bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between hyperlipidemia and serum vitamin D levels in an adult Chinese cohort
Authors: Wang Jinxiu , Shi Tala , Xu Lanlan , Li Yanuo , Mi Wei , Wang Chunyang , Lu Peng , Li Lingyun , Liu Ziyue , Hu Zhiyong
Published: October 2024

Vitamin D deficiency has emerged as a significant concern in public health due to its potential association with various metabolic disorders. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and the susceptibility to hyperlipidemia among adults. Using a multi-stage sampling approach, we recruited a cohort of 2072 eligible individuals aged over 18 years. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured alongside glucolipid metabolic markers, and comprehensive demographic and physical data were collected. The cohort exhibited a hyperlipidemia prevalence of 42.18%, with 19.88% demonstrating vitamin D deficiency. Notably, 23.68% of individuals with vitamin D deficiency also presented hyperlipidemia. Statistical analysis revealed a significantly higher prevalence of hyperlipidemia among those with vitamin D deficiency compared to those with sufficient levels (23.68% vs. 17.11%, P < 0.05). After adjusting for various factors including age, geographical region, exercise status, BMI, fasting glucose level, and blood pressure, lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations were found to significantly increase the risk of hyperlipidemia (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.057, 1.885; P < 0.05). Further stratification of the hyperlipidemic cohort revealed that vitamin D deficiency was associated with 1.459- and 1.578-times higher risks for total cholesterol and triglyceride abnormalities, respectively, compared to those with sufficient vitamin D levels. Moreover, each 10 ng/mL decrease in serum vitamin D level corresponded to an increased risk of total cholesterol (OR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.728, 0.974; P < 0.05) and triglyceride abnormalities (OR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.678, 0.927; P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences observed between vitamin D-sufficient and−deficient groups regarding Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) abnormalities. These findings underscore the potential role of serum vitamin D deficiency as an independent risk factor contributing to the elevated prevalence of hyperlipidemia in the adult population.
Higher protein intake may benefit in patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation
Authors: Chang Chiung-Hsin , Lin Chun-Yu , Lo Yu-Lun , Lin Ting-Yu , Hung Chen-Yiu , Hsieh Meng-Heng , Fang Yueh-Fu , Huang Hung-Yu , Lin Shu-Min , Lin Horng-Chyuan
Published: October 2024

Background

Patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) is usually associated with muscle wasting and diaphragm weakness, resulting in high medical costs and mortality. Adequate energy and protein intake were beneficial in sarcopenia patients. We aimed to investigate the impact of protein intake in weaning parameters in patients with PMV.

Materials and methods

We enrolled patients with PMV (mechanical ventilation ≥6 h/day for ≥21 days) from a respiratory care center (RCC) of a tertiary medical center from December 2020 to October 2022, and classified them into weaning success and weaning failure groups. The patients’ characteristics, nutrition records, weaning parameters and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

A total of 289 patients were included (mean age 73.5 years). Of the 289 patients, 149 were weaned successfully and 140 were not. The average protein intake was higher in the weaning success group than in the weaning failure group (1.22 ± 0.320 versus 0.99 ± 0.332 g/kg/day, p < 0.001). No significant differences were noted in the average calorie intake and whey protein intake between the two groups. RSBI <90 breaths/min/L (OR = 2.38, p = 0.045), serum albumin at 4th week ≥3 g/dL (OR = 2.89, p = 0.027), daily protein intake ≥1.01 g/kg/day (OR = 8.10, p < 0.001), PaO2/FiO2 (PF) ratio ≥ 300 (OR = 2.56, p = 0.027) were independent predictors for weaning from ventilator. Weak positive correlations were found between average protein intake with PF ratio (r = 0.1576, p = 0.0227) and PaO2 (r = 0.13359, p = 0.0497).

Conclusion

Daily protein intake had positively correlated with PF ratio and had independently benefit for weaning in patients with PMV.
Case report: Advanced breast cancer with scalp metastases: a report of two cases
Authors: Yu Jiaxuan , Yao Tianze , Zhang Min , Li Bingxin , Yao Yongqiang
Published: October 2024

Background

Breast cancer, identified as the most prevalent cancer worldwide, presents considerable difficulties in advanced stages, especially when involving metastatic spread. Scalp metastasis from breast cancer represents a rare and insufficiently explored occurrence. This paper seeks to illuminate this uncommon manifestation by presenting two cases of scalp metastatic breast cancer in Chinese women.

Case report

Case 1: A 45-year-old Chinese woman with a history of invasive ductal carcinoma presented with a scalp lesion indicative of recurrence. Concurrently, she was diagnosed with bone metastases and recurrence at the original site. Despite undergoing various treatments, including chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, her condition worsened, ultimately leading to her passing. Case 2: A 40-year-old Chinese woman was initially diagnosed with bilateral breast invasive mucinous carcinoma presenting with bilateral breast masses and a scalp lesion. She also had multiple bone metastases. Following chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, her disease stabilized.

