bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CALCULATING THE PRICE OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Authors: BRŮHA KAREL , SLOUP VOJTĚCH , LORENCOVÁ IVA
Published: July 2024

Property prices have surged recently, mainly due to limited real estate supply amid high demand supported by a large monetary base. This has driven up rental prices, especially in major cities compared to their peripheries. This manuscript examines rental prices in Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Pilsen, and České Budějovice from March to October 2023. It uses distribution functions, correlation coefficients, contour heat maps, and parameterized regression to define a probability price interval for office properties, identify a positive correlation between area and rental prices, and develop an algorithm for setting appropriate rental prices. The findings are useful for practitioners, real estate agents, and government institutions, though they are closely linked to macroeconomic variables. Future potential options are discussed.
İSTANBUL’DA BİR ŞEHİR HASTANESİNDE GÖREV YAPAN SAĞLIK ÇALIŞANLARININ SİRKADİYEN RİTİM VE YORGUNLUK DURUMLARININ HEDONİK YEMEYE ETKİSİ
Authors: Nergis Karagöz Melek , Demirci Ülkü
Published: July 2024

Araştırmanın amacı vardiyalı çalışan sağlık personellerinin sirkadiyen ritim ve yorgunluk durumlarının hedonik yemeye etkisini belirlemektir. Araştırma nicel araştırma yöntemleri kullanılarak gerçekleştirilmiş tanımlayıcı ve kesitsel tipte bir çalışmadır. Araştırmanın evrenini İstanbul’ da bulunan bir şehir hastanesinin tüm blok kliniklerinde çalışan 366 sağlık çalışanı oluşturmakta olup, örneklemini ise basit tesadüfi örnekleme metoduyla belirlenen 18-55 yaş aralığındaki kadın ve erkek toplamda 175 vardiyalı sağlık personeli oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada veri toplama aracı olarak; sosyo demografik bilgilerin ve antropometrik değerlerin sorgulandığı anket formu, Pittsburgh Uyku Kalite İndeksi (PUKİ), Duygusal İştah Ölçeği (DİA) ile Mesleki Yorgunluk, Tükenmişlik ve Toparlanma Ölçeği (OFER) kullanılmıştır. Verilerin analizinde; Bağımsız Örneklemler t Testi, ANOVA ve Perason Korelasyon analizi yapılmıştır. Kadın sağlık çalışanlarının uyku bozukluk ortalaması erkeklere oranla daha yüksek bulunmuştur. Vardiyalı çalışanlarda ara öğün tüketim durumuna göre uyku süresi ve gündüz işlev bozukluğu arasında anlamlı bir farklılık tespit edilmiştir. Vardiyalı çalışanların uyku kalitelerinin olumsuz etkilendiği, yanlış beslenme alışkanlıklarına bağlı olarak kronik hastalık görülme riskinin arttığı görülmüştür.
Effectiveness of customized ortho-k lenses in controlling myopia in children
Authors: Kalinina L. P. , Makarovskaya O. V. , Kalinin R. G. , Popov V. V.
Published: July 2024

Background. The increasing prevalence of myopia in children highlights the need for effective treatments. Orthokeratology is a key approach to slow myopia progression, yet standard ortho-k lenses often fall short due to diverse corneal structures. Personalized ortho-lens designs are crucial for optimizing myopia control and maximizing the benefits of corneal refractive therapy.

Aim: to evaluate the impact of custom ortho-k lens use on myopia control in children, specifically assessing changes in refraction and axial length during orthokeratology treatment.

Materials and methods. In our study, 41 school-aged children underwent custom orthokeratology treatment with 81 ortho-k lenses. Utilizing a Medmont E300 for corneal topography and the OrthoTool for lens calculations, alongside Lenstar LS 900 for optical biometry, we assessed myopia progression and axial elongation. The subjects’ average age was 12.6 ± 2.4 years, with an average lens wear duration of 17.0 months (range 10.0 to 23.5 months). Initial mean myopia was –5.5 ± 2.0 D in both eyes.

Results. During the study period, 87.8% of the participants (36 children) showed stabilization in refraction and axial length, indicating effective myopia control. However, 12.2% (5 children) experienced myopia progression at a rate of –0.5 diopters per year. Notably, all children undergoing orthokeratology treatment achieved high visual acuity (0.9–1.0). Complications were limited to 12.2% of the participants, who developed mild epitheliopathy (2 degrees) and/or Fleischner rings; no inflammatory complications were observed.

Conclusions. Customized orthokeratology offers significant advantages over standard ortho-k lenses, tailoring treatment to individual corneal structures for more effective myopia control. The results advocate for further, long-term studies into customized orthokeratology and its role in managing myopia.
Chest CT Findings at Six Months Following COVID-19 ARDS – Correlation With the mMRC Dyspnea Scale and Pulmonary Function Tests
Authors: Garg Mandeep , Prabhakar Nidhi , Devkota Shritik , Dhooria Sahajal , Debi Uma , Dua Ashish , Singh Tarvinder , Malarakunte Muniraju , Bhatia Harsimran , Sandhu Manavjit Singh
Published: July 2024

Background: Many survivors of severe COVID-19 pneumonia experience lingering respiratory issues. There is limited research on follow-up chest imaging findings in patients with COVID-19 ARDS, particularly in relation to their mMRC dyspnea scores and pulmonary function tests (PFTs). This study addresses this gap by investigating the clinical characteristics, mMRC dyspnea scores, PFTs, and chest CT findings of COVID-19 ARDS patients at the 6 months post-recovery. By analyzing these variables together, we aim to gain a better understanding of the long-term health consequences of COVID-19 ARDS.

