bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association between Depression, Anxiety, and Thyroid Disease: A UK Biobank Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Fan Tianqing , Luo Xuerong , Li Xuting , Shen Yanmei , Zhou Jiansong
Published: July 2024

Background. There is a lack of comprehensive data regarding the association of depression and anxiety for the subsequent risk of thyroid disease. Aim. To examine this prospective association between depression and anxiety and the risk of potential thyroid diseases, a large prospective study was conducted using data from UK Biobank. Materials and Methods. Depression and anxiety were measured through self‐reported Patient Health Questionnaire‐4 (PHQ‐4) at baseline, thyroid disease was diagnosed by corresponding hospital data documented through International Classification of Diseases (ICD)‐10 codes. Cox proportional hazard models and restricted cubic splines were employed to analyze the associations. Results. In a 13‐year follow‐up cohort study involving 349,993 participants, 9,877 (2.82%) individuals developed thyroid disease. Significant associations were observed between depression, anxiety, and risk of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism among all participants, the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for PHQ scores were as follows: mild 1.27 (95% CI, 1.20–1.36), moderate 1.33 (95% CI, 1.17–1.51), and severe 1.56 (95% CI, 1.31–1.85). For hyperthyroidism, the HRs were mild 1.19 (95% CI, 1.03–1.38), moderate 1.43 (95% CI, 1.08–1.90), and severe 1.84 (95% CI, 1.28–2.66). The adjusted HRs indicating the association between depression, anxiety, and hypothyroidism remained significant for both males and females. The relationship between PHQ score and the risk of thyroid disease shows linear in restricted cubic spline. Conclusion. Depression and anxiety exposure is associated with subsequent risk of thyroid diseases, the more severe the depression and anxiety, the greater the associated risk. Therefore, any level of depression and anxiety should be taken into consideration in thyroid disease risk prediction and prevention.
Electroacupuncture Improves Cardiac Function via Inhibiting Sympathetic Remodeling Mediated by Promoting Macrophage M2 Polarization in Myocardial Infarction Mice
Authors: Peng Rou , Shi Junjing , Jiang Minjiao , Qian Danying , Yan Yuhang , Bai Hua , Yu Meiling , Cao Xin , Fu Shuping , Lu Shengfeng
Published: June 2024

Electroacupuncture (EA) at the Neiguan acupoint (PC6) has shown significant cardioprotective effects. Sympathetic nerves play an important role in maintaining cardiac function after myocardial infarction (MI). Previous studies have found that EA treatment may improve cardiac function by modulating sympathetic remodeling after MI. However, the mechanism in how EA affects sympathetic remodeling and improves cardiac function remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the cardioprotective mechanism of EA after myocardial ischemic injury by improving sympathetic remodeling and promoting macrophage M2 polarization. We established a mouse model of MI by occluding coronary arteries in male C57/BL6 mice. EA treatment was performed at the PC6 with current intensity (1 mA) and frequency (2/15 Hz). Cardiac function was evaluated using echocardiography. Heart rate variability in mice was assessed via standard electrocardiography. Myocardial fibrosis was evaluated by Sirius red staining. Levels of inflammatory factors were assessed using RT‐qPCR. Sympathetic nerve remodeling was assessed through ELISA, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining. Macrophage polarization was evaluated using flow cytometry. Our results indicated that cardiac systolic function improved significantly after EA treatment, with an increase in fractional shortening and ejection fraction. Myocardial fibrosis was significantly mitigated in the EA group. The sympathetic nerve marker tyrosine hydroxylase and the nerve sprouting marker growth‐associated Protein 43 were significantly reduced in the EA group, indicating that sympathetic remodeling was significantly reduced. EA treatment also promoted macrophage M2 polarization, reduced levels of inflammatory factors TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6, and decreased macrophage‐associated nerve growth factor in myocardial tissue. To sum up, our results suggest that EA at PC6 attenuates sympathetic remodeling after MI to promote macrophage M2 polarization and improve cardiac function.
Fronteras conceptuales y variedades del hablar. Escuela y comunidad ante el portugués en la frontera este de Misiones, Argentina
Authors: Cerno Leonardo
Published: July 2024

In this paper we present an analysis of the discourse of teachers linked to public education in the town of San Antonio and its surroundings, in Misiones (Argentina), from the perspective of social representations, in turn contextualized in the ethnographic analysis of the Portuguese-speaking community that, in part, attends schools in the region. The area is located in a border zone between Argentina and Brazil, with special demographic mobility given the population conditions of this Argentine province and its situation, in San Antonio, as a "dry border" without major impediments to transnational transit. Within this setting, different phenomena, both linguistic and social, linked to the contact between the Portuguese and Spanish languages come into play, among them the emergence and habitual use of the mixed varieties known as "portuñol" and the presence of the standard or padrão modalities of both national languages, promoted by the school.
Trichoderma changiae (Hypocreales), a new species isolated from a native orchid in Taiwan
Authors: WEI YU-HUI , TZEAN SHEAN-SHONG , HSIEH SUNG-YUAN
Published: July 2024

