bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GLUT3-mediated cigarette smoke-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through the NF-kB/ZEB1 pathway
Authors: Ding Yu , Wang Ziteng , Zhang Zheming , You Rong , Wu Yan , Bian Tao
Published: April 2024

Background

Airway remodelling plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a significant process during the occurrence of airway remodelling. Increasing evidence suggests that glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3) is involved in the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of various diseases. However, the role of GLUT3 in EMT in the airway epithelial cells of COPD patients remains unclear.

Methods

We detected the levels of GLUT3 in the peripheral lung tissue of COPD patients and cigarette smoke (CS)-exposed mice. Two Gene Expression Omnibus GEO datasets were utilised to analyse GLUT3 gene expression profiles in COPD. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect GLUT3 expression. In addition, we used the AAV9-GLUT3 inhibitor to reduce GLUT3 expression in the mice model. Masson’s staining and lung function measurement were used detect the collagen deposition and penh in the mice. A cell study was performed to confirm the regulatory effect of GLUT3. Inhibition of GLUT3 expression with siRNA, Western blot, and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, p65, and ZEB1.

Results

Based on the GEO data set analysis, GLUT3 expression in COPD patients was higher than in non-smokers. Moreover, GLUT3 was highly expressed in COPD patients, CS exposed mice, and BEAS-2B cells treated with CS extract (CSE). Further research revealed that down-regulation of GLUT3 significantly alleviated airway remodelling in vivo and in vitro. Lung function measurement showed that GLUT3 reduction reduced airway resistance in experimental COPD mice. Mechanistically, our study showed that reduction of GLUT3 inhibited CSE-induced EMT by down-regulating the NF-κB/ZEB1 pathway.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that CS enhances the expression of GLUT3 in COPD and further confirm that GLUT3 may regulate airway remodelling in COPD through the NF-κB/ZEB1 pathway; these findings have potential value in the diagnosis and treatment of COPD. The down-regulation of GLUT3 significantly alleviated airway remodelling and reduced airway resistance in vivo. Our observations uncover a key role of GLUT3 in modulating airway remodelling and shed light on the development of GLUT3-targeted therapeutics for COPD.
Atg5 deficiency in macrophages protects against kidney fibrosis via the CCR6-CCL20 axis
Authors: Zhu Yufeng , Tan Jiexing , Wang Yuanzhan , Gong Yuhong , Zhang Xiaoyong , Yuan Ziguo , Lu Xinyu , Tang Huifang , Zhang Zhiming , Jiang Xiaotao , Zhu Wei , Gong Li
Published: April 2024

Background

Autophagy is a lysosome-dependent degradation pathway that regulates macrophage activation, differentiation, and polarization. Autophagy related 5 (Atg5) is a key protein involved in phagocytic membrane elongation in autophagic vesicles that forms a complex with Atg12 and Atg16L1. Alterations in Atg5 are related to both acute and chronic kidney diseases in experimental models. However, the role of macrophage-expressed Atg5 in acute kidney injury remains unclear.

Methods

Using a myeloid cell-specific Atg5 knockout (MΦ atg5−/−) mouse, we established renal ischemia/reperfusion and unilateral ureteral obstruction models to evaluate the role of macrophage Atg5 in renal macrophage migration and fibrosis.

Results

Based on changes in the serum urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, Atg5 deletion had a minimal effect on renal function in the early stages after mild injury; however, MΦ atg5−/− mice had reduced renal fibrosis and reduced macrophage recruitment after 4 weeks of ischemia/reperfusion injury and 2 weeks of unilateral ureteral obstruction injury. Atg5 deficiency impaired the CCL20-CCR6 axis after severe ischemic kidneys. Chemotactic responses of bone marrow-derived monocytes (BMDMs) from MΦ atg5−/− mice to CCL20 were significantly attenuated compared with those of wild-type BMDMs, and this might be caused by the inhibition of PI3K, AKT, and ERK1/2 activation.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that Atg5 deficiency decreased macrophage migration by impairing the CCL20-CCR6 axis and inhibited M2 polarization, thereby improving kidney fibrosis.
Longitudinal study of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on diet and physical activity among Latinos of Mexican ancestry
Authors: Muscogiuri Giovanna , Kohler Lindsay , Parra Oscar , Soltani Lisa , Spegman Douglas , Coletta Dawn , Mandarino Lawrence J.
Published: April 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic caused societal disruption in the United States and most of the world, affecting many aspects of life, including healthcare and health-related behaviors such as diet, food security, and physical activity. Communities with economic and health disparities may have been particularly affected. This study was undertaken to determine how conditions in the early pandemic (January, 2021–February, 2022) affected Latino patients of Mexican Ancestry at high risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus who participated in El Banco por Salud biobank project in Tucson, Arizona.

Methods

Baseline, prepandemic measurements were available in 17, 21, and 60 patients with normal hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes, respectively.

