bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Ficin Immobilized on Carboxymethyl Chitosan on Biofilms of Oral Pathogens
Authors: Baidamshina Diana R. , Trizna Elena Yu. , Goncharova Svetlana S. , Sorokin Andrey V. , Lavlinskaya Maria S. , Melnik Anastasia P. , Gafarova Leysan F. , Kharitonova Maya A. , Ostolopovskaya Olga V. , Artyukhov Valeriy G. , Sokolova Evgenia A. , Holyavka Marina G. , Bogachev Mikhail I. , Kayumov Airat R. , Zelenikhin Pavel V.
Published: November 2023

In the last decade, Ficin, a proteolytic enzyme extracted from the latex sap of the wild fig tree, has been widely investigated as a promising tool for the treatment of microbial biofilms, wound healing, and oral care. Here we report the antibiofilm properties of the enzyme immobilized on soluble carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) and CMCh itself. Ficin was immobilized on CMCh with molecular weights of either 200, 350 or 600 kDa. Among them, the carrier with a molecular weight of 200 kDa bound the maximum amount of enzyme, binding up to 49% of the total protein compared to 19–32% of the total protein bound to other CMChs. Treatment with pure CMCh led to the destruction of biofilms formed by Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans, while no apparent effect on Staphylococcus aureus was observed. A soluble Ficin was less efficient in the destruction of the biofilms formed by Streptococcus sobrinus and S. gordonii. By contrast, treatment with CMCh200-immobilized Ficin led to a significant reduction of the biofilms of the primary colonizers S. gordonii and S. mutans. In model biofilms obtained by the inoculation of swabs from teeth of healthy volunteers, the destruction of the biofilm by both soluble and immobilized Ficin was observed, although the degree of the destruction varied between artificial plaque samples. Nevertheless, combined treatment of oral Streptococci biofilm by enzyme and chlorhexidine for 3 h led to a significant decrease in the viability of biofilm-embedded cells, compared to solely chlorhexidine application. This suggests that the use of either soluble or immobilized Ficin would allow decreasing the amount and/or concentration of the antiseptics required for oral care or improving the efficiency of oral cavity sanitization.
Effects of S-Adenosylhomocysteine Hydrolase Downregulation on Wnt Signaling Pathway in SW480 Cells
Authors: Pavičić Ivana , Rokić Filip , Vugrek Oliver
Published: November 2023

S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (AHCY) deficiency results mainly in hypermethioninemia, developmental delay, and is potentially fatal. In order to shed new light on molecular aspects of AHCY deficiency, in particular any changes at transcriptome level, we enabled knockdown of AHCY expression in the colon cancer cell line SW480 to simulate the environment occurring in AHCY deficient individuals. The SW480 cell line is well known for elevated AHCY expression, and thereby represents a suitable model system, in particular as AHCY expression is regulated by MYC, which, on the other hand, is involved in Wnt signaling and the regulation of Wnt-related genes, such as the β-catenin co-transcription factor LEF1 (lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1). We selected LEF1 as a potential target to investigate its association with S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase deficiency. This decision was prompted by our analysis of RNA-Seq data, which revealed significant changes in the expression of genes related to the Wnt signaling pathway and genes involved in processes responsible for epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell proliferation. Notably, LEF1 emerged as a common factor in these processes, showing increased expression both on mRNA and protein levels. Additionally, we show alterations in interconnected signaling pathways linked to LEF1, causing gene expression changes with broad effects on cell cycle regulation, tumor microenvironment, and implications to cell invasion and metastasis. In summary, we provide a new link between AHCY deficiency and LEF1 serving as a mediator of changes to the Wnt signaling pathway, thereby indicating potential connections of AHCY expression and cancer cell phenotype, as Wnt signaling is frequently associated with cancer development, including colorectal cancer (CRC).
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Regulation of Aureobasidium pullulans under Different pH Stress
Authors: Zhang Kai , Wang Wan , Yang Qian
Published: November 2023

Aureobasidium pullulans (A. pullulans), a commonly found yeast-like fungus, exhibits adaptability to a wide range of pH environments. However, the specific mechanisms and regulatory pathways through which A. pullulans respond to external pH remain to be fully understood. In this study, we first sequenced the whole genome of A. pullulans using Nanopore technology and generated a circle map. Subsequently, we explored the biomass, pullulan production, melanin production, and polymalic acid production of A. pullulans when cultivated at different pH levels. We selected pH 4.0, pH 7.0, and pH 10.0 to represent acidic, neutral, and alkaline environments, respectively, and examined the morphological characteristics of A. pullulans using SEM and TEM. Our observations revealed that A. pullulans predominantly exhibited hyphal growth with thicker cell walls under acidic conditions. In neutral environments, it primarily displayed thick-walled spores and yeast-like cells, while in alkaline conditions, it mainly assumed an elongated yeast-like cell morphology. Additionally, transcriptome analysis unveiled that A. pullulans orchestrates its response to shifts in environmental pH by modulating its cellular morphology and the expression of genes involved in pullulan, melanin, and polymalic acid synthesis. This research enhances the understanding of how A. pullulans regulates itself in diverse pH settings and offers valuable guidance for developing and applying engineered strains.
Glycerol-3-Phosphate Acyltransferase GPAT9 Enhanced Seed Oil Accumulation and Eukaryotic Galactolipid Synthesis in Brassica napus
Authors: Gong Wei , Chen Wenling , Gao Qiang , Qian Lei , Yuan Xueyuan , Tang Shaohua , Hong Yueyun
Published: November 2023

Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase GPAT9 catalyzes the first acylation of glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P), a committed step of glycerolipid synthesis in Arabidopsis. The role of GPAT9 in Brassica napus remains to be elucidated. Here, we identified four orthologs of GPAT9 and found that BnaGPAT9 encoded by BnaC01T0014600WE is a predominant isoform and promotes seed oil accumulation and eukaryotic galactolipid synthesis in Brassica napus. BnaGPAT9 is highly expressed in developing seeds and is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Ectopic expression of BnaGPAT9 in E. coli and siliques of Brassica napus enhanced phosphatidic acid (PA) production. Overexpression of BnaGPAT9 enhanced seed oil accumulation resulting from increased 18:2-fatty acid. Lipid profiling in developing seeds showed that overexpression of BnaGPAT9 led to decreased phosphatidylcholine (PC) and a corresponding increase in phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), implying that BnaGPAT9 promotes PC flux to storage triacylglycerol (TAG). Furthermore, overexpression of BnaGPAT9 also enhanced eukaryotic galactolipids including monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), with increased 36:6-MGDG and 36:6-DGDG, and decreased 34:6-MGDG in developing seeds. Collectively, these results suggest that ER-localized BnaGPAT9 promotes PA production, thereby enhancing seed oil accumulation and eukaryotic galactolipid biosynthesis in Brassica napus.
The Quest for Immunity: Exploring Human Herpesviruses as Vaccine Vectors
Authors: Kamel Mohamed S. , Munds Rachel A. , Verma Mohit S.
Published: November 2023

Herpesviruses are large DNA viruses that have long been used as powerful gene therapy tools. In recent years, the ability of herpesviruses to stimulate both innate and adaptive immune responses has led to their transition to various applications as vaccine vectors. This vaccinology branch is growing at an unprecedented and accelerated rate. To date, human herpesvirus-based vectors have been used in vaccines to combat a variety of infectious agents, including the Ebola virus, foot and mouth disease virus, and human immunodeficiency viruses. Additionally, these vectors are being tested as potential vaccines for cancer-associated antigens. Thanks to advances in recombinant DNA technology, immunology, and genomics, numerous steps in vaccine development have been greatly improved. A better understanding of herpesvirus biology and the interactions between these viruses and the host cells will undoubtedly foster the use of herpesvirus-based vaccine vectors in clinical settings. To overcome the existing drawbacks of these vectors, ongoing research is needed to further advance our knowledge of herpesvirus biology and to develop safer and more effective vaccine vectors. Advanced molecular virology and cell biology techniques must be used to better understand the mechanisms by which herpesviruses manipulate host cells and how viral gene expression is regulated during infection. In this review, we cover the underlying molecular structure of herpesviruses and the strategies used to engineer their genomes to optimize capacity and efficacy as vaccine vectors. Also, we assess the available data on the successful application of herpesvirus-based vaccines for combating diseases such as viral infections and the potential drawbacks and alternative approaches to surmount them.
From Recognition to Remedy: The Significance of Biomarkers in Neurodegenerative Disease Pathology
Authors: Toader Corneliu , Dobrin Nicolaie , Brehar Felix-Mircea , Popa Constantin , Covache-Busuioc Razvan-Adrian , Glavan Luca Andrei , Costin Horia Petre , Bratu Bogdan-Gabriel , Corlatescu Antonio Daniel , Popa Andrei Adrian , Ciurea Alexandru Vlad
Published: November 2023

With the inexorable aging of the global populace, neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pose escalating challenges, which are underscored by their socioeconomic repercussions. A pivotal aspect in addressing these challenges lies in the elucidation and application of biomarkers for timely diagnosis, vigilant monitoring, and effective treatment modalities. This review delineates the quintessence of biomarkers in the realm of NDs, elucidating various classifications and their indispensable roles. Particularly, the quest for novel biomarkers in AD, transcending traditional markers in PD, and the frontier of biomarker research in ALS are scrutinized. Emergent susceptibility and trait markers herald a new era of personalized medicine, promising enhanced treatment initiation especially in cases of SOD1-ALS. The discourse extends to diagnostic and state markers, revolutionizing early detection and monitoring, alongside progression markers that unveil the trajectory of NDs, propelling forward the potential for tailored interventions. The synergy between burgeoning technologies and innovative techniques like -omics, histologic assessments, and imaging is spotlighted, underscoring their pivotal roles in biomarker discovery. Reflecting on the progress hitherto, the review underscores the exigent need for multidisciplinary collaborations to surmount the challenges ahead, accelerate biomarker discovery, and herald a new epoch of understanding and managing NDs. Through a panoramic lens, this article endeavors to provide a comprehensive insight into the burgeoning field of biomarkers in NDs, spotlighting the promise they hold in transforming the diagnostic landscape, enhancing disease management, and illuminating the pathway toward efficacious therapeutic interventions.
Impact of Ivermectin on the Gut Microbial Ecosystem
Authors: Liu LinShu , Mahalak Karley K. , Bobokalonov Jamshed T. , Narrowe Adrienne B. , Firrman Jenni , Lemons Johanna M. S. , Bittinger Kyle , Hu Weiming , Jones Steven M. , Moustafa Ahmed M.
Published: November 2023