Methods: This prospective observational study included 56 subjects with COVID-19 ARDS with dyspnea at the six-month follow-up visits. These patients were evaluated by chest CT, mMRC dyspnea scale, and PFT. The CT severity score was calculated individually for each of the four major imaging findings - ground glass opacities (GGOs), parenchymal/atelectatic bands, reticulations/septal thickening, and consolidation - using a modified CT severity scoring system. Statistics were carried out to find any association between individual CT chest findings and the mMRC dyspnea scale and forced vital capacity (FVC). p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: Our study population had a mean age of 55.86 ± 9.60 years, with 44 (78.6%) being men. Grades 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the mMRC dyspnea scale were seen in 57.1%, 30.4%, 10.7%, and 1.8% of patients respectively. Common CT findings observed were GGOs (94.6%), reticulations/septal thickening (96.4%), parenchymal/atelectatic bands (92.8%), and consolidation (14.3%). The mean modified CT severity scores for GGOs, reticulations/septal thickening, parenchymal/atelectatic bands, and consolidation were 10.32 ± 5.51 (range: 0–21), 7.66 ± 4.33 (range: 0–19), 4.77 ± 3.03 (range: 0–14) and 0.29 ± 0.91 (range 0–5) respectively. Reticulations/septal thickening (p = 0.0129) and parenchymal/atelectatic bands (p = 0.0453) were associated with an increased mMRC dyspnea scale. Parenchymal/atelectatic bands were also associated with abnormal FVC (<80%) (p = 0.0233).

Conclusion: Six-month follow-up chest CTs of COVID-19 ARDS survivors with persistent respiratory problems showed a statistically significant relationship between increased mMRC dyspnea score and imaging patterns of reticulations/septal thickening and parenchymal/atelectatic bands; while parenchymal/atelectatic bands also showed a statistically significant correlation with reduced FVC.
The seasonal model of chili price movement with the effect of long memory and exogenous variables for improving time series model accuracy
Authors: Devianto Dodi , Wahyuni Elsa , Maiyastri Maiyastri , Yollanda Mutia
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to explore big-time series data on agricultural commodities with an autocorrelation model comprising long-term processes, seasonality, and the impact of exogenous variables. Among the agricultural commodities with a large amount of data, chili prices exemplified criteria for long-term memory, seasonality, and the impact of various factors on production as an exogenous variable. These factors included the month preceding the new year and the week before the Eid al-Fitr celebration in Indonesia. To address the factors affecting price fluctuations, the Seasonal Autoregressive Fractionally Integrated Moving Average (SARFIMA) model was used to manage seasonality and long-term memory effects in the big data analysis. It improved with the addition of exogenous variables called SARFIMAX (SARFIMA with exogenous variables is known as SARFIMAX). After comparing the accuracy of both models, it was discovered that the SARFIMAX performed better, indicating the influence of seasonality and previous chili prices for an extended period in conjunction with exogenous variables. The SARFIMAX model gives an improvement in model accuracy by adding the effect of exogenous variables. Consequently, this observation concerning price dynamics established the cornerstone for maintaining the sustainability of chili supply even with the big data case.
AUTO-TUNE: selecting the distance threshold for inferring HIV transmission clusters
Authors: Weaver Steven , Dávila Conn Vanessa M. , Ji Daniel , Verdonk Hannah , Ávila-Ríos Santiago , Leigh Brown Andrew J. , Wertheim Joel O. , Kosakovsky Pond Sergei L.
Published: July 2024

Molecular surveillance of viral pathogens and inference of transmission networks from genomic data play an increasingly important role in public health efforts, especially for HIV-1. For many methods, the genetic distance threshold used to connect sequences in the transmission network is a key parameter informing the properties of inferred networks. Using a distance threshold that is too high can result in a network with many spurious links, making it difficult to interpret. Conversely, a distance threshold that is too low can result in a network with too few links, which may not capture key insights into clusters of public health concern. Published research using the HIV-TRACE software package frequently uses the default threshold of 0.015 substitutions/site for HIV pol gene sequences, but in many cases, investigators heuristically select other threshold parameters to better capture the underlying dynamics of the epidemic they are studying. Here, we present a general heuristic scoring approach for tuning a distance threshold adaptively, which seeks to prevent the formation of giant clusters. We prioritize the ratio of the sizes of the largest and the second largest cluster, maximizing the number of clusters present in the network. We apply our scoring heuristic to outbreaks with different characteristics, such as regional or temporal variability, and demonstrate the utility of using the scoring mechanism’s suggested distance threshold to identify clusters exhibiting risk factors that would have otherwise been more difficult to identify. For example, while we found that a 0.015 substitutions/site distance threshold is typical for US-like epidemics, recent outbreaks like the CRF07_BC subtype among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China have been found to have a lower optimal threshold of 0.005 to better capture the transition from injected drug use (IDU) to MSM as the primary risk factor. Alternatively, in communities surrounding Lake Victoria in Uganda, where there has been sustained heterosexual transmission for many years, we found that a larger distance threshold is necessary to capture a more risk factor-diverse population with sparse sampling over a longer period of time. Such identification may allow for more informed intervention action by respective public health officials.
Post-translational modifications of p65: state of the art
Authors: Sun Xutao , Cao Shuo , Mao Caiyun , Sun Fengqi , Zhang Xuanming , Song Yunjia
Published: July 2024

