities of α-esterase (α-EST), β-esterase (β-EST), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzymes in A. sculptum larvae treated with Dillapiole showed a significant increase compared to the control at all concentrations (LC5, LC25, LC50 and LC75), similar results were obtained with P. aduncum EO, except for α-EST, which did not differ from the control at the highest concentration (LC75). The results of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity show an increase in enzyme activity at the two lower concentrations (LC5 and LC25) and a reduction in activity at the two higher, lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC75) compared to the control. These results suggest potential mechanisms of action for these natural acaricides and can provide guidance for the future development of potential plant-derived formulations.
Supramolecular Nanoparticles of Histone and Hyaluronic Acid for Co-Delivery of siRNA and Photosensitizer In Vitro
Authors: Hu Minxing , Bao Jianwei , Zhang Yuanmei , Wang Lele , Zhang Ya , Zhang Jiaxin , Tang Jihui , Zou Qianli
Published: May 2024

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has significant potential as a treatment for cancer by targeting specific genes or molecular pathways involved in cancer development and progression. The addition of siRNA to other therapeutic strategies, like photodynamic therapy (PDT), can enhance the anticancer effects, providing synergistic benefits. Nevertheless, the effective delivery of siRNA into target cells remains an obstacle in cancer therapy. Herein, supramolecular nanoparticles were fabricated via the co-assembly of natural histone and hyaluronic acid for the co-delivery of HMGB1-siRNA and the photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) into the MCF-7 cell. The produced siRNA-Ce6 nanoparticles (siRNA-Ce6 NPs) have a spherical morphology and exhibit uniform distribution. In vitro experiments demonstrate that the siRNA-Ce6 NPs display good biocompatibility, enhanced cellular uptake, and improved cytotoxicity. These outcomes indicate that the nanoparticles constructed by the co-assembly of histone and hyaluronic acid hold enormous promise as a means of siRNA and photosensitizer co-delivery towards synergetic therapy.
Plasma Proteins Associated with COVID-19 Severity in Puerto Rico
Authors: Rosario-Rodríguez Lester J. , Cantres-Rosario Yadira M. , Carrasquillo-Carrión Kelvin , Rosa-Díaz Alexandra , Rodríguez-De Jesús Ana E. , Rivera-Nieves Verónica , Tosado-Rodríguez Eduardo L. , Méndez Loyda B. , Roche-Lima Abiel , Bertrán Jorge , Meléndez Loyda M.
Published: May 2024

Viral strains, age, and host factors are associated with variable immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 and disease severity. Puerto Ricans have a genetic mixture of races: European, African, and Native American. We hypothesized that unique host proteins/pathways are associated with COVID-19 disease severity in Puerto Rico. Following IRB approval, a total of 95 unvaccinated men and women aged 21–71 years old were recruited in Puerto Rico from 2020–2021. Plasma samples were collected from COVID-19-positive subjects (n = 39) and COVID-19-negative individuals (n = 56) during acute disease. COVID-19-positive individuals were stratified based on symptomatology as follows: mild (n = 18), moderate (n = 13), and severe (n = 8). Quantitative proteomics was performed in plasma samples using tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling. Labeled peptides were subjected to LC/MS/MS and analyzed by Proteome Discoverer (version 2.5), Limma software (version 3.41.15), and Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA, version 22.0.2). Cytokines were quantified using a human cytokine array. Proteomics analyses of severely affected COVID-19-positive individuals revealed 58 differentially expressed proteins. Cadherin-13, which participates in synaptogenesis, was downregulated in severe patients and validated by ELISA. Cytokine immunoassay showed that TNF-α levels decreased with disease severity. This study uncovers potential host predictors of COVID-19 severity and new avenues for treatment in Puerto Ricans.
Amaranth’s Growth and Physiological Responses to Salt Stress and the Functional Analysis of AtrTCP1 Gene
Authors: Liu Shengcai , An Zixian , Lai Zhongxiong
Published: May 2024