Ivermectin is a an anti-helminthic that is critical globally for both human and veterinary care. To the best of our knowledge, information available regarding the influence of ivermectin (IVM) on the gut microbiota has only been collected from diseased donors, who were treated with IVM alone or in combination with other medicines. Results thus obtained were influenced by multiple elements beyond IVM, such as disease, and other medical treatments. The research presented here investigated the impact of IVM on the gut microbial structure established in a Triple-SHIME® (simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem), using fecal material from three healthy adults. The microbial communities were grown using three different culture media: standard SHIME media and SHIME media with either soluble or insoluble fiber added (control, SF, ISF). IVM introduced minor and temporary changes to the gut microbial community in terms of composition and metabolite production, as revealed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing analysis, flow cytometry, and GC-MS. Thus, it was concluded that IVM is not expected to induce dysbiosis or yield adverse effects if administered to healthy adults. In addition, the donor’s starting community influences the relationship between IVM and the gut microbiome, and the soluble fiber component in feed could protect the gut microbiota from IVM; an increase in short-chain fatty acid production was predicted by PICRUSt2 and detected with IVM treatment.
Analysis of ANRIL Isoforms and Key Genes in Patients with Severe Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Rodríguez-Esparragón Francisco , Torres-Mata Laura B. , Cazorla-Rivero Sara E. , Serna Gómez Jaime A. , González Martín Jesús M. , Cánovas-Molina Ángeles , Medina-Suárez José A. , González-Hernández Ayose N. , Estupiñán-Quintana Lidia , Bartolomé-Durán María C. , Rodríguez-Pérez José C. , Varas Bernardino Clavo
Published: November 2023

ANRIL (Antisense Noncoding RNA in the INK4 Locus), also named CDKN2B-AS1, is a long non-coding RNA with outstanding functions that regulates genes involved in atherosclerosis development. ANRIL genotypes and the expression of linear and circular isoforms have been associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). The CDKN2A and the CDKN2B genes at the CDKN2A/B locus encode the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase inhibitor protein (CDKI) p16INK4a and the p53 regulatory protein p14ARF, which are involved in cell cycle regulation, aging, senescence, and apoptosis. Abnormal ANRIL expression regulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression, and upregulated Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) promotes angiogenesis by activating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Here, we explored associations between determinations of the linear, circular, and linear-to-circular ANRIL gene expression ratio, CDKN2A, VEGF and its receptor kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) and cardiovascular risk factors and all-cause mortality in high-risk coronary patients before they undergo coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG). We found that the expression of ANRIL isoforms may help in the prediction of CAD outcomes. Linear isoforms were correlated with a worse cardiovascular risk profile while the expression of circular isoforms of ANRIL correlated with a decrease in oxidative stress. However, the determination of the linear versus circular ratio of ANRIL did not report additional information to that determined by the evaluation of individual isoforms. Although the expressions of the VEFG and KDR genes correlated with a decrease in oxidative stress, in binary logistic regression analysis it was observed that only the expression of linear isoforms of ANRIL and VEGF significantly contributed to the prediction of the number of surgical revascularizations.
Nucleation of α-Synuclein Amyloid Fibrils Induced by Cross-Interaction with β-Hairpin Peptides Derived from Immunoglobulin Light Chains
Authors: Heid Laetitia F. , Kupreichyk Tatsiana , Schützmann Marie P. , Schneider Walfried , Stoldt Matthias , Hoyer Wolfgang
Published: November 2023

Heterologous interactions between different amyloid-forming proteins, also called cross-interactions, may have a critical impact on disease-related amyloid formation. β-hairpin conformers of amyloid-forming proteins have been shown to affect homologous interactions in the amyloid self-assembly process. Here, we applied two β-hairpin-forming peptides derived from immunoglobulin light chains as models to test how heterologous β-hairpins modulate the fibril formation of Parkinson’s disease-associated protein α-synuclein (αSyn). The peptides SMAhp and LENhp comprise β-strands C and C′ of the κ4 antibodies SMA and LEN, which are associated with light chain amyloidosis and multiple myeloma, respectively. SMAhp and LENhp bind with high affinity to the β-hairpin-binding protein β-wrapin AS10 according to isothermal titration calorimetry and NMR spectroscopy. The addition of SMAhp and LENhp affects the kinetics of αSyn aggregation monitored by Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence, with the effect depending on assay conditions, salt concentration, and the applied β-hairpin peptide. In the absence of agitation, substoichiometric concentrations of the hairpin peptides strongly reduce the lag time of αSyn aggregation, suggesting that they support the nucleation of αSyn amyloid fibrils. The effect is also observed for the aggregation of αSyn fragments lacking the N-terminus or the C-terminus, indicating that the promotion of nucleation involves the interaction of hairpin peptides with the hydrophobic non-amyloid-β component (NAC) region.
An Adapted GeneSwitch Toolkit for Comparable Cellular and Animal Models: A Proof of Concept in Modeling Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy
Authors: Morant Laura , Petrovic-Erfurth Maria-Luise , Jordanova Albena
Published: November 2023