The orchid family is a natural resource pool, harboring numerous yet undiscovered species of endophytic fungi. However, few studies have investigated these endophytic fungi within Taiwan’s native orchids. In this study, two Trichoderma strains isolated from the roots of the native Taiwanese orchid, Dendrobium nakaharae, were identified as a new species, Trichoderma changiae. The phylogenetic analyses using three gene loci (ITS, tef1, and rpb2) revealed that the new species possesses distinctive sequences at these loci, clearly differentiating it from other species. Additionally, the analyses showed that T. changiae belongs to the Viride clade and is closely related to T. viride. The morphological and cultural characteristics of these isolates were observed, described, and illustrated in detail. Furthermore, the distinctions between this new species and its close relatives were compared, and the findings are presented herein.
Orophea chalermprakiat (Annonaceae; Malmeoideae), a new species from southern Thailand
Authors: DAMTHONGDEE ANISSARA , CHANTHAMRONG KITHISAK , PROMSIRI SUWANNEE , TONGSANG BANCHONG , JAISAMUT THANI , WIYA CHATTIDA , SINBUMROONG AROON , CHAOWASKU TANAWAT
Published: July 2024

N/A
PNA Nonlinearity and ENSO Transition Asymmetry Weaken PMM before La Niña Onset
Authors: Han Xiang , Lian Tao , Chen Dake , Hu Ruikun , Liu Ting , Chu Qucheng , Li Baosheng
Published: July 2024

The Pacific meridional mode (PMM) is one of the dominant coupled modes in the northeastern tropical Pacific (NETP), characterized by strip-like sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies spanning from Baja California to the central equatorial Pacific. While the majority of the El Niño events follow a positive PMM, only a few La Niña events are preceded by a negative PMM. Such an asymmetric activity of PMM before the onset of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) was previously attributed to the inherent nonlinear response of the wind–evaporation–SST (WES) feedback to trade winds in the NETP. Through data analysis and coupled model experiments, we pointed out that PMM is in fact a highly symmetric phenomenon, and the asymmetry of PMM before the ENSO onset thus must be associated with ENSO. On the one hand, the nonlinear response of deep convection over the equator to symmetric ENSO forcing in the central equatorial Pacific permits a stronger Pacific–North America (PNA) pattern in El Niño years than in La Niña years. On the other hand, since the majority of La Niña events are preceded by a sharp decay of an El Niño, the warm equatorial SST anomalies associated with the preceding El Niño provide another source to trigger PNA before the La Niña onset. The two mechanisms modulate the trade winds and heat fluxes in NETP more heavily before the La Niña onset than the El Niño onset and equally contribute to PMM asymmetry before the ENSO onset.
Comparison of different concentrations of ropivacaine in epidural anesthesia for percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shen Fengyan , Pu Yuju , Lan Zhiming , Fu Lijun , Zhang Yan , He Shenghua , Huang Zengping
Published: July 2024

Background

This study investigated the optimal concentration of ropivacaine epidural anesthesia for clinical use in percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) by comparing the effects of different concentrations.

Methods

Seventy patients scheduled for their first PTED procedure were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomized to receive ropivacaine at varying concentrations (0.3% or 0.4%). Primary outcome measures included the numeric rating scale (NRS) and hip extension level (HEL). Secondary outcome measures included intraoperative fentanyl dosage and postoperative complications.

Results

One patient withdrew due to severe postoperative complications. The remaining 69 patients were allocated to the 0.3% (n = 34) and 0.4% (n = 35) groups, respectively. Baseline characteristics showed no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). The NRS score was significantly lower in the 0.4% group than in the 0.3% group (P < 0.01), whereas the HEL score was significantly higher (P < 0.001). The average fentanyl dose in the 0.4% group was significantly lower than that in the 0.3% group (P < 0.01). Postoperative complications occurred in five and two patients in the 0.3% and 0.4% groups, respectively.

Conclusion

Although 0.4% ropivacaine (20 mL) impacts muscle strength, it does not impede PTED surgery. Given its effective analgesic properties and few postoperative complications, 0.4% ropivacaine can be considered a preferred dose for PTED.

Trial registration

This study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR2200060364; Registration Date: 29/5/2022) and on chictr.org.cn (https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=171002).
It’s about time: mitigating cancer-related cognitive impairments through findings from computational models of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task
Authors: Haywood Darren , Baughman Frank D. , Dauer Evan , Haywood Jennifer , Rossell Susan , Hart Nicolas H.
Published: July 2024

Background

Many cancer survivors experience cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), often with significant negative consequences across various life domains. Emerging evidence suggests that allowing additional time to process information before acting may be a useful strategy for those with CRCI to mitigate some of its impacts. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (WCST), a measure of general cognition, has shown that for some cancer survivors, longer task completion time facilitates similar task performance outcomes to control populations concerning perseveration errors; a key performance metric of the WCST. However, assessing if this strategy may be useful, as well as determining for whom it may be useful, with regard to strengths and weaknesses among select cognitive domains, is challenging due to factors such as the problem of task impurity. Accordingly, this study provides an initial computational and experimental assessment of whether additional time to process information before acting is a useful strategy for those with CRCI.

Methods

We simulated individual cognitive differences observed in humans by varying contributions of executive functioning components (updating, shifting, inhibition) to yield 48 distinct computational models of the WCST. Our main manipulation was then to provide these models with more or less time (at three levels of 20, 40 and 60 cycles) before models executed an action to sort a given card. We compared the number of perseveration errors on the WCST produced by the computational models. Additionally, we determined models that simulated the performance of cancer survivors on the WCST by comparing the number of perseveration errors produced by the models to human data.

