bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To be or not to be on: aspirin and coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: Gupta Aashray K. , Kovoor Joshua G. , Leslie Alasdair , Litwin Peter , Stretton Brandon , Zaka Ammar , Kovoor Pramesh , Bacchi Stephen , Bennetts Jayme S. , Maddern Guy J.
Published: August 2024

Aspirin's role in secondary prevention for patients with known coronary artery disease (CAD) is well established, validated by numerous landmark trials over the past several decades. However, its perioperative use in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery remains contentious due to the delicate balance between the risks of thrombosis and bleeding. While continuation of aspirin in patients undergoing CABG following acute coronary syndrome is widely supported due to the high risk of re-infarction, the evidence is less definitive for elective CABG procedures. The literature indicates a significant benefit of aspirin in reducing cardiovascular events in CAD patients, yet its impact on perioperative outcomes in CABG surgery is less clear. Some studies suggest increased bleeding risks without substantial improvement in cardiac outcomes. Specific to elective CABG, evidence is mixed, with some data indicating no significant difference in thrombotic or bleeding complications whether aspirin is continued or withheld preoperatively. Advancements in pharmacological therapies and perioperative care have evolved significantly since the initial aspirin trials, raising questions about the contemporary relevance of earlier findings. Individualized patient assessments and the development of risk stratification tools are needed to optimize perioperative aspirin use in CABG surgery. Further research is essential to establish clearer guidelines and improve patient outcomes. The objective of this review is to critically evaluate the existing evidence into the optimal management of perioperative aspirin in elective CABG patients.
Threshold effect of physical exercise on its association to diabetes mellitus in short sleep population: evidence from a nationwide study
Authors: You Yanwei , Ablitip Alimjan , Lin Yanyu , Tang Meihua , Qian Wenxuan , Zhang Danyi , Tong Yuanyuan , Ding Hao , Chen Keshuo , Liu Jianxiu , Ma Xindong
Published: August 2024

Background

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant public health concern, especially among individuals with short sleep duration. Understanding the relationship between physical exercise and DM in this population is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. However, the presence of a potential threshold effect of exercise on DM risk remains unclear.

Methods

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 2007 to 2018, this population-based study investigated the association between physical exercise and DM in individuals with short sleep duration (no more than 7 hours per night). Weighted logistic regression analyses were conducted, adjusting for demographic and lifestyle factors. Additionally, a two-piecewise linear regression model was employed to identify any threshold effect of exercise on DM risk.

Results

This study included 15,092 participants identified with short sleep duration. Demographic characteristics stratified by DM status indicate higher prevalence among certain groups, such as middle-aged and older adults, males, and non-Hispanic Whites. The analysis revealed an inverse association between exercise levels and DM prevalence among the short sleep population. In the fully adjusted model, individuals engaging in sufficient exercise (> 600 MET-minutes/week) exhibited significantly reduced odds of developing DM [OR (95% CI): 0.624(0.527,0.738), p < 0.001]. Furthermore, the segmented regression model identified an inflection point at 2000 MET-minutes/week, below which a significant correlation between exercise and DM was observed.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence of a threshold effect of physical exercise on its association with DM in individuals with short sleep duration. Tailored exercise interventions targeting this population may help mitigate DM risk and improve overall health outcomes. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore optimal exercise thresholds for DM prevention strategies.
ESG ratings and corporate success: analyzing the environmental governance impact on Chinese companies’ performance
Authors: Chen Sidi , Fan Min
Published: August 2024

This study explores the impact of ESG ratings on corporate performance, focusing on achieving sustainable development and corporate sustainability through innovation within the context of high-quality global economic growth. In recent years, ESG ratings have garnered significant attention in the financial sector, influencing corporate strategy and performance management. While some argue that ESG activities might detract from profitability, others highlight that firms with strong ESG performance can access low-cost capital, thereby enhancing overall performance. Using a sample of China’s A-share listed companies from 2009 to 2021, this research examines the influence and mechanisms of ESG ratings on corporate performance. The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between ESG ratings and corporate performance, which remains robust after rigorous testing. Mediation analysis reveals that ESG ratings improve corporate performance by alleviating financing constraints and enhancing corporate reputation. Furthermore, the performance-enhancing effects of ESG ratings are more pronounced in firms with robust internal controls and private enterprises. This research provides empirical evidence to support stronger ESG investment and the refinement of the ESG rating system.
Computational fluid dynamic analysis of the effect of inlet valve closing timing on common rail diesel engines fueled with butanol–diesel blends
Authors: Lamani Venkatesh T. , Shivaprasad K. V. , Roy Dibyendu , Yadav Ajay Kumar , Kumar G. N.
Published: August 2024

