bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Candidate Protein Biomarkers Associated with Domoic Acid Toxicosis in Cerebrospinal Fluid of California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus)
Authors: Ghosh Gautam , Neely Benjamin A. , Bland Alison M. , Whitmer Emily R. , Field Cara L. , Duignan Pádraig J. , Janech Michael G.
Published: May 2024

Since 1998, California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) stranding events associated with domoic acid toxicosis have consistently increased. Outside of direct measurement of DA in bodily fluids at the time of stranding, currently there are no practical non-lethal clinical tests for the diagnosis of domoic acid toxicosis (DAT) that can be utilized in a large-scale rehabilitation facility. Proteomic analysis was conducted to discover candidate protein markers of DAT using cerebrospinal fluid from stranded California sea lions with acute DAT (n = 8), chronic DAT (n = 19), or without DAT (n = 13). A total of 2005 protein families were identified experiment-wide (FDR < 0.01). Of these proteins, 83 were significantly different in abundance across the three groups (adj. p < 0.05). Cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase (MDH1), 5’-3’ exonuclease PLD3, disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 22 (ADAM22), 14-3-3 protein gamma (YWHAG), neurosecretory protein VGF, and calsyntenin-1 (CLSTN1) were able to discriminate California sea lions with or without DAT (ROC > 0.75). Immunoglobulin kappa light chain-like (IGKV2D-28), receptor-type tyrosine-phosphatase F (PTRPF), kininogen-1 (KNG1), prothrombin (F2), and beta-synuclein (SNCB) were able to discriminate acute DAT from chronic DAT (ROC > 0.75). Interestingly, proteins involved in alpha synuclein deposition were over- represented as classifiers of DAT and many of these proteins have been implicated in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. These proteins should be considered potential markers for DAT in California sea lions, as well as markers to discriminate between acute or chronic DAT, and should be considered priority for future validation studies as biomarkers. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD041356 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD041356).
Pools of independently cycling inositol phosphates revealed by pulse labeling with18O-water
Authors: Kim G. , Liu G. , Qiu D. , Gopaldass N. , De Leo G. , Hermes J. , Timmer J. , Saiardi A. , Mayer A. , Jessen H.J.
Published: May 2024

Inositol phosphates control many central processes in eukaryotic cells, including nutrient availability, growth, and motility. Kinetic resolution of a key modulator of their signaling functions, the turnover of the phosphate groups on the inositol ring, has been hampered by slow uptake, high dilution, and constraining growth conditions in radioactive pulse-labeling approaches. Here, we demonstrate rapid (seconds to minutes), non-radioactive labeling of inositol polyphosphates through18O-water in yeast, amoeba and human cells, which can be applied in any media. In combination with capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry,18O-water labeling simultaneously dissects thein vivophosphate group dynamics of a broad spectrum of even rare inositol phosphates. The improved temporal resolution allowed us to discover vigorous phosphate group exchanges in some inositol poly- and pyrophosphates, whereas others remain remarkably inert. Our observations support a model in which the biosynthetic pathway of inositol poly- and pyrophosphates is organized in distinct, kinetically separated pools. While transfer of compounds between those pools is slow, each pool undergoes rapid internal phosphate cycling. This might enable the pools to perform distinct signaling functions while being metabolically connected.
Combining data independent acquisition with spike-in SILAC (DIA-SiS) improves proteome coverage and quantification
Authors: Welter Anna Sophie , Gerwien Maximilian , Kerridge Robert , Alp Keziban Merve , Mertins Philipp , Selbach Matthias
Published: May 2024

Data Independent Acquisition (DIA) is increasingly preferred over Data Dependent Acquisition (DDA) due to its higher throughput and fewer missing values. Whereas DDA often utilizes stable isotope labeling to improve quantification, DIA mostly relies on label-free approaches. Efforts to integrate DIA with isotope labeling include chemical methods like mTRAQ and dimethyl labeling, which, while effective, complicate sample preparation. Stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) achieves high labeling efficiency through the metabolic incorporation of heavy labels into proteinsin vivo. However, the need for metabolic incorporation limits the direct use in clinical scenarios. Spike-in SILAC methods utilize an externally generated heavy sample as an internal reference, enabling SILAC-based quantification even for samples that cannot be directly labeled. Here, we combine DIA with spike-in SILAC (DIA-SiS), leveraging the robust quantification of SILAC without the complexities associated with chemical labeling. We developed and rigorously validated DIA-SiS through a mixed-species benchmark to assess its performance in proteome coverage and quantification. We demonstrate that DIA-SiS significantly improves proteome coverage and quantification compared to label-free approaches and reduces the incidence of incorrectly quantified proteins. Additionally, DIA-SiS proves effective in analyzing proteins in low-input formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections. DIA-SiS combines the precision of stable isotope-based quantification with the simplicity of label-free sample preparation, facilitating simple, accurate and comprehensive proteome profiling.
Protective role of parenthood on age-related brain function in mid- to late-life
Authors: Orchard Edwina R. , Chopra Sidhant , Ooi Leon Q.R. , Chen Pansheng , An Lijun , Jamadar Sharna D. , Yeo B.T. Thomas , Rutherford Helena J.V. , Holmes Avram J.
Published: May 2024