Results

Additional processing time resulted in the models producing significantly fewer perseveration errors, supporting our hypothesis. In addition, 8 unique models simulated the performance of cancer survivors on the WCST. Additional time appeared to have a positive influence on performance primarily by mitigating the impacts of severe inhibition impairments. For more severe global executive function impairments, a substantial amount of additional time was required to mitigate the impacts of the impairments. For the most severe impairments, additional time was unable to adequately mitigate the impact on performance.

Conclusion

Additional processing time may be a useful strategy to rectify perseveration errors among cancer survivors with CRCI. Our findings have implications for the development of practical strategies, such as workload and deadline management in occupational settings, which may mitigate the negative effects of CRCI.
Risk assessment and prediction of nosocomial infections based on surveillance data using machine learning methods
Authors: Chen Ying , Zhang Yonghong , Nie Shuping , Ning Jie , Wang Qinjin , Yuan Hanmei , Wu Hui , Li Bin , Hu Wenbiao , Wu Chao
Published: July 2024

Background

Nosocomial infections with heavy disease burden are becoming a major threat to the health care system around the world. Through long-term, systematic, continuous data collection and analysis, Nosocomial infection surveillance (NIS) systems are constructed in each hospital; while these data are only used as real-time surveillance but fail to realize the prediction and early warning function. Study is to screen effective predictors from the routine NIS data, through integrating the multiple risk factors and Machine learning (ML) methods, and eventually realize the trend prediction and risk threshold of Incidence of Nosocomial infection (INI).

Methods

We selected two representative hospitals in southern and northern China, and collected NIS data from 2014 to 2021. Thirty-nine factors including hospital operation volume, nosocomial infection, antibacterial drug use and outdoor temperature data, etc. Five ML methods were used to fit the INI prediction model respectively, and to evaluate and compare their performance.

Results

Compared with other models, Random Forest showed the best performance (5-fold AUC = 0.983) in both hospitals, followed by Support Vector Machine. Among all the factors, 12 indicators were significantly different between high-risk and low-risk groups for INI (P < 0.05). After screening the effective predictors through importance analysis, prediction model of the time trend was successfully constructed (R2 = 0.473 and 0.780, BIC = -1.537 and -0.731).

Conclusions

The number of surgeries, antibiotics use density, critical disease rate and unreasonable prescription rate and other key indicators could be fitted to be the threshold predictions of INI and quantitative early warning.
Prevalence of chronic pelvic pain and associated factors among indigenous women of reproductive age in Ecuador
Authors: Vargas-Costales José Antonio , Rosero Carmen Yolanda de Las Mercedes Vill , Mazin Suleimy Cristina , Candido-dos-Reis Francisco José , Nogueira Antonio Alberto , Rosa-e-Silva Julio Cesar , Poli-Neto Omero Benedicto
Published: July 2024

Background

Chronic pelvic pain is a common disease that affects approximately 4% of women of reproductive age in developed countries. This number is estimated to be higher in developing countries, with a significant negative personal and socioeconomic impact on women. The lack of data on this condition in several countries, particularly those in development and in socially and biologically vulnerable populations such as the indigenous, makes it difficult to guide public policies.

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of chronic pelvic pain (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, non-cyclical pain) and identify which variables are independently associated with the presence of the condition in indigenous women from Otavalo-Ecuador.

Design

A cross-sectional study was carried out including a sample of 2429 women of reproductive age between 14 and 49 years old, obtained from April 2022 to March 2023. A directed questionnaire was used, collected by bilingual interviewers (Kichwa and Spanish) belonging to the community itself; the number of patients was selected by random sampling proportional to the number of women estimated by sample calculation. Data are presented as case prevalence, odds ratio, and 95% confidence interval, with p < 0.05.

Results

The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea, non-cyclic pelvic pain, and dyspareunia was, respectively, 26.6%, 8.9%, and 3.9%.all forms of chronic pain were independently associated with each other. Additionally, dysmenorrhoea was independently associated with hypertension, intestinal symptoms, miscegenation, long cycles, previous pregnancy, use of contraceptives and pear body shape. Pain in other sites, late menarche, exercise, and pear body shape were associated with non-cyclic pelvic pain. And, urinary symptoms, previous pregnancy loss, miscegenation, and pear body shape were associated with dyspareunia.

Conclusion

The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea and non-cyclical chronic pelvic pain was notably high, in contrast with the frequency of reported dyspareunia. Briefly, our results suggest an association between dysmenorrhoea and conditions related to inflammatory and/or systemic metabolic disorders, including a potential causal relationship with other manifestations of pelvic pain, and between non-cyclical pelvic pain and signs/symptoms suggesting central sensitization. The report of dyspareunia may be influenced by local cultural values and beliefs.
The coagulation status in women of endometriosis with stage IV
Authors: Wang Lu , Ling Jingxian , Zhu Xianghong , Zhang Yan , Li Rong , Huang Jingjing , Huang Doudou , Wu Chan , Zhou Huaijun
Published: July 2024

Background

Endometriosis is considered as a systemic disease with the presence of proinflammatory cytokines in the circulation, which drives hypercoagulable state of endometriosis. Currently, endometriosis is classified into four stages: I (minimal), II (mild), III (moderate) and IV (severe). The aim of this study is to investigate the correlations between inflammatory markers and coagulation factors in patients diagnosed of endometriosis with stage IV.

