bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tâm lý thị trường, bất ổn kinh tế và biến động tiền mã hoá
Authors: Trần Sơn Tùng , Lại Hoài Phương , Đào Thị Thanh Bình
Published: July 2024

Tiền mã hóa hiện này vẫn được xem là khoản đầu tư có tính rủi ro cao, do biên độ dao động lớn và biến động liên tục. Do đó, việc dự báo chính xác và hiểu được các yếu tố quyết định mức độ biến động của tiền mã hoá đặc biệt quan trọng đối với các nhà đầu tư. Nghiên cứu áp dụng mô hình ARIMAX và GARCHX để dự báo độ biến động của tiền mã hoá bằng cách sử dụng các chỉ số tài chính truyền thống, tâm lý thị trường, và bất ổn kinh tế. Nghiên cứu thu thập dữ liệu theo ngày của sáu đồng tiền mã hoá trong giai đoạn 2021-2023. Kết quả cho thấy mô hình GARCHX có hiệu quả vượt trội so với mô hình ARIMAX trong ước lượng biến động tiền mã hoá.
The impact of Carbon Emissions Disclosure, Good Corporate Governance, and Media Disclosure on Investor Reaction
Authors: Ramadhani Siti Fajriati , Cahya Bayu Tri , Irawati Tri , Hamdani Lukman , Cahyo Abdul latif dwi
Published: July 2024

This research aims to determine the influence of Carbon emission Disclosure, Good Corporate Governance, and Media Exposure on investor reactions. The population used is energy companies listed on the Indonesian Sharia Stock Index for 2021-2022. The number of samples in the study was 70, using the purposive sampling method. Meanwhile, the research data used is secondary data in the form of annual reports obtained from the IDX and issuer websites. The analytical method used is multiple linear regression analysis. The research results show that disclosure of carbon emissions significantly negatively affects investor reactions. This is because there is still very little socialization from the company regarding operational activities in the environment towards the community as shareholders. Meanwhile, Good Corporate Governance and Media exposure significantly affect investor reactions.
Effect of precipitating agent, N2 gas, extract volume and pH on the magnetic properties of magnetite nanoparticles by green synthesis from aqueous pomegranate peel extract
Authors: Dehghani Marzieh , Hajipour-Verdom Behnam , Abdolmaleki Parviz
Published: July 2024

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPMNPs) have attracted considerable attention in biomedicine, particularly magnetic hyperthermia for cancer treatment. However, the development of efficient and eco-friendly methods for synthesizing SPMNPs remains a challenge. This study reports on a green synthesis approach for SPMNPs using pomegranate peel extract as a stabilizing agent. The effects of various synthesis parameters, including the type of precipitating agent (NH3 and NaOH), N2 gas, extract volume, and pH, were systematically investigated with regard to the size, morphology, and magnetic properties of the nanoparticles. The results showed that reducing the volume of the extract increased the saturation magnetization of the nanoparticles. N2 gas was found to be essential in preventing the oxidation of the nanoparticles. The type of precipitating agent also affected the size and magnetization of the nanoparticles, with NaOH leading to the synthesis of SPMNPs with higher magnetization (∼4 times) compared to NH3. Additionally, nanoparticles synthesized at pH 10 exhibited higher magnetization than those synthesized at pH 8 and 12. In conclusion, the optimized synthesis conditions significantly affected the magnetization and stability of SPMNPs. These nanoparticles are suitable for use in magnetic nanofluid hyperthermia applications.
MnoSR removal in Mycobacterium smegmatis triggers broad transcriptional response to 1,3-propanediol and glucose as sole carbon sources
Authors: Płocińska Renata , Struś Katarzyna , Korycka-Machała Małgorzata , Płociński Przemysław , Kuzioła Magdalena , Żaczek Anna , Słomka Marcin , Dziadek Jarosław
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The two-component signal transduction systems play an essential role in the adaptation of bacteria to changing environmental conditions. One of them is the MnoSR system involved in the regulation of methylotrophic metabolism in M. smegmatis.

Methods

Mycobacterium smegmatis mutant strains ΔmnoS, ΔmnoR and ΔmnoS/R lacking functional mnoS, mnoR and both genes were generated using a homologous recombination approach. MnoR recombinant protein was purified by affinity column chromatography. The present study employs molecular biology techniques: cloning strategies, global RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR, EMSA, Microscale thermophoresis, and bioinformatics analysis.

