bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS and network analysis to explore the mechanisms of QiShenYiQi dripping pill for treating myocardial infarction
Authors: Liu Zhichao , Fu Huanjie , Gan Yongkang , Ye Yujia , Huang Binghui , Jiang Mingxiu , Chen Jinhong , Li Xiaofeng
Published: November 2024

This study focused on examining the protection of QiShenYiQi dripping pills (QSYQ) against myocardial infarction (MI) and investigating its potential mechanisms. Ultra high performance liquid chromatography-q exactive-orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) was employed to analyze potential active compounds of QSYQ. The targets of these compounds were predicted using an integrated in silico method and cross-referenced with relevant databases to identify associated pathways. Experimental validation was then conducted to confirm the accuracy of the systems pharmacology findings. In the end, network analysis combined with UHPLC screened 13 potential active compounds and obtained 99 targets for the intersection of potential active compounds and diseases. The enrichment analysis results indicated that the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-protein kinase G (cGMP-PKG) signaling pathway might be the mechanism of action of QSYQ in the treatment of MI. Experimental verification demonstrated that QSYQ could alleviate oxidative stress, promote vasodilation, and activate proteins related to the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP) and nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP-PKG signaling pathway. This study provides insights into both the pathogenic mechanisms underlying MI and the molecular mechanisms through which QSYQ may confer protection. Given the role of PKG in regulating myocardial stiffness, it emerges as a promising therapeutic target for myocardial remodeling. We propose that the NO-cGMP-PKG and mitochondrial KATP pathways may serve as candidate therapeutic targets for the development of new interventions for MI.
Circulating MicroRNAs as potential biomarkers for cerebral collateral circulation in symptomatic carotid stenosis
Authors: Liang Wenwen , Huang Bingcang , Shi Qin , Yang Xuelian , Zhang Hanwen , Chen Wei
Published: November 2024

Background

Cerebral collateral circulation (CCC) considerably improves the prognosis of patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis (SCS). This study evaluated the diagnostic value of plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) in determining CCC status in patients with SCS.

Methods

This single-center observational study enrolled patients with ≥50% carotid artery stenosis diagnosed using Doppler ultrasound. CCC was assessed using cerebrovascular digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression levels of plasma miRNAs. A multivariate logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to analyze the diagnostic value of plasma miRNA expression in determining CCC status.

Results

A total of 43 patients were enrolled (28 with CCC and 15 without CCC). The plasma expression levels of miR-126-3p, miR-132-3p, and miR-210-3p were significantly higher and those of miR-16-3p and miR-92-3p were significantly lower in patients with CCC. After adjusting for age, gender, drinking history, comorbidities and degree of SCS, miR-92a-3p, miR-126-3p, miR-132-3p, and miR-210-3p were found to be significantly associated with CCC establishment (p < 0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated a high diagnostic value of these miRNAs in determining CCC status [area under the curve (AUC): 0.918–0.965], with miR-126-3p exhibiting the highest predictive performance (AUC: 0.965). Subgroup analysis revealed that patients with CCC who had 50%–70% stenosis showed significantly higher expression level of miR-126-3p, whereas those with CCC who had 70%–99% stenosis showed significantly higher expression levels of miR-126-3p, miR-132-3p, and miR-210-3p as well as significantly lower expression levels of miR-15a-3p, miR-16-3p, and miR-92a-3p.

Conclusion

The results indicate that these six plasma miRNAs have promising diagnostic value in determining CCC status in varying degrees of SCS. These miRNAs can serve as biomarkers for CCC status following SCS, with miR-126-3p showing the strongest positive correlation.
Research on the local path planning of an orchard mower based on safe corridor and quadratic programming
Authors: Li Jun , Li Haomin , Zeng Ye , Jiang Runpeng , Mai Chaodong , Ma Zhe , Cai Jiamin , Xiao Boyi
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Path planning algorithms are challenging to implement with mobile robots in orchards due to kinematic constraints and unstructured environments with narrow and irregularly distributed obstacles.

Methods

To address these challenges and ensure operational safety, a local path planning method for orchard mowers is proposed in this study. This method accounts for the structural characteristics of the mowing operation route and utilizes a path-velocity decoupling method for local planning based on following the global reference operation route, which includes two innovations. First, a depth-first search method is used to quickly construct safe corridors and determine the detour direction, providing a convex space for the optimization algorithm. Second, we introduce piecewise jerk and curvature restriction into quadratic programming to ensure high-order continuity and curvature feasibility of the path, which reduce the difficulty of tracking control. We present a simulation and real-world evaluation of the proposed method.