Amaranth species are C4 plants that are rich in betalains, and they are tolerant to salinity stress. A small family of plant-specific TCP transcription factors are involved in the response to salt stress. However, it has not been investigated whether amaranth TCP1 is involved in salt stress. We elucidated that the growth and physiology of amaranth were affected by salt concentrations of 50–200 mmol·L−1 NaCl. The data showed that shoot and root growth was inhibited at 200 mmol·L−1, while it was promoted at 50 mmol·L−1. Meanwhile, the plants also showed physiological responses, which indicated salt-induced injuries and adaptation to the salt stress. Moreover, AtrTCP1 promoted Arabidopsis seed germination. The germination rate of wild-type (WT) and 35S::AtrTCP1-GUS Arabidopsis seeds reached around 92% by the seventh day and 94.5% by the second day under normal conditions, respectively. With 150 mmol·L−1 NaCl treatment, the germination rate of the WT and 35S::AtrTCP1-GUS plant seeds was 27.0% by the seventh day and 93.0% by the fourth day, respectively. Under salt stress, the transformed 35S::AtrTCP1 plants bloomed when they grew 21.8 leaves after 16.2 days of treatment, which was earlier than the WT plants. The transformed Arabidopsis plants flowered early to resist salt stress. These results reveal amaranth’s growth and physiological responses to salt stress, and provide valuable information on the AtrTCP1 gene.
Identification of Genes Crucial for Biological Processes in Breast Cancer Liver Metastasis Relapse
Authors: Kwok Tyler , Yeguvapalli Suneetha , Chitrala Kumaraswamy Naidu
Published: May 2024

Breast cancer, when advancing to a metastatic stage, involves the liver, impacting over 50% of cases and significantly diminishing survival rates. Presently, a lack of tailored therapeutic protocols for breast cancer liver metastasis (BCLM) underscores the need for a deeper understanding of molecular patterns governing this complication. Therefore, by analyzing differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between primary breast tumors and BCLM lesions, we aimed to shed light on the diversities of this process. This research investigated breast cancer liver metastasis relapse by employing a comprehensive approach that integrated data filtering, gene ontology and KEGG pathway analysis, overall survival analysis, identification of the alteration in the DEGs, visualization of the protein–protein interaction network, Signor 2.0, identification of positively correlated genes, immune cell infiltration analysis, genetic alternation analysis, copy number variant analysis, gene-to-mRNA interaction, transcription factor analysis, molecular docking, and identification of potential treatment targets. This study’s integrative approach unveiled metabolic reprogramming, suggesting altered PCK1 and LPL expression as key in breast cancer metastasis recurrence.
SCLpred-ECL: Subcellular Localization Prediction by Deep N-to-1 Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Gillani Maryam , Pollastri Gianluca
Published: May 2024

The subcellular location of a protein provides valuable insights to bioinformaticians in terms of drug designs and discovery, genomics, and various other aspects of medical research. Experimental methods for protein subcellular localization determination are time-consuming and expensive, whereas computational methods, if accurate, would represent a much more efficient alternative. This article introduces an ab initio protein subcellular localization predictor based on an ensemble of Deep N-to-1 Convolutional Neural Networks. Our predictor is trained and tested on strict redundancy-reduced datasets and achieves 63% accuracy for the diverse number of classes. This predictor is a step towards bridging the gap between a protein sequence and the protein’s function. It can potentially provide information about protein–protein interaction to facilitate drug design and processes like vaccine production that are essential to disease prevention.
The Combination of Citrus Rootstock and Scion Cultivar Influences Trioza erytreae (Hemiptera: Triozidae) Survival, Preference Choice and Oviposition
Authors: Quintana-González de Chaves María , Montero-Gomez Nancy , Álvarez-Acosta Carlos , Hernández-Suárez Estrella , Hervalejo Aurea , Arjona-López Juan M. , Arenas-Arenas Francisco J.
Published: May 2024

