bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diets supplemented with different solvents extracts of Lepista nuda alters longevity and fecundity, and the expression of related genes in Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: Huang Yaqin , Li Jinzhe , Wang Dezhi , Ye Zhaowei , Wang Lin , Liu Minjie
Published: November 2024

Exploring the effects of different solvent extracts from Lepista nuda [(Bull. ex Fr.) Cooke] on the lifespan and reproductive capacity of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae), the extracts of the fruiting body and mycelium of L. nuda were prepared using water, 75% ethanol, and petroleum ether, and the active components were identified. These extracts were then incorporated into culture media and administered to D. melanogaster. The impact of the extracts from different solvents on the life span and fertility, and the contents of ecdysone (20E), juvenile hormone (JH), and vitellogenin (Vg), as well as the effects of autophagy gene, 20E synthesis gene Halloween, 20E receptor gene ECR, JH methyltransferase gene JHAMT and Vg gene Yolk1 transcripts were analyzed. The extracts from the fruiting body and mycelium of L. nuda can reduce lifespan, a phenomenon associated with the varied expression of 15 compounds across 6 distinct groups. The average survival time of female fruit flies was lower than that of the male fruit flies. Fertility had also been significantly reduced, indicating a positive correlation between lifespan and fertility. In addition, with the extension of cultivation time, the content of 20E, JH, and Vg, as well as the transcripts of Halloween, ECR, JHAMT, and Yolk1 in the L. nuda fruiting body extract treatment group, all significantly decreased. Among the 3 solvent extracts, phenylalanine, citric acid, quinic acid, and punicalagin in the L. nuda aqueous extract exhibit the most potent collective toxicity toward fruit flies. The insecticidal properties of these compounds function by modulating autophagy and the expression of insect hormones.
Diversity and role of volatile terpene and terpenoid pheromones in insects
Authors: Yang Jiu-Chun , Zhang Jin-Ping , Wu Chun-Yan , Bai Yun , Guedes Raul Narciso C , Dewer Youssef , Li Feng-Qi , Zang Lian-Sheng
Published: November 2024

Insect pheromones are critical chemical signals that regulate intraspecific behavior and play a key role in the dynamic monitoring and control of pest populations. Historically, research on insect pheromones has primarily focused on lipid-based compounds. However, terpenes and terpenoids, which are widely occurring classes of bioactive compounds, also play significant roles in insect pheromone blends. Over 50 terpene and terpenoid-based pheromones have been identified in over 52 insect species, spanning various orders such as Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Blattodea, Hemiptera, Diptera, and Lepidoptera. These compounds are associated with several types of pheromones, including female or male sex pheromones, aggregation pheromones, alarm pheromones, and aphrodisiac pheromones. Terpenes and terpenoids may act as either primary or secondary components of pheromone blends and influence a wide range of critical insect behaviors. They play essential roles in the physiological and ecological adaptation of insects to their environment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current research on terpene and terpenoid-based pheromones in insects, examining their structures, types, and physiological and ecological functions. Additionally, we propose future research directions to guide the application of these pheromones in insect behavioral regulation and pest management, while advocating for their broader use in insect pest monitoring and control.
Mesencephalosynapsis and aqueductal stenosis
Authors: Fisher Yael , Shannon Patrick , Greenberg Orli , Chitayat David , Chong Karen , Blaser Susan , Shinar Shiri
Published: November 2024

Mesencephalosynapsis is characterized by a failure of the dorsal brainstem colliculi to separate into distinct lateral masses (non-cleavage, a.k.a. “fusion”). It is linked to ventriculomegaly and aqueductal stenosis but other associations have not been systematically examined. We reviewed a large cohort of fetal hydrocephalus cases to explore associations of aqueductal stenosis, mesencephalosynapsis, and other pathologies. Among 115 cases of fetal obstructive hydrocephalus (15-41 weeks gestation), mesencephalosynapsis was seen in 44 cases (38.3%). We graded the wide range of abnormal aqueductal histology; mesencephalosynapsis was associated with 67% of severe, 35% of mild, and 10% of borderline aqueductal pathologies. In 75% of cases, it was associated with other CNS anomalies, including rhombencephalosynapsis, holoprosencephaly, hemifacial microsomia, and amniotic rupture sequence. We also identified 2 cases of aqueductal stenosis associated with brainstem tegmental injury, probably ischemic in origin, without mesencephalosynapsis. Clinical and genetic associations of mesencephalosynapsis included diabetic embryopathy, amniotic rupture sequence, chromosomal abnormalities, and mutations in TBCD132, FRAS1, and NECTIN1. This is the largest review of the histology of fetal aqueductal stenosis to date. We conclude that mesencephalosynapsis points to a defect in embryonic brainstem patterning and may be isolated, associated with other malformations, and that it is found in heritable and non-heritable conditions.
Application of boundary integral quadrature method to torsion problems of an isotropic bar containing edge cracks
Authors: Lee Jia-Wei , Hiesh Yu-Sheng , Chen Jeng-Tzong
Published: November 2024

