bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stranded seaweeds (Gongolaria barbata): an opportunity for macroalgal forest restoration
Authors: Marletta Giuliana , Sacco Domenico , Danovaro Roberto , Bianchelli Silvia
Published: March 2024

Macroalgal forests play a crucial ecological role, providing important ecosystem services, but are also among the most vulnerable marine habitats. In the Mediterranean Sea, the forests of Cystoseira sensu lato (s.l.) are undergoing a drastic decline due to the presence of multiple stressors, and among these species, Gongolaria barbata is one of the most threatened. Despite the various attempts to restore these macroalgal forests, the success of the interventions is limited by the availability of fertile apices to promote zygotes release and the embryo development for subsequent replacement in situ. Here, we propose a new approach based on the use of G. barbata stranded on the beach for the restoration of these marine habitats. We developed a protocol based on the collection of stranded macroalgae to collect their fertile apices and produce healthy zygotes and embryos, whose recruits can be then returned at sea (through ad hoc hard substrates). We show that 3 months of incubation in mesocosms allow the recruits to reach an average length of 1–2 mm with an average density of 50–80 recruits per tile. We demonstrate that these recruits can survive and grow vigorously both in mesocosms, and after being outplanted at sea. The protocol presented here has the double advantage: (1) obtaining recruits without impacting the natural populations and (2) providing a second life to macroalgal fragments (through ecological restoration) that would otherwise be lost.
N2‐Acetylornithine deacetylase functions as a Cys‐Gly dipeptidase in the cytosolic glutathione degradation pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Miyaji Shunsuke , Ito Takehiro , Kitaiwa Taisuke , Nishizono Kosuke , Agake Shin‐Ichiro , Harata Hiroki , Aoyama Haruna , Umahashi Minori , Sato Muneo , Inaba Jun , Fushinobu Shinya , Yokoyama Tadashi , Maruyama‐Nakashita Akiko , Hirai Masami Yokota , Ohkama‐Ohtsu Naoko
Published: March 2024

Glutathione (GSH) is required for various physiological processes in plants, including redox regulation and detoxification of harmful compounds. GSH also functions as a repository for assimilated sulfur and is actively catabolized in plants. In Arabidopsis, GSH is mainly degraded initially by cytosolic enzymes, γ‐glutamyl cyclotransferase, and γ‐glutamyl peptidase, which release cysteinylglycine (Cys‐Gly). However, the subsequent enzyme responsible for catabolizing this dipeptide has not been identified to date. In the present study, we identified At4g17830 as a Cys‐Gly dipeptidase, namely cysteinylglycine peptidase 1 (CGP1). CGP1 complemented the phenotype of the yeast mutant that cannot degrade Cys‐Gly. The Arabidopsis cgp1 mutant had lower Cys‐Gly degradation activity than the wild type and showed perturbed concentrations of thiol compounds. Recombinant CGP1 showed reasonable Cys‐Gly degradation activity in vitro. Metabolomic analysis revealed that cgp1 exhibited signs of severe sulfur deficiency, such as elevated accumulation of O‐acetylserine (OAS) and the decrease in sulfur‐containing metabolites. Morphological changes observed in cgp1, including longer primary roots of germinating seeds, were also likely associated with sulfur starvation. Notably, At4g17830 has previously been reported to encode an N2‐acetylornithine deacetylase (NAOD) that functions in the ornithine biosynthesis. The cgp1 mutant did not show a decrease in ornithine content, whereas the analysis of CGP1 structure did not rule out the possibility that CGP1 has Cys‐Gly dipeptidase and NAOD activities. Therefore, we propose that CGP1 is a Cys‐Gly dipeptidase that functions in the cytosolic GSH degradation pathway and may play dual roles in GSH and ornithine metabolism.
Perpetual cutoff method and discrete Ricci curvature bounds with exceptions
Authors: Münch Florentin
Published: March 2024

One of the main obstacles regarding Bakry–Emery curvature on graphs is that the results require a global uniform lower curvature bounds where no exception sets are allowed. We overcome this obstacle by introducing the perpetual cutoff method. As applications, we prove gradient estimates only requiring curvature bounds on parts of the graph. Moreover, we sharply upper bound the distance to the exception set for graphs having uniformly positive Bakry–Emery curvature everywhere but on the exception set.
Mid-infrared emission of germanium-tin films produced by sputtering
Authors: Hernández-Montero William W. , Zúñiga-Islas Carlos
Published: March 2024