Investigating the impact of disease-causing mutations, their affected pathways, and/or potential therapeutic strategies using disease modeling often requires the generation of different in vivo and in cellulo models. To date, several approaches have been established to induce transgene expression in a controlled manner in different model systems. Several rounds of subcloning are, however, required, depending on the model organism used, thus bringing labor-intensive experiments into the technical approach and analysis comparison. The GeneSwitch™ technology is an adapted version of the classical UAS-GAL4 inducible system, allowing the spatial and temporal modulation of transgene expression. It consists of three components: a plasmid encoding for the chimeric regulatory pSwitch protein, Mifepristone as an inducer, and an inducible plasmid. While the pSwitch-containing first plasmid can be used both in vivo and in cellulo, the inducible second plasmid can only be used in cellulo. This requires a specific subcloning strategy of the inducible plasmid tailored to the model organism used. To avoid this step and unify gene expression in the transgenic models generated, we replaced the backbone vector with standard pUAS-attB plasmid for both plasmids containing either the chimeric GeneSwitch™ cDNA sequence or the transgene cDNA sequence. We optimized this adapted system to regulate transgene expression in several mammalian cell lines. Moreover, we took advantage of this new system to generate unified cellular and fruit fly models for YARS1-induced Charco–Marie–Tooth neuropathy (CMT). These new models displayed the expected CMT-like phenotypes. In the N2a neuroblastoma cells expressing YARS1 transgenes, we observed the typical “teardrop” distribution of the synthetase that was perturbed when expressing the YARS1CMT mutation. In flies, the ubiquitous expression of YARS1CMT induced dose-dependent developmental lethality and pan-neuronal expression caused locomotor deficit, while expression of the wild-type allele was harmless. Our proof-of-concept disease modeling studies support the efficacy of the adapted transgenesis system as a powerful tool allowing the design of studies with optimal data comparability.
Change in the Kinetic Regime of Aggregation of Yeast Alcohol Dehydrogenase in the Presence of 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Borzova Vera A. , Chernikov Andrey M. , Mikhaylova Valeriya V. , Kurganov Boris I.
Published: November 2023

Chemical chaperones are low-molecular-weight compounds that suppress protein aggregation. They can influence different stages of the aggregation process—the stage of protein denaturation, the nucleation stage and the stage of aggregate growth—and this may lead to a change in the aggregation kinetic regime. Here, the possibility of changing the kinetic regime in the presence of a chemical chaperone 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (2-HP-β-CD) was investigated for a test system based on the thermally induced aggregation of yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (yADH) at 56 °C. According to differential scanning calorimetry data, 2-HP-β-CD did not affect the stage of the protein molecule unfolding. Dynamic light scattering data indicated changes in the aggregation kinetics of yADH during the nucleation and aggregate growth stages in the presence of the chaperone. The analysis of kinetic curves showed that the order of aggregation with respect to protein (nc), calculated for the stage of aggregate growth, changed from nc = 1 to nc = 2 with the addition of 100 mM 2-HP-β-CD. The mechanism of 2-HP-β-CD action on the yADH thermal aggregation leading to a change in its kinetic regime of aggregation is discussed.
The Peptide AWRK6 Alleviates Lipid Accumulation in Hepatocytes by Inhibiting miR-5100 Targeting G6PC
Authors: Liu Jiaxin , Liu Ying , Wang Qiuyu , Jin Lili , Zhang Dianbao
Published: November 2023

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading chronic liver disease, with a worldwide prevalence of more than 25%, and there is no approved drug for NAFLD specifically. In our previous study, the synthetic peptide AWRK6 was found to ameliorate NAFLD in mice. However, the mechanisms involved are still largely unknown. Here, AWRK6 treatment presented an alleviative effect on lipid accumulation induced by oleic acid in hepatocytes. Meanwhile, miR-5100 and miR-505 were found to be elevated by oleic acid induction and reversed by AWRK6 incubation. Further, the miR-5100 inhibitor inhibited oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation, and the alleviation effect of AWRK6 was partially counteracted by miR-5100 mimics. The screening of potential target genes revealed that a catalytic subunit of G6Pase G6PC was significantly inhibited by miR-5100 mimics transfection in both mRNA and protein levels. The direct targeting of miR-5100 on G6PC was verified by a Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay. Moreover, the mRNA and protein levels of G6PC were found to be significantly increased by AWRK6 treatment. These results suggested that the peptide AWRK6 could alleviate lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, partly through reducing miR-5100 to restore one of its targets: G6PC. Thus, AWRK6 has the potential to treat NAFLD. Additionally, miR-5100 is a mediator of lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, which could be targeted by AWRK6.
Effects of Temperature and Host Plant on Hedgehog Grain Aphid, Sipha maydis Demographics
Authors: Taylor Mason , Hayashida Rafael , Hoback William Wyatt , Armstrong John Scott
Published: November 2023