The inlet valve closing (IVC) timing plays a crucial role in engine combustion, which impacts engine performance and emissions. This study attempts to measure the potential to use n-butanol (Bu) and its blends with the neat diesel in a common rail direct injection (CRDI) engine. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation is carried out to estimate the performance, combustion, and exhaust emission characteristics of n-butanol–diesel blends (0%–30% by volume) for variable valve timings. An experimental study is carried out using standard valve timing and blends to validate the CFD model (ESE AVL FIRE). After validation, the CFD model is employed to study the effect of variable valve timings for different n-butanol–diesel blends. Extended coherent flame model-3 zone (ECFM-3Z) is implemented to conduct combustion analysis, and the kappa–zeta–f (k–ζ–f) model is employed for turbulence modeling. The inlet valve closing (IVC) time is varied (advanced and retarded) from standard conditions, and optimized valve timing is obtained. Advancing IVC time leads to lower cylinder pressure during compression due to reduced trapped air mass. The brake thermal efficiency (BTE) is increased by 4.5%, 6%, and 8% for Bu10, Bu20, and Bu30, respectively, compared to Bu0. Based on BTE, optimum injection timings are obtained at 12° before the top dead center (BTDC) for Bu0 and 15° BTDC for Bu10, Bu20, and Bu30. Nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions increase due to complete combustion. Due to IVC timing, further carbon monoxide and soot formation decreased with blends and had an insignificant effect.
Research on supply-demand balance in China’s five southern provinces amidst fluctuations in regional wind and solar power generation and transmission faults
Authors: Zeng Jincan , Tang Lang , Liu Minwei , Huang Guori , Shang Nan , Liu Xi , Ren Songyan , Wang Peng
Published: August 2024

To investigate the supply-demand balance of regional power systems under extreme scenarios, this study employs the high-resolution power optimization model SWITCH-China to simulate the regional heterogeneity and randomness of extreme weather events in detail. Focusing on the five southern provinces, this study explores various impacts on the power generation side and the grid side under scenarios of reduced wind and solar power output, transmission line failures, and combined scenarios, proposing strategies for constructing a new power system. The main conclusions are: the reduction in wind and solar power output significantly affects provinces with a high proportion of these installations, like Guizhou, necessitating other stable power generation forms to compensate. Transmission line failures notably impact provinces like Guangdong, which rely heavily on imported electricity, requiring increased investment in new wind and solar installations and more self-generated power to offset the reduction in imported electricity. The combination of these factors amplifies their individual impacts, leading to the highest carbon reduction and electricity costs. The simulation results of this study are valuable for China’s five southern provinces in coping with extreme scenarios. As these provinces work on building a new power system and gradually retire fossil fuel units, they should expand the number and capacity of inter-provincial high-voltage transmission lines while considering system economics. Additionally, accelerating the deployment of energy storage is crucial for maintaining power system stability.
Case report: Additional variants induced sudden cardiac death among pediatric ACM with DSG2 homozygous mutant genotype: a report of three cases
Authors: Wei Meng , Li Yifei , Liu Xiaoliang , Zhou Kaiyu , Qiu Yu , Liu Lei , Huang Lili , Liu Zhongqiang
Published: August 2024

Background

Mutations in genes encoding desmosomal proteins are the leading cause of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM). The majority of the inherited ACM cases demonstrate autosomal dominant genotype. Several cases with the homozygous DSG2 c.1592T>G (p.F531C) variant genotype demonstrate adverse clinical outcomes, but the roles of associated genetic mutations are not clear. In this report, we describe three ACM cases with the homozygous DSG2 c.1592T>G (p.F531C) variant genotype combined with additional heterozygous cardiomyopathy-related genetic mutations that cause aggravated clinical manifestations and worse clinical outcomes.

Case presentation

The three reported probands demonstrated similar clinical presentations such as heart failure, cardiac enlargement, and lethal arrhythmias. All of them experienced sudden cardiac death (SCD) before undergoing implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or heart transplantations. Whole-exome sequencing analysis demonstrated that the three patients inherited the homozygous DSG2 c.1592T>G (p.F531C) variant. Furthermore, probands I, II, and III also inherited additional heterozygous cardiomyopathy-associated mutations, including DSP c.7883T>C, SCN5a c.3577C>T, or MYH7 c.427C>T, respectively. These variants were confirmed as pathogenetic variants. A systematic review of all the reported ACM cases with the homozygous DSG2 variants suggested that the additional genetic mutations contributed to the early age onset of ACM and lethal cardiac events.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we report three rare cases of ACM with the same homozygous DSG2 variant in combination with additional heterozygous mutations in cardiomyopathy-associated genes. A systematic review of all the ACM cases with homozygous DSG2 variants demonstrated that the additional genetic variants contributed to the aggravated clinical manifestations and worse clinical symptoms of the ACM patients because of homozygous DSG2 mutations, including early disease onset and lethal cardiac events. Our data suggested that comprehensive genetic evaluation should be performed to identify any potential additional pathogenic variants that may significantly influence the clinical prognosis and outcomes of patients with ACM. The knowledge of underlying molecular mutations would be useful in designing better therapeutic strategies for ACM patients with multiple genetic mutations.
Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio based prognostic nomogram for patients following allogeneic vascular replacement pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Ye Xiao-Wen , Wang Zu-Yu , Shao Yun-Xia , Tang Ying-Chun , Dong Xiong-Jun , Zhu Ya-Ning
Published: August 2024