P65, a protein subunit of NF-κB, is a widely distributed transcription factor in eukaryotic cells and exerts diverse regulatory functions. Post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation and ubiquitination modulate p65 transcriptional activity and function, impacting various physiological and pathological processes including inflammation, immune response, cell death, proliferation, differentiation and tumorigenesis. The intricate interplay between these modifications can be antagonistic or synergistic. Understanding p65 post-translational modifications not only elucidates NF-κB pathway regulation but also facilitates the identification of therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers for associated clinical conditions.
Key molecular DNA damage responses of human cells to radiation
Authors: Zhang Chencheng , Liu Jibin , Wu Jun , Ranjan Kamakshi , Cui Xiaopeng , Wang Xingdan , Zhang Dianzheng , Zhu Shudong
Published: July 2024

Our understanding of the DNA damage responses of human cells to radiation has increased remarkably over the recent years although some notable signaling events remain to be discovered. Here we provide a brief account of the key molecular events of the responses to reflect the current understanding of the key underlying mechanisms involved.
Structural violence, social suffering, and the COVID-19 syndemic: discourses and narratives on the margins of the state in Texas
Authors: Dove Sophia Annette , Khan Shamshad , Kline Kimberly N.
Published: July 2024

While the repercussions of the novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 have been felt across the world over the past few years, the impact has not been consistent. Instead, it has been mediated by the systemic ways in which existing social and structural disparities have failed vulnerable populations globally. Drawing on document analysis and fifteen in-depth interviews (n=15) conducted among the key stakeholders in the city of San Antonio, South Central Texas, this paper reveals how structural violence worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in making it a syndemic pandemic of high rates of deaths and illnesses among the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. A grounded theory approach particularly revealed themes of social suffering such as low income and pre-existing medical conditions that contributed to higher mortality rates, the presence of racism and misinformation, the importance of trustworthy communication channels, and streamlined collaborative partnerships with clear and effective communication through all levels of the government, especially when communicating scientific information.
Simulation research on blasting of an open pit mine slope considering elevation conditions and slope shape factors
Authors: Wu Xiaogang , Zhu Dayong , Lu Hao , Li Liangmeng
Published: July 2024

This study established a numerical model that considers elevation conditions and slope shape factors by the modified Sadovsky formula to analyze the vibration attenuation law of open-pit slopes under blasting vibration conditions. The blasting excavation of a slope in a certain open-pit mine in Yunfu, Guangdong, is selected as an example. Using a numerical model that considers elevation conditions and slope shape factors by the modified Sadovsky formula, a triangular pulse load was utilized to approximate the time-history characteristics of explosion vibration with FLAC3D software. The simulation results showed the radiation range of the blasting vibration seismic wave. By comparison with field monitoring data, the numerical model that considers the slope shape factor had a relative error of ∼10%, while the numerical model that disregards the slope shape factor had a relative error of ∼15%. The relative accuracy of the calculation results of the new numerical model is higher and closer to the actual attenuation law of blasting particle vibration speed, providing more reliable results for slope stability assessment. The peak particle velocities obtained from the numerical simulation results were generally higher than the field monitoring data. These discrepancies might be attributed to the use of simplified models that disregard the discontinuous structural planes within the rock mass. This study provides an important reference for the stability assessment of open-pit slopes under blasting vibration conditions, offering guidance for improving slope stability assessment and related engineering practices.
Prediction of visceral adipose tissue magnitude using a new model based on simple clinical measurements
Authors: Torun Cundullah , Ankaralı Handan , Caştur Lütfullah , Uzunlulu Mehmet , Erbakan Ayşe Naciye , Akbaş Muhammet Mikdat , Gündüz Nesrin , Doğan Mahmut Bilal , Bahadır Müzeyyen Arslan , Oğuz Aytekin
Published: July 2024

Aims

Waist circumference (WC) is a reliable obesity surrogate but may not distinguish between visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Our aim was to develop a novel sex-specific model to estimate the magnitude of visceral adipose tissue measured by computed tomography (CT-VAT).

Methods

The model was initially formulated through the integration of anthropometric measurements, laboratory data, and CT-VAT within a study group (n=185), utilizing the Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) methodology. Subsequently, its correlation with CT-VAT was examined in an external validation group (n=50). The accuracy of the new model in estimating increased CT-VAT (>130 cm2) was compared with WC, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), visceral adiposity index (VAI), a body shape index (ABSI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), body roundness index (BRI), and metabolic score for visceral fat (METS-VF) in the study group. Additionally, the new model’s accuracy in identifying metabolic syndrome was evaluated in our Metabolic Healthiness Discovery Cohort (n=430).

