bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breaking chains across generations: exploring the nexus between intergenerational educational mobility and domestic violence among Indian women
Authors: Choudhary Akanksha , Singh Ashish
Published: December 2024

Introduction

In this article, authors have investigated the relationship between intergenerational educational mobility and the chances of experiencing domestic violence among Indian women. This perhaps is the first ever attempt to demonstrate this relationship not just in the Indian context but also in the global scholarship on domestic violence.

Methods

The analysis is based on logistic regression using the data ‘India Youth Survey: Situation and Needs’. Authors have controlled for various individual, familial, and community-level factors in achieving the results.

Results

Findings indicate that women who have more years of education than their mothers have significantly lesser chances of experiencing domestic violence. Furthermore, daughters whose mothers have been victims of domestic violence are highly likely to experience it themselves. Besides, women whose husbands consume alcohol, come from low income strata or live in nuclear families have significantly higher odds of experiencing domestic violence. Also, it was observed that the odds of experiencing domestic violence vary significantly for different castes, regions, religions as well as rural and urban areas. Insights from this study can contribute to policymaking aimed at empowering women through education, especially when their mothers have not had a significant education. Additionally, the study further substantiates the role of factors such as maternal experience of domestic violence, husband’s alcohol consumption, low income levels, and family structure in determining the likelihood of experiencing domestic violence. Therefore, the findings support existing scholarship for designing targeted interventions to address these specific risk factors, ultimately contributing to creating safer environments for women.

Conclusion

Merely educational attainments do not affect the chances of domestic violence to a large extent. It is probably the confidence a woman derives on account of better educational attainments as compared to her previous generation that influences her take on the menace of domestic violence.
Unveiling neuroimmunology profile of immunological non-responders in HIV: a multimodal MRI approach
Authors: Zhang Yang , Ji Jiahao , Zheng Luyao , Cai Miaotian , Sun Guangqiang , Ma Yundong , Zhang Xin , Chen Xue , Zhang Yulin , Lin Xiao , Li Zhen , Zhang Tong
Published: December 2024

Background

People living with HIV (PLWH), especially immunological non-responders (INRs), may experience adverse neurologic events. However, the extent of neurological impairment in INRs remains uncertain. This study evaluates brain structure and function, immune dysregulation, and peripheral immunomarkers in INRs and immunological responders (IRs) among PLWH, classified according to immunological response criteria, within a clinical research setting.

Methods

This study utilized multi-modal MRI to assess brain structure and function in INRs (n = 25) and IRs (n = 53). Mass cytometry and Luminex/ELISA assays were employed to analyze peripheral blood monocytes, T cell subpopulations, cytokines, chemokines, neurotrophic factors, and endocrine factors.

Results

Neuroimaging findings revealed notable changes in brain structure and function in INRs, including increased fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations and regional homogeneity in the left middle temporal gyrus, as well as decreased grey matter volume in the left middle temporal gyrus, left lingual gyrus, and right rolandic operculum. Furthermore, INRs exhibited significant alterations in functional connectivity in the temporal and occipital gyrus. Mass cytometry analysis demonstrated significant immune dysregulation in INRs, characterised by increased levels of senescent and activated T cells, and heightened monocyte activation. Additionally, noteworthy associations were found between neurological abnormalities and peripheral levels of immunomarkers, inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, neurotrophic factors, and endocrine factors in INRs.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the associations between immune dysfunction and changes in brain structure and function, emphasizing the importance of further investigations in this field.
Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of recombinant chimeric antigens based on surface proteins of Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Chyb Maciej , Ferra Bartłomiej Tomasz , Kawka Malwina , Skwarecka Marta , Dziadek Bożena , Gatkowska Justyna
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the opportunistic, cosmopolitan protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common parasitoses in the world. This parasite can pose a threat to people with immunodeficiency but also to the fetus, since the invasion can lead to miscarriages. Moreover, this parasite can contribute to economic losses in livestock farming. These problems lead to the implementation of new, safe solutions for the development of effective toxoplasmosis immunoprophylaxis.

Methods

In this work, newly produced recombinant trivalent chimeric proteins of T. gondii, based on SAG1-SAG2 recombinant chimeric antigen that differ in one terminal antigenic component, were tested in terms of their ability to induce an effective post-vaccination response. Antigens were tested in vitro to assess their ability to elicit APC cells response and further mice of the C3H/HeOuJ strain were immunized using those antigens, to evaluate their immunogenicity and immunoprotective effect in vivo. Two weeks after the last dose mice were either sacrificed to assess selected parameters of the immune response or infected with T. gondii DX strain to determine the degree of protection one month later.

