bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive value of lncRNA DBH-AS1 for cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with coronary heart disease
Authors: Wang Xintong , Li Yan , Tian Jiaoding
Published: December 2024

Background

The frequency of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is rising annually. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a prevalent complication affecting individuals with T2DM.

Objective

The aim of this investigation was to assess the level of DBH-AS1 in T2DM with CHD, and to determine its potential role in forecasting the occurrence of significant cardiovascular events.

Methods

The DBH-AS1 levels were detected by qRT-PCR. The diagnostic value of DBH-AS1 was assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Logistic regression was conducted to identify the risk factors for cardiovascular events among patients with T2DM with CHD. Cell proliferation was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and the concentration of inflammatory factors was detected by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent (ELISA) kit.

Results

DBH-AS1 was down-regulated in serum of both T2DM with CHD and cardiovascular events patients. Of the cardiovascular events that occurred, major events included recurrent angina (20%), cardiovascular death (7.5%), acute myocardial infarction (23.75%), severe arrhythmia (22.50%), acute heart failure (18.75%) and stroke (7.5%). And DBH-AS1 had a predictive value for each adverse of cardiovascular events. DBH-AS1 regulated the expression of miR-483-5p and affected the proliferation, apoptosis, and secretion of inflammatory factors of HCAECs.

Conclusion

DBH-AS1 may serve as a predictor for the occurrence of cardiovascular events in T2DM with CHD patients.
Water-resistant and vapor-permeable textile laminates containing nanofiber membrane as footwear lining
Authors: Knížek Roman , Bajzík Vladimír , Tunáková Veronika
Published: December 2024

This paper aims to test the suitability of two nanofibrous membranes as a lining in outdoor shoes, especially leather ones. The motivation is that leather shoes offer some water resistance but are not fully waterproof. By inserting a membrane, higher hydrostatic resistance is achieved while maintaining the vapor permeability of the upper material - leather. Two nanofibrous membranes were developed, and three-layer and four-layer laminates were made from them. In addition to the membrane, the lining, and the top material, the four-layer laminate also contains a thermal insulation layer. These laminates were investigated concerning the following properties: hydrostatic resistance, water vapor permeability, thermal insulation, and air permeability, while the first two properties were chosen as crucial. For the study to be complete, the sample set was supplemented with commercially available membranes. It was found that laminates containing nanofiber membranes provide interesting properties: hydrostatic resistance higher than 10 m and water vapor permeability around 5 Pa.m2.W−1, which is promising, especially considering the vapor permeability of the shoe’s upper material – leather. From the selected laminate, a cut was designed, and an inner shoe was realized, which was subsequently incorporated into outdoor leather footwear.
A randomised controlled study on efficacy of midazolam and cartoon for decreasing preoperative anxiety in preschool children undergoing strabismus surgery
Authors: Jin Yuexi , Ye Yingchao , Wang Quanguang , Shi Kejian , Papadimos Thomas J , Xia Yun , Chen Zhangyan , Wu Wenxin , Jiang Wanna , Jin Zhousheng , Liu Le , Wu Yiquan
Published: December 2024

Background:

This study aimed to evaluate the effect and influence of midazolam and cartoon on postoperative behaviour in reducing preoperative anxiety in preschool children.

Methods:

Three hundred children undergoing monocular strabismus correction were divided into three groups: midazolam (M), cartoon (C), and CM. Preoperative anxiety scores, cooperation scores during anaesthesia induction, awakening time, emergence agitation, and postoperative adverse behaviours were recorded.

Result:

The preoperative anxiety scores of group CM in the preoperative area and before anaesthesia induction were lower than those of group C and M. Compared with Group C, the cooperation scores of Group M and Group CM decreased significantly. And group M’s awakening time was prolonged. The incidence of agitation during awakening and adverse behaviour 1 week after surgery and the cooperation scores in group CM was lower than in groups M and C. The anxiety levels were positively correlated with the agitation and behavioural changes.

Conclusion:

Watching cartoon videos combined with a low-dose midazolam shows efficacy in reducing preoperative anxiety in children.
Dual Credit Completion in Texas from 2019–2021: An Examination of the COVID-19 Years
Authors: Hill Travis D. , Shen Yuyang , Ji Vicky Weiqing , Hodges Jaret
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the dual credit (DC) college readiness indicator among secondary students in Texas during 2019–2021 COVID-19. Utilizing publicly available administrative data from the Texas Education Agency and a hierarchical linear model, the paper identifies changes in Texas school districts’ college readiness DC course completion rates across demographic and geographic factors. Findings indicated a steadiness in course participation and an increase in successful completion throughout the years. Compared to White students, students who are African American, Asian American, or low socioeconomic students showed lower success. However, emergent bilingual learners and students who are Latine showed no significant difference. Using the city as the normed geographic location, rural and towns fared better than their suburban peers. As DC is a primary implementation method for gifted-identified students in Texas high schools, study results demonstrate that despite DC course completion remaining stable, disparities among gifted-identified students of color and marginalized groups exist.
The Potential Therapeutic Efficacy of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Seeds on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Alqahtani Reem A. , Almutairi Bader , Al-Zharani Mohammed , Alkahtane Abdullah A. , AL-Johani Norah S. , Alkeraishan Nora , Yaseen Khadijah N. , Aljarba Nada H. , Almasoud Hadeel , Aljuhani Bashayer , Alhenaky Alhanof , Alkahtani Saad
Published: December 2024