Trioza erytreae (Del Guercio, 1918) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) is a citrus pest which produces gall symptoms on leaves and transmits bacteria associated with the citrus disease Huanglongbing, ‘Candidatus Liberibacter’ spp. In the present work, the biology and behaviour of T. erytreae were studied in different rootstock–cultivar combinations. Six rootstocks were used, Flying dragon (FD), ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin (CL), Carrizo citrange (CC), Forner-Alcaide no.5 (FA5), Forner-Alcaide no.517 (FA517) and Citrus macrophylla (CM), and six scion cultivars: ‘Star Ruby’, ‘Clemenules’, ‘Navelina’, ‘Valencia Late’, ‘Fino 49’ and ‘Ortanique’. Survival and oviposition were evaluated in a no-choice trial, and preference in a choice trial, all of them under greenhouse conditions. Trioza erytreae did not show a clear settle preference for any citrus combination. However, it was able to lay more eggs in ‘Fino 49’ grafted on CC than on FD. In terms of survival, ‘Ortanique’ grafted onto FA5 was more suitable than when grafted onto FA517, and in the case of ‘Valencia Late’, when it was grafted onto CM rather than CC. Our results showed that T. erytreae behave differently depending on the citrus combination.
Mosquito Egg Raft Distribution Is Affected by Semiochemicals: Indication of Interspecific Competition
Authors: Shteindel Nimrod , Gerchman Yoram , Silberbush Alon
Published: May 2024

Numerous species of animals alter their behavior in response to increasing competition. To do so, they must possess the ability to detect the presence and density of interspecific competitors. We studied the role of semiochemicals released by increasing densities of larval Culiseta longiareolata Macquart on female oviposition habitat selection in two field experiments. Similarly to C. longiareolata larvae, subordinate Culex laticinctus Edwards are periphyton grazers who dwell in rain-filled pools in the Mediterranean region. We show that C. laticinctus females oviposited significantly less in mesocosm pools that were treated with crowding signals originating from C. longiareolata larvae. In the second experiment, we placed a similar number of larvae directly inside the 50 L mesocosms. These low-density mesocosms did not affect C. laticinctus oviposition but were attractive to conspecific oviposition. These results increase our understanding of the female ability to detect species-specific signals, indicating increased larval competition.
Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Inhibitors and Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rehman Wajeeh ur , Yarkoni Merav , Ilyas Muhammad Abdullah , Athar Farwa , Javaid Mahnoor , Ehsan Muhammad , Khalid Muhammad Talha , Pasha Ahmed , Selma Abdelhamid Ben , Yarkoni Alon , Patel Keyoor , Sabouni Mouhamed Amr , Rehman Afzal ur
Published: May 2024

Background: Atherosclerosis is a multi-factorial disease, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a critical risk factor in developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Cholesteryl-ester transfer-protein (CETP), synthesized by the liver, regulates LDL-C and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) through the bidirectional transfer of lipids. The novelty of CETP inhibitors (CETPis) has granted new focus towards increasing HDL-C, besides lowering LDL-C strategies. To date, five CETPis that are projected to improve lipid profiles, torcetrapib, dalcetrapib, evacetrapib, anacetrapib, and obicetrapib, have reached late-stage clinical development for ASCVD risk reduction. Early trials failed to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular occurrences. Given the advent of some recent large-scale clinical trials (ACCELERATE, HPS3/TIMI55-REVEAL Collaborative Group), conducting a meta-analysis is essential to investigate CETPis’ efficacy. Methods: We conducted a thorough search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that commenced between 2003 and 2023; CETPi versus placebo studies with a ≥6-month follow-up and defined outcomes were eligible. Primary outcomes: major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality, all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes: stroke, revascularization, hospitalization due to acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction (MI). Results: Nine RCTs revealed that the use of a CETPi significantly reduced CVD-related mortality (RR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.81–0.98; p = 0.02; I2 = 0%); the same studies also reduced the risk of MI (RR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.86–0.98; p = 0.01; I2 = 0%), which was primarily attributed to anacetrapib. The use of a CETPi did not reduce the likelihood any other outcomes. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis shows, for the first time, that CETPis are associated with reduced CVD-related mortality and MI.
An Elbow Patch Reconstruction Technique for Narrowed Remnant Portal Veins during Right Lobe Living Donor Hepatectomy: A Rescue Surgery
Authors: Usta Sertac , Akbulut Sami , Sarici Kemal Baris , Garzali Ibrahim Umar , Ozdemir Fatih , Gonultas Fatih , Baskiran Adil , Isik Burak , Yilmaz Sezai
Published: May 2024

