bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Biochar and Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Ratio on Leaf Physiology and Soil Characteristics of Bambusa tuldoides ‘Swolleninternode’
Authors: He Tianyou , Jiang Denghui , Zhang Yinghui , Rong Jundong , Chen Lingyan , Chen Liguang , Zheng Yushan
Published: October 2024

As one of the main bamboo species in coastal sandy land protection forests, Bambusa tuldoides ‘Swolleninternode’ can effectively improve the structure of forest tree species, increase the diversity of tree species and enhance the protection efficiency. However, research on the cultivation and utilization of B. tuldoides is still relatively scarce. Therefore, in this study, B. tuldoides was used as the research object. By applying biochar and nitrogen fertilizer, the effects of different biochar and nitrogen fertilizer ratios on the physiology and soil characteristics of bamboo were analyzed, and the optimal ratio scheme was identified. The results showed that the ratio of the T5 (A2B2C3) treatment had the best effect on the total chlorophyll, non-structural carbohydrate and nutrient contents of B. tuldoides leaves, and the contents under treatments was generally higher than under the control, CK. The activities of soil invertase, nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase were significantly increased under biochar treatment, and the effects of the T5 treatment were the best. The results of principal component analysis showed that the absolute values of the coefficient of leaf potassium, phosphorus content and soil total nitrogen were larger and more important, and the comprehensive evaluation of the T5 treatment was the highest.
Predicting the Microbiome and Metabolome Dynamics of Natural Apple Fermentation Towards the Development of Enhanced Functional Vinegar
Authors: Maske Bruna Leal , Ruiz Ignácio , Vale Alexander da Silva , Sampaio Vitória de Mello , El Kadri Najua Kêmil , Soccol Carlos Ricardo , Pereira Gilberto Vinícius
Published: October 2024

Natural vinegar fermentation is a complex process influenced by the interplay between microbial communities and metabolites. This study examined the interplay between the microbiome and the metabolome over a three-month period, with samples collected every ten days. Using Illumina sequencing and chromatographic techniques (HPLC and GC-MS), we mapped microbial shifts and metabolite profiles. Early fermentation showed a diverse microbial presence, including genera such as Cronobacter, Luteibacter, and Saccharomyces. A stable microbial ecosystem established between days 15 and 70, characterized by the dominance of Leuconostoc, Gluconobacter, and Saccharomyces, which facilitated consistent substrate consumption and metabolite production, including various organic acids and ethanol. By day 70, Acetobacter prevalence increased significantly, correlating with a peak acetic acid production of 12.4 g/L. Correlation analyses revealed significant relationships between specific microbes and volatile organic compounds. This study highlights the crucial roles of these microbes in developing sensory profiles suited for industrial applications and proposes an optimal microbial consortium for enhancing vinegar quality. These data suggest that an optimal microbial consortium for vinegar fermentation should include Saccharomyces for efficient alcohol production, Leuconostoc for ester-mediated flavor complexity, and Acetobacter for robust acetic acid production. The presence of Komagataeibacter could further improve the sensory and functional qualities due to its role in producing bacterial cellulose.
Streaming and Elastic Traffic Service in 5G-Sliced Wireless Networks and Mutual Utilization of Guaranteed Resource Units
Authors: Adou Yves , Markova Ekaterina , Gaidamaka Yuliya
Published: October 2024

Researchers of 5G-sliced Wireless Networks are faced with the task of achieving, at the same time, (i) mandatory isolation among network slices and (ii) the effective utilization of resource at Fifth Generation Base Station (gNB). This article proposes the second version of the Preemption-based service Prioritization (PP2) scheme that merges the capabilities of the classical Resource Reservation (RR) and Service Prioritization (SP) schemes and realizes the coexistence of non-TCP streaming and TCP elastic traffic at gNB. Analytical methods are given for Dynamic Resource Sharing (DRS) and Dynamic Resource Reallocation (DRR) with data rate reduction and service preemption. As main results, under some baseline scenario, the PP2 scheme, in comparison with RR, does increase the admission probability up to 99.999% at the system while ensuring 100% in system capacity utilization.
Deep Reinforcement Learning for UAV-Based SDWSN Data Collection
Authors: Karegar Pejman A. , Al-Hamid Duaa Zuhair , Chong Peter Han Joo
Published: October 2024

Recent advancements in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology have made them effective platforms for data capture in applications like environmental monitoring. UAVs, acting as mobile data ferries, can significantly improve ground network performance by involving ground network representatives in data collection. These representatives communicate opportunistically with accessible UAVs. Emerging technologies such as Software Defined Wireless Sensor Networks (SDWSN), wherein the role/function of sensor nodes is defined via software, can offer a flexible operation for UAV data-gathering approaches. In this paper, we introduce the “UAV Fuzzy Travel Path”, a novel approach that utilizes Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) algorithms, which is a subfield of machine learning, for optimal UAV trajectory planning. The approach also involves the integration between UAV and SDWSN wherein nodes acting as gateways (GWs) receive data from the flexibly formulated group members via software definition. A UAV is then dispatched to capture data from GWs along a planned trajectory within a fuzzy span. Our dual objectives are to minimize the total energy consumption of the UAV system during each data collection round and to enhance the communication bit rate on the UAV-Ground connectivity. We formulate this problem as a constrained combinatorial optimization problem, jointly planning the UAV path with improved communication performance. To tackle the NP-hard nature of this problem, we propose a novel DRL technique based on Deep Q-Learning. By learning from UAV path policy experiences, our approach efficiently reduces energy consumption while maximizing packet delivery.
Development of an Indirect Competitive ELISA Based on a Stable Epitope of β-Lactoglobulin for Its Detection in Hydrolyzed Formula Milk Powder
Authors: Xie Qinggang , Huang Yuhao , Zhang Xianli , Xu Xiaoxi , Li Zhenxing
Published: October 2024

