bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing the role of self-gravity in clouds impacted by AGN-driven winds
Authors: Mandal Ankush , Mukherjee Dipanjan , Federrath Christoph , Bicknell Geoffrey V , Nesvadba Nicole P H , Mignone Andrea
Published: May 2024

The impact of winds and jet-inflated bubbles driven by active galactic nuclei (AGN) are believed to significantly affect the host galaxy’s interstellar medium (ISM) and regulate star formation. To explore this scenario, we perform a suite of hydrodynamic simulations to model the interaction between turbulent star-forming clouds and highly pressurized AGN-driven outflows, focusing on the effects of self-gravity. Our results demonstrate that the cloudlets fragmented by the wind can become gravitationally bound, significantly increasing their survival time. While external pressurization leads to a global collapse of the clouds in cases of weaker winds ($10^{42}\!-\!10^{43}~{\rm erg\, s^{-1}}$), higher power winds ($10^{44}\!-\!10^{45}~{\rm erg\, s^{-1}}$) disperse the gas and cause localized collapse of the cloudlets. We also demonstrate that a kinetic energy-dominated wind is more efficient in accelerating and dispersing the gas than a thermal wind with the same power. The interaction can give rise to multiphase outflows with velocities ranging from a few 100 to several 1000 ${\rm km\, s^{-1}}$. The mass outflow rates are tightly correlated with the wind power, which we explain by an ablation-based mass-loss model. Moreover, the velocity dispersion and the virial parameter of the cloud material can increase by up to one order of magnitude through the effect of the wind. Even though the wind can suppress or quench star formation for about 1 Myr during the initial interaction, a substantial number of gravitationally bound dense cloudlets manage to shield themselves from the wind’s influence and subsequently undergo rapid gravitational collapse, leading to an enhanced star formation rate.
TRAPUM search for pulsars in supernova remnants and pulsar wind nebulae − I. Survey description and initial discoveries
Authors: Turner J D , Stappers B W , Carli E , Barr E D , Becker W , Behrend J , Breton R P , Buchner S , Burgay M , Champion D J , Chen W , Clark C J , Horn D M , Keane E F , Kramer M , Künkel L , Levin L , Men Y P , Padmanabh P V , Ridolfi A , Venkatraman Krishnan V
Published: May 2024

We present the description and initial results of the TRAPUM (TRAnsients And PUlsars with MeerKAT) search for pulsars associated with supernova remnants (SNRs), pulsar wind nebulae, and unidentified TeV emission. The list of sources to be targeted includes a large number of well-known candidate pulsar locations but also new candidate SNRs identified using a range of criteria. Using the 64-dish MeerKAT radio telescope, we use an interferometric beamforming technique to tile the potential pulsar locations with coherent beams which we search for radio pulsations, above a signal-to-noise of 9, down to an average flux density upper limit of 30 μJy. This limit is target-dependent due to the contribution of the sky and nebula to the system temperature. Coherent beams are arranged to overlap at their 50 per cent power radius, so the sensitivity to pulsars is not degraded by more than this amount, though realistically averages around 65 per cent if every location in the beam is considered. We report the discovery of two new pulsars; PSR J1831−0941 is an adolescent pulsar likely to be the plerionic engine of the candidate PWN G20.0+0.0, and PSR J1818−1502 appears to be an old and faint pulsar that we serendipitously discovered near the centre of a SNR already hosting a compact central object. The survey holds importance for better understanding of neutron star birth rates and the energetics of young pulsars.
A case of osteogenesis imperfecta diagnosed after subchondral insufficiency fracture of bilateral femoral heads
Authors: Okada Nobuhiko , Watarai Keisuke , Ozawa Kota , Miyajima Tsuyoshi , Ohtake Akira , Kadono Yuho
Published: May 2024