Background: Treatment of established portal vein narrowing after living donor hepatectomy is challenging. We aimed to present a new approach termed the “elbow patch reconstruction technique” to correct the narrowed remnant portal vein just or late after right lobe living donor hepatectomy. Methods: Demographic and clinical data of 12 living liver donors with narrowed remnant portal veins and treated with the “elbow patch reconstruction technique” were prospectively collected and retrospectively evaluated. Anatomic variation of the portal vein was defined in accordance with the Nakamura classification; six of the living liver donors had type A, three had type B, and the remaining three had type C. In eight of the living liver donors with a narrowed remnant portal vein, diagnosis was detected by intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography and visual inspection by experienced transplant surgeons in the living donor hepatectomy procedure. In the remaining four living liver donors, diagnosis was performed postoperatively when elevation of liver enzymes was noticed during the routine liver function test and Doppler US. The diagnosis was confirmed by multidetector computed tomography. Results: Data from nine males and three females aged 18 to 54 years were analyzed. All of the living liver donors were followed up for a median of 1710 days (min-max: 1178–4447 days; IQR: 1516 days), and none of the living liver donors had any structural or functional complications in the portal vein. Conclusions: Narrowing remnant portal veins are rare, but they are a life-threatening complication in living liver donors, and this condition requires urgent management. Image guided interventions and narrowed segment resection with end-to-end anastomosis using a vascular graft carried a potential risk for thrombosis and restenosis. To avoid these complications, we shared a technique named “elbow patch reconstruction technique”. This technique can be very effective in relieving the narrowing of the remnant portal vein after right lobe living donor hepatectomy.
A Real-World Investigation of MRI Changes in Bone in Patients with Type 1 Gaucher Disease Treated with Velaglucerase Alfa: The EIROS Study
Authors: Bengherbia Monia , Berger Marc , Hivert Bénédicte , Rigaudier Florian , Bracoud Luc , Vaeterlein Ole , Yousfi Karima , Maric Michele , Malcles Marie , Belmatoug Nadia
Published: May 2024

Background/Objectives: Gaucher disease type 1 (GD1) is characterized by hepatosplenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, and disabling bone manifestations requiring regular MRI monitoring. The EIROS study assessed the real-world impact of velaglucerase alfa on GD1 bone disease, using MRI data collected in French clinical practice. Methods: MRIs collected retrospectively from treatment initiation and prospectively during follow-up (12-months) were analyzed centrally by a blinded expert radiologist to evaluate bone infiltration using the Bone Marrow Burden (BMB) score and a qualitative method (stable, improved or worsened for the spine and femur). Abdominal MRIs were also centrally analyzed to assess hepatosplenomegaly. Bone manifestations, hepatosplenomegaly, and hematologic parameters were analyzed from medical records. Results: MRI data were available for 20 patients: 6 treatment-naive patients and 14 patients who switched to velaglucerase alfa from another GD treatment. Interpretable MRIs for BMB scoring were available for seven patients for the spine and one patient for the femur. Qualitative assessments (n = 18) revealed stability in spine and femur infiltration in 100.0% and 84.6% of treatment-switched patients (n = 13), respectively, and improvements in 80.0% and 60.0% of treatment-naive patients (n = 5), respectively; no worsening of bone infiltration was observed. Liver, spleen, and hematologic parameters improved in treatment-naive patients and remained stable in treatment-switched patients. Conclusions: The qualitative real-world data support findings from clinical trials suggesting the long-term effectiveness of velaglucerase alfa on GD1 bone manifestations. When MRI assessment by radiologists with experience of GD is not possible, a simplified qualitative assessment may be sufficient in clinical practice for monitoring bone disease progression and treatment response.
Development of Air Cell System Following Canal Wall Up Mastoidectomy for Pediatric Cholesteatoma
Authors: Yamada Yusuke , Ganaha Akira , Nojiri Nao , Goto Takashi , Takahashi Kuniyuki , Tono Tetsuya
Published: May 2024