Results

The results of serological tests revealed a high level of serum IgG antibodies specific for the native T. gondii TLA antigens. TLA-stimulated splenocytes produced cytokines that are important in inhibiting protozoal invasion. Additionally, CD3+ CD4+ and CD3+ CD8+ T cell subpopulations of splenocytes were analysed by flow cytometry. One month after experimental infection mice were sacrificed, and their brains were isolated to count T. gondii tissue cyst. Immunization of mice with recombinant trivalent chimeric proteins of T. gondii resulted in reduction of tissue cyst burden rates reaching even 74%.

Discussion

The obtained results demonstrate strong immunogenicity of the studied proteins and will allow to select candidates for further research aimed at increasing the immunoprotective properties of experimental vaccines against toxoplasmosis based on T. gondii chimeric antigens.
Patterns of immune evasion in triple-negative breast cancer and new potential therapeutic targets: a review
Authors: Serrano García Lucía , Jávega Beatriz , Llombart Cussac Antonio , Gión María , Pérez-García José Manuel , Cortés Javier , Fernández-Murga María Leonor
Published: December 2024

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer characterized by the absence of progesterone and estrogen receptors and low (or absent) HER2 expression. TNBC accounts for 15-20% of all breast cancers. It is associated with younger age, a higher mutational burden, and an increased risk of recurrence and mortality. Standard treatment for TNBC primarily relies on cytotoxic agents, such as taxanes, anthracyclines, and platinum compounds for both early and advanced stages of the disease. Several targeted therapies, including bevacizumab and sunitinib, have failed to demonstrate significant clinical benefit in TNBC. The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has revolutionized cancer treatment. By stimulating the immune system, ICIs induce a durable anti-tumor response across various solid tumors. TNBC is a particularly promising target for treatment with ICIs due to the higher levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), increased PD-L1 expression, and higher mutational burden, which generates tumor-specific neoantigens that activate immune cells. ICIs administered as monotherapy in advanced TNBC yields only a modest response; however, response rates significantly improve when ICIs are combined with cytotoxic agents, particularly in tumors expressing PD-L1. Pembrolizumab is approved for use in both early and advanced TNBC in combination with standard chemotherapy. However, more research is needed to identify more potent biomarkers, and to better elucidate the synergism of ICIs with other targeted agents. In this review, we explore the challenges of immunotherapy in TNBC, examining the mechanisms of tumor progression mediated by immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, and the signaling pathways involved in both primary and acquired resistance. Finally, we provide a comprehensive overview of ongoing clinical trials underway to investigate novel immune-targeted therapies for TNBC.
Transcriptome and metabolome analysis of intersex gonads of redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus)
Authors: He Ruiqi , Nong Chuntai , Chen Yibin , Li Sedong , Chen Huapu
Published: December 2024

The redclaw crayfish is sexually dimorphic, with males preferring females in terms of growth rate and size. Currently, the molecular mechanism of sexual dimorphism is not well understood in crustaceans, and studies on the joint analysis of the gonadal metabolome and transcriptome of male and female individuals of redclaw crayfish are limited. In this study, we found that there were differences in relevant metabolites and metabolic pathways between intersex and normal individuals, including metabolites such as testosterone glucuronide, cortisol, pregnenolone sulfate, and estrone glucuronide, as well as steroid hormone synthesis pathways, lipid metabolism pathways, amino acid metabolism, and other metabolic pathways. The joint analysis of metabolome and transcriptome identified differential genes such as cyp3a40, cyp18a1, hsd17b12b, and cyp19a, and co-enriched pathways such as insulin signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway, and FoxO signaling pathway, indicating that they may play a significant role in sex differentiation of redclaw crayfish. Our results provide a reference for the molecular mechanism of gonadal development between male and female individuals of redclaw crayfish.
A novel open-source cultivation system helps establish the first full cycle chemosynthetic symbiosis model system involving the giant ciliate Zoothamnium niveum
Authors: Contarini P. E. , Emboule E. , Jean-Louis P. , Woyke T. , Date S. V. , Gros O. , Volland J-M.
Published: December 2024