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous disorder characterised by bone fragility. Herein, we report a case of OI diagnosed after subchondral insufficiency fracture (SIF) of bilateral femoral heads. A 37-year-old woman was referred to Saitama Medical University Hospital due to left hip pain without any trauma that lasted for 2 months. She was subsequently diagnosed with SIF of the left femoral head. After 3 months, she further developed SIF of the right hip without any trauma. Magnetic resonance imaging of the bilateral hips showed linear low-signal changes of the subchondral bone and bone marrow oedema of the femoral head on T2-weighted coronal and sagittal images, diagnosing of both SIFs. The bone mineral density was 0.851 g/cm2 (T-score, −1.3) at the lumbar spine, 0.578 g/cm2 (T-score, −1.9) at the right femoral neck, and 0.582 g/cm2 (T-score, −1.9) at the left femoral neck. Considering that the patient had multiple histories of fracture, blue sclera, and mild bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, she satisfied the diagnostic criteria for OI. Genetic testing revealed a mutation in COL1A1 (NM_000088.3, c.3806G>A: p. Trp1269*). After 7 months of conservative therapy, her symptoms improved. After 4 years, both hips were pain-free with no evidence of osteoarthritis progression. OI can result in insufficiency fractures due to bone fragility in adolescence and adulthood or later, and none of the cases of OI, except for the current case, were diagnosed as a result of bilateral SIF.
FBXO42 activity is required to prevent mitotic arrest, spindle assembly checkpoint activation and lethality in glioblastoma and other cancers
Authors: Hoellerbauer Pia , Kufeld Megan , Arora Sonali , Mitchell Kelly , Girard Emily J , Herman Jacob A , Olson James M , Paddison Patrick J
Published: May 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive brain tumor in adults. To identify genes differentially required for the viability of GBM stem-like cells (GSCs), we performed functional genomic lethality screens comparing GSCs and control human neural stem cells. Among top-scoring hits in a subset of GBM cells was the F-box-containing gene FBXO42, which was also predicted to be essential in ∼15% of cell lines derived from a broad range of cancers. Mechanistic studies revealed that, in sensitive cells, FBXO42 activity prevents chromosome alignment defects, mitotic cell cycle arrest and cell death. The cell cycle arrest, but not the cell death, triggered by FBXO42 inactivation could be suppressed by brief exposure to a chemical inhibitor of Mps1, a key spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) kinase. FBXO42’s cancer-essential function requires its F-box and Kelch domains, which are necessary for FBXO42’s substrate recognition and targeting by SCF (SKP1–CUL1–F-box protein) ubiquitin ligase complex. However, none of FBXO42’s previously proposed targets, including ING4, p53 and RBPJ, were responsible for the observed phenotypes. Instead, our results suggest that FBOX42 alters the activity of one or more proteins that perturb chromosome–microtubule dynamics in cancer cells, which in turn leads to induction of the SAC and cell death.
Upstream open reading frames: new players in the landscape of cancer gene regulation
Authors: Dasgupta Anwesha , Prensner John R
Published: May 2024

The translation of RNA by ribosomes represents a central biological process and one of the most dysregulated processes in cancer. While translation is traditionally thought to occur exclusively in the protein-coding regions of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), recent transcriptome-wide approaches have shown abundant ribosome activity across diverse stretches of RNA transcripts. The most common type of this kind of ribosome activity occurs in gene leader sequences, also known as 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of the mRNA, that precede the main coding sequence. Translation of these upstream open reading frames (uORFs) is now known to occur in upwards of 25% of all protein-coding genes. With diverse functions from RNA regulation to microprotein generation, uORFs are rapidly igniting a new arena of cancer biology, where they are linked to cancer genetics, cancer signaling, and tumor-immune interactions. This review focuses on the contributions of uORFs and their associated 5′UTR sequences to cancer biology.
Advances in single-cell long-read sequencing technologies
Authors: Gupta Pallavi , O’Neill Hannah , Wolvetang Ernst J , Chatterjee Aniruddha , Gupta Ishaan
Published: May 2024

With an increase in accuracy and throughput of long-read sequencing technologies, they are rapidly being assimilated into the single-cell sequencing pipelines. For transcriptome sequencing, these techniques provide RNA isoform-level information in addition to the gene expression profiles. Long-read sequencing technologies not only help in uncovering complex patterns of cell-type specific splicing, but also offer unprecedented insights into the origin of cellular complexity and thus potentially new avenues for drug development. Additionally, single-cell long-read DNA sequencing enables high-quality assemblies, structural variant detection, haplotype phasing, resolving high-complexity regions, and characterization of epigenetic modifications. Given that significant progress has primarily occurred in single-cell RNA isoform sequencing (scRiso-seq), this review will delve into these advancements in depth and highlight the practical considerations and operational challenges, particularly pertaining to downstream analysis. We also aim to offer a concise introduction to complementary technologies for single-cell sequencing of the genome, epigenome and epitranscriptome. We conclude by identifying certain key areas of innovation that may drive these technologies further and foster more widespread application in biomedical science.
Nanopore Current Events Magnifier (nanoCEM): a novel tool for visualizing current events at modification sites of nanopore sequencing
Authors: Guo Zhihao , Ni Ying , Tan Lu , Shao Yanwen , Ye Lianwei , Chen Sheng , Li Runsheng
Published: May 2024

Summary: Nanopore sequencing technologies have enabled the direct detection of base modifications in DNA or RNA molecules. Despite these advancements, the tools for visualizing electrical current, essential for analyzing base modifications, are often lacking in clarity and compatibility with diverse nanopore pipelines. Here, we present Nanopore Current Events Magnifier (nanoCEM, https://github.com/lrslab/nanoCEM), a Python command-line tool designed to facilitate the identification of DNA/RNA modification sites through enhanced visualization and statistical analysis. Compatible with the four preprocessing methods including ‘f5c resquiggle’, ‘f5c eventalign’, ‘Tombo’ and ‘move table’, nanoCEM is applicable to RNA and DNA analysis across multiple flow cell types. By utilizing rescaling techniques and calculating various statistical features, nanoCEM provides more accurate and comparable visualization of current events, allowing researchers to effectively observe differences between samples and showcase the modified sites.
Homorepeat variability within the human population
Authors: Mier Pablo , Andrade-Navarro Miguel A , Morett Enrique
Published: May 2024