The target of traditional immunological detection methods for milk allergens is usually the whole β-lactoglobulin molecule. However, thermal processes and hydrolysis can destroy the epitope of β-lactoglobulin and interfere with its accurate detection and labeling in prepackaged foods, posing a health risk to milk-allergic patients. There currently remains a need to excavate and locate recognition sites for β-lactoglobulin in thermally processed and hydrolyzed products. Therefore, a stable epitope of β-lactoglobulin (CAQKKIIAEKTKIPAVFKIDA) was selected as the ideal recognition site, and an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed using an antibody against this stable β-lactoglobulin epitope in order to improve the detection of β-lactoglobulin in thermally processed and hydrolyzed foods in this study. The stable epitope of β-lactoglobulin was selected using a molecular dynamics simulation, and the binding ability of anti-stable epitope antibodies was characterized using indirect ELISA and indirect competitive ELISA. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of the established ELISA were 0.25 and 1.07 mg·kg−1, respectively. Furthermore, the developed ELISA only showed cross-reactivity to goat milk among 23 common foods, therefore exhibiting high specificity to bovine β-lactoglobulin. In addition, the developed ELISA was able to effectively detect β-lactoglobulin residue in processed commercial foods and hydrolyzed formula milk powder. Our findings provide a novel strategy for accurately detecting milk allergens based on stable epitope recognition in thermally processed and hydrolyzed foods.
Molecular Cloning, Characterization, and Application of a Novel Multifunctional Isoamylase (MIsA) from Myxococcus sp. Strain V11
Authors: Feng Siting , Zhang Weiqi , Liu Jun , Hu Yusen , Wu Jialei , Ni Guorong , Wang Fei
Published: October 2024

A novel multifunctional isoamylase, MIsA from Myxococcus sp. strain V11, was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). Sequence alignment revealed that MIsA is a typical isoamylase that belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 13 (GH 13). MIsA can hydrolyze the α-1,6-branches of amylopectin and pullulan, as well as the α-1,4-glucosidic bond in amylose. Additionally, MIsA demonstrates 4-α-D-glucan transferase activity, enabling the transfer of α-1,4-glucan oligosaccharides between molecules, particularly with linear maltooligosaccharides. The Km, Kcat, and Vmax values of the MIsA for amylopectin were 1.22 mM, 40.42 µmol·min–1·mg–1, and 4046.31 mM·min–1. The yields of amylopectin and amylose hydrolyzed into oligosaccharides were 10.16% and 11.70%, respectively. The hydrolysis efficiencies were 55%, 35%, and 30% for amylopectin, soluble starch, and amylose, respectively. In the composite enzyme hydrolysis of amylose, the yield of maltotetraose increased by 1.81-fold and 2.73-fold compared with that of MIsA and MTHase (MCK8499120) alone, respectively.
Impact of Natural Phytosanitary Product Residuals on Yeast Fermentation Performance and Wine Composition
Authors: Bartolozzi Natascia , Maioli Francesco , Picchi Monica , Civa Valentina , Canuti Valentina , Domizio Paola
Published: October 2024

Although phytosanitary treatments are necessary to protect grapes from parasitic diseases, consumers are increasingly concerned about the use of synthetic phytosanitary products and their possible residues in wine. Pre-harvest phytosanitary treatments are often inevitable, and consequently downtime is required to avoid possible residues on the grapes. Instead, natural phytosanitary products, such as essential oil (EO)-based products, can be applied close to the harvest without specific restrictions, with results that are not only technically convenient but also more attractive for the consumers. Because of the high antimicrobial activity of EO products, in the present study we evaluated the effect of different residual amounts of two new EO-based phytosanitary products on the alcoholic fermentation and the chemical composition of the final fermented products. In particular, two EO-based new formulations, exploitable in organic viticulture management, were evaluated. Increasing concentrations of each formulation were tested during laboratory scale fermentations and in comparison with synthetic and natural commercial phytosanitary products. Growth and fermentation kinetics of a commercial yeast strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the chemical and sensory profiles of the final products were evaluated. Both new formulations showed no significant impact on the growth and fermentation kinetic of S. cerevisiae at any of the concentrations tested. In all trials, alcoholic fermentation was completed in 15 days. Instead, a different chemical composition of the final products was observed. Therefore, these new products might represent an interesting alternative tool to the conventional phytosanitary treatments, being applicable close to the harvest without negative impacts on the kinetics of alcoholic fermentation and also being more acceptable to wine consumers.
Revealing Physiological Basis for Floret Opening Difference Between Indica and Japonica Rice: Based on Floral Structure, Transcriptome, and Endogenous Floret Opening Regulator
Authors: Deng Ruyue , Yan Zhiqiang , Tang Huihui , Zhu Susong
Published: October 2024