Methods

This retrospective case–control study included 171 endometriosis patients with stage IV and 184 controls. Continuous data were expressed by mean ± standard deviation. Mann–Whitney U and χ2 tests were used to compare the medians and frequencies among the groups. Spearman analysis was conducted to determine the correlation among the measured parameters. The diagnostic values of the parameters differentiating endometriomas were tested by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

The time of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was decreased and the concentration of fibrinogen (FIB) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were increased in women of endometriosis with stage IV. The APTT were negatively correlated with NLR while the concentrations of FIB were positively correlated with NLR. The ROC analysis showed that the Area under the curve (AUC) of FIB was 0.766 (95% confidence interval:0.717–0.814) with sensitivity and specificity reaching 86.5 and 60.9%, respectively. The AUC of CA125 and CA199 was 0.638 (95% confidence interval: 0.578–0.697), 0.71 (95% confidence interval: 0.656–0.763) with sensitivity and specificity reaching 40.9 and 91.8%, 80.7 and 56.5% respectively. The combination of these factors showed the highest AUC of 0.895 (0.862–0.927) with sensitivity of 88.9% and specificity of 77.7%.

Conclusion

In the present study, we found that inflammatory factors showed significant correlation with APTT or FIB in endometriosis with stage IV. Moreover, the coagulation factors combined with CA125 and CA199 were more reliable for identifying the endometriosis with stage IV.
The application of blended teaching in medical practical course of clinical skills training
Authors: He Zhicheng , Li Hua , Lu Lan , Wang Qiang , Wu Qingming , Lu Lili
Published: July 2024

Background

Blended teaching is an effective approach that combines online and offline teaching methods, leading to improved outcomes in medical education compared to traditional offline teaching. In this study, we examined the impact of blended teaching in clinical skills training, a medical practice course.

Methods

This study involved forty-eight undergraduate students studying clinical medicine in the fifth semester at Wuhan University of Science and Technology. The students were divided into two groups: the control group, which received traditional offline teaching, and the experimental group, which received hybrid teaching. Following the completion of the 4-month course, both groups underwent the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) to evaluate their proficiency in clinical skills. Furthermore, the experimental group was given a separate questionnaire to gauge their feedback on the Blended Teaching approach.

Results

Based on the OSCE scores, the experimental group outperformed the control group significantly (P<0.05). The questionnaire results indicated that a majority of students (54.2%, 3.71 ± 1.06) believed that blended teaching is superior to traditional offline teaching, and a significant number of students (58.3%, 3.79 ± 1.15) expressed their willingness to adopt blended teaching in other courses. Furthermore, students in the experimental group displayed varying levels of interest in different teaching contents, with emergency medicine (79.2%), internal medicine (70.8%), and surgery (66.7%) being the most popular among them.

Conclusions

This research demonstrates for the first time that blended teaching can achieve a good pedagogical effectiveness in the medical practice course, clinical skills training and practice. Moreover, in different teaching contents, the teaching effects are different. In the content of Emergency Medicine and Surgery, which is more attractive to students, the application of blended teaching could result in a better pedagogical outcome than other contents.
Analysis of human papillomavirus type 16 E4, E5 and L2 gene variations among women with cervical infection in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Cheng Haozheng , Dong Yangliu , Wang Le , Zhao Xian , Zhe Xiangyi , Li Dongmei , Li Hongtao , Shao Renfu , Tuo Jing , Pan Zemin
Published: July 2024

Background

There is a high incidence of cervical cancer in Xinjiang. Genetic variation in human papillomavirus may increase its ability to invade, spread, and escape host immune response.

Methods

HPV16 genome was sequenced for 90 positive samples of HPV16 infection. Sequences of the E4, E5 and L2 genes were analysed to reveal sequence variation of HPV16 in Xinjiang and the distribution of variation among the positive samples of HPV16 infection.

Results

Eighty-one of the 90 samples of HPV16 infection showed variation in HPV16 E4 gene with 18 nucleotide variation sites, of which 8 sites were synonymous variations and 11 missense variations. 90 samples of HPV16 infection showed variation in HPV16 E5 and L2 genes with 16 nucleotide variation sites (6 synonymous, 11 missense variations) in the E5 gene and 100 nucleotide variation sites in L2 gene (37 synonymous, 67 missense variations). The frequency of HPV16 L2 gene missense variations G3377A, G3599A, G3703A, and G3757A was higher in the case groups than in the control groups.

Conclusions

Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that 87 samples were European strains, 3 cases were Asian strains, there were no other variations, and G4181A was related to Asian strains. HPV16 L2 gene missense variations G3377A, G3599A, G3703A, and G3757A were significantly more frequent in the case groups than in the control groups.
Association between non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and obstructive sleep apnea: a cross-sectional study from NHANES
Authors: Pan Xue , Zhang Xinyue , Wu Xinyi , Zhao Yue , Li Yilong , Chen Zitong , Hu Yue , Cao Xuezhao
Published: July 2024

Background

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a widespread sleep disturbance linked to metabolic and cardiovascular conditions. The Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratios (NHHR) has been proposed as being a potential biomarker to gauge cardiovascular risk. However, its relationship with OSA remains unclear.