Regarding the Saint-Venant torsion problem of elastic cylindrical bar containing edge cracks, the boundary integral quadrature method (BIQM) in conjunction with the dual formula is employed to solve the stress function. In comparison with the conventional dual boundary element method (BEM), the present method is not required to generate the mesh. To achieve this advantage, the parametric representation for the boundary contour and the Gaussian quadrature for the boundary integral play important roles in the present method. When the collocation point is located on the ordinary boundary, the original adaptive exact solution is used to skillfully determine the singular integral in the Cauchy principal value sense. When the collocation point is located on the crack, the corresponding adaptive exact solution is rederived by using the linear combination of harmonic basis of elliptical coordinates. To realize the effect upon the elastic cylinder due to the crack, the torsional rigidity of the cross-section and the stress intensity factor (SIF) at the crack tip are considered to calculate. To conveniently determine the torsional rigidity, the formula is transformed into the form of the boundary quadrature of the boundary density. To the computation of the SIF, the corresponding boundary data on the boundary point that is the most nearly the crack tip is adopted. To check the validity of present results, the conventional dual BEM is adopted to examine those results. Finally, 3 elastic cylindrical bars of different cross-sections are considered. Two of them are circular cross-sections with a radial edge crack and a slant edge crack and the other is an elliptical cross-section with two edge cracks.
Caregivers’ physiological responses during toddler vaccinations: associations with psychological and behavioral responses
Authors: Badovinac Shaylea D , Flora David B , Edgell Heather , Flanders Dan , Garfield Hartley , Weinberg Eitan , Savlov Deena , Pillai Riddell Rebecca R
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study investigated biological, psychological, and behavioral aspects of caregivers’ responses to toddlers’ pain-related distress by measuring caregivers’ high-frequency heart rate variability (HRV) responses during toddler vaccination pain and examining associations with caregivers’ behavioral responses and psychological stress.

Methods

Participants included caregiver–toddler dyads (N = 194) from a longitudinal cohort-sequential study who were observed during toddlers’ 12-, 18-, or 24-month routine vaccinations. Changes in caregiver HRV were analyzed using growth curve modeling. Conditional growth curve models examined associations between caregiver HRV and caregivers’ concurrent behavior and psychological stress.

Results

The unconditional growth curve model indicated a slight linear decrease in caregiver HRV (i.e., vagal withdrawal) across the 3 min post-needle (unstandardized B = –0.06, p = .049). In conditional growth curve models, higher levels of parenting stress were associated with less vagal withdrawal during the post-needle period (standardized B = 0.47, unstandardized B = 0.02, p = .003). Caregivers’ behavioral responses (i.e., use of soothing and distress-promoting behaviors), state anxiety, and general anxiety symptomology were not significantly associated with HRV responses.

Conclusions

Caregiver parasympathetic nervous system activity levels changed minimally from baseline to post-needle and decreased slightly across the post-needle period. Caregivers’ self-reported parenting stress was associated with their parasympathetic responses to the procedure. Findings support an improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying caregivers’ responses to children’s pain-related distress in a naturalistic setting.
Inhaled exogenous thymosin beta 4 suppresses bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice via TGF-β1 signalling pathway
Authors: Yu Rui , Li Shimeng , Chen Li , Hu Enbo , Chai Dan , Liu Zhichao , Zhang Qianyi , Mao Yunyun , Zhai Yanfang , Li Kai , Liu Yanhong , Li Xiaohe , Zhou Honggang , Yang Cheng , Xu Junjie
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and fibrotic interstitial lung disease. The two drugs indicated for IPF have limited efficacy and there is an urgent need to develop new drugs. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is a natural endogenous repair factor whose antifibrotic effects have been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of exogenous recombinant human thymosin beta 4 (rhTβ4) on pulmonary fibrosis.

Methods

Pulmonary fibrosis was induced in mice with bleomycin, and rhTβ4 was administrated by nebulization following three strategies: early dosing, mid-term dosing, and late dosing. The rhTβ4 efficacy was assessed by hydroxyproline, lung function, and lung histopathology. In vitro, the effects of rhTβ4 on fibroblast and lung epithelial cell phenotypes, as well as the TGF-β1 pathway, were evaluated.

Key findings

Aerosol administration of rhTβ4 could alleviate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice at different stages of fibrosis. Studies conducted in vitro suggested that rhTβ4 could suppress lung fibroblasts from proliferating, migrating, and activation via regulating the TGF-β1 signalling pathway. In vitro, rhTβ4 also inhibited the epithelial-mesenchymal transition-like process of pulmonary epithelial cells.