Background

Preoperative immune-inflammatory condition influencing the metabolism of malignancies. We sought to investigate the prognostic value of a novel immune-inflammatory metabolic marker, the monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR), in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 118 patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer and obstructive jaundice who underwent allogeneic vascular replacement pancreaticoduodenectomy in our hospital from Apr. 2011 to Dec. 2023. To assess the predictive capacity of immune-inflammatory metabolic marker, we utilized the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) and assessed the predictive potential of MHR in forecasting outcomes through both univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses.

Results

The area under AUC for MHR in predicting 1-year postoperative survival was 0.714, with an optimal cutoff value of 1.184, yielding a sensitivity of 78.9% and specificity of 66.2%. Based on this cutoff value, patients were divided into a low MHR group (MHR ≤1.184, n = 61) and a high MHR group (MHR >1.184, n = 57). The median survival times for the low and high MHR groups were 27.0 months and 12.0 months, respectively (χ2 = 30.575, p < 0.001), and the median DFS were 18.0 months and 8.0 months, respectively (χ2 = 26.330, p < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that preoperative MHR, preoperative creatinine, operation duration, and TNM stage were independent predictors of postoperative mortality, while preoperative MHR, preoperative creatinine, and TNM stage were independent predictors of postoperative recurrence risk.

Conclusion

MHR, as an independent immune-inflammatory metabolic predictor of OS and DFS in patients with advanced PC after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Early monitoring and reduction of MHR may be of great significance in improving prognosis.
Anaerobic soil disinfestation: a biologically-based solution for sustainable crop production
Authors: Meshram Shweta , Philbrick Ashley N. , Adhikari Tika B.
Published: August 2024

Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) is a novel, eco-friendly method to improve soil health. This method creates oxygen-free conditions by adding organic amendments as a carbon source, saturating the soil to field capacity, and then covering it with plastic. These anaerobic conditions reduce soilborne pathogens, enhance microbial diversity, and increase crop productivity. This review provides an overview of the different organic amendments used in ASD, their impact on managing soilborne pathogens, the role of beneficial microbiomes, and the challenges associated with adopting ASD. It also emphasizes the potential benefits of ASD and the innovative approach to advancing it for sustainable agriculture.
Sirtuin 6 inhibits group 3 innate lymphoid cell function and gut immunity by suppressing IL-22 production
Authors: Su Xiaohui , Zhao Linfeng , Zhang Huasheng , Wang Dongdi , Sun Jiping , Shen Lei
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) are enriched in the intestinal mucosa and play important roles in host defense against infection and inflammatory diseases. Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)- dependent deacetylase and has been shown to control intestinal epithelial cell differentiation and survival. However, the role of SIRT6 in ILC3s remains unknown.

Methods

To investigate the role of SIRT6 in gut ILC3s, we generated SIRT6 conditional knockout mice by crossing Rorccre and Sirt6flox/flox mice. Cell number and cytokine production was examined using flow cytometry. Citrobacter rodentium infection and dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis models were used to determine the role of SIRT6 in gut defense. RT-qPCR, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the intestinal inflammatory responses.

Results

Here we show that SIRT6 inhibits IL-22 expression in intestinal ILC3s in a cell-intrinsic manner. Deletion of SIRT6 in ILC3s does not affect the cell numbers of total ILC3s and subsets, but results in increased IL-22 production. Furthermore, ablation of SIRT6 in ILC3s protects mice against Citrobacter rodentium infection and dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis. Our results suggest that SIRT6 may play a role in ILC3 function by regulating gut immune responses against bacterial infection and inflammation.

Discussion

Our finding provided insight into the relation of epigenetic regulators with IL-22 production and supplied a new perspective for a potential strategy against inflammatory bowel disease.
Metagenomic versus targeted next-generation sequencing for detection of microorganisms in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid among renal transplantation recipients
Authors: Huang Zhaoru , Hu Bingxue , Li Jinfeng , Feng Min , Wang Zhigang , Huang Fengxiang , Xu Huan , Liu Lei , Shang Wenjun
Published: August 2024

Background

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), which provides untargeted and unbiased pathogens detection, has been extensively applied to improve diagnosis of pulmonary infection. This study aimed to compare the clinical performance between mNGS and targeted NGS (tNGS) for microbial detection and identification in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from kidney transplantation recipients (KTRs).

Methods

BALF samples with microbiological results from mNGS and conventional microbiological test (CMT) were included. For tNGS, samples were extracted, amplified by polymerase chain reaction with pathogen-specific primers, and sequenced on an Illumina Nextseq.