The experience of parenthood can profoundly alter one’s body, mind, and environment, yet we know little about the long-term associations between parenthood and brain function and aging in adulthood. Here, we investigate the link between number of children parented (parity) and age on brain function in 19,964 females and 17,607 males from the UK Biobank. In both females and males, increased parity was positively associated with functional connectivity, particularly within the somato/motor network. Critically, the spatial topography of parity-linked effects was inversely correlated with the impact of age on functional connectivity across the brain for both females and males, suggesting that a higher number of children is associated with patterns of brain function in the opposite direction to age-related alterations. These results indicate that the changes accompanying parenthood may confer benefits to brain health across the lifespan, highlighting the importance of future work to understand the associated mechanisms.
Determinants of the DivergentSalmonellaandShigellaEpithelial Colonization Strategies Resolved in Human Enteroids and Colonoids
Authors: Geiser Petra , Martino Maria Letizia Di , Lopes Ana C. C. , Bergholtz Alexandra , Sundbom Magnus , Skogar Martin , Graf Wilhelm , Webb Dominic-Luc , Hellström Per M. , Eriksson Jens , Sellin Mikael E.
Published: May 2024

Despite close relatedness, the major enteropathogensSalmonellaandShigelladiffer in infectious dose, pathogenesis, and disease kinetics. The prototype strainsSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium (Salmonella) andShigella flexneri(Shigella) use Type-3-secretion-systems (T3SSs) to colonize intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), but have evolved partially unique sets of T3SS effectors and accessory virulence factors. A synthesis of how these differences impact the temporal progression of infection in non-transformed human epithelia is missing. Here, we followedSalmonellaandShigellainfections of human enteroids and colonoids by time-lapse imaging to pinpoint virulence factor modules that shape the divergent epithelial colonization strategies. By an apical targeting module that integrates flagella and the SPI-4-encoded adhesin system with T3SS,Salmonellaaccomplishes appreciable numbers of apical invasion events, promptly terminated by IEC death, and thus fostering a polyclonal iterative epithelial colonization strategy. The lack of a corresponding module inShigellamakes this pathogen reliant on external factors such as preexisting damage for rare apical access to the intraepithelial environment. However,Shigellacompensates for this ineptness by an intraepithelial expansion module, where tight coupling of OspC3-dependent temporal delay of cell death and IcsA-mediated lateral spread enables intraepithelialShigellato outrun the IEC death response, fostering an essentially monoclonal colonization strategy.
Phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate drives the formation of EGFR and EphA2 complexes
Authors: Singh Pradeep Kumar , Rybak Jennifer A , Schuck Ryan J , Barrera Francisco N , Smith Adam W.
Published: May 2024

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) regulate many cellular functions and are important targets in pharmaceutical development, particularly in cancer treatment. EGFR and EphA2 are two key RTKs that are associated with oncogenic phenotypes. Several studies have reported functional interplay between these receptors, but the mechanism of interaction is still unresolved. Here we utilize a time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy called PIE-FCCS to resolve EGFR and EphA2 interactions in live cells. We tested the role of ligands and found that EGF, but not ephrin A1 (EA1), stimulated hetero-multimerization between the receptors. To determine the effect of anionic lipids, we targeted phospholipase C (PLC) activity to alter the abundance of phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate (PIP2). We found that higher PIP2levels increased homo-multimerization of both EGFR and EphA2, as well as hetero-multimerization. This study provides a direct characterization of EGFR and EphA2 interactions in live cells and shows that PIP2can have a substantial effect on the spatial organization of RTKs.
Niche-aware metagenomic screening for enzyme methioninase illuminates its contribution to metabolic syntrophy
Authors: Khamespanah Erfan , Asad Sedigheh , Vanak Zeynab , Mehrshad Maliheh
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The single step methioninase-mediated degradation of methionine (as a sulfur containing amino acid) is a reaction at the interface of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and methane metabolism in microbes. This enzyme is also a therapeutic target for its role in starving auxotrophic cancer cells. Applying our refinedin-silicoscreening pipeline on 33,469 publicly available genome assemblies and 1878 MAGs/SAGs from brackish waters of the Caspian Sea and the Fennoscandian shield deep groundwater resulted in recovering 1845 methioninases. The majority of recovered methioninases belong to representatives of phyla Proteobacteria (50%), Firmicutes (29%), and Firmicutes_A (13%). Prevalence of methioninase among anaerobic microbes and in the anoxic deep groundwater together with the relevance of its products for energy conservation in anaerobic metabolism highlights such environments as desirable targets for screening novel methioninases and resolving its contribution to microbial metabolism and interactions. Among archaea, majority of detected methioninsaes are from representatives ofMethanosarcinathat are able to use methanethiol, the sulfur containing product from methionine degradation, as a precursor for methanogenesis. Branching just outside these archaeal methioninases in the phylogenetic tree we recovered 3 methioninases belonging to representatives of Patescibacteria reconstructed from deep groundwater metagenomes. We hypothesize that methioninase in Patescibacteria could contribute to their syntrophic interactions where their methanogenic partners/hosts benefit from the produced 2-oxobutyrate and methanethiol.
Modulation of aggression by social novelty recognition memory in the hippocampal CA2 region
Authors: Villegas Andres , Siegelbaum Steven A.
Published: May 2024