Objectives

The objective of this study was to illustrate the core mechanisms of pomegranate seed's anticancer effects beyond its antioxidant properties.

Methods

Using MCF-7 breast cancer cells, this study explores the impact of pomegranate seed on production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell survival, DNA damage, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptotic gene expression.

Results

Our findings revealed that pomegranate inhibited cell growth via promoting apoptosis. We observed noticeable enhancement in production of intracellular ROS in pomegranate seed-treated cells, along with increased of DNA damage. Additionally, pomegranate seed treatment led to a dose-dependent decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, indicative of malfunction of mitochondria, resulted in initiation of apoptosis. Furthermore, we found differential regulation of apoptotic gene expression, with significant reductions in caspase 3 and Bcl-2 genes expression across all concentrations of pomegranate seed tested, and reductions in Bax and caspase 7 gene expression observed only with higher concentrations.

Conclusion

These results highlight the multifaceted mechanisms through which pomegranate seed exerts its anticancer effects, including ROS-mediated, DNA damage, dysfunction of mitochondria, and modulation of apoptotic pathways. Thus, pomegranate seed holds promise as a novel treatment option for therapeutic management of breast cancer.
Effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors on clinical and biological hyperandrogenism and menstruation irregularities in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review of randomized trials
Authors: Mrabet Houcem Elomma , Ben Salem Houda , Ach Taieb , Ben Abdelkarim Asma , Alaya Wafa
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common chronic condition characterized by insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism, leading to significant health risks and impaired quality of life. Sodium-glucose transporter type 2 inhibitors have shown promise in improving the metabolic profile of women with polycystic ovary syndrome. However, their impact on hormonal parameters and cycle disorders remains uncertain.

Methods:

This systematic review analyzed randomized clinical trials published up to 1 December 2023, comparing sodium-glucose transporter type 2 inhibitors to metformin, other antidiabetic agents, or placebo in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The primary outcomes were changes in total testosterone, free androgen index, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, delta-4 androstenedione, and cycle disorders.

Results:

Five randomized studies were included, evaluating canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, licogliflozin, or empagliflozin against metformin, exenatide, or placebo, with a total of 214 participants. Improvements in total testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfatewere observed in some studies, but the effects were inconsistent across drugs and outcomes. Additionally, two studies reported beneficial effects on cycle disorders.

Conclusions:

Sodium-glucose transporter type 2 inhibitors appear to have a potential but variable impact on hormonal parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. However, larger and longer-duration studies are needed to fully elucidate their long-term efficacy in addressing hyperandrogenism and improving overall outcomes in these patients.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome with overlapping features of DRESS syndrome: A report of two cases
Authors: Chin Laura D , MacGillivary Michael L , Purdy Kerri S , Kirshen Carly
Published: December 2024

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms are severe cutaneous adverse reactions to drugs that are generally considered distinct entities. In addition to identifying the offending medication, distinguishing between these diagnoses is important, as they have differing treatment regimens and prognoses. Distinction between severe cutaneous adverse reactions, particularly in the early stages of disease, can be difficult, and overlapping conditions have been reported in the literature. We present two cases of severe cutaneous adverse reaction, one following initiation of carbamazepine and the other lamotrigine, with extensive mucosal involvement and epidermal detachment, initially diagnosed as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Despite the use of cyclosporine and repeated doses of etanercept, both cases evolved to have significant edema of the face and extremities, palmar and plantar involvement, and rapid response to systemic corticosteroids, which is more in-keeping with drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. We aim to help clinicians gain awareness of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms overlap which may aid diagnosis and guide treatment.
Pediatric eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and intracardiac thrombus: A case report
Authors: Jensen Katharine V. , Brochez Nicholas , Spence Christopher , Livingston Joel , Khoury Michael , McColl Jeanine
Published: December 2024