Results

The results of this approach implemented in an orchard environment show that in the detouring static obstacle scenario, compared with those of the dynamic lattice method and the improved hybrid A* algorithm, the average curvature of the trajectory of the proposed method is reduced by 2.45 and 3.11 cm–1, respectively; the square of the jerk is reduced by 124 and 436 m2/s6, respectively; and the average lateral errors are reduced by 0.55 cm and 4.97 cm, respectively, which significantly improves the path smoothness and facilitates tracking control. To avoid dynamic obstacles while traversing the operation route, the acceleration is varied in the range of -0.21 to 0.09 m/s2. In the orchard environment, using a search range of 40 m × 5 m and a resolution of 0.1 m, the proposed method has an average computation time of 9.6 ms. This is a significant improvement over the open space planning algorithm and reduces the average time by 12.4 ms compared to that of the dynamic lattice method, which is the same as that of the structured environment planning algorithm.

Discussion

The results show that the proposed method achieves a 129% improvement in algorithmic efficiency when applied to solve the path planning problem of mower operations in an orchard environment and confirm the clear advantages of the proposed method.
Genome-wide linkage mapping of Fusarium crown rot in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Li Faji , Guo Can , Zhao Qi , Wen Weie , Zhai Shengnan , Cao Xinyou , Liu Cheng , Cheng Dungong , Guo Jun , Zi Yan , Liu Aifeng , Song Jianmin , Liu Jianjun , Liu Jindong , Li Haosheng
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Fusarium crown rot (FCR) is a severe soil-borne disease that affects wheat globally and leads to significant yield reductions. Identifying the loci associated with resistance to FCR and developing corresponding markers are essential for the breeding of resistant wheat varieties.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated the resistance to FCR in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population originating from Gaocheng 8901 and Zhoumai 16 across four environments. The RILs and their parents were genotyped using a wheat 90K singlenucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array.

Results

We identified a total of five quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to FCR resistance: QFCR.caas-3AL, QFCR.caas-3DL, QFCR.caas-5BL, QFCR.caas-6BS, and QFCR.caas-7DS. These QTLs accounted for 4.6% to 12.8% of the phenotypic variance. Notably, QFCR.caas-5BL and QFCR.caas-6BS had been previously detected, whereas QFCR.caas-3AL, QFCR.caas-3DL, and QFCR.caas-7DS are novel loci. The favorable alleles of QFCR.caas-3DL and QFCR.caas-5BL were contributed by Zhoumai 16, while the favorable alleles for QFCR.caas-3AL, QFCR.caas-6BS, and QFCR.caas-7DS originated from Gaocheng 8901. Additionally, this study identified seven candidate genes that encode disease resistance proteins, the BTB/POZ domains, peroxidase activity, and leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinase. Furthermore, we developed and validated two kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers, Kasp_3AL_FCR (QFCR.caas-3AL) and Kasp_5BL_FCR (QFCR.caas-5BL), in a natural population of 202 wheat varieties.

Discussion

This study contributes new genetic insights and provides new stable loci and available KASP markers for breeding to enhance FCR resistance in common wheat.
Palms are unique: clade‐level pattern of the leaf-height-seed strategy scheme
Authors: Li Xiaolan , Fu Shijia , Zhang Mingming , Yu Fei , Wang Yang , Yi Xianfeng
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The leaf-height-seed (LHS) plant ecology strategy scheme posits that functional traits such as leaf size, stem height and seed mass play a key role in life history of plants. Although many studies have explored the LHS scheme across plant species, to our knowledge, no study has so far linked functional trait patterns across different plant clades.

Methods

Here, we first explored the LHS scheme of several plant clades, i.e., palms, other monocots, dicots and gymnosperms, to understand how potential forces drive variation of plant functional traits.

Results

We showed that phylogeny constrains plant functional traits and appears to be the most decisive factor that controls variation in seed mass irrespective of plant clades. Apart from phylogeny, a majority of variation in seed mass was explained by leaf size in palms clade, whereas by plant height in other monocots and dicots. Neither leaf size nor plant height well explained variation in seed mass of gymnosperms clade.

Conclusion

Our study strongly suggests that different plant clades exhibit distinct LHS schemes, paving a new avenue for better understanding evolution and correlation between functional traits across sets of plant species.
Simulation analysis of the preventative effects of planting sweet corn on nitrate leaching in a cherry greenhouse soil
Authors: Hou Sen , Fu Quanjuan , Li Huifeng , Gao Rui , Sun Yugang , Wei Guoqin
Published: November 2024

Introduction

To ensure higher productivity, fertilizers have been excessively applied to the fruit greenhouse soil yearly, thus resulting in the increasing risks of residual nitrate leaching in the North China Plain.

Methods

In this study, a water and solute transport HYDRUS-1D model was used to evaluate the effects of using sweet corn as a catch crop on deep water drainage and nitrate leaching in a sweet cherry greenhouse soil. A three-year (2019–2021) field experiment was conducted during the rainfall season from July to September in the post-harvest of sweet cherry, when the plastic cover was removed each year. In the experiment, the five treatments were designed. The three nitrate residue levels denoted by CKR, N1R, and N2R, represented nitrate residue amounts in the soil profile of three nitrogen fertilizer levels(0, 280 and 420kg ha-1) before the harvest of sweet cherry(March to June). Two other treatments with and without sweet corn as a catch crop based on the treatments of N1R and N2R were denoted by N1RC and N2RC, respectively. The data of both the spatial and temporal distribution of water and nitrate content during the rainy seasons of 2019, 2020 and 2021 in the field experiment were collected to calibrate and validate the model.