Results and discussion

The ∆mnoS, ∆mnoR, and ∆mnoS/R mutant strains were generated and cultured in the presence of defined carbon sources. Growth curve analysis confirmed that inactivation of the MnoSR impairs the ability of M. smegmatis cells to use alcohols such as 1,3-propanediol and ethanol but improves the bacterial growth on ethylene glycol, xylitol, and glycerol. The total RNA sequencing method was employed to understand the importance of MnoSR in the global responses of mycobacteria to limited carbon access and in carbon-rich conditions. The loss of MnoSR significantly affected carbon utilization in the case of mycobacteria cultured on glucose or 1,3-propanediol as sole carbon sources as it influenced the expression of multiple metabolic pathways. The numerous transcriptional changes could not be linked to the presence of evident MnoR DNA-binding sites within the promotor regions for the genes outside of the mno operon. This was confirmed by EMSA and microscale thermophoresis with mutated MnoR binding consensus region. Our comprehensive analysis highlights the system’s vital role in metabolic adaptability, providing insights into its potential impact on the environmental survival of mycobacteria.
Unveiling mode effects in grade 1 vocabulary assessment: the intriguing influence of test mode
Authors: Seifert Susanne , Paleczek Lisa , Schöfl Martin , Weber Christoph
Published: July 2024

Background

Vocabulary knowledge plays a pivotal role in academic development, particularly among Grade 1 students. To support students in their academic development, effective assessment instruments in educational settings are crucial. The GraWo (Graz Vocabulary Test) is introduced as a tool designed to evaluate receptive vocabulary in German-speaking countries in print and in digital mode.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate mode effects in the GraWo among Grade 1 students, comparing vocabulary gains in digital and print versions. Additionally, it explores the influence of student characteristics, such as gender and language status, and examines item-level differences between the two modes in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of test performance.

Design

The research design entails a longitudinal approach, following children (n = 421) from the beginning to the end of Grade 1, varying the test modes (digital or print) only at second measurement (40% receiving the print version), while at first measurement all children worked with the digital version.

Results

Baseline comparisons of test mode groups indicated almost no significant differences. In terms of growth in vocabulary during Grade 1, an ANOVA with repeated measures revealed a main effect for time, indicating increased performance in both groups at second measurement. Moreover, an interaction effect between time and test mode group showed that the print group exhibited higher gains in the vocabulary test compared to the digital group. Further analysis using MNLFA confirmed that the print mode group outperformed the digital group overall and that four items were also individually affected by differences between the digital and print versions.

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the need for nuanced investigations into the impact of test mode on student performance and suggests incorporating observational methods to comprehensively understand student interactions with digital and print modes. In acknowledging potential variations in performance, educators and policymakers need to tailor practices to accommodate the demands of hybrid test procedures and to consider the role of digital competence in shaping testing experiences.
Perception of Mandarin tones across different phonological contexts by native and tone-naive listeners
Authors: Vonessen Jules , Zellou Georgia
Published: July 2024

Coarticulation is a type of speech variation where sounds take on phonetic properties of adjacent sounds. Listeners generally display perceptual compensation, attributing coarticulatory variation to its source. Mandarin Chinese lexical tones are coarticulated based on surrounding tones. We tested how L1-Mandarin and naive listeners compensate for tonal coarticulation using a paired discrimination task. L1 listeners showed greater perceptual sensitivity to tonal differences than tone-naive listeners. Yet, both L1 and tone-naive listeners showed differences in sensitivity to differently-coarticulated versions of the rising tone presented in the same tonal context. In different tonal contexts, both groups showed similar patterns of perceptual compensation for tonal coarticulation. Thus, although L1 and naive Mandarin listeners show different sensitivities to tonal variation, they display similar compensatory patterns for tonal coarticulation.
Lipids, lipid-modified drug target genes, and the risk of male infertility: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Wei , Li Hu , Zha Cheng , Che Bangwei , Yu Ying , Yang Jianjun , Li Tao
Published: July 2024

Background

Previous observational studies have reported a possible association between circulating lipids and lipid-lowering drugs and male infertility (MIF), as well as the mediating role of circulating vitamin D. Then, due to issues such as bias, reverse causality, and residual confounding, inferring causal relationships from these studies may be challenging. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effects of circulating lipids and lipid-lowering drugs on MIF through Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and evaluate the mediating role of vitamin D.

Method

Genetic variations related to lipid traits and the lipid-lowering effect of lipid modification targets are extracted from the Global Alliance for Lipid Genetics Genome-Wide Association Study. The summary statistics for MIF are from the FinnGen 9th edition. Using quantitative expression feature loci data from relevant organizations to obtain genetic variations related to gene expression level, further to explore the relationship between these target gene expression levels and MIF risk. Two-step MR analysis is used to explore the mediating role of vitamin D. Multiple sensitivity analysis methods (co-localization analysis, Egger intercept test, Cochrane’s Q test, pleiotropy residuals and outliers (MR-PRESSO), and the leave-one-out method) are used to demonstrate the reliability of our results.

Result

In our study, we observed that lipid modification of four lipid-lowering drug targets was associated with MIF risk, the LDLR activator (equivalent to a 1-SD decrease in LDL-C) (OR=1.94, 95% CI 1.14-3.28, FDR=0.040), LPL activator (equivalent to a 1-SD decrease in TG) (OR=1.86, 95% CI 1.25-2.76, FDR=0.022), and CETP inhibitor (equivalent to a 1-SD increase in HDL-C) (OR=1.28, 95% CI 1.07-1.53, FDR=0.035) were associated with a higher risk of MIF. The HMGCR inhibitor (equivalent to a 1-SD decrease in LDL-C) was associated with a lower risk of MIF (OR=0.38, 95% CI 0.17-0.83, FDR=0.39). Lipid-modifying effects of three targets were partially mediated by serum vitamin D levels. Mediation was 0.035 (LDLR activator), 0.012 (LPL activator), and 0.030 (CETP inhibitor), with mediation ratios of 5.34% (LDLR activator), 1.94% (LPL activator), and 12.2% (CETP inhibitor), respectively. In addition, there was no evidence that lipid properties and lipid modification effects of six other lipid-lowering drug targets were associated with MIF risk. Multiple sensitivity analysis methods revealed insignificant evidence of bias arising from pleiotropy or genetic confounding.

