bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal conditioning of quail embryos has transgenerational and reversible long-term effects
Authors: Vitorino Carvalho Anaïs , Hennequet-Antier Christelle , Rouger Romuald , Delaveau Joël , Bordeau Thierry , Crochet Sabine , Couroussé Nathalie , Pitel Frederique , Collin Anne , Coustham Vincent
Published: October 2023

Background

In the current context of global warming, thermal manipulation of avian embryos has received increasing attention as a strategy to promote heat tolerance in avian species by simply increasing the egg incubation temperature. However, because of their likely epigenetic origin, thermal manipulation effects may last more than one generation with consequences for the poultry industry. In this work, a multigenerational and transgenerational analysis of thermal manipulation during embryogenesis was performed to uncover the long-term effects of such procedure.

Results

Thermal manipulation repeated during 4 generations had an effect on hatchability, body weight, and weight of eggs laid in Japanese quails, with some effects increasing in importance over generations. Moreover, the effects on body weight and egg weight could be transmitted transgenerationally, suggesting non-genetic inheritance mechanisms. This hypothesis is reinforced by the observed reversion of the effect on growth after five unexposed generations. Interestingly, a beneficial effect of thermal manipulation on heat tolerance was observed a few days after hatching, but this effect was not transgenerational.

Conclusions

Our multigenerational study showed that thermal conditioning of quail embryos has a beneficial effect on post-hatch heat tolerance hampered by transgenerational but reversible defects on growth. Assuming that no genetic variability underlies these changes, this study provides the first demonstration of epigenetic inheritance of traits induced by environmental temperature modification associated with long-term impacts in an avian species.
Analysis of strain, sex, and diet-dependent modulation of gut microbiota reveals candidate keystone organisms driving microbial diversity in response to American and ketogenic diets
Authors: Salvador Anna C. , Huda M. Nazmul , Arends Danny , Elsaadi Ahmed M. , Gacasan C. Anthony , Brockmann Gudrun A. , Valdar William , Bennett Brian J. , Threadgill David W.
Published: October 2023

Background

The gut microbiota is modulated by a combination of diet, host genetics, and sex effects. The magnitude of these effects and interactions among them is important to understanding inter-individual variability in gut microbiota. In a previous study, mouse strain-specific responses to American and ketogenic diets were observed along with several QTLs for metabolic traits. In the current study, we searched for genetic variants underlying differences in the gut microbiota in response to American and ketogenic diets, which are high in fat and vary in carbohydrate composition, between C57BL/6 J (B6) and FVB/NJ (FVB) mouse strains.

Results

Genetic mapping of microbial features revealed 18 loci under the QTL model (i.e., marginal effects that are not specific to diet or sex), 12 loci under the QTL by diet model, and 1 locus under the QTL by sex model. Multiple metabolic and microbial features map to the distal part of Chr 1 and Chr 16 along with eigenvectors extracted from principal coordinate analysis of measures of β-diversity. Bilophila, Ruminiclostridium 9, and Rikenella (Chr 1) were identified as sex- and diet-independent QTL candidate keystone organisms, and Parabacteroides (Chr 16) was identified as a diet-specific, candidate keystone organism in confirmatory factor analyses of traits mapping to these regions. For many microbial features, irrespective of which QTL model was used, diet or the interaction between diet and a genotype were the strongest predictors of the abundance of each microbial trait. Sex, while important to the analyses, was not as strong of a predictor for microbial abundances.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that sex, diet, and genetic background have different magnitudes of effects on inter-individual differences in gut microbiota. Therefore, Precision Nutrition through the integration of genetic variation, microbiota, and sex affecting microbiota variation will be important to predict response to diets varying in carbohydrate composition.
Mendelian randomization analysis reveals fresh fruit intake as a protective factor for urolithiasis
Authors: Lin Yiwei , Zhou Cheng , Wu Yuqing , Chen Hong , Xie Liping , Zheng Xiangyi
Published: October 2023

Objective

Previous studies have proposed that food intakes are associated with the risk of urolithiasis. Here, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to evaluate the causal effects of different food intakes on urolithiasis.

Methods

Independent genetic variants associated with different food intakes at a genome-wide significant level were selected from summary-level statistics of genome-wide association studies from the UK Biobank. The association of these instrumental variables with urolithiasis was studied in a cohort from FinnGen Consortium.

Results

Among the 15 studied food intake exposures, tea intake (odds ratio [OR] = 0.433, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.281–0.667, p value = 1.470 × 10–4) and fresh fruit intake (OR = 0.358, 95% CI = 0.185–0.694, p value = 0.002) were found to significantly reduce the risk of the calculus of kidney and ureter. The association remained consistent in the sensitivity analyses. After adjusting for the effects of vitamin D and vitamin C, fresh fruit intake remained the reverse causal association with the calculus of kidney and ureter.

Conclusions

Genetically proxied fresh fruit intake is causally associated with a reduced risk of the calculus of kidney and ureter.
Childhood neglect and problematic smartphone use among chinese young adults: the mediating roles of peer attachment and fear of missing out
Authors: Zhang Yan , Tan Ding-liang , Jiang Bo , Lei Ting-ting
Published: October 2023

Background

Research has revealed that childhood neglect may be a risk factor for problematic smartphone use among young adults in China. However, few studies have examined the mediating roles of peer attachment and the fear of missing out in the relationship between childhood neglect and problematic smartphone use. To fill this gap, the present study proposes a multiple mediation model to understand the relationships among childhood neglect, peer attachment, fear of missing out, and problematic smartphone use among young adults.