Results

The simulated results have showed that using sweet corn as a catch crop increased the evapotranspiration rate, the upward flux of water and nitrate at a 100 cm soil depth reached a maximum of 1.5 mm d-1 and 1.0 kg N ha-1d-1, respectively, and the downward movement of water and nitrate leached to deeper soil layers was reduced. Compared with CKR, the treatments with catch crops (N1RC and N2RC) reduced the amount of water drainage by 16.4% -47.7% in the 0-180cm soil profile. The average amounts of nitrate leaching in the 1.8 m soil profile during the three-year experiment were 88.1, 113.3, and 58.2 kg N ha−1 for the treatment without catch crop (N1R and N2R) and 32.3, 54.8, and 31.4 kg N ha−1 for the treatment with catch crop (N1RC and N2RC), respectively. The treatments (N1RC and N2RC) with catch crops decreased the amount of nitrate leaching by 29.6%-69.1% compared with the treatments without catch crops (N1R and N2R).

Discussion

Sweet corn as summer catch crop can reduce nitrate leaching in the sweet cherry greenhouses. Our study has provided an effective method to reduce the risk of nitrate leaching for sweet cherry greenhouses in the North China Plain.
Perceived COVID-19 crisis strength and teachers’ emotional labor: mediating role of interpersonal stress and moderating role of gender
Authors: Shi Yantao , Hu Qingle , Tao Qinghuan
Published: November 2024

Perceived COVID-19 crisis strength has been associated with teachers’ emotional labor, but little is known about the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this association. This study aimed to explore whether interpersonal stress would mediate the relationship between perceived COVID-19 crisis strength and emotional labor, and whether gender would moderate the indirect pathway between perceived COVID-19 crisis strength and interpersonal stress. Participants were 889 primary-and secondary-school teachers from Guangxi, China, selected using convenient sampling method. They completed measurements regarding emotional labor, interpersonal stress, and perceived COVID-19 crisis strength. Results showed that perceived COVID-19 crisis strength was negatively associated with deep acting but not surface acting, and this association was fully mediated by interpersonal stress. Moreover, the indirect relationship between perceived COVID-19 crisis strength and interpersonal stress was moderated by gender, with the indirect relationship being stronger for male teachers than for female teachers. This study illuminates the psychological mechanisms underlying the association between perceived COVID-19 crisis strength and emotional labor, enriching our understanding of this association and gender differences among primary and secondary school teachers.
Country-specific psychopharmacological risk of reporting suicidality comparing 38 antidepressants and lithium from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System, 2017–2023
Authors: Eugene Andy Roger
Published: November 2024

Background

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a black-box warning for antidepressants warning of an increased risk of suicidality in children and young adults that is based on proprietary clinical trial data from study sponsors that were submitted for regulatory approval. This article aimed to assess whether the black-box warning for antidepressants is still valid today using recent drug safety data.

Methods

Post-marketing adverse drug event data were obtained from the US FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) for the years 2017 through 2023. Logistic regression analysis was conducted using the case versus non-case methodology and adjusted for gender, age group, drug role (primary drug, secondary drug, interacting drug, and concomitant drug), initial FDA reporting year, reporter country, and a drug*gene*age group interaction.

Results

In the multivariate analysis, compared to fluoxetine and patients aged 25 to 64 years, children [adjusted reporting odds ratio (aROR) = 7.38, 95% CI, 6.02–9.05] and young adults (aROR = 3.49, 95% CI, 2.65–4.59) were associated with an increased risk of reporting suicidality, but not for the elderly (aROR = 0.76, 95% CI, 0.53–1.09). Relative to fluoxetine, esketamine was associated with the highest rate of reporting suicidality in children (aROR = 3.20, 95% CI, 2.25–4.54); however, esketamine was associated with a lower risk of reporting suicidality in young adults (aROR = 0.59, 95% CI, 0.41–0.84), but not significantly in the elderly (aROR = 0.77, 95% CI, 0.48–1.23). For country-specific findings, relative to the USA, the Slovak Republic, India, and Canada had the lowest risk of reporting suicidality. For the overall study population, desvenlafaxine (aROR = 0.61, 95% CI, 0.46–0.81) and vilazodone (aROR = 0.56, 95% CI, 0.32–0.99) were the only two antidepressants associated with a reduced risk of reporting suicidality.

Conclusion

This study shows that with recent antidepressant drug safety data, the US FDA’s black-box warning for prescribing antidepressants to children and young adults is valid today in the USA. However, relative to the USA, 15 countries had a significantly lower risk of reporting suicidality, while 16 countries had a higher risk of reporting suicidality from 38 antidepressants and lithium.
Prevalence of sleep disturbance and its associated factors among diabetes type-2 patients in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Qahtani Faisal Saeed
Published: November 2024

Introduction

This study investigated the prevalence of sleep disturbances among people living with type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A four-stage sampling method was used to recruit 479 participants from various parts of the country. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect demographic, sleep disruption, and related clinical characteristics. Data analysis included reporting sleep disturbance prevalence as frequency and percentage, chi-square tests to examine categorical variable associations, and multiple logistic regression analysis to identify independent factors associated with sleep disturbances.