Symbiotic interactions drive species evolution, with nutritional symbioses playing vital roles across ecosystems. Chemosynthetic symbioses are globally distributed and ecologically significant, yet the lack of model systems has hindered research progress. The giant ciliate Zoothamnium niveum and its sulfur-oxidizing symbionts represent the only known chemosynthetic symbiosis with a short life span that has been transiently cultivated in the laboratory. While it is experimentally tractable and presents a promising model system, it currently lacks an open-source, simple, and standardized cultivation setup. Following the FABricated Ecosystems (EcoFABs) model, we leveraged 3D printing and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) casting to develop simple flow-through cultivation chambers that can be produced and adopted by any laboratory. The streamlined manufacturing process reduces production time by 86% and cuts cost by tenfold compared to the previous system. Benchmarking using previously established optimal growth conditions, the new open-source cultivation system proves stable, efficient, more autonomous, and promotes a more prolific growth of the symbiosis. For the first time, starting from single cells, we successfully cultivated the symbiosis in flow-through chambers for 20 days, spanning multiple generations of colonies that remained symbiotic. They were transferred from chamber to chamber enabling long-term cultivation and eliminating the need for continuous field sampling. The chambers, optimized for live imaging, allowed detailed observation of the synchronized growth between the host and symbiont. Highlighting the benefit of this new system, we here describe a new step in the first hours of development where the host pauses growth, expels a coat, before resuming growth, hinting at a putative symbiont selection mechanism early in the colony life cycle. With this simple, open-source, cultivation setup, Z. niveum holds promises for comparative studies, standardization of research and wide adoption by the symbiosis research community.
Association between serum calcium level and the risk of acute kidney injury in ICU patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhao Zhenlin , Xiao Kuntai , Zhao Sirong , Liu Kangfeng , Huang Fu , Xiao Hua
Published: December 2024

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum calcium level and the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, data on adults from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-III and MIMIC-IV) databases, spanning from 2008 to 2019, were extracted. In the logistic regression models, confounding variables, including age, white blood cell (WBC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose, international normalized ratio (INR), and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), were finally adjusted by stepwise regression. The outcome event was the occurrence of AKI after intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to assess the association between serum calcium level and the risk of AKI in SAH patients, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). To further explore the association, subgroup analyses were performed, stratified by age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, drugs, and surgical methods.

Results

A total of 1,128 patients with SAH were included in the study, of which 457 patients developed AKI. Low levels of serum calcium were significantly associated with a high risk of AKI in patients with SAH, with an OR (95%CI) of 1.38 (1.01–1.89). Further subgroup analyses showed that low levels of calcium were significantly associated with a high risk of AKI in SAH patients aged ≥60 years (OR = 0.27, 95%CI: 0.09–0.83), who had GCS score ≥13 (OR = 1.57, 95%CI: 1.08–2.30), who did not use calcium channel blockers (CCB) (OR = 2.22, 95%CI: 1.16–4.25) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (OR = 1.51, 95%CI: 1.06–2.14), and who did not undergo aneurysm embolization (OR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.01–2.17) and aneurysm clipping (OR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.04–2.01).

Conclusion

The results of our study indicated that low levels of serum calcium were significantly associated with the risk of AKI in patients with SAH.
Vagus nerve stimulation: a physical therapy with promising potential for central nervous system disorders
Authors: Wang Chaoran , Wu Bangqi , Lin Ruolan , Cheng Yupei , Huang Jingjie , Chen Yuyan , Bai Jing
Published: December 2024

The diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) often cause irreversible damage to the human body and have a poor prognosis, posing a significant threat to human health. They have brought enormous burdens to society and healthcare systems. However, due to the complexity of their causes and mechanisms, effective treatment methods are still lacking. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), as a physical therapy, has been utilized in the treatment of various diseases. VNS has shown promising outcomes in some CNS diseases and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States for epilepsy and depression. Moreover, it has demonstrated significant potential in the treatment of stroke, consciousness disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease. Nevertheless, the exact efficacy of VNS, its beneficiaries, and its mechanisms of action remain unclear. This article discusses the current clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of VNS in CNS diseases, providing updates on the progress, potential, and potential mechanisms of action of VNS in producing effects on CNS diseases.
Developing a novel dosiomics model to predict treatment failures following lung stereotactic body radiation therapy
Authors: Bhandari Ashok , Johnson Kurtis , Oh Kyuhak , Yu Fang , Huynh Linda M. , Lei Yu , Wisnoskie Sarah , Zhou Sumin , Baine Michael James , Lin Chi , Zhang Chi , Wang Shuo
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the dosiomics features of the interplay between CT density and dose distribution in lung SBRT plans, and to develop a model to predict treatment failure following lung SBRT treatment.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted involving 179 lung cancer patients treated with SBRT at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) between October 2007 and June 2022. Features from the CT image, Biological Effective Dose (BED) and five interaction matrices between CT and BED were extracted using radiomics mathematics. Our in-house feature selection pipeline was utilized to evaluate and rank features based on their importance and redundancy, with only the selected non-redundant features being used for predictive modeling. We randomly selected 151 cases and 28 cases as training and test datasets. Four different models were trained utilizing the Balanced Random Forest framework on the same training dataset to differentiate between failure and non-failure cases. These four models utilized the same number of selected features extracted from CT-only, BED-only, a combination of CT and BED, and a composite of CT and BED including their interaction matrices, respectively.