Genetic variation within populations plays a crucial role in driving evolution. Unlike the average protein sequence, the evolution of homorepeats can be influenced by DNA replication slippage, when DNA polymerases either add or skip repeats of nucleotides. While there are some diseases known to be caused by abnormal changes in the length of amino acid homorepeats, naturally occurring variations in homorepeat length remain relatively unexplored. In our study, we examined the variation in amino acid homorepeat length of human individuals by analyzing 125 748 exomes, as well as 15 708 whole genomes. Our analyses revealed significant variability in homorepeat length across the human population, indicating that these motifs are prone to mutations at higher rates than non repeat sequences. We focused our study on glutamine homorepeats, also known as polyQ sequences, and found that shorter polyQ sequences tend to exhibit greater length variation, while longer ones primarily undergo deletions. Notably, polyQ sequencesthat are more conserved across primates tend to show less variation within the human population, indicating stronger selective pressure to maintain their length. Overall, our results demonstrate that there is large natural variation in the length of homorepeats within the human population, with no apparent impact on observable traits.
Risk factors for prevalent and incident hypertension in rheumatoid arthritis: data from the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort
Authors: Hadwen Brook , Stranges Saverio , Pope Janet E , Bartlett Susan , Boire Gilles , Bessette Louis , Hitchon Carol A , Hazlewood Glen , Keystone Edward C , Schieir Orit , Thorne Carter , Tin Diane , Valois Marie-France , Bykerk Vivian , Barra Lillian ,   CATCH Investigators, Akhavan Pooneh , Bessette Louis , Boire Gilles , Bykerk Vivian , Colmegna Ines , Fallavollita Sabrina , Haaland Derek , Haraoui Boulos , Hazlewood Glen , Hitchon Carol , Jamal Shahin , Joshi Raman , Keystone Ed , Kuriya Bindee , Panopalis Peter , Pope Janet , Thorne Carter , Villeneuve Edith , Zummer Michel
Published: May 2024

Objective

Hypertension (HTN) is a common comorbidity in RA. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and incidence of HTN and baseline factors associated with incident HTN in early RA (ERA).

Methods

Data were from the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort (CATCH), an inception cohort of ERA patients having <1 year of disease duration. HTN was determined by patient- or physician-reported diagnosis, the use of anti-hypertensives and/or blood pressure. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine baseline factors associated with prevalent and incident HTN in this population.

Results

The study sample included 2052 ERA patients [mean age 55 years (s.d. 14), 71% female). The prevalence of HTN at study enrolment was 26% (23% in females and 34% in males). In both sexes, prevalent HTN was associated with older age, diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. HTN was associated with being overweight or high alcohol consumption in females. Of the RA patients who did not have HTN at enrolment, 24% (364/1518) developed HTN during the median follow-up period of 5 years (range 1–8). Baseline factors significantly associated with incident HTN were older age, being overweight, excess alcohol consumption and having hyperlipidaemia. Incident HTN was associated with high alcohol consumption in males and with hyperlipidaemia in females. RA-associated disease factors and treatments were not significantly associated with prevalent or incident HTN.

Conclusions

Early RA patients had a high incidence of hypertension with the highest risk in older patients with traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
Mandarin-speaking Children With Cochlear Implants Face Challenges in Using F0 Expansion to Express Contrastive Focus
Authors: Tang Ping , Xu Rattanasone Nan , Demuth Katherine , Wang Liyan , Yuen Ivan
Published: May 2024

Objectives:

Children with cochlear implants (CIs) face challenges in perceiving fundamental frequency (F0) information because CIs do not transmit F0 effectively. In Mandarin, F0 can contrast meanings at the word level, that is, via lexical tones with distinct F0 contours, and signal contrastive relations between words at the utterance-level, that is, via contrastive focus with expanded F0 range and longer duration. Mandarin-speaking children with CIs have been reported to face challenges in producing distinct F0 contours across tones, but early implantation facilitates tonal acquisition. However, it is still unclear if utterance-level prosody, such as contrastive focus, is also challenging for these children, and if early implantation also offers benefits for focus production. Therefore, this study asked how accurately children with CIs can produce contrastive focus, and if early implantation leads to more accurate focus production, with acoustic patterns approaching that of children with typical hearing (TH).

Design:

Participants included 55 Mandarin-speaking children (3 to 7 years) with CIs and 55 age-matched children with TH. Children produced noun phrases with and without contrastive focus, such as RED-COLORED cat versus red-colored cat. Three adult native listeners perceptually scored the productions as correct or incorrect. The “correct” productions were then acoustically analyzed in terms of F0 range and duration.

Results:

Based on the perceptual scores, children with CIs produced focus with significantly lower accuracy (38%) than their TH peers (84%). The acoustic analysis on their “correct” productions showed that children with TH used both F0 and duration to mark focus, producing focal syllables with an expanded F0 range and long duration, and postfocal syllables with a reduced F0 range and short duration. However, children with CIs differed from children with TH in that they produced focal syllables with long duration but not an expanded F0 range, although they produced postfocal syllables with a reduced F0 range and short duration like their TH peers. In addition, early implantation correlated with the percept of more accurate focus productions and better use of F0 range in focal marking.