Background: The development of temporal bone pneumatization is related to the postnatal middle ear environment, where the development of air cells is suppressed with otitis media in early childhood. However, whether air cell formation restarts when mastoidectomy is performed during temporal bone pneumatization remains unclear. Herein, we evaluated temporal bone pneumatization after canal wall up (CWU) tympanomastoidectomy for middle ear cholesteatoma in children. Methods: In total, 63 patients, including 29 patients with congenital cholesteatoma (CC) and 34 patients with acquired cholesteatoma (AC), were assessed using a set of pre- and postoperative computed tomography images. The air cells of the temporal bone were divided into five areas: periantral (anterior), periantral (posterior), periantral (medial), peritubal, and petrous apex. The number of areas with air cells before and after surgery was compared to evaluate temporal bone pneumatization after surgery. Results: A total of 63 patients, comprising 29 with CC and 34 with AC (pars flaccida; 23, pars tensa; 7, unclassified; 4), were evaluated. The median age of patients (18 males and 11 females) with CC was 5.0 (range, 2–15 years), while that of the AC group (23 males and 11 females) was 8 (range, 2–15 years). A significant difference in air cell presence was identified in the CC and AC groups after surgery (Mann–Whitney U, p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). Between the two groups, considerably better postoperative pneumatization was observed in the CC group. A correlation between age at surgery and gain of postoperative air cell area development was identified in the CC group (Spearman’s rank-order correlation coefficient, r = −0.584, p < 0.001). In comparison with the postoperative pneumatization rate of each classified area, the petrous apex area was the lowest in the CC and AC groups. Conclusions: Newly developed air cells were identified in the temporal bones after CWU mastoidectomy for pediatric cholesteatoma. These findings may justify CWU tympanomastoidectomy, at least for younger children and CC patients, who may subsequently develop air cell systems after surgery.
Assessing Disparities about Overweight and Obesity in Pakistani Youth Using Local and International Standards for Body Mass Index
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Qureshi Hafiz Ahmad Iqrash , Seyal Saba Mazhar , Aslam Muhammad , Sultan Muhammad Tauseef , Elwahab Maysaa Elmahi Abd , Matłosz Piotr , Wyszyńska Justyna
Published: May 2024

Background/Objectives: Obesity is currently considered a public health problem in both developed and developing countries. Gender- and age-specific body mass index (BMI) growth standards or references are particularly effective in monitoring the global obesity pandemic. This study aimed to report disparities in age-, gender- and ethnic-specific statistical estimates of overweight and obesity for 2–18 years aged Pakistani children and adolescents using the World Health Organization (WHO), the Center for Disease Control (CDC) 2000 references, the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) and Pakistani references for BMI. Methods: The study used secondary data of 10,668 pediatric population, aged 2–18 years. Demographic information like age (years), gender, city and anthropometric examinations, i.e., height (cm) and weight (kg) were used in this study. The recommended age- and gender-specific BMI cut-offs of the WHO, CDC 2000 and the IOTF references were used to classify the children sampled as overweight and obese. For the Pakistani reference, overweight and obesity were defined as BMI-for-age ≥ 85th percentile and BMI-for-age ≥ 95th percentile, respectively. Cohen’s κ statistic was used to assess the agreement between the international references and local study population references in the classification of overweight/obesity. Results: The statistical estimates (%) of the participants for overweight and obesity varied according to the reference used: WHO (7.4% and 2.2%), CDC (4.9% and 2.1%), IOTF (5.2% and 2.0%) and Pakistan (8.8% and 6.0%), respectively; suggesting higher levels of overweight and obesity prevalence when local study references are used. The Kappa statistic shows a moderate to excellent agreement (κ ≥ 0.6) among three international references when classifying child overweight and obesity and poor agreement between local references and the WHO (0.45, 0.52), CDC (0.25, 0.50) and IOTF references (0.16, 0.31), for overweight and obesity, respectively. Conclusions: The results of the study showed a visible difference in the estimates of excess body weight after applying the WHO, CDC, IOTF and local BMI references to the study population. Based on the disparity results and poor agreement between international references and the local study reference, this study recommends using local BMI references in identifying children with overweight and obesity.
Risk Factor Analysis for Growth Arrest in Paediatric Physeal Fractures—A Prospective Study
Authors: Hooper Nikki , Johnson Liam , Banting Nicole , Pathy Rubini , Schaeffer Emily K. , Bone Jeffrey N. , Zomar Bryn O. , Sandhu Ash , Siu Caitlyn , Cooper Anthony P. , Reilly Christopher , Mulpuri Kishore
Published: May 2024