Results

The cohort included 125 non-failure cases and 54 failure cases, with a median follow-up time of 34.4 months. We selected the top 17 important and non-redundant features (with the Pearsons’s coefficient < 0.5) in each model. When evaluated on the same independent test set, the four models—CT features-only, BED features-only, a combination of CT and BED features, and a composite model including features from CT and BED that includes their interaction matrices—achieved AUC values of 0.56, 0.75, 0.73, and 0.82, respectively, with corresponding accuracies of 0.61, 0.79, 0.71, and 0.79. The composite model demonstrated the highest AUC and accuracy, indicating that incorporating interactions between CT and BED reveals more predictive capabilities in distinguishing between failure and non-failure cases.

Conclusion

The dosiomics model integrating the interaction between CT and Dose can effectively predict treatment failure following lung SBRT treatment and may serve as a useful tool to proactively evaluate and select lung SBRT treatment plans to reduce treatment failure in the future.
Determinants of conventional and contrast-enhanced ultrasound diagnosis of fat-poor angiomyolipoma <5 cm
Authors: Liang Xia , Zeng Xian-Tao , Hong Zhi-Liang , Su Miao-Jiao , Yang Jian-Chuan , Wu Song-Song
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to assess the diagnostic efficacy of conventional ultrasound (CUS) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in detecting fat-poor angiomyolipomas(AML) with dimensions less than 5 cm. Additionally, the study seeks to identify independent indicators for predicting the presence of fat-poor AML.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with renal AML and renal cell carcinoma, who were admitted and underwent surgery at Fujian Provincial Hospital from January 2013 to October 2023. A total of 154 renal tumors were included (104 renal cell carcinomas and 50 fat-poor AMLs). Prior to radical or partial nephrectomy, these patients underwent both CUS and CEUS examinations. We systematically analyzed the features observed in CUS and CEUS, identified independent factors through multifactorial regression analysis, and evaluated diagnostic efficacy by calculating the area under the curve (AUC).

Results

Univariate analysis revealed significant distinctions in fat-poor AML concerning gender, age, morphology, internal hyperechoic features (starry-sky sign, crescent sign), enhancement uniformity, and delayed enhancement, all displaying significance compared to renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that internal hyperechoic features (p < 0.01, Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.003, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.000-0.0028) and enhancement uniformity (p < 0.01, OR = 0.016, 95% CI: 0.001-0.229) independently predicted fat-poor AML. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve’s area under the curve (AUC) for internal hyperechoic features (starry-sky sign, crescent sign) was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.80–0.95), with a sensitivity of 78.00%, specificity of 97.12%, positive predictive value of 92.85%, and negative predictive value of 90.18%. Conversely, the ROC curve AUC for enhancement uniformity was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.62–0.78), with a sensitivity of 96.00%, specificity of 44.23%, positive predictive value of 45.28%, and negative predictive value of 95.83%.

Conclusion

This study suggests that both CUS and CEUS possess discriminative value in differentiating fat-poor AMLs from RCCs. Notably, internal hyperechoic features (starry-sky sign, crescent sign) and uniform enhancement within renal tumors emerge as potential independent indicators for predicting fat-poor AML.
Improved survival with second-line hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy after atezolizumab-bevacizumab failure in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lee Ji Yeon , Lee Jaejun , Kim Suho , Yoo Jae-sung , Kim Ji Hoon , Yang Keungmo , Han Ji Won , Jang Jeong Won , Choi Jong Yong , Yoon Seung Kew , Chun Ho Jong , Oh Jung Suk , Sung Pil Soo
Published: December 2024

Background

There is no established second-line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following atezolizumab-bevacizumab (ate-beva) failure. This study assessed the efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) as a salvage therapy by comparing survival outcomes and treatment responses between HAIC as a first-line treatment and as a second-line option after ate-beva failure.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 100 patients with advanced HCC treated with HAIC between March 2022 and July 2024. Patients were categorized into two groups: those who received HAIC as initial therapy (first-line HAIC group) and those who received HAIC following ate-beva failure (post-ate-beva group). Survival outcomes were assessed with Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests, and factors associated with survival were identified through Cox regression analysis.

Results

The post-ate-beva group exhibited longer overall survival (OS) (median OS 12.4 months) compared to the first-line HAIC group (median OS 6.8 months) (p = 0.073). Progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly superior in the post-ate-beva group (median PFS 8.2 months) compared to the first-line HAIC group (median PFS 3.1 months) (p = 0.018). The objective response rate was also notably higher in the post-ate-beva group than in the first-line HAIC group (35.3% vs. 18.1%, p = 0.031). In multivariate analysis, HAIC following ate-beva failure, compared to first-line HAIC, was significantly associated with favorable outcomes for both OS (p = 0.014) and PFS (p = 0.006).