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare systemic necrotizing vasculitis marked by eosinophilia and extravascular granulomas, predominantly affecting the respiratory tract. This report details a unique EGPA case in a 6-year-old girl with extensive cardiac involvement, featuring an atypical intracardiac mass suggestive of endomyocardial fibrosis and a concomitant thrombus. The clinical course unfolded in three phases: an initial prodrome with asthma; subsequent peripheral hypereosinophilia; and ultimately systemic vasculitis. Cardiac involvement, notably an intracardiac mass in the right ventricular apex extending into the interventricular septum, underscored the diverse nature of EGPA. The patient fulfilled sufficient criteria outlined by the American College of Rheumatology and the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology for an EGPA diagnosis, displaying hypereosinophilia, obstructive airway disease, and biopsy-confirmed inflammation predominantly characterized by extravascular eosinophils. Treatment included high-dose methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide, which resulted in clinical improvement and inflammatory marker normalization. To halt right ventricular thrombus progression, therapeutic unfractionated heparin was initiated, and she was transitioned to warfarin, which resulted in complete resolution of the cardiac mass. This case highlights the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach for managing complex EGPA manifestations, particularly in pediatrics, and emphasizes the importance of timely intervention in mitigating the impact of cardiac complications associated with EGPA.
Asymmetric Consumptive News Feed Curation? Examining How Perceived News Feed Performance Influences Boosting and Limiting Curation on Facebook
Authors: Lu Shuning , Wu-Ouyang Biying , Chen Hsuan-Ting
Published: December 2024

This study examines how perceived news feed performance (i.e., perceived news feed quality and valence) shapes consumptive news feed curation, defined as a type of social media consumption behavior by which users inform algorithms about what they want to see in their news feeds. Results from a survey in the United States ( N = 1,525) show that both perceived quality and valence of news feed were associated with consumptive news feed curation on Facebook. However, an asymmetric pattern emerged in that perceived news feed performance was only related to boosting behavior but not limiting behavior. Furthermore, the level of news feed diversity moderated the identified associations above. We revealed that the associations between perceived news feed quality and boosting curation were statistically stronger when the news feed was more diverse; when the news feed was less diverse, perceived negativity of the news feed was positively related to limiting curation; when the news feed became diverse, perceived negativity was negatively related to boosting curation.
Exploring the Impact of School-To-Work Transitions on Health-Related Quality of Life in Emerging Adulthood Using the German Socioeconomic Panel (GSOEP)
Authors: Rähse Tobias , Arránz Becker Oliver , Knöchelmann Anja
Published: December 2024

Despite the increasing depression diagnoses and the frequent origin of later-life (mental) illnesses during this period, surprisingly scarce research for Germany addresses emerging adulthood, and particularly health implications regarding social milestones like school-to-work transitions. To address this gap, we aim to investigate the relationship between school-to-work transitions and Health-related Quality of Life (HRQOL), using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel 2002–2017. The findings reveal slight associations between school-to-work transitions and HRQOL. Successful completion of out-of-school education is positively associated with both mental (MCS) and physical (PCS) HRQOL, predominantly among women. For labor market entry, a modest increase in MCS is observed primarily among men. These results suggest slightly positive associations between school-to-work transitions and HRQOL of emerging adults in Germany. While short-term health implications seem limited, potential heightening effects from cumulative transitions or long-term consequences remain unobserved and call for continued attention on emerging adulthood in life course research.
Selections from the 2024 Case Writing Competition: Business Communication Case and Student Example
Authors: Dolechek Rachel , Hileman Addie , O’Brien Kelley
Published: December 2024

As part of the Association for Business Communication Student Case Competition, this article features a case study written by ABC member Rachel Dolechek. The case was blind reviewed and selected by the ABC Student Competition Committee. ABC membership utilized the case in their classrooms throughout 2024 and submitted top student examples for the 2024 Case Writing Competition. A submission from Addie Hileman, sponsored by Kelley O’Brien, was selected as the top student case writer after evaluation by the ABC Student Competition Committee and a marketing business professional. The student’s message serves as a teaching example within this article.
The Role of Respect and Collaborative Decision Making on Diabetes Care Factors Among Nonpregnant Women of Reproductive Age With Diabetes in the United States
Authors: Brannon Grace Ellen , Kindratt Tiffany B. , Brown Kyrah K.
Published: December 2024

This study used the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data (2010-2018) to examine associations between diabetes patients’ satisfaction with their provider and ratings of healthcare received, diabetes care self-efficacy, and monitoring adherence among nonpregnant reproductive age women with diabetes. The sample included nonpregnant women of childbearing age (18-45) with diabetes mellitus (n = 767; weighted n = 1.3 million women). The results indicated that patients who reported that their usual care provider always asked/showed respect for medical, traditional, and alternative treatments that the person is happy with had 2.59 times greater odds (95% confidence interval [CI]:1.32-5.10) of giving high ratings of healthcare (8-10) compared to those whose provider did not show respect for treatments. Results also showed that patients who reported they were asked to decide between a choice of treatments had 1.76 greater odds (95% CI:1.03-3.01) of diabetes care monitoring adherence. Findings demonstrate the importance of patient-centered communication experiences in relation to diabetes care monitoring adherence. Implications of the findings for clinical encounters are discussed.
“Strike with the magic dagger!” A Naxi phur ba manuscript and the Dunhuang connection
Authors: Poupard Duncan
Published: December 2024