Background: The differing floret opening times between subsp. indica and subsp. japonica in rice limit the potential for increased hybrid seed production. Objectives: To elucidate the physiological basis underlying the differences in floret opening time between indica and japonica rice. Materials: A comparative analysis involved nine indica and ten japonica rice varieties. Methods: Using paraffin sectioning, transcriptome sequencing, RT-PCR, and endogenous substance quantification, we investigated the structural variations in floral organs, the differences in the initiation timing of floret opening regulatory pathways, and endogenous regulators. Results: The results indicated insignificant differences in lemma thickness, lodicule thickness, lodicule area, and the coupling-lodicule length between indica and japonica rice. However, japonica rice exhibited larger lodicule-lemma gaps and more vascular bundles compared to indica rice. Within the 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. interval, the expression of OsAOS1 in α-linolenic acid metabolism and OsISA3 in starch and sucrose metabolism notably increased in indica rice, with no significant change in japonica rice. Additionally, the endogenous JA and α-amylase surged more significantly in indica rice than in japonica rice. The increase in soluble carbohydrate in indica rice is greater than in japonica rice, but the difference is not significant. Conclusions: These findings suggest that in the process of the floret opening, the α-linolenic acid metabolism and starch and sucrose metabolism are initiated earlier in indica rice, accompanied by a more pronounced elevation in endogenous JA and α-amylase. Furthermore, the smaller lodicule-lemma gap in indica rice contributes to earlier floret opening compared to japonica rice.
ApoE: The Non-Protagonist Actor in Neurological Diseases
Authors: Grimaldi Lorenzo , Bovi Eleonora , Formisano Rita , Sancesario Giulia
Published: October 2024

Background: Apolipoprotein E (APOE = gene, ApoE = protein) is a glycoprotein involved in the biological process of lipid transportation and metabolism, contributing to lipid homeostasis. APOE has been extensively studied for its correlation with neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer’s disease (AD), where the possession of the epsilon 4 (E4) allele is established as a risk factor for developing AD in non-familiar sporadic forms. Recently, evidence suggests a broad involvement of E4 also in other neurological conditions, where it has been shown to be a predictive marker for worse clinical outcomes in Parkinson’s disease (PD), brain trauma, and disturbances of consciousness. The mechanisms underlying these associations are complex and involve amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide accumulation and neuroinflammation, although many others have yet to be identified. Objectives: The aim of this review is to overview the current knowledge on ApoE as a non-protagonist actor in processes underlying neurodegenerative diseases and its clinical significance in AD, PD, acquired brain trauma, and Disorders of Consciousness (DoC). Ethical implications of genetic testing for APOE variants and information disclosure will also be briefly discussed.
Assembly Mechanism of Rhizosphere Fungi in Plant Restoration in Lead Zinc Mining Areas
Authors: Deng Yue , Xiao Wenqi , Xiong Zhuang , Sha Ajia , Luo Yingyong , Chen Xiaodie , Li Qiang
Published: October 2024

Background: So far, the assembly and response mechanism of soil fungi in the ecological restoration process of lead zinc mines is still unclear. Methods: In this study, we selected three plants for the ecological restoration of abandoned lead zinc mining areas and explored the community assembly mechanism by which soil fungi assist plants in adapting to the environment during the ecological restoration process. Results: The results revealed that the mining of lead zinc mines led to a significant decrease in soil fungal diversity, whereas the planting of three plants significantly increased the diversity of rhizosphere fungi. Mining activities significantly reduced the abundance of soil Fusarium, Macroventuria, Cladosporium, and Solicocozyma and increased the abundance of soil Helvella. After three ecologically restored plants were planted, the abundances of Fusarium and Cladosporium increased significantly, whereas the abundance of Helvella decreased significantly. In addition, Capronia was significantly enriched in the rhizosphere soils of three plant species in the mining area. β diversity and fungal guild analysis revealed that mining activities had a great impact on fungal communities and guilds. The ecological restoration of plants changed the guilds of rhizosphere fungi, making them closer to those of the control sample. In addition, the endophyte guild was significantly enriched in the rhizosphere soil of three ecologically restored plants, increasing their adaptability. Conclusions: The results provide a reference for screening lead zinc mine bioremediation strains and developing fungal plant joint remediation strategies.
Complete Chloroplast Genome of Crassula aquatica: Comparative Genomic Analysis and Phylogenetic Relationships
Authors: Park Kyu Tae , Son OGyeong
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Crassula aquatica (L.) Schonl. is a very small annual plant growing along riverbanks. Chloroplast (cp) genomes, crucial for photosynthesis, are highly conserved and play a key role in understanding plant evolution. In this study, we conducted cp genome analysis of C. aquatica, aiming to elucidate its phylogenetic position and structural variations. We analyzed and described the features of the complete cp genome of C. aquatica and conducted comparative analysis with the cp genomes of closely related taxa. Rsults: The cp genome was 144,503 bp in length and exhibited the typical quadripartite structure, consisting of a large single-copy region (LSC; 77,993 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC; 16,784 bp), and two inverted repeats (24,863 bp). The cp genome of C. aquatica comprised 113 unique genes, including 79 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 30 tRNAs, and 4 rRNA genes. Comparative genomic analysis of 13 other Crassula species and six outgroups demonstrated highly conserved gene content and order among Crassula species. However, notable differences were observed, including the complete loss of the rpoC1 intron in C. aquatica and several closely related species, which may serve as a synapomorphic trait supporting the monophyly of the subgenus Disporocarpa. We analyzed the nucleotide diversity among 14 Crassula cp genomes and identified five highly variable regions (pi > 0.08) in the IGS regions. Phylogenetic analysis based on 78 PCGs confirmed the monophyly of Crassula and its division into two subgenera: Crassula and Disporocarpa. Although the phylogenetic tree supported the subgeneric classification system, the sectional classification system requires reassessment. Conclusions: In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the cp genome of the genus Crassula. We inferred evolutionary trends within the Crassula cp genome and provided molecular evidence supporting the integration of the genus Tillaea into the genus Crassula. However, as this study does not represent all species within the genus Tillaea, further comprehensive phylogenetic analyses are requrired.
Influence and Optimization of Diverse Culture Systems on Chicken Embryonic Stem Cell Culture
Authors: Ren Wenjie , Wu Jun , Lu Xiaohang , Zheng Dan , Liu Guangzheng , Wu Gaoyuan , Peng Yixiu , Jin Kai , Li Guohui , Han Wei , Cui Xiang-Shun , Chen Guohong , Li Bichun , Niu Ying-Jie
Published: October 2024

Background: The importance of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in chickens is undeniable, as they can be applied across various fields, including animal modeling, developmental biology, cell fate research, drug screening, toxicity testing, and gene function studies. However, a widely applicable culture system for chicken ESCs has yet to be developed. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of different culture systems on the derivation and maintenance of chicken ESCs, with a focus on optimizing the selected culture conditions. Methods: To achieve this, we tested the effectiveness of various species-specific ESC media in the derivation and culture of chicken PGCs, while incorporating different small molecule compounds to optimize the process. The pluripotency and differentiation potential of the resulting ESC-like cells were also evaluated. Results: The combination of PD0325901, SB431542, and LIF (R2i+LIF system) was found to be effective in generating chicken ESC-like clones. Further experiments showed that enhancing the R2i+LIF system with cytokines such as SCF and FGF2 significantly extended the culture period and increased the passage number of chicken ESC-like cells. These ESC-like cells were characterized through positive alkaline phosphatase staining and the expression of pluripotency markers POUV, NANOG, and SOX2. Additionally, differentiation assays confirmed their ability to form the three germ layers. Conclusions: The newly developed culture system provides suitable conditions for the short-term culture of chicken ESCs. However, further optimization is required to establish a system that can sustain long-term maintenance.
Comment on De Rosa et al. Hearing Loss: Genetic Testing, Current Advances and the Situation in Latin America. Genes 2024, 15, 178
Authors: Elgoyhen Ana Belén , Buonfiglio Paula Inés , Dalamón Viviana
Published: October 2024

The manuscript “Hearing Loss: Genetic Testing, Current Advances and the Situation in Latin America” by De Rosa et al [...]
Optical Genome Mapping Reveals Complex and Cryptic Rearrangement Involving PML::RARA Fusion in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Klausner Melanie , Stinnett Victoria , Ghabrial Jen , Morsberger Laura , DeMetrick Natalie , Long Patty , Zhu Jing , Smith Kirstin , James Trisha , Adams Emily , Zou Ying S.
Published: October 2024