Results

A total of 99 BALF from 99 KTRs, among which 93 were diagnosed as pulmonary infection, were analyzed. Compared with CMT, both mNGS and tNGS showed higher positive rate and sensitivity (p<0.001) for overall, bacterial and fungal detection. Although the positive rate for mNGS and tNGS was comparable, mNGS significantly outperformed tNGS in sensitivity (100% vs. 93.55%, p<0.05), particularly for bacteria and virus (p<0.001). Moreover, the true positive rate for detected microbes of mNGS was superior over that of tNGS (73.97% vs. 63.15%, p<0.05), and the difference was also significant when specific for bacteria (94.59% vs. 64.81%, p<0.001) and fungi (93.85% vs. 72.58%, p<0.01). Additionally, we found that, unlike most microbes such as SARS-CoV-2, Aspergillus, and EBV, which were predominantly detected from recipients who underwent surgery over 3 years, Torque teno virus (TTV) were principally detected from recipients within 1-year post-transplant, and as post-transplantation time increased, the percentage of TTV positivity declined.

Conclusion

Although tNGS was inferior to mNGS owing to lower sensitivity and true positive rate in identifying respiratory pathogens among KTRs, both considerably outperformed CMT.
An exploratory clinical study of β-glucan combined with camrelizumab and SOX chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chu Yunqian , He Xuan , Xue Ya , Jiang Hua , Zhu Chan , Qi Chunjian , Zhang Xing , Chen Dongsheng , Dai Hanjue , Xian Qingying , Zhu Wenyu
Published: August 2024

Background

β-glucan has been reported to be a potential natural immune modulator for tumor growth inhibition. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of β-glucan plus immunotherapy and chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of advanced gastric adenocarcinoma.

Methods

This is a phase IB, prospective, single-arm, investigator-initiated trail. Advanced gastric adenocarcinoma patients received β-glucan, camrelizumab, oxaliplatin, oral S-1 every 3 weeks. The curative effect was evaluated every 2 cycles. The primary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR) and safety, with secondary endpoints were median progression-free survival (mPFS) and median overall survival (mOS). The exploratory endpoint explored biomarkers of response to treatment efficacy.

Results

A total of 30 patients had been enrolled, including 20 (66.7%) males and all patients with an ECOG PS score of ≥1. The ORR was 60%, the mPFS was 10.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.52-11.27), the mOS was 14.0 months (95% CI, 11.09-16.91). A total of 19 patients (63.3%) had TRAEs, with 9 patients (30%) with grade ≥ 3. The most common TRAEs were nausea (53.3%). After 2 cycles of treatment, the levels of IL-2, IFN-γ and CD4+ T cells significantly increased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, biomarker analysis indicated that patient with better response and longer OS exhibited lower GZMA expression at baseline serum.

Conclusions

This preliminary study demonstrates that β-glucan plus camrelizumab and SOX chemotherapy offers favorable efficacy and a manageable safety profile in patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, and further studies are needed to verify its efficacy and safety.

Clinical Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trials Registry, identifier ChiCTR2100044088
Response of hydrodynamic environment to land reclamation in Sanmen Bay, China over the last half-century
Authors: Shi Peijie , Yang Wankang , Xu Xuefeng , Zhang Feng
Published: August 2024

Sanmen Bay (SMB) is one of the important harbors in Zhejiang Province. It is a semi-enclosed shallow bay that has undergone large-scale land reclamation activities. Long-term reclamation has changed the hydrodynamic conditions of SMB, such as tide, residual current, tidal prism, water exchange capacity, and tidal asymmetry. In this study, three typical periods of numerical models, based on historical charts and remote sensing, were established to investigate the influence of reclamation activities on the hydrodynamic conditions of SMB from 1971 to 2020. These model results reveal that the amplitude and phase of M2, the main tidal components in SMB, decreased by ~0.1–0.3 m and ~ 5°–15°, respectively, over the last half-century. Additionally, under the influence of ~200 km2 reclamation, many hydrodynamic conditions in SMB also changed. This includes the reduction of a residual current and tidal prism, an increase in residence time, and a change in tidal asymmetry characteristics. The residence time in nearby Xiayangtu exhibited a downward trend from 2003 to 2020, because land reclamation squeezed, and thus, enhanced the residual current eddy. The water-exchange capacity of the bay became weaker with the reduction of tidal prism to one-third and an increase in residence time. The tidal asymmetry characteristic of SMB changed from half of flood dominant to fully flood dominant by the influence of shoreline and bathymetry, which raised the flood risk. Research on the response of the hydrodynamic environment to reclamation activities in SMB reminds the local government to reassess the impact of land reclamation on the hydrodynamic environment.
The formation of tubular seep carbonate deciphered from mineralogical and geochemical characteristics: an example from the South China Sea
Authors: Wei Jiangong , Miao Xiaoming , Gan Kailong , Li Jiangtao , Li Jiwei , Liu Xiting , Xu Hengchao , Chen Shun , Ta Kaiwen , Wan Zhifeng , Wu Tingting
Published: August 2024