Methods

This survey investigated the link NHHR to OSA in American citizens aged 20 and older using information collected via the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during the years 2017 to 2020. Logistic regression models with multivariable adjustments were employed to assess this relationship. Nonlinear associations were explored using smooth curve fitting, with a two-part linear regression model identifying a threshold effect. Subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate population-specific differences.

Results

The survey encompassed 6763 participants, with an average age of 50.75 ± 17.32. The average NHHR stood at 2.74, accompanied by a standard deviation of 1.34, while the average frequency of OSA was 49.93%. Upon adjusting for covariates, each unit increase in NHHR may be associated with a 9% rise in OSA incidence. (95% confidence intervals 1.04–1.14; P < 0.0001). Notably, a U-shaped curve depicted the NHHR-OSA relationship, with an inflection point at 4.12. Subgroup analyses revealed consistent associations, with educational attainment and diabetes status modifying the NHHR-OSA relationship.

Conclusion

The study highlights NHHR as a potential tool for OSA prediction, presenting avenues for advanced risk evaluation, tailored interventions, personalized treatment approaches, and preventive healthcare.
Context-dependent T-BOX transcription factor family: from biology to targeted therapy
Authors: Li Siwen , Luo Xiangyuan , Sun Mengyu , Wang Yijun , Zhang Zerui , Jiang Junqing , Hu Dian , Zhang Jiaqian , Wu Zhangfan , Wang Yufei , Huang Wenjie , Xia Limin
Published: July 2024

T-BOX factors belong to an evolutionarily conserved family of transcription factors. T-BOX factors not only play key roles in growth and development but are also involved in immunity, cancer initiation, and progression. Moreover, the same T-BOX molecule exhibits different or even opposite effects in various developmental processes and tumor microenvironments. Understanding the multiple roles of context-dependent T-BOX factors in malignancies is vital for uncovering the potential of T-BOX-targeted cancer therapy. We summarize the physiological roles of T-BOX factors in different developmental processes and their pathological roles observed when their expression is dysregulated. We also discuss their regulatory roles in tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and the newly arising questions that remain unresolved. This review will help in systematically and comprehensively understanding the vital role of the T-BOX transcription factor family in tumor physiology, pathology, and immunity. The intention is to provide valuable information to support the development of T-BOX-targeted therapy.
UCHL3 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by stabilizing EEF1A1 through deubiquitination
Authors: Zhao Jie , Huo Qiang , Zhang Ji , Sun Kexiang , Guo Jinhui , Cheng Feng , Hu Xiaoge , Xu Qiuran
Published: July 2024

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks as the second leading cause of global cancer-related deaths and is characterized by a poor prognosis. Eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 1 (EEF1A1) have been proved to play important roles in various human cancers, whereas the deubiquitination of EEF1A1 was poorly understood.

Methods

The binding and regulatory relationship between Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L3 (UCHL3) and EEF1A1 was validated using clinical tissue samples, reverse transcription quantitative real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence, as well as ubiquitin detection and cyclohexamide tracking experiments. Finally, the impact of the UCHL3/EEF1A1 axis on HCC malignant behavior was analyzed through functional experiments and nude mouse models.

Results

UCHL3 was found to have a high expression level in HCC tissues. Tissue samples from 60 HCC patients were used to evaluate the correlation between UCHL3 and EEF1A1. UCHL3 binds to EEF1A1 through the lysine site, which reduces the ubiquitination level of EEF1A1. Functional experiments and nude mouse models have demonstrated that the UCHL3/EEF1A1 axis promotes the migration, stemness, and drug resistance of HCC cells. Reducing the expression of EEF1A1 can reverse the effect of UCHL3 on the malignant behavior of HCC cells.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that UCHL3 binds and stabilizes EEF1A1 through deubiquitination. UCHL3 and EEF1A1 formed a functional axis in facilitating the malignant progression of HCC, proving new insights for the anti-tumor targeted therapy for HCC.
Pulmonary metastatic gestational choriocarcinoma following an uncomplicated term pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Jafari-Nozad Amir Masoud , Jahani Najmeh
Published: June 2024

Background

Choriocarcinoma is a highly malignant pregnancy-related trophoblastic neoplasm, characterized by early metastasis to the lungs. Therefore, patients may manifest nongynecological symptoms owing to distant metastases. The incidence of choriocarcinoma after a term pregnancy is really rare (1/160,000 pregnancies).

Case presentation

We report a case of a 20-year-old Iranian woman, gravida 2 para 1 live 1 abortion 1, who was referred to our gynecology department with sudden onset dyspnea and pain in the left hemithorax the day after her labor. The index pregnancy was without any complications. After the initial workup, the elevation of β-human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) levels (> 1,000,000) along with the identification of clinical (vaginal lesions) and radiological evidence of distant metastases (bilateral pulmonary nodes) directed us toward pulmonary metastatic choriocarcinoma diagnosis. After the oncology consult, the etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine chemotherapy regimen was started for the patient. She responded well to the treatment and is currently continuing her chemotherapy process.