Results

The new model comprised WC, gender, BMI, and hip circumference, providing the highest predictive accuracy in estimating increased CT-VAT in men (AUC of 0.96 ± 0.02), outperforming other indices. In women, the AUC was 0.94 ± 0.03, which was significantly higher than that of VAI, WHR, and ABSI but similar to WC, BMI, LAP, BRI, and METS-VF. It’s demonstrated high ability for identifying metabolic syndrome with an AUC of 0.76 ± 0.03 (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The new model is a valuable indicator of CT-VAT, especially in men, and it exhibits a strong predictive capability for identifying metabolic syndrome.
Stacked generalization as a computational method for the genomic selection
Authors: Kim Sunhee , Chu Sang-Ho , Park Yong-Jin , Lee Chang-Yong
Published: July 2024

As genomic selection emerges as a promising breeding method for both plants and animals, numerous methods have been introduced and applied to various real and simulated data sets. Research suggests that no single method is universally better than others; rather, performance is highly dependent on the characteristics of the data and the nature of the prediction task. This implies that each method has its strengths and weaknesses. In this study, we exploit this notion and propose a different approach. Rather than comparing multiple methods to determine the best one for a particular study, we advocate combining multiple methods to achieve better performance than each method in isolation. In pursuit of this goal, we introduce and develop a computational method of the stacked generalization within ensemble methods. In this method, the meta-model merges predictions from multiple base models to achieve improved performance. We applied this method to plant and animal data and compared its performance with currently available methods using standard performance metrics. We found that the proposed method yielded a lower or comparable mean squared error in predicting phenotypes compared to the current methods. In addition, the proposed method showed greater resistance to overfitting compared to the current methods. Further analysis included statistical hypothesis testing, which showed that the proposed method outperformed or matched the current methods. In summary, the proposed stacked generalization integrates currently available methods to achieve stable and better performance. In this context, our study provides general recommendations for effective practices in genomic selection.
Strategies of survival, livelihood, and resistance in transit: a narrative analysis of the migration trajectory of a Guinean asylum seeker in France
Authors: De Jesus Maria , Warnock Bronwyn , Moumni Zoubida , Hassan Sougui Zara , Pourtau Lionel
Published: July 2024

The concept of “transit” is an understudied phenomenon in migration studies. Transit is not necessarily a linear and unidirectional temporal movement from origin to destination countries, nor is it a clearly demarcated event in time and space. This article examines the complex dimensions of transit, that is, the geospatial, social, economic, psychological, and relational aspects that both shape and are being shaped by asylum seekers. Drawing on a unique qualitative phenomenological approach, the study utilizes an in-depth case narrative to trace and analyze the transit of Mamadou, a Guinean 26-year-old male asylum seeker in France. The salient themes of the narrative fall into five parts: (1) Triggers of transit; (2) Transit as a survival strategy; (3) The complex legal hurdles of asylum; (4) The politics of discomfort and dispersal; and (5) Acts of resistance. Throughout the narrative, an analytic lens is interwoven as informed by relevant literature. The results highlight how Mamadou's migration trajectory is characterized by various cycles of trauma, while he simultaneously employs survival, livelihood, and resistance strategies to confront and overcome these different forms of trauma. This paper highlights the much-needed call to depoliticize transit through adopting a pragmatic approach to asylum that promotes a virtuous cycle of policies, which contribute to the wellbeing and integration of asylum seekers.
Dysregulated cytokine and oxidative response in hyper-glycolytic monocytes in obesity
Authors: Radushev Veselina , Karkossa Isabel , Berg Janina , von Bergen Martin , Engelmann Beatrice , Rolle-Kampczyk Ulrike , Blüher Matthias , Wagner Ulf , Schubert Kristin , Rossol Manuela
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Obesity is associated with a plethora of health complications, including increased susceptibility to infections or decreased vaccine efficacy, partly due to dysregulated immune responses. Monocytes play a crucial role in innate immunity, yet their functional alterations in obesity remain poorly understood.

Methods

Here, we employed proteomic and metabolomic analyses to investigate monocyte characteristics in individuals with overweight, obesity, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and type 2 diabetes (T2D), compared to lean donors.

Results and discussion

Our results revealed distinct molecular signatures in monocytes from individuals with obesity, with significant alterations in pathways related to metabolism, cellular migration, and phagocytosis. Moreover, LPS-induced activation of monocytes unveiled heightened metabolic reprogramming towards glycolysis in subjects with obesity accompanied by dysregulated cytokine responses and elevated oxidative stress. Additionally, monocytes from donors with obesity exhibited increased lipid droplet accumulation. These findings shed light on the immunometabolic dysregulation underlying obesity-associated immune dysfunction, highlighting potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Establishment and characterization of an hACE2/hTMPRSS2 knock-in mouse model to study SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Liu Hongwei , Brostoff Terza , Ramirez Ana , Wong Talia , Rowland Douglas J. , Heffner Mollie , Flores Arturo , Willis Brandon , Evans Jeffrey J. , Lanoue Louise , Lloyd K. C. Kent , Coffey Lark L.
Published: July 2024