Results

People with healthy HbA1c were significantly younger, less obese, and had higher HDL cholesterol. HbA1c was unaffected by the pandemic in any group. Triglycerides, total and HDL cholesterol levels fell in all groups during the pandemic. Physical activity levels in all groups were remarkably low, with most reporting no engagement in any voluntary physical activity. Engagement in physical activity or its enjoyment was lower in patients with diabetes and prediabetes than in younger, less obese patients. Major diet differences were between men and women and were present before the pandemic. Women consumed significantly more vegetables, fruit, and salad than men. The only pandemic-related change in diet was a drop in egg consumption, possibly explaining the fall in total cholesterol.

Conclusion

Societal disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic had minimal effects on adverse health-related behaviors, cardiometabolic risk, or changes in glycemic control in a Latino community with diabetes and healthcare disparities in the Southwest US.
Overexpression of TNFSF11 reduces GPX4 levels and increases sensitivity to ferroptosis inducers in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Zizhen , Lu Wenhua , Yin Feng , Zeng Peiting , Li Heping , Huang Amin
Published: April 2024

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the most common and lethal subtype of lung cancer, continues to be a major health concern worldwide. Despite advances in targeted and immune therapies, only a minority of patients derive substantial benefits. As a result, the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies to improve lung cancer treatment outcomes remains undiminished.

Methods

In our study, we employed the TIMER database to scrutinize TNFSF11 expression across various cancer types. We further examined the differential expression of TNFSF11 in normal and tumor tissues utilizing the TCGA-LUAD dataset and tissue microarray, and probed the associations between TNFSF11 expression and clinicopathological parameters within the TCGA-LUAD dataset. We used the GSE31210 dataset for external validation. To identify genes strongly linked to TNFSF11, we engaged LinkedOmics and conducted a KEGG pathway enrichment analysis using the WEB-based Gene SeT AnaLysis Toolkit. Moreover, we investigated the function of TNFSF11 through gene knockdown or overexpression approaches and explore its function in tumor cells. The therapeutic impact of ferroptosis inducers in tumors overexpressing TNFSF11 were also investigated through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Through these extensive analyses, we shed light on the potential role of TNFSF11 in lung adenocarcinoma, underscoring potential therapeutic targets for this malignancy.

Results

This research uncovers the overexpression of TNFSF11 in LUAD patients and its inverse correlation with peroxisome-related enzymes. By utilizing gene knockdown or overexpression assays, we found that TNFSF11 was negatively associated with GPX4. Furthermore, cells with TNFSF11 overexpression were relatively more sensitive to the ferroptosis inducers.

Conclusions

Our research has provided valuable insights into the role of TNFSF11, revealing its negative regulation of GPX4, which could be influential in crafting therapeutic strategies. These findings set the stage for further exploration into the mechanisms underpinning the relationship between TNFSF11 and GPX4, potentially opening up new avenues for precision medicine in the treatment of LUAD.
SIRPB1 regulates inflammatory factor expression in the glioma microenvironment via SYK: functional and bioinformatics insights
Authors: Geng Ren , Zhao Yao , Xu Wanzhen , Ma Xiaoshan , Jiang Yining , Han Xuefei , Zhao Liyan , Li Yunqian
Published: April 2024

Background

SIRPB1 expression is upregulated in various tumor types, including gliomas, and is known to contribute to tumor progression; nevertheless, its function in the immune milieu of gliomas is still mainly unknown.

Methods

This study, we analyzed 1152 normal samples from the GTEx database and 670 glioma samples from the TCGA database to investigate the relationship between the expression of SIRPB1 and clinicopathological features. Moreover, SIRPB1 gene knockout THP-1 cell lines were constructed using CRISPR/Cas9 and were induced into a co-culture of macrophages and glioma cells in vitro to learn more about the role of SIRPB1 in the glioma immune milieu. Lastly, we established a prognostic model to predict the effect of SIRPB1 on prognosis.

Results

Significantly higher levels of SIRPB1 expression were found in gliomas, which had an adverse effect on the immune milieu and correlated poorly with patient survival. SIRPB1 activation with certain antibodies results in SYK phosphorylation and the subsequent activation of calcium, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling pathways. This phenomenon is primarily observed in myeloid-derived cells as opposed to glioma cells. In vitro co-culture demonstrated that macrophages with SIRPB1 knockout showed decreased IL1RA, CCL2, and IL-8, which were recovered upon ectopic expression of SIRPB1 but reduced again following treatment with SYK inhibitor GS9973. Critically, a lower overall survival rate was linked to increased SIRPB1 expression. Making use of SIRPB1 expression along with additional clinicopathological variables, we established a nomogram that showed a high degree of prediction accuracy.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that glioma cells can be activated by macrophages via SIRPB1, subsequently reprogramming the TME, suggesting that SIRPB1 could serve as a promising therapeutic target for gliomas.
A portable system to measure knee extensor spasticity after spinal cord injury
Authors: De Santis Dalia , Perez Monica A.
Published: April 2024

Background

The pendulum test is a quantitative method used to assess knee extensor spasticity in humans with spinal cord injury (SCI). Yet, the clinical implementation of this method remains limited. The goal of our study was to develop an objective and portable system to assess knee extensor spasticity during the pendulum test using inertial measurement units (IMU).

