bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fusarium pseudograminearum biomass and toxin accumulation in wheat tissues with and without Fusarium crown rot symptoms
Authors: Xu Fei , Shi Ruijie , Liu Lulu , Li Shufang , Wang Junmei , Han Zihang , Liu Wei , Wang Hongqi , Liu Jihong , Fan Jieru , Wang Aolin , Feng Chaohong , Song Yuli , Zhou Yilin , Xu Xiangming
Published: May 2024

Fusarium crown rot (FCR) is an important and devastating disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum) caused by the fungus Fusarium pseudograminearum and related pathogens. Using two distinct susceptible cultivars, we investigated the isolation frequencies of F. pseudograminearum and quantified its biomass accumulation and the levels of the associated toxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and DON-3-glucoside (D3G) in inoculated field-grown wheat plants. We detected F. pseudograminearum in stem, peduncle, rachis, and husk tissues, but not in grains, whereas DON and D3G accumulated in stem, rachis, husk, and grain tissues. Disease severity was positively correlated with the frequency of pathogen isolation, F. pseudograminearum biomass, and mycotoxin levels. The amount of F. pseudograminearum biomass and mycotoxin contents in asymptomatic tissue of diseased plants were associated with the distance of the tissue from the diseased internode and the disease severity of the plant. Thus, apparently healthy tissue may harbor F. pseudograminearum and contain associated mycotoxins. This research helps clarify the relationship between F. pseudograminearum occurrence, F. pseudograminearum biomass, and mycotoxin accumulation in tissues of susceptible wheat cultivars with or without disease symptoms, providing information that can lead to more effective control measures.
Epistemic circularity and measurement validity in quantitative psychology: insights from Fechner’s psychophysics
Authors: Luchetti Michele
Published: May 2024

The validity of psychological measurement is crucially connected to a peculiar form of epistemic circularity. This circularity can be a threat when there are no independent ways to assess whether a certain procedure is actually measuring the intended target of measurement. This paper focuses on how Fechner addressed the measurement circularity that emerged in his psychophysical research. First, I show that Fechner’s approach to the problem of circular measurement involved a core idealizing assumption of a shared human physiology. Second, I assess Fechner’s approach to this issue against the backdrop of his own epistemology of measurement and the measurement context of his time. Third, I claim that, from a coherentist and historically-situated perspective, Fechner’s quantification can be regarded as a first successful step of a longer-term quantification process. To conclude, I draw from these insights some general epistemological reflections that are relevant to current quantitative psychology.
Augmentative and alternative communication in autism spectrum disorder: transitioning from letter board to iPad – a case study
Authors: Mavritsakis Dionisia
Published: May 2024

This case study examines the effective use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools in enhancing communication skills in a 15-year-old male with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Initially exhibiting non-verbal tendencies, the subject experienced significant improvements in communication and social interaction following the introduction of a letter board and subsequent transition to an iPad. These AAC tools facilitated a marked development in his ability to articulate thoughts, engage in academic activities, and express complex ideas, particularly in science. The study highlights the role of AAC in expanding the communicative capabilities of individuals with limited or no verbal language, demonstrating notable advancements in both verbal expression and cognitive engagement. The findings underscore the transformative impact of personalized AAC interventions and suggest the potential for broader application in ASD support strategies. This case highlights the need for further research, including randomized controlled trials, to explore the efficacy of AAC tools in diverse ASD contexts.
Increased usage of doxycycline for young children with Lyme disease
Authors: Thompson Amy D. , Neville Desiree N. , Chapman Laura L. , Balamuth Fran , Ladell Meagan M. , Kharbanda Anupam B. , Aresco Rachael , Nigrovic Lise E.
Published: May 2024

Background

The 2018 Infectious Disease Committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics stated that up to 3 weeks or less of doxycycline is safe in children of all ages. Our goal was to examine trends in doxycycline treatment for children with Lyme disease.

Methods

We assembled a prospective cohort of children aged 1 to 21 years with Lyme disease who presented to one of eight participating Pedi Lyme Net centers between 2015 and 2023. We defined a Lyme disease case with an erythema migrans (EM) lesion or positive two-tier Lyme disease serology categorized by stage: early-localized (single EM lesion), early-disseminated (multiple EM lesions, cranial neuropathy, meningitis, and carditis), and late (arthritis). We compared doxycycline treatment by age and disease stage and used logistic regression to examine treatment trends.

Results

Of the 1,154 children with Lyme disease, 94 (8.1%) had early-localized, 449 (38.9%) had early-disseminated, and 611 (53.0%) had late disease. Doxycycline treatment was more common for older children (83.3% ≥ 8 years vs. 47.1% < 8 years; p < 0.001) and with early-disseminated disease (77.2% early-disseminated vs. 52.1% early-localized or 62.1% late; p < 0.001). For children under 8 years, doxycycline use increased over the study period (6.9% 2015 to 67.9% 2023; odds ratio by year, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.34–1.58).