Conclusions:

This study finds that Mandarin-speaking children with CIs are still learning to apply appropriate acoustic cues to contrastive focus. The challenge appears to lie in the use of an expanded F0 range to mark focus, probably related to the limited transmission of F0 information through the CI devices. These findings thus have implications for parents and those working with children with CIs, showing that utterance-level prosody also requires speech remediation, and underscores the critical role of identifying problems early in the acquisition of F0 functions in Mandarin, not only at the word level but also at the utterance-level.
Evaluating adherence to American Diabetes Association standards of care in diabetes and impacts of social determinants of health on patients at two nurse practitioner–owned clinics
Authors: Tuohy Christine A. , Liziewski Kathryn E. , White Patricia A. , Wright Wendy L.
Published: May 2024

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic created barriers in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and worsened social determinants of health (SDOH). A New Hampshire primary care office worked to adhere to T2DM standards of care and began screening for SDOH. This project assessed adherence to quality metrics, hemoglobin A1C, and SDOH screening as telehealth utilization decreased.

Local Problem:

A1C values have increased at the practice, especially since COVID-19. The practice also began screening for SDOH at every visit, but there was need to assess how needs were being documented and if/how they were addressed.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of patients with T2DM was performed. Demographic data and T2DM metrics were collected and compared with previous years and compared new versus established patients. Charts were reviewed to evaluate documentation of SDOH and appropriate referral.

Interventions:

The practice transitioned from an increased utliization of telehealth back to prioritizing in-office visits. The practice also began routinely screening for SDOH in 2020; however, this process had not been standardized or evaluated.

Results:

Adherence to nearly all quality metrics improved. Glycemic control improved after a year of nurse practitioner (NP) care, especially in new patients. All patients were screened for SDOH, but documentation varied, and affected patients had higher A1Cs, despite receiving comparable care.

Conclusion:

Nurse practitioners at this practice are adhering to American Diabetes Association guidelines, and A1C values improve under their care. Social determinants of health continue to act as unique barriers that keep patients from improving glycemic control, highlighting the need for individualized treatment of SDOH in T2DM care.
The EBI2 receptor is coexpressed with CCR5 in CD4+ T cells and boosts HIV-1 R5 replication
Authors: Guigues Adeline , Gimenez Sandrine , Mettling Clément , Maurel Damien , Doumazane Etienne , Prézeau Laurent , François Vincent , Corbeau Pierre
Published: May 2024

Objective:

CCR5, a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), is used by most HIV strains as a coreceptor. In this study, we looked for other GPCR able to modify HIV-1 infection.

Design:

We analyzed the effects of one GPCR coexpressed with CCR5, EBI2, on HIV-1 replicative cycle.

Methods:

We identified GPCR expressed in primary CD4+CCR5+ T cells by multi-RT-qPCR. We studied GPCR dimerization by FRET technology. Cell lines expressing EBI2 were established by transduction with HIV vectors. HIV-1 entry was quantified with virions harboring β-lactamase fused to the viral protein vpr, early and late HIV-1 transcriptions by qPCR, NFkB nuclear activation by immunofluorescence and transfection, and viral production by measuring p24 concentration in culture supernatant by ELISA.

Results:

We showed that EBI2 is naturally expressed in primary CD4+CCR5+ T cells, and that CCR5 and EBI2 heterodimerize. We observed that this coexpression reduced viral entry by 50%. The amount of HIV reverse transcripts was similar in cells expressing or not EBI2. Finally, the presence of EBI2 induced the translocation of NFkB and activated HIV-1 genome expression. Globally, the result was a drastic HIV-1 R5, but not X4, overproduction in EBI2–transduced cells.

Conclusion:

EBI2 expression in CD4+CCR5+ cells boosts HIV-1 R5 productive infection. As the natural ligand for EBI2 is present in blood and lymphoid tissues, the constant EBI2 activation might increase HIV replication in CD4+ T cells. It might be of interest to test the effect of EBI2 antagonists on the residual viral production persisting in patients aviremic under treatment.
Ashesh Prosad Mitra. 21 February 1927—3 September 2007
Authors: Mahajan Kushal Kumar
Published: May 2024

Ashesh Mitra was a world-leading pioneer of studies of the ionosphere, the troposphere and the Earth's atmosphere. He devised methods for studying the impact of solar flares upon the electron density of the various layers of the atmosphere, particularly of the D-region, which can strongly disrupt radio communications. He set up the Indian national monitoring programme of these disturbances. His interests developed to span all aspects of atmospheric physics, both experimentally and theoretically, including atmospheric chemistry, the ozone hole and the detrimental effects of global warming owing to man-made industrial activities. He was held in the highest regard by his colleagues and by politicians, including Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who appointed him director-general of the Indian Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. On the international scene, he was a very active and much respected radio scientist, becoming president of the International Union of Radio Science.
Installation of LYRM proteins in early eukaryotes to regulate the metabolic capacity of the emerging mitochondrion
Authors: Dohnálek Vít , Doležal Pavel
Published: May 2024