Results

The data showed that most participants were male (59.3%), married (78.5%), and Diploma/ Bachelor’s degree holders (41.5%). The study found that most respondents had subjective sleep quality issues, with 55.3% of Sleep Latency participants having trouble falling asleep, 62.4% having trouble sleeping, 65.1% experiencing serious sleep efficiency impairment, 85.2% reporting sleep difficulties, 88.5% using sleep medication without difficulty, 5.4% having moderate difficulty, and 6.1% having considerable difficulties. The Global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) showed that all participants had sleep problems. Marital status, nationality, HBA1C, education, region, comorbidity, and monthly income were significantly associated with sleep disturbance characteristics.

Conclusion

The study concluded that diabetes itself can increase the risk of sleep problems, as it is associated with various sleep-related issues such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome. Encouraging social support within the realm of healthcare services holds significance in reducing the occurrence of inadequate sleep. For individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, managing their blood sugar levels effectively is crucial for enhancing the quality of their sleep. Furthermore, engaging in regular physical activity is essential for preventing subpar sleep quality.
Family hardiness among primary caregivers of breast cancer patients in Hunan Province: a cross-sectional study exploring the relationship with attachment and caregiver preparedness
Authors: Sun Xin , Xu Lili , Sheng Lijuan
Published: November 2024

Background

Family hardiness is a key variable contributing to positive family functioning, which has significant effects on the quality of life and the mental health of patientsand caregivers. The factors that contribute to family hardiness support both the psychological and physical well-being of caregivers is unknown. More specifically, the relationship of family hardiness with attachment and caregiver preparedness has not been explored.

Aim

The current study aimed to investigate the family hardiness in caregivers of breast cancer patients and explore the relationship with attachment and caregiver preparedness and identify the associated factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted from March to July, 2022. 140 caregivers of breast cancer patients were recruited in two IIIA-grade hospitals in Hunan Province using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a personal characteristics questionnaire, The Family Hardiness Index (FHI), Caregiver Preparedness Scale (CPS), and the Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory-Revised Edition (ECR-R). Chi-square, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, generalized additive model and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 140 caregivers participated in the study. The mean age of participants was (42.29 ± 14.54) years and most of them were male (57.1%). The mean FHI score of caregivers was 58.11 ± 5.67. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that family hardiness is affected by ECR-R, CPS, education level, and knowledge of breast cancer. The score of CPS was positively associated with family hardiness (β = 0.265, p < 0.001), whereas ECR-R negatively predicted family hardiness (β = −0.078, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Family hardiness plays a critical role in helping caregivers manage the stresses associated with providing care to breast cancer patients. Enhancing caregiver preparedness and education, as well as addressing attachment-related issues, can significantly improve family hardiness. In light of our findings, we suggest that closer relationships within families, adding preparedness and knowledge of disease should be encouraged during the care of breast cancer patients.
Exploring the experiences of residents and their families in an alcohol-related brain injury residential rehabilitation unit in Northern Ireland: a qualitative study
Authors: Campbell Anne , Millen Sharon , Jordan Uisce , Watson Diane , Watson Joy , McCorry Roger
Published: November 2024

Objective

Limited research exists on comprehensive interventions for individuals with Alcohol Related Brain Injury (ARBI). Exploring the impact of a rehabilitation service on individuals with ARBI and their relatives/caregivers, this study aimed to gain insights into their experiences and assess how the service influenced cognitive functioning, psychological well-being, social relationships, community engagement, and the desire for abstinence.

Method

This was a qualitative, semi structured interview study as part of a larger mixed methods study of residents and their family members. Data was collected over 4 timepoints with n = 20 residents: baseline (n = 20 interviews), 6 months (n = 15 interviews), 12 months (n = 6 interviews) and at discharge (n = 8 interviews). The interviews took place at a specialist residential rehabilitation facility for people with ARBI. Remote interviews were conducted with family members (n = 10). A thematic analysis of transcripts using NVivo software was undertaken.

Results

Qualitative findings for residents with ARBI across 4 timepoints from baseline to time of discharge indicated an improvement in all outcomes. Overall, residents reported that the ARBI holistic intervention improved psychological wellbeing, social relationships/community participation, functioning abilities, and abstinence from alcohol, particularly when residents were residing in the unit. Family members and carers presented more trepidation regarding the long-term impacts.

Conclusion

Whilst the residential unit provided structure and a protective environment, residents required ongoing support post discharge for their addictive behaviours. An outreach intervention for these individuals is currently being piloted.
Promoting mental health and wellbeing as means to prevent disability: a review
Authors: Alsamiri Yasir A. , Hussain Malik A. , Alsamani Omar A. , Al bulayhi Abdulrahman A.
Published: November 2024

Background

Mental health is one of the key pillars of general welfare, and through its promotion, disability can be prevented.