Conclusions

This study suggests that nebulized rhTβ4 is a potential treatment for IPF.
Cecal volvulus in Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Yip Swee Yan , Rashid Amir , Ward Stephen
Published: November 2024

Gastrointestinal pathology in adult patients with Marfan Syndrome is rarely reported in literature. Nevertheless, it could be life threatening when it occurs. In our paper, we are presenting the first reported case of caecal volvulus in an adult patient with Marfan Syndrome, our findings and management. We also discuss the more common radiological findings that may enhance decision making amongst surgical clinicians. A high index of suspicion and a multidisciplinary approach is advised when encountering these group of patients.
Oncocytic lipoadenoma of the parotid gland: a case report and a review of the literature
Authors: Alotaibi Jood K , Almuhaimid Turki Mohammed , Moumneh Ghada Abdallah
Published: November 2024

Oncocytic lipoadenomas are a rare sub-category of fat-containing tumors of the salivary glands. These tumors are characterized by their oncocyte-predominant epithelial component admixed with mature adipocytes. This condition has been rarely reported to affect the parotid and the submandibular glands. We report a case of a 69-year-old male who presented to our otolaryngology outpatient department with a complaint of a gradually growing right-sided infra-auricular neck mass. A surgical full mass excision was performed, and a histopathological evaluation yielded a tumor with oncocytes organized in tubular structures. This paper presents the fourth unusual case of a giant oncocytic lipoadenoma of the parotid gland measuring 11.5 × 10.5 × 11.5 cm in anteroposterior, transverse, and cranial planes, respectively.
Re-sensitization of imipenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and restoration of cephalosporins susceptibility in Enterobacteriaceae by recombinant Esterase B
Authors: Whangsuk Wirongrong , Dulyayangkul Punyawee , Loprasert Suvit , Dubbs James M , Vattanaviboon Paiboon , Mongkolsuk Skorn
Published: November 2024

Sphingobium sp. SM42 Esterase B (EstB) is an enzyme with a dual function in degrading dibutyl phthalate and catalyzing the cleavage of the C–S bond in C3-sidechains of the dihydrothiazine ring of cephalosporins, generating more active β-lactam derivatives. Global prokaryotic genome analysis revealed the existence of a gene identical to estB in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PS1 suggesting a horizontal gene transfer event involving estB. To investigate the effect of ectopic expression of EstB in the periplasm of P. aeruginosa and several Enterobacteriaceae on antibiotic susceptibility levels, plasmid, pEstB, carrying a recombinant EstB fused with the signal peptide from Escherichia coli outer membrane protein A (OmpA) for periplasmic localization was constructed. The expression of EstB in the periplasm of P. aeruginosa and the Enterobacteriaceae: E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, increased susceptibility to carbapenems and cephalosporins. EstB reversed the imipenem resistance of P. aeruginosa ΔmexS and restored the changes in susceptibility to cephalosporins conferred by the downregulation of the outer membrane proteins, OmpK35 and OmpK36, in K. pneumoniae ΔramR-ompK36 to wild-type level. The introduction of EstB to the periplasmic space of Gram-negative bacteria can increase carbapenem and cephalosporin susceptibility.
Pulmonary aspergillosis in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas): A case series
Authors: Poester Vanice Rodrigues , Hidalgo Jessica E Dávila , Munhoz Lívia Silveira , Trápaga Mariana Rodrigues , Andrade Emília Ferreira , Canabarro Paula Lima , Parmigiani Pamela , Freitas Eduarda Corrêa , Flores Mariana Martins , Lamego Éryca Ceolin , Adornes Andréa Corrado , Pasqualotto Alessandro Comarú , Stevens David A , Xavier Melissa Orzechowski
Published: November 2024

We report a series of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) on the southern coast of Brazil. During 13-month period, seven animals were recovered on the coastal beach and sent to a rehabilitation center, dying after a period of captivity up to 27 days. Granulomatous nodules in the lung, with the presence of hyaline and septate hyphae, were found in all. Invasive aspergillosis was confirmed by real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Our study is the first to describe Aspergillus sp. infection in green turtles. Prospective studies are necessary to evaluate the impact of such severe fungal diseases on sea turtles.
PROSPECT: a profile likelihood code for frequentist cosmological parameter inference
Authors: Holm Emil Brinch , Nygaard Andreas , Dakin Jeppe , Hannestad Steen , Tram Thomas
Published: November 2024

Cosmological parameter inference has been dominated by the Bayesian approach for the past two decades, primarily due to its computational efficiency. However, the Bayesian approach involves integration of the posterior probability and therefore depends on both the choice of model parametrization and the choice of prior on the model parameter space. In some cases, this can lead to conclusions that are driven by choice of parametrization and priors rather than by data. The profile likelihood method provides a complementary frequentist tool that can be used to investigate this effect. In this paper, we present the code prospect for computing profile likelihoods in cosmology. We showcase the code using a phenomenological model for converting dark matter into dark radiation that suffers from large volume effects and prior dependence. prospect is compatible with both cobaya and montepython, and is publicly available at https://github.com/AarhusCosmology/prospect_public.
Chemical evolution during molecular cloud formation triggered by an interstellar shock wave: dependence on shock parameters and comparison with molecular absorption lines
Authors: Komichi Yuto , Aikawa Yuri , Iwasaki Kazunari , Furuya Kenji
Published: November 2024