Background: Fractures through the physis account for 18–30% of all paediatric fractures, leading to growth arrest in up to 5.5% of cases. We have limited knowledge to predict which physeal fractures result in growth arrest and subsequent deformity or limb length discrepancy. The purpose of this study is to identify factors associated with physeal growth arrest to improve patient outcomes. Methods: This prospective cohort study was designed to develop a clinical prediction model for growth arrest after physeal injury. Patients ≤ 18 years old presenting within four weeks of injury were enrolled if they had open physes and sustained a physeal fracture of the humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia or fibula. Patients with prior history of same-site fracture or a condition known to alter bone growth or healing were excluded. Demographic data, potential prognostic indicators, and radiographic data were collected at baseline, during healing, and at one- and two-years post-injury. Results: A total of 332 patients had at least six months of follow-up or a diagnosis of growth arrest within six months of injury. In a comparison analysis, patients who developed growth arrest were more likely to be older (12.8 years vs. 9.4 years) and injured on the right side (53.0% vs. 45.7%). Initial displacement and angulation rates were higher in the growth arrest group (59.0% vs. 47.8% and 47.0% vs. 38.8%, respectively), but the amount of angulation was similar (27.0° vs. 28.4°). Rates of growth arrest were highest in distal femoral fractures (86%). Conclusions: The incidence of growth arrest in this patient population appears higher than the past literature reports at 30.1%. However, there may be variances in diagnostic criteria for growth arrest, and the true incidence may be lower. A number of patients were approaching skeletal maturity, and any growth arrest is likely to have less clinical significance in these cases. Further prospective long-term follow-up is required to determine risk factors, incidence, and true clinical impact of growth arrest when it does occur.
Hypersalinity in Coastal Wetlands and Potential Restoration Solutions, Lake Austin and East Matagorda Bay, Texas, USA
Authors: Feagin Rusty A. , Lerner Joshua E. , Noyola Caroline , Huff Thomas P. , Madewell Jake , Balboa Bill
Published: May 2024

When droughts occur, freshwater inputs to coastal wetlands can become scarce and hypersalinity can become a problem. In 2023, a severe drought negatively affected a Texas watershed known as Lake Austin that fed a large expanse of wetlands on East Matagorda Bay. To study the hypersalinity problem in these wetlands, we identified freshwater inflows and mapped vegetation changes over time. We found that from 1943 to 2023, the upper portion of the Lake Austin watershed lost freshwater wetlands to agricultural conversion, and ranged from fresh to brackish, with salinity rapidly rising to a maximum of 31 mS during the summer drought of 2023. The lower portion of the watershed gained saltwater wetlands due to sea level rise, and marshes became hypersaline (64–96 mS) during the 2023 drought, endangering its biota. But after large precipitation events, the entire Lake Austin basin rapidly freshened but then returned to its normal salinities within a week as the tides re-delivered saltwater into its basin. Given current climatic trends, we expect that freshwater inflow will continue to slightly increase for the Lake Austin watershed but also that there will be more extreme periods of episodic drought that negatively affect its wetlands. Accordingly, we assessed several potential restoration actions that would improve freshwater flow and delivery to the Lake Austin coastal wetlands.
Evaluation of Cordyceps sinensis Quality in 15 Production Areas Using Metabolomics and the Membership Function Method
Authors: Wang Tao , Tang Chuyu , He Hui , Cao Zhengfei , Xiao Mengjun , He Min , Qi Jianzhao , Li Yuling , Li Xiuzhang
Published: May 2024