Objective

This research paper covers the field of literature that primarily addresses the increase of mental health and wellbeing aimed at preventing disability.

Methodology

The analysis depends on secondary data that is acquired from different studies and reports to determine the link between mental health interventions and disability prevention. After screening, 50 articles eventually qualified for this narrative review.

Results

The results indicate that prevention of mental health problems could reduce the risk of disability development by reducing underlying risk factors and, consequently, improving the quality of life. The study highlights the significance of early preventive interventions and support systems to curtail the onset of mental health disorders, which could later result in impairment. It does the same by advocating for multi-disciplinary approach that combines mental health promotion policies with existing disability prevention strategies to improve outcomes.

Conclusion

The review points to mental health promotion as a preventative measure that can prevent disability and improve overall wellbeing. Through efforts to identify, prevent, and cure mental health problems, individuals can ensure optimal functioning and enjoy a better quality of life.

Recommendation

This finding is indicative of a broader healthcare approach integrating mental health promotion that is aimed at diminishing the burden of disabilities and improving overall public health outcomes.
Initial validation of a short version of the PERMA profiler in a national sample of rural veterans
Authors: Umucu Emre , Granger Teresa Ann , Pan Deyu , McGee Traci , Han Eunae , Yates Jim , Barnas John , Barter Crystal , Lee Beatrice
Published: November 2024

Background

Military veterans residing in rural areas face unique challenges that can impact their wellbeing, including limited access to healthcare resources, social isolation, and distinct environmental stressors. Despite growing interest in veteran wellbeing, there remains a gap in understanding how service-connected disabilities and health conditions intersect with wellbeing in rural contexts.

Methods

This study employed a comprehensive approach to investigate the relationships between wellbeing, service-connected disabilities, and health outcomes among rural veterans. First, a short version of the PERMA Profiler was psychometrically validated for use among rural veterans. Then, associations between wellbeing and mental/physical health outcomes were examined. Lastly, differences in wellbeing between veterans with and without service-connected disabilities were evaluated.

Results

The psychometric validation of the short-form PERMA Profiler yielded robust results, establishing its reliability and validity for assessing wellbeing among rural veterans. Significant positive associations were found between wellbeing and mental/physical health outcomes. Moreover, rural veterans with service-connected disabilities exhibited lower wellbeing scores compared to those without such disabilities.

Conclusion

This study enhances our understanding of wellbeing among rural veterans, emphasizing the importance of considering service-connected disabilities and health conditions. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and support systems tailored to the specific needs of rural veterans, particularly those with service-connected disabilities. Recognizing and addressing these factors are crucial steps toward enhancing the overall wellbeing of this population.
Barriers to rural women’s participation in social insurance for farmers, villagers, and nomads: the case of Iran
Authors: Ghadermarzi Hamed
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Since the enactment of the Law of Comprehensive Structure for Social Welfare and Security in Iran, only a small fraction of its target has been accomplished and a significant part of rural women have not been covered by the social insurance service yet. A few studies have been conducted on the social insurance of rural people. However, no study has ever addressed the issue of women with a focus on the theoretical aspects of sociology science, which is the contribution of the present research. Therefore, the present research aimed to explore the barriers to rural women’s participation in social insurance.

Methods

The research adopted a qualitative approach and the grounded theory method. It was conducted among the brokers of social insurance for farmers, villagers, and nomads in Iran. Data were collected through interviews.

Results and Discussion

The results showed that the barriers to women’s participation in social insurance were economic (e.g., women’s economic dependence on the family head), social (e.g., low social trust, low literacy and awareness of rural women, and limitations imposed by religious doctrine), cultural (e.g., limited social communications, limited use of technology, and poor insurance culture), legal (e.g., poor legal support for rural women’s insurance and non-satisfaction of expectations from the fund services), and institutional (e.g., inefficient advertisement methods and poor awareness-raising measures).
Influences of the quasi-two-day wave on plasma bubble behavior over south America
Authors: Bossert Katrina , Kumari Komal , Inchin Pavel , Norrell Jessica , Eckermann Stephen , Pautet Pierre-Dominique , Martinis Carlos , Kjellstrand Carl Bjorn , Phillips Sophie , Snively Jonathan , Zhao Yucheng , Zettergren Matthew
Published: November 2024

Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPBs) are a region of depleted ionospheric densities. EPBs are known to fluctuate both seasonally and day to day, and have been linked to changes in solar activity, geomagnetic activity, and seeding resulting from dynamics occurring at lower altitudes. Here, EPB activity is investigated over a 15-day period with overlapping coincident ground-based 630 nm oxygen airglow measurements, near-infrared hydroxyl mesospheric temperature mapper (MTM) measurements, and Rate Of change of Total Electron Content Index (ROTI) values. The data are compared with the Navy Global Environmental Model (NAVGEM) reanalysis over the same time period. It is found that several days with strong EPB activity coincided with the positive/northward meridional wind phase of the quasi-two-day wave (QTDW) in the mesosphere. These initial observations indicate correlations of the QTDW phase and the occurrence rates of EPBs, and suggest a need for further investigations to assess potential causal relationships that may affect the variability and prevalence of EPBs.
Skateboarding and the surplus value of city play
Authors: Glenney Brian , Bjorke Isaac , Buchetti Andrea
Published: November 2024