We investigate chemistry in the compression layer behind the interstellar shock waves, where molecular cloud formation starts. We perform three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamics simulations of converging flows of atomic gas with shock parameters of inclination between the interstellar magnetic field and the shock wave, pre-shock density, and shock velocity. Then we derive one-dimensional mean-flow models, along which we calculate a detailed gas–grain chemical reaction network as a post process with various chemical parameters, i.e. cosmic ray ionization rate, abundances of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and metals in the gas phase. While carbon chains reach their peak abundances when atomic carbon is dominant in the pseudo-time-dependent models of molecular clouds, such behaviour is less significant in our models since the visual extinction of the compression layer is low ($\lesssim$1 mag) when atomic carbon is abundant. Carbon chains, CN, and HCN increase at $A_V \gtrsim 1$ mag, where the gas phase C/O ratio increases due to water ice formation. Shock parameters affect the physical structure and the evolutional time-scale of the compression layer, and thus molecular evolution. Carbon chains are more abundant in models with higher post-shock density and slower gas accumulation. We calculate molecular column densities in the compression layer and compare them with the observations of diffuse and translucent clouds, which show reasonable agreement for water ice, carbon chains, and HCO$^+$. The observed variation of their column densities could be due to the difference in shock parameters and chemical parameters. The column density of CN is overestimated, for which we discuss possible reasons.
Accretion disc–jet decomposition from the optical-near infrared monitoring of Fermi blazars
Authors: Rajguru Garima , Chatterjee Ritaban
Published: November 2024

We study the variability of the thermal (accretion disc) and non-thermal (jet) emission of thirteen flat spectrum radio quasars in the optical and near infrared (OIR) regime using light curves spanning years with an average sampling of three observations per week. We fit a combination of a blackbody and a power-law function to the OIR data, in the blazar rest frame, to extract the corresponding thermal (disc) and non-thermal (jet) components from the total flux. We carry out this analysis for the entire duration of the light curves to obtain the variation of the disc and jet components over years. Reliability of our fits have been affirmed by successfully retrieving accurate parameters by employing our method to simulated data and by comparing our results with published disc luminosity obtained by other methods for a few well-observed blazars. In blazars, the thermal (disc) emission is difficult to extract because the relativistically beamed radiation of the jet dominates at all wavelengths. By employing this method, the disc emission in blazars may be estimated directly from photometric data at OIR bands instead of indirect methods, such as, inferring it from the emission line luminosities. We find that the variability of the disc and jet emission obtained by the above method are strongly correlated in most cases.
The multiwavelength variability of BL Lacertae: changes from an IBL to an HBL in multiple epochs
Authors: Wang Jin-Tong , Jiang Yun-Guo
Published: November 2024

Variation mechanism of blazar is still under debate. In this study, we investigate the correlation and spectral variation of the BL Lacertae and propose a scenario to explain various phenomena in a comprehensive manner. The local cross-correlation function analysis indicates a strong positive correlation between the $\gamma$-ray and optical fluxes, suggesting a common emission region for these emissions. Additionally, we found a hint of correlation between the X-ray and the radio emissions. The source shows a softer-when-brighter trend at a low flux level and a harder-when-brighter trend at a high flux level in the optical band. The long-term variability indicates that the BL Lacertae changes from an intermediate-synchrotron-peaked object to a high-synchrotron-peaked object in multiple epochs. This is further supported by modelling the broad-band spectral energy distributions of the source during these epochs using the log-parabolic model. The flux correlations and spectral behaviours at multiple bands could be explained by the shift of synchrotron peak frequency in the shock-in-jet model. At short-term time-scale, the variation on the $qu$ planes suggests a polarized background component. There is no correlation between polarization degree and flux at long-term time-scales. Our study sheds light on the variation mechanism of BL Lacertae.
Three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations of core-collapse supernovae – I. Hydrodynamic evolution and protoneutron star properties
Authors: Nakamura Ko , Takiwaki Tomoya , Matsumoto Jin , Kotake Kei
Published: November 2024

We present results from three-dimensional, magnetohydrodynamic, core-collapse simulations of 16 progenitors following until 0.5 s after bounce. We use non-rotating solar-metallicity progenitor models with zero-age main-sequence mass between 9 and 24 ${\rm M}_{\odot }$. The examined progenitors cover a wide range of the compactness parameter including a peak around $23 \, {\rm M}_{\odot }$. We find that neutrino-driven explosions occur for all models within 0.3 s after bounce. We also find that the properties of the explosions and the central remnants are well correlated with the compactness. Early shock evolution is sensitive to the mass accretion rate on to the central core, reflecting the density profile of the progenitor stars. The most powerful explosions with diagnostic explosion energy $E_{\rm dia} \sim 0.75 \times 10^{51}$ erg are obtained by 23 and 24 ${\rm M}_{\odot }$ models, which have the highest compactness among the examined models. These two models exhibit spiral standing-accretion-shock-instability motions during 150–230 ms after bounce preceding a runaway shock expansion and leave a rapidly rotating neutron star with spin periods $\sim 50$ ms. Our models predict the gravitational masses of the neutron star ranging between $1.22$ and $1.67 {\rm M}_{\odot }$ and their spin periods 0.04 – 4 s. The number distribution of these values roughly matches observation. On the other hand, our models predict small hydrodynamic kick velocity (15–260 ${\rm km \, s}^{-1}$), although they are still growing at the end of our simulations. Further systematic studies, including rotation and binary effects, as well as long-term simulations up to several seconds, will enable us to explore the origin of various core-collapse supernova explosions.
Study of basaltic asteroids through their phase curves
Authors: Arcoverde P , Pereira W , Rondón E , Monteiro F , Evangelista-Santana M , Michimani J , Medeiros H , Silva-Cabrera J S , Rodrigues T , Lazzaro D
Published: November 2024