Methods

Spasticity was quantified by measuring the first swing angle (FSA) using a 3-dimensional optical tracking system (with external markers over the iliotibial band, lateral knee epicondyle, and lateral malleolus) and two wireless IMUs (positioned over the iliotibial band and mid-part of the lower leg) as well as a clinical exam (Modified Ashworth Scale, MAS).

Results

Measurements were taken on separate days to assess test–retest reliability and device agreement in humans with and without SCI. We found no differences between FSA values obtained with the optical tracking system and the IMU-based system in control subjects and individuals with SCI. FSA values from the IMU-based system showed excellent agreement with the optical tracking system in individuals with SCI (ICC > 0.98) and good agreement in controls (ICC > 0.82), excellent test–retest reliability across days in SCI (ICC = 0.93) and good in controls (ICC = 0.87). Notably, FSA values measured by both systems showed a strong association with MAS scores ($$\uprho$$
ρ
 ~ −0.8) being decreased in individuals with SCI with higher MAS scores, reflecting the presence of spasticity.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that our new portable IMU-based system provides a robust and flexible alternative to a camera-based optical tracking system to quantify knee extensor spasticity following SCI.
A phenotypic screening approach to target p60AmotL2-expressing invasive cancer cells
Authors: Fonseca Pedro , Cui Weiyingqi , Struyf Nona , Tong Le , Chaurasiya Ayushi , Casagrande Felipe , Zhao Honglei , Fernando Dinura , Chen Xinsong , Tobin Nicholas P. , Seashore-Ludlow Brinton , Lundqvist Andreas , Hartman Johan , Göndör Anita , Östling Päivi , Holmgren Lars
Published: April 2024

Background

Tumor cells have the ability to invade and form small clusters that protrude into adjacent tissues, a phenomenon that is frequently observed at the periphery of a tumor as it expands into healthy tissues. The presence of these clusters is linked to poor prognosis and has proven challenging to treat using conventional therapies. We previously reported that p60AmotL2 expression is localized to invasive colon and breast cancer cells. In vitro, p60AmotL2 promotes epithelial cell invasion by negatively impacting E-cadherin/AmotL2-related mechanotransduction.

Methods

Using epithelial cells transfected with inducible p60AmotL2, we employed a phenotypic drug screening approach to find compounds that specifically target invasive cells. The phenotypic screen was performed by treating cells for 72 h with a library of compounds with known antitumor activities in a dose-dependent manner. After assessing cell viability using CellTiter-Glo, drug sensitivity scores for each compound were calculated. Candidate hit compounds with a higher drug sensitivity score for p60AmotL2-expressing cells were then validated on lung and colon cell models, both in 2D and in 3D, and on colon cancer patient-derived organoids. Nascent RNA sequencing was performed after BET inhibition to analyse BET-dependent pathways in p60AmotL2-expressing cells.

Results

We identified 60 compounds that selectively targeted p60AmotL2-expressing cells. Intriguingly, these compounds were classified into two major categories: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) inhibitors and Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal motif (BET) inhibitors. The latter consistently demonstrated antitumor activity in human cancer cell models, as well as in organoids derived from colon cancer patients. BET inhibition led to a shift towards the upregulation of pro-apoptotic pathways specifically in p60AmotL2-expressing cells.

Conclusions

BET inhibitors specifically target p60AmotL2-expressing invasive cancer cells, likely by exploiting differences in chromatin accessibility, leading to cell death. Additionally, our findings support the use of this phenotypic strategy to discover novel compounds that can exploit vulnerabilities and specifically target invasive cancer cells.
Clinical-functional correlation with brain volumetry in severe perinatal asphyxia: a case report
Authors: Velasquez-Minoli Juan Pablo , Cardona-Ramirez Natalia , Garcia-Arias Hernan Felipe , Restrepo-Restrepo Feliza , Porras-Hurtado Gloria Liliana
Published: April 2024

Background

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) appears in neurological conditions where some brain areas are likely to be injured, such as deep grey matter, basal ganglia area, and white matter subcortical periventricular áreas. Moreover, modeling these brain areas in a newborn is challenging due to significant variability in the intensities associated with HIE conditions. This paper aims to evaluate functional measurements and 3D machine learning models of a given HIE case by correlating the affected brain areas with the pathophysiology and clinical neurodevelopmental.

Case presentation

A comprehensive analysis of a term infant with perinatal asphyxia using longitudinal 3D brain information from Machine Learning Models is presented. The clinical analysis revealed the perinatal asphyxia diagnosis with APGAR <5 at 5 and 10 minutes, umbilical arterial pH of 7.0 BE of -21.2 mmol / L), neonatal seizures, and invasive ventilation mechanics. Therapeutic interventions: physical, occupational, and language neurodevelopmental therapies. Epilepsy treatment: vagus nerve stimulation, levetiracetam, and phenobarbital. Furthermore, the 3D analysis showed how the volume decreases due to age, exhibiting an increasing asymmetry between hemispheres. The results of the basal ganglia area showed that thalamus asymmetry, caudate, and putamen increase over time while globus pallidus decreases. Clinical outcomes: spastic cerebral palsy, microcephaly, treatment-refractory epilepsy.