Despite a substantial body of research, we lack fundamental understanding of the pathophysiology of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) including pulmonary and cardiovascular outcomes, in part due to limitations of murine models. Most models use transgenic mice (K18) that express the human (h) angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), ACE2 knock-in (KI) mice, or mouse-adapted strains of SARS-CoV-2. Further, many SARS-CoV-2 variants produce fatal neurologic disease in K18 mice and most murine studies focus only on acute disease in the first 14 days post inoculation (dpi). To better enable understanding of both acute (<14 dpi) and post-acute (>14 dpi) infection phases, we describe the development and characterization of a novel non-lethal KI mouse that expresses both the ACE2 and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) genes (hACE2/hTMPRSS2). The human genes were engineered to replace the orthologous mouse gene loci but remain under control of their respective murine promoters, resulting in expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 instead of their murine counterparts. After intranasal inoculation with an omicron strain of SARS-CoV-2, hACE2/hTMPRSS2 KI mice transiently lost weight but recovered by 7 dpi. Infectious SARS-CoV-2 was detected in nasopharyngeal swabs 1-2 dpi and in lung tissues 2-6 dpi, peaking 4 dpi. These outcomes were similar to those in K18 mice that were inoculated in parallel. To determine the extent to which hACE2/hTMPRSS2 KI mice are suitable to model pulmonary and cardiovascular outcomes, physiological assessments measuring locomotion, behavior and reflexes, biomonitoring to measure cardiac activity and respiration, and micro computed tomography to assess lung function were conducted frequently to 6 months post inoculation. Male but not female SARS-CoV-2 inoculated hACE2/hTMPRSS2 KI mice showed a transient reduction in locomotion compared to control saline treated mice. No significant changes in respiration, oxygen saturation, heart rate variability, or conductivity were detected in SARS-CoV-2 inoculated mice of either sex. When re-inoculated 6 months after the first inoculation, hACE2/hTMPRSS2 KI became re-infected with disease signs similar to after the first inoculation. Together these data show that a newly generated hACE2/hTMPRSS2 KI mouse can be used to study mild COVID-19.
Experimental evidence that nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Trichodesmium spp. supplies new nitrogen source to marine phytoplankton
Authors: Li Shuang-Qing , Xiao Yan , Huang Hai-Long , Luo Zhen , Sun Tao-Ran , Gao Hua-Yang , Wang Xin-Wei , Jiang Hai-Bo
Published: July 2024

In oligotrophic oceans, primary productivity is widely limited by nitrogen bioavailability. The broadly distributed and abundant nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Trichodesmium plays an important role in the oceanic nitrogen and carbon cycles by providing a “new” source of nitrogen to many non-diazotrophic microbes, thereby driving new primary production in the ocean. However, the underlying process and mechanism of nitrogen supply from Trichodesmium to other phytoplankton remain unclear. Here, our results demonstrated that the fixed nitrogen released by Trichodesmium could sustain the growth of a non-nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002, including a mutant strain (Mut-ureA) that cannot use urea. However, the growth rate of Mut-ureA was approximately 20% lower than that of the wild strain when Trichodesmium filtrate was used for nitrogen supply. This result was consistent with the composition of the Trichodesmium exudate, in which urea comprised more than 20% of the total fixed nitrogen that was released. It is evident from the experiments that a fraction of the Trichodesmium-derived nitrogen was not available to Mut-ureA. Our results suggested that Trichodesmium produces dissolved organic nitrogen, especially a certain amount of urea as a “new” nitrogen source, benefiting in particular populations of surrounding phytoplankton species.
Exploring the causal relationship between body mass index and keratoconus: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Jiaoman , Liu Fangyuan , Mo Jianhao , Gong Di , Zheng Fang , Su Jingjing , Ding Sicheng , Yang Weihua , Guo Ping
Published: July 2024

Background

Despite reports suggesting a link between obesity and keratoconus, the causal relationship is not fully understood.

Methods

We used genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from public databases for a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate the causal link between body mass index (BMI) and keratoconus. The primary method was inverse variance weighted (IVW), complemented by different analytical techniques and sensitivity analyses to ensure result robustness. A meta-analysis was also performed to bolster the findings’ reliability.

Results

Our study identified a significant causal relationship between BMI and keratoconus. Out of 20 Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses conducted, 9 showed heterogeneity or pleiotropy. Among the 11 analyses that met all three MR assumptions, 4 demonstrated a significant causal difference between BMI and keratoconus, while the remaining 7 showed a positive trend but were not statistically significant. Meta-analysis confirmed a significant causal relationship between BMI and keratoconus.