Conclusion

The prognosis of choriocarcinoma is very good if the treatment is started on time. We suggest that clinicians should consider gestational trophoblastic neoplasia in their differential diagnosis of the post-natal period complications, especially after a term and nonmolar pregnancy.
TRIM26 facilitates PRV infection through NDP52-mediated autophagic degradation of MAVS
Authors: Chengyue Wu , Mengdong Wang , Xiaoquan Wang , Yeping Chen , Hao Li , Liumei Sun , Jianle Ren , Zhendong Zhang
Published: July 2024

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) has evolved multiple strategies to evade host antiviral responses to benefit virus replication and establish persistent infection. Recently, tripartite motif 26 (TRIM26), a TRIM family protein, has been shown to be involved in a broad range of biological processes involved in innate immunity, especially in regulating viral infection. Herein, we found that the expression of TRIM26 was significantly induced after PRV infection. Surprisingly, the overexpression of TRIM26 promoted PRV production, while the depletion of this protein inhibited virus replication, suggesting that TRIM26 could positively regulate PRV infection. Further analysis revealed that TRIM26 negatively regulates the innate immune response by targeting the RIG-I-triggered type I interferon signalling pathway. TRIM26 was physically associated with MAVS independent of viral infection and reduced MAVS expression. Mechanistically, we found that NDP52 interacted with both TRIM26 and MAVS and that TRIM26-induced MAVS degradation was almost entirely blocked in NDP52-knockdown cells, demonstrating that TRIM26 degrades MAVS through NDP52-mediated selective autophagy. Our results reveal a novel mechanism by which PRV escapes host antiviral innate immunity and provide insights into the crosstalk among virus infection, autophagy, and the innate immune response.
Complete genome sequence, phenotypic correlation and pangenome analysis of uropathogenic Klebsiella spp
Authors: Sundaresan Abhirami Krishnamoorthy , Gangwar Jaya , Murugavel Aravind , Malli Mohan Ganesh Babu , Ramakrishnan Jayapradha
Published: July 2024

Urinary tract infections (UTI) by antibiotic resistant and virulent K. pneumoniae are a growing concern. Understanding the genome and validating the genomic profile along with pangenome analysis will facilitate surveillance of high-risk clones of K. pneumoniae to underpin management strategies toward early detection. The present study aims to correlate resistome with phenotypic antimicrobial resistance and virulome with pathogenicity in Klebsiella spp. The present study aimed to perform complete genome sequences of Klebsiella spp. and to analyse the correlation of resistome with phenotypic antimicrobial resistance and virulome with pathogenicity. To understand the resistome, pangenome and virulome in the Klebsiella spp, the ResFinder, CARD, IS Finder, PlasmidFinder, PHASTER, Roary, VFDB were used. The phenotypic susceptibility profiling identified the uropathogenic kp3 to exhibit multi drug resistance. The resistome and in vitro antimicrobial profiling showed concordance with all the tested antibiotics against the study strains. Hypermucoviscosity was not observed for any of the test isolates; this phenotypic character matches perfectly with the absence of rmpA and magA genes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the presence of ste, stf, stc and sti major fimbrial operons of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium in K. pneumoniae genome. The study identifies the discordance of virulome and virulence in Klebsiella spp. The complete genome analysis and phenotypic correlation identify uropathogenic K. pneumoniae kp3 as a carbapenem-resistant and virulent pathogen. The Pangenome of K. pneumoniae was open suggesting high genetic diversity. Diverse K serotypes were observed. Sequence typing reveals the prevalence of K. pneumoniae high-risk clones in UTI catheterised patients. The study also highlights the concordance of resistome and in vitro susceptibility tests. Importantly, the study identifies the necessity of virulome and phenotypic virulence markers for timely diagnosis and immediate treatment for the management of high-risk K. pneumoniae clones.
An overview of university-industry collaboration in the Arab world
Authors: Hojeij Zeina
Published: July 2024

University–Industry Collaborations (UIC) are increasingly recognized as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. While numerous studies have been conducted on this topic, this paper specifically focuses on UIC in the Arab World. The aim of this study is to explore the establishment of successful UIC by conducting a review of existing literature to identify and synthesize key factors that enable collaborative innovation between industry and universities. The findings are summarized into six main themes: the importance of UIC, barriers to UIC, gaps between universities and industry in the Arab World, partnerships and sustainable growth, current trends and perspectives, and future agenda for Arab countries. These themes are elaborated on and used to summarize results from the reviewed studies regarding facilitators of collaborative innovation. The contribution of this work lies in enhancing the existing body of literature and knowledge regarding collaboration between higher education and industry in the Arab World. This research presents specific measures that can be implemented to ensure successful UIC in the future. Its outcomes are significant for policymakers, academics, and industry experts in the Arab region, who aspire to form productive UIC partnerships that encourage economic development and innovation.
Transcriptomic and epigenomic landscapes of muscle growth during the postnatal period of broilers
Authors: Gu Shuang , Huang Qiang , Jie Yuchen , Sun Congjiao , Wen Chaoliang , Yang Ning
Published: July 2024

Background

Broilers stand out as one of the fastest-growing livestock globally, making a substantial contribution to animal meat production. However, the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the rapid growth and development of broiler chickens are still unclear. This study aims to explore muscle development patterns and regulatory networks during the postnatal rapid growth phase of fast-growing broilers. We measured the growth performance of Cornish (CC) and White Plymouth Rock (RR) over a 42-d period. Pectoral muscle samples from both CC and RR were randomly collected at day 21 after hatching (D21) and D42 for RNA-seq and ATAC-seq library construction.