Conclusions

Slight changes in the basal ganglia and cerebellum require 3D volumetry for detection, as standard MRI examinations cannot fully reveal their complex shape variations. Quantifying these subtle neurodevelopmental changes helps in understanding their clinical implications. Besides, neurophysiological evaluations can boost neuroplasticity in children with neurological sequelae by stimulating new neuronal connections.
Outcome prediction of cardiac arrest with automatically computed gray-white matter ratio on computed tomography images
Authors: Tsai Hsinhan , Chi Chien-Yu , Wang Liang-Wei , Su Yu-Jen , Chen Ya-Fang , Tsai Min-Shan , Wang Chih-Hung , Hsu Cheyu , Huang Chien-Hua , Wang Weichung
Published: April 2024

Background

This study aimed to develop an automated method to measure the gray-white matter ratio (GWR) from brain computed tomography (CT) scans of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and assess its significance in predicting early-stage neurological outcomes.

Methods

Patients with OHCA who underwent brain CT imaging within 12 h of return of spontaneous circulation were enrolled in this retrospective study. The primary outcome endpoint measure was a favorable neurological outcome, defined as cerebral performance category 1 or 2 at hospital discharge. We proposed an automated method comprising image registration, K-means segmentation, segmentation refinement, and GWR calculation to measure the GWR for each CT scan. The K-means segmentation and segmentation refinement was employed to refine the segmentations within regions of interest (ROIs), consequently enhancing GWR calculation accuracy through more precise segmentations.

Results

Overall, 443 patients were divided into derivation N=265, 60% and validation N=178, 40% sets, based on age and sex. The ROI Hounsfield unit values derived from the automated method showed a strong correlation with those obtained from the manual method. Regarding outcome prediction, the automated method significantly outperformed the manual method in GWR calculation (AUC 0.79 vs. 0.70) across the entire dataset. The automated method also demonstrated superior performance across sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values using the cutoff value determined from the derivation set. Moreover, GWR was an independent predictor of outcomes in logistic regression analysis. Incorporating the GWR with other clinical and resuscitation variables significantly enhanced the performance of prediction models compared to those without the GWR.

Conclusions

Automated measurement of the GWR from non-contrast brain CT images offers valuable insights for predicting neurological outcomes during the early post-cardiac arrest period.
Effect of volume infusion on left atrial strain in acute circulatory failure
Authors: Cicetti Marta , Bagate François , Lapenta Cristina , Gendreau Ségolène , Masi Paul , Mekontso Dessap Armand
Published: April 2024

Background

Left atrial strain (LAS) is a measure of atrial wall deformation during cardiac cycle and reflects atrial contribution to cardiovascular performance. Pathophysiological significance of LAS in critically ill patients with hemodynamic instability has never been explored. This study aimed at describing LAS and its variation during volume expansion and to assess the relationship between LAS components and fluid responsiveness.

Methods

This prospective observational study was performed in a French ICU and included patients with acute circulatory failure, for whom the treating physician decided to proceed to volume expansion (rapid infusion of 500 mL of crystalloid solution). Trans-thoracic echocardiography was performed before and after the fluid infusion. LAS analysis was performed offline. Fluid responsiveness was defined as an increase in velocity-time integral (VTI) of left ventricular outflow tract ≥ 10%.

Results

Thirty-eight patients were included in the final analysis. Seventeen (45%) patients were fluid responders. LAS analysis had a good feasibility and reproducibility. Overall, LAS was markedly reduced in all its components, with values of 19 [15 – 32], -9 [-19 – -7] and − 9 [-13 – -5] % for LAS reservoir (LASr), conduit (LAScd) and contraction (LASct), respectively. LASr, LAScd and LASct significantly increased during volume expansion in the entire population. Baseline value of LAS did not predict fluid responsiveness and the changes in LAS and VTI during volume expansion were not significantly correlated.

Conclusions

LAS is severely altered during acute circulatory failure. LAS components significantly increase during fluid administration, but cannot be used to predict or assess fluid responsiveness.
Coupled dislocations and fracture dynamics at finite deformation: model derivation, and physical questions
Authors: Acharya Amit
Published: April 2024

A continuum mechanical model of coupled dislocation based plasticity and fracture at finite deformation is proposed. Motivating questions and target applications of the model are sketched.
Psychometric evaluation of the near activity visual questionnaire presbyopia (NAVQ-P) and additional patient-reported outcome items
Authors: Sims Joel , Sloesen Brigitte , Bentley Sarah , Naujoks Christel , Arbuckle Rob , Chiva-Razavi Sima , Pascoe Ben , Stochl Jan , Findley Amy , O’Brien Paul , Wolffsohn James S.
Published: April 2024

Background

The Near Visual Acuity Questionnaire Presbyopia (NAVQ-P) is a patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure that was developed in a phakic presbyopia population to assess near vision function impacts. The study refined and explored the psychometric properties and score interpretability of the NAVQ-P and additional PRO items assessing near vision correction independence (NVCI), near vision satisfaction (NVS), and near vision correction preference (NVCP).