Methods

A total of 869 young adults in China completed questionnaires for evaluating different levels of the relationships between childhood neglect, peer attachment, the fear of missing out, and problematic smartphone use. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0 and MPLUS8.3.

Results

The results showed that childhood neglect was positively associated with problematic smartphone use among young adults in China. Moreover, peer attachment and the fear of missing out had partial mediating effects as well as sequential mediating effects in the relationship between childhood neglect and problematic smartphone use among young adults.

Conclusion

Based on these findings, peer attachment and the fear of missing out, as mediators, could be considered proximal factors affecting problematic smartphone use among young adults. These findings broaden our understanding of the psychological processes that underlie the association between childhood neglect and problematic smartphone use and afford practical guidance on reducing the risks associated with problematic smartphone use.
Functional outcome following intracapsular resection of head and neck peripheral nerve sheath tumors: A retrospective cohort
Authors: Kampel Liyona , Serafimova Marga , Edalati Shaun , Brenner Adi , Masarwy Razan , Warshavsky Anton , Horowitz Gilad , Shapira Yuval , Muhanna Nidal
Published: October 2023

Background

Intracapsular resection of head and neck peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNST) has emerged as a nerve-preserving technique compared to en bloc resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the functional outcome of both surgical techniques performed at a single tertiary referral center.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort of patients with head and neck PNST undergoing surgical resection from 2011 to 2021 at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. Demographic data, the nerve of origin and surgical technique, including the use of intraoperative nerve monitoring were recorded and analyzed in association with postoperative functional outcomes.

Results

Overall, 25 patients who had a cervical or parapharyngeal PNST resected were included. Nerve function was preserved in 11 of 18 patients (61%) who underwent intracapsular resection, while all those who underwent en bloc resections inevitably suffered from neurologic deficits (100%, N = 7). Sympathetic chain origin and an apparent neurologic deficit pre-operatively were associated with postoperative neural compromise.

Conclusion

Improved functional outcome can be anticipated following intracapsular resection of extracranial head and neck PNST compared to complete resection, particularly in asymptomatic patients.

Graphical Abstract
Spatial–temporal distribution and evolution of the socialist built heritage in China, 1949–1978
Authors: Ma Xidong , Zhang Yukun , Li Yan , Li Yujing , Lin Feiyang
Published: October 2023

As the material product of socialist construction activities, the socialist built heritage (SBH) represents socialist-era achievements and has unique cultural value. However, political controversy and inadequate conservation awareness have produced an unprecedented crisis. The aim of this study was to draw worldwide attention to the value of SBH to promote future conservation. Taking the socialist country of China as a representative example, the spatial distribution and spatial–temporal evolution of SBH during the Socialist Revolution and Construction Period (1949–1978) were explored using GIS analysis tools from typological and holistic perspectives. A geographic detector was also applied to reveal the driving factors that affected the distribution. The results indicate that (1) from both perspectives, the SBH presented uneven and clustering distributions compared with other heritages. High-density areas varied by heritage type but were virtually nonexistent in western and northwestern China. (2) Growth stages existed to different degrees for most types and the holistic SBH, primarily from 1953 to 1965. The centers of military heritage, industrial heritage, transport heritage, and the holistic SBH all exhibited north-to-south migration with narrowing and clustering of range areas. Cities such as Beijing were identified as hotspots. (3) GDP, financial revenue and capital investment constituted the major positive driving factors for the SBH distribution and interacted with other factors, with average altitude ∩ GDP having the strongest interpretation. These findings reveal the spatial–temporal distribution characteristics of Chinese SBH and provide concrete guidance and positive foundations for future conservation in China and the world.
Focal ischemic stroke modifies microglia-derived exosomal miRNAs: potential role of mir-212-5p in neuronal protection and functional recovery
Authors: Li Si-si , Wu Jia-jia , Xing Xiang-xin , Li Yu-lin , Ma Jie , Duan Yu-jie , Zhang Jun-peng , Shan Chun-lei , Hua Xu-yun , Zheng Mou-xiong , Xu Jian-guang
Published: October 2023

Background

Ischemic stroke is a severe type of stroke with high disability and mortality rates. In recent years, microglial exosome-derived miRNAs have been shown to be promising candidates for the treatment of ischemic brain injury and exert neuroprotective effects. Mechanisms underlying miRNA dysregulation in ischemic stroke are still being explored. Here, we aimed to verify whether miRNAs derived from exosomes exert effects on functional recovery.

Methods

MiR-212-5p agomir was employed to upregulate miR-212-5p expression in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) as well as an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) in vitro. Western blot analysis, qRT–PCR and immunofluorescence staining and other methods were applied to explore the underlying mechanisms of action of miR-212-5p.