Conclusion

Young children with Lyme disease are frequently treated with doxycycline. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of doxycycline in children younger than 8 years, especially for those receiving courses longer than 3 weeks.
Acceptance and rejection of “morally challenging” behaviour in online sperm donation communities: narrative interviews with recipients and donors
Authors: Forshall Georgina C. , Jones Georgina L. , Turner-Moore Rhys
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Online sperm donation allows those hoping to conceive a baby (“recipients”) to meet prospective sperm donors online, via “connection” websites or social media. These sites offer some advantages to clinical donation (including lower costs and greater choice over donation arrangements) but previous research has suggested that these sites may also pose risks and challenges to those who use them. Therefore, the aim of this exploratory research was to better understand online sperm donation communities and the experiences of both recipients and donors, particularly with respect to situations that could be “morally challenging” or involve harm.

Methods

Three prolific donors and five recipients were interviewed using an in-depth narrative approach. Carol Gilligan's Listening Guide was employed to analyse the data.

Results

The findings demonstrated that the donors sought to find ways to maintain autonomy in their donating practices and were concerned about the character and parenting abilities of recipients, as well as the potential for recipients to make unwarranted complaints. The recipients were concerned about their safety and finding a donor they could trust, discussing issues relating to donor “dishonesty”, online abuse, and a lack of support from connection sites and related authorities. Both donors and recipients identified “morally challenging” behaviour relating to donor anonymity (donor use of fake online profiles or aliases) and the sexual motivations or (mis)conduct of some donors. The participants each discussed the ways in which they managed perceived risks.

Discussion

The degree to which the participants voiced their acceptance or rejection of challenging behaviour in online sperm donation communities varied across and within participants, highlighting the complexity of the way in which people interact in this environment. Further research is required to understand how this form of sperm donation can be as safe and supportive as possible, while also respecting the importance to donors and recipients of autonomy and choice when making donation arrangements.
Electron cyclotron maser instability by evolving fast electron beams in the flare loops
Authors: Tang J. F. , Wu D. J. , Chen L. , Tan C. M. , Wang J. B.
Published: May 2024

The electron cyclotron maser instability (ECMI) stands as a pivotal coherent radio emission mechanism widely implicated in various astrophysical phenomena. In the context of solar activity, ECMI is primarily instigated by energetic electrons generated during solar eruptions, notably flares. These electrons, upon leaving the acceleration region, traverse the solar atmosphere, forming fast electron beams (FEBs) along magnetic field lines. It is widely accepted that as these FEBs interact with the ambient plasma and magnetic fields, they give rise to radio and hard X-ray emission. Throughout their journey in the plasma, FEBs undergo modifications in their energy spectrum and velocity spatial distribution due to diverse energy loss mechanisms and changes in ambient plasma parameters. In this study, we delve into the impact of the evolving energy spectrum and velocity anisotropic distribution of FEBs on ECMI during their propagation in flare loops. Our findings indicate that if we solely consider the progressively flattened lower energy cutoff behavior as FEBs descend along flare loops, the growth rates of ECMI decrease accordingly. However, when accounting for the evolution of ambient magnetic plasma parameters, the growth rates of ECMI increase as FEBs delve into denser atmosphere. This underscores the significant influence of the energy spectrum and velocity anisotropy distribution evolution of FEBs on ECMI. Our study sheds light on a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamic spectra of solar radio emissions.
Gender/Sex Disparities in the COVID-19 Cascade From Testing to Mortality: An Intersectional Analysis of Swiss Surveillance Data
Authors: Auderset Diane , Amiguet Michaël , Clair Carole , Riou Julien , Pittet Valérie , Schwarz Joelle , Mueller Yolanda
Published: May 2024

Objectives:

This study investigates gender and sex disparities in COVID-19 epidemiology in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland, focusing on the interplay with socioeconomic position (SEP) and age.

Methods:

We analyzed COVID-19 surveillance data from March 2020 to June 2021, using an intersectional approach. Negative binomial regression models assessed disparities between women and men, across SEP quintiles and age groups, in testing, positivity, hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and mortality (Incidence Rate Ratios [IRR], with 95% Confidence Intervals [CI]).

Results:

Women had higher testing and positivity rates than men, while men experienced more hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and deaths. The higher positivity in women under 50 was mitigated when accounting for their higher testing rates. Within SEP quintiles, gender/sex differences in testing and positivity were not significant. In the lowest quintile, women’s mortality risk was 68% lower (Q1: IRR 0.32, CI 0.20–0.52), with decreasing disparities with increasing SEP quintiles (Q5: IRR 0.66, CI 0.41–1.06).