Methods

This was a psychometric validation study conducted using PRO data collected as part of a Phase IIb clinical trial (CUN8R44 A2202) consisting of 235 randomized adults with presbyopia from the US, Japan, Australia, and Canada. Data collected at baseline, week 2, and months 1, 2, and 3 during the 3-month trial treatment period were included in the analyses to assess item (question) properties, NAVQ-P dimensionality and scoring, reliability, validity, and score interpretation.

Results

Item responses were distributed across the full response scale for most NAVQ-P and additional PRO items. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the pre-defined unidimensional structure and calculation of a NAVQ-P total score as a measure of near vision function. Item deletion informed by item response distributions, dimensionality analyses, item response theory, and previous qualitative findings, including clinical input, supported retention of 14 NAVQ-P items. The 14-item NAVQ-P total score had excellent internal consistency (α = 0.979) and high test-retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficients > = 0.898). There was good evidence of construct-related validity for all PROs supported by strong correlations with concurrent measures. Excellent results for known-groups validity and ability to detect change analyses were also demonstrated. Anchor-based and distribution-based methods supported interpretation of scores through generation of group-level and within-individual estimates of meaningful change thresholds. A meaningful within-patient change in the range of 8-15-point improvement on the NAVQ-P total score (score range 0–42) was recommended, including a more specific responder definition of 10-point improvement.

Conclusions

The NAVQ-P, NVCI, and NVS are valid and reliable instruments which have the ability to detect change over time. Findings strongly support the use of these measures as outcome assessments in clinical/research studies and in clinical practice in the presbyopia population.
Gigantopithecus blacki extinction and human threats to Tapanuli orangutans: lessons from past and present challenges
Authors: Silva Heslley Machado
Published: April 2024

Background

This letter explores the historical challenges faced by Gigantopithecus blacki, a colossal ape, during the Pleistocene period in southern China, emphasizing its extinction approximately 300,000 years ago due to climate change. Main body: Drawing parallels, the research sheds light on the imminent threat to Tapanuli orangutans in Southeast Asia, underscoring the role of human intervention. The paradox emerges as Homo sapiens, despite claiming wisdom, becomes a significant threat through climate change and deforestation, exacerbated by the dissemination of scientific misinformation. Conclusion: The text urges humanity to reorient its development, emphasizing the need for responsible environmental stewardship to ensure a sustainable and balanced future for both Earth and its primate inhabitants.
Combining ability of Egyptian cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) reveals genetic potential for improved yield and fiber quality
Authors: Abdelghany Ahmed M. , El-Banna Aly A. A. , Lamlom Sobhi F. , El-Sorady Gawhara A. , Salama Ehab A. A. , Ren Honglei , Shaibu Abdulwahab S. , Yehia Waleed M. B.
Published: April 2024

Background

As the most widely cultivated fiber crop, cotton production depends on hybridization to unlock the yield potential of current varieties. A deep understanding of genetic dissection is crucial for the cultivation of enhanced hybrid plants with desired traits, such as high yield and fine fiber quality. In this study, the general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) of yield and fiber quality of nine cotton parents (six lines and three testers) and eighteen F1 crosses produced using a line × tester mating design were analyzed.

Results

The results revealed significant effects of genotypes, parents, crosses, and interactions between parents and crosses for most of the studied traits. Moreover, the effects of both additive and non-additive gene actions played a notably significant role in the inheritance of most of the yield and fiber quality attributes. The F1 hybrids of (Giza 90 × Aust) × Giza 86, Uzbekistan 1 × Giza 97, and Giza 96 × Giza 97 demonstrated superior performance due to their favorable integration of high yield attributes and premium fiber quality characteristics. Path analysis revealed that lint yield has the highest positive direct effect on seed cotton yield, while lint percentage showed the highest negative direct effect on seed cotton yield. Principal component analysis identified specific parents and hybrids associated with higher cotton yield, fiber quality, and other agronomic traits.

Conclusion

This study provides insights into identifying potential single- and three-way cross hybrids with superior cotton yield and fiber quality characteristics, laying a foundation for future research on improving fiber quality in cotton.
Turkish population-based screening for first identified changes of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in breast and/or ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Semerci Sevimli Tuğba , Sevimli Murat , Manguoğlu Ayşe Esra , Lüleci Güven
Published: April 2024

Introduction

It is known that BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes’ mutation carriers are predisposed to breast and ovarian cancers and other organ cancers such as prostate, colon and cervix. In the previous study performed at X University, all coding exons of both genes were screened by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). In addition to various nonsense, missense mutations, polymorphisms and intronic region changes, seven novel missense mutations, including H513L, H816P and S1517Y in BRCA1 and S326R, G258P, E2903K and N2742S in BRCA2, had been identified.

Methods

To determine whether these unclassified variants are pathogenic, DNA samples of 150 healthy individuals without a known cancer history in the family were screened in this study for these seven novel missense mutations. These DNA samples were recruited from archives of previous polymorphism studies. PCR performed DNA amplifications, and denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) techniques did mutation screenings.