Characterized by a composition that highlights extensive geochemical differentiation processes, basaltic asteroids are considered fragments of differentiated bodies. To study the smallest bodies in this population, an important tool is the photometric phase curve that can exhibit different behaviours according to the surface properties of the body. We present here the phase curves obtained for 10 V-type asteroids, nine belonging to the main belt population and one a near-Earth object, with observations acquired at the Observatório Astronômico do Sertão de Itaparica (Brazil). Different behaviours of the phase curves were found, as already obtained by studies of polarimetric curves. Adding to our results in the phase curves of 20 V-types from the literature, we found behaviours not expected for objects of moderate to high albedo in the opposition effect region. We attribute this result to the way regoliths are distributed on the surface of small asteroids, which are different from those of larger objects, although the surface composition is the same.
A splitting method for numerical relativistic magnetohydrodynamics
Authors: Komissarov Serguei S , Phillips David
Published: November 2024

We describe a novel splitting approach to numerical relativistic magnetohydrodynamics (RMHD) designed to expand its applicability to the domain of ultrahigh magnetization (high-$\sigma$). In this approach, the electromagnetic field is split into the force-free component and its perturbation due to the plasma inertia. Accordingly, the system of RMHD equations is extended to include the subsystem of force-free degenerate electrodynamics and the subsystem governing the plasma dynamics and the perturbation of the force-free field. The combined system of conservation laws is integrated simultaneously, to which aim various numerical techniques can be used, and the force-free field is recombined with its perturbation at the end of every time-step. To explore the potential of this splitting approach, we combined it with a third-order weighted essentially non-oscillatory method, and carried out a variety of 1D and 2D test simulations. The simulations confirm the robustness of the splitting method in the high-$\sigma$ regime, and also show that it remains accurate in the low-$\sigma$ regime, all the way down to $\sigma =0$. Thus, the method can be used for simulating complex astrophysical flows involving a wide range of physical parameters. The numerical resistivity of the code obeys a simple ansatz and allows fast magnetic reconnection in the plasmoid-dominated regime. The results of simulations involving thin and long current sheets agree very well with the theory of resistive magnetic reconnection.
miRTarBase 2025: updates to the collection of experimentally validated microRNA–target interactions
Authors: Cui Shidong , Yu Sicong , Huang Hsi-Yuan , Lin Yang-Chi-Dung , Huang Yixian , Zhang Bojian , Xiao Jihan , Zuo Huali , Wang Jiayi , Li Zhuoran , Li Guanghao , Ma Jiajun , Chen Baiming , Zhang Haoxuan , Fu Jiehui , Wang Liang , Huang Hsien-Da
Published: November 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs (18–26 nucleotides) that regulate gene expression by interacting with target mRNAs, affecting various physiological and pathological processes. miRTarBase, a database of experimentally validated miRNA–target interactions (MTIs), now features over 3 817 550 validated MTIs from 13 690 articles, significantly expanding its previous version. The updated database includes miRNA interactions with therapeutic agents, revealing roles in drug resistance and therapeutic strategies. It also highlights miRNAs as predictive, safety and monitoring biomarkers for toxicity assessment, clinical treatment guidance and therapeutic optimization. The expansion of miRNA–mRNA and miRNA–miRNA networks allows the identification of key regulatory genes and co-regulatory miRNAs, providing deeper insights into miRNA functions and critical target genes. Information on oxidized miRNA sequences has been added, shedding light on how oxidative modifications influence miRNA targeting and regulation. The integration of the LLAMA3 model into the NLP pipeline, alongside prompt engineering, enables the efficient identification of MTIs and miRNA–disease associations without large training datasets. An updated data integration and a redesigned user interface enhance accessibility, reinforcing miRTarBase as an essential resource for molecular oncology, drug development and related fields. The updated miRTarBase is available at https://mirtarbase.cuhk.edu.cn/∼miRTarBase/miRTarBase_2025.
miRStart 2.0: enhancing miRNA regulatory insights through deep learning-based TSS identification
Authors: Xu Jiatong , Wan Jingting , Huang Hsi-Yuan , Chen Yigang , Huang Yixian , Huang Junyang , Zhang Ziyue , Su Chang , Zhou Yuming , Lin Xingqiao , Lin Yang-Chi-Dung , Huang Hsien-Da
Published: November 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by binding to the 3′-untranslated regions of target mRNAs, influencing various biological processes at the post-transcriptional level. Identifying miRNA transcription start sites (TSSs) and transcription factors’ (TFs) regulatory roles is crucial for elucidating miRNA function and transcriptional regulation. miRStart 2.0 integrates over 4500 high-throughput datasets across five data types, utilizing a multi-modal approach to annotate 28 828 putative TSSs for 1745 human and 1181 mouse miRNAs, supported by sequencing-based signals. Over 6 million tissue-specific TF–miRNA interactions, integrated from ChIP-seq data, are supplemented by DNase hypersensitivity and UCSC conservation data, with network visualizations. Our deep learning-based model outperforms existing tools in miRNA TSS prediction, achieving the most overlaps with both cell-specific and non-cell-specific validated TSSs. The user-friendly web interface and visualization tools make miRStart 2.0 easily accessible to researchers, enabling efficient identification of miRNA upstream regulatory elements in relation to their TSSs. This updated database provides systems-level insights into gene regulation and disease mechanisms, offering a valuable resource for translational research, facilitating the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and precision medicine strategies. miRStart 2.0 is now accessible at https://awi.cuhk.edu.cn/∼miRStart2.
LTBK-07. PROGRESSION-FREE AND OVERALL SURVIVAL RESULTS OF ECOG-ACRIN E3F05: A PHASE 3 INTERGROUP TRIAL OF RADIATION ± TEMOZOLOMIDE FOR GRADE II GLIOMAS
Authors: Schiff David , O'Neill Anne , Brown Paul , Mehta Minesh , Giannini Caterina , Jenkins Robert , Suh John , Youssef Emad , Uhm Joon , Giglio Pierre , Cavaliere Robert , Moots Paul , Ashby Lynn , Kleinberg Lawrence
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Both radiation and temozolomide (TMZ) have meaningful single-modality anti-tumor activity against low-grade gliomas. ECOG-ACRIN E3F05 tested whether combined therapy with radiation and temozolomide is more effective than radiation alone in patients with grade II gliomas.

