bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole-genome sequencing of clinical isolates of Citrobacter Europaeus in China carrying blaOXA−48 and blaNDM−1
Authors: Ma Jie , Xu Ranran , Li Wanxiang , Liu Mi , Ding Xiaomei
Published: April 2024

Objective

To analyze the clinical infection characteristics and genetic environments of resistance genes in carbapenem-resistant Citrobacter europaeus using whole-genome sequencing.

Methods

The susceptibility of two clinical isolates of C. europaeus (WF0003 and WF1643) to 24 antimicrobial agents was assessed using the BD Phoenix™ M50 System and Kirby-Bauer (K-B) disk-diffusion method. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on the Illumina and Nanopore platforms, and ABRicate software was used to predict resistance and virulence genes of carbapenem-resistant C. europaeus. The characteristics of plasmids carrying carbapenem-resistance genes and their genetic environments were analyzed. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were used to construct a phylogenetic tree to analyze the homology of these two C. europaeus strains with ten strains of C. europaeus in the NCBI database.

Results

The two strains of carbapenem-resistant C. europaeus are resistant to various antimicrobial agents, particularly carbapenems and β-lactams. WF0003 carries blaNDM− 1, which is located on an IncX3 plasmid that has high homology to the pNDM-HN380 plasmid. blaNDM− 1 is located on a truncated Tn125. It differs from Tn125 by the insertion of IS5 in the upstream ISAba125 and the deletion of the downstream ISAba125, which is replaced by IS26. WF1643 carries blaOXA− 48 in a Tn1999 transposon on the IncL/M plasmid, carrying only that single drug resistance gene. Homology analysis of these two strains of C. europaeus with ten C. europaeus strains in the NCBI database revealed that the 12 strains can be classified into three clades, with both WF0003 and WF1643 in the B clade.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report an IncX3 plasmid carrying blaNDM− 1 in C. europaeus in China. C. europaeus strains harboring carbapenem-resistance genes are concerning in relation to the spread of antimicrobial resistance, and the presence of carbapenem-resistance genes in C. europaeus should be continuously monitored.
Dietary inflammatory impact on NAFLD development in obese vs. lean individuals: an analysis based on NHANES 2003–2018
Authors: Li Lurao , Shu Xiawen , Yi Yun , Wang Chun , Li Jianghui , Ding Yang , Li Jin , Chang Ying
Published: April 2024

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), often linked with obesity, can also affect individuals with normal weight, a condition known as “lean NAFLD”, imposing comparable burdens and adverse effects. However, the impact of diet on lean NAFLD remains underexplored. The objective of this study is to investigate the correlation between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and NAFLD among Americans, stratified by waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and body mass index (BMI).

Methods

Five thousand one hundred fifty-two participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2018 were comprised in the final analysis. NAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis were diagnosed by serological markers. Lean and abdominal lean individuals were identified using BMI and WHtR, separately. DII was determined by assigning scores to 28 distinct food parameters based on their inflammatory potential, obtained from the NAHNES website. Differences across DII quartiles were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis H Test, Chi-Square Test along with One-Way ANOVA. The correlation between DII and NAFLD was determined by multiple regression models and subgroup analyses.

Results

Among the 5152 subjects, 2503 were diagnosed with NAFLD, including 86 cases of lean NAFLD and 8 cases of abdominal lean NAFLD. DII was positively linked with NAFLD (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.81 [1.48–2.21], P < 0.001) and advanced liver fibrosis (OR = 1.46 [1.02–2.07], P = 0.037). Further analysis revealed that this association was primarily observed in obese or abdominal obese participants (In BMI ≥ 25.00 kg/m^2, OR = 1.56 [1.23–1.98], P < 0.001. In WHtR> 0.50, OR = 1.48 [1.23–1.79], P < 0.001.), rather than their lean counterparts. Subgroup analyses indicated that female individuals, without a diagnosis of hypertension or diabetes appeared to be more sensitive to the rise in DII.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrated a significant positive correlation between DII and NAFLD in the general population. However, the impact of a pro-inflammatory diet was less prominent in lean individuals compared to obese ones.
Association between the atherogenic index of plasma and hearing loss based on a nationwide cross-sectional study
Authors: Wu Zhiyuan , Wang Shu , Huang Xiaowu , Xie Mengyao , Han Zhijin , Li Chen , Wang Shuyi , Tang Qi , Yang Hua
Published: April 2024

Background

Hearing loss (HL) is a worldwide public health issue for which the role of dyslipidemia has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to use the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), a well-established serum lipid marker, to investigate the association of dyslipidemia with HL among the general population.

Methods

Participants (n = 3267) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database (2005–2012, 2015–2018) were included in the present study. The AIP was calculated based on the following formula: log10 (triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). HL was defined as a pure-tone average of at least 20 dBHL in the better ear. Weighted multivariable logistic regression, subgroup analysis, generalized additive model, and threshold analysis were adopted to reveal the association between the AIP and HL.

Results

In this study of US adults, a positive association was found between the AIP and high-frequency HL. However, the association between the AIP and low-frequency HL was not as strong. In addition, a reverse L-shaped curve with an inflection point located at -0.27 was detected between the AIP and high-frequency HL, followed by a significant positive association after the inflection point.

Conclusions

The potential of the AIP as a bioindicator for high-frequency HL is noteworthy, and maintaining an AIP value below a certain threshold might provide beneficial outcomes in the management of high-frequency HL.
Faculty members as academic knowledge brokers in Iran's health sector: a social network analysis study
Authors: Shabankareh Khadijeh , Hamidi Ali , Soleymani Mohammad Reza , Sajadi Haniye Sadat , Alavi Mousa
Published: April 2024

Background

Interaction between researchers and policymakers is an essential factor to facilitate the evidence-informed policymaking. One of the effective ways to establish this relationship and promote evidence-informed policymaking is to employ people or organizations that can play the role of knowledge brokers. This study aims to analyze the communication network and interactions between researchers and policymakers in Iran's health sector and identify key people serving as academic knowledge brokers.

Methods

This study was a survey research. Using a census approach, we administered a sociometric survey to faculty members in the health field in top ten Iranian medical universities to construct academic-policymaker network using social network analysis method. Network maps were generated using UCINET and NetDraw software. We used Indegree Centrality, Outdegree Centrality, and Betweenness Centrality indicators to determine knowledge brokers in the network.

Results

The drawn network had a total of 188 nodes consisting of 94 university faculty members and 94 policymakers at three national, provincial, and university levels. The network comprised a total of 177 links, with 125 connecting to policymakers and 52 to peers. Of 56 faculty members, we identified four knowledge brokers. Six policymakers were identified as key policymakers in the network, too.

Conclusions

It seems that the flow of knowledge produced by research in the health field in Iran is not accomplished well from the producers of research evidence to the users of knowledge. Therefore, it seems necessary to consider incentive and support mechanisms to strengthen the interaction between researchers and policymakers in Iran's health sector.
Relationship between vaginal and oral microbiome in patients of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yin Yanfei , Jiang Yisha , Yang Yangyang , Wang Wentao , Wang Xiaoya , Ge Yan , Liu Bin , Yao Lihe
Published: April 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the microbial variations and biomarkers in the vaginal and oral environments of patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer (CC) and to develop novel prediction models.

Materials and methods

This study included 164 samples collected from both the vaginal tract and oral subgingival plaque of 82 women. The participants were divided into four distinct groups based on their vaginal and oral samples: the control group (Z/KZ, n = 22), abortion group (AB/KAB, n = 17), HPV-infected group (HP/KHP, n = 21), and cervical cancer group (CC/KCC, n = 22). Microbiota analysis was conducted using full-length 16S rDNA gene sequencing with the PacBio platform.

Results

The vaginal bacterial community in the Z and AB groups exhibited a relatively simple structure predominantly dominated by Lactobacillus. However, CC group shows high abundances of anaerobic bacteria and alpha diversity. Biomarkers such as Bacteroides, Mycoplasma, Bacillus, Dialister, Porphyromonas, Anaerococcus, and Prevotella were identified as indicators of CC. Correlations were established between elevated blood C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and local/systemic inflammation, pregnancy, childbirth, and abortion, which contribute to unevenness in the vaginal microenvironment. The altered microbial diversity in the CC group was confirmed by amino acid metabolism. Oral microbial diversity exhibited an inverse pattern to that of the vaginal microbiome, indicating a unique relationship. The microbial diversity of the KCC group was significantly lower than that of the KZ group, indicating a link between oral health and cancer development. Several microbes, including Fusobacterium, Campylobacter, Capnocytophaga, Veillonella, Streptococcus, Lachnoanaerobaculum, Propionibacterium, Prevotella, Lactobacillus, and Neisseria, were identified as CC biomarkers. Moreover, periodontal pathogens were associated with blood CRP levels and oral hygiene conditions. Elevated oral microbial amino acid metabolism in the CC group was closely linked to the presence of pathogens. Positive correlations indicated a synergistic relationship between vaginal and oral bacteria.

Conclusion

HPV infection and CC impact both the vaginal and oral microenvironments, affecting systemic metabolism and the synergy between bacteria. This suggests that the use of oral flora markers is a potential screening tool for the diagnosis of CC.
NestedBD: Bayesian inference of phylogenetic trees from single-cell copy number profiles under a birth-death model
Authors: Liu Yushu , Edrisi Mohammadamin , Yan Zhi , A Ogilvie Huw , Nakhleh Luay
Published: April 2024

Copy number aberrations (CNAs) are ubiquitous in many types of cancer. Inferring CNAs from cancer genomic data could help shed light on the initiation, progression, and potential treatment of cancer. While such data have traditionally been available via “bulk sequencing,” the more recently introduced techniques for single-cell DNA sequencing (scDNAseq) provide the type of data that makes CNA inference possible at the single-cell resolution. We introduce a new birth-death evolutionary model of CNAs and a Bayesian method, NestedBD, for the inference of evolutionary trees (topologies and branch lengths with relative mutation rates) from single-cell data. We evaluated NestedBD’s performance using simulated data sets, benchmarking its accuracy against traditional phylogenetic tools as well as state-of-the-art methods. The results show that NestedBD infers more accurate topologies and branch lengths, and that the birth-death model can improve the accuracy of copy number estimation. And when applied to biological data sets, NestedBD infers plausible evolutionary histories of two colorectal cancer samples. NestedBD is available at https://github.com/Androstane/NestedBD.
Efficacy of PE-PLIF with a novel ULBD approach for lumbar degeneration diseases: a large-channel endoscopic retrospective study
Authors: Zhou Yichi , Zhou Chuankun , Li Qingbo , Cai Lei , Kou Bowen , Fang Weizhi , Yao Zhi , Wei Mengcheng , Zhang Shishuang , Liu Weijun
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of Percutaneous Endoscopic Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PE-PLIF) combined with a novel Unilateral Laminotomy for Bilateral Decompression (ULBD) approach using a large-channel endoscope in treating Lumbar Degenerative Diseases (LDD).

Methods

This retrospective analysis evaluates 41 LDD patients treated with PE-PLIF and ULBD from January 2021 to June 2023. A novel ULBD approach, called ‘Non-touch Over-Top’ technique, was utilized in this study. We compared preoperative and postoperative metrics such as demographic data, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, surgical details, and radiographic changes.

Results

The average follow-up duration was 14.41 ± 2.86 months. Notable improvements were observed postoperatively in VAS scores for back and leg pain (from 5.56 ± 0.20 and 6.95 ± 0.24 to 0.20 ± 0.06 and 0.12 ± 0.05), ODI (from 58.68 ± 0.80% to 8.10 ± 0.49%), and JOA scores (from 9.37 ± 0.37 to 25.07 ± 0.38). Radiographic measurements showed significant improvements in lumbar and segmental lordosis angles, disc height, and spinal canal area. A high fusion rate (97.56% at 6 months, 100% at 12 months) and a low cage subsidence rate (2.44%) were noted.

Conclusions

PE-PLIF combined with the novel ULBD technique via a large-channel endoscope offers significant short-term benefits for LDD management. The procedure effectively expands spinal canal volume, decompresses nerve structures, improves lumbar alignment, and stabilizes the spine. Notably, it improves patients' quality of life and minimizes complications, highlighting its potential as a promising LDD treatment option.
L-DOPA regulates neuroinflammation and Aβ pathology through NEP and ADAM17 in a mouse model of AD
Authors: Lee Hyun-ju , Nam JinHan , Hwang Jeong-Woo , Park Jin-Hee , Jeong Yoo Joo , Jang Ji-Yeong , Kim Su-Jeong , Jo A-Ran , Hoe Hyang-Sook
Published: April 2024

Dopamine plays important roles in cognitive function and inflammation and therefore is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Drugs that increase or maintain dopamine levels in the brain could be a therapeutic strategy for AD. However, the effects of dopamine and its precursor levodopa (L-DOPA) on Aβ/tau pathology in vivo and the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been studied in detail. Here, we investigated whether L-DOPA treatment alters neuroinflammation, Aβ pathology, and tau phosphorylation in 5xFAD mice, a model of AD. We found that L-DOPA administration significantly reduced microgliosis and astrogliosis in 5xFAD mice. In addition, L-DOPA treatment significantly decreased Aβ plaque number by upregulating NEP and ADAM17 levels in 5xFAD mice. However, L-DOPA-treated 5xFAD mice did not exhibit changes in tau hyperphosphorylation or tau kinase levels. These data suggest that L-DOPA alleviates neuroinflammatory responses and Aβ pathology but not tau pathology in this mouse model of AD.
A novel defined programmed cell death related gene signature for predicting the prognosis of serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhan Feng , Guo Yina , He Lidan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the contribution of differentially expressed programmed cell death genes (DEPCDGs) to the heterogeneity of serous ovarian cancer (SOC) through single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and assess their potential as predictors for clinical prognosis.

Methods

SOC scRNA-seq data were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and the principal component analysis was used for cell clustering. Bulk RNA-seq data were employed to analyze SOC-associated immune cell subsets key genes. CIBERSORT and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) were utilized to calculate immune cell scores. Prognostic models and nomograms were developed through univariate and multivariate Cox analyses.

Results

Our analysis revealed that 48 DEPCDGs are significantly correlated with apoptotic signaling and oxidative stress pathways and identified seven key DEPCDGs (CASP3, GADD45B, GNA15, GZMB, IL1B, ISG20, and RHOB) through survival analysis. Furthermore, eight distinct cell subtypes were characterized using scRNA-seq. It was found that G protein subunit alpha 15 (GNA15) exhibited low expression across these subtypes and a strong association with immune cells. Based on the DEGs identified by the GNA15 high- and low-expression groups, a prognostic model comprising eight genes with significant prognostic value was constructed, effectively predicting patient overall survival. Additionally, a nomogram incorporating the RS signature, age, grade, and stage was developed and validated using two large SOC datasets.

Conclusion

GNA15 emerged as an independent and excellent prognostic marker for SOC patients. This study provides valuable insights into the prognostic potential of DEPCDGs in SOC, presenting new avenues for personalized treatment strategies.
Differences in 5'untranslated regions highlight the importance of translational regulation of dosage sensitive genes
Authors: Wieder Nechama , D’Souza Elston N. , Martin-Geary Alexandra C. , Lassen Frederik H. , Talbot-Martin Jonathan , Fernandes Maria , Chothani Sonia P. , Rackham Owen J. L. , Schafer Sebastian , Aspden Julie L. , MacArthur Daniel G. , Davies Robert W. , Whiffin Nicola
Published: April 2024

Background

Untranslated regions (UTRs) are important mediators of post-transcriptional regulation. The length of UTRs and the composition of regulatory elements within them are known to vary substantially across genes, but little is known about the reasons for this variation in humans. Here, we set out to determine whether this variation, specifically in 5’UTRs, correlates with gene dosage sensitivity.

Results

We investigate 5’UTR length, the number of alternative transcription start sites, the potential for alternative splicing, the number and type of upstream open reading frames (uORFs) and the propensity of 5’UTRs to form secondary structures. We explore how these elements vary by gene tolerance to loss-of-function (LoF; using the LOEUF metric), and in genes where changes in dosage are known to cause disease. We show that LOEUF correlates with 5’UTR length and complexity. Genes that are most intolerant to LoF have longer 5’UTRs, greater TSS diversity, and more upstream regulatory elements than their LoF tolerant counterparts. We show that these differences are evident in disease gene-sets, but not in recessive developmental disorder genes where LoF of a single allele is tolerated.

Conclusions

Our results confirm the importance of post-transcriptional regulation through 5'UTRs in tight regulation of mRNA and protein levels, particularly for genes where changes in dosage are deleterious and lead to disease. Finally, to support gene-based investigation we release a web-based browser tool, VuTR, that supports exploration of the composition of individual 5'UTRs and the impact of genetic variation within them.
Adherence and acceptability of multiple micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy: Study protocol for a cluster-randomized non-inferiority trial in Cambodia
Authors: Hoang Mai-Anh , Kroeun Hou , Klemm Rolf , Gupta Aman Sen , Rem Ngik , Meng Sokchea , Prak Sophonneary , Rattana Kim , Chea Mary , Karakochuk Crystal D. , Sauer Cassandra , Mishra Ashutosh , Mohan Diwakar , de-Graffenried Meredith Jackson
Published: April 2024

Background

Iron and folic acid (IFA) supplements are currently provided to Cambodian women during pregnancy. However, recent research has found benefits of a multiple micronutrient supplement (MMS) over just IFA alone on several outcomes of perinatal and infant health. The Ministry of Health in Cambodia has proposed a transition from IFA to MMS but to effectively guide this transition requires implementation research on the acceptability and adherence to MMS (over IFA).

Methods

This non-inferiority trial aims to assess the adherence and acceptability of IFA (60 mg elemental iron and 400 μg folic acid) compared to MMS (standard UNIMMAP formulation including 15 micronutrients) during antenatal care in Cambodia. A prospective cohort of 1545 pregnant women will be assigned to one of three trial arms: (1) IFA for 90 days [IFA-90]; (2) MMS for 180 days with two distributions of 90-count tablet bottles [MMS-90]; or (3) MMS for 180 days with one 180-count tablet bottle [MMS-180]. Each arm will enroll 515 women across 48 health centers (clusters) in Kampong Thom Province in Cambodia. The primary outcome is the non-inferiority of adherence rates of MMS-180 compared to IFA-90, as assessed by tablet counts. Mixed-effects logistic and linear regression models will be used to estimate the difference in the adherence rate between the two groups, with an ‘a priori’ determined non-inferiority margin of 15%. Acceptability of MMS and IFA will be measured using a quantitative survey conducted with enrolled pregnant women at 30-day, 90-day, and 180-day time-points.

Discussion

Findings from this study will guide an effective and feasible MMS scale-up strategy for Cambodia. Additionally, the findings will be shared globally with other stakeholders planning to scale up MMS in other countries.

Trial registration

NCT05867836 (ClinicalTrials.gov, registered May 18, 2023).
Thermal decomposition characteristics of BHT and its peroxide (BHTOOH)
Authors: Dai Suyi , Liang Min , Cheng Haijun , Yu Chang , Li Weiguang , Lai Fang , Ma Li , Liu Xiongmin
Published: April 2024

2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT) is an excellent antioxidant that is easily oxidized to 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroperoxyl-4-methyl-2,5-cyclohexadienone (BHTOOH). For the safety of BHT production and usage, it is meaningful to study the thermal stability and decomposition properties of BHT and BHTOOH. In this paper, the thermal decomposition properties of BHT and BHTOOH were compared by the mini closed pressure vessel test (MCPVT) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Their kinetics of thermal decomposition were studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The thermal decomposition products of BHT and BHTOOH were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The results show that there was no significant change in temperature pressure when BHT was warmed up under a nitrogen atmosphere, indicating that BHT was stable within 400 K. The thermal decomposition reaction of BHTOOH was rapid with an initial reaction temperature of 375.2 K. The initial exothermic temperature (Ti) and heat release (QDSC) of DSC were 384.9 K and 865.0 J g−1, respectively. The apparent activation energies (Ea) for the thermal decomposition reactions of BHT and BHTOOH calculated by the Kissinger method were 151.8 kJ mol−1 and 66.07 kJ mol−1, respectively. The main decomposition products of BHT were isobutene and 2-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol. The thermal decomposition products of BHTOOH included BHT, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4,4′-(1,2-ethanediyl) bis [2,6-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl) phenol, etc. Based on the thermal decomposition behavior and products, the reaction pathway has been described. These results indicate that BHT is a potential thermal hazard during production, storage and application. For the safety of the chemical industry, the oxidation of BHT should be avoided.
imply: improving cell-type deconvolution accuracy using personalized reference profiles
Authors: Meng Guanqun , Pan Yue , Tang Wen , Zhang Lijun , Cui Ying , Schumacher Fredrick R. , Wang Ming , Wang Rui , He Sijia , Krischer Jeffrey , Li Qian , Feng Hao
Published: April 2024

Using computational tools, bulk transcriptomics can be deconvoluted to estimate the abundance of constituent cell types. However, existing deconvolution methods are conditioned on the assumption that the whole study population is served by a single reference panel, ignoring person-to-person heterogeneity. Here, we present imply, a novel algorithm to deconvolute cell type proportions using personalized reference panels. Simulation studies demonstrate reduced bias compared with existing methods. Real data analyses on longitudinal consortia show disparities in cell type proportions are associated with several disease phenotypes in Type 1 diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. imply is available through the R/Bioconductor package ISLET at https://bioconductor.org/packages/ISLET/.
Awareness for artifacts in fluorescence microscopy of β-TCP
Authors: Waldmann Marco , Bohner Marc , Baghnavi Anna , Riedel Bianca , Seidenstuecker Michael
Published: April 2024

Fluorescence analysis of β-TCP ceramics is often used to describe cells found on said ceramics. However, we found, to our knowledge, so far undescribed artifacts which might sometimes be hard to differentiate from cells due to shape and fluorescence behavior. We tried prolonged ultrasound washing as well as Technovit 9100 fixation to reduce these artifacts. While untreated dowels showed no reduction in artifacts no matter the further treatment, Technovit fixation reduced the artifacts with even further reduction achieved by mechanical cleaning. As a consequence, scientists working with these dowels and likely even other types should try to avoid creating false positive results by considering the existence of these artifacts, checking additional filters for unusual fluorescence and by reducing them by using Technovit fixation when possible.
Taxonomic resurrection of Saxifraga lancangensis (Saxifragaceae)
Authors: Zhang Xin-Jian , Jiang Kang-Zheng , Kuai Xin-Yuan , Chen Jun-Tong , Luo Peng-Rui , Sun Hang , Deng Tao
Published: April 2024

Background

Accurate species delimitation is fundamental for testing evolutionary theory and provides essential implications for conservation management. The arctic-alpine genus Saxifraga L. (Saxifragaceae) is taxonomically complex and many species have not been critically assessed. The taxonomic and phylogenetic status of Saxifraga lancangensis Y.Y.Qian, considered as a synonym of Saxifraga mengtzeana Engl. & Irmsch. in previous studies, is re-evaluated in light of new evidence presented here.

Results

Evidence from morphological comparison and sequencing of plastid genome indicate that S. lancangensis belongs to Saxifraga sect. Irregulares Haw., and is closely related to Saxifraga geifolia Balf.f., and S. mengtzeana. However, S. lancangensis can be diagnosed by its petals with red and clawless base, leaf blade orbicular and leaf margin shallowly dentate.

Conclusions

The morphological and molecular evidence support the resurrection of S. lancangensis as a distinct species. An updated morphological description based on protologue and fresh material, diagnostic characters, and original photographs of the resurrected species are presented.
Non-destructive online detection of early moldy core apples based on Vis/NIR transmission spectroscopy
Authors: Jiang Xiaogang , Ge Kang , Liu Zhi , Chen Nan , Ouyang Aiguo , Liu Yande , Huang Yuyang , Li Jinghu , Hu Mingmao
Published: April 2024

Apple moldy core is a fungus-infested disease that is extremely insidious, usually occurring inside the fruit, making it very difficult to distinguish from the exterior with the naked eye. Using VIS/NIR transmission spectroscopy, this study successfully detected moldy core apples. By combining four wavelength selection algorithms (CARS, CARS-SPA, MC-UVE, and MC-UVE-SPA) with four classifiers (SVM, ELM, KNN, and LDA-KNN), discrimination models were established for two-class and three-class classifications. MC-UVE-SPA-LDA-KNN achieved an AUC of 0.99 and an accuracy of 98.82% for two-class classification, while MC-UVE-SPA achieved an AUC of 0.99 and an accuracy of 97.64% for three-class classification. This confirms MC-UVE-SPA as an effective tool for selecting wavelengths specific to moldy core apples, facilitating precise identification and differentiation of apple states. This study advances dynamic online detection of early-stage moldy core conditions in apples, reducing post-harvest disease occurrence and preserving fruit quality effectively.

Graphical Abstract
An increased wax load on the leaves of goji plants (Lycium barbarum) results in increased resistance to powdery mildew
Authors: Li Jie , Wen Xia , Zhang Sheng-dong , Zhang Xiao , Feng Li-dan , He Jing
Published: April 2024

Background

Goji (Lycium barbarum) is an important economic crop that is widely cultivated in Northwest China and is known as superfood. Goji plants are often affected by powdery mildew (Arthrocladiella mougeotii) in the field, resulting in considerable reduction in production and serious economic losses. The long-term reliance on agricultural chemicals to control powdery mildew not only leads to environmental pollution, but also causes excessive residues to accumulate in fruits, endangering human health. The plant epicuticular wax is the first physical barrier between land plants and the atmospheric environment, and plays an important role in the interactions of plants with pathogenic microorganisms. However, the relationship between epicuticular wax and powdery mildew resistance in goji plants is not well understood.

Results

The leaf epicuticular wax crystals of ‘Ningqi I’ goji were dense and small, and the wax load was 121.74 μg/cm2, which was 3.36 times greater than that of ‘Huangguo’ goji. The ratio of alcohol components in ‘Ningqi I’ goji was 121.18% greater than that in ‘Huangguo’ goji. The incidence rate and disease index of ‘Ningqi I’ goji inoculated with powdery mildew were significantly lower than those inoculated ‘Huangguo’ goji, showing high resistance and moderate susceptibility, respectively. After mechanical wax removal, the disease indices of the two goji varieties increased significantly, indicating extreme susceptibility. Seventeen differential expression genes showing significantly greater expression in ‘Ningqi’ goji leaves than in ‘Huangguo’ goji leaves were enriched in genes involved in fatty acid elongation and the wax biosynthesis pathway. The FAR activity and relative expression levels of LbaFAR and LbaWSD1 in ‘Ningqi I’ goji were significantly greater than those in ‘Huangguo’ goji. The relative expression levels of these genes significantly increased in the overexpression tobacco lines FAR-OE and WSD1-OE, and the wax load were augmented by 46.10% and 22.23%, respectively.

Conclusions

The increased expression of the LbaFAR and LbaWSD1 genes in ‘Ningqi I’ leaves led to increased FAR and WSD1 activity, increasing the wax load and alcohol content of the epicuticular of leaves, and improving leaf glossiness, resulting in strengthened resistance to powdery mildew. Therefore, the production of leaf epicuticular wax mediated by the LbaFAR and LbaWSD1 genes could be the main reason for the difference in powdery mildew resistance between the two goji varieties, which can provide a theoretical basis for the selection of resistant varieties to control goji powdery mildew.

Graphical Abstract
A fresh look at the intensity and impulsive strength of geomagnetic storms
Authors: Manu V. , Balan N. , Ebihara Y. , Zhang Qing-He , Xing Zan-Yang
Published: April 2024

We notice that the important early decreasing part of the main phase (MP) from the positive main phase onset (MPO) to 0-level of Dst and SymH indices is missed in the treatment of the main phase (MP) of geomagnetic storms. We correct this inconsistency in 848 storms having positive MPO (out of 1164 storms) in SymH during 1981–2019 by raising the 0-level of SymH to the MPO-level. The correction considers the full range of the main phase, increases the corrected (revised) storm intensity (SymHMin*) and impulsive strength (IpsSymH*) by up to − 149 nT and − 134 nT, respectively, and seems important for all aspects of global space weather. For example, the corrected SymHMin* changes the conventional storm identification and classification and corrected IpsSymH* clearly identifies all 3 severe space weather (SvSW) events from over 1100 normal space weather (NSW) events with a separation of 52 nT; it also identifies all 8 minor-system-damage space weather (MSW) events from the NSW events.
Daubenton’s bats maintain stereotypical echolocation behaviour and a lombard response during target interception in light
Authors: Uebel Astrid Saermark , Pedersen Michael Bjerre , Beedholm Kristian , Stidsholt Laura , Skalshøi Marie Rosenkjaer , Foskolos Ilias , Madsen Peter Teglberg
Published: April 2024

Most bats hunt insects on the wing at night using echolocation as their primary sensory modality, but nevertheless maintain complex eye anatomy and functional vision. This raises the question of how and when insectivorous bats use vision during their largely nocturnal lifestyle. Here, we test the hypothesis that the small insectivorous bat,Myotis daubentonii, relies less on echolocation, or dispenses with it entirely, as visual cues become available during challenging acoustic noise conditions. We trained five wild-caught bats to land on a spherical target in both silence and when exposed to broad-band noise to decrease echo detectability, while light conditions were manipulated in both spectrum and intensity. We show that during noise exposure, the bats were almost three times more likely to use multiple attempts to solve the task compared to in silent controls. Furthermore, the bats exhibited a Lombard response of 0.18 dB/dBnoiseand decreased call intervals earlier in their flight during masking noise exposures compared to in silent controls. Importantly, however, these adjustments in movement and echolocation behaviour did not differ between light and dark control treatments showing that small insectivorous bats maintain the same echolocation behaviour when provided with visual cues under challenging conditions for echolocation. We therefore conclude that bat echolocation is a hard-wired sensory system with stereotyped compensation strategies to both target range and masking noise (i.e. Lombard response) irrespective of light conditions. In contrast, the adjustments of call intervals and movement strategies during noise exposure varied substantially between individuals indicating a degree of flexibility that likely requires higher order processing and perhaps vocal learning.
Lions & sea lions & bears, oh my: utilizing museum specimens to study the ossification sequence of carnivoran taxa
Authors: Sarasa Jonathan L. , Okamoto Alexander S. , Wright Mark A. , Pierce Stephanie E. , Capellini Terence D.
Published: April 2024

Background

Mammalian skeletons are largely formed before birth. Heterochronic changes in skeletal formation can be investigated by comparing the order of ossification for different elements of the skeleton. Due to the challenge of collecting prenatal specimens in viviparous taxa, opportunistically collected museum specimens provide the best material for studying prenatal skeletal development across many mammalian species. Previous studies have investigated ossification sequence in a range of mammalian species, but little is known about the pattern of bone formation in Carnivora. Carnivorans have diverse ecologies, diets, and biomechanical specializations and are well-suited for investigating questions in evolutionary biology. Currently, developmental data on carnivorans is largely limited to domesticated species. To expand available data on carnivoran skeletal development, we used micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) to non-invasively evaluate the degree of ossification in all prenatal carnivoran specimens housed in the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology. By coding the presence or absence of bones in each specimen, we constructed ossification sequences for each species. Parsimov-based genetic inference (PGi) was then used to identify heterochronic shifts between carnivoran lineages and reconstruct the ancestral ossification sequence of Carnivora.

Results

We used micro-CT to study prenatal ossification sequence in six carnivora species: Eumetopias jubatus (Steller sea lion, n = 6), Herpestes javanicus (small Indian mongoose, n = 1), Panthera leo (lion, n = 1), Urocyon cinereoargenteus (gray fox, n = 1), Ursus arctos arctos (Eurasian brown bear, n = 1), and Viverricula indica (small Indian civet, n = 5). Due to the relatively later stage of collection for the available specimens, few heterochronic shifts were identified. Ossification sequences of feliform species showed complete agreement with the domestic cat. In caniforms, the bear and fox ossification sequences largely matched the dog, but numerous heterochronic shifts were identified in the sea lion.

Conclusions

We use museum specimens to generate cranial and postcranial micro-CT data on six species split between the two major carnivoran clades: Caniformia and Feliformia. Our data suggest that the ossification sequence of domestic dogs and cats are likely good models for terrestrial caniforms and feliforms, respectively, but not pinnipeds.
Advancing 6-bromo-7-[11C]methylpurine to clinical use: improved regioselective radiosynthesis, non-clinical toxicity data and human dosimetry estimates
Authors: Mairinger Severin , Jackwerth Matthias , Soukup Ondřej , Blaickner Matthias , Decristoforo Clemens , Nics Lukas , Pahnke Jens , Hacker Marcus , Zeitlinger Markus , Langer Oliver
Published: April 2024

Background

6-Bromo-7-[11C]methylpurine ([11C]BMP) is a radiotracer for positron emission tomography (PET) to measure multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) transport activity in different tissues. Previously reported radiosyntheses of [11C]BMP afforded a mixture of 7- and 9-[11C]methyl regioisomers. To prepare for clinical use, we here report an improved regioselective radiosynthesis of [11C]BMP, the results of a non-clinical toxicity study as well as human dosimetry estimates based on mouse PET data.

Results

[11C]BMP was synthesised by regioselective N7-methylation of 6-bromo-7H-purine (prepared under good manufacturing practice) with [11C]methyl triflate in presence of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine magnesium chloride in a TRACERlab™ FX2 C synthesis module. [11C]BMP was obtained within a total synthesis time of approximately 43 min in a decay-corrected radiochemical yield of 20.5 ± 5.2%, based on starting [11C]methyl iodide, with a radiochemical purity > 99% and a molar activity at end of synthesis of 197 ± 130 GBq/μmol (n = 28). An extended single-dose toxicity study conducted in male and female Wistar rats under good laboratory practice after single intravenous (i.v.) administration of unlabelled BMP (2 mg/kg body weight) revealed no test item related adverse effects. Human dosimetry estimates, based on dynamic whole-body PET data in female C57BL/6J mice, suggested that an i.v. injected activity amount of 400 MBq of [11C]BMP will deliver an effective dose in the typical range of 11C-labelled radiotracers.

Conclusions

[11C]BMP can be produced in sufficient amounts and acceptable quality for clinical use. Data from the non-clinical safety evaluation showed no adverse effects and suggested that the administration of [11C]BMP will be safe and well tolerated in humans.
Histopathological alterations in the vital organs of Indian major carp Labeo rohita exposed to monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Authors: Perumalsamy Nandhini , Nandagopalan Geetha , Mathan Ramesh
Published: April 2024

Background

Monosodium glutamate (MSG E621) is one of the most popular flavouring agents of modern times and is widely used in many commercially packed food and even in house hold cooking. Previous studies revealed that excessive intake of MSG in diet causes obesity, metabolic defects, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in rats, but no reports are available in the literature about the ecotoxicological assessment of MSG by using fishes as a bioindicators. Since fishes are important consumer in aquatic food chain and directly linked with human health status, the present study was aimed to investigate the impact of MSG in freshwater fish Labeo rohita by using histological biomarkers.

Results

Ninety-six h-LC50 of MSG to Labeo rohita was determined (1.5 g/L), and fish exposed to sub-lethal concentration of MSG (1/10th of 96 h-LC50 concentration of MSG (150 mg/L)) showed distinguished behavioural changes like erratic movement, loss of appetite and excessive mucous secretion all over the body as an adaptive syndrome to avoid the direct exposure to MSG in the medium. Histopathological analysis clearly depicts severe damages in the vital organs of fish. In gills, epithelial necrosis, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, primary and secondary gill lamellae degeneration, oedema, fusion of adjacent secondary lamellae and rupture of gill epithelium were observed. The intensity of tissue damage was increased as the exposure period was extended. The liver displayed vein congestion, vacuole formation, degeneration in parenchymal cells and bile stagnation, whereas MSG-treated kidney tissue showed high interstitial inflammation. Among the vital organs gill and liver displayed the highest histopathological alterations.

Conclusions

The present study clearly demonstrated that MSG is toxic to fish and able to cause significant damages in the vital organs as the exposure period was extended. Since the studies on the toxicity of MSG to fish are rare, the present investigation may contribute to the scarce literature on sub-lethal toxicity of MSG to freshwater fishes.
Assessment of potentially inappropriate medications among long-stay older adult patients with serious mental illnesses: findings from a low-resource setting
Authors: Abilmona Ghinwa , Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Hallit Souheil
Published: April 2024

Background

Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) are defined as drugs whose adverse effects outweigh the benefits or when more efficacious alternatives are present. This study aims to assess the overall prevalence of PIMs according to Beers 2019 and 2023 among older adult patients with serious mental illnesses (such as schizophrenia), and factors associated with PIMs while examining the difference between the two versions.

Method

This cross-sectional study included chronic patients aged 65 years and above, hospitalized at the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross (Lebanon), and taking at least one medication daily. Sociodemographic characteristics, medications, and clinical information were obtained from patients’ medical records. SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to describe independent variables, while bivariate analysis was used to assess associations between PIM use and different factors. A two-tailed p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Ninety-seven patients were included with a mean age of 71.21 (± 4.63) years. 52.6% were female. 44.3% were on polypharmacy (5–9 medications). 97.9% had at least one PIM according to both versions with the majority being anticholinergics (84.5%). Polypharmacy was significantly correlated to PIM use. Hospital stay length and the presence of comorbid neurological disorders were negatively associated with PIM use.

Conclusion

PIMs were extremely prevalent among hospitalized psychiatric older adult patients. Raising awareness among physicians on the Beers criteria or making them mandatory could help diminish PIM use among this vulnerable population.
An investigation of belief-free DRL and MCTS for inspection and maintenance planning
Authors: Koutas Daniel , Bismut Elizabeth , Straub Daniel
Published: April 2024

We propose a novel Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) architecture for sequential decision processes under uncertainty, as encountered in inspection and maintenance (I &M) planning. Unlike other DRL algorithms for (I &M) planning, the proposed +RQN architecture dispenses with computing the belief state and directly handles erroneous observations instead. We apply the algorithm to a basic I &M planning problem for a one-component system subject to deterioration. In addition, we investigate the performance of Monte Carlo tree search for the I &M problem and compare it to the +RQN. The comparison includes a statistical analysis of the two methods’ resulting policies, as well as their visualization in the belief space.
A case of Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, diagnosed at geriatric age, presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding, telangiectasias, and asymptomatic liver and lung angiodysplasia
Authors: Aktaş ŞH , Basat S.
Published: April 2024

Background

Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome (OWRS) is an autosomal dominant disease with recurrent epistaxis, mucocutaneous telangiectasias, and arteriovenous malformations. Its clinical presentation ranges from simple skin lesions to life-threatening complications. When the diagnosis of the disease is delayed, it can be mortal and have high morbidity. This case is presented because OWRS is rare, and although she has all the features of the disease, she was diagnosed in the geriatric age group.

Case presentation

A 72-year-old female patient who applied to the emergency department with the complaint of melena was diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal system bleeding. Gastroscopy revealed angiodysplasia in the bulb. Colonoscopy was normal. She had telangiectasias on her face, maxilla, nose, tongue and lips. She also had recurrent epistaxis and a family history. Thorax CT showed aneurysmatic vascular malformations in the lung. Abdominal MRI revealed vascular malformations in the liver. Brain MRI was normal.

The patient was diagnosed with OWRS according to the Curaçao diagnostic criteria because of telangiectasia in the mouth, nose, and face, angiodysplasia in the gastric bulb, aneurysmatic vascular dilatation in the lung, vascular pathologies in the liver, and a history of epistaxis and telangiectasia in the patient’s family members.

Conclusion

This patient is presented because OWRS is rare, and although she has all the features of the disease, she was diagnosed in the geriatric age group. Clinicians should be aware of this rare disease. Especially in the elderly, when angiodysplasia causing gastrointestinal bleeding is detected, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis that this may be an OWSR case.