Cities, defined materially by concreted surfaces and geometrically shaped structures, have a novel ecology, a “grey space”. Grey spaces are criticized for their lack of salubrity in contrast to blue and green spaces enriched by natural biodiversity. How might cities become salubrious? We consider urban play as a source of surplus value both in the context of capitalist frames of labour vs. leisure and societal frames of obedience vs. deviance. We also discuss how some skate play is more ineffable, such as play that is for its own sake, deep play, edgework, and Promethean play. We explore these various facets of skate play in three spatial settings: (1) City-built skateparks, (2) DIY skateparks, and (3) Street spots. We then consider the more ineffable forms of skate play in the context of a Marxist framework of unalienated labour and argue that its unique reimaging of banal urban architecture: stairs, curbs, ledges, etc. creates a diversity of surplus value in the city. These more ineffable forms of play provide unique potential for human fulfilment and identity creation. Grey spaces can be enriched by social play diversity if cities open spaces for citizens to comfortably and naturally initiate diverse frames of play.
Isolation, structural characterization, and hypoglycemic activity of polysaccharides from the stems of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer
Authors: Xu Weiwei , Zhou Wei , Sun Jinfeng , Chen Weiwei , Wu Xuanye , Guan Tong , Zhao Yilin , Yang Pengcheng , Hu Zhengyu , Li Gao
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study was to obtain polysaccharides from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer stems (PGSPs), agro-byproducts with development potential, and fully explore the potential value in P. ginseng stems. Two novel polysaccharides firstly from P. ginseng stems (PGSP-1 and PGSP-2) were obtained by water extraction and alcohol precipitation method and column chromatography, and then characterized by FT-IR, HPGPC, HPLC, SEM, TGA, GC–MS and NMR. The results demonstrated that PGSP-1 (Mw = 723.83 kDa) and PGSP-2 (Mw = 620.48 kDa) were characterized →4)-β-D-Galp-(1→, →6)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → and →2)-α-L-Rhap-(1 → as the skeleton, →4,6)-β-D-Galp-(1 → and →2,6)-α-D-Manp-(1 → as the cross junction, α-L-Araf-(1 → as the terminal unit, and PGSP-1 still contained →4)-β-D-Galp, while PGSP-2 contained →4)-β-D-Xylp-(1→, →3)-β-D-GlcpA-(1→, →4)-β-D-GalpA-(1 →) and α-D-Glcp-(1→, with different microstructures and thermal stability. And the results of hypoglycemic activity revealed that both PGSP-1 and PGSP-2 showed excellent inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase and α-amylase, in which PGSP-2 had the better performance. The inhibition kinetics result showed that PGSPs on α-glucosidase and α-amylase were non-competitive type and mixed type inhibition. This study provided a theoretical basis for making full use of and exploiting the economic value of agro-byproducts such as P. ginseng stems and offered a theoretical reference for the effective utilization of PGSP as a functional component to prevent and reduce T2DM.
Assessing the use of blood microRNA expression patterns for predictive diagnosis of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs
Authors: Palarea-Albaladejo Javier , Bode Elizabeth F. , Partington Catheryn , Basili Mattia , Mederska Elzbieta , Hodgkiss-Geere Hannah , Capewell Paul , Chauché Caroline , Coultous Robert M. , Hanks Eve , Dukes-McEwan Joanna
Published: November 2024

Background

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is a common, acquired, and progressive canine heart disease. The presence of heart murmur and current cardiac biomarkers are useful in MMVD cases but are not sufficiently discriminatory for staging an individual patient.

Objectives

This study aimed to conduct a preliminary assessment of canine serum and plasma expression profiles of 15 selected miRNA markers for accurate discrimination between MMVD patients and healthy controls. Additionally, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of this method in differentiating between pre-clinical (stage B1/B2) and clinical (stage C/D) MMVD patients.

Animals

Client-owned dogs (n = 123) were recruited for the study. Following sample exclusions (n = 26), healthy controls (n = 50) and MMVD cases (n = 47) were analyzed.

Methods

A multicenter, cross-sectional, prospective investigation was conducted. MicroRNA expression profiles were compared among dogs, and these profiles were used as input for predictive modeling. This approach aimed to distinguish between healthy controls and MMVD patients, as well as to achieve a more fine-grained differentiation between pre-clinical and clinical MMVD patients.

Results

Performance metrics revealed a compelling ability of the method to differentiate healthy controls from dogs with MMVD (sensitivity 0.85; specificity 0.82; and accuracy 0.83). For the discrimination between the pre-clinical (n = 29) and clinical (n = 18) MMVD cases, the results were promising (sensitivity 0.61; specificity 0.79; and accuracy 0.73).