Core mitochondrial processes such as the electron transport chain, protein translation and the formation of Fe–S clusters (ISC) are of prokaryotic origin and were present in the bacterial ancestor of mitochondria. In animal and fungal models, a family of small Leu-Tyr-Arg motif-containing proteins (LYRMs) uniformly regulates the function of mitochondrial complexes involved in these processes. The action of LYRMs is contingent upon their binding to the acylated form of acyl carrier protein (ACP). This study demonstrates that LYRMs are structurally and evolutionarily related proteins characterized by a core triplet of α-helices. Their widespread distribution across eukaryotes suggests that 12 specialized LYRMs were likely present in the last eukaryotic common ancestor to regulate the assembly and folding of the subunits that are conserved in bacteria but that lack LYRM homologues. The secondary reduction of mitochondria to anoxic environments has rendered the function of LYRMs and their interaction with acylated ACP dispensable. Consequently, these findings strongly suggest that early eukaryotes installed LYRMs in aerobic mitochondria as orchestrated switches, essential for regulating core metabolism and ATP production.
Inter-clonal competition over queen succession imposes a cost of parthenogenesis on termite colonies
Authors: Wu Yao , Fujita Tadahide , Namba Yusuke , Kobayashi Kazuya , Takata Mamoru , Vargo Edward L. , Matsuura Kenji
Published: May 2024

In social insect colonies, selfish behaviour due to intracolonial conflict among members can result in colony-level costs despite close relatedness. In certain termite species, queens use asexual reproduction for within-colony queen succession but rely on sexual reproduction for worker and alate production, resulting in multiple half-clones of a single primary queen competing for personal reproduction. Our study demonstrates that competition over asexual queen succession among different clone types leads to the overproduction of parthenogenetic offspring, resulting in the production of dysfunctional parthenogenetic alates. By genotyping the queens of 23 field colonies of
Reticulitermes speratus
, we found that clone variation in the queen population reduces as colonies develop. Field sampling of alates and primary reproductives of incipient colonies showed that overproduced parthenogenetic offspring develop into alates that have significantly smaller body sizes and much lower survivorship than sexually produced alates. Our results indicate that while the production of earlier and more parthenogenetic eggs is advantageous for winning the competition for personal reproduction, it comes at a great cost to the colony. Thus, this study highlights the evolutionary interplay between individual-level and colony-level selection on parthenogenesis by queens.
In vitro comparison of viral replication and cytopathology induced by SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Phadke Kruttika S. , Higdon Nathaniel , Bellaire Bryan H.
Published: May 2024

A myriad of coronaviruses cause diseases from a common cold to severe lung infections and pneumonia. SARS-CoV-2 was discovered to be the etiologic agent of the Coronavirus pandemic and many laboratory techniques were examined for virus culture and basic and applied research. Understanding the replication kinetics and characterizing the effect the virus has on different cell lines is crucial for developing in vitro studies. With the emergence of multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2, a comparison between their infectivity and replication in common cell lines will help give us a clear understanding of their characteristic differences in pathogenicity. In this study we compared the cytopathic effect and replication of Wild Type (WT), Omicron (B.1.1.529), and Delta (B.1.617.2) variants on 5 different cell lines; VeroE6, VeroE6 cells expressing high endogenous ACE2, VeroE6 cells expressing human ACE2 and TMPRSS2, Calu3 cells highly expressing human ACE2 and A549 cells. This data will aid researchers with experimental planning and viral pathogenicity analysis and provide a baseline for testing any future variants.
Macrophages activation syndrome in patients infested with parasites about 3 cases with different outcomes
Authors: El Mrimar Nadia , Rhars rhars Amal , sokori Kaoutar , Raghani Abdeljalil , ezzariga Nihal , Chachi chachi Mostafa , Aghrouch Mohamed , Lemkhente Zohra
Published: May 2024