This article presents preliminary readings from an unusual Naxi manuscript in the Leiden University Libraries Naxi Dongba manuscripts collection, OR. 26.042. This manuscript is indecipherable (likely recording a Tibetan dharani), except for three sections at the beginning, middle, and end, translations of which are presented here. I propose that is the only extant Naxi manuscript to record a full phur ba (magic dagger) rite, and as such is of specific Naxiological interest. Connections can be drawn between this manuscript and Tibetan texts from Dunhuang, and thus it may represent the continuation of many centuries of written heritage in the Himalayan region.
Recent overview of lexical studies of personality terms in Japan
Authors: Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Oshio Atsushi
Published: December 2024

The Big Five, originating from English lexical studies, is widely used as a framework for personality in Japan. In contrast, the results of Japanese lexical studies are not widely applied as a framework for Japanese personality, despite the fact that such research has been conducted since the 1950s. This study briefly reviews the history of Japanese lexical studies and focuses on two studies conducted in the early 2000s. These studies were contrasting in that one study focused on replicating the Big Five, while the other also examined Japanese unique personality structure. Reflecting on the five-factor and eleven-factor solutions reported in both studies, the factor content is interpreted in light of lexical studies’ findings in other countries. Finally, future issues for lexical research in Japan are discussed.
Therapeutic potential of human breast milk-derived exosomes in necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Di Si-Jia , Cui Xue-wei , Liu Tian-Jing , Shi Yong-Yan
Published: December 2024

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe inflammatory and necrotizing disease of the intestine that primarily affects the neonates, particularly premature infants. It has a high incidence of approximately 8.9% in extremely preterm infants, with a mortality rate ranging from 20 to 30%. In recent years, exosomes, particularly those derived from breast milk, have emerged as potential candidates for NEC therapy. Human breast milk-derived exosomes (BME) have been shown to enhance intestinal barrier function, protect intestinal epithelial cells from oxidative stress, promote the proliferation and migration of intestinal epithelial cells, and reduce the severity of experimental NEC models. As a subset of extracellular vesicles, BME possess the membrane structure, low immunogenicity, and high permeability, making them ideal vehicles for the treatment of NEC. Additionally, exosomes derived from various sources, including stem cells, intestinal epithelial cells, plants, and bacteria, have been implicated in the development and protection of intestinal diseases. This article summarizes the mechanisms through which exosomes, particularly BME, exert their effects on NEC and discusses the feasibility and obstacles associated with this novel therapeutic strategy.
Specialization of the brain for language in children with Fragile X Syndrome: a functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy study
Authors: Smith Elizabeth , Dominick Kelli C. , Schmitt Lauren M. , Pedapati Ernest V. , Erickson Craig A.
Published: December 2024

Specialization of the brain for language is early emerging and essential for language learning in young children. Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a neurogenetic disorder marked by high rates of delays in both expressive and receptive language, but neural activation patterns during speech and language processing are unknown. We report results of a functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) study of responses to speech and nonspeech sounds in the auditory cortex in a sample of 2- to 10-year-old children with FXS and typically developing controls (FXS n = 23, TDC n = 15, mean age = 6.44 and 7.07 years, respectively). Specifically, we measured changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin in the auditory cortex during blocks of speech and nonspeech matched noise in children with FXS and sex-and-age-matched controls. Similar to controls, children with FXS showed hemodynamic change consistent with neural activation of the primary auditory regions for speech as well as leftward lateralization for speech sound processing, strength of which was associated with higher verbal abilities in FXS. However, while controls showed neural differentiation of speech and nonspeech in the left auditory cortex, children with FXS did not demonstrate differentiation of the two conditions in this study. In addition, the children with FXS showed a greater neural activation to the nonspeech condition overall. Overall, these results suggest that basic patterns of neural activation for speech are present in FXS in childhood, but neural response to nonspeech sounds may differ in FXS when compared to controls.
A service evaluation of the implementation of a novel digital intervention for hypertension self-monitoring and management system in primary care (SHIP): protocol for a mixed methods study
Authors: Smith Anne , Tucker Katherine L , Barnes Rebecca K , Drakesmith Cynthia Wright , Agwunobi Adaku , Bateman Paul A. , Forbes Anna , de Lusignan Simon , Ford Gary A , Fujiwara Takeshi , Hobbs FD Richard , Koshiaris Constantinos , Mant Jonathan , McKinstry Brian , Pollock Stephanie , Rice Cathy , Yang Yaling , McManus Richard J.
Published: December 2024

Background

Hypertension is a key risk factor for death and disability, and blood pressure reduction is associated with significant reductions in cardiovascular risk. Large trials have shown that interventions including self-monitoring of blood pressure can reduce blood pressure but real-world data from wider implementation are lacking.