Conclusion

These cases of scalp metastatic breast cancer underscore the complexities involved in managing advanced stages of the disease, especially with rare metastatic manifestations. They highlight the importance of comprehensive diagnostic methods, encompassing full-body skin evaluations, and draw attention to the socioeconomic challenges faced in cancer treatment. These findings point to the necessity for more targeted research on uncommon metastatic forms in breast cancer aiming to enhance patient outcomes and refine management approaches.
A real-world study on the clinicopathological profile, treatment outcomes and health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression among patients with desmoid tumor at two tertiary care centers in India
Authors: Tansir Ghazal , Sharma Aparna , Biswas Bivas , Sah Suryadev Narayan , Roy Somnath , Deo S. V. S. , Agarwala Sandeep , Khan Shah Alam , Bakhshi Sameer , Pushpam Deepam
Published: October 2024

Background

The medical management of DT comprises tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), hormonal agents, anti-inflammatory drugs with the recently approved gamma secretase inhibitor nirogacestat being the current standard of care. Real-world data on evolving treatment landscapes of DT remains scarce.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of patients with DT registered between 1995 and 2020 at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi and Tata Medical Center, Kolkata. Baseline characteristics were analyzed in form of median values and interquartile range. Categorical and continuous variables were compared by chi square and independent samples T- tests respectively. Anxiety, depression and QoL were prospectively measured among 30 patients using Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HADS) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) scales respectively between 2022 to 2023.

Results

200 patients were included with a male-predominant (n=111, 55.5%) population and median age 26.5 (2.5-75) years. Extremity (n=100, 50%) and abdomen (n=65, 32.5%) were commonest primary sites and median of 2 (1–4) lines of treatment were received. First-line included surgery (n=116, 58%), systemic therapy (n=67, 33.5%), radiotherapy (10, n=5%) and active surveillance (n=7, 3.5%). First-line systemic agents included tamoxifen (n=55, 27.5%), imatinib (n=7, 3.5%), sorafenib (n=1, 0.5%) and chemotherapy (n=4, 2%). 2019 onward, 3% and 63% underwent active surveillance and surgery respectively. Best radiological response obtained with tamoxifen was stable disease (SD) (n=76, 59%) and partial response (PR) (n=31, 24.2%). Best radiological response obtained with sorafenib was PR (n=17, 60.7%) and SD (n=9, 32.1%). Thirty patients underwent HADS and FACT-G scale assessment. Mean HADS-Anxiety subscale score was 3.6 (+/-3.9 SD) and HADS-Depression sub-scale score was 2.6 (+/-3.5 SD) with clinically significant anxiety and depression in 2 (6.7%) patients each. The overall mean FACT-G score was 87.5 (+/-12.6 SD) and lower mean physical well-being (p=0.006) and emotional well-being (0.017) scores were significantly associated with higher HADS-anxiety (>/=8) scores.

Conclusions

Assessment of anxiety, depression and QoL are paramount to gauge the psychological impact of DT. This study gives an overview of clinical and management profile of patients with DT in India, with limitations of selection bias, heterogeneous population and small sample size for QoL assessment.
YB1 and its role in osteosarcoma: a review
Authors: Wu Feipeng , Li Dapeng
Published: October 2024

YB1 (Y box binding protein 1), a multifunctional protein capable of binding to DNA/RNA, is present in most cells and acts as a splicing factor. It is involved in numerous cellular processes such as transcription, translation, and DNA repair, significantly affecting cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Abnormal expression of this protein is closely linked to the formation of various malignancies (osteosarcoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, breast cancer, etc.). This review examines the multifaceted functions of YB1 and its critical role in osteosarcoma progression, providing new perspectives for potential therapeutic strategies.
Prognostic prediction and treatment options for gastric signet ring cell carcinoma: a SEER database analysis
Authors: Yu Chengqing , Yang Jian , Li Haoran , Wang Jie , Jin Kanghui , Li Yifan , Zhang Zixiang , Zhou Jian , Tang Yuchen
Published: October 2024

Background

In recent years, the overall incidence of gastric cancer has decreased. However, the incidence of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is still increasing year by year. Compared with other subtypes (non-SRCC) such as adenocarcinoma, SRCC usually exhibits a more aggressive biological behavior. Therefore, studying the prognostic differences and factors associated with SRCC is essential to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and prognosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic factors influencing the prognosis of patients with SRCC and to develop personalized treatments for different subgroups of patients.

Methods

The data on gastric SRCC patients and gastric adenocarcinoma (AC) patients from 1992 to 2020 was obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The data of gastric SRCC as the external validation group was reviewed from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. The overall survival (OS) and cancer specific survival (CSS) at 1 and 2 years were predicted for SRCC patients by constructing prognostic nomograms. A series of validation methods, including Akaike information criterion (AIC), decision curve analysis (DCA), calibration curve analysis, the concordance index (C-index) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve, were used to verify the accuracy and reliability of the models.

Results

In all, 549 patients with SRCC were included after propensity score matching (PSM). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that T stage, N stage, M stage and surgical approach were independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of SRCC patients. A prognostic nomogram was constructed and validated as an accurate model for SRCC patients after scoring by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curves and calibration plots. The patients were further divided into high-risk and low-risk groups, and the Kaplan-Meier curves showed that SRCC patients in the low-risk group could receive only surgery without chemotherapy, while chemotherapy plus surgery was a better option for SRCC patients in the high-risk group.