The dorsal CA2 subregion (dCA2) of the hippocampus exerts a critical role in social novelty recognition (SNR) memory and in the promotion of social aggression. Whether the social aggression and SNR memory functions of dCA2 are related or represent independent processes is unknown. Here we investigated the hypotheses that an animal is more likely to attack a novel compared to familiar animal and that dCA2 promotes social aggression through its ability to discriminate between novel and familiar conspecifics. To test these ideas, we conducted a multi-day resident intruder (R-I) test of aggression towards novel and familiar conspecifics. We found that mice were more likely to attack a novel compared to familiarized intruder and that silencing of dCA2 caused a more profound inhibition of aggression towards a novel than familiarized intruder. To explore whether and how dCA2 pyramidal neurons encode aggression, we recorded their activity using microendoscopic calcium imaging throughout the days of the R-I test. We found that a fraction of dCA2 neurons were selectively activated or inhibited during exploration, dominance, and attack behaviors and that these signals were enhanced during interaction with a novel compared to familiarized conspecific. Based on dCA2 population activity, a set of binary linear classifiers accurately decoded whether an animal was engaged in each of these forms of social behavior. Of particular interest, the accuracy of decoding aggression was greater with novel compared to familiarized intruders, with significant cross-day decoding using the same familiar animal on each day but not for a familiar-novel pair. Together, these findings demonstrate that dCA2 integrates information about social novelty with signals of behavioral state to promote aggression towards novel conspecifics.
Variable patterns of retrotransposition in different HeLa strains provide mechanistic insights into SINE RNA mobilization processes
Authors: Moldovan John B. , Kopera Huira C. , Liu Ying , Garcia-Canadas Marta , Catalina Purificacion , Leone Paola E. , Sanchez Laura , Kitzman Jacob O. , Kidd Jeffrey M. , Garcia-Perez Jose Luis , Moran John V.
Published: May 2024

Aluelements are non-autonomous Short INterspersed Elements (SINEs) derived from the7SL RNAgene that are present at over one million copies in human genomic DNA.Alumobilizes by a mechanism known as retrotransposition, which requires the Long INterspersed Element-1 (LINE-1 or L1)ORF2-encoded protein (ORF2p). Here, we demonstrate that HeLa strains differ in their capacity to supportAluretrotransposition. HumanAluelements retrotranspose efficiently in HeLa-HA and HeLa-CCL2 (Alu-permissive) strains, but not in HeLa-JVM or HeLa-H1 (Alu-nonpermissive) strains. A similar pattern of retrotransposition was observed for other7SL RNA-derived SINEs andtRNA-derived SINEs. In contrast, mammalian LINE-1s, a zebrafish LINE, a humanSINE-VNTR-Alu(SVA) element, and anL1 ORF1-containing messenger RNA can retrotranspose in all four HeLa strains. Using anin vitroreverse transcriptase-based assay, we show thatAluRNAs associate with ORF2p and are converted into cDNAs in bothAlu-permissive andAlu-nonpermissive HeLa strains, suggesting that7SL- andtRNA-derived SINE RNAs use strategies to ‘hijack′ L1 ORF2p that are distinct from those used bySVAelements andORF1-containing mRNAs. These data further suggest ORF2p associates with theAluRNA poly(A) tract in bothAlu-permissive andAlu-nonpermissive HeLa strains, but thatAluretrotransposition is blocked after this critical step inAlu-nonpermissive HeLa strains.
Beyond Industry 4.0: a systematic review of Industry 5.0 technologies and implications for social, environmental and economic sustainability
Authors: Ghobakhloo Morteza , Iranmanesh Mohammad , Fathi Masood , Rejeb Abderahman , Foroughi Behzad , Nikbin Davoud
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The study seeks to understand the possible opportunities that Industry 5.0 might offer for various aspects of inclusive sustainability. The study aims to discuss existing perspectives on the classification of Industry 5.0 technologies and their underlying role in materializing the sustainability values of this agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The study systematically reviewed Industry 5.0 literature based on the PRISMA protocol. The study further employed a detailed content-centric review of eligible documents and conducted evidence mapping to fulfill the research objectives.

Findings

The advancement of Industry 5.0 is currently underway, with noteworthy initial contributions enriching its knowledge base. Although a unanimous definition remains lacking, diverse viewpoints emerge concerning the recognition of fundamental technologies and the potential for yielding sustainable outcomes. The expected contribution of Industry 5.0 to sustainability varies significantly depending on the context and the nature of underlying technologies.

Practical implications

Industry 5.0 holds the potential for advancing sustainability at both the firm and supply chain levels. It is envisioned to contribute proportionately to the three sustainability dimensions. However, the current discourse primarily dwells in theoretical and conceptual domains, lacking empirical exploration of its practical implications.