Conclusion

The superior survival outcomes and treatment responses observed in the post-ate-beva group suggest that HAIC may be an effective second-line treatment option for advanced HCC following ate-beva therapy failure. However, due to the retrospective nature and small sample size of the study, further prospective studies with larger patient populations are needed to strengthen the evidence.
Descriptive analysis of durvalumab use in unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer in patients treated in Quebec’s University teaching hospitals
Authors: Labrie Valérie , Lefebvre Judith , Labbé Catherine , Jao Kevin , Malick Mandy , Simard Serge , Bouchard Nicole
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Consolidation durvalumab post chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) has been demonstrated to improve survival in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Real-world data to assess its use and impact on patients, particularly in Quebec, remain limited.

Methods

We, therefore, aimed to assess real-world durvalumab use in inoperable stage III NSCLC in Quebec, to describe progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes as reported in the PACIFIC trial, and to evaluate safety and toxicity. Patients were retrospectively reviewed between January 1rst 2019 and December 31st 2020, based on their oncology reference date.

Results

One hundred and eight patients treated with CRT were included, among which 82 received durvalumab (75.9%). The mean duration of treatment was 48 weeks [4-52], and 55% of patients completed the full treatment. Median PFS was 40 months in patients treated with CRT + durvalumab vs 6.9 months with CRT alone, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.22 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13-0.37; p < 0.0001). Limited access to CT scanning during the COVID pandemic, might have led to delayed disease progression detection and thus prolonged PFS. Median OS was > 52.8 months with CRT + durvalumab vs 19 months with CRT alone (HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.18-0.60; p=0.0002).

Discussion

These findings support the efficacy and safety profile of durvalumab in real-world settings.
Brg1 and RUNX1 synergy in regulating TRPM4 channel in mouse cardiomyocytes
Authors: Ban Tao , Dong Xianhui , Ma Ziyue , Jin Jing , Li Jing , Cui Yunfeng , Fu Yuyang , Wang Yongzhen , Xue Yadong , Tong Tingting , Zhang Kai , Han Yuxuan , Shen Meimei , Zhao Yu , Zhao Ling , Xiong Lingzhao , Lv Hongzhao , Liu Yang , Huo Rong
Published: December 2024

Background

Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 4 (TRPM4), a non-selective cation channel, plays a critical role in cardiac conduction abnormalities. Brg1, an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler, is essential for regulating gene expression in both heart development and disease. Our previous studies demonstrated Brg1 impacted on cardiac sodium/potassium channels and electrophysiological stability, its influence on TRPM4 expression and function remained unexplored.

Methods

We investigated the role of Brg1 in regulating TRPM4 expression and function through overexpression and knockdown experiments in mouse cardiomyocytes and TRPM4-overexpressing HEK293 cells by western blot, qPCR, immunofluorescence staining and patch clamp techniques. Cardiomyocytes were exposed to hypoxia for 12 h to mimic cardiac stress, and Brg1 inhibition was performed to assess its impact on TRPM4 under hypoxia. Bioinformatic analyses (STRING and JASPAR databases), Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), dual luciferase reporter assays, and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were employed to study the interaction between Brg1, RUNX1, and TRPM4 transcription regulation.

Results

Brg1 positively regulated TRPM4 expression in mouse cardiomyocytes and modulated TRPM4 current in TRPM4-overexpressing HEK293 cells. Brg1 inhibition markedly diminishes TRPM4’s hyperexpression in cardiomyocytes exposed to hypoxia. Integrative analyses utilizing STRNG databases and Protein Data Bank unveiled a putative interaction between Brg1 and the transcription factor RUNX1, and we substantiated the interaction between Brg1 and RUNX1. Several binding sites of RUNX1 with the TRPM4 promoter region were predicted by the JASPAR database, and empirical validation substantiated Brg1 modulated TRPM4 promoter activity via RUNX1 engagement. ChIP confirmed that Brg1 interacted with RUNX1 forming a transcriptional complex that located in TRPM4 promoter.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that Brg1 and RUNX1 formed a transcriptional complex that modulated TRPM4 expression and function, especially under hypoxic conditions. These findings provided new insights into TRPM4 regulation and highlighted its potential as a therapeutic target for cardiac hypoxia-related disorders.
Exploring mechanical performance of non-foamed polyurethane-bonded gravel and its pile bearing characteristics under embankments: an experimental and numerical approach
Authors: Hu Xin , Li Mengliang , Tan Huiming
Published: December 2024

Pile supported geogrid-reinforced embankment are widely used to treat soft soil. This paper proposes a novel method for reinforcing foundations using non-foamed polyurethane-bonded gravel (NPBG) porous piles. Through triaxial compression tests, the mechanical properties and strength parameters, such as strength and stiffness, of the polyurethane-bonded gravel material are determined. Finite element numerical simulations are then employed to investigate the bearing characteristics of NPBG porous pile under embankment loads. The experimental results indicate that, under the same confining pressure, the strength and stiffness of the NPBG material are significantly higher than those of plain gravel material, while still retaining large pore characteristics. Increasing the polyurethane content enhances the strength and stiffness of the porous material, but the improvement diminishes as the confining pressure increases. A systematic comparative analysis was conducted on the bearing characteristics of NPBG porous pile versus concrete pile, cement-mixed pile, and gravel pile under embankment in terms of load sharing ratio and settlement deformation. The permeability coefficient and modulus of the pile significantly influence the dissipation rate of excess pore water pressure in the foundation soil. The NPBGP pile exhibited the fastest consolidation speed, effectively controlling total settlement and reducing the proportion of post-construction settlement of the embankment. Compared to concrete pile and cement-mixed pile, the NPBG porous pile has a lower uniform settlement surface height in embankment, making it suitable for low-height embankment accelerated construction projects.
A novel approach: enhancing marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) genetic transformation through seed priming technology
Authors: Huang Wang-Qi , Meng Chao , Zhang Lu , Xu Feng , Yang Xiu-Mei , Zhang Li-Fang , Jiang Ya-Lian , Shi Rui-Xue , Zhao A-Xiang , Zhang Yi-Ping , Ali Niaz , Chen Xiu-Hua
Published: December 2024

This research presents an innovative genetic transformation protocol for marigolds (Tagetes erecta L.), a species of great significance in floriculture, impacting both yield and quality. The study introduces seed priming technology as a novel approach and evaluates its effect on the germination rate. The results indicate that the germination rates of pigmented marigold seeds were not significantly affected by Agrobacterium immersion under optimal conditions, although variations were observed in genotypes and treatment parameters. Optimal germination was observed at an optical density (OD600 nm) of 1.3 with a vacuum infiltration time of 10 min. The transgenic plants were confirmed through Basta herbicide resistance, Green florescent protein (GFP) fluorescence screening, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of the GFP gene. After the treatment, the morphological assessments showed genotype-dependent variations in plant height and fresh weight, while the biochemical analysis revealed significant variations in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and root activities. Additionally, the study examined the efficacy of various scarification techniques on seed survival rate, and seed coat removal was found to be the most effective method for marigold transformation. These findings provide a robust foundation for optimizing genetic transformation methods to enhance marigold crop resilience and quality within the floricultural sector.
Psychological empowerment and challenge-oriented organizational citizenship behavior: a dual process model
Authors: Xu Qingquan , Liu Shan , Huang Haishen
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Encouraging proactive behavior among employees is a crucial pathway for companies to adapt swiftly and gain a competitive edge. In contrast to other forms of organizational citizenship behavior that tend to preserve existing work practices within the organization, Challenge-Oriented Organizational Citizenship Behavior (COCB) aims to improve upon these by offering constructive suggestions and altering employees’ work methods, policies, and procedures for the benefit of the organization. However, not all employees are willing to engage in COCB, even when the organization actively encourages participation. Departing from traditional perspectives on workplace environments and leadership, we propose that psychological empowerment at the individual level may be a precursor to employees’ engagement in COCB.

Methods

Based on social exchange theory, this study examines how employees’ psychological empowerment affects their challengeoriented organizational citizenship behavior (COCB), including the mediating roles of perceived insider status and affective commitment, as well as the moderating role of Chinese traditionality. Data was collected from 223 employees of manufacturing, IT, finance and service enterprises in Southern China using a multi-source and multi-wave survey.

Results

Results of the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) show that psychological empowerment can positively affect COCB. Both perceived insider status and affective commitment act as mediators in the relationship between psychological empowerment and COCB. Moreover, Chinese traditionality has a moderating effect on the relationship between psychological empowerment and these mediators, and also the indirect effect of psychological empowerment on COCB. Specifically, the indirect effect was stronger when employees with lower levels of Chinese traditionality.

Discussion

This study provides a theoretical foundation for the individual-level antecedents of COCB, elucidating how the social exchange process between employees and the organization is transformed into COCB through psychological empowerment.
Promoting workplace psychological wellbeing through Yoga and Tai Chi classes in female university employees
Authors: Valdesalici Alice , Cerea Silvia , Pecunioso Alessandra , Paoli Antonio , Grigolin Gioia , Nardelli Rosa , Armenti Alessandra , Ghisi Marta
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Academic environments are known for their high demands, often resulting in significant distress among employees. Thus, identifying effective intervention strategies to mitigate workplace stress is essential. The present study aims to evaluate the potential benefits of mind–body interventions (i.e., Yoga and Tai Chi) on the psychological wellbeing and perceived mental and physical health of female university employees.