In this work, the synthesis of germanium-tin (GeSn) films by magnetron sputtering is reported. A fractional factorial experiment was conducted; the varied factors were temperature, power applied to Ge target by a radio-frequency source, and power applied to the Sn target by a direct-current source. Vibrational modes, film composition, morphology, deposition rate, dark conductivity, Raman spectra, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the GeSn films were analyzed. Mid-infrared spectrum of emission and absorption was obtained by FTIR electroluminescence (EL) spectroscopy in the range of 400–4000cm−1, thermal emission was monitored by a FLIR camera in the range of 8–14μm, and power emitted from the GeSn films was measured in the range of 2.7–5.3μm by means of a InAsSb photodetector; results obtained by these approaches at room temperature and low-field bias were consistent. Sample Ge0.71Sn0.29 exhibited Ge Raman crystalline fraction of 85%; from FTIR EL spectrum were observed peaks of absorption located at 1084, and 606 cm−1 that was attributed to Si−Si bonds from the c-Si substrate, as well as broadband attenuation of 2% in the range of 1500−3500cm−1, this behavior was associated to the self-heating of this sample at 90 °C. Sample Ge0.3Sn0.7 showed Raman crystalline fraction of 16 and 22% for Ge and Sn, respectively; from FTIR EL spectrum were observed peaks of emission located at 2.74 μm (0.452 eV) and 6.66 μm (0.186 eV), as well as broadband emission in the range of 600–2000 cm−1 attributed to Planck’s law at a temperature of 45 °C; these results were correlated to the proper content of Ge and Sn, fluctuating current, and polymorphic morphology of this sample.
The S–S bridge mutation between the A2 and A4 loops (T416C-I432C) of Cel7A of
Aspergillus fumigatus
enhances catalytic activity and thermostability
Authors: Dodda Subba Reddy , Hossain Musaddique , Mondal Sudipa , Das Shalini , Khator (Jain) Sneha , Aikat Kaustav , Mukhopadhyay Sudit S.
Published: March 2024

Disulfide bonds are important for maintaining the structural conformation and stability of the protein. The introduction of the disulfide bond is a promising strategy to increase the thermostability of the protein. In this report, cysteine residues are introduced to form disulfide bonds in the Glycoside Hydrolase family GH 7 cellobiohydrolase (GH7 CBHs) or Cel7A of
Aspergillus fumigatus
. Disulfide by Design 2.0 (DbD2), an online tool is used for the detection of the mutation sites. Mutations are created (D276C-G279C; DSB1, D322C-G327C; DSB2, T416C-I432C; DSB3, G460C-S465C; DSB4) inside and outside of the peripheral loops but, not in the catalytic region. The introduction of cysteine in the A2 and A4 loop of DSB3 mutant showed higher thermostability (70% activity at 70°C), higher substrate affinity (K
m
= 0.081 mM) and higher catalytic activity (K
cat
= 9.75 min
−1
; K
cat
/K
m
= 120.37 mM min
−1
) compared to wild-type
Af
Cel7A (50% activity at 70°C; K
m
= 0.128 mM; K
cat
= 4.833 min
−1
; K
cat
/K
m
= 37.75 mM min
−1
). The other three mutants with high B factor showed loss of thermostability and catalytic activity. Molecular dynamic simulations revealed that the mutation T416C-I432C makes the tunnel wider (DSB3: 13.6 Å; Wt: 5.3 Å) at the product exit site, giving flexibility in the entrance region or mobility of the substrate in the exit region. It may facilitate substrate entry into the catalytic tunnel and release the product faster than the wild type, whereas in other mutants, the tunnel is not prominent (DSB4), the exit is lost (DSB1), and the ligand binding site is absent (DSB2). This is the first report of the gain of function of both thermostability and enzyme activity of cellobiohydrolase Cel7A by disulfide bond engineering in the loop.

IMPORTANCE

Bioethanol is one of the cleanest renewable energy and alternatives to fossil fuels. Cost efficient bioethanol production can be achieved through simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation that needs active polysaccharide degrading enzymes. Cellulase enzyme complex is a crucial enzyme for second-generation bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass. Cellobiohydrolase (Cel7A) is an important member of this complex. In this work, we engineered (disulfide bond engineering) the Cel7A to increase its thermostability and catalytic activity which is required for its industrial application.
An environmental justice fictional case study for engaging non-majors in human biology
Authors: Peters John Jacob
Published: March 2024

The impacts of climate change are and will continue to be far-reaching, and environmental justice communities are disproportionately impacted due to environmental racism and related forms of oppression. Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education encourages that the connection between science and society be explicitly taught in science classrooms. Here, I describe a fictional case study where students decide how to allocate a budget at a non-profit organization tasked with mitigating environmental issues in a town that contains environmental justice communities. Students are each assigned a role in the community and must reach a consensus on their budget in small groups before the whole class votes on a consensus budget. Afterward, students perform a metacognitive activity that encourages them to reflect on the human health impacts of their decisions and how their role impacted their decision-making process. Quantitative and qualitative feedback from students shows that by the end of the course, students appreciate the importance of science literacy in understanding global issues and that they are able to connect environmental justice to their lives and coursework. This case study helps fill an unmet need in climate change education by allowing students to practice empathy in topics related to climate change and environmental justice.
Plasminogen activator urokinase interacts with the fusion protein and antagonizes the growth of Peste des petits ruminants virus
Authors: Wu Junhuang , Yang Wenping , Li Lingxia , Wu Jingyan , He Jijun , Ru Yi , Ren Jingjing , Wang Yong , Zheng Haixue , Shang Youjun , Li Dan
Published: March 2024

Peste des petits ruminants is an acute and highly contagious disease caused by the Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV). Host proteins play a crucial role in viral replication. However, the effect of fusion (F) protein-interacting partners on PPRV infection is poorly understood. In this study, we found that the expression of goat plasminogen activator urokinase (PLAU) gradually decreased in a time- and dose-dependent manner in PPRV-infected goat alveolar macrophages (GAMs). Goat PLAU was subsequently identified using co-immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy as an F protein binding partner. The overexpression of goat PLAU inhibited PPRV growth and replication, whereas silencing goat PLAU promoted viral growth and replication. Additionally, we confirmed that goat PLAU interacted with a virus-induced signaling adapter (VISA) to antagonize F-mediated VISA degradation, increasing the production of type I interferon. We also found that goat PLAU reduced the inhibition of PPRV replication in VISA-knockdown GAMs. Our results show that the host protein PLAU inhibits the growth and replication of PPRV by VISA-triggering RIG-I-like receptors and provides insight into the host protein that antagonizes PPRV immunosuppression.