Results

Peak patterns suggestive of a change in DNA fragments were considered for sequencing analyses. Analyses revealed that none of the 150 DNA samples had any change in the seven screened fragments. As a result, it is assumed that these seven mutations might be novel pathogenic mutations described in the Turkish population.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these carriers must be informed about the mutation and given appropriate genetic counseling by their physicians. In addition, genetic testing must be offered to high-risk individuals (men/women) in the family so that it would be possible for other family members to have genetic counseling and contribute to disease prevention. On the other hand, these findings would contribute to current literature with novel results and shed light on future research.
Large-scale analysis of the ARF and Aux/IAA gene families in 406 horticultural and other plants
Authors: Feng Shuyan , Li Nan , Chen Huilong , Liu Zhuo , Li Chunjin , Zhou Rong , Zhang Yingchao , Cao Rui , Ma Xiao , Song Xiaoming
Published: April 2024

The auxin response factor (ARF) and auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (Aux/IAA) family of genes are central components of the auxin signaling pathway and play essential roles in plant growth and development. Their large-scale analysis and evolutionary trajectory of origin are currently not known. Here, we identified the corresponding ARF and Aux/IAA family members and performed a large-scale analysis by scanning 406 plant genomes. The results showed that the ARF and Aux/IAA gene families originated from charophytes. The ARF family sequences were more conserved than the Aux/IAA family sequences. Dispersed duplications were the common expansion mode of ARF and Aux/IAA families in bryophytes, ferns, and gymnosperms; however, whole-genome duplication was the common expansion mode of the ARF and Aux/IAA families in basal angiosperms, magnoliids, monocots, and dicots. Expression and regulatory network analyses revealed that the Arabidopsis thaliana ARF and Aux/IAA families responded to multiple hormone, biotic, and abiotic stresses. The APETALA2 and serum response factor-transcription factor gene families were commonly enriched in the upstream and downstream genes of the ARF and Aux/IAA gene families. Our study provides a comprehensive overview of the evolutionary trajectories, structural functions, expansion mechanisms, expression patterns, and regulatory networks of these two gene families.
Multimodal Approach in the Diagnosis of Urologic Malignancies: Critical Assessment of ChatGPT-4V's Image-Reading Capabilities
Authors: Zhu Lingxuan , Lai Yancheng , Ta Na , Cheng Liang , Chen Rui
Published: April 2024

ChatGPT-4V model with image interpretation tested for distinguishing kidney & prostate tumors from normal tissue.
Hypothyroidism and Type D Personality: Results From E-MPATHY, a Cross-sectional International Online Patient Survey
Authors: Perros Petros , Nagy Endre Vezekenyi , Papini Enrico , Abad-Madroñero Juan , Lakwijk Peter , Poots Alan J , Mols Floortje , Hegedüs Laszlo
Published: April 2024

Context

Between 10% and 15% of people with hypothyroidism experience persistent symptoms, despite achieving biochemical euthyroidism. The underlying causes are unclear. Type D personality (a vulnerability factor for general psychological distress) is associated with poor health status and symptom burden but has not been studied in people with hypothyroidism.

Objective

To investigate type D personality in hypothyroidism and explore associations with other characteristics and patient-reported outcomes.

Design

Multinational, cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Online.

Participants

Individuals with self-reported, treated hypothyroidism.

Intervention

Questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measures

Type D personality and associations with baseline characteristics, control of the symptoms of hypothyroidism by medication, satisfaction with care and treatment of hypothyroidism, impact of hypothyroidism on everyday living.

Results

A total of 3915 responses were received, 3523 of which were valid. The prevalence of type D personality was 54.2%. Statistically significant associations were found between type D personality and several respondent characteristics (age, marital status, ethnicity, household income, comorbidities, type of treatment for hypothyroidism, most recent TSH level), anxiety, depression, somatization, poor control of the symptoms of hypothyroidism by medication, dissatisfaction with care and treatment of hypothyroidism, and a negative impact of hypothyroidism on everyday living).

Discussion

Our study found a high prevalence of type D personality among people with hypothyroidism who responded to the survey. Type D personality may be an important determinant of dissatisfaction with treatment and care among people with hypothyroidism. Our findings require independent confirmation. Close collaboration between the disciplines of thyroidology and psychology is likely to be key in progressing our understanding in this area.
Extended Long-Term Outcome After Conservative Decompressive Microsurgery and Routine Adjuvant Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Symptomatic Cavernous Sinus Meningiomas
Authors: Polemikos Manolis , Nakamura Makoto , Merten Roland , Hermann Elvis J. , Bronzlik Paul , Christiansen Hans , Krauss Joachim K.
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Cavernous sinus meningiomas (CSM) pose one of the most difficult to treat subgroup of skull base meningiomas. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an interdisciplinary treatment approach for symptomatic CSM which incorporated conservative function preserving microsurgery and routine adjuvant fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT).