The hedgehog grain aphid (HGA), Sipha maydis Passerini (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a cereal pest in many regions of the world. It was first documented in the United States in 2007, and it has a range that appears to be expanding. Understanding the effects of temperature and the host plant on HGA development, survival, and reproduction is crucial for understanding its population dynamics, potential distribution, and management strategies. In this study, we investigated the effects of different temperatures and host plants on the demographic parameters of HGA and determined the supercooling point (SCP) for their first instars, apterous adults, and winged adults. Our findings revealed that temperatures between 20 °C and 25 °C were optimal for HGA development and reproduction, with parthenogenetic females producing approximately 60 offspring in their lifetimes. However, HGA development was hindered below 10 °C and above 35 °C. The SCP for HGA was similar (mean ± S.E.: −16.280 ± 0.532 °C) among nymphs, apterous adults, and winged adults. We compared the HGA demographics with the demographics of the sorghum aphid (SA), Melanaphis sorghi (Theobald, 1904), on wheat, millet, and three cultivars of sorghum under a constant temperature. The HGA completed its life cycle on all the tested host plants with a similar reproduction, demonstrating a lack of resistance to HGA by a sorghum that is resistant to SA. By expanding our knowledge of host plant- and temperature-dependent development, reproduction, and mortality in S. maydis, we can better predict and manage future HGA populations in small grain crops.
Use of Insect Exclusion Row Cover and Reflective Silver Plastic Mulching to Manage Whitefly in Zucchini Production
Authors: Rutz Thiago , Coolong Timothy , Srinivasan Rajagopalbabu , Sparks Alton , Dutta Bhabesh , Codod Clarence , Simmons Alvin M. , da Silva Andre Luiz Biscaia Ribeiro
Published: November 2023

The challenges that sweet potato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) creates for vegetable production have increased in the southeastern U.S. Growers must use intensive insecticide spray programs to suppress extremely high populations during the fall growing season. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a reflective plastic mulch and an insect row cover as alternative methods to the current grower practices to manage whiteflies in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) production. Field experiments were conducted with a two-level factorial experimental design of cover and plastic mulch treatments arranged in a randomized complete block design, with four replications in Georgia in 2020 and 2021, and in Alabama in 2021. Cover treatments consisted of an insect row cover installed on zucchini beds at transplanting and removed at flowering and a no-cover treatment, while plastic mulch treatments consisted of reflective silver plastic mulching and white plastic mulching. During all growing seasons, weather conditions were monitored, whitefly populations were sampled weekly, zucchini biomass accumulation was measured at five stages of crop development, and fruit yield was determined at harvesting. Warm and dry weather conditions early in the growing season resulted in increased whitefly populations, regardless of location and year. In general, the reflective silver plastic mulching reduced whitefly populations compared to the conventional white plastic by 87% in Georgia in 2020, 33% in Georgia in 2021, and 30% in Alabama in 2021. The insect row cover treatment reduced whitefly populations to zero until its removal. Consequently, zucchini plants grown with the insect row cover and reflective silver plastic mulching had an increased rate of biomass accumulation due to the lower insect pressure in all locations. Zucchini grown using silver reflective plastic mulch and row covers had an overall increase of 17% and 14% in total yield compared to white plastic mulch and no-cover treatments, respectively. Significant differences in yield among locations were likely due to severe whitefly pressure early in the fall season, and total yields in Georgia in 2020 (11,451 kg ha−1) were 25% lower than in Georgia in 2021 (15,177 kg ha−1) and in Alabama in 2021 (15,248 kg ha−1). In conclusion, silver plastic mulching and row covers reduced the whitefly population and increased biomass accumulation and total yield. These treatments can be considered ready-to-use integrated pest management practices for growers.
TGFBR1 Variants Can Associate with Non-Syndromic Congenital Heart Disease without Aortopathy
Authors: Alaamery Manal , Albesher Nour , Alhabshan Fahad , Barnett Phil , Salim Kabbani Mohamed , Chaikhouni Farah , Ilgun Aho , Mook Olaf R. F. , Alsaif Hessa , Christoffels Vincent M. , van Tintelen Peter , Wilde Arthur A. M. , Houweling Arjan C. , Massadeh Salam , Postma Alex V.
Published: November 2023