Conclusion

The prognosis for SRCC was less favorable than that of AC in terms of CSS. The nomograms were developed and validated to predict OS and CSS in patients with SRCC, helping in developing appropriate individualized treatment schedules.
Personalized three-year survival prediction and prognosis forecast by interpretable machine learning for pancreatic cancer patients: a population-based study and an external validation
Authors: Teng Buwei , Zhang Xiaofeng , Ge Mingshu , Miao Miao , Li Wei , Ma Jun
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The overall survival of patients with pancreatic cancer is extremely low. We aimed to establish machine learning (ML) based model to accurately predict three-year survival and prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients.

Methods

We analyzed pancreatic cancer patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2000 and 2021. Univariate and multivariate logistic analysis were employed to select variables. Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) method based on 6 ML algorithms was utilized in feature selection. To construct predictive model, 13 ML algorithms were evaluated by area under the curve (AUC), area under precision-recall curve (PRAUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, cross-entropy, Brier scores and Balanced Accuracy (bacc) and F Beta Score (fbeta). An optimal ML model was constructed to predict three-year survival, and the predictive results were explained by SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) framework. Meanwhile, 101 ML algorithm combinations were developed to select the best model with highest C-index to predict prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients.

Results

A total of 20,064 pancreatic cancer patients from SEER database was consecutively enrolled. We utilized eight clinical variables to establish prediction model for three-year survival. CatBoost model was selected as the best prediction model, and AUC was 0.932 [0.924, 0.939], 0.899 [0.873, 0.934] and 0.826 [0.735, 0.919] in training, internal test and external test sets, with 0.839 [0.831, 0.847] accuracy, 0.872 [0.858, 0.887] sensitivity, 0.803 [0.784, 0.825] specificity and 0.832 [0.821, 0.853] precision. Surgery type had the greatest effects on three-year survival according to SHAP results. For prognosis prediction, “RSF+GBM” algorithm was the best prognostic model with C-index of 0.774, 0.722 and 0.674 in training, internal test and external test sets.

Conclusions

Our ML models demonstrate excellent accuracy and reliability, offering more precise personalized prognostic prediction to pancreatic cancer patients.
Childhood onset C3 glomerulopathy: recurrence after kidney transplantation—a case series
Authors: Borovitz Yael , Landau Daniel , Dagan Amit , Alfandari Hadas , Haskin Orly , Levi Shelly , Hamdani Gilad , Levy Erez Daniella , Tzvi-Behr Shimrit , Weinbrand-Goichberg Jenny , Tobar Foigelman Ana , Rahamimov Ruth
Published: October 2024

Background

C3 Glomerulopathy (C3G) is a complement-mediated disease, with predominant C3 deposits, where pathogenic genetic variants in complement system components and circulating autoantibodies result in loss of control of the alternative pathway, have been described. A high incidence of disease recurrence including graft failure has been reported after kidney transplantation (KTx). Currently treatment modalities for preventing and treating post KTx C3G recurrence (plasma exchange, rituximab and eculizumab) in adults have yielded inconsistent results. Data on post KTx C3G recurrence in childhood-onset C3G is still unknown.

Methods

A comprehensive case study of patients diagnosed with C3G as children or adolescents, who underwent KTx between the years 2015–2023. Data collected included complement workup, treatment modalities, and outcomes.

Results

19 patients with C3G were identified during the study period. Five patients developed ESRD and received a kidney transplant. C3G recurrence was diagnosed post KTx in 100% of patients. Graft function improved in 3 of these patients (two with anti-factor H antibodies) after eculizumab treatment, one patient reached graft failure 9 months after transplantation despite eculizumab, recieved a second successful transplantation with pre-emptive eculizumab treatment and one patient showed histologic signs of disease recurrence without clinical signs.

Conclusions

C3G recurrence after KTx in patients diagnosed as children or adolescents may be higher than previously described. Treatment with eculizumab is beneficial in some patients. New treatments are needed for improving post-transplant outcome in patients with C3G.
Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and chemotherapy versus bevacizumab plus chemotherapy for metastatic cervical cancer: a cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Cai Hongfu , Fang Ling , Lin Jingwen , Zheng Zhiwei
Published: October 2024

Aim

The objective of this study is to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis in order to evaluate the economic advantages of incorporating atezolizumab into a standard bevacizumab plus platinum regimen for the treatment of metastatic cervical cancer from the Chinese medical system perspective.

Method

We developed a partitioned survival model based on data obtained from the recently published BEATcc clinical trial and economic cost data. Our model utilized a tree-based decision analysis approach to simulate two different treatment strategies for metastatic cervical cancer: the standard bevacizumab plus platinum regimen, and the addition of atezolizumab to the standard treatment regimen. The economic assessment data included the costs of the drugs, costs related to treatment-induced adverse events. The cost-effectiveness metrics used in the analysis were quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). The robustness of our model was assessed through sensitivity analysis.