Aim

The self-monitoring and management service evaluation in primary care (SHIP) study will evaluate a novel digital intervention for hypertension management and medication titration platform (“Hypertension-Plus”) that is currently undergoing initial implementation into primary care in several parts of the UK.

Methods and analyses

The study will use a mixed methods approach including both quantitative analysis of anonymised electronic health record data and qualitative analyses of interview and customer support log data. Pseudonymised data will be extracted from electronic health records and outcomes compared between those using the digital intervention and their own historical data, as well as to those not registered to the system. The primary outcome will be difference in systolic blood pressure in the 12 months before and after implementation. A further analysis will utilise self-monitored blood pressure data from the Hypertension-Plus system itself. Semi-structured qualitative interviews will be completed with implementation and clinical leads, staff and patients in six general practices located in two different geographical areas in England. Informed by the non-adoption, abandonment, scale-up, spread, and sustainability (NASSS) framework, our analysis will identify the challenges to successful implementation and sustainability of the digital intervention in routine clinical practice and in patients’ homes.

Ethics and dissemination

The analyses of pseudonymised data were assessed by the sponsor (The University of Oxford) as service evaluation not requiring individual consent and hence did not require ethical approval. Ethics approval for the qualitative analyses was provided by Wales REC 4 (21/WA/0280) and individual written informed consent will be gained for all participants. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at national and international conferences and disseminated via patient and health service organisations.

Discussion

This study will provide an in-depth analysis of the impact and acceptance of initial implementation of a novel digital intervention, enhancing our understanding and supporting more effective implementation of telemonitoring based hypertension management systems for blood pressure control in England.
Initial experience of a novel ureteral silicon-covered metallic mesh stent in malignant ureteric obstruction: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Lee Chung Un , Choo Seol Ho , Chung Jae Hoon , Han Deok Hyun
Published: December 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate initial experiences and outcomes of a retrograde inserted new silicone-covered metallic ureteric stent (Urexel™) for malignant ureteric obstruction.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records for 12 consecutive patients who underwent Urexel™ stent placement for malignant ureteric obstruction from March 2020 to March 2021. The Urexel™ stent is a segmental metallic ureteric stent composed of a nitinol mesh covered with a silicone membrane. We evaluated the clinical outcomes and complications of this new metallic ureteric stent.

Results

The median age of patients was 61.5 (44–82) years, and the median follow-up was 25.5 (4–37) months. One of the 12 patients underwent bilateral stent insertion, Urexel™ stents were placed in a total of 13 ureteral units. There was no technical failure during stent placement. The median length of obstructions was 9 (1–22) cm. Balloon dilation was necessary in 38.5% (5/13 ureter units) of cases. The 6-month success rate was 83.3%, 1-year success rate was 70%, and estimated success rate was 44.4% at 2-year. Encrustation, migration and hyperplasia were the cause of overall treatment failure in all 6 cases of failure, with median elapsed time to failure of 9.5 (1–30) months. Common complications included persistent pain, acute pyelonephritis, and lower urinary tract symptoms, but they were Clavien-Dindo grade I or II.

Conclusions

In this initial series of novel ureteral silicon-covered metallic mesh stents, Urexel™ provided acceptable success and complication rate in malignant ureteric obstructions.
Lipid production from biofilms of Marinobacter atlanticus in a fixed bed bioreactor
Authors: Yates Matthew D. , Mickol Rebecca L. , Tolsma Joseph S. , Beasley Maryssa , Shepard Jamia , Glaven Sarah M.
Published: December 2024

Background

Biotechnologies that utilize microorganisms as production hosts for lipid synthesis will enable an efficient and sustainable solution to produce lipids, decreasing reliance on traditional routes for production (either petrochemical or plant-derived) and supporting a circular bioeconomy. To realize this goal, continuous biomanufacturing processes must be developed to maximize productivity and minimize costs compared to traditional batch fermentation processes.

Results

Here, we utilized biofilms of the marine bacterium, Marinobacter atlanticus, to produce wax esters from succinate (i.e., a non-sugar feedstock) to determine its potential to serve as a production chassis in a continuous flow, biofilm-based biomanufacturing process. To accomplish this, we evaluated growth as a function of protein concentration and wax ester production from M. atlanticus biofilms in a continuously operated 3-D printed fixed bed bioreactor. We determined that exposing M. atlanticus biofilms to alternating nitrogen-rich (1.8 mM NH4+) and nitrogen-poor (0 mM NH4+) conditions in the bioreactor resulted in wax ester production (26 ± 5 mg/L, normalized to reactor volume) at a similar concentration to what is observed from planktonic M. atlanticus cells grown in shake flasks previously in our lab (ca. 25 mg/L cell culture). The wax ester profile was predominated by multiple compounds with 32 carbon chain length (C32; 50–60% of the total). Biomass production in the reactor was positively correlated with dilution rate, as indicated by protein concentration (maximum of 1380 ± 110 mg/L at 0.4 min−1 dilution rate) and oxygen uptake rate (maximum of 4 mmol O2/L/h at 0.4 min−1 dilution rate) measurements at different flow rates. Further, we determined the baseline succinate consumption rate for M. atlanticus biofilms to be 0.16 ± 0.03 mmol/L/h, which indicated that oxygen is the limiting reactant in the process.