Conclusion

There is a significant causal relationship between BMI and keratoconus, suggesting that obesity may be a risk factor for keratoconus.
High-frequency ultrasound with superb microvascular imaging: a potential tool for ultrasound assessment in patients with giant cell arteritis
Authors: Skoog Johan , Svensson Christina , Eriksson Per , Sjöwall Christopher , Zachrisson Helene
Published: July 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was 2-fold: first, to evaluate whether superb microvascular imaging (SMI) could be used to visualize neovascularization in temporal arteries, and, second, to evaluate the diagnostic performance of high frequency ultrasound with SMI using an extended protocol in patients with suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods

This retrospective study comprised 120 patients consecutively examined with an extended CDU protocol (temporal, facial, axillary, subclavian, brachiocephalic, and carotid arteries) between 2020 and 2022. Of all patients, 107 had no previous GCA diagnosis and 13 had a previous GCA diagnosis. SMI was used to evaluate neovascularization in the temporal arteries. Arteritis were characterized as low- or medium-echogenic, homogeneous wall thickening, with or without a positive compression sign in the temporal arteries. The Halo count, i.e., the number of temporal and axillary artery segments with signs of arteritis, was evaluated. The reference was clinically diagnosed GCA confirmed after ≥6-month follow-up.

Results

Of the eligible 107 patients with new suspected GCA, 33 (31%) received a clinical GCA diagnosis. Neovascularization was detected in 14 patients (43%). Patients with neovascularization displayed a higher halo count [median 6 (25th−75th percentile 4.75–7) vs. 3 (2-4-4), p = 0.005]. CDU of only the temporal arteries showed sensitivity and specificity (95% confidence intervals) of 94% (80–100%) and 100% (95–100%), respectively. The addition of extra-cranial arteries increased the sensitivity to 100%. Of the 13 patients investigated for suspected relapse, three had a clinically confirmed relapse. One of them displayed neovascularization together with other signs of inflammation.

Conclusions

We show for the first time that inflammatory neovascularization of the temporal arteries can be detected by SMI. Neovascularization is associated with a more-widespread cranial disease. The value of neovascularization should be further investigated, especially for the detection of GCA relapse.
Myricetin inhibits transmissible gastroenteritis virus replication by targeting papain-like protease deubiquitinating enzyme activity
Authors: Fan Jiahao , Xi Pengyuan , Liu Huimao , Song Xu , Zhao Xinghong , Zhou Xun , Zou Yuanfeng , Fu Yuping , Li Lixia , Jia Renyong , Yin Zhongqiong
Published: July 2024

Myricetin, a natural flavonoid found in various foods, was investigated for its antiviral effect against transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV). This α-coronavirus causes significant economic losses in the global swine industry. The study focused on the papain-like protease (PLpro), which plays a crucial role in coronavirus immune evasion by mediating deubiquitination. Targeting PLpro could potentially disrupt viral replication and enhance antiviral responses. The results demonstrated that myricetin effectively inhibited TGEV-induced cytopathic effects in a dose-dependent manner, with an EC50 value of 31.19 μM. Myricetin significantly reduced TGEV viral load within 48 h after an 8-h co-incubation period. Further investigations revealed that myricetin at a concentration of 100 μM directly inactivated TGEV and suppressed its intracellular replication stage. Moreover, pretreatment with 100 μM myricetin conferred a protective effect on PK-15 cells against TGEV infection. Myricetin competitively inhibited PLpro with an IC50 value of 6.563 μM. Molecular docking experiments show that myricetin binds to the Cys102 residue of PLpro through conventional hydrogen bonds, Pi-sulfur, and Pi-alkyl interactions. This binding was confirmed through site-directed mutagenesis experiments, indicating myricetin as a potential candidate for preventing and treating TGEV infection.
Inactive metallopeptidase homologs: the secret lives of pseudopeptidases
Authors: Lyons Peter J.
Published: July 2024

Inactive enzyme homologs, or pseudoenzymes, are proteins, found within most enzyme families, that are incapable of performing catalysis. Rather than catalysis, they are involved in protein-protein interactions, sometimes regulating the activity of their active enzyme cousins, or scaffolding protein complexes. Pseudoenzymes found within metallopeptidase families likewise perform these functions. Pseudoenzymes within the M14 carboxypeptidase family interact with collagens within the extracellular space, while pseudopeptidase members of the M12 “a disintegrin and metalloprotease” (ADAM) family either discard their pseudopeptidase domains as unnecessary for their roles in sperm maturation or utilize surface loops to enable assembly of key complexes at neuronal synapses. Other metallopeptidase families contain pseudopeptidases involved in protein synthesis at the ribosome and protein import into organelles, sometimes using their pseudo-active sites for these interactions. Although the functions of these pseudopeptidases have been challenging to study, ongoing work is teasing out the secret lives of these proteins.
Comparing similarities and differences between NAFLD, MAFLD, and MASLD in the general U.S. population
Authors: Zou Haoxuan , Ma Xiaopu , Pan Wen , Xie Yan
Published: July 2024

Background

Recently, the multisociety Delphi consensus renamed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) terminology [previously renamed metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)] as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The aim of this study was to compare the similarities and differences between NAFLD, MAFLD, and MASLD and to clarify the impact of this new name change.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 3,035 general subjects with valid vibration-controlled transient elastography data was conducted based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2020. NAFLD, MAFLD, and MASLD were defined according to the corresponding consensus criteria.