IMPORTANCE

The role of host proteins that interact with Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) fusion (F) protein in PPRV replication is poorly understood. This study confirmed that goat plasminogen activator urokinase (PLAU) interacts with the PPRV F protein. We further discovered that goat PLAU inhibited PPRV replication by enhancing virus-induced signaling adapter (VISA) expression and reducing the ability of the F protein to degrade VISA. These findings offer insights into host resistance to viral invasion and suggest new strategies and directions for developing PPR vaccines.
Discovery and characterization of novel DNA viruses in
Apis mellifera
: expanding the honey bee virome through metagenomic analysis
Authors: Kadlečková Dominika , Saláková Martina , Erban Tomáš , Tachezy Ruth
Published: March 2024

To date, many viruses have been discovered to infect honey bees. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing to expand the known virome of the honey bee,
Apis mellifera
, by identifying several novel DNA viruses. While the majority of previously identified bee viruses are RNA, our study reveals nine new genomes from the
Parvoviridae
family, tentatively named Bee densoviruses 1 to 9. In addition, we characterized a large DNA virus, Apis mellifera filamentous-like virus (AmFLV), which shares limited protein identities with the known Apis mellifera filamentous virus. The complete sequence of AmFLV, obtained by a combination of laboratory techniques and bioinformatics, spans 152,678 bp. Linear dsDNA genome encodes for 112 proteins, of which 49 are annotated. Another large virus we discovered is Apis mellifera nudivirus, which belongs to a group of
Alphanudivirus
. The virus has a length of 129,467 bp and a circular dsDNA genome, and has 106 protein encoding genes. The virus contains most of the core genes of the family
Nudiviridae
. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of viral binning in identifying viruses in honey bee virology, showcasing its initial application in this field.

IMPORTANCE

Honey bees contribute significantly to food security by providing pollination services. Understanding the virome of honey bees is crucial for the health and conservation of bee populations and also for the stability of the ecosystems and economies for which they are indispensable. This study unveils previously unknown DNA viruses in the honey bee virome, expanding our knowledge of potential threats to bee health. The use of the viral binning approach we employed in this study offers a promising method to uncovering and understanding the vast viral diversity in these essential pollinators.
Argonaute and Dicer are essential for communication between
Trichoderma atroviride
and fungal hosts during mycoparasitism
Authors: Enriquez-Felix Eli Efrain , Pérez-Salazar Camilo , Rico-Ruiz José Guillermo , Calheiros de Carvalho Ana , Cruz-Morales Pablo , Villalobos-Escobedo José Manuel , Herrera-Estrella Alfredo
Published: March 2024

Trichoderma
species are known for their mycoparasitic activity against phytopathogenic fungi that cause significant economic losses in agriculture. During mycoparasitism,
Trichoderma
spp. recognize molecules produced by the host fungus and release secondary metabolites and hydrolytic enzymes to kill and degrade the host’s cell wall. Here, we explored the participation of the
Trichoderma atroviride
RNAi machinery in the interaction with six phytopathogenic fungi of economic importance. We determined that both Argonaute-3 and Dicer-2 play an essential role during mycoparasitism. Using an RNA-Seq approach, we identified that perception, detox, and cell wall degradation depend on the
T. atroviride
-RNAi when interacting with
Alternaria alternata, Rhizoctonia solani
AG2
,
and
R. solani
AG5. Furthermore, we constructed a gene co-expression network that provides evidence of two gene modules regulated by RNAi, which play crucial roles in essential processes during mycoparasitism. In addition, based on small RNA-seq, we conclude that siRNAs regulate amino acid and carbon metabolism and communication during the
Trichoderma
-host interaction. Interestingly, our data suggest that siRNAs might regulate allorecognition (
het
) and transport genes in a cross-species manner. Thus, these results reveal a fine-tuned regulation in
T. atroviride
dependent on siRNAs that is essential during the biocontrol of phytopathogenic fungi, showing a greater complexity of this process than previously established.