METHODS:

A homogenous group of patients with symptomatic primary CSM with extracavernous extension was treated between 2005 and 2012. All patients were available for a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Clinical follow-up included detailed examination of oculomotor deficits, visual status, and endocrinologic function. Radiologic follow-up was conducted by tumor volumetry.

RESULTS:

Overall, 23 patients were included in this study (78.3% women; median age 58 years). Diplopia was the most common presenting symptom, followed by headache and visual disturbances. Surgical morbidity was low (3/23; 13%). FSRT was applied after a median of 2 months after surgery. At a median clinical follow-up of 113 months, 70.45% of the presenting symptoms had improved, 25% remained unchanged, and in 2 cases (4.54%), worsening occurred. Overall tumor regression was evident in 19/21 World Health Organization 1 and in 1/2 of World Health Organization 2 CSM, respectively, at a median radiological follow-up of 103 months.

CONCLUSION:

Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of an interdisciplinary treatment approach for symptomatic primary CSM with extracavernous extension with decompression of neurovascular elements followed by FSRT. Precise preoperative planning and intraoperative decision making in combination with routine postoperative radiotherapy can achieve excellent tumor control, improve neurologic function, and minimize long-term morbidity.
Suburbanisation uncontrolled? The role of legal framework in limiting the dispersion of built-up areas in Poland
Authors: Zawadzka Alicja , Czochański Jarosław
Published: April 2024

The article aims to determine the legal rationale for the dispersion of built-up areas in Poland and draws some polemical conclusions. The current legislative system of spatial planning and construction is the main cause behind the aggravation of spatial chaos. Built-up areas have been exhibiting dispersed patterns that often contravene natural, technical, infrastructural, economic, social or even legislative imperatives. The authors prove that suburbanisation in the strict sense is not existent in Poland, and that, quite the contrary, the decisions for new investment sites tend to be taken deliberately by landowners, investors and representatives of public administration. The authors review the causes and effects as well as legislative reasons for the dispersion of built-up areas. The text ends with recommendations for legislative changes aimed at counteracting the dispersion processes.
Impact of Storage on Nondestructive Detectability of Codling Moth Infestation in Apples
Authors: Adedeji Akinbode A. , Ekramirad Nader , Villanueva Raul , Khaled Alfadhl Yahya
Published: April 2024

Highlights

Codling moth responds differently to low temperature conditions during the supply chain.

The length of storage and temperature determine the sensitivity of the codling moth to detection.

Hyperspectral imaging sensor detectability of codling moth increased with temperature.

Abstract. Different conditions during cold storage of codling moth (CM)-infested apples lead to different infestation levels, which affect overall product quality. In this study, the effects of postharvest storage duration (up to 20 weeks) and temperature (0°C, 4°C, and 10°C) on the detectability of CM-infested apples were investigated using the near-infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging (HSI) method (900–1700 nm). Fresh organic Gala apples were obtained directly from a commercial market and stored in a controlled environmental chamber at three temperatures for 20 weeks in two groups: control and CM-infested samples. Every four weeks, NIR hyperspectral images in reflectance mode were acquired directly for each set of samples. Machine learning models for the classification of CM-infested apples were developed based on the HSI data. The results revealed that storage duration and temperature had a significant effect on the performance of the classification models in the detection of CM-infested and control apples. Overall, the best classification rates were obtained for apples stored for 16 weeks, with accuracies of 97%, 94%, and 100% at storage temperatures of 0°C, 4°C, and 10°C, respectively. This study is critical for determining the effectiveness of HSI as a nondestructive method for sorting apples into classes based on CM infestation when stored under different conditions and duration, as in this study. Keywords: Apples, Codling moth, Detectability, Machine learning, Nondestructive method.
What does neo-classic economics get wrong? Social policy, labour market dualisation, and labour reallocation
Authors: Metinsoy Saliha
Published: April 2024

The literature commonly assumes that social policy hinders labour mobility and reallocation across jobs and sectors. Particularly neo-classical economics posits that there is a trade-off between ‘security’ (social policy) and ‘efficiency’ (labour reallocation and employing workers in jobs where they are most productive). In a sample of 12 OECD countries between 2000 and 2008, this article shows that, as opposed to the common trade-off assumption, social policy supports greater labour reallocation across sectors. Furthermore, labour market dualisation as a result of the growth of ‘cheap labour’ reduces labour mobility across jobs and sectors. A higher share of ‘cheap labour’, defined as workers in low-paid jobs with little or no protection, segregates the labour market between ‘undesirable’ sectors (where cheap labour is employed) and desirable sectors (where wages are higher, and social protection is more expansive). This segregation impedes movement across sectors due to the fear of falling into an ‘undesirable’ sector. The social policy provides a safety net and helps bridge the labour market divide across sectors and hence positively contributes to inter-sectoral mobility.
Coloniality dressed in green: in its current form, climate finance risks becoming a new tool for colonial rule
Authors: Zylinski Stefan
Published: April 2024