As a special type of seep carbonate, the many details concerning the formation mode and mechanism of tubular seep carbonates are rarely reported. Here, new geochemical and mineralogical data regarding tubular seep carbonate (SQW-65) are reported. Sample SQW-65 had anomalously negative δ13C values and positive δ18O values, which suggested the dissociation of gas hydrate. Additionally, almost all the sub-samples showed no Ce anomaly (Ce/Ce*average = 0.93), with obvious U enrichment (21.3< UEF <240.3), which indicates that the studied tubular seep carbonate was formed in an anoxic environment. Subsequently, the formation process of the studied tubular seep carbonate is further discussed according to the variability of mineralogical and geochemical characteristics from the rim to the core of the tubular formation. In the early stage of the studied tubular seep carbonate (periphery), owing to the influence of terrigenous components, the quartz and Ti content and Y/Ho ratio were high. However, with the formation of the periphery, the influence of terrigenous components was gradually weakened. In addition, from the rim to the core, the carbon and oxygen isotope values showed a “covariation” coupling relationship, an enrichment of U, and a reduction in total rare earth element content. This is because as the outer wall thickens and the internal fluid channel narrows, the intensity of the sulphate-driven anaerobic oxidation of methane and the associated precipitation rate of carbonate also increase.
Optimization of crashworthiness design of foam-filled crash boxes under oblique loading for electric vehicles
Authors: Renreng I. , Djamaluddin F. , Mar’uf M. , Li Q.
Published: August 2024

To increase the energy-absorbing capability of frontal collision management systems and improve vehicle crash safety, foam-filled crash boxes should be optimized. On the basis of a double tubular construction, a novel foam-filled crash box with a different design is developed. The energy absorption capacity, initial peak force, and deformation modes of the original and improved crash boxes were examined using impact models. As opposed to the full-filling design, it is demonstrated that the filling design may utilize less foam while increasing specific energy absorption. The stability of continuing deformation after the first buckling is determined by the foam-filled crash box. For the foam-filled crash box, a better-optimized design technique is suggested using the Taguchi method and principal component analysis (PCA). Compression tests are used to validate the design concept. Therefore, the optimal design technique of the crash box is suitable and practical for the crashworthiness design of crash boxes, considering the combined effect of significant indicators for electric vehicles.
Intracellular bactericidal activity and action mechanism of MDP1 antimicrobial peptide against VRSA and MRSA in human endothelial cells
Authors: Dashtbin Shirin , Razavi Shabnam , Ganjali Koli Mokhtar , Barneh Farnoosh , Ekhtiari-Sadegh Sarvenaz , Akbari Reza , Irajian Gholamreza , Pooshang Bagheri Kamran
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Staphylococcus aureus is a prominent cause of postoperative infections, often persisting within host cells, leading to chronic infections. Conventional antibiotics struggle to eliminate intracellular S. aureus due to poor cell penetration. Antimicrobial peptides are a new hope for tackling intracellular bacteria. Accordingly, this study examines the antimicrobial peptide MDP1, derived from melittin, for its efficacy against intracellular S. aureus.

Methods

In this study, the physiochemical properties (Prediction of three-dimensional structure, circular dichroism and helical wheel projection analysis) were investigated. Extracellular antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of MDP1 were also assessed. The mechanism of interaction of MDP1 with S. aureus was evaluated by molecular dynamic simulation, atomic force and confocal microscopy. Bacterial internalization into an endothelial cell model was confirmed through culture and transmission electron microscopy. The effect of the peptide on intracellular bacteria was investigated by culture and epi-fluorescence microscopy.

Results and discussion

3D structural prediction proved the conformation of MDP1 as an α-helix peptide. Helical-wheel projection analysis indicated the proper orientation of hydrophobic amino acid residues for membrane interaction. CD spectroscopy of MDP1 showed that MDP1 in SDS 10 and 30 mM adopted 87 and 91% helical conformation. Atomic force and confocal microscopy assessments as well as molecular dynamics studies revealed the peptide-bacterial membrane interaction. MDP1, at the concentration of 0.32 μg mL−1, demonstrated a fold reduction of 21.7 ± 1.8, 1.7 ± 0.2, and 7.3 ± 0.8 in intracellular bacterial load for ATCC, VRSA, and MRSA, respectively. Molecular dynamics results demonstrate a preferential interaction of MDP1 with POPG/POPE membranes, primarily driven by electrostatic forces and hydrogen bonding. In POPC systems, two out of four MDP1 interacted effectively, while all four MDP1 engaged with POPG/POPE membranes. Gathering all data together, MDP1 is efficacious in the reduction of intracellular VRSA and MRSA proved by culture and epi-fluorescent microscopy although further studies should be performed to increase the intracellular activity of MDP1.
Advancements in strategies for overcoming the blood–brain barrier to deliver brain-targeted drugs
Authors: Qu Zhichuang , Luo Juan , Li Zheng , Yang Rong , Zhao Jiaxi , Chen Xin , Yu Sixun , Shu Haifeng
Published: August 2024