Background/objectives: Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is an aggressive subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), characterized by the hallmark translocation t(15;17) resulting in a PML::RARA fusion. Once diagnosed, APL is now considered to be one of the most treatable forms of AML. However, without early detection and treatment, the disease is associated with rapid deterioration and lethal side effects. Methods: We describe a case of diagnostic APL presenting with a normal karyotype, normal RARA break-apart FISH, and unclear, atypical PML/RARA FISH findings. We used optical genome mapping (OGM) to characterize this atypical PML/RARA fusion. Results: OGM allowed for detection of a PML::RARA fusion resulting from a cryptic and complex insertion of PML::RARA into RARA on 17q21.2 whereby a segment of 15q24.1 was inserted into the 17q21.2. The recipient breakpoint of the insertion was at intron 2 of the RARA gene and the donor breakpoint of the insertion was at exon 5/intron 6 of the PML gene. Conclusions: This is the first report of an insertional PML::RARA fusion into the RARA gene on 17q detected by OGM. OGM has demonstrated its utility in a clinical cytogenetics environment, allowing for clearer characterization and diagnosis of various neoplasms.
Segregation of the COL6A2 Variant (c.1817-3C>G) in a Consanguineous Saudi Family with Bethlem Myopathy
Authors: Aldharee Hitham , Hamdan Hamdan Z.
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Bethlem myopathy is a rare genetic disease caused by a variant mapped to 21q22, which harbors the collagen type VI alpha 2 chain (COL6A2) and collagen type VI alpha 1 chain (COL6A1) genes, and 2q37, which harbors the collagen type VI alpha 3 chain (COL6A3) gene. Disease onset can occur at any age, and the symptoms are related to those of muscular dystrophy. Since Bethlem myopathy is a rare disease, no previous studies have been conducted in Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia. Its variable presentation of nonspecific muscular contractions and severity represents a diagnostic dilemma. Case presentation: Here, we report a Saudi pediatric patient, who is 9 years old (proband), brought to the pediatric clinic of King Saud’s Hospital by his mother. The boy presented with difficulty standing, walking, and running with his classmates and unaffected siblings. He has a younger sibling, aged 6 years old, who reported having a limping gait and difficulty bending his right knee. Laboratory results for the proband were unremarkable except for a slight increase in creatine kinase (CK). Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed for five family members, including the proband and his symptomatic brother, their mother and two asymptomatic siblings. A very rare 3′ splice site acceptor intronic variant, NM_001849.4: c.1817-3C>G, located three nucleotides before exon 25, was identified in COL6A2. Bioinformatics tools (SpliceAI, dbscSNV, FATHMM-MKL, and MaxEntScan) predicted this variant as pathogenic. The proband and his 6-year-old sibling presented a homozygous genotype for the variant, whereas the mother and one asymptomatic sibling were heterozygous, and the other sibling carried homozygous wild-type alleles. Conclusions: This is the first study to report a case of Bethlem myopathy confirmed by WES in Saudi Arabia and all Arab nations. The identified variant is rare, and its segregation pattern suggests autosomal recessive inheritance. The segregation pattern and bioinformatics tool results may qualify this variant to be annotated as pathogenic, addressing the reported uncertainty of its classification. Our findings contribute to linking and filling the knowledge gap of diagnosing and managing patients with collagen VI-related myopathies, providing greater clinical and genetic understanding to the existing knowledge.
A New Case of Mitochondrial RNA Helicase SUPV3L1-Associated Neurodegenerative Disease: Ataxia, Spasticity, Optic Atrophy, and Skin Hypopigmentation (ASOASH)
Authors: Tsygankova Polina , Chistol Denis , Krylova Tatiana , Bychkov Igor , Tabakov Vyacheslav , Markova Tatiana , Dadali Elena , Zakharova Ekaterina
Published: October 2024

Background: The SUPV3L1 gene encodes ATP-dependent RNA helicase SUPV3L1, which is a part of the mitochondrial degradosome complex or SUV3. SUPV3L1 unwinds secondary structures of mitochondrial RNA (mtRNA) and facilitates the degradation of mtRNA molecules. A nonsense homozygous variant in the SUPV3L1 gene was recently associated with mitochondrial disease. Our study presents the second documented case of SUPV3L1 pathology in humans. Methods: Whole-genome sequencing was performed on the NovaSeq 6000 platform using pair-end reading. Data analysis was performed with an in-house developed pipeline. Results: The 17-year-old female patient exhibited a diverse array of symptoms, including ataxia, spastic paraparesis, cognitive deficit, optic atrophy, and horizontal gaze-evoked nystagmus. Early onset of symptoms, such as ataxic gait and nystagmus, was noted, with subsequent progression of neurological manifestations. At the time of the observation, the proband had extensive regions of hypopigmented skin patches on the body and extremities, which have progressed over time. Whole-genome sequencing revealed compound heterozygous variants in the SUPV3L1 gene: c.272-2A>G and c.1924A>C; p.(Ser642Arg). RNA analysis demonstrated splicing changes attributable to the c.272-2A>G variant. ELISA assay showed increased Complex I content in the patient’s fibroblasts. This case underscores the phenotypic diversity associated with SUPV3L1 mutations, emphasizing the importance of considering mitochondrial RNA helicase dysfunction in the differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders. Further elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying SUPV3L1-associated pathology may provide valuable insights into targeted therapeutic interventions.
Anxiety and Depression Among Patients with Diabetes in Saudi Arabia and Egypt
Authors: Mahmoud Madiha Rabie , Aljadani Ahmed , Razzak Mahmood Ammar A. , Alshammari Reem Falah , Shahien Mona M. , Ibrahim Somia , Abdel Khalik Ashraf , Alenazi Fahaad S. , Alreshidi Fayez , Nasr Fatma Mohammad , Alreshidi Hend Faleh , Alshammari Amal Daher , Abdallah Marwa H. , El-Horany Hemat El-Sayed , Said Kamaleldin B. , Saleh Abdulrahman M.
Published: October 2024