Conclusion:

Our findings underscore the complex epidemiological patterns of COVID-19, shaped by the interactions of gender/sex, SEP, and age, highlighting the need for intersectional perspectives in both epidemiological research and public health strategy development.
Diabetes and Cancer: A Twisted Bond
Authors: Cosmin Stan Mihai , Paul Doru
Published: May 2024

This paper presents an overview of the interconnection between various factors related to both cancer and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, chronic inflammation, and obesity are involved in the development and progression of both diseases but, strong evidence for a direct causal relationship between diabetes and cancer, is lacking. Several studies described a relationship between hyperglycemia and cancer at the cellular, tissular and organismic levels but at the same time recent Mendelian randomization studies proved a significant causal relationship only between hyperglycemia and breast cancer. On the other hand, the association between both hyperinsulinemia and obesity and several cancer types appears to be robust as demonstrated by Mendelian randomized studies. Metabolic alterations, including the Warburg effect and excessive glucose consumption by tumors, are discussed, highlighting the potential impact of dietary restrictions, such as fasting and low-carb diets, on tumor growth and inflammation. Recent data indicates that circulating branched-chain amino acids levels, may represent novel biomarkers that may contribute to both better diabetes control and early pancreatic cancer detection. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and shared risk factors between cancer and T2DM can provide valuable insights for cancer prevention, early detection, and management strategies.
Resident Microbiome of Kidney Tumors
Authors: Kovaleva Olga , Podlesnaya Polina , Gratchev Alexei
Published: May 2024

Emerging research has uncovered the significance of microbiota in carcinogenesis, with specific bacterial infectious agents linked to around 15% of malignant tumors. This review is focused on the resident kidney microbiome, its composition, and alterations in various diseases. Recent studies have shown that bacteria can infiltrate the kidney, with differences between normal and tumor tissue. These studies have identified distinctive microorganisms unique to both conditions, hinting at their potential clinical relevance. Research into the kidney microbiome diversity reveals differences in tumor tissue, with specific taxa associated with different histological types. Notably, the alpha diversity indices suggest variations in bacterial content between tumor and normal tissue, offering insights into potential diagnostic and prognostic use of these markers. Better studied is the impact of the gut microbiome on therapy efficacy in malignant kidney tumors. Antibiotics, which can alter the gut microbiome, have been linked to survival outcomes in patients receiving targeted therapy and immunotherapy. The findings suggest that the uncontrolled use of antibiotics may not only contribute to bacterial resistance but also disrupt the normal microbiome, potentially influencing the development of oncological diseases. In-depth investigation into the resident kidney microbiome is essential for addressing fundamental and practical aspects of kidney tumor development.
A Hybrid Learning-Architecture for Improved Brain Tumor Recognition
Authors: Dixon Jose , Akinniyi Oluwatunmise , Abdelhamid Abeer , Saleh Gehad A. , Rahman Md Mahmudur , Khalifa Fahmi
Published: May 2024

The accurate classification of brain tumors is an important step for early intervention. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based diagnostic systems have been utilized in recent years to help automate the process and provide more objective and faster diagnosis. This work introduces an enhanced AI-based architecture for improved brain tumor classification. We introduce a hybrid architecture that integrates vision transformer (ViT) and deep neural networks to create an ensemble classifier, resulting in a more robust brain tumor classification framework. The analysis pipeline begins with preprocessing and data normalization, followed by extracting three types of MRI-derived information-rich features. The latter included higher-order texture and structural feature sets to harness the spatial interactions between image intensities, which were derived using Haralick features and local binary patterns. Additionally, local deeper features of the brain images are extracted using an optimized convolutional neural networks (CNN) architecture. Finally, ViT-derived features are also integrated due to their ability to handle dependencies across larger distances while being less sensitive to data augmentation. The extracted features are then weighted, fused, and fed to a machine learning classifier for the final classification of brain MRIs. The proposed weighted ensemble architecture has been evaluated on publicly available and locally collected brain MRIs of four classes using various metrics. The results showed that leveraging the benefits of individual components of the proposed architecture leads to improved performance using ablation studies.
The Genetics and Molecular Biology of Pathogens in Agricultural Crops
Authors: Matić Slavica
Published: May 2024

Despite advances in science and technology, agricultural yield losses due to plant pathogens and pests currently account for 30% of global production [...]
Effect of Breed on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Apparently Healthy Dogs Infected with Zoonotic Pathogens Endemic to the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Amato Annalisa , Cavallo Carmelo , Marín-García Pablo Jesús , Emmanuele Giovanni , Tomasello Mario , Tomasella Cristina , Floridia Viviana , Liotta Luigi , Llobat Lola
Published: May 2024

Dogs are considered the main reservoir of several zoonoses endemic to the Mediterranean Basin. In this study, a prevalence of infections and coinfections of canine vector-borne diseases was analyzed in apparently healthy dogs of different canine pure breeds in Sicily (Italy), where these diseases are endemic. The seroprevalence of Leishmania infantum, Ricketsia ricketsii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Erlichia canis was assessed, as single and coinfections. Biochemical and hematological parameters were evaluated, and epidemiological factors, including sex, age, and canine breed, were recovered. The most frequent infection was L. infantum (45.61%), following R. ricketsii (36.84%), both as single, double, or triple coinfections. Coinfections change the biochemical and hematological parameters of the host, and canine breeds are related to the infection frequency and the parameters observed during infections. Changes in the complete blood count (CBC) and biochemical values also differ between canine breeds, with the Cirneco dell’Etna dogs infected with L. infantum being the animals presenting the most interesting results in our study. High values of RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, and albumin and low levels of β-2 globulin and γ-globulin were found only in this canine breed, suggesting some resistance to infection in these dogs. Future studies about the immune response of this canine breed could be interesting to determine their possible resistance to zoonotic pathogens, such as L. infantum.
The Effect of Ovariectomy and Estradiol Substitution on the Metabolic Parameters and Transcriptomic Profile of Adipose Tissue in a Prediabetic Model
Authors: Marková Irena , Hüttl Martina , Miklánková Denisa , Šedová Lucie , Šeda Ondřej , Malínská Hana
Published: May 2024