Conclusion and clinical importance

The use of miRNA expression profiles in combination with customized probabilistic predictive modeling shows good scope to devise a reliable diagnostic tool to distinguish healthy controls from MMVD cases (stages B1 to D). Investigation into the ability to discriminate between the pre-clinical and clinical MMVD cases using the same method yielded promising early results, which could be further enhanced with data from an increased study population.
Stationary Markov Equilibrium Strategies in Asynchronous Stochastic Games: Existence and Computation
Authors: Chakrabarti Subir. K. , Chen Jianan , Hu Qin
Published: November 2024

We study Asynchronous Dynamic games and show that in games with a finite state space and finite action sets, one can obtain the pure strategy Markov perfect equilibrium by using a simple backward induction method when the time period for the game is finite. The equilibrium strategies for games with an infinite horizon are then obtained as the point-wise limit of the equilibrium strategies of a sequence of finite horizon games, where the finite horizon games are truncated versions of the original game with successively longer time periods. We also show that if the game has a fixed K-period cycle, then there is a stationary Markov equilibrium. Using these results, we derive an algorithm to compute the equilibrium strategies. We test the algorithm in three experiments. The first is a two-player asynchronous game with three states and three actions. In the second experiment, we compute the equilibrium of a cybersecurity game in which there are two players, an attacker and a defender. In the third experiment, we compute the stationary equilibrium of a duopoly game with two firms that choose an output in alternate periods.
LGNMNet-RF: Micro-Expression Detection Using Motion History Images
Authors: Teng Matthew Kit Khinn , Zhang Haibo , Saitoh Takeshi
Published: November 2024

Micro-expressions are very brief, involuntary facial expressions that reveal hidden emotions, lasting less than a second, while macro-expressions are more prolonged facial expressions that align with a person’s conscious emotions, typically lasting several seconds. Micro-expressions are difficult to detect in lengthy videos because they have tiny amplitudes, short durations, and frequently coexist alongside macro-expressions. Nevertheless, micro- and macro-expression analysis has sparked interest in researchers. Existing methods use optical flow features to capture the temporal differences. However, these optical flow features are limited to two successive images only. To address this limitation, this paper proposes LGNMNet-RF, which integrates a Lite General Network with MagFace CNN and a Random Forest classifier to predict micro-expression intervals. Our approach leverages Motion History Images (MHI) to capture temporal patterns across multiple frames, offering a more comprehensive representation of facial dynamics than optical flow-based methods, which are restricted to two successive frames. The novelty of our approach lies in the combination of MHI with MagFace CNN, which improves the discriminative power of facial micro-expression detection, and the use of a Random Forest classifier to enhance interval prediction accuracy. The evaluation results show that this method outperforms baseline techniques, achieving micro-expression F1-scores of 0.3019 on CAS(ME)2 and 0.3604 on SAMM-LV. The results of our experiment indicate that MHI offers a viable alternative to optical flow-based methods for micro-expression detection.
Real-World Outcomes for Localised Gastro-Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma Cancer Treated with Perioperative FLOT and Prophylactic GCSF Support in a Single Asian Centre
Authors: Kee Wanyi , Ng Kennedy Yao Yi , Liong Shun Zi , Zhou Siqin , Chee Sharon Keman , Lim Chiew Woon , Lam Justina Yick Ching , Tan Jeremy Tian Hui , Ong Hock Soo , Chan Weng Hoong , Lim Eugene Kee Wee , Lim Chin Hong , Eng Alvin Kim Hock , Lee Christabel Jing Zhi , Ng Matthew Chau Hsien
Published: November 2024

Background: Perioperative FLOT (5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and docetaxel) is a standard of care for patients with locally advanced gastro-oesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA) in Western guidelines, but its use is limited in Asian patients. We report outcomes from a single Asian centre of perioperative FLOT with concomitant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) prophylaxis. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all 56 stage II to III GEA patients treated with perioperative FLOT at the National Cancer Centre Singapore between June 2017 and February 2024 was performed. All patients were discussed at a multidisciplinary tumour board, underwent preoperative laparoscopic staging, and received prophylactic GCSF with perioperative FLOT. Surgery was performed across four partner institutions. The primary endpoints were the tolerability of FLOT and pathological complete response (pCR). A univariate analysis of factors associated with survival and adverse events was also performed. Results: Overall, 33 patients (58.9%) completed eight cycles of pre- and postoperative FLOT, and 92.9% underwent resection. The commonest grade 3 to 4 adverse events (AEs) were diarrhoea (10.7%) and neutropenia (5.6%). The 30- and 90-day postoperative mortality rates were 0% and 1.9%, respectively. In resected tumours, the pCR was 15.4%. The median DFS was 27.5 months, but the median OS was not reached. The values for 1-, 2-, and 3-year DFS were 74.6%, 61.0%, and 46.5%, respectively. The values for 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS were 85.0%, 67.4%, and 61.0%, respectively. In the univariate analysis of patients who underwent resection, an ECOG status of 0 was associated with better DFS, while ypN0, R0 resection, and pathological stages 0-II were associated with better DFS and OS. Patients ≥ 65 years benefited from FLOT similarly to those <65 years in terms of DFS (HR 1.03; p = 0.940) and OS (HR 1.08; p = 0.869), with similar rates of grade 3 to 4 AEs. Patients with a higher housing index (HI) were less likely to experience ≥grade 3 AEs compared to those with a lower HI (OR 0.16, p = 0.029). Conclusions: This study presents a unique real-world Asian experience of perioperative FLOT with prophylactic GCSF use, with low rates of G3 to 4 neutropenia. The tolerability of FLOT was similar to that reported in Western populations. Furthermore, similar survival and rates of grade 3 to 4 AEs were observed in elderly patients. Patients of lower socioeconomic status were more likely to experience severe AEs, highlighting the need to proactively support vulnerable groups during treatment.
TRBP2, a Major Component of the RNAi Machinery, Is Subjected to Cell Cycle-Dependent Regulation in Human Cancer Cells of Diverse Tissue Origin
Authors: Theotoki Eleni I. , Kakoulidis Panos , Velentzas Athanassios D. , Nikolakopoulos Konstantinos-Stylianos , Angelis Nikolaos V. , Tsitsilonis Ourania E. , Anastasiadou Ema , Stravopodis Dimitrios J.
Published: November 2024