Results

Using controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) ≥274 dB/m and liver stiffness measurements (LSM) ≥9.7 kPa as the cutoff values for the presence of hepatic steatosis and advanced liver fibrosis (ALF), the prevalence of NAFLD, MAFLD, and MASLD were 38.01% (95% CI 35.78–40.29%), 41.09% (39.09–43.12%), and 37.9% (35.70–40.14%), respectively, and the corresponding prevalence of ALF was 10.21% (7.09–14.48%), 10.13% (7.06-14.35%), and 10.24% (7.11–14.53%), respectively. The kappa values for the three definitions were above 0.9. The prevalence and severity of the three definitions remained similar when the sensitivity analyses were performed using different CAP thresholds. The prevalence of NAFLD, MAFLD, MASLD, and ALF increased as the number of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) increased.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the consistency among the three definitions, especially between NAFLD and MASLD, so that the new consensus will not disturb the original NAFLD-related findings. Additionally, more attention should be paid to patients with a high number of CMRFs.
Efficacy and safety of first- versus second-generation Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ke Liyuan , Li Su , Huang Danxue , Wang Yan
Published: July 2024

We conducted this first systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the competitive advantage of 2nd-generation Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) compared to 1st-generation BTKi in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The literature search was conducted from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase databases, and hematology annual conferences. Data of over response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were extracted to a pool meta-analysis of efficacy; adverse events (AEs) were also extracted to a pool meta-analysis of safety. Bias risk assessment and meta-analysis were performed by Review Manager 5.3 and STATA 14 software. A total of 3649 patients from 29 cohorts were included. The results showed that the benefits of ORR and 24-month PFS in 2nd-generation BTKi compared to 1st-generation BTKi were not significant in the whole population but only in the relapsed or refractory (R/R) CLL patient subgroup (ORR: 86.4% vs. 76.2%, p = 0.013; 24-month PFS: 76.9% vs. 67.9%, p = 0.004). Any-grade AEs were comparable between 1st- and 2nd-generation BTKi, but grade 3 or higher AEs were significantly less frequent with 2nd-generation BTKi versus 1st-generation BTKi (grade 3 or higher: 53.1% vs. 72.5%; p = 0.002). Headache was more frequent with 2nd-generation BTKi, while diarrhea and atrial fibrillation were more frequent with 1st-generation BTKi. Only for patients with relapsed or refractory CLL did 2nd-generation BTKi have a competitive advantage, while adverse effects still need to be considered.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, Identifier 42022342488.
LIF measurement in a partially saturated and partially absorbed regime
Authors: Dvořák Pavel , Mrkvičková Martina , Kratzer Jan
Published: July 2024

The problems of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) measurements in a partially saturated regime with spatially dependent laser intensity in the sample (caused by absorption) are analyzed. The obtained equations are tested by means of LIF of free tellurium atoms in a plasma of an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) by comparing fluorescence and absorption measurements. The results show a high reliability of LIF measurements.
Acute inflammatory response following lower-and upper-body Wingate anaerobic test in elite gymnasts in relation to iron status
Authors: Kochanowicz Andrzej , Waldziński Tomasz , Niespodziński Bartłomiej , Brzezińska Paulina , Kochanowicz Magdalena , Antosiewicz Jedrzej , Mieszkowski Jan
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Artistic gymnastics is one of the most demanding sports disciplines, with the athletes demonstrating extremely high levels of explosive power and strength. Currently, knowledge of the effect of gymnastic training adaptation on exercise-induced inflammatory response is limited. The study aimed to evaluate inflammatory response following lower- and upper-body high-intensity exercise in relation to the iron status in gymnasts and non-athletes.

Methods: Fourteen elite male artistic gymnasts (EAG, 20.6 ± 3.3 years old) and 14 physically active men (PAM, 19.9 ± 1.0 years old) participated in the study. Venous blood samples were taken before and 5 min and 60 min after two variants of Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT), upper-body and lower-body WAnT. Basal iron metabolism (serum iron and ferritin) and acute responses of selected inflammatory response markers [interleukin (IL) 6, IL-10, and tumour necrosis factor α] were analysed.

Results: EAG performed significantly better during upper-body WAnT than PAM regarding relative mean and peak power. The increase in IL-6 levels after upper-body WAnT was higher in EAG than in PAM; the opposite was observed after lower-body WAnT. IL-10 levels were higher in EAG than in PAM, and tumour necrosis factor α levels were higher in PAM than those in EAG only after lower-body WAnT. The changes in IL-10 correlated with baseline serum iron and ferritin in PAM.

Discussion: Overall, gymnastic training is associated with the attenuation of iron-dependent post-exercise anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion.
A critical examination of sport discipline typology: identifying inherent limitations and deficiencies in contemporary classification systems
Authors: Konopka Magdalena Johanna , Keizer Hans , Rietjens Gerard , Zeegers Maurice Petrus , Sperlich Billy
Published: July 2024

Exercise scientists (especially in the field of biomolecular research) frequently classify athletic cohorts into categories such as endurance, strength, or mixed, and create a practical framework for studying diverse athletic populations between seemingly similar groups. It is crucial to recognize the limitations and complexities of these classifications, as they may oversimplify the multidimensional characteristics of each sport. If so, the validity of studies dealing with such approaches may become compromised and the comparability across different studies challenging or impossible. This perspective critically examines and highlights the issues associated with current sports typologies, critiques existing sports classification systems, and emphasizes the imperative for a universally accepted classification model to enhance the quality of biomolecular research of sports in the future.
How climate change-related abiotic factors affect the production of industrial valuable compounds in Lamiaceae plant species: a review
Authors: Mansinhos Inês , Gonçalves Sandra , Romano Anabela
Published: July 2024