Result

The total costs of the atezolizumab group were $128179.56, while the costs of chemotherapy group were $42065.89. The atezolizumab group gained 3.52 QALYs, whereas the chemotherapy group gained 2.35 QALY. The atezolizumab regimen resulted in an increase of 1.17 QALYs at an incremental cost of $86113.67. This led to an ICER of $73601.43, which exceeds the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $39855.79 in China. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated none of the parameters within a margin of ±25% result in significant alterations to the analysis findings.

Conclusion

Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and chemotherapy was not to be a cost-effective option for the treatment of metastatic cervical cancer compared to bevacizumab plus chemotherapy.
Research progress of knee fibrosis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Liang YangYang , Zhang QingQing , Fan YouFei
Published: October 2024

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a common sports injury, and ACL reconstruction is an effective surgery for this trauma. Most cases gain good recovery after surgery, while some patients may experience knee stiffness, which is characterized by joint fibrosis, leading to reduced joint mobility, pain, and dysfunction. Currently, various research studies have been conducted to unveil the mechanisms underlying this condition, identifying pre-, intra-, and post-operative risk factors, and testify the efficacy of different therapeutic methods against it. In this review, we summarize the current progress regarding the advancements in knee fibrosis after ACL reconstruction. The risk factors associated with knee fibrosis are systematically delineated, accompanied by an evaluation of the efficacy of various treatment modalities for both the prevention and mitigation of fibrosis. Furthermore, recommendations for future research directions are proposed, offering a foundational basis for subsequent investigations.
Cardiorenal ketone metabolism in healthy humans assessed by 11C-acetoacetate PET: effect of D-β-hydroxybutyrate, a meal, and age
Authors: St-Pierre Valérie , Richard Gabriel , Croteau Etienne , Fortier Mélanie , Vandenberghe Camille , Carpentier André C. , Cuenoud Bernard , Cunnane Stephen C.
Published: October 2024

The heart and kidney have a high energy requirement, but relatively little is known about their utilization of ketones as a potential energy source. We assessed the metabolism of the ketone tracer, carbon-11 acetoacetate (11C-AcAc), by the left and right ventricles of the heart and by the kidney using positron emission tomography (PET) in n = 10 healthy adults under four experimental conditions: a 4-h fast (fasted) ± a single 12 g oral dose of D-beta-hydroxybutyrate (D-BHB), and a single complete, liquid replacement meal (hereafter referred to as the “fed” condition) ± a single 12 g oral dose of D-BHB. Under these experimental conditions, the kinetics of 11C-AcAc metabolism fitted a two-compartment model in the heart and a three-compartment model in the kidney. Plasma ketones were about 10-fold higher with the oral dose of D-BHB. During the four conditions, tracer kinetics were broadly similar in the myocardium and kidney cortex. 11C-AcAc metabolism by the kidney pelvis was similar in three of the four study conditions but, later, peaked significantly higher than that in the cortex; the exception was that the tracer uptake was significantly lower in the fed condition without D-BHB. 11C-AcAc uptake was significantly inversely correlated with age in the kidney cortex, and its oxidative metabolism was significantly positively correlated with age in the left ventricle. D-BHB blunted the insulin, gastric inhibitory peptide, and C-peptide response to the meal. This PET methodology and these acute metabolic perturbations would be suitable for future studies assessing cardiorenal ketone metabolism in conditions in which heart and kidney functions are experimentally modified or compromised by disease.
The combined influences of local heat application and resistance exercise on the acute mRNA response of skeletal muscle
Authors: McGlynn Mark L. , Rosales Alejandro M. , Collins Christopher W. , Slivka Dustin R.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The development and maintenance of the skeletal muscle is crucial for the support of daily function. Heat, when applied locally, has shown substantial promise in the maintenance of the muscle. The purpose of this study was to determine the combined effects of local heat application and acute resistance exercise on gene expression associated with the human muscle growth program.

Materials and methods

Participants (n = 12, 26 ± 7 years, 1.77 ± 0.07 m, 79.6 ± 15.4 kg, and 16.1 ± 11.6 %BF) completed an acute bilateral bout of resistance exercise consisting of leg press (11 ± 2 reps; 170 ± 37 kg) and leg extension (11 ± 1 reps; 58 ± 18 kg). Participants wore a thermal wrap containing circulating fluid (40°C, exercise + heat; EX + HT) during the entire experimental period and 4 h post-exercise, while the other leg served as an exercise-only (EX) control. Biopsies of the vastus lateralis were collected (Pre, Post, and 4hPost) for gene expression analyses.

Results

Intramuscular temperatures increased (Post, +2.2°C ± 0.7°C, and p < 0.001; 4hPost, +2.5°C ± 0.6°C, and p < 0.001) and were greater in the EX + HT leg post-exercise (+0.35°C ± 0.3°C, and p = 0.005) and after 4hPost (+2.1°C ± 0.8°C and p < 0.001). MYO-D1 mRNA was greater in the EX + HT leg vs. the EX (fold change = 2.74 ± 0.42 vs. 1.70 ± 0.28, p = 0.037). No other genes demonstrated temperature sensitivity when comparing both legs (p > 0.05). mRNA associated with the negative regulator, myostatin (MSTN), decreased post-exercise (p = 0.001) and after 4 h (p = 0.001). mRNA associated with proteolysis decreased post-exercise (FBXO32, p = 0.001; FOXO3a, p = 0.001) and after 4 h (FBXO32, p = 0.001; FOXO3a, p = 0.027).