METHODS

Patients with grade II gliomas (central pathology review performed post hoc), no prior radiation/chemotherapy, and either age > 40, uncontrolled symptoms/seizures, or progression after initial observation were randomized 1:1 to radiation 50.4 Gy alone in 28 fractions (Arm A) versus radiation 50.4 Gy with concomitant and 12 four-week cycles of post-radiation TMZ (Arm B). Randomization was stratified by 1p/19q codeletion status, age, KPS, pre-operative tumor diameter, and contrast enhancement. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS); overall survival (OS), quality of life, cognition, severe toxicities, and impact of codeletion status were secondary objectives.

RESULTS

The trial opened 1/09. Accrual was stopped in 1/14 after RTOG 9802 reported benefit from the addition of PCV chemotherapy to radiation in grade II gliomas. A total of 172 subjects were enrolled. Median age was 44 (range 19-78) and 54% male. 1p/19q codeletion was present in 44%. NCI CTCAE (version 4) grade 3+ toxicity was more common in participants treated with TMZ: thrombocytopenia (11%) and neutropenia (5%) versus none in the radiation alone arm. With a median follow-up of 117 months, OS was superior in Arm B (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.31-0.95, stratified log-rank p value 0.03). OS HRs were 0.56 and 0.53 for subjects with and without 1p/19q codeleted tumors, respectively. PFS did not differ between Arms A and B (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.44-1.28, p = 0.30). Five and ten-year OS were 78% and 70% in Arm B versus 70% and 47% in Arm A.

CONCLUSION

The addition of temozolomide to radiation improves overall survival in both co-deleted and non-co-deleted grade II gliomas.
AI for Tobacco Control: Identifying Tobacco-Promoting Social Media Content Using Large Language Models
Authors: Küçükali Hüseyin , Erdoğan Mehmet Sarper
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Tobacco companies use social media to bypass marketing restrictions. Studies show that exposure to tobacco promotion on social media influences subsequent smoking behavior, yet it is challenging to monitor such content. We developed an artificial intelligence that can automatically identify tobacco-promoting content on social media.

Aims and Methods

In this mixed methods study, 177,684 tobacco-related tweets published on Twitter in Turkish were collected. Through inductive content analysis of a sample of 200 tweets, the main mechanisms by which tobacco is promoted on social media were identified. Then, a sample of 5000 tweets was deductively analyzed and labeled based on those mechanisms. A pre-trained transformer-based Large Language Model was fine-tuned using the labeled dataset. Then, tobacco promotion in all tweets was predicted using this model.

Results

The main mechanisms of tobacco promotion on social media included modeling the behavior, expressing positive attitudes, recommending use, and marketing brands or vendors. The developed model identified tobacco-promoting social media content with 87.8% recall and 81.1% precision. The utility of the model was demonstrated in the analysis of tobacco promotion in tweets for a period of a month.

Conclusions

This tool makes it possible to monitor tobacco promotion in social media and creates new opportunities for tobacco control policy and practice, not only in surveillance and enforcement but also in health promotion.

Implications

Tobacco promotion in social media is a well-known yet hard-to-addressed problem due to the nature of social media. This study leverages a cutting-edge AI approach, Large Language Models, to identify tobacco promotion in social media content automatically and precisely. The developed model offers better prediction performance than previously proposed techniques. The study enables surveillance of tobacco-promoting content both for research purposes and enforcement of tobacco control measures. Furthermore, we suggest a range of health promotion opportunities this tool can help with from developing personal skills to creating supportive environments and strengthening community actions.
Examining the Relationship Between Racial, Ethnic, and Economic Residential Segregation and Cigarette Smoking Among a Nationally Representative Sample of Young Adults
Authors: Rose Shyanika W , Rayens Mary Kay , Azadi Mona , Kierstead Elexis C , Kong Amanda Y , Horn Kimberly
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Predominantly Black, Hispanic or Latino, and lower-income communities are overexposed to tobacco. This study investigated the relationship between cigarette smoking and racial/ethnic and economic segregation using the Index of Concentration at the Extremes (ICE).