Results

The consistent increase in body weight and pectoral muscle weight across both breeds was observed as they matured, with CC outpacing RR in terms of weight at each stage of development. Differential expression analysis identified 398 and 1,129 genes in the two dimensions of breeds and ages, respectively. A total of 75,149 ATAC-seq peaks were annotated in promoter, exon, intron and intergenic regions, with a higher number of peaks in the promoter and intronic regions. The age-biased genes and breed-biased genes of RNA-seq were combined with the ATAC-seq data for subsequent analysis. The results spotlighted the upregulation of ACTC1 and FDPS at D21, which were primarily associated with muscle structure development by gene cluster enrichment. Additionally, a noteworthy upregulation of MUSTN1, FOS and TGFB3 was spotted in broiler chickens at D42, which were involved in cell differentiation and muscle regeneration after injury, suggesting a regulatory role of muscle growth and repair.

Conclusions

This work provided a regulatory network of postnatal broiler chickens and revealed ACTC1 and MUSTN1 as the key responsible for muscle development and regeneration. Our findings highlight that rapid growth in broiler chickens triggers ongoing muscle damage and subsequent regeneration. These findings provide a foundation for future research to investigate the functional aspects of muscle development.
Dietary and serum antioxidant capacity is inversely associated with patients in osteoarthritis: a case-control study
Authors: Çolak Beda Büşra Özalp , Kürklü Nilgün Seremet , Adıgüzel Kübra Tel , Adıgüzel Emre
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to examine dietary antioxidant and serum antioxidant capacity in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). This case-control study consisted of 47 patients with OA (case group) and 30 healthy subjects (control group). The control and case group were matched age, gender, and body mass index (p > 0.05). A food frequency questionnaire was administered to participants, and dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) was estimated using the ferric reducing antioxidant power method (FRAP). Participants’ serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant capacity (TOC) measurements were performed, and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. DTAC of case group was found to be lower than the control group (p < 0.05). The daily consumption of red meat and butter of the individuals in the case group was higher than that of the control group, and their fish consumption, dietary vitamin A and carotene intakes were found to be lower (p < 0.05). In addition, OA patients have TAC and OSI was also found to be significantly higher than in control group (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001). Since low dietary total antioxidant capacity and high serum total oxidant capacity, individuals with OA should pay more attention to their diet to increase serum antioxidant status.
Interaction between orange juice and < 1 kDa leaf peptides: effect on the antioxidant and antidiabetic related enzyme inhibitory activities
Authors: Famuwagun Akinsola Albert , Gbadamosi Saka Olasunkanmi , Taiwo Kehinde Adekumbi , Oyedele Durodoluwa Joseph , Adebooye Odunayo Clement , Aluko Rotimi Emmanuel
Published: July 2024

Designing a good vehicle for functional ingredients is the major focus of this study. Small molecular weight peptides (< 1 kDa) extracted from amaranth leaf protein (ALP), eggplant leaf protein (ELP) and fluted pumpkin leaf protein (FLP) were incorporated into freshly prepared orange juice at an effective and inhibitory concentrations of the peptides. The rate of degradation of ascorbic acid was more in the control juice (140.06 to 18.43 mg/mL) when compared with juice containing peptides at both storage conditions (140.08 to 32.32 mg/mL). However, the rate of ascorbic acid reduction during storage (refrigerated and ambient) was least in the juice containing peptide, isolated from ELP when compared with the juice samples that contained peptides isolated from ALP and FLP. After the eighth week of storage, juice that contained FLP peptide had greater amounts of residual total phenolic content (370.53 & 432.33 µg GAE/100 mL), juice that contained ALP peptide retained better ability to scavenge DPPH radicals (52.32 & 66.84%) while juice sample that contained ELP retained more metal chelating activities (44.82 and 51.03%). The results of antidiabetic property showed that juice containing peptide isolated from ALP contained greater amounts of α-amylase inhibitory activity (41.50 and 46.89%) while greater amounts of α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were retained in juice that contained peptide isolated from FLP. The results concluded that orange juice may be considered a veritable vehicle for functional ingredients for improved health.

Graphical Abstract
Multiple myeloma: signaling pathways and targeted therapy
Authors: Lu Qizhong , Yang Donghui , Li Hexian , Niu Ting , Tong Aiping
Published: July 2024

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy of plasma cells, characterized by osteolytic bone lesions, anemia, hypercalcemia, renal failure, and the accumulation of malignant plasma cells. The pathogenesis of MM involves the interaction between MM cells and the bone marrow microenvironment through soluble cytokines and cell adhesion molecules, which activate various signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, RAS/MAPK, JAK/STAT, Wnt/β-catenin, and NF-κB pathways. Aberrant activation of these pathways contributes to the proliferation, survival, migration, and drug resistance of myeloma cells, making them attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. Currently, approved drugs targeting these signaling pathways in MM are limited, with many inhibitors and inducers still in preclinical or clinical research stages. Therapeutic options for MM include non-targeted drugs like alkylating agents, corticosteroids, immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, and histone deacetylase inhibitors. Additionally, targeted drugs such as monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, bispecific T-cell engagers, and bispecific antibodies are being used in MM treatment. Despite significant advancements in MM treatment, the disease remains incurable, emphasizing the need for the development of novel or combined targeted therapies based on emerging theoretical knowledge, technologies, and platforms. In this review, we highlight the key role of signaling pathways in the malignant progression and treatment of MM, exploring advances in targeted therapy and potential treatments to offer further insights for improving MM management and outcomes.
A 3D field-theoretic example for Hodge theory
Authors: Rao A. K. , Malik R. P.
Published: July 2024