IMPORTANCE

There is an increasing need for plant disease control without chemical pesticides to avoid environmental pollution and resistance, and the health risks associated with the application of pesticides are increasing. Employing
Trichoderma
species in agriculture to control fungal diseases is an alternative plant protection strategy that overcomes these issues without utilizing chemical fungicides. Therefore, understanding the biocontrol mechanisms used by
Trichoderma
species to antagonize other fungi is critical. Although there has been extensive research about the mechanisms involved in the mycoparasitic capability of
Trichoderma
species, there are still unsolved questions related to how
Trichoderma
regulates recognition, attack, and defense mechanisms during interaction with a fungal host. In this work, we report that the Argonaute and Dicer components of the RNAi machinery and the small RNAs they process are essential for gene regulation during mycoparasitism by
Trichoderma atroviride
.
Integrated bacterial transcriptome and host metabolome analysis reveals insights into “
Candidatus
Liberibacter asiaticus” population dynamics in the fruit pith of three citrus cultivars with different tolerance
Authors: Li Yun , Ma Ruifeng , Gao Chenying , Li Ziyi , Zheng Yongqin , Fang Fang , Wang Cheng , Li Guohua , Du Xiaozhen , Xu Changbao , Xu Meirong , Liu Rui , Deng Xiaoling , Zheng Zheng
Published: March 2024

“
Candidatus
Liberibacter asiaticus” (CLas), the causal agent of citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), is able to multiply to a high abundance in citrus fruit pith. However, little is known about the biological processes and phytochemical substances that are vital for CLas colonization and growth in fruit pith. In this study, CLas-infected fruit pith of three citrus cultivars (“Shatangju” mandarin, “Guanxi” pomelo, and “Shatian” pomelo) exhibiting different tolerance to CLas were collected and used for dual RNA-Seq and untargeted metabolome analysis. Comparative transcriptome analysis found that the activation of the CLas noncyclic TCA pathway and pathogenic-related effectors could contribute to the colonization and growth of CLas in fruit pith. The pre-established Type 2 prophage in the CLas genome and the induction of its CRISPR/
cas
system could enhance the phage resistance of CLas and, in turn, facilitate CLas population growth in fruit pith. CLas infection caused the accumulation of amino acids that were correlated with tolerance to CLas. The accumulation of most sugars and organic acids in CLas-infected fruit pith, which could be due to the phloem blockage caused by CLas infection, was thought to be beneficial for CLas growth in localized phloem tissue. The higher levels of flavonoids and terpenoids in the fruit pith of CLas-tolerant cultivars, particularly those known for their antimicrobial properties, could hinder the growth of CLas. This study advances our understanding of CLas multiplication in fruit pith and offers novel insight into metabolites that could be responsible for tolerance to CLas or essential to CLas population growth.

IMPORTANCE

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB, also called citrus greening disease) is a highly destructive disease currently threatening citrus production worldwide. HLB is caused by an unculturable bacterial pathogen, “
Candidatus
Liberibacter asiaticus” (CLas). However, the mechanism of CLas colonization and growth in citrus hosts is poorly understood. In this study, we utilized the fruit pith tissue, which was able to maintain the CLas at a high abundance, as the materials for dual RNA-Seq and untargeted metabolome analysis, aiming to reveal the biological processes and phytochemical substances that are vital for CLas colonization and growth. We provided a genome-wide CLas transcriptome landscape in the fruit pith of three citrus cultivars with different tolerance and identified the important genes/pathways that contribute to CLas colonization and growth in the fruit pith. Metabolome profiling identified the key metabolites, which were mainly affected by CLas infection and influenced the population dynamic of CLas in fruit pith.
Development of the Children’s ACuTe UltraSound (CACTUS) point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)-accredited training in the UK: a descriptive study
Authors: Griksaitis Michael J , Zoica Bogdana , Raffaj Dusan , Stephens Jennie , Sarfatti Avishay , Rajagopal Veena , Hargadon-Lowe Antonia , Green Jessica , Shires Peter , Skevington-Postles Louis , Davies Patrick
Published: March 2024

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an established, evidence-supported tool that can be used in neonatal and paediatric medicine, offering clinicians immediate diagnostic insights, assessment of interventions and improved safety profiles and success rate of various procedures. Its effective use requires an established education programme, governance and standardisation to ensure competence in this skill. While adult clinical practice has established POCUS training protocols, this had not been replicated in paediatrics. This article describes the development and launch of the UK’s inaugural accredited paediatric-specific POCUS curriculum and training pathway: the ‘Children’s ACuTe UltraSound’ course, addressing this significant gap in paediatric healthcare education and describing the training delivered and available for paediatricians and allied health professionals working with children.
Variation in the relationship between fasting glucose and HbA1c: implications for the diagnosis of diabetes in different age and ethnic groups
Authors: Ram Yashesvini , Xu Yongjin , Cheng Alan , Dunn Timothy , Ajjan Ramzi A
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Identify non-glycemic factors affecting the relationship between fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), in order to refine diabetes diagnostic criteria.

Research design and methods

Relationship between FPG–HbA1c was assessed in 12 531 individuals from 2001 to 2018 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Using a recently described method, FPG and HbA1c were used to calculate apparent glycation ratio (AGR) of red blood cells for different subgroups based on age, race, and gender.

Results

At an FPG of 7 mmol/L, black individuals had a higher HbA1c (p<0.001, mean: 50.2 mmol/mol, 95% CI (49.8 to 50.4)) compared with white individuals (47.4 mmol/mol (47.2 to 47.5)). This corresponds to NGSP (National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program) units of 6.7% and 6.5% for black versus white individuals, respectively. Similarly, individuals under 21 years had lower HbA1c (p<0.001, 47.9 mmol/mol (47.7 to 48.1), 6.5%) compared with those over 50 years (48.3 mmol/mol (48.2 to 48.5), 6.6%). Differences were also observed between women (p<0.001, 49.2 mmol/mol (49.1 to 49.3), 6.7%) and men (47.0 mmol/mol (46.8 to 47.1), 6.5%). Of note, the difference in HbA1c at FPG of 7 mmol/L in black females over 50 and white males under 21 years was 5 mmol/mol (0.46%). AGR differences according to race (p<0.001), age (p<0.001), and gender (p<0.001) explained altered glucose–HbA1c relationship in the analyzed groups.