Aims and Methods

A nationally representative sample of 4091 (aged 18–34 years) was surveyed between September and October 2016. We calculated census-tract population estimates to form ICE measures for ethnicity, race, income, ethnicity and income, and race and income. Quintiles were determined, with Quintile 1 (Q1) representing the most Hispanic/Latino, Black, and lowest-income neighborhoods and Q5 representing the most non-Hispanic/Latino, White, and highest-income neighborhoods. State fixed effects logistic regression models, weighted for national representativeness, assessed the relationship between ICE measures and past 30-day cigarette use, controlling for individual smoking correlates (eg, income, race/ethnicity, tobacco use).

Results

For racial/ethnic segregation alone, individuals in neighborhoods with the highest proportions of Hispanic/Latino versus non-Hispanic/Latino (Q5 vs. Q1–Q4 range 1.47–1.79) and Black versus White residents had higher smoking risk (Q5 vs. Q1 [1.41] and Q2 [1.40]). For economic segregation, individuals in Q2 and Q3 neighborhoods had higher smoking risk than those in Q5 (Q5 vs. Q2 [1.60] and Q3 [1.73]), but smoking risk did not differ between Q1 and Q5.

Conclusions

In this sample, living in areas with the most Hispanic/Latino and Black residents was associated with the highest smoking risk, while living in areas with highest-income residents was associated with lowest smoking risk, even controlling for individual factors. Understanding the impact of ethnic, racial, and economic segregation on smoking behaviors informs targeted interventions to reduce tobacco overexposure.

Implications

The study’s findings highlight the association between neighborhood socioeconomic factors and cigarette smoking. Racial and ethnic segregation is associated with higher smoking rates. The combined influence of racial, ethnic, and economic factors adds intricacy to the association between segregation and the risk of smoking. This research is significant as it provides valuable insights for designing focused interventions aimed at mitigating tobacco overexposure in predominantly Black, Hispanic/Latino, and low-income neighborhoods.
Social defeat stress induces an anxiety-like outcome in male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster)
Authors: Rodriguez Minerva , Themann Anapaula , Calvo Daniel E , Garcia Jessica A , Lira Omar , Garcia-Carachure Israel , Iñiguez Sergio D
Published: November 2024

Anxiety-related illnesses constitute one of the leading causes of disability across the globe. Consequently, the need for validated preclinical models to uncover the etiology of anxiety phenotypes remains essential. Given the link between social stress experience and the manifestation of anxiogenic-like outcomes, we evaluated whether social defeat stress (SDS) reduces open-space exploratory behavior in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Thus, we exposed adult sexually-naïve male voles to 10 consecutive days of SDS episodes and evaluated responses to the anxiogenic environment of the light/dark box test or the elevated plus-maze, 24 hours later. We found that, when compared to non-stressed controls, SDS-exposed voles displayed longer latency to enter the light compartment of the light/dark box. Similarly, on the elevated plus-maze, SDS-exposed voles displayed decreases in the number of entries into the open arms, while spending more time in the closed arms of the maze. No differences in locomotor activity were noted between the experimental groups. Collectively, these data indicate that chronic SDS exposure induces anxiety-like responses in adult male prairie voles, thus, providing a preclinical model for the study of social stress-induced anxiogenic phenotypes.
How do judges judge racialized economic impact?
Authors: Atrey Shreya
Published: November 2024

This article asks how UK judges examine racialized economic impact. It aims to identify the standards that are applied in judicial reasoning and the results that follow in terms of addressing racial discrimination and in particular indirect discrimination which has a disproportionate impact on racialized groups. The main hypothesis is that while, as Arden LJ confirmed in Elias that economic matters are justiciable, and that racial discrimination attracts a high level of judicial scrutiny, curiously, together, when it comes to judging racialized economic impact, the standard of scrutiny wanes. Judges seem to accord an inordinately and inexplicably high level of deference to decision-makers in the economic context. The article thus shows that material concerns in racial discrimination are perhaps treated triflingly within UK equality law but that this appears to be no different, say, for sex discrimination, showing a general neglect of material conditions in equality law broadly.
Affirmative action in Brazil: global lessons on racial justice and the fight to reduce social inequality
Authors: Francis-Tan Andrew , Tannuri-Pianto Maria
Published: November 2024

Public policies intended to promote educational equity are common around the world. This paper examines Brazil’s experience with affirmative action (AA) in higher education, which holds lessons for other countries. In what follows, we describe the social and historical context, investigate trends in racial inequality, and review the literature on AA. To summarize, nationally representative data show that racial inequality in education has decreased since the early 2000s. AA emerged in the period after the transition from dictatorship to democracy had allowed political mobilization to flourish. AA dramatically increased the enrolment of disadvantaged groups in college. Students admitted through AA typically had academic outcomes comparable to other students, and some, though not all, enjoyed sizeable labour market gains. AA also influenced patterns of racial identification. However, the evidence on pre-college human capital is mixed.
Racial health disparities in the United States
Authors: Alsan Marcella , Ianni Katherine , Peterson Graeme
Published: November 2024