Originality/value

This study comprehensively explores diverse perspectives on Industry 5.0 technologies and their potential contributions to economic, environmental and social sustainability. Despite its promise, the practical evidence supporting the effectiveness of Industry 5.0 remains limited. Certain conditions are necessary to realize the benefits of Industry 5.0 fully, yet the mechanisms behind these conditions require further investigation. In this regard, the study suggests several potential areas for future research.
Hygrothermal buckling analysis of thin rectangular FGM plate with variable thickness
Authors: Islam Tasneem Firdous , Kedar G.D.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute novel insights into the analysis of thin functionally graded material (FGM) plates with variable thickness, considering both temperature-dependent and independent material properties, focusing on critical linear buckling temperature rise and the effect of critical linear moisture for various moisture concentrations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study derives stability and equilibrium equations for thin rectangular FGM plates under hygrothermal loading, employing classical plate theory (CPT). Buckling behavior is examined using Galerkin’s method to obtain pre-buckling force resultants.

Findings

The findings highlight significant increases in critical buckling temperature with aspect ratio, distinct temperature sensitivity between materials and increasing moisture susceptibility with larger aspect ratios. These insights inform material selection and design optimization for FGM plates under hygrothermal loading, enhancing engineering applications.

Research limitations/implications

This research primarily focuses on hypothetical scenarios and mathematical model development and analysis.

Originality/value

This paper presents original contributions in the field by addressing the hygrothermal buckling analysis of thin FGM rectangular plates with variable thickness, utilizing CPT, thereby enriching the understanding of structural behavior in varying environmental conditions.
Experimental and numerical analysis on shear capacity of steel-reinforced geopolymer concrete beams with different shear span ratios
Authors: Jiang Jiahao , Liu Jinliang , Cao Shuolei , Cao Sheng , Dong Rui , Wu Yusen
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to use the corrected stress field theory to derive the shear capacity of geopolymer concrete beams (GPC) and consider the shear-span ratio as a major factor affecting the shear capacity. This research aims to provide guidance for studying the shear capacity of GPC and to observe how the failure modes of beams change with the variation of the shear-span ratio, thereby discovering underlying patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

Three test beams with shear span ratios of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 are investigated in this paper. For GPC beams with shear-span ratios of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5, ultimate capacities are 337kN, 235kN and 195kN, respectively. Transitioning from 1.5 to 2.0 results in a 30% decrease in capacity, a reduction of 102kN. Moving from 2.0 to 2.5 sees a 17% decrease, with a loss of 40KN in capacity. A shear capacity formula, derived from modified compression field theory and considering concrete shear strength, stirrups and aggregate interlocking force, was validated through finite element modeling. Additionally, models with shear ratios of 1 and 3 were created to observe crack propagation patterns.

Findings

For GPC beams with shear-span ratios of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5, ultimate capacities of 337KN, 235KN and 195KN are achieved, respectively. A reduction in capacity of 102KN occurs when transitioning from 1.5 to 2.0 and a decrease of 40KN is observed when moving from 2.0 to 2.5. The average test-to-theory ratio, at 1.015 with a variance of 0.001, demonstrates strong agreement. ABAQUS models beams with ratios ranging from 1.0 to 3.0, revealing crack trends indicative of reduced crack angles with higher ratios. The failure mode observed in the models aligns with experimental results.

Originality/value

This article provides a reference for the shear bearing capacity formula of geopolymer reinforced concrete (GRC) beams, addressing the limited research in this area. Additionally, an exponential model incorporating the shear-span ratio as a variable was employed to calculate the shear capacity, based on previous studies. Moreover, the analysis of shear capacity results integrated literature from prior research. By fitting previous experimental data to the proposed formula, the accuracy of this study's derived formula was further validated, with theoretical values aligning well with experimental results. Additionally, guidance is offered for utilizing ABAQUS in simulating the failure process of GRC beams.
A new conceptual model for consumer willingness to pay premium prices for sustainable products
Authors: Nazarenko Ekaterina , Saleh Mahmoud Ibraheam
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop an integrated conceptual framework to better understand the psychological pathways connecting consumer perceptions to purchasing intentions for premium sustainable products.

Design/methodology/approach

The study develops a conceptual model that theorizes relationships between consumer perceptions of a firm’s innovation, competitive advantage, sustainable practices and stakeholder orientation. It proposes that stakeholder orientation mediates the effects of these perceptions on consumers’ willingness to purchase premium sustainable products. Additionally, lifestyle is hypothesized as a moderator. The model advances knowledge through eight testable propositions.

Findings

The conceptual framework specifies indirect, mediated and moderated relationships that have not been fully captured by past literature. It theorizes that perceptions of a firm’s innovation, competitive advantage from sustainable practices and stakeholder orientation indirectly influence purchase willingness through the mediating role of stakeholder orientation. Lifestyle is proposed to moderate these relationships.

Originality/value

This conceptual model offers insights for cultivating consumer perceptions that strengthen a firm’s stakeholder image and endorsement of premium sustainable products. Its validated theoretical lens and propositions can provide strategic guidance for addressing the challenges of higher price points for sustainable products through capturing psychological drivers of values-based decision-making. Future empirical assessment is recommended to validate the specified relationships in the model.
Gap expansion is the dominant driver of canopy openings in a temperate mountain forest landscape
Authors: Krüger Kirsten , Senf Cornelius , Jucker Tommaso , Pflugmacher Dirk , Seidl Rupert
Published: May 2024

Natural disturbances are important drivers of forest dynamics, and canopy gaps are their fingerprints in forest ecosystems. Gaps form and persist because of the interplay of tree mortality and regeneration. They can have long‐lasting impacts on ecosystems, yet the temporal dynamics of gap formation and closure remains poorly quantified.

We analysed 11,331 canopy gaps and their changes through time across 3999 ha of unmanaged temperate mountain forests at Berchtesgaden National Park (Germany). We assessed gap formation and closure using three repeat lidar acquisitions between 2009 and 2021, analysing canopy height changes at 1 m horizontal resolution. Our objective was to determine the dominant mode of gap formation, distinguishing the creation of new gaps from the expansion of existing ones. Additionally, we studied the rate of gap closure, considering closure from tree regeneration and lateral crown expansion.

Gap formation was primarily driven by gap expansion rather than the initiation of new gaps. Gap expansion accounted for 81.3% of gap formation, although new gaps were on average twice as large as gap expansions. Only 1.4% of gaps did not expand over the 12‐year study period, and Norway spruce forests had the highest rate of gap expansion.

Overall, gap closure rate (0.74 ha 100 ha−1 year−1) was higher than gap formation (0.58 ha 100 ha−1 year−1) in our study system. Ingrowth of the regenerating tree cohort was the primary mode of gap closure, with lateral crown expansion accounting for 20% of all gap area closed. Mixed‐species stands had the highest rate of gap closure, and gaps <0.1 ha closed faster than larger gaps.

Synthesis. While canopy openings are generally small in the European Alps, we show that they keep growing over multiple years, underlining that gap expansion is an important driver of temperate forest dynamics. Canopy gaps closed faster than they were created, highlighting the resilience of European mountain forests to natural disturbances. However, as disturbances are projected to increase under climate change, this resilience might be challenged in the future, requiring a continuous monitoring of gap dynamics as an important early warning indicator of forest change.
Convergent validity between the school‐age versions of the Sensory Processing Measure 2 (SPM2) and the Sensory Profile 2 (SP2): A pilot study
Authors: Jones Sarah , Yu Mong‐Lin , Brown Ted
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The Sensory Processing Measure 2 (SPM2) and the Sensory Profile 2 (SP2) are two sensory processing scales often used by occupational therapists. The SPM2 and SP2 both claim to assess aspects of children's sensory processing. This cross‐sectional study examined the convergent validity of the SPM2‐Home Form (SPM2‐HF) and Child SP2 for school‐aged neurotypical children.

Methods

Thirty parents/caregivers of neurotypical children aged 7 to 12 completed the SPM2‐HF and the Child SP2 about their child. Spearman rho's correlation coefficient with bootstrapping was used to investigate the correlations among the sensory, behavioural, and quadrant scores of the Child SP2 and SPM2‐HF subscale scores.

Consumer and Community Involvement

Given the topic, consumers and community members were not involved in the design, execution, or write up of the study results.

Results

Several statistically significant correlations were found between the sensory and quadrant subscales of the Child SP2 with the SPM‐HF. Strong to moderate correlations were established between the sensory subscales of the Child SP2 and the SPM2‐HF, ranging from 0.40 to 0.74 (p < 0.05). Additionally, correlations between the quadrant subscales of the Child SP2 and the subscales of the SPM2‐HF ranged from weak (0.38) to strong (0.77) correlations (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results provide evidence of convergent validity between the SPM2‐HF and Child SP2 for neurotypical school‐aged children. Further research on the psychometric properties of the SPM2‐HF and Child SP2 is recommended.
Influence of childhood trauma and traumatic stress on a woman's risk of having a child with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Authors: Parker Michelle , May Philip A. , Marais Anna‐Susan , de Vries Marlene , Kalberg Wendy O. , Buckley David , Hasken Julie , Hoyme H. Eugene , Seedat Soraya
Published: May 2024

Background

Maternal risk factors for having a child diagnosed on the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) continuum are complex and include not only the quantity, frequency, and timing of alcohol use but also a woman's physical stature, socio‐economic status, and pregnancy‐related factors. Exposure to trauma may predispose women to a range of physiological and mental disorders. A woman's mental and physical health may in turn influence her probability of having a child with FASD. This study investigated the role of maternal childhood trauma and lifetime traumatic stress on prenatal alcohol consumption and on the risk of having a child with FASD.

Methods

A nested, case‐control study was conducted for maternal risk assessment. Study participants were mothers of first‐grade learners from five rural communities in the Western Cape Province of South Africa who were assessed for FASD. Face‐to‐face surveys were conducted, which included mental health and trauma assessment questionnaires.

Results

In logistic regression analyses, higher maternal childhood trauma scores were associated with an increased likelihood of having a child diagnosed with FASD, although the increase in risk was modest (OR = 1.014, p = 0.015). In addition, structural equation modeling investigated relationships between maternal drinking, childhood trauma, traumatic stress, and a child's FASD diagnosis. Traumatic stress and drinking during pregnancy, but not lifetime alcohol use, were associated with maternal childhood trauma. Lifetime alcohol use influenced drinking during pregnancy, which in turn was significantly associated with having a child diagnosed on the continuum of FASD.