Conclusion

This study did not support lipid traits (LDL-C, HDL-C, TG, Apo-A1, and Apo-B) as pathogenic risk factors for MIF. It emphasized that LPL, LDLR, CETP, and HMGCR were promising drug targets for improving male fertility.
Perspectives from cystinosis: access to healthcare may be a confounding factor for variant classification
Authors: Wu Chen-Han Wilfred , Tomaszewski Alicja , Stark Louisa , Scaglia Fernando , Elenberg Ewa , Schumaker Fredrick R.
Published: July 2024

Genetic variability persists across diverse populations, and it may impact the characterization of heritable diseases in different ancestral groups. Cystinosis is a metabolic disease caused by pathogenic variants in the CTNS gene causing the cellular accumulation of cystine. We attempted to assess the currently poorly characterized prevalence of cystinosis by employing a population genetics methodology. However, we encountered a significant challenge due to genetic variations across different populations, and the consideration of potential disparities in access to healthcare made our results inconclusive. Pathogenic CTNS variants were identified in a representative global population cohort using The Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD) and the 1000 Genomes (1 KG) database. The c.124G>A (p.Val42Ile) variant was reported to be pathogenic based on an observation in the white population presenting with atypical phenotypes, but it would be reclassified as benign in the African ancestral group if applying the ACMG allele frequency guideline due to its high allele frequency specifically in this population. Inclusion or exclusion of this c.124G>A (p.Val42Ile) variant results in a significant change in estimated disease prevalence, which can impact the diagnosis and treatment of affected patients with a broad range of phenotypic presentations. This observation led us to postulate that pathogenic manifestations of the disease may be underdiagnosed due to variable expressivity and systemic inequities in access to care, specifically in the African subpopulation. We call for a more cautious and inclusive approach to achieve more equitable care across diverse populations.
Identification and validation of aging-related genes in neuropathic pain using bioinformatics
Authors: Gao Hui , Dong Guoqi , Yao Yong , Yang Huayuan
Published: July 2024

Background

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a debilitating and refractory chronic pain with a higher prevalence especially in elderly patients. Cell senescence considered a key pathogenic factor in NP. The objective of this research is to discover genes associated with aging in peripheral blood of individuals with NP using bioinformatics techniques.

Methods

Two cohorts (GSE124272 and GSE150408) containing peripheral blood samples of NP were downloaded from the GEO database. By merging the two cohorts, differentially expressed aging-related genes (DE-ARGs) were obtained by intersection with aging-related genes. The potential biological mechanisms of DE-ARGs were further analyzed through GO and KEGG. Three machine learning methods, namely, LASSO, SVM-RFE, and Random Forest, were utilized to identify diagnostic biomarkers. A Nomogram model was developed to assess their diagnostic accuracy. The validation of biomarker expression and diagnostic effectiveness was conducted in three distinct pain cohorts. The CIBERSORT algorithm was employed to evaluate the immune cell composition in the peripheral blood of patients with NP and investigate its association with the expression of diagnostic biomarkers.

Results

This study identified a total of 24 DE-ARGs, mainly enriched in “Chemokine signaling pathway,” “Inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP channels,” “HIF-1 signaling pathway” and “FOXO signaling pathway”. Three machine learning algorithms identified a total of four diagnostic biomarkers (CEBPA, CEACAM1, BTG3 and IL-1R1) with good diagnostic performance and the similar expression difference trend in different types of pain cohorts. The expression levels of CEACAM1 and IL-1R1 exhibit a positive correlation with the percentage of neutrophils.

Conclusion

Using machine learning techniques, our research identified four diagnostic biomarkers related to aging in peripheral blood, providing innovative approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of NP.
Causal association of juvenile idiopathic arthritis or JIA-associated uveitis and gut microbiota: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Hong Jun-bin , Chen Yue-xuan , Su Zhi-ying , Chen Xin-ying , Lai Yan-ni , Yang Jing-hua
Published: July 2024

Background

The gut microbiota significantly influences the onset and progression of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and associated uveitis (JIAU); however, the causality remains unclear. This study aims to establish a causal link between gut microbiota and JIA or JIAU.

Methods

Using publicly available genome-wide association studies (GAWS) summary data, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis employing various methods, namely inverse variance weighted (IVW), simple mode, weighted mode, weighted median and MR-Egger regression methods, to assess the causal association between JIA or JIAU and gut microbiota. Sensitivity analyses, including Cochrane’s Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, leave-one-out analysis and MR-PRESSO, were performed to evaluate the robustness of the MR results. Subsequently, reverse MR analysis was conducted to determine causality between gene-predicted gut microbiota abundance and JIA or JIAU.