Menopause brings about profound physiological changes, including the acceleration of insulin resistance and other abnormalities, in which adipose tissue can play a significant role. This study analyzed the effect of ovariectomy and estradiol substitution on the metabolic parameters and transcriptomic profile of adipose tissue in prediabetic females of hereditary hypertriglyceridemic rats (HHTgs). The HHTgs underwent ovariectomy (OVX) or sham surgery (SHAM), and half of the OVX group received 17β-estradiol (OVX+E2) post-surgery. Ovariectomy resulted in weight gain, an impaired glucose tolerance, ectopic triglyceride (TG) deposition, and insulin resistance exemplified by impaired glycogenesis and lipogenesis. Estradiol alleviated some of the disorders associated with ovariectomy; in particular, it improved insulin sensitivity and reduced TG deposition. A transcriptomic analysis of perimetrial adipose tissue revealed 809 differentially expressed transcripts in the OVX vs. SHAM groups, mostly pertaining to the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism, and oxidative stress. Estradiol substitution affected 1049 transcripts with overrepresentation in the signaling pathways of lipid metabolism. The principal component and hierarchical clustering analyses of transcriptome shifts corroborated the metabolic data, showing a closer resemblance between the OVX+E2 and SHAM groups compared to the OVX group. Changes in the adipose tissue transcriptome may contribute to metabolic abnormalities accompanying ovariectomy-induced menopause in HHTg females. Estradiol substitution may partially mitigate some of these disorders.
The Environmental Benefits of an Automatic Idling Control System of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs)
Authors: Kim Hoe Kyoung
Published: May 2024

The transportation sector is regarded as the main culprit in greenhouse gas emission in the urban network, particularly idling vehicles waiting at signalized intersections. Although autonomous vehicles can be a promising technology to tackle vehicle idling, their environmental benefits receive little attention compared with their safety and mobility issues. This study investigated the environmental benefits of autonomous vehicles equipped with an automatic idling control function based on the queue discharge time and traffic signal information transmitted from the traffic signal controller via V2I communication using microscopic mobility and emission simulation models, VISSIM and MOVES, in Haeundae-gu in Busan, Korea. This study found that the function contributes to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions by 23.6% for all-inclusive emission and 94.3% for idling emission, respectively. Moreover, total reduced idling time accounts for 47.6% of the total travel time and 94.3% of the total idling time, respectively. Consequently, the autonomous vehicles equipped with automatic vehicle idling control function under C-ITS can play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption as well in the urban network.
The Effects of Different Stretching Techniques Used in Warm-Up on the Triggering of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Soccer Players
Authors: Kurak Kemal , İlbak İsmail , Stojanović Stefan , Bayer Ramazan , Purenović-Ivanović Tijana , Pałka Tomasz , Ambroży Tadeusz , Kasicki Krzysztof , Czarny Wojciech , Rydzik Łukasz
Published: May 2024

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of different stretching techniques used during warm-up exercises prior to post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) on the explosive lower extremity strength performance of soccer players. This cross-sectional study involved the participation of 13 male soccer players with an average age of 22.38 ± 1.75, body height of 174.38 ± 3.94, and body mass of 72.30 ± 4.13. To determine the participants’ maximal strength performance, one repeated maximal strength (1-RM) squat exercise was applied. The PAPE protocol was then implemented with a squat exercise consisting of three repetitions at 80% of 1-RM. The warm-up protocols consisted of 5 min of cycling, followed by dynamic stretching, static stretching, or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching exercises. These protocols were applied on four different days with a 72 h interval. A vertical jump test was conducted to measure the participants’ explosive strength performance. The research data were analyzed using IBM Statistics (SPSS version 26.0, Armonk, NY, USA) software. The findings of this study revealed statistically significant differences in vertical jump performance values after PAPE among participants based on the different stretching techniques used during warm-up (p = 0.00). In this context, the research concluded that dynamic stretching is the optimal stretching technique during warm-up exercises before PAPE to maximize its effects. On the other hand, static stretching was found to negatively affect performance by absorbing the PAPE effect.
A Method for Evaluating Systematic Risk in Dams with Random Field Theory
Authors: Ran Congyong , Zhou Zhengjun , Pei Liang , Lu Xiang , Gong Binfeng , He Kun
Published: May 2024

The parameters of gravity dams and foundation materials objectively exhibit spatial variability due to environmental and load influences, which significantly affect the safety status of dam structures. Therefore, a safety risk analysis method for a gravity dam–foundation system based on random field theory is proposed in this paper. Spatial variabilities in materials are particularly considered by using the finite element method. Then, composite response surface equations for the performance function (PF) of strength and stability failure are established, and then, the system failure risk is obtained using the Monte Carlo method. The proposed method solves the problem wherein the effect of spatial variability on failure risk cannot be reflected accurately by the performance function of multi-element sliding paths, and the difficulties in solving the failure risk of the series–parallel system due to multiple failure paths and their complex correlations. The application of a gravity dam shows that the developed method overcomes the disadvantages of the traditional method, such as the homogenization of the spatially random characteristics of parameters and the overestimation of failure risk in the system due to large variance estimation.
A Plant Model of α-Synucleinopathy: Expression of α-Synuclein A53T Variant in Hairy Root Cultures Leads to Proteostatic Stress and Dysregulation of Iron Metabolism
Authors: Kurepa Jasmina , Bruce Kristen A. , Gerhardt Greg A. , Smalle Jan A.
Published: May 2024

Synucleinopathies, typified by Parkinson’s disease (PD), entail the accumulation of α-synuclein (αSyn) aggregates in nerve cells. Various αSyn mutants, including the αSyn A53T variant linked to early-onset PD, increase the propensity for αSyn aggregate formation. In addition to disrupting protein homeostasis and inducing proteostatic stress, the aggregation of αSyn in PD is associated with an imbalance in iron metabolism, which increases the generation of reactive oxygen species and causes oxidative stress. This study explored the impact of αSyn A53T expression in transgenic hairy roots of four medicinal plants (Lobelia cardinalis, Artemisia annua, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Polygonum multiflorum). In all tested plants, αSyn A53T expression triggered proteotoxic stress and perturbed iron homeostasis, mirroring the molecular profile observed in human and animal nerve cells. In addition to the common eukaryotic defense mechanisms against proteostatic and oxidative stresses, a plant stress response generally includes the biosynthesis of a diverse set of protective secondary metabolites. Therefore, the hairy root cultures expressing αSyn A53T offer a platform for identifying secondary metabolites that can ameliorate the effects of αSyn, thereby aiding in the development of possible PD treatments and/or treatments of synucleinopathies.
Bioinformatics-Based Identification of Human B-Cell Receptor (BCR) Stimulation-Associated Genes and Putative Promoters
Authors: Deitcher Ethan , Trisler Kirk , Moriarity Branden S. , Bostwick Caleb J. , Leenen Fleur A. D. , Deitcher Steven R.
Published: May 2024

Genome engineered B-cells are being developed for chronic, systemic in vivo protein replacement therapies and for localized, tumor cell-actuated anticancer therapeutics. For continuous systemic engineered protein production, expression may be driven by constitutively active promoters. For actuated payload delivery, B-cell conditional expression could be based on transgene alternate splicing or heterologous promotors activated after engineered B-cell receptor (BCR) stimulation. This study used a bioinformatics-based approach to identify putative BCR-stimulated gene promoters. Gene expression data at four timepoints (60, 90, 210, and 390 min) following in vitro BCR stimulation using an anti-IgM antibody in B-cells from six healthy donors were analyzed using R (4.2.2). Differentially upregulated genes were stringently defined as those with adjusted p-value < 0.01 and a log2FoldChange > 1.5. The most upregulated and statistically significant genes were further analyzed to find those with the lowest unstimulated B-cell expression. Of the 46 significantly upregulated genes at 390 min post-BCR stimulation, 6 had average unstimulated expression below the median unstimulated expression at 390 min for all 54,675 gene probes. This bioinformatics-based identification of 6 relatively quiescent genes at baseline that are upregulated by BCR-stimulation (“on-switch”) provides a set of promising promotors for inclusion in future transgene designs and engineered B-cell therapeutics development.
A Systematic Review of Extracellular Matrix-Related Alterations in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Chapman Mary Ann , Sorg Barbara A.
Published: May 2024

The role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is not well understood, even though it is critical for neuronal structure and signaling. This systematic review identified the top deregulated ECM-related pathways in studies that used gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA) to document transcriptomic, proteomic, or genomic alterations in PD. PubMed and Google scholar were searched for transcriptomics, proteomics, or genomics studies that employed GSEA on data from PD tissues or cells and reported ECM-related pathways among the top-10 most enriched versus controls. Twenty-seven studies were included, two of which used multiple omics analyses. Transcriptomics and proteomics studies were conducted on a variety of tissue and cell types. Of the 17 transcriptomics studies (16 data sets), 13 identified one or more adhesion pathways in the top-10 deregulated gene sets or pathways, primarily related to cell adhesion and focal adhesion. Among the 8 proteomics studies, 5 identified altered overarching ECM gene sets or pathways among the top 10. Among the 4 genomics studies, 3 identified focal adhesion pathways among the top 10. The findings summarized here suggest that ECM organization/structure and cell adhesion (particularly focal adhesion) are altered in PD and should be the focus of future studies.
Historical Evolution of the Impact of Seismic Incident Angles on the Safety Assessment of Various Building Construction Typologies
Authors: Cantagallo Cristina , Terrenzi Marco , Camata Guido , Spacone Enrico
Published: May 2024