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) also known as macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a rare and life-threatening condition characterized by a hyperinflammatory response, leading to the uncontrolled activation of macrophages and the subsequent hemophagocytosis of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets. This can result in cytopenias, organomegaly, and multiorgan failure.
The list of infectious agents that predispose to hemophagocytic syndrome has expanded since the first description of infection- associated hemophagocytosis (IAHS). 
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar, is a severe and potentially fatal parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the Leishmania genus. It is characterized by irregular bouts of fever, weight loss, hepatosplenomegaly, and anemia. One of the complications associated with this disease is HPS. Malaria is a worldwide problem. Plasmodium falciparum infection, particularly if the diagnosis wasn't at time, may result in a multi-organ failure. In the literature, Plasmodium falciparum infection was rarely cited as the root cause of HPS.
In this article, we report 3 cases of parasite infestations complicated with MAS. We illustrate the clinical manifestations, diagnostic challenges, and management of this severe condition. Additionally we provide a comprehensive review of the current understanding of MAS in parasite, with a focus on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment options. Furthermore, we aim to discuss the latest advancements in research and the potential for new therapeutic approaches.
Pre-cooking and liquid smoke affect the physicochemical and
microbiological quality and polyhydroxy aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content in
smoked skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis L.)
Authors: Harikedua Silvana Dinaintang , Saragih Ella Dertina , Mongi Eunike Louisje , Damongilala Lena Jeane , Salindeho Netty , Dien Henny Adeleida , Taher Nurmeilita , Lohoo Helen Jenny , Siby Mayse Sofien
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to compare the quality of smoked fish products processed with
liquid smoke with and without pre-cooking when stored at room temperature
(25°C) for 0, 2, 4, and 6 days. The observations included moisture
content, water holding capacity, color, and total plate and mold counts. The
treated samples were also analyzed for polyhydroxyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
at day 0. The study found that the pre-cooked products had a lower moisture
content (55.1%) than the control (59.9%) during storage.
Additionally, the pre-cooked product had a higher water holding capacity than
the control. The TPC value indicates that the pre-cooked product meets the
Indonesian standard for smoked fish up to the 2nd day of storage, whereas the
control product only meets the standard on day 0. However, the total mold of the
control products meets the Indonesian standard until the 2nd day of storage,
while the pre-cooked products only meet the standard on day 0. The pre-cooked
product had a higher lightness value (L*) than the control. The analysis
of polyhydroxy aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) showed that the pre-cooking process
did not affect the concentration of PAH.
Quality characteristics and antioxidant activity of roasted
yakgwa according to the addition ratio of
mealworm
Authors: Kim Ji Eun , Joo Shin Youn
Published: May 2024

The proximate composition, quality characteristics, antioxidant activity, and
sensory evaluation scores of yakgwa added with mealworm powder
(MP) were examined. MP contained 5.83 wt% moisture, 55.70 wt%
crude protein, 35.96 wt% crude fat, 3.70 wt% crude ash, and 2.43
wt% carbohydrate and feature total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of
406.52 mg GAE/100 g and 21.18 mg NE/100 g, respectively. The DPPH and
ABTS•+ radical scavenging activities and the
reducing power of MP were determined as 90.25%, 44.06%, and 1.74,
respectively. Except for moisture and carbohydrate content, the proximate
composition of mealworm yakgwa (MY) increased with the amount
of MP increased. The pH of the dough increased with the addition of MP, whereas
the expansion degree tended to decrease. Sugar content was highest at MP
contents of 0 wt% and 12 wt% (FM4 group), and hardness was lowest
in the FM4 group. With the increasing MP content, the L, b values and
antioxidant activity increased, whereas a value decreased. The
sensory evaluation scores for the overall preference, appearance, color, and
taste were lowest in the FM4 group. These results suggested that MP contents of
6-9 wt% were optimal for mealworm-based yakgwa.
Induction of apoptosis using the mixture of fucoidan and
Crepidiastrum denticulatum extract in HepG2 liver
cancer cells
Authors: Park Se-Eun , Choi Dabin , Oh Kyo-nyeo , Kim Hanjoong , Park Hyungbum , Kim Ki-Man
Published: May 2024

In the present study, we investigated whether a mixture of fucoidan and
Crepidiastrum denticulatum extract (FCE) had the potential
to improve the therapeutic efficacy of cancer treatment. The results
demonstrated that FCE significantly reduced cell viability and induced the
release of LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) and DNA fragmentation in HepG2 cells in a
dose-dependent manner. In addition, FCE treatment also increased the protein
expression level of p53, the release of cytochrome c, and the loss of
mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, FCE dose-dependently increased
protein expression levels of Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 and -9. However, FCE
decreased the protein expression level of Bcl-2. These results suggest that FCE
inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis via the mitochondrial-mediated
intrinsic pathway. The present study demonstrates that FCE can be used as an
anti-cancer agent for liver cancer based on apoptosis mechanism.
Inhibitory effects of Broussonetia kazinoki twig
extract on allergic inflammatory reactions in
TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated
HaCaT and IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells
Authors: Bae Won-Bin , Kim Eun-Hye , Kim Min-Ju , Yang Seun-Ah
Published: May 2024

Broussonetia kazinoki twig extract (BKT) is recognized for its
antioxidant and anti-cancer effects and natural whitening properties. So, it is
used as a raw material for cosmetics. B. kazinoki twig is also
an edible raw material. B. kazinoki has been used in Asia for
paper production and oriental medicine, has anti-diabetic effects, and contains
various flavonoids and alkaloids. In this study, to evaluate the efficacy of BKT
on allergic skin inflammatory responses, we investigated its effects on factors
related to skin inflammation in HaCaT keratinocytes and allergic responses in
RBL-2H3 cells. There was no cytotoxicity of the 70% ethanol extract
against HaCaT and RBL-2H3 cells. In HaCaT cells, stimulation with tumor necrosis
factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma
(IFN-γ) increased the production of several
chemokines, including thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC),
macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC), and regulated on activation, normal T cell
expressed and secreted (RANTES). However, it was observed that this elevation
was notably mitigated in a concentration-dependent manner upon treatment with
BKT. Furthermore, BKT treatment demonstrated a significant reduction of
β-hexosaminidase and inflammatory cytokines
TNF-α and IL-4 in IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells.
Thus, it is expected that BKT can be used as a natural cosmetic and food
ingredient that effectively suppresses allergic inflammatory reactions.
Nutrient composition and taste properties of Sargassum
fusiforme from the Wando region
Authors: Lee Hae-In , Kim Cheong-Bin , Lee Mi-Kyung
Published: May 2024