Background: Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are the most common congenital malformations in newborns and remain the leading cause of mortality among infants under one year old. Molecular diagnosis is crucial to evaluate the recurrence risk and to address future prenatal diagnosis. Here, we describe two families with various forms of inherited non-syndromic CHD and the genetic work-up and resultant findings. Methods: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was employed in both families to uncover the genetic cause. In addition, we performed functional analysis to investigate the consequences of the identified variants in vitro. Results: NGS identified possible causative variants in both families in the protein kinase domain of the TGFBR1 gene. These variants occurred on the same amino acid, but resulted in differently substituted amino acids (p.R398C/p.R398H). Both variants co-segregate with the disease, are extremely rare or unique, and occur in an evolutionary highly conserved domain of the protein. Furthermore, both variants demonstrated a significantly altered TGFBR1-smad signaling activity. Clinical investigation revealed that none of the carriers had (signs of) aortopathy. Conclusion: In conclusion, we describe two families, with various forms of inherited non-syndromic CHD without aortopathies, associated with unique/rare variants in TGFBR1 that display altered TGF-beta signaling. These findings highlight involvement of TGFBR1 in CHD, and warrant consideration of potential causative TGFBR1 variants also in CHD patients without aortopathies.
MMP9 Gene Polymorphism (rs3918242) Increases the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Buraczynska Monika , Wrzos Sylwia , Zaluska Wojciech
Published: November 2023

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) C(-1562)T gene polymorphism has been considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Our study aimed to evaluate the association between this polymorphism and CVD in diabetes patients. The genotyping was performed in 740 patients with T2DM and 400 healthy subjects. A significant difference in the polymorphism distribution was revealed between patients and controls. The T allele and TT homozygote were associated with increased risk of diabetes (OR 1.88, p < 0.0001 and OR 3.77, p = 0.0002, respectively). The comparison between CVD+ and CVD− subgroups showed a much higher frequency of the T allele in patients with CVD (OR 2.87, 95% CI 2.14–3.85, p < 0.0001). Patients with the TT genotype had a higher prevalence of CVD (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.55–6.56, p = 0.0015). The carrier genotypes (CT/TT) were correlated with HDL levels in both CVD+ and CVD− subgroups (p < 0.001 for both). In the logistic regression analysis, only C(-1562)T SNP was a significant predictor of CVD in diabetic patients (p < 0.001). In conclusion, our study suggests an association between MMP-9 C(-1562)T polymorphism and an increased risk of CVD in T2DM. If replicated in other studies, it could be considered a genetic marker for predicting risk of T2DM and its cardiovascular comorbidity.
Body Composition of Master Swimmers before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Bielec Grzegorz , Goździejewska Anna , Langhammer Birgitta , Borysławski Krzysztof
Published: November 2023

The long-term effect of physical activity on body composition in Master athletes is rarely presented in the literature. The aim of this study was to identify possible changes in body composition of Master swimmers over a period of 4 years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we wanted to discover if sarcopenia symptoms would occur in Master athletes during the analyzed period. The body compositions of one hundred and sixty-seven Master swimmers were assessed with the InBody 270 analyzer in 2018. In 2022, the measurements were repeated in forty-six men and fourteen women. The Muscle Mass Index and the Skeletal Muscle Index were calculated to identify sarcopenia-related changes in body composition. We surveyed participants to gather data on their training patterns and SARS-CoV-2 infection history. No significant changes in body composition parameters were noted in Master swimmers during the analysis period (p > 0.05). Sarcopenia risk was not identified in examined athletes, and sarcopenia indicators did not change markedly over the 4-year period (p > 0.05). Participants with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection did not differ from non-infected subjects in terms of body composition. Training cessation during the COVID-19 pandemic and SARS-CoV-2 infection did not induce long-term changes in body composition of Master swimmers. Life-long participation in swimming activities appears to delay negative changes in body composition, including sarcopenia symptoms.
Assessment of the Functioning Profile of Patients with Lung Cancer Undergoing Lobectomy in Relation to the ICF Rehabilitation Core Set
Authors: Zawadzka-Fabijan Agnieszka , Fabijan Artur , Łochowski Mariusz , Pryt Łukasz , Pieszyński Ireneusz , Kujawa Jolanta Ewa , Polis Bartosz , Nowosławska Emilia , Zakrzewski Krzysztof , Kozak Józef
Published: November 2023

Lung cancer often presents with pain and breathlessness, frequently necessitating surgical procedures, such as lung lobectomy. A pivotal component of postoperative care is rehabilitation, aimed not only at improving the clinical condition but also at influencing the patient’s functional profile. In a study conducted at the Clinic of Thoracic Surgery and Respiratory Rehabilitation in the Regional Multispecialist Center for Oncology and Traumatology of the Nicolaus Copernicus Memorial Hospital in Lodz, the effectiveness of rehabilitation intervention was assessed in 50 patients (n = 27 M, n = 23 F) postlobectomy due to early stage nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health—ICF Rehabilitation Core Set was used to evaluate the functional profile, the modified Laitinen scale for pain assessment, and the modified Borg scale for breathlessness evaluation. Additionally, lung-expansion time was monitored. The significance level of the statistical tests in this analysis was set at α = 0.05. The study employed an analysis of the normality of the distributions of the numerical variables, reporting of variable distributions, estimation of differences between groups, estimation of differences within groups, estimation of the independence of categorical variables, and regression analysis. The research confirmed that rehabilitation partially improves the functional profile of patients and reduces the sensation of breathlessness postsurgery. The study highlighted the need for future research with a larger number of participants and an extended observation period to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of rehabilitation on patients after lung lobectomy procedures.
Influence of Brain Metastasis on Analgesia-Related Outcomes in Patients with Lung and Breast Cancers Treated with Naldemedine: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Hanamoto Aya , Koseki Takenao , Utsunomiya Ayaka , Ishihara Takuma , Tobe Takao , Kondo Masashi , Kijima Yuko , Matsuoka Hiroshi , Mizuno Tomohiro , Hayashi Takahiro , Yamada Shigeki
Published: November 2023