Conclusions

FPG–HbA1c relationship is affected by non-glycemic factors leading to incorrect diagnosis of diabetes in some individuals and ethnic groups. Assessment of AGR helps understand individual-specific relationship between glucose levels and HbA1c, which has the potential to more accurately diagnose and manage diabetes.
Greater persistence and adherence to basal insulin therapy is associated with lower healthcare utilization and medical costs in patients with type 2 diabetes: a retrospective database analysis
Authors: Aroda Vanita R , Nielsen Nick , Mangla Kamal K , Multani Jasjit , Divino Victoria , Namvar Tarlan , Rajpura Jigar
Published: March 2024

Introduction

We aimed to assess persistence and adherence to basal insulin therapy, their association with all-cause healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and direct medical costs, and predictors of persistence and adherence in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Research design and methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted with US adults with type 2 diabetes initiating basal insulin therapy between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018, using IQVIA PharMetrics Plus claims data. Persistence and adherence were assessed during 1 year post-initiation per previous definitions. Demographic/clinical characteristics were assessed during the 1 year pre-initiation. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to adjust for confounding variables. Post-IPTW, all-cause HCRU and direct medical costs were assessed during the first-year and second-year post-initiation by persistence and adherence status. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of persistence and adherence.

Results

The final sample comprised 64,953 patients; 56.8% demonstrated persistence and 41.9% demonstrated adherence. Patients demonstrating persistence and adherence were significantly less likely to have a hospitalization than patients demonstrating non-persistence or non-adherence, respectively. In the second-year post-initiation, total mean all-cause direct medical costs per patient were lower for patients demonstrating persistence and significantly lower for patients demonstrating adherence. Prior use of both oral and injectable antidiabetic medication predicted persistence and adherence compared with patients with only prior oral antidiabetic medication use (persistence OR, 1.50 (95% CI, 1.44 to 1.57); adherence OR, 1.48 (95% CI, 1.42 to 1.55)).

Conclusions

Persistence and adherence to basal insulin was associated with fewer hospitalizations and lower direct medical costs.
Omentin associates with serum metabolite profiles indicating lower diabetes risk: KORA F4 Study
Authors: Ratter-Rieck Jacqueline M , Shi Mengya , Suhre Karsten , Prehn Cornelia , Adamski Jerzy , Rathmann Wolfgang , Thorand Barbara , Roden Michael , Peters Annette , Wang-Sattler Rui , Herder Christian
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Circulating omentin levels have been positively associated with insulin sensitivity. Although a role for adiponectin in this relationship has been suggested, underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In order to reveal the relationship between omentin and systemic metabolism, this study aimed to investigate associations of serum concentrations of omentin and metabolites.

Research design and methods

This study is based on 1124 participants aged 61–82 years from the population-based KORA (Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg) F4 Study, for whom both serum omentin levels and metabolite concentration profiles were available. Associations were assessed with five multivariable regression models, which were stepwise adjusted for multiple potential confounders, including age, sex, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, lifestyle markers (physical activity, smoking behavior and alcohol consumption), serum adiponectin levels, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, use of lipid-lowering or anti-inflammatory medication, history of myocardial infarction and stroke, homeostasis model assessment 2 of insulin resistance, diabetes status, and use of oral glucose-lowering medication and insulin.

Results

Omentin levels significantly associated with multiple metabolites including amino acids, acylcarnitines, and lipids (eg, sphingomyelins and phosphatidylcholines (PCs)). Positive associations for several PCs, such as diacyl (PC aa C32:1) and alkyl-alkyl (PC ae C32:2), were significant in models 1–4, whereas those with hydroxytetradecenoylcarnitine (C14:1-OH) were significant in all five models. Omentin concentrations were negatively associated with several metabolite ratios, such as the valine-to-PC ae C32:2 and the serine-to-PC ae C32:2 ratios in most models.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that omentin may influence insulin sensitivity and diabetes risk by changing systemic lipid metabolism, but further mechanistic studies investigating effects of omentin on metabolism of insulin-sensitive tissues are needed.
Dynamic monitoring of circulating tumor DNA reveals outcomes and genomic alterations in patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma undergoing CAR T-cell therapy
Authors: Zou Hesong , Liu Wei , Wang Xiaojuan , Wang Yi , Wang Chunyang , Qiu Chen , Liu Huimin , Shan Dandan , Xie Ting , Huang Wenyang , Sui Weiwei , Yi Shuhua , An Gang , Xu Yan , Ma Tonghui , Wang Jianxiang , Qiu Lugui , Zou Dehui
Published: March 2024

Background

Over 50% of patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma (r/r LBCL) receiving CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR19) T-cell therapy fail to achieve durable remission. Early identification of relapse or progression remains a significant challenge. In this study, we prospectively investigate the prognostic value of dynamic circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and track genetic evolution non-invasively, for the first time in an Asian population of r/r patients undergoing CAR19 T-cell therapy.