The interest in medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) has increased significantly in recent years, driven by the growing demand for natural products. MAPs are a valuable source of secondary metabolites, which renders them useful to a number of industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food. The Lamiaceae family includes economically important MAPs that produce valuable secondary metabolites such as essential oils (EOs) and phenolic compounds (PCs). The quantity and quality of these secondary metabolites are affected by abiotic stress factors. In a climate change scenario, the Lamiaceae is one of the most affected families, especially due to its wide distribution in the Mediterranean region. In the present study, the most common climate-related environmental stress factors, namely, drought, salinity, temperature, light, and heavy metals, were reviewed and discussed in order to assess their impact on the chemical profiles of EOs and PCs, as well as on the biological properties (antioxidant, antibacterial, antimelanogenic, pest-repellent, and UV-protective) of Lamiaceae species. It can be posited that these stresses typically act as a catalyst for the secondary metabolism of these plants, resulting in increased production of EO compounds (e.g., 1,8-cineole, linalool, camphor, borneol, and limonene) and PCs (e.g., rosmarinic, caffeic, and salvianolic acids) and subsequent enhancement of their biological activities. In view of the industrial applications of these bioactive compounds, it is of interest to explore the changes in secondary metabolism induced by environmental factors as it is possible to increase the accumulation of valuable secondary metabolites.
Unravelling drought and salinity stress responses in barley genotypes: physiological, biochemical, and molecular insights
Authors: Alsamadany Hameed , Abdulbaki Abdulbaki Shehu , Alzahrani Yahya
Published: July 2024

In the face of escalating environmental challenges, understanding crop responses to abiotic stress is pivotal for sustainable agriculture. The present study meticulously investigates the intricate interplay between drought and salinity stress in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Employing three distinct barley genotypes—Traveller, Prunella, and Zahna—we scrutinize their physiological, biochemical, and molecular adaptations under stress conditions. Our findings underscore genotype-specific responses, unravelling the multifaceted mechanisms that govern stress tolerance. Chlorophyll content, a vital indicator of photosynthetic efficiency, exhibits significant variations across genotypes. Salinity stress induces a decline in chlorophyll levels, while drought stress triggers a more nuanced response. Stomatal conductance, a key regulator of water loss, also diverges among the genotypes. Traveller displays remarkable stomatal closure under drought, conserving water, whereas Prunella and Zahna exhibit contrasting patterns. Antioxidant enzyme activities, crucial for combating oxidative stress, fluctuate significantly. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) surge under salinity stress, while drought predominantly impacts SOD. Gene expression profiling reveals genotype-specific signatures, with stress-responsive genes modulating adaptive pathways. Correlation analyses revealed the intricate interplay of the physiological and biochemical parameters. Genotype-specific adaptations, coupled with dynamic physiological and molecular responses, underscore the plasticity of barley’s stress tolerance mechanisms. Throughout the study, the Zahna genotype demonstrated notable tolerance in terms of performance. These insights hold promise for breeding resilient cultivars, bolstering food security in an increasingly unpredictable climate. By deciphering the barley stress symphony, we contribute to the harmonious orchestration of sustainable agricultural practices.
Parental involvement in robot-mediated intervention: a systematic review
Authors: Piccolo Adriana , De Domenico Carmela , Di Cara Marcella , Settimo Carmela , Corallo Francesco , Leonardi Simona , Impallomeni Caterina , Tripodi Emanuela , Quartarone Angelo , Cucinotta Francesca
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Over the years, the conceptual approach to pediatric rehabilitation has reevaluated the parent's role in the therapeutic process, considering parental involvement as a necessary condition for the effectiveness of the intervention. In the field of pediatric intervention, the therapeutic use of robots represents a growing clinical interest, but the feasibility and applicability of these robotic interventions, including those involving parents, remain unclear. This systematic review aims to investigate parental involvement in robot-mediated interventions (RMI) for children and adolescents in the current literature. Our main goal is to analyze and summarize all existing studies to discuss and draw future research directions and implications for clinical practice.

Method

After collecting results from 1,106 studies, the studies selected were analyzed using thematic analysis. The literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines by searching databases such as PubMed and Web of Science until 07 February 2023. Studies that met the following inclusion criteria were included: (1) the use of a robot as a therapeutic-rehabilitation tool and (2) the presence/involvement of parents/caregivers in child-robot therapeutic sessions.

Results

A total of 10 articles were included. The extracted data included study design, participant characteristics, type of robot used, outcome measures, aim, and type of intervention. The results reveal that parental involvement in RMI could be feasible and useful in improving intervention efficacy, particularly in improving the child's social-communicative abilities and the caregiver's educational skills.

Discussion

RMI intervention with parental participation could be a useful therapeutic strategy in pediatrics. However, to date, few studies have investigated this specific topic, and the reported results may enhance future research to understand its effectiveness in specific areas of use.

Systematic review registration

identifier: CRD42024553214.