Results

The MR analysis revealed a causal association between gut microbiota abundance variations and JIA or JIAU risk. Specifically, the increased abundance of genus Ruminococcaceae UCG013 (OR: 0.055, 95%CI: 0.006–0.103, p = 0.026) and genus Ruminococcaceae UCG003 (β: 0.06, 95%CI: 0.003–0.117, p = 0.041) correlated with an increased risk of JIA, while genus Lachnospiraceae UCG001 (OR: 0.833, 95%CI: 0.699~0.993, p = 0.042) was associated with a reduced risk of JIA, among others. Sensitivity analysis confirmed MR analysis robustness.

Conclusions

This study provides substantial evidence supporting a causal association between genetically predicted gut microbiota and JIA or JIAU. It highlights the significant role of intestinal flora in JIA or JIAU development, suggesting their potential as novel biomarkers for diagnosis and prevention. These findings offer valuable insights to mitigate the impact of JIA or JIAU.
Retrospective identification of the first cord blood–transplanted severe aplastic anemia in a STAT1-associated chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis family: case report, review of literature and pathophysiologic background
Authors: Fink Franz-Martin , Höpfl Reinhard , Witsch-Baumgartner Martina , Kropshofer Gabriele , Martin Sabine , Fink Valentin , Heeg Maximilian , Peters Christina , Zschocke Johannes , Haas Oskar A.
Published: July 2024

Severe aplastic anemia (SAA) is a life-threatening bone marrow failure syndrome whose development can be triggered by environmental, autoimmune, and/or genetic factors. The latter comprises germ line pathogenic variants in genes that bring about habitually predisposing syndromes as well as immune deficiencies that do so only occasionally. One of these disorders is the autosomal dominant form of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC), which is defined by germ line STAT1 gain-of-function (GOF) pathogenic variants. The resultant overexpression and constitutive activation of STAT1 dysregulate the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT) signaling pathway, which normally organizes the development and proper interaction of different components of the immunologic and hematopoietic system. Although SAA is an extremely rare complication in this disorder, it gained a more widespread interest when it became clear that the underlying causative pathomechanism may, in a similar fashion, also be instrumental in at least some of the idiopathic SAA cases. Based on these premises, we present herein what is the historically most likely first cord blood–transplanted SAA case in a CMC family with a documented STAT1 GOF pathogenic variant. In addition, we recapitulate the characteristics of the six CMC SAA cases that have been reported so far and discuss the significance of STAT1 GOF pathogenic variants and other STAT1 signaling derangements in the context of these specific types of bone marrow failure syndromes. Because a constitutively activated STAT1 signaling, be it driven by STAT1 GOF germ line pathogenic variants or any other pathogenic variant-independent events, is apparently important for initiating and maintaining the SAA disease process, we propose to acknowledge that SAA is one of the definite disease manifestations in STAT1-mutated CMC cases. For the same reason, we deem it necessary to also incorporate molecular and functional analyses of STAT1 into the diagnostic work-up of SAA cases.
Evidence of a causal relationship between blood pressure and pathological scars: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Du Dan , Li Jiaqi , Jiang Xian
Published: July 2024

Background

Recent advancements in basic medicine and epidemiology suggest a potential influence of blood pressure on scar formation, yet the specifics of this relationship are not fully understood. This study aims to clarify the causal link between blood pressure and the development of pathological scars using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

This study employed genetic variants closely linked to blood pressure as instrumental variables to explore the relationship between blood pressure and pathological scars. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used for analysis.

Results

Our analysis identified a notable association where higher blood pressure was correlated with a lower risk of pathological scars. Specifically, an increase in diastolic blood pressure (odds ratio [OR] per standard deviation increase: 0.67 [95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.49–0.99]), systolic blood pressure (OR per standard deviation increase: 0.66 [95% CI, 0.46–0.93]), and hypertension (pooled OR: 0.39 [95% CI, 0.18–0.85]) were significantly associated with a reduced risk of keloids. Similarly, a genetic predisposition to hypertension (pooled OR: 0.31 [95% CI, 0.11–0.89]) was significantly associated with a reduced risk of hypertrophic scars. Neither reverse MR analysis nor Steiger’s test indicated a significant reverse causal relationship between hypertension and either keloids or hypertrophic scars.

Conclusion

The findings suggest a protective role of higher blood pressure against the development of pathological scars, including keloids and hypertrophic scars. However, the inconsistency observed across different MR methods warrants cautious interpretation and underscores the need for further investigation to confirm these findings.
Fungal–plant interaction: a pathogenic relationship between Ganoderma segmentatum sp. nov. and Vachellia nilotica
Authors: Umar Aisha , Yuan Wanlan , Lu Junxing , Ameen Fuad
Published: July 2024