Methods

A total of 166 female university employees and faculty members participated in 10 sessions of Tai Chi or Yoga. They completed self-report questionnaires assessing ruminative thoughts, somatic anxiety, general distress, perceived physical and mental health, and assertive and cooperative behaviors before and after the 10 Tai Chi/Yoga sessions. Additionally, participants completed a state anxiety questionnaire before and after Tai Chi/Yoga second and second-to-last lessons.

Results

Results showed significant differences between scores pre and post Tai Chi and Yoga programs, with lower ruminative thoughts (p = 0.007), lower somatic anxiety (p < 0.001), and higher perceived mental health (p = 0.038) at the end of the programs (i.e., after 10 sessions) compared to the beginning. Moreover, significant differences were found in state anxiety scores, with a reduction in state anxiety at the end of the second (p < 0.001) and second-to-last (p < 0.001) lessons compared to the start.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the potential positive impact of Tai Chi and Yoga programs on the psychological wellbeing and perceived mental health of female university employees. Immediate reductions in state anxiety following single sessions further underscore the potential of these practices for short-term stress relief. Overall, the results support the implementation of mind–body practices in workplace settings to promote a healthier work environment.
Evaluation of the quality of depression-related information on Chinese websites and video platforms: a cross-sectional comparative analysis
Authors: Chen YueDong , Yin Jia , Ding YuKe , Wang ChangYu , Zhu JiaXin , Niu Lu
Published: December 2024

Objectives

We aimed to assess the quality of information regarding depression on Chinese websites and popular video platforms.

Methods

We conducted searches on website platforms (Baidu, Bing) and video platforms (Bilibili, Douyin) using search terms “depression”, “depressive disorder”, “depression treatment”, “depressive anxiety”, “depressed patient”, and “depressive symptoms”. We collected the first 50 results with each search term in each platform. Each website and video included in this study was assessed using The DISCERN instrument (DISCERN), Journal of American Medical Association benchmark criteria (JAMA), Hexagonal Radar Schema (HRS), and Global Quality Scores (GQS).

Results

A total of 177 websites, 216 Bilibili videos, and 244 Douyin videos were included. Among all the platforms, websites had the highest median scores on DISCERN and HRS, at 33 and 2 respectively, but were still classified as “poor” and “very poor” according to the classification. Bilibili, Douyin, and websites had median scores of 3, 2, and 2 respectively in JAMA, indicating a moderate level of quality. Bilibili, Douyin, and websites all had a median score of 2 for GQS, and were of poor quality. Only the percentage score for JAMA was more than half of the weighted score, while none of the other scales reached half of the score. The median percentage scores of the websites in DISCERN, HRS, and GQS were higher than those of Bilibili and Douyin (P < 0.001). Compared to other sources, news media on websites and medical organizations on videos demonstrated higher quality (all P values < 0.05).

Conclusions

The findings of the study indicated an overall low quality of online depression information. Collaborative efforts between platforms and professionals are necessary to improve the comprehensiveness and quality of depression-related information available online. In addition, the platform needs to prioritize optimizing the algorithm of recommendations and present real high-quality health information to the audience.
Effects of early-life environmental stress on risk-taking tendency of adolescents in rural areas of southwestern China
Authors: Wu Jing , Wu Qiaobing
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Adolescence is a critical developmental phase characterized by increased risk-taking behaviors, which are not inherently maladaptive. According to life history theory, individuals raised in harsh and unpredictable environments are more likely to adopt faster life history strategies, favoring immediate rewards over long-term benefits. Yet, limited empirical research explore the psychological mechanism about how early-life environmental stresses influence adolescents’ risk-taking. In rural China, left-behind children face economic and social vulnerabilities due to parental migration to urban areas for employment. This study’s first goal was to identify the specific elements of early-life environmental stresses that impact adolescents’ risk-taking tendencies from a developmental evolutionary perspective. The second goal was to construct and test a synthesized model of how objective and subjective environmental stresses influence adolescents’ risk-taking.

Methods

A total of 610 middle school students in rural China completed questionnaires assessing early-life environmental stresses and risk-taking tendencies. The sample included 318 left-behind adolescents, 120 single-left-behind adolescents with one parent, and 138 non-left-behind adolescents. Structural equation modeling tested the hypothesized model, examining direct and indirect effects of environmental stresses on risk-taking.

Results

Objective early-life environmental stresses, such as low socioeconomic status (SES), high mortality cues, and high mobility cues, predicted faster life history strategies, marked by shorter future orientation and increased risk-taking tendencies. Subjective perceptions of environmental unpredictability and parental warmth mediated the influence of SES on risk-taking. Biological sensitivity moderated mortality cues’ influence on perceived parental warmth. Sense of control failed to mediate the relationship between early-life stresses and risk-taking. Left-behind adolescents experienced more mobility and mortality cues, perceived greater unpredictability, and reported less parental warmth than their peers. Despite no significant difference in overall risk-taking, left-behind adolescents exhibited higher health/safety risk-taking tendencies.