As the impacts of the climate crisis are being increasingly felt, a critical part of the solution is said to be the issue of mobilising climate finance. Particularly for the Global South, climate finance is crucial for sustainable development; to simultaneously meet the challenges of the climate crisis while addressing issues around economic development, health, poverty and beyond. Yet at present, Southern progress is being held back by ongoing and evolving patterns of Northern neo-coloniality, including through finance and debt relationships. In a context where the mainstream approach to mobilising climate finance – centring private finance, derisked by the state – reflects the dominance of US-style market-based finance, climate finance in this form simply risks becoming a new mechanism by which Southern countries are exposed to new types of subordination and dependence. Instead, structural changes and policy space is required for the Global South to break away from Northern financial dependence. The Bridgetown Agenda and calls for a new Bretton Woods moment are important steps in this direction. However, in addition such countries need the ability to develop financial institutions and regulatory structures that can simultaneously direct credit towards priority areas, regulate capital flows, and develop infrastructure that is democratically owned and oriented towards the needs of public and environment.
Distance Learning and Perceived Social Support: Identifying Protective Factors for Families' COVIDRelated Stress and Psychological Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sampige Ritu , Tang Daijiazi , Frankel Leslie , Master Allison
Published: April 2024

Abstract: It is critically important to understand the environmental contexts and demographic factors that put families at greater risk of COVID-related parenting stress. The current study examined a new scale measuring situational stress caused by concern about family safety and stability during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined how this stress differed by socioeconomic status and children's schooling modality, and how this stress and parent social support affected parents' severity of overall psychological distress. Parents of children in distance learning experienced significantly less COVID-related family safety/stability stress. COVID-related family safety/stability stress was a significant predictor for severity of psychological distress, and this positive relationship was significantly moderated by perceived parent social support, controlling for all other predictors. Going forward, financial resources and perceived parent social support should be incorporated in plans to assist parents during the pandemic, as these serve as protective factors from COVID-related family safety/stability stress.
Optimal vector phase-matching conditions in biaxial crystalline materials determined by the extreme surfaces method: the case of orthorhombic crystals
Authors: Buryy Oleh , Shulha Dmytro , Andrushchak Nazariy , Danylov Andriy , Sahraoui Bouchta , Andrushchak Anatoliy
Published: April 2024

The optimal geometries of vector phase matching are determined for the cases of second harmonic generation, sum frequency generation, and difference frequency generation in a number of orthorhombic nonlinear optical crystals: KTP, KTA, KB5, KNbO3, LBO, CBO, and LRB4. The extreme surface method was used to define the wave vector directions of highest possible generation efficiency. As shown, in a significant number of cases vector phase matching ensures higher efficiencies than the scalar one.
Intensity correlation imaging design for geostationary satellite inspection
Authors: Hyland David C.
Published: April 2024

Recent advances in the reduction of the integration time required of intensity correlation imaging (ICI) have opened the possibility for significant improvements in astronomical imaging. This paper discusses the application of ICI to the fine-resolution imaging of geostationary satellites conducted by ground-based observatories.
Deep learning based characterization of human organoids using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Wang Bingjie , Ganjee Razieh , Khandaker Irona , Flohr Keevon , He Yuanhang , Li Guang , Wesalo Joshua , Sahel José-Alain , da Silva Susana , Pi Shaohua
Published: April 2024

Organoids, derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), are intricate three-dimensional in vitro structures that mimic many key aspects of the complex morphology and functions of in vivo organs such as the retina and heart. Traditional histological methods, while crucial, often fall short in analyzing these dynamic structures due to their inherently static and destructive nature. In this study, we leveraged the capabilities of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for rapid, non-invasive imaging of both retinal, cerebral, and cardiac organoids. Complementing this, we developed a sophisticated deep learning approach to automatically segment the organoid tissues and their internal structures, such as hollows and chambers. Utilizing this advanced imaging and analysis platform, we quantitatively assessed critical parameters, including size, area, volume, and cardiac beating, offering a comprehensive live characterization and classification of the organoids. These findings provide profound insights into the differentiation and developmental processes of organoids, positioning quantitative OCT imaging as a potentially transformative tool for future organoid research.
Simple strategy for the simulation of axially symmetric large-area metasurfaces
Authors: Martins Augusto , da Mota Achiles F. , Stanford Chris , Contreras Taylor , Martin-Albo Justo , Kish Alexander , Escobar Carlos O. , Para Adam , Guenette Roxanne
Published: April 2024

Metalenses are composed of nanostructures for focusing light and have been widely explored in many exciting applications. However, their expanding dimensions pose simulation challenges. We propose a method to simulate metalenses in a timely manner using vectorial wave and ray tracing models. We sample the metalens’s radial phase gradient and locally approximate the phase profile by a linear phase response. Each sampling point is modeled as a binary blazed grating, employing the chosen nanostructure, to build a transfer function set. The metalens transmission or reflection is then obtained by applying the corresponding transfer function to the incoming field on the regions surrounding each sampling point. Fourier optics is used to calculate the scattered fields under arbitrary illumination for the vectorial wave method, and a Monte Carlo algorithm is used in the ray tracing formalism. We validated our method against finite-difference time domain simulations at 632 nm, and we were able to simulate metalenses larger than 3000 wavelengths in diameter on a personal computer.