The diversity of Ganoderma remains largely unexplored, with little information available due to fungiphobia and the morphological plasticity of the genus. To address this gap, an ongoing study aims to collect and identify species with this genus using nuclear ribosomal DNA regions called the “Internal Transcribed Spacer” (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS). In this study, a new species, Ganoderma segmentatum sp. nov., was discovered on the dead tree trunk of the medicinal plant, Vachellia nilotica. The species was identified through a combination of morpho-anatomical characteristics and phylogenetic analyses. This new species was closely related to Ganoderma multipileum, G. mizoramense, and G. steyaertanum, with a 99% bootstrap value, forming a distinct branch in the phylogenetic tree. Morphologically, G. segmentatum can be distinguished by its frill-like appearance on the margin of basidiome. Wilt or basal stem rot, a serious disease of trees caused by Ganoderma species and V. nilotica, is brutally affected by this disease, resulting in substantial losses in health and productivity. This Ganoderma species severely damages V. nilotica through deep mycelial penetration in the upper and basal stems of the host species. Pathogenic observational descriptions of G. segmentatum on dead tree trunks showed the exudation of viscous reddish-brown fluid from the basal stem portion, which gradually extended upward. Symptoms of this disease include decay, stem discoloration, leaf drooping, and eventual death, which severely damaged the medicinal tree of V. nilotica.
VdP5CDH is involved in melanin formation, stress resistance and play a regulatory role in virulence of Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Sun Wanqing , Zhao Lihong , Zhou Jinglong , Feng Hongjie , Zhang Yalin , Feng Zili , Zhu Heqin , Wei Feng
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Verticillium dahliae, a soil-borne fungal pathogen, can cause cotton Verticillium wilt. In this study, VdP5CDH, the member of the ALDH_F4-17 family of carboxylate dehydrogenases, was identified in the genome of V. dahliae and investigated function in regulating virulence by generating gene deletion mutants and complementary mutants.

Methods

Homologous recombination method was used to construct mutants, transcriptome sequencing revealed gene-related metabolic pathways, and disease degree of cotton was observed through pathogen infection experiments.

Results

The conidial surface of VdP5CDH deletion strains was dented and shriveled, and the number of conidial spores increased. Compared with the wild-type (WT), the mycelial diameter of deletion mutants increased by 10.59%-11.16%, the mycelial growth showed irregular branching patterns, and misaligned arrangement. Although capable of penetrating cellophane, deletion mutants were unable to produce melanin. VdP5CDH was mainly associated with glucose metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, ABC transporter activity as well as various amino acid metabolic processes. After gene knockout, raffinose and pectin were used as the main carbon sources to promote the growth of strains and the growth rate of deletion strains in the medium containing raffinose was higher than that of WT. Consequently, the deletion mutant strains decreased utilization efficiency with which they utilized various nitrogen sources. The deletion mutants maintain responsiveness to osmotic stress and oxidative stress stimuli. Additionally, compared to WT strains, the deletion mutant strains exhibited differences in culture temperature tolerance, UV exposure response, and fungicide sensitivity. After cotton was infected with deletion strains conidial suspension, its disease index increased dramatically, while it gradually decreased after spraying with 2 mM glutamate in batches. With the increase of spraying times, the effect was more significant, and the disease index decreased by 18.95%-19.66% at 26 dpi.

Discussion

These results indicated that VdP5CDH regulates the pathogenicity of fungi and controls mycelia growth, melanin formation, conidia morphology, abiotic stress resistance, and the expression of infecting structure-related genes.
Plant species influences the composition of root system microbiome and its antibiotic resistance profile in a constructed wetland receiving primary treated wastewater
Authors: Riva Valentina , Vergani Lorenzo , Rashed Ahmed Ali , El Saadi Aiman , Sabatino Raffaella , Di Cesare Andrea , Crotti Elena , Mapelli Francesca , Borin Sara
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are nature-based solutions for wastewater treatment where the root system microbiome plays a key role in terms of nutrient and pollutant removal. Nonetheless, little is known on plant-microbe interactions and bacterial population selection in CWs, which are mostly characterized in terms of engineering aspects.

Methods

Here, cultivation-independent and cultivation-based analyses were applied to study the bacterial communities associated to the root systems of Phragmites australis and Typha domingensis co-occurring in the same cell of a CW receiving primary treated wastewaters.

Results and discussion

Two endophytic bacteria collections (n = 156) were established aiming to find novel strains for microbial-assisted phytodepuration, however basing on their taxonomy the possible use of these strains was limited by their low degrading potential and/or for risks related to the One-Health concept. A sharp differentiation arose between the P. australis and T. domingensis collections, mainly represented by lactic acid bacteria (98%) and Enterobacteriaceae (69%), respectively. Hence, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was used to disentangle the microbiome composition in the root system fractions collected at increasing distance from the root surface. Both the fraction type and the plant species were recognized as drivers of the bacterial community structure. Moreover, differential abundance analysis revealed that, in all fractions, several bacteria families were significantly and differentially enriched in P. australis or in T. domingensis. CWs have been also reported as interesting options for the removal of emerging contaminants (e.g, antibiotic resistance genes, ARGs). In this study, ARGs were mostly present in the rhizosphere of both plant species, compared to the other analyzed fractions. Notably, qPCR data showed that ARGs (i.e., ermB, blaTEM, tetA) and intl1 gene (integrase gene of the class 1 integrons) were significantly higher in Phragmites than Typha rhizospheres, suggesting that macrophyte species growing in CWs can display a different ability to remove ARGs from wastewater. Overall, the results suggest the importance to consider the plant-microbiome interactions, besides engineering aspects, to select the most suitable species when designing phytodepuration systems.
Effects of the rice-mushroom rotation pattern on soil properties and microbial community succession in paddy fields
Authors: Hao Haibo , Yue Yihong , Wang Qian , Xiao Tingting , Zhao Zelong , Zhang Jinjing , Chen Hui
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Currently, straw biodegradation and soil improvement in rice-mushroom rotation systems have attracted much attention. However, there is still a lack of studies on the effects of rice-mushroom rotation on yield, soil properties and microbial succession.