Results

The results of our study found that intervention with miR-212-5p agomir effectively decreased infarct volume and restored motor function in MCAO/R rats. Mechanistically, miR-212-5p agomir significantly reduced the expression of PlexinA2 (PLXNA2). Additionally, the results obtained in vitro were similar to those achieved in vivo.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the present study indicated that PLXNA2 may be a target gene of miR-212-5p, and miR-212-5p has great potential as a target for the treatment and diagnosis of ischemic stroke.
Identification and evaluation of suitable reference genes for RT-qPCR analyses in Trichoderma atroviride under varying light conditions
Authors: Flatschacher Daniel , Eschlböck Alexander , Zeilinger Susanne
Published: October 2023

Background

Trichoderma atroviride is a competitive soil-borne mycoparasitic fungus with extensive applications as a biocontrol agent in plant protection. Despite its importance and application potential, reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis in T. atroviride have not been evaluated. Light exerts profound effects on physiology, such as growth, conidiation, secondary metabolism, and stress response in T. atroviride, as well as in other fungi. In this study, we aimed to address this gap by identifying stable reference genes for RT-qPCR experiments in T. atroviride under different light conditions, thereby enhancing accurate and reliable gene expression analysis in this model mycoparasite. We measured and compared candidate reference genes using commonly applied statistical algorithms.

Results

Under cyclic light–dark cultivation conditions, tbp and rho were identified as the most stably expressed genes, while act1, fis1, btl, and sar1 were found to be the least stable. Similar stability rankings were obtained for cultures grown under complete darkness, with tef1 and vma1 emerging as the most stable genes and act1, rho, fis1, and btl as the least stable genes. Combining the data from both cultivation conditions, gapdh and vma1 were identified as the most stable reference genes, while sar1 and fis1 were the least stable. The selection of different reference genes had a significant impact on the calculation of relative gene expression, as demonstrated by the expression patterns of target genes pks4 and lox1.

Conclusion

The data emphasize the importance of validating reference genes for different cultivation conditions in fungi to ensure accurate interpretation of gene expression data.
Antagonistic fungal volatiles as potential biocontrol countermeasure for microbial postharvest fruit diseases
Authors: Napitupulu Toga Pangihotan
Published: October 2023

Background

Fruits are the main important agricultural commodity, but very susceptible in terms of postharvest losses (PHL) due to diseases by microbial pathogens. Recently, there has been increased interest in countermeasure efforts to reduce PHL. As an alternative to chemical pesticides, fungal volatile organic compounds (FVOCs) are potential countermeasures because they are considered more environmentally friendly with less toxicity to human health.

Main body

FVOCs include wide diverse of organic chemical functional groups, but with low molecular weight (< C20) which possesses sufficient chemical, physical, and biological properties that can be clearly perceived by other organisms through intra- or inter-kingdom interactions, either mutualistic or antagonistic. Based on the antagonistic function, some beneficial FVOCs can be utilized as a biological control agent and biofumigant to combat microbial pathogens in postharvest fruit. Proposed mechanisms of the antagonistic effect of FVOCs toward their cell counterpart include alteration of the morphology of cell wall and cell membrane, influencing intracellular redox balance, elevating reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and also possibly damaging DNA target. All these conditions potentially disrupt cell contents and then lead to cell death. In order to achieve this purpose, the suitable formulation of FVOC-loaded biofumigant is very crucial.

Conclusion

FVOCs have potential application as biofumigant to control microbial pathogens in postharvest fruits. However, for the development of a product, the formulation of FVOC-loaded biofumigant should consider the compatibility of the formula with fruits, toxicity effect to humans, and cost production to ensure the effectiveness of the formula.
Intrusion detection systems for wireless sensor networks using computational intelligence techniques
Authors: Sivagaminathan Vaishnavi , Sharma Manmohan , Henge Santosh Kumar
Published: October 2023

Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) are utilized to find hostile network connections. This can be accomplished by looking at traffic network activity, but it takes a lot of work. The NIDS heavily utilizes approaches for data extraction and machine learning to find anomalies. In terms of feature selection, NIDS is far more effective. This is accurate since anomaly identification uses a number of time-consuming features. Because of this, the feature selection method influences how long it takes to analyze movement patterns and how clear it is. The goal of the study is to provide NIDS with an attribute selection approach. PSO has been used for that purpose. The Network Intrusion Detection System that is being developed will be able to identify any malicious activity in the network or any unusual behavior in the network, allowing the identification of the illegal activities and safeguarding the enormous amounts of confidential data belonging to the customers from being compromised. In the research, datasets were produced utilising both a network infrastructure and a simulation network. Wireshark is used to gather data packets whereas Cisco Packet Tracer is used to build a network in a simulated environment. Additionally, a physical network consisting of six node MCUs connected to a laptop and a mobile hotspot, has been built and communication packets are being recorded using the Wireshark tool. To train several machine learning models, all the datasets that were gathered—created datasets from our own studies as well as some common datasets like NSDL and UNSW acquired from Kaggle—were employed. Additionally, PSO, which is an optimization method, has been used with these ML algorithms for feature selection. In the research, KNN, decision trees, and ANN have all been combined with PSO for a specific case study. And it was found demonstrated the classification methods PSO + ANN outperformed PSO + KNN and PSO + DT in this case study.
Biocontrol and molecular characterization of Bacillus velezensis D against tobacco bacterial wilt
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Peng Yulong , Xie Shanshan , Yu Xinru , Bian Chongyu , Wu Huiping , Wang Yun , Ding Ting
Published: October 2023

Natural rhizosphere bacteria has the potential to act as an alternative of chemical pesticides for sustainable agriculture. In the current study, tobacco rhizosphere Bacillus velezensis D exhibited great antibacterial effect against Ralstonia solanacearum, and significantly enhanced the tobacco resistance against bacterial wilt in pot experiments. Then Bacillus velezensis D was labeled with gfp marker and found to stably colonize in tobacco root, the colonization density of strain D in root still remained 5.33 × 104 CFU/gat 30 days post-inoculation. Subsequently, field trials for two years (2021–2022) showed the control effects of the strain D on the tobacco bacterial wilt were 12.26% and 36.37%, respectively, indicating the application of B. velezensis D could improve plant resistance to R.solanacearum. In order to further study the antibacterial activities of strain D, effects of the crude extracts on the swimming ability, cell viability and the morphology of R. solanacearum were analyzed. The results showed that the crude extracts reduced the motility of R. solanacearum, and caused cell wall rupture and cell death. Furthermore, MALDI-TOF-MS and HPLC-QTOF-MS analysis indicated that lipopeptides (fengycin and iturin) and polyketides (bacillaene) were detected in the crude extracts of strain D. Based on these findings, we speculated that Bacillus velezensis D firstly colonized in tobacco root, then produced antibacterial substances at ecological sites to exert antagonistic effects, inhibiting motility traits of R. solanacearum and damaging the cell well. Hence, Bacillus velezensis D could be used as a potential biological control agents against tobacco bacterial wilt.
Nutritional, physicochemical and quality profiles of organically sweetened gluten-free breakfast meal from quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) and tigernuts (Cyperus esculentus L.)
Authors: Jolayemi Olusola Samuel , Alabi Temiloluwa Olufunmilayo
Published: October 2023

By formulating a breakfast meal from quinoa and tigernuts that is organically sweetened, this study aimed to synergistically utilize the natural bioactive compounds embedded in both foods. When compared to commercial sample, all formulations had higher protein and fat contents. The meals contained little starch, and most significantly, over 35% of this starch was non-digestible. The main minerals found in the meals were potassium (481.81—592.47 mg/100 g), phosphorus (231.75—257.20 mg/100 g), magnesium (152.34—176.29 mg/100 g), and calcium (257.45—266.61 mg/100 g, with the Na/K molar ratio < 1.0 advantageous for those with high blood pressure. Regarding overall phenol and flavonoid contents, the meals outperformed the commercial product with remarkable antioxidant capacities when tested against different assays (FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH). The meals' inhibitory capacities on both carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes were noticeably higher than that of the commercial product. Regardless of the amount of quinoa or tigernuts in each blend, the inhibitory performance was satisfactory (α-amylase 26.98—60.18%; α -glucosidase 19.47—40.02%). Similarly, the chemical properties of the meals as influenced by its higher protein, fats, dietary fibre, and low sugar, modulated its functional properties in a unique way. In terms of sensory assessment, the panelists ranked the meals similar and sometimes above the commercial ones with respect to all the organoleptic parameters considered.

Graphical Abstract

A graphical representation of production, nutritional and functional characterization of stevia-sweetened breakfast meals from quinoa-tigernuts blends
Development and Publication of Clinical Practice Parameters, Reviews, and Meta-analyses: A Report From the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists Presidential Task Force
Authors: Kertai Miklos D. , Makkad Benu , Bollen Bruce A. , Grocott Hilary P. , Kachulis Bessie , Boisen Michael L. , Raphael Jacob , Perry Tjorvi E. , Liu Hong , Grant Michael C. , Gutsche Jacob , Popescu Wanda M. , Hensley Nadia B. , Mazzeffi Michael A. , Sniecinski Roman M. , Teeter Emily , Pal Nirvik , Ngai Jennie Y. , Mittnacht Alexander , Augoustides Yianni G. T. , Ibekwe Stephanie O. , Martin Archer Kilbourne , Rhee Amanda J. , Walden Rachel L. , Glas Kathryn , Shaw Andrew D. , Shore-Lesserson Linda
Published: October 2023

The Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA) is committed to improving the quality, safety, and value that cardiothoracic anesthesiologists bring to patient care. To fulfill this mission, the SCA supports the creation of peer-reviewed manuscripts that establish standards, produce guidelines, critically analyze the literature, interpret preexisting guidelines, and allow experts to engage in consensus opinion. The aim of this report, commissioned by the SCA President, is to summarize the distinctions among these publications and describe a novel SCA-supported framework that provides guidance to SCA members for the creation of these publications. The ultimate goal is that through a standardized and transparent process, the SCA will facilitate up-to-date education and implementation of best practices by cardiovascular and thoracic anesthesiologists to improve patient safety, quality of care, and outcomes.
Narrative Review of Prolonged Times to Tracheal Extubation After General Anesthesia With Intubation and Extubation in the Operating Room
Authors: Dexter Franklin , Hindman Bradley J.
Published: October 2023

This narrative review summarizes research about prolonged times to tracheal extubation after general anesthesia with both intubation and extubation occurring in the operating room or other anesthetizing location where the anesthetic was performed. The literature search was current through May 2023 and included prolonged extubations defined either as >15 minutes or at least 15 minutes. The studies showed that prolonged times to extubation can be measured accurately, are associated with reintubations and respiratory treatments, are rated poorly by anesthesiologists, are treated with flumazenil and naloxone, are associated with impaired operating room workflow, are associated with longer operating room times, are associated with tardiness of starts of to-follow cases and surgeons, and are associated with longer duration workdays. When observing prolonged extubations among all patients receiving general anesthesia, covariates accounting for most prolonged extubations are characteristics of the surgery, positioning, and anesthesia provider’s familiarity with the surgeon. Anesthetic drugs and delivery systems routinely achieve substantial differences in the incidences of prolonged extubations. Occasional claims made that anesthesia drugs have unimportant differences in recovery times, based on medians and means of extubation times, are misleading, because benefits of different anesthetics are achieved principally by reducing the variability in extubation times, specifically by decreasing the incidence of extubation times sufficiently long to have economic impact (ie, the prolonged extubations). Collectively, the results show that when investigators in anesthesia pharmacology quantify the rate of patient recovery from general anesthesia, the incidence of prolonged times to tracheal extubation should be included as a study end point.
Causes of Perioperative Cardiac Arrest: Mnemonic, Classification, Monitoring, and Actions
Authors: Meng Lingzhong , Rasmussen Mads , Abcejo Arnoley S. , Meng Deyi M. , Tong Chuanyao , Liu Hong
Published: October 2023

Perioperative cardiac arrest (POCA) is a catastrophic complication that requires immediate recognition and correction of the underlying cause to improve patient outcomes. While the hypoxia, hypovolemia, hydrogen ions (acidosis), hypo-/hyperkalemia, and hypothermia (Hs) and toxins, tamponade (cardiac), tension pneumothorax, thrombosis (pulmonary), and thrombosis (coronary) (Ts) mnemonic is a valuable tool for rapid differential diagnosis, it does not cover all possible causes leading to POCA. To address this limitation, we propose using the preload-contractility-afterload-rate and rhythm (PCARR) construct to categorize POCA, which is comprehensive, systemic, and physiologically logical. We provide evidence for each component in the PCARR construct and emphasize that it complements the Hs and Ts mnemonic rather than replacing it. Furthermore, we discuss the significance of utilizing monitored variables such as electrocardiography, pulse oxygen saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide, and blood pressure to identify clues to the underlying cause of POCA. To aid in investigating POCA causes, we suggest the Anesthetic care, Surgery, Echocardiography, Relevant Check and History (A-SERCH) list of actions. We recommend combining the Hs and Ts mnemonic, the PCARR construct, monitoring, and the A-SERCH list of actions in a rational manner to investigate POCA causes. These proposals require real-world testing to assess their feasibility.
For a Liberatory Politics of Home
Authors: Lancione Michele
Published: October 2023

In For a Liberatory Politics of Home, Michele Lancione questions accepted understandings of home and homelessness to offer a radical proposition: homelessness cannot be solved without dismantling current understandings of home. Conventionally, home is framed as a place of security and belonging, while its loss defines what it means to be homeless. On the basis of this binary, a whole industry of policy interventions, knowledge production, and organizing fails to provide solutions to homelessness but perpetuates violent and precarious forms of inhabitation. Drawing on his research and activism around housing in Europe, Lancione attends to the interlocking crises of home and homelessness by recentering the political charge of precarious dwelling. It is there, if often in unannounced ways, that a profound struggle for a differential kind of homing signals multiple possibilities to transcend the violences of home/homelessness. In advancing a new approach to work with the politics of inhabitation, Lancione provides a critique of current practices and offers a transformative vision for a renewed, liberatory politics of home.
Glucose to lactate shift reprograms CDK-dependent mitotic decisions and its communication with MAPK Sty1 in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Sarkar Priyanka , Misra Susmita , Ghosal Agamani , Mukherjee Soumyajit , Ghosh Alok , Sundaram Geetanjali
Published: October 2023

Cell cycle regulation in response to biochemical cues is a fundamental event associated with many diseases. The regulation of such responses in complex metabolic environments is poorly understood. This study reveals unknown aspects of the metabolic regulation of cell division in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We show that changing the carbon source from glucose to lactic acid alters the functions of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) Cdc2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) Sty1, leading to unanticipated outcomes in the behavior and fate of such cells. Functional communication of Cdc2 with Sty1 is known to be an integral part of the cellular response to aberrant Cdc2 activity in S. pombe. Our results show that cross-talk between Cdc2 and Sty1, and the consequent Sty1-dependent regulation of Cdc2 activity, appears to be compromised and the relationship between Cdc2 activity and mitotic timing is also reversed in the presence of lactate. We also show that the biochemical status of cells under these conditions is an important determinant of the altered molecular functions mentioned above as well as the altered behavior of these cells.
Endothelial cell SMAD6 balances Alk1 function to regulate adherens junctions and hepatic vascular development
Authors: Kulikauskas Molly R. , Oatley Morgan , Yu Tianji , Liu Ziqing , Matsumura Lauren , Kidder Elise , Ruter Dana , Bautch Victoria L.
Published: October 2023

BMP signaling is crucial to blood vessel formation and function, but how pathway components regulate vascular development is not well-understood. Here, we find that inhibitory SMAD6 functions in endothelial cells to negatively regulate ALK1-mediated responses, and it is required to prevent vessel dysmorphogenesis and hemorrhage in the embryonic liver vasculature. Reduced Alk1 gene dosage rescued embryonic hepatic hemorrhage and microvascular capillarization induced by Smad6 deletion in endothelial cells in vivo. At the cellular level, co-depletion of Smad6 and Alk1 rescued the destabilized junctions and impaired barrier function of endothelial cells depleted for SMAD6 alone. Mechanistically, blockade of actomyosin contractility or increased PI3K signaling rescued endothelial junction defects induced by SMAD6 loss. Thus, SMAD6 normally modulates ALK1 function in endothelial cells to regulate PI3K signaling and contractility, and SMAD6 loss increases signaling through ALK1 that disrupts endothelial cell junctions. ALK1 loss-of-function also disrupts vascular development and function, indicating that balanced ALK1 signaling is crucial for proper vascular development and identifying ALK1 as a ‘Goldilocks’ pathway in vascular biology that requires a certain signaling amplitude, regulated by SMAD6, to function properly.
Innovating spinal muscular atrophy models in the therapeutic era
Authors: Signoria Ilaria , van der Pol W. Ludo , Groen Ewout J. N.
Published: October 2023

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe, monogenetic, neuromuscular disease. A thorough understanding of its genetic cause and the availability of robust models has led to the development and approval of three gene-targeting therapies. This is a unique and exciting development for the field of neuromuscular diseases, many of which remain untreatable. The development of therapies for SMA not only opens the door to future therapeutic possibilities for other genetic neuromuscular diseases, but also informs us about the limitations of such treatments. For example, treatment response varies widely and, for many patients, significant disability remains. Currently available SMA models best recapitulate the severe types of SMA, and these models are genetically and phenotypically more homogeneous than patients. Furthermore, treating patients is leading to a shift in phenotypes with increased variability in SMA clinical presentation. Therefore, there is a need to generate model systems that better reflect these developments. Here, we will first discuss current animal models of SMA and their limitations. Next, we will discuss the characteristics required to future-proof models to assist the field in the development of additional, novel therapies for SMA.
The clinical value of quantitative cardiovascular molecular imaging: a step towards precision medicine
Authors: Tingen Hendrea Sanne Aletta , van Praagh Gijs D , Nienhuis Pieter H , Tubben Alwin , van Rijsewijk Nick D , ten Hove Derk , Mushari Nouf A , Martinez-Lucio T Samara , Mendoza-Ibañez Oscar I , van Sluis Joyce , Tsoumpas Charalampos , Glaudemans Andor WJM , Slart Riemer HJA
Published: October 2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide and have an increasing impact on society. Precision medicine, in which optimal care is identified for an individual or a group of individuals rather than for the average population, might provide significant health benefits for this patient group and decrease CVD morbidity and mortality. Molecular imaging provides the opportunity to assess biological processes in individuals in addition to anatomical context provided by other imaging modalities and could prove to be essential in the implementation of precision medicine in CVD. New developments in single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) systems, combined with rapid innovations in promising and specific radiopharmaceuticals, provide an impressive improvement of diagnostic accuracy and therapy evaluation. This may result in improved health outcomes in CVD patients, thereby reducing societal impact. Furthermore, recent technical advances have led to new possibilities for accurate image quantification, dynamic imaging, and quantification of radiotracer kinetics. This potentially allows for better evaluation of disease activity over time and treatment response monitoring. However, the clinical implementation of these new methods has been slow. This review describes the recent advances in molecular imaging and the clinical value of quantitative PET and SPECT in various fields in cardiovascular molecular imaging, such as atherosclerosis, myocardial perfusion and ischemia, infiltrative cardiomyopathies, systemic vascular diseases, and infectious cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the challenges that need to be overcome to achieve clinical translation are addressed, and future directions are provided.
Αρχές σχεδιασμού και κατασκευής πραγματολογικά προσανατολισμένων δραστηριοτήτων για τη διδασκαλία γλωσσικών πράξεων στην ελληνική ως δεύτερη γλώσσα
Authors: Βλάχου Φλώρα
Published: October 2023

Η παρούσα μελέτη εντάσσεται στον ευρύτερο χώρο της Πραγματολογίας της Διαγλώσσας, δευτερογενούς κλάδου της Κατάκτησης της Γ2. Πιο εστιασμένα, το περιεχόμενο της διατριβής τοποθετείται στο πεδίο της Διδακτικής της Πραγματολογίας και διερευνά τον ρόλο της διδασκαλίας στην ανάπτυξη των πραγματολογικών δεξιοτήτων των μαθητών της Ελληνικής ως Γ2 (ΝΕ/Γ2). Πρόκειται για μια κατεξοχήν έρευνα εντός περιβάλλοντος γλωσσικής τάξης (classroom research), την πρώτη τέτοιου είδους για την Πραγματολογία με γλώσσα-στόχο την Ελληνική. Η ανά χείρας μελέτη φιλοδοξεί να αποτελέσει έναν οδηγό διδασκαλίας των γλωσσικών πράξεων στη ΝΕ/Γ2, συνδέοντας ρητά και εμφανώς τις επικρατέστερες θεωρητικές αρχές της ΚΓ2 με τη διδασκαλία της Πραγματολογίας. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, σχεδιάζονται δύο δομημένες σε στάδια διδακτικές παρεμβάσεις για δύο επίπεδα γλωσσομάθειας της ΝΕ/Γ2 με σκοπό τη διδασκαλία της γλωσσικής πράξης της διαφωνίας. Ο στόχος που διατρέχει όλο το περιεχόμενο της μελέτης είναι να καταδείξει αφενός πώς οι θεωρητικές αρχές μετασχηματίζονται σε διδακτική πράξη, αφετέρου πώς το πραγματολογικά προσανατολισμένο εισαγόμενο γίνεται αντικείμενο διεργασίας και παιδαγωγικής ενίσχυσης ώστε να προσληφθεί κατά το μέγιστο δυνατό βαθμό από τους μαθητές. Οι δύο στόχοι αυτοί υπηρετούνται επαρκέστερα από τη ρητή πραγματολογική διδασκαλία η οποία εφαρμόζεται στη μελέτη. Η παρούσα έρευνα παρέχει τα πρώτα και σημαντικά δια-γλωσσικά δεδομένα από τη πραγμάτωση της γλωσσικής πράξης της διαφωνίας από μαθητές της Ελληνικής ως Γ2. Τα δεδομένα αυτά, καθώς επίσης τα ερευνητικά ευρήματα και οι εμπειρικές παρατηρήσεις από την πραγματολογικά προσανατολισμένη διδασκαλία, μπορούν να αξιοποιηθούν με προεκτάσεις όπως λ.χ. στη μελέτη της πραγματολογικής ικανότητας των μαθητών της Ελληνικής ως Γ2, στην ίδια τη γλωσσική πράξη-στόχο, τη διαφωνία, σε θεωρητικό επίπεδο ή ακόμα και σε άλλα πραγματολογικά φαινόμενα, όπως και στην παιδαγωγική κατάρτιση των διδασκόντων που επιθυμούν να εφαρμόσουν τη διδασκαλία της Πραγματολογίας στην τάξη τους.
Η επιμήκυνση και η εγκατάλειψη των σπουδών στα ελληνικά πανεπιστήμια
Authors: Σακκούλης Δημήτριος
Published: October 2023

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή έχει σκοπό να διερευνήσει το φαινόμενο της εγκατάλειψης και της επιμήκυνσης των σπουδών στη Σχολή Ανθρωπιστικών και Κοινωνικών Επιστημών του Πανεπιστημίου Πατρών τη δεκαετία 2010 – 2020, να προσδιορίσει την έκτασή του και να εντοπίσει τις επιμέρους διαφοροποιήσεις στην εκδήλωσή του. Επιδιώκει, ακόμη, να αναδείξει τη σύνθεση του συγκεκριμένου φοιτητικού πληθυσμού και τα επιμέρους χαρακτηριστικά του. Τέλος, αποσκοπεί να μελετήσει τους παράγοντες συγκρότησης του φαινομένου και να ερμηνεύσει τη συγκεκριμένη κοινωνική πρακτική. Η έρευνα, η οποία για την ανάλυση και την ερμηνεία των ερευνητικών δεδομένων αξιοποίησε η θεωρία του P. Bourdieu, υιοθετεί πολυμεθοδολογική προσέγγιση και χρησιμοποιεί ποσοτικές και ποιοτικές τεχνικές συλλογής και ανάλυσης των ερευνητικών δεδομένων. Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας κατέδειξαν ότι το ποσοστό των φοιτητών που εγκαταλείπουν τις σπουδές τους στη Σ.Α.Κ.Ε. την περίοδο 2010 -2020 είναι κατά μέσο όρο 19,1% ενώ στα επιμέρους Τμήματα της Σχολής τα ποσοστά εγκατάλειψης διαφοροποιούνται σημαντικά. Ως προς την επιμήκυνση των σπουδών, ο αριθμός των πέραν των κανονικών εξαμήνων φοιτητών είναι υποδιπλάσιος του αριθμού των τακτικών φοιτητών. Ακόμη, η απρόσκοπτη φοίτηση και η έγκαιρη ολοκλήρωση των σπουδών επηρεάζονται από οικονομικούς, ακαδημαϊκούς και ατομικούς παράγοντες. Τέλος, για την πλειονότητα των φοιτητών που εγγράφονται στα Τμήματα της Σχολής, παρά τις επιμέρους διαφοροποιήσεις οι οποίες υπάρχουν, τόσο το ατομικό habitus όσο και ο όγκος του κοινωνικού και πολιτισμικού κεφαλαίου που διαθέτουν συν-καθορίζουν τις κοινωνικές πρακτικές τους εντός του πεδίου. Υπό αυτή την οπτική οι συγκεκριμένοι φοιτητές αναπτύσσουν ποικιλία στρατηγικών, οι οποίες δεν είναι πάντα αποτελεσματικές.
Brain-localized CD4 and CD8 T cells perform correlated random walks and not Levy walks
Authors: Patel Dhruv , Lin Raymond , Majumder Barun , Ganusov Vitaly V.
Published: October 2023

Background. For survival of the organism, T cells must efficiently control pathogens invading different peripheral tissues. Whether or not such control is achieved by utilizing different movement strategies in different tissues remains poorly understood. Liver-localized CD8 T cells perform correlated random walks  --- a type of a Brownian walk -- in liver sinusoids but in some condition these T cells may also perform Levy flights -- rapid and large displacements by floating with the blood flow. CD8 T cells in lymph nodes or skin also undergo Brownian walks. A recent study suggested that brain-localized CD8 T cells, specific to Toxoplasma gondii, perform generalized Levy walks -- a walk type in which T cells alternate pausing and displacing long distances --- which may indicate that brain is a unique organ where T cells exhibit movement strategies different from other tissues.

Methods.  We quantified movement patterns of brain-localized Plasmodium berghei-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells by using well-established statistical and computational methods.

Results.  We found that T cells change their movement pattern with time since infection and that CD4 T cells move faster and turn less than CD8 T cells. Importantly, both CD4 and CD8 T cells move in the brain by correlated random walks without long displacements challenging previous observations. We have also re-analyzed the movement data of brain-localized CD8 T cells in T. gondii-infected mice and found no evidence of Levy walks. We hypothesize that the previous conclusion of Levy walks of T. gondii-specific CD8 T cells in the brain was reached due to missing time-frames in the data that create an impression of large movement lengths between assumed-to-be-sequential movements. 

Conclusion. Our results suggests that movement strategies of CD8 T cells are largely similar between LNs, liver, and the brain and consistent with correlated random walks and not Levy walks.
How oral health care organizations formulate actionable statements to inform practice and policy: A protocol for a systematic survey
Authors: Verdugo-Paiva Francisca , Bonfill Cosp Xavier , Alonso-Coello Pablo , Ávila-Oliver Camila , Glick Michael , Carrasco-Labra Alonso
Published: October 2023

Background: Oral diseases are a major global public health problem that impacts the quality of life of those affected. While widespread consensus exists on the importance of high-quality, evidence-informed guidelines to inform practice and public health decisions in medicine, appropriate methodologies and standards are not commonly adhered to among producers of oral health guidelines. This systematic survey aims to identify organizations developing evidence-informed guidelines and policy documents in oral health globally, and describe the methods and processes used. 

Methods: We will conduct manual searches on the websites of guideline developers, Ministries of Health, and scientific societies. Additionally, we will systematically search electronic databases to identify published guidelines and collect the name of the responsible entity. We will include organizations that regularly develop guidelines on any oral health topic and that explicitly declare the inclusion of research evidence in its development process. Subsequently, we will use a standardized form to extract data about the characteristics of the organization, the characteristics of their guideline or policy documents, and their formal recommendation development processes. These data will be extracted from various sources, such as the organization's official website, the methods section of each guideline, or methodological handbooks. We will use descriptive statistics to analyze the extracted data. 

Discussion: This systematic survey will synthesize key characteristics and methodologies used by organizations developing evidence-informed guidelines. This study will provide the basis for future development of a sustainable and connected collaborative network for evidence-informed guidelines and policy documents in oral health globally. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and targeted dissemination of findings with the identified organizations. Our systematic survey represents a necessary first step toward improving the field of oral health policies and guidelines.
Effect of cogon grass root ethanol extract on fatty acid binding protein 4 and oxidative stress markers in a sepsis mouse model
Authors: Putri Mirasari , Rastiarsa Bening Mauliddina , Djajanagara Raden Aliya T. M. , Ramli Ghaliby Ardhia , Anggraeni Neni , Sutadipura Nugraha , Atik Nur , Syamsunarno Mas Rizky A. A.
Published: October 2023

Background: Sepsis causes several immunological and metabolic alterations that induce oxidative stress. The modulation of fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) has been shown to worsen this condition. Extract of cogon grass root (ECGR) contains flavonoids and isoeugenol compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to assess the effects of ECGR on FABP4 and oxidative stress–related factors in a sepsis mouse model. Methods: Twenty-nine male mice (Mus musculus) of the Deutsche Denken Yoken strain were divided into four groups: group 1, control; group 2, mice treated with 10 μL/kg body weight (BW) lipopolysaccharide (LPS); and groups 3 and 4, mice pre-treated with 90 and 115 mg/kg BW, respectively, and then treated with 10 μL/kg BW LPS for 14 d. Blood, liver, lymph, and cardiac tissue samples were collected and subjected to histological and complete blood examinations. Antioxidant (Glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) and superoxide dismutase), FABP4 levels, and immune system-associated biomarker levels (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) were measured. Results: Significant increases in platelet levels (p = 0.03), cardiomyocyte counts (p =0.004), and hepatocyte counts (p = 0.0004) were observed in group 4 compared with those in group 2. Conversely, compared with those in group 2, there were significant decreases in TNF-α expression in group 3 (p = 0.004), white pulp length and width in group 4 (p = 0.001), FABP4 levels in groups 3 and 4 (p = 0.015 and p = 0.012, respectively), lymphocyte counts in group 4 (p = 0.009), and monocyte counts (p = 0.000) and polymorphonuclear cell counts in the livers (p = 0.000) and hearts (p = 0.000) of groups 3 and 4. Gpx3 activity was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 1 (p = 0.04). Conclusions: ECGR reduces FABP4 level and modulating oxidative stress markers in sepsis mouse model.
Strategic concept paper for Bioeconomy in Slovenia: from a patchwork of good practices to an integrated, sustainable and robust bioeconomy system
Authors: Juvančič Luka , Berne Sabina , Oven Primož , Osojnik Črnivec Ilja Gasan
Published: October 2023

While Slovenia has significant bioeconomy potential, it remains underutilized, facing challenges in primary bioeconomy sectors, their integration along value chains, uptake of industrial innovation, and institutional coordination. This paper aims to support the unlocking of Slovenia's bioeconomy potential, and foster sustainable and integrated development of its value chains. It provides the evidence base of the composition, volumes and current utilization of the available biomass streams from agriculture, forestry and aquatic systems. It discusses the potential uses of these resources and highlights the need for improved logistics and scalability. Additionally, the structure and performance of bioeconomy-related industries in Slovenia are examined, emphasizing the importance of firm consolidation and integration for successful bioeconomy development. It emphasizes the importance of sector-specific transformation pathways, from primary production to expanding hybrid sectors. The exchange between policymakers and stakeholders is encouraged to recognize synergies, accelerate cooperation, and improve economic performance while closing material and energy loops. The document also reviews the supporting environment for bioeconomy development and proposes steps for improved coordination and strategic planning.