We focus on the continuous symmetry transformations for the three (2 + 1)-dimensional (3D) system of a combination of the free Abelian 1-form and 2-form gauge theories within the framework of Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) formalism. We establish that this combined system is a tractable field-theoretic model of Hodge theory. The symmetry operators of our present system provide the physical realizations of the de Rham cohomological operators of differential geometry at the algebraic level. Our present investigation is important in the sense that, for the first time, we are able to establish an odd dimensional (i.e., D = 3) field-theoretic system to be an example for Hodge theory (besides earlier works on a few interesting (0 + 1)-dimensional (1D) toy models as well as a set of well-known

SUSY quantum mechanical systems of physical interest). For the sake of brevity, we have purposely not taken into account the 3D Chern-Simon term for the Abelian 1-form gauge field in our theory which allows the mass as well as the gauge invariance to co-exist together.
Μελέτη της ρύθμισης των Src κινασών και του ρόλου τους στην ενδοκυττάρια σηματοδότηση
Authors: Κούτρας Νικόλαος
Published: July 2024

Τα μέλη της οικογένειας των Src κινασών (SFKs), Lck και Lyn, έχουν καθοριστικό ρόλο στην ανάπτυξη και τη λειτουργία των λεμφοκυττάρων. Παρά την ιστοειδική τους έκφραση, οι δύο κινάσες μοιράζονται πολλές κοινές λειτουργίες. Η πιο γνωστή από αυτές, είναι η ενεργοποίηση των λεμφοκυττάρων μέσω της φωσφορυλίωσης εξειδικευμένων πρωτεϊνικών μοτίβων που βρίσκονται στις κυτταροπλασματικές περιοχές των αντιγονικών υποδοχέων. Η Lck εκφράζεται κυρίως στα Τ λεμφοκύτταρα, ωστόσο, έκτοπη έκφρασή της έχει ανιχνευθεί σε υποπληθυσμούς Β-1 κυττάρων και σε έναν αριθμό από παθολογικές καταστάσεις, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των οξείων και χρόνιων Β κυτταρικών λευχαιμιών. Η ακριβής επίδραση της Lck στη σηματοδότηση εντός του Β κυτταρικού περιβάλλοντος παραμένει αινιγματική, και συνδέεται άμεσα με το μακροχρόνιο ερώτημα αποσαφήνισης των μηχανισμών που προσδίδουν εξειδίκευση ανάμεσα στα μέλη των SFKs. Στην παρούσα εργασία, θελήσαμε να διερευνήσουμε τη μηχανιστική βάση λειτουργίας της έκτοπης Lck στα Β κύτταρα και να τη συγκρίνουμε με τα φαινόμενα σηματοδότησης που προκαλούνται από την κυρίαρχη ενδογενή SFK, Lyn. Τα αποτελέσματά μας κατέδειξαν περιορισμένη επιλεκτικότητα στη φωσφορυλίωση υποστρωμάτων ανάμεσα στις δύο κινάσες, η οποία ωστόσο αντισταθμίζεται από τη διαφορετική επιρρέπειά τους σε ρυθμιστικούς μηχανισμούς του κυττάρου, αποκαλύπτοντας έτσι μια έως τώρα υποτιμημένη πτυχή της εξειδικευμένης ρύθμισης των διαφορετικών μελών των SFKs. Επιπλέον, δείξαμε ότι η υπερέκφραση των Lck και Lyn επαρκεί ώστε να επάγει μεταβολές στο μεταγράφωμα των κυττάρων, οι οποίες προσομοιάζουν τη Β κυτταρική ενεργοποίηση. Τέλος, οι αναλύσεις μας αποκάλυψαν έναν ακόμα άγνωστο ρόλο των SFKs στην μεταβολή της ισορροπίας των κυτταρικών διαδικασιών που ρυθμίζουν τις αποκρίσεις στο στρες, προωθώντας επιλεκτικά μια άτυπη μορφή αυτοφαγίας του Ενδοπλασματικού Δικτύου (ER-phagy), η οποία δεν έχει προηγουμένως περιγράφει στα Β λεμφοκύτταρα.
Zinc: Prophylaxis and Treatment for the Common Cold
Authors: Piaszczyński Szymon , Płeska Kacper , Wojtania Joanna , Łepik Michał , Uszok Zofia , Rosiak Krzysztof , Reguła Kacper , Waloch Kamil , Czajka Andrzej , Szymański Bartłomiej
Published: July 2024

The common cold is a widespread and frequent illness with limited treatment options, generating costs for individuals and society. A crucial goal is an effective symptomatic treatment and reducing the duration of the illness, which can bring significant global benefits. Several studies suggest that using zinc lozenges within 24h of symptom onset can noticeably shorten the duration of symptoms. Zinc has a complex and not fully understood role in immune regulation. Zinc lozenges are inexpensive, easily accessible, and has few side effects. Based on numerous studies, zinc lozenges seem to be a noteworthy option for symptomatic treatment. The application of therapy in athletes can be of particular importance due to the faster recovery and the avoidance of missing training sessions.