Conclusion

The results presented here are the first step toward demonstrating that M. atlanticus biofilms can be used as the basis for development of a continuous flow wax ester biomanufacturing process from non-sugar feedstocks, which will further enable sustainable lipid production in a future circular bioeconomy
An integrated “Engage & Evasion” approach for mononuclear phagocyte system escape and efficient extracellular vesicle therapy
Authors: Liu Hongman , Li Mengting , Xiang Bing , Yang Ziying , Cao Shiyu , Gong Wen , Li Jingjing , Zhou Wenjing , Ding Liang , Tang Qingsong , Wang Shengnan , Tang Jin , Fan Zixuan , He Ke , Jiang Xuan , Shen Zhenya , Chen Weiqian , Hui Jie
Published: December 2024

Ischemic diseases are major contributors to global morbidity and mortality, posing a substantial threat to human health. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an essential role in enhancing neovascularization in ischemic tissues, thereby facilitating tissue repair and regeneration. However, the utilization of EVs is hindered by their rapid uptake and clearance by the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS), which markedly impedes their therapeutic efficacy and organ-specific accumulation. Notably, CD47, upon binding to signal regulatory protein alpha, initiates a “don’t eat me” signal, enabling immune evasion from the MPS. Our research has demonstrated that phagocytes predominantly engulf CD47low dendritic DC2.4 cell-derived EVs (DV), while engineered CD47high EVs (MV47) experience minimal ingestion. Leveraging these findings, we have developed a dual-faceted “Engage & Evasion” strategy. Initially, DVs were employed to saturate the MPS, serving as the “engage” component. Subsequently, MV47, fortified with CD47, was introduced for “evasion” purposes. This approach effectively minimized entrapment by the liver and spleen, boosted serum concentration, and enhanced final accumulation in non-MPS organs. In summary, our “Engage & Evasion” therapeutic strategy offers a promising avenue to enhance EV therapeutic potential against ischemic challenges through improved systemic distribution.
Metabolism-related proteins as biomarkers for predicting prognosis in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Ding Nan , Wang Ruifang , Wang Peili , Wang Fang
Published: December 2024

Objective

The study aimed to explore the role of metabolism-related proteins and their correlation with clinical data in predicting the prognosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

This research involves a secondary analysis of proteomic data derived from endometrial samples collected from our study group, which includes 33 PCOS patients and 7 control subjects. A comprehensive identification and analysis of 4425 proteins were conducted to screened differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were subsequently performed on the DEPs. To identify independent prognostic metabolism-related proteins, univariate Cox regression and LASSO regression were applied. The expression levels of these proteins were then used to develop a prognostic model, with their predictive accuracy evaluated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration curves. Furthermore, we also investigate the correlation between clinical data and prognostic proteins.

Results

The study identified 285 DEPs between the PCOS and control groups. GO enrichment analysis revealed significant involvement in metabolic processes, while KEGG pathway analysis highlighted pathways such as glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and glucagon signaling. Ten key metabolism-related proteins (ACSL5, ANPEP, CYB5R3, ENOPH1, GLS, GLUD1, LDHB, PLCD1, PYCR2, and PYCR3) were identified as significant predictors of PCOS prognosis. Patients were separated into high and low-risk groups according to the risk score. The ROC curves for predicting outcomes at 6, 28, and 37 weeks demonstrated excellent predictive performance, with AUC values of 0.98, 1.0, and 1.0, respectively. The nomogram constructed from these proteins provided a reliable tool for predicting pregnancy outcomes. DCA indicated a net benefit of the model across various risk thresholds, and the calibration curve confirmed the model’s accuracy. Additionally, we also found BMI exhibited a significant negative correlation with the expression of GLS (r =-0.44, p = 0.01) and CHO showed a significant positive correlation with the expression of LDHB (r = 0.35, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

The identified metabolism-related proteins provide valuable insights into the prognosis of PCOS. The protein based prognostic model offers a robust and reliable tool for risk stratification and personalized management of PCOS patients.
Trophic niche adaptation of mountain frogs around the Sichuan Basin: individual specialization and response to climate variations
Authors: Cui Kaiyue , Yang Shengnan , Hu Junhua
Published: December 2024

Background

Climatic and geographic variations have profound effects on the resource utilization of individuals and populations. Evaluating resource use in different environments is crucial for understanding species ecological adaptation strategies and promoting biodiversity conservation. Stable isotopes are widely used to assess trophic niches, providing quantitative indicators of ecological interactions between organisms and resource use in ecosystems. This study assesses the trophic niche traits of spiny-bellied frogs (Quasipaa boulengeri) in the marginal mountains of the Sichuan Basin in southwestern China using stable isotopes. Trophic niche variation under different time periods and environmental conditions is explored.