The blood–brain barrier is known to consist of a variety of cells and complex inter-cellular junctions that protect the vulnerable brain from neurotoxic compounds; however, it also complicates the pharmacological treatment of central nervous system disorders as most drugs are unable to penetrate the blood–brain barrier on the basis of their own structural properties. This dramatically diminished the therapeutic effect of the drug and compromised its biosafety. In response, a number of drugs are often delivered to brain lesions in invasive ways that bypass the obstruction of the blood–brain barrier, such as subdural administration, intrathecal administration, and convection-enhanced delivery. Nevertheless, these intrusive strategies introduce the risk of brain injury, limiting their clinical application. In recent years, the intensive development of nanomaterials science and the interdisciplinary convergence of medical engineering have brought light to the penetration of the blood–brain barrier for brain-targeted drugs. In this paper, we extensively discuss the limitations of the blood–brain barrier on drug delivery and non-invasive brain-targeted strategies such as nanomedicine and blood–brain barrier disruption. In the meantime, we analyze their strengths and limitations and provide outlooks on the further development of brain-targeted drug delivery systems.
A rare case report of hyaline-vascular type Castleman disease in the presacral region
Authors: Chang Long , Wang Shuang , Li Jiannan , Zhao Zeyun , Wang Min
Published: August 2024

Castleman disease (CD), also known as giant lymph node hyperplasia or angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia, is a rare and indeterminate group of chronic lymphoproliferative disorders. CD is highly heterogeneous, classified into unicentric Castleman disease (UCD) and multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) based on lesion distribution, and further categorized into three pathological types: hyaline vascular type (HV), plasma cell type (PC), and mixed type (Mix). This paper describes a rare case of solitary mediastinal Castleman disease with transparent vessels in the anterior sacrum, presenting as the HV type. Surgical excision of the mass was performed following coccygectomy for treatment. The patient recovered well postoperatively. During a 6-month follow-up period, there were no signs of recurrence, and the patient’s quality of life significantly improved.
Efficacy and safety of oral sodium bicarbonate in kidney-transplant recipients and non-transplant patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Yun , Wang Ying , Huang Weijun , Guo Xi , Hou Baoluo , Tang Jingyi , Wu Yuqi , Zheng Huijuan , Pan Yanling , Liu Wei Jing
Published: August 2024

Introduction

We investigated the efficacy and safety of oral sodium bicarbonate in kidney-transplant recipients and non-transplant patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which are currently unclear.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy and safety of sodium bicarbonateversusplacebo or standard treatment in kidney-transplant and non-transplant patients with CKD.

Results

Sixteen studies of kidney-transplant recipients (two studies, 280 patients) and non-transplant patients with CKD (14 studies, 1,380 patients) were included. With non-transplant patients, sodium bicarbonate slowed kidney-function declines (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14–0.85,p= 0.006) within ≥12 months (SMD: 0.75 [95% CI: 0.12–1.38],p= 0.02), baseline-serum bicarbonate <22 mmol/L (SMD: 0.41 [95% CI: 0.19–0.64],p= 0.0004) and increased serum-bicarbonate levels (mean difference [MD]: 2.35 [95% CI: 1.40–3.30],p< 0.00001). In kidney-transplant recipients, sodium bicarbonate did not preserve graft function (SMD: -0.07 [95% CI: -0.30–0.16],p= 0.56) but increased blood pH levels (MD: 0.02 [95% CI: 0.00–0.04],p= 0.02). No significant adverse events occurred in the kidney-transplant or non-transplant patients (risk ratio [RR]: 0.89, [95% CI: 0.47–1.67],p= 0.72; and RR 1.30 [95% CI: 0.84–2.00],p= 0.24, respectively). However, oral sodium bicarbonate correlated with increased diastolic pressure and worsened hypertension and edema (MD: 2.21 [95% CI: 0.67–3.75],p= 0.005; RR: 1.44 [95% CI: 1.11–1.88],p= 0.007; and RR: 1.28 [95% CI: 1.00–1.63],p= 0.05, respectively).

Discussion

Oral sodium bicarbonate may slow kidney-function decline in non-transplant patients with CKD taking sodium bicarbonate supplementation for ≥12 months or a baseline serum bicarbonate level of <22 mmol/L, without preserving graft function in kidney-transplant recipients. Sodium bicarbonate may increase diastolic pressure, and elevate a higher incidence of worsening hypertension and edema.