Background: Mental stress plagued type II diabetes (T2DM) patients. The psychological and emotional issues related to diabetes and its effects include depression, anxiety, poor diet, and hypoglycemia fear. Aim: Compare the impact of diabetes on depression and anxiety in Egyptian and Saudi diabetics. Methods: The diabetes, gastroenterology, and hepatology sections of University of Ha’il Clinic, KSA, and the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Egypt, conducted this retrospective study. Everyone gave informed consent before participating. Interviews with male and female outpatients and inpatients were conducted from June 2021 to December 2022. The self-administered validated Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale measured sociodemographic characteristics and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Results: In patients with diabetes, the prevalence of depression was higher in KSA [34.8%] than in Egypt [18%], while anxiety was higher in Egypt [40%] than in KSA [29.1%]. Most depressed patients were 31–55 years old (61.2%) from KSA and 97.8% (41–55 years old) from Egypt. Female anxiety was 70.7% in KSA and 51.0% in Egypt, with no significant difference. The duration of diabetes in depressed patients was 5–10 years ([46.9%, Saudis] vs. [57.8%, Egyptians]), while anxious patients (5–10 years [39.0%, Saudis] vs. >20 years [65.0%, Egyptians]) were mainly type-2. Most depressive patients had an HbA1c (59.2%) from 7–10% (Saudis) and 77.8% [>10% Egyptians] compared to anxiety patients (46.3%) and 48.0% [>10% Egyptians]. Depressed and anxious patients from both nations had higher glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. Saudis and Egyptians with obesity had higher rates of sadness (75.5% vs. 68.9%) and anxiety (82.9% vs. 69.0%). Treatment adherence and serum glucose monitoring were not significantly different from depression in diabetes individuals in both ethnicities. Conclusions: Anxiety was more common among Egyptian patients because of overcrowding, working whole days to fulfill life requirements, and the unavailability of health insurance to all citizens. Meanwhile, in KSA, obesity, unhealthy food, and less exercise reflect the high percentage of depression among patients with diabetes. The detection of depression and anxiety in the context of DM should be critical for the physical health and quality of life of Saudi and Egyptian diabetics. Further investigation is warranted to encompass anxiety and depression within the scope of future research.
Human Papillomavirus Self-Sampling for Unscreened Women Aged 24 Years During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chino Yoko , Onuma Toshimichi , Ito Taro , Shinagawa Akiko , Kurokawa Tetsuji , Orisaka Makoto , Yoshida Yoshio
Published: October 2024

Background: The increasing trend of cervical cancer in women in their 20s in Japan is largely attributable to the low rate of cervical cancer screening. This study aimed to assess the usefulness of human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling among 24-year-old Japanese women who had never previously been screened for cervical cancer during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: In August 2021, consenting eligible women received HPV self-sampling kits. An Evalyn brush was used for self-sampling, and a Cobas 4800 PCR-based HPV DNA test was used to detect high-risk HPV genotypes. We analyzed the return rates of self-sampling kits and conducted a survey on the acceptability of the self-sampling method. Results: Of the total 1997 eligible women, 13.4% (268/1997) agreed to participate. The return rate of the kits was 72.4% (194/268), corresponding to 9.7% of the eligible population. Among the participants who returned the kits, 14.9% (29/194) tested positive for HPV, and 41.4% (12/29) of these underwent subsequent cytological testing. The questionnaire results indicated that 57.8% of participants reported no pain during self-sampling, and 72.9% expressed a willingness to continue using the self-sampling method in the future. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that opt-in HPV self-sampling among 24-year-old women who had never been screened for cervical cancer had a favorable kit return rate and was well accepted by the participants, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the follow-up cytology test rates were low, highlighting the need for improved post-screening management.
Genetic Regulation of Fruit Shape in Horticultural Crops: A Review
Authors: Liu Jia , Xu Yang , Fang Pingping , Guo Qinwei , Huang Wenjuan , Hou Jiexi , Wan Hongjian , Zhang Sheng
Published: October 2024

The shape of fruits is a critical trait affecting the commercial value and consumer acceptance of horticultural crops. Genetic regulation of fruit shape involves complex interactions among multiple genes and environmental factors. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the genetic mechanisms controlling fruit shape in several key horticultural crops, including tomato, pepper, cucumber, peach, and grape. We present the identification and characterization of genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that influence fruit shape, focusing on the roles of genes such as OVATE, SUN, FAS, LC, ENO, GLOBE, CsSUN, CsFUL1, CsCRC, PpCAD1, PpOFP1, and VvSUN. This review highlights the importance of hormonal pathways, particularly those involving synthesis and concentration of cytokinins and brassinosteroids in shaping fruit morphology, and explores how these genes interact and form regulatory networks that collectively determine the final fruit shape. This knowledge provides a foundation for developing strategies to improve fruit quality and yield through genetic modification and breeding programs.
An Examination of Underlying Domains in Childhood Adversity: A Scoping Review of Studies Conducting Factor Analyses on Adverse Childhood Experiences
Authors: Willoughby Keith , Atallah Serena , Arbeau Kim , Pearce Jenn , Ketelaars Thomas , St. Pierre Jeff
Published: October 2024

There is an abundance of research linking experiences of childhood adversity to negative physical and mental health outcomes. Areas that remain to be explored and expanded upon include the ideal set of events for inclusion in measures of childhood adversity and testing the models of risk (e.g., cumulative, specificity, dimensional). In the current paper, we performed a scoping review to develop a comprehensive list of studies that conducted factor analyses of childhood adversity measures. There were 89 articles that met the inclusion criteria; trends in the underlying factor structures are reported. Highly associated yet distinct constructs of adversity have demonstrated empirical utility in predicting outcomes in dozens of studies, with consensus that physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical and emotional neglect, and household dysfunction offer important predictive value to understanding developmental mechanisms of change. We endorse revisions to one commonly used scale that could offer researchers a consistent and psychometrically robust measure of adversity.
Urban Land Use Classification Model Fusing Multimodal Deep Features
Authors: Ren Yougui , Xie Zhiwei , Zhai Shuaizhi
Published: October 2024

Urban land use classification plays a significant role in urban studies and provides key guidance for urban development. However, existing methods predominantly rely on either raster structure deep features through convolutional neural networks (CNNs) or topological structure deep features through graph neural networks (GNNs), making it challenging to comprehensively capture the rich semantic information in remote sensing images. To address this limitation, we propose a novel urban land use classification model by integrating both raster and topological structure deep features to enhance the accuracy and robustness of the classification model. First, we divide the urban area into block units based on road network data and further subdivide these units using the fractal network evolution algorithm (FNEA). Next, the K-nearest neighbors (KNN) graph construction method with adaptive fusion coefficients is employed to generate both global and local graphs of the blocks and sub-units. The spectral features and subgraph features are then constructed, and a graph convolutional network (GCN) is utilized to extract the node relational features from both the global and local graphs, forming the topological structure deep features while aggregating local features into global ones. Subsequently, VGG-16 (Visual Geometry Group 16) is used to extract the image convolutional features of the block units, obtaining the raster structure deep features. Finally, the transformer is used to fuse both topological and raster structure deep features, and land use classification is completed using the softmax function. Experiments were conducted using high-resolution Google images and Open Street Map (OSM) data, with study areas on the third ring road of Shenyang and the fourth ring road of Chengdu. The results demonstrate that the proposed method improves the overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient by 9.32% and 0.17, respectively, compared to single deep learning models. Incorporating subgraph structure features further enhances the overall accuracy and Kappa by 1.13% and 0.1. The adaptive KNN graph construction method achieves accuracy comparable to that of the empirical threshold method. This study enables accurate large-scale urban land use classification with reduced manual intervention, improving urban planning efficiency. The experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, particularly in terms of classification accuracy and feature representation completeness.
Context-Aware Search for Environmental Data Using Dense Retrieval
Authors: Wetzel Simeon , Mäs Stephan
Published: October 2024

The search for environmental data typically involves lexical approaches, where query terms are matched with metadata records based on measures of term frequency. In contrast, dense retrieval approaches employ language models to comprehend the context and meaning of a query and provide relevant search results. However, for environmental data, this has not been researched and there are no corpora or evaluation datasets to fine-tune the models. This study demonstrates the adaptation of dense retrievers to the domain of climate-related scientific geodata. Four corpora containing text passages from various sources were used to train different dense retrievers. The domain-adapted dense retrievers are integrated into the search architecture of a standard metadata catalogue. To improve the search results further, we propose a spatial re-ranking stage after the initial retrieval phase to refine the results. The evaluation demonstrates superior performance compared to the baseline model commonly used in metadata catalogues (BM25). No clear trends in performance were discovered when comparing the results of the dense retrievers. Therefore, further investigation aspects are identified to finally enable a recommendation of the most suitable corpus composition.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Properties of the Quercetin-3-Oleate AV2, a Novel FFAR1 Partial Agonist
Authors: Pessina Federica , Casini Ilenia , Gamberucci Alessandra , Carullo Gabriele , Signorini Cinzia , Brizzi Antonella , Aiello Francesca , Aloisi Anna Maria , Pieretti Stefano
Published: October 2024

Free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1) has emerged as the most targeted isoform of the free fatty acid receptors because of its involvement in the modulation of energy balance and its potential role in the control of inflammatory and pain conditions. Quercetin-3-oleate (AV2), recognized as a new FFAR1 partial agonist, was investigated for its ability to modulate inflammation and nociception. Human immortal neuroblastoma SH and the murine macrophagic RAW 264.7 cells were used to evaluate cell viability, the potential cytoprotective activity, and the anti-inflammatory properties of AV2 in vitro. Paw edema, caused by zymosan-A, and the formalin test were used to assess the in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects in CD-1 mice. In vitro, AV2 was devoid of cytotoxicity, significantly reduced ROS in both cell types, and protected RAW 264.7 cells from lipopolysaccharide damage by reducing tumor necrosis factor-α production. Interestingly, AV2 induced a transient elevation of intracellular calcium that was reduced in cells, pre-incubated with the FFAR1 antagonist DC260126. In vivo, AV2 reduced formalin-induced nociception and zymosan A-induced paw edema, and both effects were reversed by the FFAR1 antagonist GW1100. In conclusion, these data strongly support the AV2-mediated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive activity. AV2 represents a promising molecule for the clinical management of inflammatory-related pain conditions.
Glyburide Suppresses Inflammation-Related Colorectal Tumorigenesis Through Inhibition of NLRP3 Inflammasome
Authors: Maeda Toshihide , Shirakami Yohei , Taguchi Daisuke , Miwa Takao , Kubota Masaya , Sakai Hiroyasu , Ibuka Takashi , Mori Kosuke , Tomita Hiroyuki , Shimizu Masahito
Published: October 2024