Naldemedine is structurally designed to prevent passage across the blood–brain barrier (BBB), resulting in the attenuation of opioid-induced constipation without interfering with the analgesic effects of opioids. However, the influence of brain metastasis (BM), as one indicator of BBB disruption, on the analgesic effects of opioids in patients treated with naldemedine remains unclear. To examine whether the analgesic effects of opioids following naldemedine treatment are lower in patients with BM than in those without BM, we surveyed inpatients with lung and breast cancers treated with naldemedine at Fujita Health University Hospital between April 2017 and March 2022. Changes in the numeric rating scale (NRS) scores, morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), and the number of rescues were assessed as analgesia-related outcomes during the first 7 days of naldemedine treatment in patients with or without BM, matched by the propensity score. In total, 172 patients were enrolled. After propensity-score matching, 30 patients with BM and 60 patients without BM were included in the analysis. Changes in NRS scores, MMEs, and the number of rescues did not differ between patients with and without BM. In the linear mixed-effects model, the coefficient of interaction between patients with or without BM and the days for each outcome was not statistically significant. BM does not influence the analgesic effect of opioids in patients with lung and breast cancers treated with naldemedine. Naldemedine may be useful for treating BM.
Association of Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors with the Risk of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Park Hyun Jin , Choi Boyoon , Song Yun-Kyoung , Oh Yoon-Jeong , Lee Eun Bong , Kim In-Wha , Oh Jung Mi
Published: November 2023

Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) are proposed as a risk factor for nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection. Limited research investigates NTM infection risk in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with TNFi compared to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), considering other concurrent or prior non-TNFi antirheumatic drugs. We aimed to evaluate the NTM infection risk associated with TNFi using a real-world database. Patients with RA treated with TNFi or csDMARDs between 2005 and 2016 were identified utilizing the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. To minimize potential bias, we aligned the initiation year of csDMARDs for both TNFi and csDMARD users and tracked them from their respective treatment start dates. The association of TNFi with NTM infection risk was estimated in a one-to-one matched cohort using a multivariable conditional Cox regression analysis. In the matched cohort (n = 4556), the incidence rates of NTM infection were 2.47 and 3.66 per 1000 person-year in TNFi and csDMARD users. Compared to csDMARDs, TNFi did not increase the risk of NTM infection (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.517 (95% confidence interval, 0.205–1.301)). The TNFi use in RA patients was not associated with an increased risk of NTM infection compared to csDMARDs. Nevertheless, monitoring during TNFi treatment is crucial.
Mobile Application Based Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence: An Assessor-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Kijmanawat Athasit , Saraluck Apisith , Manonai Jittima , Wattanayingcharoenchai Rujira , Aimjirakul Komkrit , Chinthakanan Orawee
Published: November 2023

A first-line treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for at least three months. The key problem is that patients do not understand the importance of these exercises and their effectiveness. Mobile health apps offer new possibilities to increase treatment adherence. This study compared a reduction in SUI, exercise adherence, and quality of life in PFMT with animation vs. standard instruction. A prospective, single-blind, randomized control trial was collected. SUI patients were randomized into the application or control groups confirmed using a one-hour pad test. In the intervention group, the PFMT application was applied via mobile phone (PFMT with animations, recording system, and reminder system). The standard exercise protocol was similar in both groups. Additional follow-up was conducted at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. A total of 51 participants were randomized to the application (n = 26) and control groups (n = 25), respectively. At the 12-week follow-up, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of SUI cure rate, SUI severity by pad test, and daily SUI episodes from the bladder diary (p-value of 0.695, 0.472, and 0.338, respectively). The mean PFME adherence in the application group was higher than the control group at 8 weeks (66.3 ± 13.6 vs. 52.7 ± 16.6, p = 0.002) and 12 weeks (59.1 ± 13.9 vs. 37.8 ± 11.0, p = 0.001). The application group reported no difference from the conventional PFMT group in terms of improvements in SUI cure rate, symptom severity, and quality of life effects at 12-week follow-up. However, the improvement evaluated by the mean difference in SUI episodes and quality of life effects (ICIQ-UI SF) reported a better outcome in the mobile app group. The PFMT application has been proven to be an effective tool that improves PFMT adherence.
Recent Advances of Adipose-Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Retinal Diseases
Authors: Finocchio Lucia , Zeppieri Marco , Gabai Andrea , Spadea Leopoldo , Salati Carlo
Published: November 2023

With the rapid development of stem cell research in modern times, stem cell-based therapy has opened a new era of tissue regeneration, becoming one of the most promising strategies for currently untreatable retinal diseases. Among the various sources of stem cells, adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic modality due to their characteristics and multiple functions, which include immunoregulation, anti-apoptosis of neurons, cytokine and growth factor secretion, and antioxidative activities. Studies have shown that ADSCs can facilitate the replacement of dying cells, promote tissue remodeling and regeneration, and support the survival and growth of retinal cells. Recent studies in this field have provided numerous experiments using different preclinical models. The aim of our review is to provide an overview of the therapeutic strategies, modern-day clinical trials, experimental models, and potential clinical use of this fascinating class of cells in addressing retinal disorders and diseases.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management of Endometrial Cancer: A Monocentric Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Plotti Francesco , Silvagni Adele , Montera Roberto , De Cicco Nardone Carlo , Luvero Daniela , Ficarola Fernando , Cundari Gianna Barbara , Branda Francesco , Angioli Roberto , Terranova Corrado
Published: November 2023

Endometrial cancer represents an ideal target to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 being the most frequent gynecological malignancy in Italy, generally detected at early stages and correlated with favorable oncological outcomes. The present comparative retrospective study carried out at Campus Bio-medico University Foundation in Rome aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of EC. All women with a histological diagnosis of non-endometrioid and endometrioid endometrial cancer between 1 March 2018 and 31 October 2022 were included. The number of cases was higher in period 2 (95 vs. 64 cases). Time to diagnosis did not show statistically significant differences but in period 2, 92.06% of the diagnoses were made following abnormal uterine bleeding, while in period 1, only 67.02% were. The waiting time for the intervention was significantly shorter in period 2. Definitive histology, FIGO staging, surgical technique and adjuvant therapy did not show significant differences between the two periods. The study demonstrates that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a direct effect on the diagnostic delay, tumor staging and type of therapy but rather on the presentation pattern of endometrial cancer.
Large-Scale Long-Term Prediction of Ship AIS Tracks via Linear Networks with a Look-Back Window Decomposition Scheme of Time Features
Authors: Zhao Wenbo , Wang Dezhi , Gao Kai , Wu Jiani , Cheng Xinghua
Published: November 2023

Approximating the positions of vessels near underwater devices, such as unmanned underwater vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles, is crucial for many underwater operations. However, long-term monitoring of vessel trajectories is challenging due to limitations in underwater communications, posing challenges for the execution of underwater exploration missions. Therefore, trajectory prediction based on AIS data is vital in the fusion of underwater detection information. However, traditional models for underwater vessel trajectory prediction typically work well for only small-scale and short-term predictions. In this paper, a novel deep learning method is proposed that leverages a look-back window to decompose the temporal and motion features of ship movement trajectories, enabling long-term vessel prediction in broader sea areas. This research introduces an innovative model structure that enables trajectory features to be simultaneously learned for a larger range of vessels and facilitates long-term prediction. Through this innovative model design, the proposed model can more accurately predict vessel trajectories, providing reliable and comprehensive forecasting results. Our proposed model outperforms the Nlinear model by a 16% improvement in short-term prediction accuracy and an approximately 8% improvement in long-term prediction accuracy. The model also outperforms the Patch model by 5% in accuracy. In summary, the proposed method can produce competitive predictions for the long-term future trajectory trends of ships in large-scale sea areas.
Optimization of Maritime Communication Workflow Execution with a Task-Oriented Scheduling Framework in Cloud Computing
Authors: Ahmad Zulfiqar , Acarer Tayfun , Kim Wooseong
Published: November 2023

To ensure safe, effective, and efficient marine operations, the optimization of maritime communication workflows with a task-oriented scheduling framework is of the utmost importance. Navigation, vessel traffic management, emergency response, and cargo operations are all made possible by maritime communication, which necessitates seamless information sharing between ships, ports, coast guards, and regulatory bodies. However, traditional communication methods face challenges in adapting to the dynamic and distributed nature of maritime activities. This study suggests a novel approach for overcoming these difficulties that combines task-oriented scheduling and resource-aware cloud environments to enhance marine communication operations. Utilizing cloud computing offers a scalable, adaptable infrastructure that can manage various computational and communication needs. Even during busy times, effective data processing, improved decision making, and improved communication are made possible by utilizing the cloud. The intelligent allocation and prioritization of communication activities using a task-oriented scheduling framework ensures that urgent messages receive prompt attention while maximizing resource utilization. The proposed approach attempts to improve marine communication workflows’ task prioritization, scalability, and resource optimization. In order to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach, simulations were performed in CloudSim. The performance evaluation parameters, i.e., throughput, latency, execution cost, and energy consumption, have been evaluated. Simulation results reflect the efficacy and practical usability of the framework in various maritime communication configurations. By making marine communication methods more durable, dependable, and adaptable to the changing needs of the maritime industry, this study advances maritime communication techniques. The findings of this research have the potential to revolutionize maritime communication, leading to safer, more efficient, and more resilient maritime operations on a large scale.