Systematic Review Registration:

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023413929.
The cell-permeant antioxidant D-thiol ester D-cysteine ethyl ester overcomes physical dependence to morphine in male Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Getsy Paulina M. , Coffee Gregory A. , Bates James N. , Parran Theodore , Hoffer Lee , Baby Santhosh M. , MacFarlane Peter M. , Knauss Zackery T. , Damron Derek S. , Hsieh Yee-Hsee , Bubier Jason A. , Mueller Devin , Lewis Stephen J.
Published: August 2024

The ability of morphine to decrease cysteine transport into neurons by inhibition of excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAA3) may be a key molecular mechanism underlying the acquisition of physical and psychological dependence to morphine. This study examined whether co-administration of the cell-penetrant antioxidant D-thiol ester, D-cysteine ethyl ester (D-CYSee), with morphine, would diminish the development of physical dependence to morphine in male Sprague Dawley rats. Systemic administration of the opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone (NLX), elicited pronounced withdrawal signs (e.g., wet-dog shakes, jumps, rears, circling) in rats that received a subcutaneous depot of morphine (150 mg/kg, SC) for 36 h and continuous intravenous infusion of vehicle (20 μL/h, IV). The NLX-precipitated withdrawal signs were reduced in rats that received an infusion of D-CYSee, but not D-cysteine, (both at 20.8 μmol/kg/h, IV) for the full 36 h. NLX elicited pronounced withdrawal signs in rats treated for 48 h with morphine (150 mg/kg, SC), plus continuous infusion of vehicle (20 μL/h, IV) that began at the 36 h timepoint of morphine treatment. The NLX-precipitated withdrawal signs were reduced in rats that received a 12 h infusion of D-CYSee, but not D-cysteine, (both at 20.8 μmol/kg/h, IV) that began at the 36 h timepoint of morphine treatment. These findings suggest that D-CYSee may attenuate the development of physical dependence to morphine and reverse established dependence to the opioid in male Sprague Dawley rats. Alternatively, D-CYSee may simply suppress the processes responsible for NLX-precipitated withdrawal. Nonetheless, D-CYSee and analogues may be novel therapeutics for the treatment of opioid use disorders.
Independent genetic factors control floret number and spikelet number in Triticum turgidum ssp.
Authors: A. Y. Kiros , E. Mica , R. Battaglia , E. Mazzucotelli , M. Dell’Acqua , L. Cattivelli , F. Desiderio
Published: August 2024

Wheat grain yield is a complex trait resulting from a trade-off among many distinct components. During wheat evolution, domestication events and then modern breeding have strongly increased the yield potential of wheat plants, by enhancing spike fertility. To address the genetic bases of spike fertility in terms of spikelet number per spike and floret number per spikelet, a population of 110 recombinant inbred lines (RILS) obtained crossing a Triticum turgidum ssp. durum cultivar (Latino) and a T. dicoccum accession (MG5323) was exploited. Being a modern durum and a semi-domesticated genotype, respectively, the two parents differ for spike architecture and fertility, and thus the corresponding RIL population is the ideal genetic material to dissect genetic bases of yield components. The RIL population was phenotyped in four environments. Using a high-density SNP genetic map and taking advantage of several genome sequencing available for Triticeae, a total of 94 QTLs were identified for the eight traits considered; these QTLs were further reduced to 17 groups, based on their genetic and physical co-location. QTLs controlling floret number per spikelet and spikelet number per spike mapped in non-overlapping chromosomal regions, suggesting that independent genetic factors determine these fertility-related traits. The physical intervals of QTL groups were considered for possible co-location with known genes functionally involved in spike fertility traits and with yield-related QTLs previously mapped in tetraploid wheat. The most interesting result concerns a QTL group on chromosome 5B, associated with spikelet number per spike, since it could host genes still uncharacterized for their association to spike fertility. Finally, we identified two different regions where the trade-off between fertility related traits and kernel weight is overcome. Further analyses of these regions could pave the way for a future identification of new genetic loci contributing to fertility traits essential for yield improvement in durum wheat.
Baseline susceptibility of an A1 quarantine pest - the South American tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) to insecticides: past incidents and future probabilities in line to implementing successful pest management
Authors: Bavithra Chandra Mohan Muthu Lakshmi , Murugan Marimuthu , Balasubramani Venkatasamy , Harish Sankarasubramanian , Prakash Kolanchi
Published: August 2024

Tomato is a widely cultivated crop significant for its economic and nutritional benefits. The South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta, originated in Peru South America and has invaded many nations, causing up to 100% yield loss in tomatoes. The pest was classified as a quarantine pest by the European Plant Protection Organization, before invading the Spain region. Later, this quarantine pest also invaded other regions of Europe, Africa and Asian countries. Invasive insect pests cause global economic losses of 70 billion dollars annually. Among the several management measures suggested against pests, insecticides are the primary method in practice among growers due to significant results, easier operations, and other crucial advantages. Anyhow, repeated application of insecticides has caused the pest to evolve resistance against most of the insecticides in vogue, resulting in a chain of events like management failures, using increased doses of insecticides, intensified chemical residues in the food chain, and irreparable environmental contamination. Major insecticides globally used to control T. absoluta belong to organophosphates, synthetic pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, diamides, avermectins, spinosyns, and oxadizines. Understanding the baseline susceptibility of pests to insecticides helps for better pest management options and is the same for T. absoluta populations to insecticides. The current review paper discusses the T. absoluta distribution, biology, spread, host range, baseline insecticide susceptibility, global insecticide resistance status, and possible management inputs based on our understanding of insecticide susceptibility. The pest can be managed with integrated insecticide resistance management including molecular approaches.
Genomic insights and biocontrol potential of ten bacterial strains from the tomato core microbiome
Authors: Nicotra Daniele , Ghadamgahi Farideh , Ghosh Samrat , Anzalone Alice , Dimaria Giulio , Mosca Alexandros , Massimino Maria Elena , Vetukuri Ramesh Raju , Catara Vittoria
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Despite their adverse environmental effects, modern agriculture relies heavily on agrochemicals to manage diseases and pests and enhance plant growth and productivity. Some of these functions could instead be fulfilled by endophytes from the plant microbiota, which have diverse activities beneficial for plant growth and health.