Background: Transactivation Response Element RNA-binding Protein (TRBP2) is a double-stranded RNA-binding protein widely known for its critical contribution to RNA interference (RNAi), a conserved mechanism of gene-expression regulation mediated through small non-coding RNA moieties (ncRNAs). Nevertheless, TRBP2 has also proved to be involved in other molecular pathways and biological processes, such as cell growth, organism development, spermatogenesis, and stress response. Mutations or aberrant expression of TRBP2 have been previously associated with diverse human pathologies, including Alzheimer’s disease, cardiomyopathy, and cancer, with TRBP2 playing an essential role(s) in proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells. Methods: Hence, the present study aims to investigate, via employment of advanced flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, cell transgenesis and bioinformatics technologies, new, still elusive, functions and properties of TRBP2, particularly regarding its cell cycle-specific control during cancer cell division. Results: We have identified a novel, mitosis-dependent regulation of TRBP2 protein expression, as clearly evidenced by the lack of its immunofluorescence-facilitated detection during mitotic phases, in several human cancer cell lines of different tissue origin. Notably, the obtained TRBP2-downregulation patterns seem to derive from molecular mechanisms that act independently of oncogenic activities (e.g., malignancy grade), metastatic capacities (e.g., low versus high), and mutational signatures (e.g., p53−/− or p53ΔΥ126) of cancer cells. Conclusions: Taken together, we herein propose that TRBP2 serves as a novel cell cycle-dependent regulator, likely exerting mitosis-suppression functions, and, thus, its mitosis-specific downregulation can hold strong promise to be exploited for the efficient and successful prognosis, diagnosis, and (radio-/chemo-)therapy of diverse human malignancies, in the clinic.
Microplastics in the Human Body: Exposure, Detection, and Risk of Carcinogenesis: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Dzierżyński Eliasz , Gawlik Piotr J. , Puźniak Damian , Flieger Wojciech , Jóźwik Katarzyna , Teresiński Grzegorz , Forma Alicja , Wdowiak Paulina , Baj Jacek , Flieger Jolanta
Published: November 2024

Background: Humans cannot avoid plastic exposure due to its ubiquitous presence in the natural environment. The waste generated is poorly biodegradable and exists in the form of MPs, which can enter the human body primarily through the digestive tract, respiratory tract, or damaged skin and accumulate in various tissues by crossing biological membrane barriers. There is an increasing amount of research on the health effects of MPs. Most literature reports focus on the impact of plastics on the respiratory, digestive, reproductive, hormonal, nervous, and immune systems, as well as the metabolic effects of MPs accumulation leading to epidemics of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. MPs, as xenobiotics, undergo ADMET processes in the body, i.e., absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, which are not fully understood. Of particular concern are the carcinogenic chemicals added to plastics during manufacturing or adsorbed from the environment, such as chlorinated paraffins, phthalates, phenols, and bisphenols, which can be released when absorbed by the body. The continuous increase in NMP exposure has accelerated during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic when there was a need to use single-use plastic products in daily life. Therefore, there is an urgent need to diagnose problems related to the health effects of MP exposure and detection. Methods: We collected eligible publications mainly from PubMed published between 2017 and 2024. Results: In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on potential sources and routes of exposure, translocation pathways, identification methods, and carcinogenic potential confirmed by in vitro and in vivo studies. Additionally, we discuss the limitations of studies such as contamination during sample preparation and instrumental limitations constraints affecting imaging quality and MPs detection sensitivity. Conclusions: The assessment of MP content in samples should be performed according to the appropriate procedure and analytical technique to ensure Quality and Control (QA/QC). It was confirmed that MPs can be absorbed and accumulated in distant tissues, leading to an inflammatory response and initiation of signaling pathways responsible for malignant transformation.