Colorectal cancer represents one of the most serious complications of inflammatory bowel disease. The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a pivotal role in the onset and progression of inflammatory bowel disease and is also implicated in colorectal cancer. This study aimed to investigate whether NLRP3 deficiency or glyburide, a sulfonylurea used for diabetes management and known as an NLRP3 inhibitor, could suppress colitis and its related colorectal tumorigenesis. Mice were divided into three groups: a control group, a glyburide group, and an NLRP3-deficient group. We investigated acute colitis and inflammation-related tumor models using azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate. In the colitis model, the colonic inflammation grade was significantly increased in NLRP3-deficient mice but not in mice administered glyburide. In the colorectal carcinogenesis model, fewer colorectal tumors were observed in both NLRP3-deficient and glyburide-treated groups. Additionally, a reduction in the expression levels of inflammatory cytokine genes was detected in the colonic mucosa of the mice of these groups. These findings suggest that NLRP3 deficiency may exacerbate acute colitis, while pharmacological inhibition, as well as deficiency of NLRP3, suppresses colitis-related tumorigenesis, presumably due to the attenuation of chronic inflammation in the colorectum. Glyburide holds promise as a potential chemopreventive agent for colitis-related colorectal cancer.
Arabidopsis Actin-Binding Protein WLIM2A Links PAMP-Triggered Immunity and Cytoskeleton Organization
Authors: Manickam Prabhu , Abulfaraj Aala A. , Alhoraibi Hanna M. , Veluchamy Alaguraj , Almeida-Trapp Marilia , Hirt Heribert , Rayapuram Naganand
Published: October 2024

Arabidopsis LIM proteins are named after the initials of three proteins Lin-11, Isl-1, and MEC-3, which belong to a class of transcription factors that play an important role in the developmental regulation of eukaryotes and are also involved in a variety of life processes, including gene transcription, the construction of the cytoskeleton, signal transduction, and metabolic regulation. Plant LIM proteins have been shown to regulate actin bundling in different cells, but their role in immunity remains elusive. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are a family of conserved serine/threonine protein kinases that link upstream receptors to their downstream targets. Pathogens produce pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that trigger the activation of MAPK cascades in plants. Recently, we conducted a large-scale phosphoproteomic analysis of PAMP-induced Arabidopsis plants to identify putative MAPK targets. One of the identified phospho-proteins was WLIM2A, an Arabidopsis LIM protein. In this study, we investigated the role of WLIM2A in plant immunity. We employed a reverse-genetics approach and generated wlim2a knockout lines using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. We also generated complementation and phosphosite-mutated WLIM2A expression lines in the wlim2a background. The wlim2a lines were compromised in their response to Pseudomonas syringae Pst DC3000 but showed enhanced resistance to the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinereae. Transcriptome analyses of wlim2a mutants revealed the deregulation of immune hormone biosynthesis and signaling of salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and ethylene (ET) pathways. The wlim2a mutants also exhibited altered stomatal phenotypes. Analysis of plants expressing WLIM2A variants of the phospho-dead or phospho-mimicking MAPK phosphorylation site showed opposing stomatal behavior and resistance phenotypes in response to Pst DC3000 infection, proving that phosphorylation of WLIM2A plays a crucial role in plant immunity. Overall, these data demonstrate that phosphorylation of WLIM2A by MAPKs regulates Arabidopsis responses to plant pathogens.
Extracellular Hsp70 and Circulating Endometriotic Cells as Novel Biomarkers for Endometriosis
Authors: Guder Christiane , Heinrich Soraya , Seifert-Klauss Vanadin , Kiechle Marion , Bauer Lisa , Öllinger Rupert , Pichlmair Andreas , Theodoraki Marie-Nicole , Ramesh Veena , Bashiri Dezfouli Ali , Wollenberg Barbara , Pockley Alan Graham , Multhoff Gabriele
Published: October 2024

Stress-inducible heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), which functions as a molecular chaperone and is frequently overexpressed in different cancer cell types, is present on the cell surface of tumor cells and is actively released into the circulation in free and extracellular lipid vesicle-associated forms. Since the exact pathomechanism of endometriosis has not yet been elucidated (although it has been associated with the development of endometrial and ovarian cancer), we asked whether extracellular Hsp70 and circulating endometriotic cells (CECs) reflect the presence and development of endometriosis. Therefore, circulating levels of free and lipid microvesicle-associated Hsp70 were measured using the Hsp70-exo ELISA, and the presence of circulating CECs in the peripheral blood of patients with endometriosis was determined using membrane Hsp70 (mHsp70) and EpCAM monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based bead isolation approaches. Isolated CECs were further characterized by immunofluorescence using reagents directed against cytokeratin (epithelial marker), CD45 (leukocyte marker), CD105/CD44 (mesenchymal stemness markers) and by comparative RNA analysis. Similar to the situation in patients with cancer, the levels of circulating Hsp70 were elevated in the blood of patients with histologically proven endometriosis compared to a healthy control cohort, with significantly elevated Hsp70 levels in endometriosis patients with lesions outside the uterine cavity. Moreover, CECs could be isolated using the cmHsp70.1 mAb-based, and to a lesser extent EpCAM mAb-based, bead approach in all patients with endometriosis, with the highest counts obtained using the mHsp70-targeting procedure in patients with extra-uterine involvement. The longevity in cell culture and the expression of the cytokeratins CD105 and CD44, together with differentially expressed genes related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), revealed similarities between mHsp70-expressing CECs and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and suggest a mesenchymal stem cell origin. These findings support the involvement of mHsp70-positive stem cell-like cells in the development of endometriotic lesions. In summary, elevated levels of Hsp70 and CECs in the circulation could serve as liquid biopsy markers for endometriosis with extra-uterine involvement and help to elucidate the underlying pathomechanism of the disease.