Conclusion

The elevated transcription of the myogenic differentiation factor 1 (MYO-D1) after exercise in the heated condition may provide a mechanism by which muscle growth could be enhanced.
NH4Cl-induced metabolic acidosis increases the abundance of HCO3− transporters in the choroid plexus of mice
Authors: Johnsen Laura Øllegaard , Sigad Ahmed , Friis Kathrine Abildskov , Berg Peder Matzen , Damkier Helle Hasager
Published: October 2024

Regulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pH and brain pH are vital for all brain cells. The acute regulation of CSF pH is dependent on the transport of HCO3− across the choroid plexus in the brain ventricles. Acute regulation in response to acidosis is dependent on H+ export and HCO3− import across the plasma membrane. Acute regulation in response to alkalosis is dependent on HCO3− export across the plasma membrane. The objective of the study was to investigate the contribution of the Na+-dependent HCO3− transporters, Ncbe, NBCn1, and NBCe2 to CSF pH regulation during chronic metabolic acidosis in mice. To induce metabolic acidosis, mice received 0.28 M ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) in the drinking water for three, five, or seven days. While in vivo, CSF pH measurements did not differ, measurements of CSF [HCO3−] revealed a significantly lower CSF [HCO3−] after three days of acid-loading. Immunoblotting of choroid plexus protein samples showed that the abundance of the basolateral Na+/HCO3− transporter, NBCn1, was significantly increased. This was followed by a significant increase in CSF secretion rate determined by ventriculo-cisternal perfusion. After five days of treatment with NH4Cl, CSF [HCO3−] levels were normalized. After the normalization of CSF [HCO3−], CSF secretion was no longer increased but the abundance of the basolateral Na+-dependent HCO3− transporters Ncbe and NBCn1 increased. The luminal HCO3− transporter, NBCe2, was unaffected by the treatment. In conclusion, we establish that 1) acidotic conditions increase the abundance of the basolateral Na+-dependent HCO3− transporters in the choroid plexus, 2) NH4Cl loading in mice lowers CSF [HCO3−] and 3) leads to increased CSF secretion likely caused by the increased capacity for transepithelial transport of Na+ and HCO3− in the choroid plexus.
Effects of SPAD value variations according to nitrogen application levels on rice yield and its components
Authors: Kim Tae-Heon , Kim Suk-Man
Published: October 2024

Nitrogen (N) is the most essential element for growth, development, and grain yield determination in crops. However, excessive nitrogen application can result in environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. In this study, we used 158 rice genetic resources to evaluate the relationships between the soil and plant analysis development (SPAD) value and grain yield (GY) and its components. The SPAD value ranged between 30.5 and 55.8, with a mean of 41.7 ± 5.3, under normal nitrogen conditions (NN, 9 kg/10a), and between 27.5 and 52.3, with a mean of 38.6 ± 4.8, under low nitrogen conditions (LN, 4.5 kg/10a). Under NN conditions, the SPAD values were in the following order: japonica (43.5 ± 5.8), Tongil-type (41.7 ± 2.5), others (41.7 ± 5.2), and indica (38.3 ± 3.8). By contrast, under LN conditions, the SPAD values were in the following order: Tongil-type (40.4 ± 2.1), others (40.1 ± 4.5), japonica (39.6 ± 5.2), and indica (35.6 ± 3.9). The 158 genetic resources showed no correlation between SPAD and yield. Therefore, the low-decrease rate (LDR) and high-decrease rate (HDR) SPAD groups were selected to reanalyze the relationships between the surveyed traits. The SPAD values were positively correlated with 1000-grain weight (TGW) for both LDR and HDR groups (NN: 0.63, LN: 0.53), However, SPAD and GY were positively correlated only in the LDR group. For TGW, the coefficient of determination (R2) was 20% and 13% under NN and LN conditions, respectively. For GY, R2 values of 32% and 52% were observed under NN and LN conditions, respectively. Genetic resources with higher SPAD values in the LDR group exhibited the highest yield (NN: 1.19 kg/m2, LN: 1.04 kg/m2) under both NN and LN conditions. In conclusion, we selected 10 genetic resources that exhibited higher GY under both NN and LN conditions with minimal yield reductions. These genetic resources represent valuable breeding materials for nitrogen deficiency adaptation.
Genome-wide analysis and expression profile of the bZIP gene family in Neopyropia yezoensis
Authors: Zhu Xinyu , Gao Tian , Bian Ka , Meng Chengzhen , Tang Xianghai , Mao Yunxiang
Published: October 2024

The basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family consists of conserved transcription factors which are widely present in eukaryotes and play important regulatory roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. Neopyropia yezoensis is a red marine macroalga of significant economic importance; however, their bZIP family members and functions have not been systematically identified and analyzed. In the present study, the bZIP gene family in Ny. yezoensis was characterized by investigating gene structures, conserved motifs, phylogenetic relationships, chromosomal localizations, gene duplication events, cis-regulatory elements, and expression profiles. Twenty-three Ny. yezoensis bZIP (NyybZIP) genes were identified and sorted into 13 out of 30 groups, which were classified based on the bZIPs of Ny. yezoensis and 15 other red algae species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that bZIP genes may have a complex evolutionary pattern in red algae. Cross-species collinearity analysis indicated that the bZIP genes in Ny. yezoensis, Neoporphyra haitanensis, and Porphyra umbilicalis are highly evolutionarily conserved. In addition, we identified four main categories of cis-elements, including development-related, light-responsive, phytohormone-responsive and stress-responsive promoter sequences in NyybZIP genes. Finally, RNA sequencing data and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that NyybZIP genes exhibited different expression patterns depending on the life stage. NyybZIP genes were also found to be involved in the nitrogen stress response. We thought that bZIP genes may be involved in Ny. yezoensis growth and development, and play a significant role in nitrogen deficiency response. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the roles of the bZIP gene family and provide a basis for additional research into its evolutionary history and biological functions.
The limits of personal experience
Authors: Ganuthula Venkat Ram Reddy
Published: October 2024

This article examines how three types of experience—personal, related others, and unrelated others—influence decision-making. We present the complexities and nuances in using these experiential sources to suggest that personal experience is preferred to the other two sources. We discuss the implications of this preference for decision-making processes, especially in contexts involving transformative outcomes. To conclude, we discuss how people rely on other experiential sources when their preferred source is limited.
Child-friendly family reduces parenting stress in Chinese families: the mediating role of family resilience
Authors: Chu Amanda Man Ying , Tsang Jenny Tsun Yee , Tiwari Agnes , Yuk Helina , So Mike Ka Pui
Published: October 2024

The increasing prevalence of parenting stress has significant implications for the psychological well-being of both parents and children. In view of this, our study sought to examine the mediating and moderating role of family resilience in the association between child-friendly family and parenting stress. Our analysis involved a sample of 316 parents who dedicated a minimum of 14 h per week to caring for their children. The parents were invited to complete three validated instruments—the parenting stress index short form (PSI), the family resilience assessment scale (FRAS), and inventory of the child-friendly family (ICF)—to evaluate their level of parenting stress, family resilience, and child-friendly family, respectively. We tested the mediation model by applying structural equation model analysis. It was found that child-friendly family negatively correlated with parenting stress (path coefficient = −0.56, p < 0.001). This relationship is mediated by family resilience. That is “child-friendly family” leads to increased “family resilience” (path coefficient = 0.68, p < 0.01), which in turn leads to lower “parenting stress” (path coefficient = −0.30, p < 0.05). The mediation effect ratio was 26.70%. We used multiple regression analysis to test the moderation model and found that family resilience did not play a moderating role between child-friendly family and parenting stress. This study holds particular significance for two key reasons: Firstly, it elucidates the relationship between child-friendly family, family resilience, and parenting stress, highlighting the potential of creating a child-friendly family to reduce parenting stress through the enhancement of family resilience. Secondly, our findings provide valuable evidence for the development of innovative approaches that effectively and sustainably alleviate parenting stress.
Antimicrobial stewardship: from theory to reality in a resource-limited setting (and beyond)
Authors: Ochoa-Hein Eric , Galindo-Fraga Arturo
Published: October 2024

Correct use of antibiotics is paramount to present global health. Among other actions, antimicrobial stewardship emphasizes de-escalation and suspension whenever possible. Nonetheless, roadblocks can be encountered (e.g., lack of culture results or availability of specific antibiotic classes). Furthermore, in an ever-increasing interconnected world, global success relies on local success. In this perspective, a particular case study in a resource-limited setting is an example of the many difficulties encountered in the fight against antimicrobial resistance that could hamper global advancements.
Heuristic machine learning approaches for identifying phishing threats across web and email platforms
Authors: Jayaprakash Ramprasath , Natarajan Krishnaraj , Daniel J. Alfred , Chinnappan Chandru Vignesh , Giri Jayant , Qin Hong , Mallik Saurav
Published: October 2024

Life has become more comfortable in the era of advanced technology in this cutthroat competitive world. However, there are also emerging harmful technologies that pose a threat. Without a doubt, phishing is one of the rising concerns that leads to stealing vital information such as passwords, security codes, and personal data from any target node through communication hijacking techniques. In addition, phishing attacks include delivering false messages that originate from a trusted source. Moreover, a phishing attack aims to get the victim to run malicious programs and reveal confidential data, such as bank credentials, one-time passwords, and user login credentials. The sole intention is to collect personal information through malicious program-based attempts embedded in URLs, emails, and website-based attempts. Notably, this proposed technique detects URL, email, and website-based phishing attacks, which will be beneficial and secure us from scam attempts. Subsequently, the data are pre-processed to identify phishing attacks using data cleaning, attribute selection, and attacks detected using machine learning techniques. Furthermore, the proposed techniques use heuristic-based machine learning to identify phishing attacks. Admittedly, 56 features are used to analyze URL phishing findings, and experimental results show that the proposed technique has a better accuracy of 97.2%. Above all, the proposed techniques for email phishing detection obtain a higher accuracy of 97.4%. In addition, the proposed technique for website phishing detection has a better accuracy of 98.1%, and 48 features are used for analysis.
Enzyme catalytic efficiency prediction: employing convolutional neural networks and XGBoost
Authors: Alazmi Meshari
Published: October 2024

Introduction

In the intricate realm of enzymology, the precise quantification of enzyme efficiency, epitomized by the turnover number (kcat), is a paramount yet elusive objective. Existing methodologies, though sophisticated, often grapple with the inherent stochasticity and multifaceted nature of enzymatic reactions. Thus, there arises a necessity to explore avant-garde computational paradigms.

Methods

In this context, we introduce “enzyme catalytic efficiency prediction (ECEP),” leveraging advanced deep learning techniques to enhance the previous implementation, TurNuP, for predicting the enzyme catalase kcat. Our approach significantly outperforms prior methodologies, incorporating new features derived from enzyme sequences and chemical reaction dynamics. Through ECEP, we unravel the intricate enzyme-substrate interactions, capturing the nuanced interplay of molecular determinants.

Results

Preliminary assessments, compared against established models like TurNuP and DLKcat, underscore the superior predictive capabilities of ECEP, marking a pivotal shift in silico enzymatic turnover number estimation. This study enriches the computational toolkit available to enzymologists and lays the groundwork for future explorations in the burgeoning field of bioinformatics. This paper suggested a multi-feature ensemble deep learning-based approach to predict enzyme kinetic parameters using an ensemble convolution neural network and XGBoost by calculating weighted-average of each feature-based model’s output to outperform traditional machine learning methods. The proposed “ECEP” model significantly outperformed existing methodologies, achieving a mean squared error (MSE) reduction of 0.35 from 0.81 to 0.46 and R-squared score from 0.44 to 0.54, thereby demonstrating its superior accuracy and effectiveness in enzyme catalytic efficiency prediction.

Discussion

This improvement underscores the model’s potential to enhance the field of bioinformatics, setting a new benchmark for performance.
Immuno- and expression analysis of Ehrlichia canis immunoreactive proteins
Authors: Patel Jignesh G. , Luo Tian , Zhang Xiaofeng , McBride Jere W.
Published: October 2024

Ehrlichia canis is the primary etiologic agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, a serious and sometimes fatal hemorrhagic disease of dogs. Diagnosis of E. canis infection is often retrospectively confirmed by serologic detection of antibodies by immunofluorescent microscopy. Our laboratory previously identified numerous major immunoreactive proteins with species-specific linear antibody epitopes that are useful for immunodiagnosis of CME. More recently, we have defined the entire antibody-reactive immunome of E. canis, substantially increasing the number of major immunoreactive proteins known to exist. In this study, we analyzed and compared seven recently identified antibody reactive E. canis proteins with established diagnostic antigens including tandem repeat proteins TRP19, TRP36 and TRP140 and observed comparable immunoreactivity. Many of these proteins were conserved in different E. canis strains. Multiple linear antibody epitopes were mapped in a highly conserved TRP (Ecaj_0126), including within the tandem repeat domain. Temporal antibody responses were examined, and multiple proteins reacted with antibodies in sera as early as 21 days post experimental infection. Host-specific expression of the proteins was examined which revealed that some proteins exhibited higher expression in mammalian cells, while others in tick cells. This study has identified new immunodiagnostic candidates that exhibit different host expression patterns, information which may be useful for developing ultrasensitive immunodiagnostics and effective vaccines for CME.
Regulation of expression of unintegrated and integrated HIV-1 DNA: keeping the wolves at bay
Authors: Goff Stephen P.
Published: October 2024

The unintegrated HIV-1 DNAs formed by reverse transcription in the early hours after infection are subject to profound transcriptional silencing. The repression of expression of foreign DNA, as an aspect of the innate immune system, serves to restrict the activity of many invading pathogens. Newly formed retroviral DNAs are rapidly loaded with histones upon entry into the nucleus, and the repression of their expression is mediated by an array of host proteins that introduce histone modifications characteristic of heterochromatin, including histone methylation and histone deacetylation. Knockout or knockdown of expression or inhibition of these host factors can relieve the silencing, allowing for viral gene expression even in settings where HIV-1 DNA integration is blocked. When viral DNA integration is allowed, forming the integrated provirus, the silencing in most cases is dramatically relieved, leading to high levels of expression and formation of progeny virus. In some settings and cell types, silencing of the integrated DNA is maintained, or re-established, such that the infected cells retain a silent copy of the viral DNA without production of progeny virus. The basis for the typical switch from silent DNA to actively expressed DNA upon integration is not yet fully clear. This review will summarize the current understanding of the regulation of expression of unintegrated HIV-1 DNAs and the nature of the chromatin that is formed on the viral DNA, and will especially focus on the host machinery that establishes repressive heterochromatin-like structures on the unintegrated DNA. The activation of expression that normally occurs upon integration, and the special circumstances when viral DNA expression is not activated, will also be discussed. These cases can result in the formation of populations of infected cells carrying silent proviruses, which persist for decades in infected individuals in spite of antiviral therapy. This pool of latently infected cells can be stochastically reactivated to give rise to spreading virus whenever antiviral drugs are withdrawn, and constitute the barrier to a true “cure” of AIDS. The hope is that a deeper understanding of the regulation of expression of viral DNAs will lead to new means to prevent or control viremia and disease.
The Current State and Future of the Urban Cold Chain: A Review of Algorithms for Environmental Optimization
Authors: Usvakangas Isla , Tuovinen Ronja , Neittaanmäki Pekka
Published: October 2024

Cold chains are essential in providing people with food and medicine across the globe. As the global environmental crisis poses an existential threat to humanity and societies strive for more sustainable ways of life, these critically important systems need to adapt to the needs of a new era. As it is, the transportation sector as a whole accounts for a fifth of global emissions, with the cold chain being embedded in this old fossil-fuel-dependent infrastructure. With the EU is passing regulations and legislation to cut down on emissions and phase out polluting technologies like combustion engine vehicles, the next couple of decades in Europe will be defined by rapid infrastructural change. For logistics and cold transportation, this shift presents many opportunities but also highlights the need for innovation and new research. In this literature review, we identify pressing issues with the current urban cold chain, review the recent research around environmental optimization in urban logistics, and give a cross-section of the field: what the trending research topics in urban logistics optimization across the globe are, and what kind of blind spots are identifiable in the body of research, as well as changes arising with future green logistics infrastructure. We approach the issues discussed specifically from the point of view of refrigerated urban transportation, though many issues extend beyond it to transportation infrastructure at large.
The Role of Digital Finance in Shaping Agricultural Economic Resilience: Evidence from Machine Learning
Authors: Yang Chun , Liu Wangping , Zhou Jiahao
Published: October 2024

This study offers detailed recommendations on strengthening government support without harming digital finance benefits, especially in negatively affected areas, which is critical for enhancing the inclusiveness of the digital financial landscape and reducing social disparities. This paper uses year 2011–2022 panel data from China’s 31 provinces to empirically analyze digital finance’s effects, mechanisms, and heterogeneity on agricultural economy resilience with a two-way, fixed-effect model. It further explores each feature’s impacts using machine learning methodologies like the random forest, GBRT, SHAP value method, and ALE plot. The findings show that digital finance boosted agri-economy resilience, varying by food-producing status and marketization. Among all the features analyzed, government input, urbanization level, and planting structure emerged as the most critical factors influencing agri-economy resilience. Notably, government input negatively moderated this relationship. The ALE plot revealed non-linear effects of digital finance and planting structure on agri-economy resilience.
Improvement of Criminisi’s Stripe Noise Suppression Method for Side-Scan Sonar Images
Authors: Xia Haixing , Cui Yang , Jin Shaohua , Bian Gang , Liu Guoqing , Zhang Wei , Peng Chengyang
Published: October 2024

In response to the problem of stripe noise significantly reducing the clarity and details of side-scan sonar images due to various factors, the authors of this paper propose an improved Criminisi method for stripe noise suppression. To address the issues encountered in the Criminisi algorithm during the suppression of stripe noise in side-scan sonar images, the following steps are suggested: firstly, introduce dynamic weights in the priority calculation to adaptively adjust the confidence and data term weights based on the current patch’s texture complexity; secondly, utilize the Sobel operator in the data term calculation to capture the image edge information more accurately; and, thirdly, optimize the matching block search process by introducing the Manhattan distance in addition to the Sum of Squared Differences (SSD) criterion to further select the best matching block while transitioning from a global search to a local search. Experimental validation was conducted using simulated stripe noise images, comparing the proposed method with four traditional denoising techniques. The results demonstrate that the denoising effectiveness of the proposed method is superior, effectively restoring texture in noisy regions while preserving texture structure integrity. Ablation experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed improvements. Denoising experiments on real noisy images show satisfactory results with this method, and combining it with Fourier transform for additional smoothing in certain cases may yield even better results.
Astragalus membranaceus: A Traditional Chinese Medicine with Multifaceted Impacts on Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Tang Zhong , Tian Xuefei
Published: October 2024

Breast cancer, the most prevalent malignant tumor among women globally, remains a critical area of focus for researchers striving to refine therapeutic approaches. As an important component of traditional Chinese medicine, Astragalus membranaceus (AM) has demonstrated potential for multifaceted impacts on breast cancer treatment through various mechanisms. To guide clinical practice and further explore the under-researched field of AM in breast cancer treatment, this paper mainly reviews the regulatory roles of AM-derived compounds and extracts on breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance. Furthermore, this study delves into the synergistic effects observed when AM is co-administered with chemotherapeutic agents, including the enhancement of chemosensitivity, mitigation of toxic side effects, and reversal of drug resistance. This review indicates that AM holds promise not only as a therapy in breast cancer treatment but also paves the way for innovative integrated treatment approaches that combine the benefits of traditional medicine with modern pharmaceuticals. Nevertheless, future research endeavors are also urged to elucidate the in vivo pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms of AM to inform more effective clinical treatment strategies.