Methods

In this study, no treatment (CK), green manure return (GM) and rice straw return (RS) were used as controls to fully evaluate the effect of Stropharia rugosoannulata cultivation substrate return (SRS) on soil properties and microorganisms.

Results

The results indicated that rice yield, soil nutrient (organic matter, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available nitrogen and available potassium) and soil enzyme (urease, saccharase, lignin peroxidase and laccase) activities had positive responses to the rice-mushroom rotation. At the interannual level, microbial diversity varied significantly among treatments, with the rice-mushroom rotation significantly increasing the relative alpha diversity index of soil bacteria and enriching beneficial microbial communities such as Rhizobium, Bacillus and Trichoderma for rice growth. Soil nutrients and enzymatic activities were significantly correlated with microbial communities during rice-mushroom rotation. The fungal-bacterial co-occurrence networks were modular, and Latescibacterota, Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadota and Patescibacteria were closely related to the accumulation of nutrients in the soil. The structural equation model (SEM) showed that fungal diversity responded more to changes in soil nutrients than did bacterial diversity.

Discussion

Overall, the rice-mushroom rotation model improved soil nutrients and rice yields, enriched beneficial microorganisms and maintained microbial diversity. This study provides new insights into the use of S. rugosoannulata cultivation substrates in the sustainable development of agroecosystems.
Saikosaponin A attenuates osteoclastogenesis and bone loss by inducing ferroptosis
Authors: Li Tian-Qi , Liu Yan , Feng Chong , Bai Jin , Wang Zi-Rou , Zhang Xiang-Yu , Wang Xin-Xing
Published: July 2024

To alleviate bone loss, most current drugs target osteoclasts. Saikosaponin A (Ssa), a triterpene saponin derived from Bupleurum falcatum (also known as Radix bupleuri), has immunoregulatory, neuromodulatory, antiviral, anticancer, anti-convulsant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects. Recently, modulation of bone homeostasis was shown to involve ferroptosis. Herein, we aimed to determine Ssa’s inhibitory effects on osteoclastogenesis and differentiation, whether ferroptosis is involved, and the underlying mechanisms. Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, F‐actin staining, and pit formation assays were conducted to confirm Ssa-mediated inhibition of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Ssa could promote osteoclast ferroptosis and increase mitochondrial damage by promoting lipid peroxidation, as measured by iron quantification, FerroOrange staining, Dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate, MitoSOX, malondialdehyde, glutathione, and boron-dipyrromethene 581/591 C11 assays. Pathway analysis showed that Ssa can promote osteoclasts ferroptosis by inhibiting the Nrf2/SCL7A11/GPX4 axis. Notably, we found that the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 and the Nrf2 activator tert-Butylhydroquinone reversed the inhibitory effects of Ssa on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. In vivo, micro-computed tomography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, TRAP staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and immunofluorescence confirmed that in rats with periodontitis induced by lipopolysaccharide, treatment with Ssa reduced alveolar bone resorption dose-dependently. The results suggested Ssa as a promising drug to treat osteolytic diseases.
Ibogaine administration following repeated morphine administration upregulates myelination markers 2′, 3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase (CNP) and myelin basic protein (MBP) mRNA and protein expression in the internal capsule of Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Govender Demi , Moloko Leila , Papathanasopoulos Maria , Tumba Nancy , Owen Gavin , Calvey Tanya
Published: July 2024

Ibogaine is a psychedelic alkaloid being investigated as a possible treatment for opioid use disorder. Ibogaine has a multi-receptor profile with affinities for mu and kappa opioid as well as NMDA receptors amongst others. Due to the sparsity of research into ibogaine's effects on white matter integrity and given the growing evidence that opioid use disorder is characterized by white matter pathology, we set out to investigate ibogaine's effects on two markers of myelination, 2′, 3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase (CNP) and myelin basic protein (MBP). Fifty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to five experimental groups of n = 10; (1) a saline control group received daily saline injections for 10 days, (2) a morphine control group received escalating morphine doses from 5 to 15 mg/kg over 10 days, (3) an ibogaine control group that received 10 days of saline followed by 50 mg/kg ibogaine hydrochloride, (4) a combination morphine and ibogaine group 1 that received the escalating morphine regime followed by 50 mg/kg ibogaine hydrochloride and (5) a second combination morphine and ibogaine group 2 which followed the same morphine and ibogaine regimen yet was terminated 72 h after administration compared to 24 h in the other groups. White matter from the internal capsule was dissected and qPCR and western blotting determined protein and gene expression of CNP and MBP. Morphine upregulated CNPase whereas ibogaine alone had no effect on CNP mRNA or protein expression. However, ibogaine administration following repeated morphine administration had an immediate effect by increasing CNP mRNA expression. This effect diminished after 72 h and resulted in a highly significant upregulation of CNPase protein at 72 h post administration. Ibogaine administration alone significantly upregulated protein expression yet downregulated MBP mRNA expression. Ibogaine administration following repeated morphine administration significantly upregulated MBP mRNA expression which increased at 72 h post administration resulting in a highly significant upregulation of MBP protein expression at 72 h post administration. These findings indicate that ibogaine is able to upregulate genes and proteins involved in the process of remyelination following opioid use and highlights an important mechanism of action of ibogaine's ability to treat substance use disorders.
The effects of specific vegetable subtypes on constipation incidence in the general United States population
Authors: Jiang Chenyu , Shao Yaojian
Published: July 2024

Background

While the intake of larger quantities of vegetables has been linked to a reduction in constipation risk, which vegetables in particular underlie this risk reduction remains incompletely understood. As such, the present study was developed to explore correlations between the intake of particular vegetable types and the risk of constipation.

Methods

This cross-sectional analysis was based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected from 2005-2010. Classifications and intake assessments for different vegetables were assessed with the Food Patterns Equivalents Database (FPED), while stool frequency or stool consistency was used to define constipation. Relationships between the intake of particular vegetable components and constipation were assessed through a weighted logistic regression approach. Subgroup and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression analyses were further employed to explore associations between specific vegetable subtypes and constipation.

Results

This study included 13,860 eligible subjects, of whom 1,405 and 12,455 were respectively classified into the constipated and non-constipated groups. Following multivariate adjustment, the intake of non-starchy vegetables including orange, red, dark green, and other vegetables was found to be positively associated with a reduction in constipation risk. In contrast, constipation was unrelated to total starchy vegetable or potato intake. Tomatoes, in particular, were associated with a marked decrease in constipation risk (odds ratios: 0.80, 95% confidence interval: 0.71–0.91). These results were confirmed through RCS and subgroup analyses.

Conclusion

Non-starchy vegetables, particularly tomatoes, were found to be associated with a pronounced reduction in constipation risk, which was unaffected by the intake of potatoes or starchy vegetables.
Emergency response and preparedness among Polish human milk banks: a comparison of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 Ukrainian refugee crisis
Authors: Gawrońska Małgorzata , Sinkiewicz-Darol Elena , Wesołowska Aleksandra
Published: July 2024

Introduction

In recent years, Poland has faced two major emergencies: the COVID-19 pandemic, a global-scale public health emergency in 2020, and the outbreak of a full-scale war in Ukraine, which forced over 9 million Ukrainians–mostly women and children–to flee from their country through the Polish–Ukrainian border in 2022.

Methods

In 2020 and 2022, we conducted two online questionnaires with human milk bank personnel to assess the impact of these emergencies on the human milk banking sector and its preparedness to face them. All 16 human milk bank entities operating in Poland were contacted and invited to participate in the study. For the first questionnaire, which was distributed in 2020, we obtained a 100% response rate. For the second questionnaire, the response rate was 88%, i.e., 14 out of 16 human milk banks completed the questionnaire. We compared these two emergencies in terms of the extent to which the potential of the Polish human milk bank network was exploited to support vulnerable infants who were not breastfed.

Results and discussion

Our findings indicate that recommendations to provide donor human milk to infants separated from their mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic were never fully implemented. Meanwhile, during the refugee crisis, national legislation allowing equal access to public healthcare for Ukrainian citizens were rapidly implemented, enabling a more effective response by human milk banks to support vulnerable infants. However, no specific measures were introduced to support refugees outside the standard criteria for donor human milk provision. Our results highlight the limited response from the sector during emergencies and the underutilization of the potential of a nationwide network of professional human milk banks. Drawing on Polish experiences, we emphasize the importance of having procedures and legal regulations regarding human milk banking in place even in non-crisis settings, which would facilitate a rapid emergency response. We also emphasize the need to include the implementation of emergency procedures in building a strong and resilient human milk banking system.
Pneumonectomy for broncho-pulmonary carcinoids: a single centre analysis of surgical approaches and patient outcomes
Authors: Diotti Cristina , Bertolaccini Luca , Girelli Lara , Uslenghi Clarissa , Donghi Stefano Maria , Guarize Juliana , Spada Francesca , Fazio Nicola , Spaggiari Lorenzo
Published: July 2024

Background

Pneumonectomy is a radical surgical procedure associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Its application in the context of pulmonary neuroendocrine tumours, including carcinoid tumours, requires meticulous preoperative planning and intraoperative precision. This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of pneumonectomy in the management of these rare and challenging neoplasms.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent pneumonectomy for pulmonary carcinoid tumours at our institution over a specified period was conducted. Data regarding patient demographics, tumour characteristics, surgical techniques, intraoperative complications, perioperative management, and long-term outcomes were collected and analysed.

Results

Between March 2001 and October 2022, 21 patients (7 male, 14 female) with carcinoid tumours underwent pneumonectomy on a total of 459 surgical operations for carcinoid. Preoperative bronchoscopic procedures were conducted in 90.4% of cases, leading to histological diagnoses for most. The median hospital stay was eight days, with no reported perioperative deaths. Median follow-up after surgery was 73 months, with a five-year overall survival of 65.4 months. Recurrences occurred in 28.6% of cases, primarily in atypical carcinoids.

Conclusion

Despite the rarity of bronchial carcinoids, pneumonectomy is effective for low-grade malignancies, demonstrating positive short—and long-term outcomes. Radical lymph node dissection is fundamental in pathological staging and overall survival.
Adverse events related to neuromuscular blocking agents: a disproportionality analysis of the FDA adverse event reporting system
Authors: Li Liangxia , Xu Qianqian , Liu Yarui , Pang Liangfang , Cui Zhou , Lu Yuanyuan
Published: July 2024

Background: Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are primarily used during surgical procedures to facilitate endotracheal intubation and optimize surgical conditions. This study aimed to explore the adverse event signals of NMBAs, providing reference for clinical safety.

Methods: This study collected reports of atracurium, cisatracurium, rocuronium, and vecuronium as primary suspect drugs in The US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from the first quarter of 2004 to the third quarter of 2023. The adverse events (AEs) reported in the study were retrieved based on the Preferred Terms (PTs) of the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities. In addition, we conducted disproportionality analysis on relevant reports using the reporting odds ratio (ROR) method and Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN) method. A positive signal was generated when both algorithms show an association between the target drug and the AE.

Results: A total of 11,518 NMBA-related AEs were reported in the FAERS database. The most AEs of rocuronium were collected. NMBA-related AEs involved 27 different system organs (SOCs), all of the four NMBAs had positive signals in “cardiac disorders,” “immune system disorders,” “respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders” and “vascular disorders.” At the PTs level, a total of 523 effective AEs signals were obtained for the four NMBAs. AEs labled in the instructions such as anaphylaxis (include anaphylactic reaction and anaphylactic shock), bronchospasm, respiratory arrest and hypotension were detected positive signals among all NMBAs. In addition, we also found some new AEs, such as ventricular fibrillation for the four NMBAs, hyperglycaemia for atracurium, kounis syndrome and stress cardiomyopathy for rocuronium, hepatocellular injury for cisatracurium, hyperkalaemia for vecuronium. To further investigated the AEs associated with serious clinical outcomes, we found that cardiac arrest and anaphylaxis were the important risk factors for death due to NMBAs.

Conclusion: NMBA-related AEs have a significant potential to cause clinically severe consequences. Our study provides valuable references for the safety profile of NMBAs, and considering the limitations of the FAERS database, further clinical data are needed to validate the findings of this study.
Roles of distinct nuclear receptors in diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zheng Yangyang , Xu Yongji , Ji Li , San Wenqing , Shen Danning , Zhou Qianyou , Meng Guoliang , Shi Jiahai , Chen Yun
Published: July 2024

Diabetes mellitus induces a pathophysiological disorder known as diabetic cardiomyopathy and may eventually cause heart failure. Diabetic cardiomyopathy is manifested with systolic and diastolic contractile dysfunction along with alterations in unique cardiomyocyte proteins and diminished cardiomyocyte contraction. Multiple mechanisms contribute to the pathology of diabetic cardiomyopathy, mainly including abnormal insulin metabolism, hyperglycemia, glycotoxicity, cardiac lipotoxicity, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, calcium treatment damage, programmed myocardial cell death, improper Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System activation, maladaptive immune modulation, coronary artery endothelial dysfunction, exocrine dysfunction, etc. There is an urgent need to investigate the exact pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy and improve the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. The nuclear receptor superfamily comprises a group of transcription factors, such as liver X receptor, retinoid X receptor, retinoic acid-related orphan receptor-α, retinoid receptor, vitamin D receptor, mineralocorticoid receptor, estrogen-related receptor, peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor, nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A 1(NR4A1), etc. Various studies have reported that nuclear receptors play a crucial role in cardiovascular diseases. A recently conducted work highlighted the function of the nuclear receptor superfamily in the realm of metabolic diseases and their associated complications. This review summarized the available information on several important nuclear receptors in the pathophysiology of diabetic cardiomyopathy and discussed future perspectives on the application of nuclear receptors as targets for diabetic cardiomyopathy treatment.
Anti-TNFα in inflammatory bowel disease: from originators to biosimilars
Authors: Zeng Zhen , Lin Hao , Jiang Mingshan , Yuan Jing , Li Xi , Jia Yongbin , Yang Li , Zhang Hu
Published: July 2024

The introduction of anti-tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) biologics significantly innovated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment and increased medical costs. The recent expiration of patents of some anti-TNFα biologics (such as infliximab and adalimumab) facilitated the development of biosimilars. Comparable pharmacokinetic, efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity profiles between anti-TNFα originators and biosimilars were demonstrated in different studies. Anti-TNFα biosimilars hold promise for reducing the high cost of biologics and increasing patient access to biologics. In this review, we outline the current data on the use of anti-TNFα originators and biosimilars in patients with IBD, with a focus on the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity profiles of infliximab and adalimumab biosimilars. The potential benefits, challenges, and future directions of anti-TNFα biosimilars are also discussed in the review.