Results

The spiny-bellied frogs experienced a significant reduction in trophic niche width during the past breeding season. The populations in the northwestern Sichuan Basin had a greater trophic niche width than the southeastern populations, and their δ15N values showed a positive correlation with temperature seasonality and a negative correlation with annual precipitation. Despite differences between the northwestern and southeastern populations, there was a consistent trend of increased individual specialization with latitude in both the northwestern and southeastern regions.

Conclusions

Ontogenetic niche shifts and differences in trophic niche traits between the northwestern and southeastern populations indicate diverse adaptation strategies in mountain frogs. The findings underscore the impact of geographical and climate variations on the resource utilization of amphibians. In addition, patterns of individual specialization highlight the significance of considering intra- and interpopulational changes when studying ecological adaptation.
Accuracy deficits during robotic time-constrained reaching are related to altered prefrontal cortex activity in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Khan Owais A. , Singh Tarkeshwar , Barany Deborah A. , Modlesky Christopher M.
Published: December 2024

Background

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is an important node for action planning in the frontoparietal reaching network but its role in reaching in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is unexplored. This case–control study combines a robotic task with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to concurrently assess reaching accuracy and PFC activity during time-constrained, goal-directed reaching in children with CP. We hypothesized that reaching accuracy in children with CP would be lower than in typically developing children and would be related to PFC activity.

Methods

Fourteen children with spastic CP (5-11 y; Manual Ability Classification System level I-II) and 14 age-, sex- and arm dominance-matched typically developing controls performed seated uniplanar reaches with a robotic arm (KINARM End-Point Lab) to hit visual targets projected onto a screen. Four blocks of 10 reaching trials each were performed for each arm. Time constraint (high, low) was varied across blocks by changing the time participants had to hit the target.

Results

Children with CP displayed lower reaching accuracy compared to controls, with greater deficits observed in the non-preferred arm (d = 1.916, p < 0.001) than the preferred arm (d = 1.033, p = 0.011). Inter-limb differences in accuracy were observed only in children with CP (d = 0.839, p < 0.001). PFC activity differed across groups during preferred arm reaching, with PFC deactivation observed in children with CP under high time constraints compared to PFC activation in controls (d = 1.086, p = 0.006). Children with CP also exhibited lower PFC activity under high time constraint compared to low time constraint in the preferred arm (d = 0.702, p = 0.001). PFC activity was positively related to reaching accuracy across time constraints in both arms in children with CP, but not in controls.

Conclusions

Contrasting patterns of PFC activity observed in children with CP compared to age- and sex-matched controls during a robotic reaching task lends support for the concurrent use of fNIRS and robotics to assess goal-directed reaching in CP.

Trial Registration: Data collected as part of a larger randomized controlled trial; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03484078
Quality assurance of hyperspectral imaging systems for neural network supported plant phenotyping
Authors: Detring Justus , Barreto Abel , Mahlein Anne-Katrin , Paulus Stefan
Published: December 2024

Background

This research proposes an easy to apply quality assurance pipeline for hyperspectral imaging (HSI) systems used for plant phenotyping. Furthermore, a concept for the analysis of quality assured hyperspectral images to investigate plant disease progress is proposed. The quality assurance was applied to a handheld line scanning HSI-system consisting of evaluating spatial and spectral quality parameters as well as the integrated illumination. To test the spatial accuracy at different working distances, the sine-wave-based spatial frequency response (s-SFR) was analysed. The spectral accuracy was assessed by calculating the correlation of calibration-material measurements between the HSI-system and a non-imaging spectrometer. Additionally, different illumination systems were evaluated by analysing the spectral response of sugar beet canopies. As a use case, time series HSI measurements of sugar beet plants infested with Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) were performed to estimate the disease severity using convolutional neural network (CNN) supported data analysis.

Results

The measurements of the calibration material were highly correlated with those of the non-imaging spectrometer (r>0.99). The resolution limit was narrowly missed at each of the tested working distances. Slight sharpness differences within individual images could be detected. The use of the integrated LED illumination for HSI can cause a distortion of the spectral response at 677nm and 752nm. The performance for CLS diseased pixel detection of the established CNN was sufficient to estimate a reliable disease severity progression from quality assured hyperspectral measurements with external illumination.