This study examined the nutrient composition and taste properties of
Sargassum fusiforme (SF) from two locations in the Wando
region (Wando-eup: WD-A, Sinji-myeon: WD-B) and control region in Korea. The
protein content of the SF in Wando regions was higher than that of the control,
while the carbohydrate content was lower. The WD-A region had the lowest calorie
content and the highest ash level when compared to the other regions. The
potassium, iron, and zinc contents of the in WD-A were significantly higher than
the other groups, but the sodium, phosphorus, and magnesium contents were lower.
Free and constitutive amino acids, as well as the total and essential amino acid
content, were higher in Wando regions than in the control. When analyzing using
an electronic tongue, the SF from the WD-A region had the highest umami and
sourness and the lowest bitterness and sweetness. Therefore, the results of this
study can serve as fundamental data for seaweed research in the Wando
region.
Accurate Inference of the Polyploid Continuum using Forward-time Simulations
Authors: Dunn Tamsen , Sethuraman Arun
Published: May 2024

Multiple rounds of whole-genome duplication (WGD) followed by diploidization have occurred throughout the evolutionary history of angiosperms. To understand how these cycles occur, much work has been done to model the genomic consequences and evolutionary significance of WGD. The machinations of diploidization are strongly influenced by the mode of speciation (allo or autopolyploidy). However, there is no discrete boundary between allo and autopolyploidy, which is best described as a continuum. Here we present a forward-time polyploid genome evolution simulator called SpecKS. SpecKS models polyploid speciation as originating from a 2D continuum, whose dimensions account for both the level of genetic differentiation between the ancestral parental genomes, as well the time lag between ancestral speciation and their subsequent reunion in the derived polyploid. Using extensive simulations, we demonstrate that changes in initial conditions along either dimension of the 2D continuum deterministically affect the shape of theKshistogram. Our findings indicate that the error in the common method of estimating WGD time from theKshistogram peak scales with the degree of allopolyploidy, and we present an alternative, accurate estimation method that is independent of the degree of allopolyploidy. Lastly, we use SpecKS to derive tests that infer both the lag time between parental divergence and WGD time, and the diversity of the ancestral species, from an inputKshistogram. We apply the latter test to transcriptomic data from over 200 species across the plant kingdom, the results of which are concordant with the prevailing theory that the majority of angiosperm lineages are derived from diverse parental genomes and may be of allopolyploid origin.
A mechanistic model of Rtc-regulated RNA repair suggests molecular targets to potentiate antibiotic effects
Authors: Hindley Hollie J. , Kotta-Loizou Ioly , Buck Martin , Engl Christoph , Weiße Andrea Y.
Published: May 2024

RNA is susceptible to damage from various internal and external factors. Given the integral role of RNA, its repair is essential for maintaining proper cell function. A highly conserved RNA repair system, the Rtc system, maintains core RNA components of the translational apparatus. Rtc expression is induced upon various stresses, including exposure to ribosome-targeting antibiotics. Its expression enables cells to rescue growth and survive treatment by conferring transient resistance to these antibiotics. The mechanisms by which Rtc-induced resistance arises are largely unknown. Here, we develop and analyse a computational model of Rtc-regulated maintenance of long-lived RNAs that form part of the translational apparatus. We investigate the mechanistic action of Rtc leading to transient resistance and find that its regulatory structure promotes heterogeneity across bacterial populations, where a resistant sub-population can co-exist with non-expressing, susceptible cells. The finding suggests a complex response underlying adaptive resistance conferred by Rtc with individual cell fates determining antibiotic efficacy. We further analyse the molecular determinants that lead to growth rescue vs suppression and identify components within the Rtc system that may be targeted to potentiate antibiotic effects. Our results provide novel tools for the systems analysis of Rtc-regulated RNA repair and pinpoint testable hypotheses to advance knowledge of RNA repair and its physiological implications.
Reconstructing phase space of injection beam based on the measurement of accumulated beam: A novel tomography algorithm and its applications
Authors: Liu H. Y. , Xu S. Y. , Li M. T. , Yuan Y. S. , Huang L. S. , Feng X. Y. , Wang S.
Published: May 2024