In the existing building stock, typically characterised by a high degree of irregularity, the effects of earthquakes are strongly dependent on the epicentre–structure direction and the angle of incidence of the seismic motion. However, the scientific community has not yet reached a unanimous consensus on the evaluation of the effects of seismic incidence angles. Therefore, this paper conducts an extensive investigation of the international literature on current methods to consider seismic directionality, systematically reviewing more than 80 publications on this topic. Following a brief overview of the problem and an analysis of the initial developments of the multidirectionality concept of seismic input, a state-of-the-art review is presented based on the considered analysis methods, specifically response spectrum analysis, nonlinear static analysis, and nonlinear response history analysis. Moreover, the adoption of multidirectional seismic input in popular codes and standards is presented and discussed. This study provides the first comprehensive synthesis of research on the seismic incidence angles across diverse building typologies, offering crucial insights for future code revisions and highlighting significant gaps in current analytical methods and standards, thereby setting a new direction for subsequent empirical investigations. Specifically, the extensive state-of-the-art review revealed that, until now, the evaluation of the angle of incidence was primarily conducted on existing reinforced concrete buildings with a limited number of storeys, analysed with nonlinear response history analysis. This underscores the need for future research to extensively investigate the impact of the angle of incidence on other types of construction typologies.
Subcellular Feature-Based Classification of α and β Cells Using Soft X-ray Tomography
Authors: Deshmukh Aneesh , Chang Kevin , Cuala Janielle , Vanslembrouck Bieke , Georgia Senta , Loconte Valentina , White Kate L.
Published: May 2024

The dysfunction of α and β cells in pancreatic islets can lead to diabetes. Many questions remain on the subcellular organization of islet cells during the progression of disease. Existing three-dimensional cellular mapping approaches face challenges such as time-intensive sample sectioning and subjective cellular identification. To address these challenges, we have developed a subcellular feature-based classification approach, which allows us to identify α and β cells and quantify their subcellular structural characteristics using soft X-ray tomography (SXT). We observed significant differences in whole-cell morphological and organelle statistics between the two cell types. Additionally, we characterize subtle biophysical differences between individual insulin and glucagon vesicles by analyzing vesicle size and molecular density distributions, which were not previously possible using other methods. These sub-vesicular parameters enable us to predict cell types systematically using supervised machine learning. We also visualize distinct vesicle and cell subtypes using Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) embeddings, which provides us with an innovative approach to explore structural heterogeneity in islet cells. This methodology presents an innovative approach for tracking biologically meaningful heterogeneity in cells that can be applied to any cellular system.
Early Life Programming of Adipose Tissue Remodeling and Browning Capacity by Micronutrients and Bioactive Compounds as a Potential Anti-Obesity Strategy
Authors: Bonet M. Luisa , Ribot Joan , Sánchez Juana , Palou Andreu , Picó Catalina
Published: May 2024

The early stages of life, especially the period from conception to two years, are crucial for shaping metabolic health and the risk of obesity in adulthood. Adipose tissue (AT) plays a crucial role in regulating energy homeostasis and metabolism, and brown AT (BAT) and the browning of white AT (WAT) are promising targets for combating weight gain. Nutritional factors during prenatal and early postnatal stages can influence the development of AT, affecting the likelihood of obesity later on. This narrative review focuses on the nutritional programming of AT features. Research conducted across various animal models with diverse interventions has provided insights into the effects of specific compounds on AT development and function, influencing the development of crucial structures and neuroendocrine circuits responsible for energy balance. The hormone leptin has been identified as an essential nutrient during lactation for healthy metabolic programming against obesity development in adults. Studies have also highlighted that maternal supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), vitamin A, nicotinamide riboside, and polyphenols during pregnancy and lactation, as well as offspring supplementation with myo-inositol, vitamin A, nicotinamide riboside, and resveratrol during the suckling period, can impact AT features and long-term health outcomes and help understand predisposition to obesity later in life.
Modification of Gas6 Protein in the Brain by a Functional Endogenous Tissue Vitamin K Cycle
Authors: Aydin Nadide , Ouliass Bouchra , Ferland Guylaine , Hafizi Sassan
Published: May 2024