Conclusion

No direct influence of maternal childhood trauma on FASD diagnosis could be demonstrated. However, maternal trauma may indirectly contribute to the risk of having a child diagnosed with FASD.
Histological aspects of the renal sexual segment of Brazilian snakes of the Boidae family
Authors: Bento Heitor José , Ferreira Adelina , Rosa Janaina Marcela Assunção , de Campos Camila Gonçalves , da Silva Sávio Lucas Rodrigues , Curcio Felipe Franco , Pescador Caroline Argenta , da Paz Regina Celia Rodrigues
Published: May 2024

Snakes represent a wide and diverse group of species and have anatomical particularities, such as the renal sexual segment (RSS), a structure located in the kidneys and formed from the hypertrophy of the urinary ducts and nephrons. This study aims at describing the histological aspects of the RSS of Boa constrictor, Epicrates cenchria and Corallus hortulanus, all of which are Brazilian snake species from the Boidae family. The reproductive system and kidneys of five male specimens of E. cenchria, three male specimens of C. hortulanus and two male specimens of B. constrictor were obtained. Tissue samples were processed histologically and different stains used (Toluidine Blue, Alcian Blue and Periodic Acid Schiff). The histological evaluation of the RSS of E. cenchria, C. hortulanus and B. constrictor shows that the RSS in these species varies when comparing individuals in the reproductive period with those which are not. It also allows for the observation of the segment's secretory activity in animals in the reproductive stage (mature sperm in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules) as well as in those which are not. Finally, the histological evaluation also reveals the variation of the secretion product in individuals in the reproductive period, in those which are not, and also among individuals within the same reproductive stage.
Inability to start or complete upper secondary school strongly predicts unemployment and psychosocial and psychiatric adversities – A register‐based follow‐up study from southwestern Sweden
Authors: Landgren Valdemar , Lindblad Ida , Nylander Lena , Gillberg Christopher , Fernell Elisabeth
Published: May 2024

Aim

To study academic, social and psychiatric outcomes among adults in the general population in southwestern Sweden. Groups of individuals born in 1998 and ineligible, eligible but not completed, and eligible and completed upper secondary school were followed in 2020.

Methods

Data were retrieved from Statistics Sweden, the Swedish National Agency for Education, the Longitudinal Integrated Database for Health Insurance and Labour Market Studies, the Swedish National Crime Register and the National Patient Register. The four adverse outcomes neither engaging in post‐secondary studies nor having a regular salary, needing social benefits, having any criminal conviction, and having a psychiatric disorder at age ≥16 were examined.

Results

Of the final sample of 2706 individuals who had attended 9th grade of compulsory school in 2014, 273 (10%) were ineligible for upper secondary school. Of eligible individuals, 82 (3%) never started, 282 (10%) did not complete and 2065 (77%) completed upper secondary school. Compared with completers, the odds ratios for adverse outcomes were markedly increased for all other groups up to 22 years old.

Conclusion

Inability to start or complete upper secondary school strongly predicted unemployment and psychosocial and psychiatric adversities. School authorities should consider offering vocational programmes post compulsory school without grade restrictions.
The role of lncFABP4 in modulating adipogenic differentiation in buffalo intramuscular preadipocytes
Authors: Li Ruirui , Zhu Ruirui , Yang Xintong , Feng Ye , He Qin , Wang Haopeng , Liu Qingyou , Shi Deshun , Huang Jieping
Published: May 2024

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is a crucial determinant of meat quality and is influenced by various regulatory factors. Despite the growing recognition of the important role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in IMF deposition, the mechanisms underlying buffalo IMF deposition remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified and characterized a lncRNA, lncFABP4, which is transcribed from the antisense strand of fatty acid‐binding protein 4 (FABP4). lncFABP4 inhibited cell proliferation in buffalo intramuscular preadipocytes. Moreover, lncFABP4 significantly increased intramuscular preadipocyte differentiation, as indicated by an increase in the expression of the adipogenic markers peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARG), CCAAT enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), and FABP4. Mechanistically, lncFABP4 was found to have the potential to regulate downstream gene expression by participating in protein–protein interaction pathways. These findings contribute to further understanding of the intricate mechanisms through which lncRNAs modulate intramuscular adipogenesis in buffaloes.
Identification of the circRNA–miRNA–mRNA network for treating methamphetamine‐induced relapse and behavioral sensitization with cannabidiol
Authors: Liu Liu , Wang Chan , Wang Haowei , Miao Lin , Xie Tong , Tian Yunqing , Li Xiaodong , Huang Yizhen , Zeng Xiaofeng , Zhu Bofeng
Published: May 2024

Aims

This study aims to investigate the pharmacological effects and the underlying mechanism of cannabidiol (CBD) on methamphetamine (METH)‐induced relapse and behavioral sensitization in male mice.

Methods

The conditioned place preference (CPP) test with a biased paradigm and open‐field test were used to assess the effects of CBD on METH‐induced relapse and behavioral sensitization in male mice. RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis was employed to identify differential expressed (DE) circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of mice, and the interaction among them was predicted using competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) network analysis.