Disparities between Black and White Americans in health care coverage and health outcomes are pervasive in the United States. In this paper, we describe the evolution of the market-based approach to health insurance and health care delivery in the United States and its implications for racial disparities. First, we discuss the history of the United States’ predominantly private health insurance system. Second, we illustrate the persistence and pervasiveness of disparities through three present-day epidemics: maternal mortality, opioid use, and Covid-19. Through the epidemic case studies, we highlight the systemic roots of racial inequality in health care. Finally, we conclude with a brief discussion of potential policy approaches for reducing disparities in the health care system.
Exploring the pathophysiology of restless leg syndrome: focus on white matter structure and function
Authors: Wang Zairan , Li Zhimin , Wang Jingjing , Gao Jun , Li Yongning
Published: November 2024

Background

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, with pathogenesis involving genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. Recent advancements in imaging techniques have provided valuable insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of RLS.

Objective

To synthesize recent research on white matter fiber alterations in RLS and their role in disease pathology.

Materials and Methods

This review synthesized recent research on RLS, focusing on neuroimaging findings, particularly white matter fiber alterations, and their implications for disease mechanisms. Studies involving structural and functional MRI were analyzed.

Results

Imaging studies suggested that RLS was associated with white matter integrity changes, affecting areas linked to sensory and motor control. These alterations may reflect disruptions in central nervous system pathways regulating movement.

Conclusion

White matter changes provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of RLS, enhancing our understanding of the disorder and potentially guiding future therapeutic strategies.
An introduction to anatomical pathology
Authors: Hywood Jack D , Yin Albert H
Published: November 2024

Our experience in the Australian context is that medical students and clinicians receive minimal exposure to anatomical pathology throughout the course of their training. In this paper, we bring this topic to light by describing the process of converting an intact specimen into glass slides for microscopic analysis. We also explain how a pathological report is composed, along with brief discussions about ancillary tests, such as immunohistochemistry, special stains, and molecular testing. Our main goal is to familiarize clinicians with anatomical pathology in order to improve communication between clinicians and pathologists, as well as improve the quality of testing and patient care.
The Promise of Text, Audio, and Video Data for the Study of US Local Politics and Federalism
Authors: Barari Soubhik , Simko Tyler
Published: November 2024

A large-scale study of US local policymaking has long been hindered by a lack of centralized data sources. Our own project, LocalView, supplements data collection efforts by creating the largest existing database of local government meeting transcripts, audio, and video yet released. In this article, we describe promises, implications, and best practices for using nontabular sources of meeting data in the study of federalism. Throughout, we argue that these new sources of data allow scholars to ask new kinds of research questions. We demonstrate this potential with an empirical application focused on the use of national partisan language in local government meetings. We find that nationally salient partisan phrases are common in local policymaking discussions (especially in large cities), although prominent national terms vary drastically in how often they are used at the local level. Finally, the slant of partisan language (i.e., the amount of partisan language that is identifiably Democratic or Republican) across local governments is correlated with local partisan preferences.
A microenvironment-adaptive GelMA-ODex@RRHD hydrogel for responsive release of H2S in promoted chronic diabetic wound repair
Authors: Yuan Zhixian , Zhang Wei , Wang Chang , Zhang Chuwei , Hu Chao , Liu Lu , Xiang Lunli , Yao Shun , Shi Rong , Fan Dejiang , Ren Bibo , Luo Gaoxing , Deng Jun
Published: November 2024

Chronic diabetic wounds present significant treatment challenges due to their complex microenvironment, often leading to suboptimal healing outcomes. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a crucial gaseous signaling molecule, has shown great potential in modulating inflammation, oxidative stress and extracellular matrix remodeling, which are essential for effective wound healing. However, conventional H2S delivery systems lack the adaptability required to meet the dynamic demands of different healing stages, thereby limiting their therapeutic efficacy. To address this, we developed an injectable, ROS-responsive H2S donor system integrated within a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel matrix, forming a double-network hydrogel (GelMA-ODex@RRHD). The injectability of this hydrogel allows for minimally invasive application, conforming closely to wound contours and ensuring uniform distribution. The incorporation of oxidatively modified dextran derivatives (ODex) not only preserves biocompatibility but also enables the chemical attachment of ROS-responsive H2S donors. The GelMA-ODex@RRHD hydrogel releases H2S in response to oxidative stress, optimizing the environment for cell growth, modulating macrophage polarization and supporting vascular regeneration. This innovative material effectively suppresses inflammation during the initial phase, promotes tissue regeneration in the proliferative phase and facilitates controlled matrix remodeling in later stages, ultimately enhancing wound closure and functional recovery. The H2S released by GelMA-ODex@RRHD not only expedited the process of wound healing but also improved the biomechanical characteristics of newborn skin in diabetic mice, particularly in terms of stiffness and elasticity. This enhancement resulted in the skin quality being more similar to normal skin during the wound healing process. By aligning therapeutic delivery with the natural healing process, this approach offers a promising pathway toward more effective and personalized treatments for chronic diabetic wounds.