The TAM receptor ligand Gas6 is known for regulating inflammatory and immune pathways in various organs including the brain. Gas6 becomes fully functional through the post-translational modification of multiple glutamic acid residues into γ-carboxyglutamic in a vitamin K-dependent manner. However, the significance of this mechanism in the brain is not known. We report here the endogenous expression of multiple components of the vitamin K cycle within the mouse brain at various ages as well as in distinct brain glial cells. The brain expression of all genes was increased in the postnatal ages, mirroring their profiles in the liver. In microglia, the proinflammatory agent lipopolysaccharide caused the downregulation of all key vitamin K cycle genes. A secreted Gas6 protein was detected in the medium of both mouse cerebellar slices and brain glial cell cultures. Furthermore, the endogenous Gas6 γ-carboxylation level was abolished through incubation with the vitamin K antagonist warfarin and could be restored through co-incubation with vitamin K1. Finally, the γ-carboxylation level of the Gas6 protein within the brains of warfarin-treated rats was found to be significantly reduced ex vivo compared to the control brains. In conclusion, we demonstrated for the first time the existence of a functional vitamin K cycle within rodent brains, which regulates the functional modification of endogenous brain Gas6. These results indicate that vitamin K is an important nutrient for the brain. Furthermore, the measurement of vitamin K-dependent Gas6 functionality could be an indicator of homeostatic or disease mechanisms in the brain, such as in neurological disorders where Gas6/TAM signalling is impaired.
BDNF Modulation by microRNAs: An Update on the Experimental Evidence
Authors: De Assis Gilmara Gomes , Murawska-Ciałowicz Eugenia
Published: May 2024

MicroRNAs can interfere with protein function by suppressing their messenger RNA translation or the synthesis of its related factors. The function of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is essential to the proper formation and function of the nervous system and is seen to be regulated by many microRNAs. However, understanding how microRNAs influence BDNF actions within cells requires a wider comprehension of their integrative regulatory mechanisms. Aim: In this literature review, we have synthesized the evidence of microRNA regulation on BDNF in cells and tissues, and provided an analytical discussion about direct and indirect mechanisms that appeared to be involved in BDNF regulation by microRNAs. Methods: Searches were conducted on PubMed.gov using the terms “BDNF” AND “MicroRNA” and “brain-derived neurotrophic factor” AND “MicroRNA”, updated on 1 September 2023. Papers without open access were requested from the authors. One hundred and seventy-one papers were included for review and discussion. Results and Discussion: The local regulation of BDNF by microRNAs involves a complex interaction between a series of microRNAs with target proteins that can either inhibit or enhance BDNF expression, at the core of cell metabolism. Therefore, understanding this homeostatic balance provides resources for the future development of vector-delivery-based therapies for the neuroprotective effects of BDNF.
Effects of Antiretroviral Treatment on Central and Peripheral Immune Response in Mice with EcoHIV Infection
Authors: Xie Qiaowei , Namba Mark D. , Buck Lauren A. , Park Kyewon , Jackson Joshua G. , Barker Jacqueline M.
Published: May 2024

HIV infection is an ongoing global health issue, despite increased access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). People living with HIV (PLWH) who are virally suppressed through ART still experience negative health outcomes, including neurocognitive impairment. It is increasingly evident that ART may act independently or in combination with HIV infection to alter the immune state, though this is difficult to disentangle in the clinical population. Thus, these experiments used multiplexed chemokine/cytokine arrays to assess peripheral (plasma) and brain (nucleus accumbens; NAc) expression of immune targets in the presence and absence of ART treatment in the EcoHIV mouse model. The findings identify the effects of EcoHIV infection and of treatment with bictegravir (B), emtricitabine (F), and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) on the expression of numerous immune targets. In the NAc, this included EcoHIV-induced increases in IL-1α and IL-13 expression and B/F/TAF-induced reductions in KC/CXCL1. In the periphery, EcoHIV suppressed IL-6 and LIF expression, while B/F/TAF reduced IL-12p40 expression. In the absence of ART, IBA-1 expression was negatively correlated with CX3CL1 expression in the NAc of EcoHIV-infected mice. These findings identify distinct effects of ART and EcoHIV infection on peripheral and central immune factors and emphasize the need to consider ART effects on neural and immune outcomes.
Immunohistochemical Expression Levels of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, Cyclooxygenase-2, and Ki-67 in Canine Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Luís João , Files Rita , Cardoso Cláudia , Pimenta José , Maia Gabriela , Silva Filipe , Queiroga Felisbina , Prada Justina , Pires Isabel
Published: May 2024

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) stands as the second most prevalent skin cancer in dogs, primarily attributed to UV radiation exposure. Affected areas typically include regions with sparse hair and pale or depigmented skin. The significance of spontaneous canine cutaneous SCC as a model for its human counterpart is underscored by its resemblance. This study assesses the expression of key markers—Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), and Ki-67—in canine cutaneous SCC. Our objective is to investigate the association between their expression levels and classical clinicopathological parameters, unraveling the intricate relationships among these molecular markers. In our retrospective analysis of 37 cases, EGFR overexpression manifested in 43.2% of cases, while Cox-2 exhibited overexpression in 97.3%. The EGFR, Cox-2 overexpression, and Ki-67 proliferation indices, estimated through immunohistochemistry, displayed a significant association with the histological grade, but only EGFR labeling is associated with the presence of lymphovascular emboli. The Ki-67 labeling index expression exhibited an association with EGFR and Cox-2. These findings propose that EGFR, Cox-2, and Ki-67 hold promise as valuable markers in canine SCC. EGFR, Cox-2, and Ki-67 may serve as indicators of disease progression, offering insights into the malignancy of a lesion. The implications extend to the potential therapeutic targeting of EGFR and Cox-2 in managing canine SCC. Further exploration of these insights is warranted due to their translational relevance and the development of targeted interventions in the context of canine SCC.
The Effect of 147 MeV 84Kr and 24.5 MeV 14N Ions Irradiation on the Optical Absorption, Luminescence, Raman Spectra and Surface of BaFBr Crystals
Authors: Akilbekov Abdirash , Kenbayev Daurzhan , Dauletbekova Alma , Shalaev Alexey , Akylbekova Aiman , Aralbayeva Gulnara , Baimukhanov Zein , Baizhumanov Muratbek , Elsts Edgars , Popov Anatoli I.
Published: May 2024

Today, BaFBr crystals activated by europium ions are used as detectors that store absorbed energy in metastable centers. In these materials, the image created by X-ray irradiation remains stable in the dark for long periods at room temperature. As a result, memory image plates are created, and they are extended to other types of ionizing radiation as well. Despite significant progress towards X-ray storage and readout of information, the mechanisms of these processes have not been fully identified to date, which has hindered the efficiency of this class of phosphors. In this study, using photoluminescence (PL), optical absorption (OA), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), the luminescence of oxygen vacancy defects to BaFBr crystals irradiated with 147 MeV 84Kr and 24.5 MeV 14N ions at 300 K to fluences (1010–1014) ion/cm2 was investigated. BaFBr crystals were grown by the Shteber method on a special device. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis revealed the presence of Ba, Br, F, and O. The effect of oxygen impurities present in the studied crystals was considered. The analysis of the complex PL band, depending on the fluence and type of ions, showed the formation of three types of oxygen vacancy defects. Macrodefects (tracks) and aggregates significantly influence the luminescence of oxygen vacancy defects. The creation of hillocks and tracks in BaFBr crystals irradiated with 147 MeV 84Kr ions is shown for the first time. Raman spectra analysis confirmed that BaFBr crystals were amorphized by 147 MeV 84Kr ions due to track overlap, in contrast to samples irradiated with 24.5 MeV 14N ions. Raman and absorption spectra demonstrated the formation of hole and electron aggregate centers upon swift heavy ions irradiation.
Oncologic Outcomes of Interventions to Decrease Allograft Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury within Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Faleiro Matheus D. , Mir Zuhaib M. , Azizieh Yara , Hiebert Stephanie E. , Livingstone Scott M. , Walsh Mark J. , Gala-Lopez Boris L.
Published: May 2024

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) during liver transplantation has been implicated in the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This systematic review aimed to evaluate interventions to reduce IRI during liver transplantation for HCC and their impact on oncologic outcomes. A comprehensive literature search retrieved four retrospective studies involving 938 HCC patients, utilising interventions such as post-operative prostaglandin administration, hypothermic machine perfusion, and normothermic machine perfusion. Overall, treated patients exhibited reduced post-operative hepatocellular injury and inflammation and significantly enhanced recurrence-free survival. Despite these promising results, the impact of these interventions on overall survival remains unclear. This underscores the imperative for further prospective research to comprehensively understand the efficacy of these interventions in HCC patients undergoing transplantation. The findings highlight the potential benefits of these strategies while emphasising the need for continued investigation into their overall impact.
Neuroimaging of the Most Common Meningitis and Encephalitis of Adults: A Narrative Review
Authors: Perillo Teresa , Capasso Raffaella , Pinto Antonio
Published: May 2024

Meningitis is the infection of the meninges, which are connective tissue membranes covering the brain, and it most commonly affects the leptomeninges. Clinically, meningitis may present with fever, neck stiffness, altered mental status, headache, vomiting, and neurological deficits. Encephalitis is an infection of the brain, which usually presents with fever, altered mental status, neurological deficits, and seizure. Meningitis and encephalitis are serious conditions which could also coexist, with high morbidity and mortality, thus requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Imaging plays an important role in the clinical management of these conditions, especially Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is indicated to exclude mimics and evaluate the presence of complications. The aim of this review is to depict imaging findings of the most common meningitis and encephalitis.
Histological In Vivo Evaluation of Intense Pulsed Light Technology: Assessing the Safety on Oral Soft and Hard Tissues
Authors: Mayer Yaniv , Shenhav Amit , Younis Amin , Gabay Eran , Giladi Zigdon Hadar
Published: May 2024

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is used for aesthetic and therapeutic purposes. According to recent literature, utilizing IPL may boost upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Concerns have been raised about potential thermal damage to the soft and hard tissues in the oral cavity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the safety of using IPL of various intensities in the tissues of the oral cavity. Methods: Three adult pigs were included in the trial. The oral cavity was divided into four quadrants and projected with a wide range of IPL settings. Alveolar bone, buccal mucosa, and gingival tissue samples were taken immediately and after 24 h. In each animal, one quadrant of the jaw was left untreated and served as a control. All samples were processed and stained with H&E. Results: Clinical examination showed no evidence of changes in the integrity of the examined tissues. Histological examination of the different tissues did not demonstrate significant thermal damage or changes in the characterization of the cells compared to the control tissues. Conclusions: The use of IPL in the oral cavity is safe and does not negatively affect the tissues.