Results

Chronic administration of CBD (40 mg/kg) during the METH withdrawal phase alleviated METH (2 mg/kg)‐induced CPP reinstatement and behavioral sensitization in mice, as well as mood and cognitive impairments following behavioral sensitization. Furthermore, 42 DEcircRNAs, 11 DEmiRNAs, and 40 DEmRNAs were identified in the NAc of mice. The circMeis2‐miR‐183‐5p‐Kcnj5 network in the NAc of mice is involved in the effects of CBD on METH‐induced CPP reinstatement and behavioral sensitization.

Conclusions

This study constructed the ceRNAs network for the first time, revealing the potential mechanism of CBD in treating METH‐induced CPP reinstatement and behavioral sensitization, thus advancing the application of CBD in METH use disorders.
Integrated analysis of single cell‐RNA sequencing and Mendelian randomization identifies lactate dehydrogenase B as a target of melatonin in ischemic stroke
Authors: Shi Fei , Zhang Guiyun , Li Jinshi , Shu Liang , Yu Cong , Ren Dabin , Zhang Yisong , Zheng Ping
Published: May 2024

Aims

Despite the success of single‐cell RNA sequencing in identifying cellular heterogeneity in ischemic stroke, clarifying the mechanisms underlying these associations of differently expressed genes remains challenging. Several studies that integrate gene expression and gene expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) with genome wide‐association study (GWAS) data to determine their causal role have been proposed.

Methods

Here, we combined Mendelian randomization (MR) framework and single cell (sc) RNA sequencing to study how differently expressed genes (DEGs) mediating the effect of gene expression on ischemic stroke. The hub gene was further validated in the in vitro model.

Results

We identified 2339 DEGs in 10 cell clusters. Among these DEGs, 58 genes were associated with the risk of ischemic stroke. After external validation with eQTL dataset, lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) is identified to be positively associated with ischemic stroke. The expression of LDHB has also been validated in sc RNA‐seq with dominant expression in microglia and astrocytes, and melatonin is able to reduce the LDHB expression and activity in vitro ischemic models.

Conclusion

Our study identifies LDHB as a novel biomarker for ischemic stroke via combining the sc RNA‐seq and MR analysis.
Euro area banks' asset‐liability dependency and unconventional monetary policy over the years 2013–2021: Does size matter?
Authors: Curcio Domenico , Dell'Atti Stefano , Gianfrancesco Igor , Sylos Labini Stefania
Published: May 2024

Focusing on a sample of euro area commercial banks, we investigate the evolution of the asset‐liability dependency over the years 2013–2021, characterized by the introduction of monetary, supervisory and institutional policy measures that shaped a business environment never experienced before. We find that large banks show a stronger asset‐liability dependency than small banks, and that the linkages between the two sides of the balance sheet experience a general upward trend over time for both groups of intermediaries. We report evidence of the presence of two transmission channels of the unconventional monetary policy, namely, the direct pass‐through and the portfolio rebalancing.
Myers' divisions revisited: Contemporary evidence for distinct trait differences among global inland fishes
Authors: Cano‐Barbacil Carlos , Olden Julian D. , García‐Berthou Emili
Published: May 2024

Eighty years ago, George S. Myers classified inland fishes in three divisions (primary, secondary and peripheral) based on their salinity tolerance and eco‐evolutionary history. Although this classification has been followed by many fish studies, it has also received considerable criticism. Here, we aim to test for differences in salinity and thermal tolerance, species traits and distribution patterns among the three divisions using data for about 21,000 species. We found that primary fishes have much less salinity tolerance than secondary and peripheral species, with some secondary fishes displaying the highest tolerances (>100 ppt). We also provide, for the first time, evidence of significant phylogenetic signal of salinity tolerance, comparable in magnitude to conservative traits, and show that studied peripheral and secondary species have maintained or even developed salinity tolerance, in contrast to primary fishes. Although peripheral fishes are the most different, and despite the large variability observed within some families, primary and secondary species also show differences in morphology and life‐history traits. The distribution ranges and genetic diversity of primary and secondary fish divisions are similar and differ from peripheral species, suggesting that although there is evidence of oceanic dispersal of a few secondary fishes at evolutionary time scales, it is a rare contemporary phenomenon. Importantly, a few findings outlined in this study, namely, differences in salinity tolerance, rely on limited data. Thus, we urge for additional empirical research on the salinity tolerance of freshwater fish, which remains largely unexplored, to help clarify differences among and within clades.
Diagnostic performances of Fibrosis‐4 index and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease in Asian primary care clinics
Authors: Park Huiyul , Kim Mimi , Kim Hye‐Lin , Cho Seon , Yoon Eileen L. , Jun Dae Won
Published: May 2024

Aims

We aimed to explore the extent to which individuals previously diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) meet the criteria fulfilled with the new nomenclature, metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), within an Asian primary clinic cohort. Additionally, we assessed the reliability of the diagnostic performance of FIB‐4 and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) for MASLD within the primary clinic cohort.

Methods

This retrospective cross‐sectional study included participants who underwent magnetic resonance elastography and abdominal ultrasonography during their health checkups at nationwide health promotion centers (n = 6740).