Methods

Longitudinal plasma samples were prospectively collected both before lymphodepletion and at multiple timepoints after CAR19 T-cell infusion. ctDNA was detected using a capture-based next-generation sequencing which has been validated in untreated LBCL.

Results

The study enrolled 23 patients with r/r LBCL and collected a total of 101 ctDNA samples. Higher pretreatment ctDNA levels were associated with inferior progression-free survival (PFS) (p=0.031) and overall survival (OS) (p=0.023). Patients with undetectable ctDNA negative (ctDNA–) at day 14 (D14) achieved an impressive 3-month complete response rate of 77.8% vs 22.2% (p=0.015) in patients with detectable ctDNA positive (ctDNA+), similar results observed for D28. CtDNA– at D28 predicted significantly longer 1-year PFS (90.9% vs 27.3%; p=0.004) and OS (90.9% vs 49.1%; p=0.003) compared with patients who remained ctDNA+. Notably, it is the first time to report that shorter ctDNA fragments (<170 base pairs) were significantly associated with poorer PFS (p=0.031 for D14; p=0.002 for D28) and OS (p=0.013 for D14; p=0.008 for D28) in patients with LBCL receiving CAR T-cell therapy. Multiple mutated genes exhibited an elevated prevalence among patients with progressive disease, includingTP53,IGLL5,PIM1,BTG1,CD79B,GNA13, andP2RY8. Notably, we observed a significant correlation betweenIGLL5mutation and inferior PFS (p=0.008) and OS (p=0.014).

Conclusions

Our study highlights that dynamic ctDNA monitoring during CAR T-cell therapy can be a promising non-invasive method for early predicting treatment response and survival outcomes. Additionally, the ctDNA mutational profile provides novel insights into the mechanisms of tumor-intrinsic resistance to CAR19 T-cell therapy.
Enhanced heat transfer in hybrid CNT nanofluid flow over a permeable stretching convective thermal curved surface with magnetic field and thermal radiation
Authors: Panda Subhajit , Ontela Surender , Thumma Thirupathi , Pattnaik P. K. , Mishra S. R.
Published: March 2024

The heat transfer characteristics of nanofluid play an important role in several industries to optimize their performance with the interaction of dissipative heat. However, in energy harvesting its application is vital. Therefore, the current heat transfer analysis was carried out based on the consequence of viscous and Joule dissipation in favour of the hybrid nanofluid flow over an elongating permeable curved convective thermal surface. Additionally, the external heat source and linear thermal radiation influence the flow phenomena whenever the velocity slip and nanoparticle shape effects associated with Hamilton–Crosser thermal conductivity model are significant. The designed equations relating to the flow phenomena are solved numerically using shooting-based Runge–Kutta fourth techniques followed by the similarity transformations used for the nondimensional form of the system of equations. The role of characterizing factors is deployed via graphs and described briefly. The correlation with the earlier investigation for the numerical outcomes of the rate of energy transport is also reported. The major outcomes of the study reveal that the enhanced curvature parameter along with the particle concentrations within their limit overshoots the velocity profiles further, the external heat source combined with thermal radiation also favors in enhancing fluid temperature.
Exact wave solutions of new generalized Bogoyavlensky–Konopelchenko model in fluid mechanics
Authors: Seadawy Aly R. , Ali Asghar , Bekir Ahmet
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we examine a novel generalized [Formula: see text]-dimensional Bogoyavlensky–Konopelchenko (gBK) model analytically via application of five mathematical methods, namely called Extended Simple Equation (ESE) method, Modified Extended Auxiliary equation mapping (MEAEM) method, [Formula: see text]-expansion method, [Formula: see text]-expansion method and modified F-expansion method, respectively, to obtain different types solitary wave solutions in the form of trigonometric, hyperbolic, rational and exponential functions as compared to solutions exist in [S. T. Chen and W. X. Ma, Math. China 13 (2018) 525; A. Sonia, A. Jamshad, S.-U. Rehman and A. Ali, Int. J. Appl. Comput. Math. 9 (2023)]. The research focuses on physical systems, physiology, mathematical applications, engineering fields, and the chemical processes of species in the porous nanoparticles, examining the impact of various parameters on the nonlinear model. The graphs of some solutions are plotted in the form of two-dimensional and three-dimensional by assigning the particular values to the paraments with the assistance of mathematica software which illustrated the physical behavior of the concern model. The derived solution has numerous applications in fluid dynamics and the interaction of Riemann waves and long waves.
Augmenting Human Teams with Robots in Knowledge Work Settings: Insights from the Literature
Authors: Ren Yuqing , Clement Jeffrey
Published: March 2024

Recent developments in large language models open doors for Artificial Intelligence and robots to augment knowledge workers and teams in a variety of domains, such as customer service, data science, legal work, and software development. In this article, we review 317 articles from multiple disciplines and summarize the insights in a theoretical framework linking key robot attributes to human perceptions and behaviors. The robot attributes include embodiment, nonverbal and verbal communication, perceived gender and race, emotions, perceived personality, and competence. The outcomes include human perceptions, acceptance, engagement, compliance, trust, and willingness to help. We identify four differences between one human and one robot settings and team settings and use them as the springboard to generalize insights from the literature review to the design and impact of a robot in assisting humans in knowledge work teams. We report two high-level observations around the interplay among robot attributes and context dependent designs and discuss their implications.
WaRENet: A Novel Urban Waterlogging Risk Evaluation Network
Authors: Yu Xiaoya , Wu Kejun , Yang You , Liu Qiong
Published: March 2024

In this article, we propose a novel urban waterlogging risk evaluation network (WaRENet) to evaluate the risk of waterlogging. The WaRENet distinguishes whether an urban image involves waterlogging by classification module, and estimates the waterlogging risk levels by multi-class reference objects detection module (MCROD). First, in the waterlogging scene classification, ResNet combined with Se-block is used to identify the waterlogging scene, and lightweight gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) is also integrated to roughly locate overall waterlogging areas with low computational burden. Second, in the MCROD module, we detect reference objects, e.g., cars and persons in waterlogging scenes. The positional relationship between water depths and reference objects serves as risk indicators for accurately evaluating waterlogging risk. Specifically, we incorporate switchable atrous convolution (SAC) into YOLOv5 to solve occlusions and varying scales problems in complex waterlogging scenes. Moreover, we construct a large-scale urban waterlogging dataset called UrbanWaterloggingRiskDataset (UWRDataset) with 6,351 images for waterlogging scene classification and 3,217 images for reference objects detection. Experimental results on the dataset show that our WaRENet outperforms all comparison methods. The waterlogging scene classification module achieves accuracy of 95.99%. The MCROD module obtains mAP of 54.9%, while maintaining a high processing speed of 70.04 fps.
A Lower Working Potential and Real-Time H2S Sensor Based on Nano-CuFe2O4 and Lotus Leaf Derived Carbon Material Composite
Authors: Zou Na , Li Xin , Xu Weiwei , Meng Funa , Wang Zhaoxia , Zhang Junhua , Wang Xueliang
Published: March 2024

The CuFe2O4 nanoparticles and the biomass carbon material (Bcn) were respectively synthesized by solid phase reaction method and pyrolysis method. Based on the good electrocatalytic performance of the composite of CuFe2O4 and Bcn for the oxidation of H2S, a sensor for continuous determination of H2S in real-time at lower working potential was constructed. The sensor can response to H2S in the concentration range of 5.0 nM–10.0 μM with high sensitivity, and it has good retention rate to H2S in simulated wound fluid. The use of the composite materials can avoid the deposition of sulfur as a by-product on the electrode surface, as well as avoid the interference of electroactive substances in the biological environment because the working potential of −0.2 V is lower than that used in other H2S sensors.
Study on Sequential Secondary Nucleation Growth of ZnO Nanoellipsoids via Nanorods using Template-Free Solution Based Low Temperature Method
Authors: Bhurgri Shareen , Ullah Asad , Bhurgri Shazia , Kumar Shusheel , Ahmed Jawad , Arain Haris Jawad , Ahsan Muhammad Junaid , Akhter Faheem
Published: March 2024

Herein, Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanoellipsoids (ELs) were grown on a paper substrate using template-free solution based low temperature method. The evolution of as per grown ZnO ELs was recorded at different intervals of time using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the structural and optical properties were investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and photoluminescence (PL). As results of this study, it is presumed that the morphology of an individual ZnO EL may be composed of numerous numbers of ZnO nanorods with hexagonal structure elongated along the c-axis direction. Every individual NR underwent an evolution process at the middle of NR which served as a secondary nucleation site for the growth of more NRs and gradually with respect to time an ellipsoidal architecture is formed. Overall, it was found that the formation of ellipsoids is constituted from an integrated assembly of the nanowires and ZnO NRs provided secondary nucleation sites for the formation process.
Prevalence of Hypogonadism and Associated Risk Factors among Newly Diagnosed ART Naïve HIV-Infected Males in Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: Iddi Shabani , Dika Haruna , Kidenya Benson , Kalluvya Samuel
Published: March 2024

Background. Hypogonadism is frequent among HIV-infected males and might have significant clinical impact leading to sexual impairment and metabolic derangement. There is limited information about the magnitude of hypogonadism and its associated factors among people living with HIV in Tanzania. We aimed to determine the prevalence of hypogonadism and associated risk factors among newly diagnosed ART naïve HIV-infected men in Mwanza, Tanzania. Methods. Newly diagnosed ART naïve HIV-infected men were enrolled at Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centres of four selected hospitals in the Mwanza region and subjected to thorough clinical and general physical examination including anthropometric measurements. A prestructured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic characteristics and clinical data. Serum total testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estradiol were estimated. Serum total testosterone <300 ng/dl or testosterone >300 ng/dl with high LH and FSH (compensatory hypogonadism) was taken as markers of hypogonadism. Data were analyzed using STATA version 15. Results. Of the 388 enrolled participants, hypogonadism was found in 47.9%, with secondary hypogonadism (83.9%, 156/186) being the most frequent form. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between hypogonadism and CD4+ count (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.1–3.6; p=0.022), decreased libido (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1–2.4; p=0.024), age of above 46 years (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.1–4.6; p=0.023), herbal medicine use (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.5–3.9; p<0.001), WHO clinical stage 3 (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.4–5.2; p=0.003), and weight loss (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1–3.0; p=0.016). Conclusion. Hypogonadism was found in nearly half (47.9%) of ART naïve HIV-infected men. The majority (83.9%) had secondary hypogonadism. There was a significant association of hypogonadism with older age, herbal medicine use, weight loss, advanced clinical stage, CD4+ count, and decreased libido.
lncRNA JPX Promotes Tumor Progression by Interacting with and Destabilizing YTHDF2 in Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Luo Dan , Tang Hui , Tan Liuchang , Zhang Long , Wang Lei , Cheng Qionghui , Lei Xia , Wu Jinjin
Published: March 2024