Conclusion

The quality assurance pipeline was successfully applied to evaluate a handheld HSI-system. The s-SFR analysis is a valuable method for assessing the spatial accuracy of HSI-systems. Comparing measurements between HSI-systems and a non-imaging spectrometer can provide reliable results on the spectral accuracy of the tested system. This research emphasizes the importance of evenly distributed diffuse illumination for HSI. Although the tested system showed shortcomings in image resolution, sharpness, and illumination, the high spectral accuracy of the tested HSI-system, supported by external illumination, enabled the establishment of a neural network-based concept to determine the severity and progression of CLS. The data driven quality assurance pipeline can be easily applied to any other HSI-system to ensure high quality HSI.
Integrated analysis of metabolome, lipidome, and gut microbiome reveals the immunomodulation of Astragali radix in healthy human subjects
Authors: Gui Wan-Yu , Yin Jun-Gang , Liao Jian-Cheng , Luo Hui-Zhi , You Qing , Gong Jia-Hui , Xiang Jie , Zou Jian-Dong , Li Chang-Yin
Published: December 2024

Background

As a typical medicinal food homology species, Chinese herbal medicine Astragali radix (AR) has been widely used to regulate the human immune system worldwide. However, the human immunomodulation of AR and its corresponding mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods

First, following a fortnight successive AR administration, the changes in immune cytokines and immune cells from 20 healthy human subjects were used as immune indicators to characterize the immunomodulatory effects of AR. Subsequently, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) based lipidomics and metabolomics analysis was performed on human serum, urine, and feces samples to investigate the changes in metabolic profiles. Then, 16S rRNA gene sequencing of feces samples was adopted for the changes of human gut microbiota. Finally, correlation analysis was conducted on the gut microbiome, metabolome/lipidome data, and immune indicators.

Results

AR displayed good safety in clinical use and posed a minor impact on gut microbiota major genera, global metabolic profiles, and immune cells. Meanwhile, AR could significantly up-regulate anti-inflammatory cytokines, down-regulate serum creatinine and pro-inflammatory cytokines, promote the anabolism of arginine, glycerolipid, sphingolipid, and purine, and the catabolism of phenylalanine and glycerophospholipid. Moreover, these AR-induced changes were closely correlated with significantly decreased Granulicatella, slightly higher Bifidobacterium, Ruminococcus, and Subdoligranulum, and slightly lower Blautia.

Conclusion

The study clearly demonstrated that AR could modulate the human immune, by modifying the metabolism of amino acids, lipids, and purines in a microbiota-related way.

Trial registration ChiCTR, ChiCTR2100054765. Registered 26 December 2021-Prospectively registered, https://www.chictr.org.cn/historyversionpub.html?regno=ChiCTR2100054765
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses type 7 (CLN7): a case series reporting cross sectional and retrospective clinical data to evaluate validity of standardized tools to assess disease progression, quality of life, and adaptive skills
Authors: Kayani Saima , BordesEdgar Veronica , Lowden Andrea , Nettesheim Emily R. , Dahshi Hamza , Messahel Souad , Minassian Berge A. , Greenberg Benjamin M.
Published: December 2024

Background

This study evaluated the clinical characteristics of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 7 or CLN7 disease spectrum to characterize the clinical, electrophysiologic and neuroimaging phenotypes.

Methods

We performed a single-center cross sectional data collection along with retrospective medical chart review in patients with a genetic diagnosis of CLN7. This study received ethical approval by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Institutional Review Board. A total of 8 patients were included between the ages of 4 to 6 years. All patients had a genetic diagnosis of CLN7 with homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the MFSD8 gene. The information collected includes patient demographics, developmental history, neurological events including seizures and neurodevelopmental regression along with further evaluation of brain magnetic resonance imaging and electrophysiological findings. The clinical phenotype is described through cross sectional and retrospective data collection and standardized tools assessing quality of life and functional skills.

Results

Our findings in this cohort of CLN7 patients indicated that development is initially normal with onset of clinical symptoms as early as two years of age. Language problems were noted prior to or at the onset of seizures in all cases. Gait problems were noted prior to seizure onset in 3 of 8 patients, and at or within 6 months after the onset of seizures in 5 of 8 patients. All patients followed a progressive course of language, motor, and neurocognitive deterioration. Congruent with the medical history, our patients had significantly low scores on adaptive abilities. Natural history data such as this can be used to support future clinical trial designs.

Conclusions

This study provides a comprehensive description of CLN7 disease, highlighting clinical data alongside standardized neuropsychological assessments, neuroimaging, and electrophysiologic data. It emphasizes the value of importance of standardized tools for understanding disease phenotype and their potential use as endpoints in future clinical trials. The findings established can provide a baseline for developing future prospective natural history studies and potential therapeutic clinical trials.