Methods

We therefore used a microbiome-guided top-down approach to select ten bacterial strains from different taxa in the core microbiome of tomato plants in the production chain for evaluation as potential bioinoculants. High-quality genomes for each strain were obtained using Oxford Nanopore long-read and Illumina short-read sequencing, enabling the dissection of their genetic makeup to identify phyto-beneficial traits.

Results

Bacterial strains included both taxa commonly used as biofertilizers and biocontrol agents (i.e. Pseudomonas and Bacillus) as well as the less studied genera Leclercia, Chryseobacterium, Glutamicibacter, and Paenarthorbacter. When inoculated in the tomato rhizosphere, these strains promoted plant growth and reduced the severity of Fusarium Crown and Root Rot and Bacterial Spot infections. Genome analysis yielded a comprehensive inventory of genes from each strain related to processes including colonization, biofertilization, phytohormones, and plant signaling. Traits directly relevant to fertilization including phosphate solubilization and acquisition of nitrogen and iron were also identified. Moreover, the strains carried several functional genes putatively involved in abiotic stress alleviation and biotic stress management, traits that indirectly foster plant health and growth.

Discussion

This study employs a top-down approach to identify new plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs), offering an alternative to the conventional bottom-up strategy. This method goes beyond the traditional screening of the strains and thus can expand the range of potential bioinoculants available for market application, paving the way to the use of new still underexplored genera.
Syntactic flexibility and lexical encoding in aging sentence production: an eye tracking study
Authors: Weirick Joshua D. , Lee Jiyeon
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Successful sentence production requires lexical encoding and ordering them into a correct syntactic structure. It remains unclear how different processes involved in sentence production are affected by healthy aging. We investigated (a) if and how aging affects lexical encoding and syntactic formulation during sentence production, using auditory lexical priming and eye tracking-while-speaking paradigms and (b) if and how verbal working memory contributes to age-related changes in sentence production.

Methods

Twenty older and 20 younger adults described transitive and dative action pictures following auditory lexical primes, by which the relative ease of encoding the agent or theme nouns (for transitive pictures) and the theme and goal nouns (for dative pictures) was manipulated. The effects of lexical priming on off-line syntactic production and real-time eye fixations to the primed character were measured.

Results

In offline production, older adults showed comparable priming effects to younger adults, using the syntactic structure that allows earlier mention of the primed lexical item in both transitive and dative sentences. However, older adults showed longer lexical priming effects on eye fixations to the primed character during the early stages of sentence planning. Preliminary analysis indicated that reduced verbal working memory may in part account for longer lexical encoding, particularly for older adults.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that syntactic flexibility for formulating different grammatical structures remains largely robust with aging. However, lexical encoding processes are more susceptible to age-related changes, possibly due to changes in verbal working memory.
How collaborative, interpersonal, and disaster-responsive tendencies work together in non-face-to-face environments: lessons from prolonged pandemic experiences
Authors: Kim Soyoung , Andrew Simon , Feiock Richard C. , Stream Christopher
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the dynamics of collaborative characteristics, interpersonal reactivity, and disaster situation responses in non-face-to-face settings, a response mechanism increasingly relevant in the wake of prolonged pandemics. By examining a group of 123 university students engaged in a seven-week non-face-to-face collaborative project, the research identifies relational patterns between collaborative traits such as regulation and efficacy, interpersonal empathy, and responses to disaster situations. The research methodology employs a sophisticated analytical framework comprising factor and canonical correlation analyses to identify how empathy and collaborative efficacy significantly related with disaster response in online collaborations. The mediation and moderation models analyzed confirm mutual mediation effects of collaborative regulation and interpersonal reactivity on situational empathy without significant moderation effects. This suggests there were direct causal relationships of collaborative regulation, collaborative efficacy, interpersonal reactivity on situational empathy. The findings underscore the pivotal role of empathy in collaboration during disasters offering a nuanced understanding of the social and psychological underpinnings that enable collective responses to crises in environments lacking physical interaction and illuminating the critical role of collaborative and interpersonal skills in such settings.