Aberrant long noncoding RNAs just proximal to Xist (lncRNA JPX) expression levels have been detected in multiple tumors. However, whether JPX is involved in melanoma progression remains unclear. Our study showed that JPX expression is significantly increased in melanoma tissues and cell lines. To clarify the effect of JPX on cutaneous melanoma, we successfully generated JPX-overexpressing or JPX-knockdown A375 and A2058 cells. CCK-8, colony formation EdU, Transwell, and cell-cycle phase assays were performed, and subcutaneously implanted tumor models were used to determine the function of JPX in cutaneous melanoma. The results showed that JPX knockdown reduced the proliferation and migration of malignant melanoma cells both in vitro and in vivo. To further elucidate the molecular mechanism of JPX-induced cutaneous melanoma deterioration, we performed RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, coimmunoprecipitation, Western blot, and RNA-sequence analyses. JPX can directly interact with YTHDF2 and impede the protection of YTHDF2 from ubiquitin-specific protease 10 (USP10), which promotes its deubiquitination. Thus, JPX decreases protein stability and promotes the degradation of YTHDF2, thereby stabilizing BMP2 mRNA and activating AKT phosphorylation. Overall, our study revealed a novel effect of JPX on YTHDF2 ubiquitination, suggesting the possibility of blocking the JPX/USP10/YTHDF2/BMP2 axis as a prospective therapeutic approach for cutaneous melanoma.

Implications:

This study highlights the ubiquitination effect of USP10 and JPX on YTHDF2 in cutaneous melanoma, and proposes that the JPX/USP10/YTHDF2/BMP2 axis may be a prospective therapeutic target for cutaneous melanoma.
USDA diet educational materials from The NUTRIENT Trial (NUTRitional Intervention among myEloproliferative Neoplasms): Results from a Randomized Phase I Pilot Study for Feasibility and Adherence
Authors: Mendez Luque Laura F. , Avelar-Barragan Julio , Nguyen Hellen , Nguyen Jenny , Soyfer Eli M. , Liu Jiarui , Chen Jane H. , Mehrotra Nitya , Huang Xin , Kosiorek Heidi E. , Dueck Amylou , Himstead Alexander , Heide Elena , Lem Melinda , El Alaoui Kenza , Mas Eduard , Scherber Robyn M. , Mesa Ruben A. , Whiteson Katrine L. , Odegaard Andrew , Fleischman Angela G.
Published: March 2024

Education materials given to the USDA group
Activation of TGR5 Increases Urine Concentration by Inducing AQP2 and AQP3 Expression in Renal Medullary Collecting Ducts
Authors: Guo Yanlin , Qiao Rongfang , Xie Guixiang , Yao Yao , Du Chunxiu , Shao Yunxia , Guan Youfei , Zhang Xiaoyan
Published: March 2024

Introduction: G protein-coupled bile acid receptor (TGR5), the first G protein-coupled receptor for bile acids identified, is capable of activating a variety of intracellular signaling pathways after interacting with bile acids. TGR5 plays an important role in multiple physiological processes and is considered to be a potential target for the treatment of various metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Evidence has emerged that genetic deletion of TGR5 results in an increase in basal urine output, suggesting that it may play a critical role in renal water and salt reabsorption. The present study aims to elucidate the effect and mechanism of TGR5 activation on urine concentration. Methods: Mice were treated with TGR5 agonists (LCA and INT-777) for 3 days. The 24-h urine of mice was collected and analyzed for urine biochemical parameters. The mRNA expressions were detected by real-time PCR, and the protein expressions were detected by western blot. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were performed to examine the cellular location of proteins. The cultured primary medullary collecting duct cells were pretreated with H89 (a PKA inhibitor) for 1 h, followed by 12-h treatment of LCA and INT-777. Luciferase reporter assays were used to detect the effect of CREB on the gene transcription of AQPs. Gel electrophoretic mobility shift assays were used to analyze DNA–protein interactions. Results: Treatment of mice with the TGR5 agonist LCA and INT-777 markedly reduced urine output and increased urine osmolality, accompanied by a marked increase in AQP2 and AQP3 protein expression and membrane translocation. In cultured primary medullary collecting duct cells, LCA and INT-777 dose-dependently upregulated AQP2 and AQP3 expression in a cAMP/PKA-dependent manner. Mechanistically, both AQP2 and AQP3 gene promoter contains a putative CREB-binding site, which can be bound and activated by CREB as assessed by both gene promoter-driven luciferase and gel shift assays. Conclusion: Collectively, our findings demonstrate that activation of TGR5 can promote urine concentration by upregulation of AQP2 and AQP3 expression in renal collecting ducts. TGR5 may represent an attractive target for the treatment of patients with urine concentration defect.