Results

The prevalence rates of NAFLD and MASLD diagnosed based on ultrasonography results were 36.7% and 38.0%, respectively. Notably, 96.8% of patients in the NAFLD cohort fulfilled the new criteria for MASLD. A small proportion of patients with NAFLD (n = 80, 3.2%) did not meet the MASLD criteria. Additionally, 168 patients (6.6%) were newly added to the MASLD group. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for diagnosing advanced hepatic fibrosis for FIB‐4 (0.824 in NAFLD vs. 0.818 in MASLD, p = 0.891) and NFS (0.803 in NAFLD vs. 0.781 in MASLD, p = 0.618) were comparable between the MASLD and NAFLD groups. Furthermore, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of FIB‐4 and NFS for advanced fibrosis in MASLD were also comparable to those in NAFLD.

Conclusions

Most patients (96.8%) previously diagnosed with NAFLD fulfilled the new criteria for MASLD in an Asian primary clinic cohort. Diagnostic performance of FIB‐4 in the MASLD cohort demonstrated satisfactory results.
Discriminatory performance of the pulpal inflammatory biomarkers; Interleukin‐8 and TNF‐α in patients with symptoms indicative of reversible and irreversible pulpitis: A diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Nawal Ruchika Roongta , Yadav Sudha , Duncan Henry Fergus , Talwar Sangeeta , Kaushik Aishvarya , Singh Vijay K. , Koner Bidhan C.
Published: May 2024

Aim

The success of vital pulp treatment (VPT) procedures is dependent on an accurate diagnosis of the pulpal inflammatory condition. Compared with current subjective pulpal diagnostic tests, inflammatory molecular biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of pulpitis represent potential objective indicators of the degree of pulpal inflammation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify level of inflammatory biomarkers – Interleukin 8 (IL‐8) and TNF‐α in patients diagnosed with reversible pulpitis (RP), irreversible pulpitis (IR) and normal pulp (NP) and investigate their diagnostic accuracy in differentiating between healthy and inflamed conditions.

Methodology

This prospective, cross‐sectional study enrolled 72 patients aged 14–53 years with extremely deep carious lesions after establishing a clinical diagnosis of RP (n = 42), symptomatic IR (n = 22) and NP (n = 8). 50 μL of pulpal blood sample was collected from all the patients using a micropipette after pulpal exposure. The level of IL‐8 and TNF‐α was assessed in pg/mL using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Mann–Whitney U test was applied to establish the association between IL‐8/TNF‐α level and degree of pulp inflammation. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was carried out to calculate area under the curve (AUC) for RP versus IR. Cut‐off values were established using Youden's index.

Results

IL‐8 and TNF‐α levels differed significantly between RP and IR groups (p ≤ .001). The median value of IL‐8 in RP and IP groups was 259.8 pg/mL [187.5–310.0] and 1357.8 pg/mL [1036.7–2177.6] respectively. The AUC‐ROC curve for RP versus IR was 0.997 with 95.5% sensitivity and 99.76% specificity. The median value of TNF‐α in RP and IR groups was 75.4 pg/mL [62.7–95.8] and 157.6 pg/mL [94.1–347.3]. The AUC‐ROC curve for TNF‐α was 0.812 with a sensitivity and specificity of 59.1% and 92.1%, respectively. IL‐8 and TNF‐α levels were below detection levels for all NP samples.

Conclusion

This study showed that pulpal blood could provide an excellent medium for establishing pulpal diagnosis under extremely deep carious lesions. The selected cytokines, IL‐8 and TNF‐α, demonstrated excellent discriminatory performance for reversible and irreversible pulpitis. Future studies should correlate the IL‐8/TNF‐α levels with VPT treatment outcomes.
Risk and timing of isotretinoin‐related laboratory disturbances: a population‐based study
Authors: Emtenani Shirin , Abdelghaffar Mariam , Ludwig Ralf J. , Schmidt Enno , Kridin Khalaf
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Uncertainty surrounds the optimal routine laboratory monitoring in acne patients treated with isotretinoin.

Objective

Our aim was to evaluate the risk of mild and severe laboratory abnormalities in patients with acne starting isotretinoin versus oral antibiotic treatment.

Methods

A global population‐based retrospective cohort study assigned two groups of patients with acne‐prescribed isotretinoin (n = 79,012) and oral antibiotics (n = 79,012). Comprehensive propensity‐score matching was conducted.

Results

Compared to acne patients treated with oral antibiotics, those under isotretinoin demonstrated an increased risk of grade ≥3 hypertriglyceridemia (hazard ratio [HR], 7.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.58–11.05; P < 0.001) and grade ≥3 elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) levels (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.13–1.85; P = 0.003) within the initial 3 months of treatment. The absolute risk of these abnormalities among isotretinoin initiators was 0.4% and 0.2%, respectively. The risk difference of these findings was clinically marginal: 3 and 1 additional cases per 1,000 patients starting isotretinoin, respectively. There was no significant risk of grade ≥3 impairment in cholesterol, alanine transaminase, gamma‐glutamyl transferase, or creatinine levels under isotretinoin. Most laboratory abnormalities were documented 1–3 months after drug initiation in time‐stratified analysis.

Conclusion

Isotretinoin is associated with a clinically marginal increased risk of severe hypertriglyceridemia and hypertransaminasemia. Routine blood testing should be performed 1–3 months after commencing therapy.