Discussion

This study provides a comprehensive model linking early-life environmental stresses to adolescents’ risk-taking, integrating objective and subjective measures of stress. The findings offer insights into mechanisms driving risk-taking tendencies. Also, it have significant implications for developing interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of early-life stress on adolescent development, particularly for left-behind children in rural China.
A Systematic Approach to Portfolio Optimization: A Comparative Study of Reinforcement Learning Agents, Market Signals, and Investment Horizons
Authors: Espiga-Fernández Francisco , García-Sánchez Álvaro , Ordieres-Meré Joaquín
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a systematic exploration of deep reinforcement learning (RL) for portfolio optimization and compares various agent architectures, such as the DQN, DDPG, PPO, and SAC. We evaluate these agents’ performance across multiple market signals, including OHLC price data and technical indicators, while incorporating different rebalancing frequencies and historical window lengths. This study uses six major financial indices and a risk-free asset as the core instruments. Our results show that CNN-based feature extractors, particularly with longer lookback periods, significantly outperform MLP models, providing superior risk-adjusted returns. DQN and DDPG agents consistently surpass market benchmarks, such as the S&P 500, in annualized returns. However, continuous rebalancing leads to higher transaction costs and slippage, making periodic rebalancing a more efficient approach to managing risk. This research offers valuable insights into the adaptability of RL agents to dynamic market conditions, proposing a robust framework for future advancements in financial machine learning.
Renewal and Iteration Mechanisms of Aged Tea Trees: Insights from Tea Garden Soil Microbial Communities
Authors: Wang Houqiao , Wu Tianyu , Yuan Wenxia , Chen Lijiao , Li Hongxu , Deng Xiujuan , Wang Chun , Liu Weihao , Huang Wei , Wang Baijuan
Published: December 2024

This study focuses on the renewal and iteration mechanisms of aged tea trees in interactions with their soil microbial communities, aiming to elucidate the impact of the planting age of tea trees on the structure and function of soil microbial communities and how these impacts are linked to the formation of tea quality. By conducting a comparative analysis of the cultivation soil from tea trees with varying planting ages ranging from 30 to 200 years, we employed microbial diversity sequencing, a soil physicochemical property analysis, and tea leaf chemical component detection. We combined these methods with redundancy analysis (RDA) and linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) to reveal significant correlations between the planting age of tea trees and the soil’s microbial diversity and function. The results indicate that as the planting age of tea trees increases, there are significant changes in the soil’s pH and nutrient content. Concurrently, the components of the tea leaves also change. Most notably, around the 120 years mark of the tea tree planting age, the diversity of the soil microbial community reaches a turning point. Key microbial community analyses revealed shifts in the dominant microbial populations within the soil across the various tea tree planting ages, exemplified by taxa such as Hygrocybe Mycena, Humicola, Bradyrhizobium, and Candidatus Solibacter. These alterations in microbial communities are closely associated with soil nutrient dynamics and the developmental stages of tea trees. These findings not only provide scientific guidance for tea garden management, tea tree cultivation, and tea production but also offer new insights into the impact of tea tree–soil–microbe interactions on tea quality, which is significantly important for enhancing tea quality.
Identification and Potential Functions of Ebola Virus-Encoded MicroRNAs in EBOV-Infected Human ARPE Cells
Authors: Mensah-Bonsu Melvin , Doss Christopher , Gloster Clay , Muganda Perpetua
Published: December 2024

Ebola virus (EBOV) causes Ebola virus disease (EVD), a severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever. Although much research has focused on host miRNA expression during EBOV infection, it has been discovered that EBOV itself also produces miRNAs. However, further studies are needed to fully comprehend the role of these EBOV-encoded miRNAs in infection and disease development. This study aimed to identify known and novel EBOV-encoded miRNAs and their potential functions in the pathogenic mechanisms of EBOV. We reanalyzed previously available small RNASeq data to identify the miRNAs and predict their cellular targets and functions. We identified four EBOV-encoded miRNAs—EBOV-mir-M1 (4390–4414), EBOV-mir-M4, EBOV-mir-M2 (8288–8309), and EBOV-mir-M3 (9885–9906)—expressed specifically in Ebola-infected human adult retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE) cells. EBOV-mir-M1 (4390–4414) was expressed up to 19 times more than the other three miRNAs. The identified miRNAs were predicted to target genes associated with pathways such as calcium signaling, MAPK signaling, type I interferon signaling, and cytokine-mediated signaling, which play critical roles in Ebola infection and pathogenesis. This study contributes to our understanding of the role of EBOV-encoded miRNAs in infection and pathogenesis by demonstrating the expression of these miRNAs in human ARPE cells, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying EBOV pathogenesis.