Cordyceps sinensis is a precious medicinal and edible fungus, which is widely used in body health care and disease prevention. The current research focuses on the comparison of metabolite characteristics between a small number of samples and lacks a comprehensive evaluation of the quality of C. sinensis in a large-scale space. In this study, LC-MS/MS, principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and the membership function method were used to comprehensively evaluate the characteristics and quality of metabolites in 15 main producing areas of C. sinensis in China. The results showed that a total of 130 categories, 14 supercategories, and 1718 metabolites were identified. Carboxylic acids and derivatives, fatty acyls, organo-oxygen compounds, benzene and substituted derivatives, prenol lipids, and glycerophospholipids were the main components of C. sinensis. The HCA analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of 559 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) showed that the accumulation models of fatty acids and conjugates and carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates in glycerophospholipid metabolism and arginine and proline metabolism may be one of the reasons for the quality differences in C. sinensis in different producing areas. In addition, a total of 18 biomarkers were identified and validated, which had a significant discrimination effect on the samples (p < 0.05). Overall, YS, BR, and ZD, with the highest membership function values, are rich and balanced in nutrients. They are excellent raw materials for the development of functional foods and provide scientific guidance for consumers to nourish health care.
Review: A Contemporary, Multifaced Insight into Psoriasis Pathogenesis
Authors: Dascălu Rucsandra Cristina , Bărbulescu Andreea Lili , Stoica Loredana Elena , Dinescu Ștefan Cristian , Biță Cristina Elena , Popoviciu Horațiu Valeriu , Ionescu Răzvan Adrian , Vreju Florentin Ananu
Published: May 2024

Psoriasis is a chronic recurrent inflammatory autoimmune pathology with a significant genetic component and several interferences of immunological cells and their cytokines. The complex orchestration of psoriasis pathogenesis is related to the synergic effect of immune cells, polygenic alterations, autoantigens, and several other external factors. The major act of the IL-23/IL-17 axis, strongly influencing the inflammatory pattern established during the disease activity, is visible as a continuous perpetuation of the pro-inflammatory response and keratinocyte activation and proliferation, leading to the development of psoriatic lesions. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) offer a better view of psoriasis pathogenic pathways, with approximately one-third of psoriasis’s genetic impact on psoriasis development associated with the MHC region, with genetic loci located on chromosome 6. The most eloquent genetic factor of psoriasis, PSORS1, was identified in the MHC I site. Among the several factors involved in its complex etiology, dysbiosis, due to genetic or external stimulus, induces a burst of pro-inflammatory consequences; both the cutaneous and gut microbiome get involved in the psoriasis pathogenic process. Cutting-edge research studies and comprehensive insights into psoriasis pathogenesis, fostering novel genetic, epigenetic, and immunological factors, have generated a spectacular improvement over the past decades, securing the path toward a specific and targeted immunotherapeutic approach and delayed progression to inflammatory arthritis. This review aimed to offer insight into various domains that underline the pathogenesis of psoriasis and how they influence disease development and evolution. The pathogenesis mechanism of psoriasis is multifaceted and involves an interplay of cellular and humoral immunity, which affects susceptible microbiota and the genetic background. An in-depth understanding of the role of pathogenic factors forms the basis for developing novel and individualized therapeutic targets that can improve disease management.