The measurement of phase space has always been an important topic in the field of accelerator physics, playing an indispensable role in understanding the beam dynamics. The phase space distribution of the injected beam is crucial for optimizing the multiturn accumulation injection process in synchrotrons. However, directly and accurately measuring the phase space distribution is a challenging task. In this study, we propose an innovative tomographic algorithm based on the measurement data of the accumulated beam profile obtained from the wall current monitor (WCM) in a synchrotron, to reconstruct the longitudinal phase space of the injected beam. Simulations were conducted for various initial distribution scenarios, and the results showed that this algorithm can achieve a difference of about 4% in the rms momentum spread between the initial and reconstructed phase space distribution of the injected beam. This algorithm has been applied to the China Spallation Neutron Source and successfully measured the momentum spread of the injected beam. Machine studies considering the phase error of the injected beam showed a high consistency between the reconstructed beam profiles and the measurement results from the WCM on Rapid Cycling Synchrotron. The research results demonstrate that this algorithm can be an effective approach for measuring the momentum distribution of the injected beam in a synchrotron. Furthermore, this method also has the potential to be extended to reconstruct the transverse phase space of the injected beam.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Table-top ion-trap experiment on the stability of intense short bunches in linear hadron accelerators
Authors: Kuroda M. , Kasagaki A. , Okamoto H. , Ito K.
Published: May 2024

The novel experimental system “S-POD” (Simulator of Particle Orbit Dynamics) is employed to explore the stability of short hadron bunches in high-intensity linacs. In a previous study with the S-POD [M. Goto et al., ], a static potential was used to focus the bunch in the longitudinal direction. We here make a step forward to include the possibility of pure synchrotron resonance, introducing periodic modulation to the longitudinal potential well. The modulation period was taken a half of the transverse alternating-gradient focusing period, which reflects the most typical lattice condition of a drift-tube linac. Detailed stability maps are constructed to reveal dangerous parameter regions where serious beam loss may occur due to resonance. We reconfirm the existence of various betatron and synchrobetatron resonance stop bands whose widths and locations change in tune space depending on the bunch intensity. It turns out that the periodicity of the longitudinal focusing potential brings about no pronounced effect on the resonance feature; the result is very similar to what we obtained in the previous study with a static longitudinal potential. As long as the lattice periodicity mentioned above is maintained, no serious noncoupling synchrotron resonance appears even with a high synchrotron phase advance above 90° per unit alternating-gradient cell. Severe envelope instability may, however, be excited in the longitudinal direction if the axial focusing force includes error components that affect the original lattice periodicity. The experimental observations can be explained with the free from the concept of incoherent tune spread.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Imaginary past of a quantum particle moving on imaginary time
Authors: Uranga A. , Akhmatskaya E. , Sokolovski D.
Published: May 2024

The analytical continuation of classical equations of motion to complex times suggests that a tunneling particle spends in the barrier an imaginary duration i|T|. Does this mean that it takes a finite time to tunnel, or should tunneling be seen as an instantaneous process? It is well known that examination of the adiabatic limit in a small additional AC field points towards |T| being the time it takes to traverse the barrier. However, this is only half the story. We probe the transmitted particle's history, and find that it very little of the field's past behavior, as if the transit time were close to zero. The ensuing contradiction suggests that the question is ill posed, and we explain why.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Entropy production and thermodynamic inference for stochastic microswimmers
Authors: Chatzittofi Michalis , Agudo-Canalejo Jaime , Golestanian Ramin
Published: May 2024

The question of characterization of the degree of nonequilibrium activity in active matter systems is studied in the context of a stochastic microswimmer model driven by a chemical cycle. The resulting dynamical properties and entropy production rate unravel a complex interplay between the chemical and the hydrodynamic degrees of freedom beyond linear response, which is not captured by conventional phenomenological approaches. By studying the precision-dissipation trade off, a new protocol is proposed in which microscopic chemical driving forces can be inferred experimentally. Our findings highlight subtleties associated with the stochastic thermodynamics of autonomous microswimmers.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Trifluoromethanesulfonate salt of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-benzylpyridin-1-ium-4-yl)-21H,23H-porphyrin and its CaII complex
Authors: Salomón-Flores María K. , Valdes-García Josue , Martínez-Otero Diego , Dorazco-González Alejandro
Published: May 2024

The synthesis, crystallization and characterization of a trifluoromethanesulfonate salt of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-benzylpyridin-1-ium-4-yl)-21H,23H-porphyrin, C68H54N8
4+·4CF3SO3
−·4H2O, 1·OTf, are reported in this work. The reaction between 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(pyridin-4-yl)-21H,23H-porphyrin and benzyl bromide in the presence of 0.1 equiv. of Ca(OH)2 in CH3CN under reflux with an N2 atmosphere and subsequent treatment with silver trifluoromethanesulfonate (AgOTf) salt produced a red–brown solution. This reaction mixture was filtered and the solvent was allowed to evaporate at room temperature for 3 d to give 1·OTf. Crystal structure determination by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXD) revealed that 1·OTf crystallizes in the space group P21/c. The asymmetric unit contains half a porphyrin molecule, two trifluoromethanesulfonate anions and two water molecules of crystallization. The macrocycle of tetrapyrrole moieties is planar and unexpectedly it has coordinated CaII ions in occupational disorder. This CaII ion has only 10% occupancy (C72H61.80Ca0.10F12N8O16S4). The pyridinium rings bonded to methylene groups from porphyrin are located in two different arrangements in almost orthogonal positions between the plane formed by the porphyrin and the pyridinium rings. The crystal structure features cation...π interactions between the CaII atom and the π-system of the phenyl ring of neighboring molecules. Both trifluoromethanesulfonate anions are found at the periphery of 1, forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules.