bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vagococcus fluvialis isolation from the urine of a bladder cancer patient and literature review
Authors: Chen Qian , Tan Siwen , Long Sheng , Wang Kaixuan , Liu Qi
Published: November 2023

Vagococcus fluvialis infection is rare in humans, and there is limited research on the clinical manifestations and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of vagococcus fluvialis infection. Here, We isolated vagococcus fluvialis from the urine samples of bladder cancer patients at Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, and it is the first reported case of vagococcus fluvialis isolated from the urine. The fully automated microbial identification system and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) identified the bacterium as vagococcus fluvialis with a confidence level of 99.9%. The VITEK-2Compact fully automated microbial susceptibility analysis system indicated that it was most sensitive to tigecycline, vancomycin, quinupristin/dalfopristin, linezolid, and showed moderate sensitivity to erythromycin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin/sulbactam, and tetracycline. Additionally, it exhibited synergy when combined with high-level gentamicin and vancomycin, showing sensitivity. However, it displayed poor activity against penicillin and furanth. According to our knowledge, this is the first study to isolate and identify vagococcus fluvialis from the urine of bladder cancer patients and the systematically reviewed other reported vagococcus infections on human, which provide an experimental basis for guiding the rational use of drugs in the clinical treatment and diagnose of vagococcus fluvialis infection and related pathogenic mechanism research. Meanwhile, we have systematically reviewed other reported.
HypOp: Distributed Constrained Combinatorial Optimization leveraging Hypergraph Neural Networks
Authors: Heydaribeni Nasimeh , Zhan Xinrui , Zhang Ruisi , Eliassi-Rad Tina , Koushanfar Farinaz
Published: November 2023

Scalable addressing of high dimensional constrained combinatorial optimization problems is a challenge that arises in several science and engineering disciplines. Recent work introduced novel application of graph neural networks for solving polynomial-cost unconstrained combinatorial optimization problems. This paper proposes a new framework, called HypOp, which greatly advances the state of the art for solving combinatorial optimization problems in several aspects: (i) it generalizes the prior results to constrained optimization problems with an arbitrary cost function; (ii)
it broadens the application to higher dimensional problems by leveraging a hypergraph neural network structure; (iii) it enables scalability to much larger problems by introducing a new distributed and parallel architecture for hypergraph neural network training; (iv) it demonstrates generalizability to other problem formulations by knowledge transfer from the learned experience of addressing one set of cost/constraints to another set for the same hypergraph; (v) it significantly boosts the solution accuracy compared with the prior art by suggesting a fine-tuning step using
simulated annealing; (vi) HypOp shows a remarkable progress on benchmark examples, with run times improved by up to fivefold using a combination of fine-tuning and distributed training techniques. The framework allows addressing a novel set of scientific problems including hypergraph MaxCut problem, satisfiability problems (3SAT), and resource allocation. We showcase the application of HypOp in scientific discovery by solving a hypergraph MaxCut problem on the NDC drug-substance hypergraph. Through extensive experimentation on a variety of combinatorial optimization problems, HypOp demonstrates superiority over existing unsupervised learning-based solvers and generic optimization methods.
Beyond a metabolic endpoint: identification of triacylglycerol remodeling mechanism to synthesize unusual fatty acid oils
Authors: Bates Philip , Bhandari Sajina , Parchuri Prasad , Azeez Abdul , Shockey Jay , Smertenko Andrei
Published: November 2023

Typical plant membranes and storage lipids are comprised of five common fatty acids yet over 450 unusual fatty acids accumulate in seed oils of various plant species. Plant oils are important human and animal nutrients, while some unusual fatty acids such as hydroxylated fatty acids (HFA) are used within the chemical industry (lubricants, paints, polymers, cosmetics, etc.). Most unusual fatty acids are extracted from non-agronomic crops leading to high production costs. Attempts to engineer HFA into crops are unsuccessful due to bottlenecks in the overlapping pathways of oil and membrane lipid synthesis where HFA are not compatible. Physaria fendleri naturally overcomes these bottlenecks through a novel triacylglycerol (TAG) remodeling mechanism where HFA are incorporated into TAG after initial synthesis. TAG remodeling involves a novel TAG lipase and two diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT) that are selective for different stereochemical and acyl-containing species of diacylglycerol within a synthesis, partial degradation, and resynthesis cycle. The TAG lipase interacts with DGAT1, localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum (with the DGATs) but also spots around the lipid droplet, likely forming a TAG remodeling metabolon near the lipid droplet ER junction. Each characterized DGAT and TAG lipase can increase HFA accumulation in engineered seed oils.
Association analysis of grain yield and yield components in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) using SSR markers
Authors: laki Ebrahim Souri , Rabiei Babak , Marashi Hassan , Jokarfard Vahid , Börner Andreas
Published: November 2023

Quinoa is a pseudocereal crop that is considered as a valuable crop to provide food and nutrition security worldwide due to its high nutritional value and resistance to environmental stresses. However, no considerable genetic and especially molecular researches has been done on this plant and the genetic basis of many traits is unknown. In this study, the genetic and molecular diversity of 60 quinoa accessions was assessed using agronomically important traits related to grain yield as well as microsatellite (SSR) markers, and informative markers linked to the studied traits were identified using association mapping. The results showed that most of the studied traits had a relatively high diversity, but grain saponin and protein content showed the highest diversity. High diversity was also observed in all SSR markers, but KAAT023, KAAT027, KAAT036, and KCAA014 showed the highest values for most of the diversity indices and can be introduced as the informative markers to assess genetic diversity in quinoa. Population structure analysis showed that the studied population probably includes two subclusters, so that out of 60 quinoa accessions, 29 (48%) and 23 (38%) accessions were assigned to the first and second subclusters, respectively, and eight (13%) accessions were considered as the mixed genotypes. The results of association mapping using general linear model (GLM) identified 39 significant marker-trait associations (MTAs), while 36 significant MTAs were observed in multiple linear model (MLM). The five markers KAAT030, KCAA022, KGA003, KCAA107, and KAAT023 were significantly associated with more than one trait using both the GLM and MLM models and can therefore be suggested for mapping studies in quinoa populations. The findings of the present study provide useful information about the genetic basis of the studied traits and can be used to breed quinoa populations.
Microplastic abundance and characteristics in seawater and inter-tidal sediments of the Tokin Bay Coast (North Vietnam)
Authors: Phuong Ngoc Nam , Duong Thi Thuy , Pham Quoc Tuan , Ngo Thi Xuan Thinh , Nguyen Thi Minh Diep , Le Thi Phuong Quynh , Duong Thanh Nghi , Dhivert Elie , Zalouk-Vergnoux Aurore , Poirier Laurence , Gasperi Johnny , Phuong Ngoc Anh
Published: November 2023

Microplastics (MPs, plastic items from 1 µm to 5 mm in size) are present in all the environmental compartments. The evaluation of their concentration, fate, and spatial distribution is still a challenge for the scientific community. This concern is just debuting in developing countries, i.e. Asia, South America and Africa. This study deals with the MP contamination in the abiotic marine compartments of the Northern of Vietnam: seawater and intertidal sediments. Four sites located in the intertidal zone or near the coastline in the Tonkin bay, Vietnam were studied. A total of 16 samples (8 for each compartment) were collected in July 2020 (rainy season) and January 2021 (dry season). Plastic-like items were found at levels ranging from 3 to 303 items/m3 in seawater and from 63 to 955 items/kg dry weight in sediments. Most of these were fibers less than 300 µm long. Higher levels in seawater were found in the rainy season compared to the drier one. As the river flow was estimated six times higher during the rainy season than during the dry season, these results suggest the river discharge as a potential source of contamination for coastal zone. The temporal variability was lower for the sediments than for the seawater, demonstrating the long-term integration of the plastic-like items in this compartment. While the nature of fibers wasn’t investigated, the plastic-like fragments were analyzed on µFTIR imaging spectrometer. The determination of polymer composition indicated that most of the fragments were made of polypropylene (PP, 82%), followed by polyethylene (PE, 9%) and polystyrene (PS, 9%). The fragment size was similar in two studied compartments but it was depending on polymer types, since PS fragments (140 ± 17 µm) were smaller than those made of PE (622 ± 123 µm) and PP (869 ± 905 µm).
Prevalence, Demographic, Socioeconomic and Disease trends of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer in New Zealand (2008-2022) from a large, targeted-screening Study
Authors: Paul Sharad , Chen Yipan , Mohaghegh Mahsa
Published: November 2023

Skin cancer shows geographic and ethnic variation. Australia and New Zealand—with predominantly fair-skinned populations, high UV indices and outdoor lifestyles—have the highest rates of skin cancer. However, population prevalence data is severely lacking. This study aimed to determine the demographics and socioeconomic disease trends of non-melanoma skin cancer prevalence in New Zealand over the last 15 years. 32839 diagnoses of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) between 2008 to 2022 were analyzed, including subtypes and body sites. Median age at diagnosis was 64 years; 88.4% patients were aged over 41 years; Higher socioeconomic quintile groups had a higher prevalence. Between 2012 and 2022, prevalence of BCC remained stable while prevalence of SCC increased annually. The mean age of BCC occurrence was 67 years (95% CI 67–68) for males and 65 years (95% CI 65–66) for females; mean age of SCC occurrence was 71 years (95% CI 71–72) for males and 72 years (95% CI 71–72) for females. The age of diagnosis of BCC is lower than for SCC. Our findings confirm that NMSC imposes a significant disease burden on New Zealand, and the probability of developing skin cancer increases with age. More effective skin cancer prevention and treatment is needed.
Children in the US and China Value Unique Skills Even at the Expense of Conformity
Authors: Yang Fan , Dunham Yarrow , Engelmann Jan
Published: November 2023

Throughout evolution, human cooperation has not only depended on individuals conforming to majority behaviors but has also relied on unique contributions from individuals. Extensive evidence has shown that even young children conform to majority preferences and evaluate non-conformists negatively. But to what extent do children also appreciate individuality in the form of unique skills? We examined this question across four preregistered studies with 6-9-year-old children from US and China (N = 335). We found that children from the two cultures chose partners with unique skills in collaborative contexts (Studies 1–3) and actively sought to develop unique skills themselves (Study 4). Notably, children selectively valued uniqueness in skills but not personal preferences (Studies 1 and 4). These findings suggest that children appreciate unique attributes in themselves and others even when they come at the expense of conformity, shedding light on an essential psychological mechanism for promoting successful cooperation and innovation.
Lp Quasi-norm Minimization: Algorithm and Applications
Authors: Sleem Omar , Ashour Mahmoud , Aybat Necdet , Lagoa Constantino
Published: November 2023

Sparsity finds applications in diverse areas such as statistics, machine learning, and signal processing. Computations over sparse structures are less complex compared to their dense counterparts and need less storage. This paper proposes a heuristic method for retrieving sparse approximate solutions of optimization problems via minimizing the [[EQUATION]] quasi-norm, where $0<p<1$. An iterative two-block algorithm for minimizing the [[EQUATION]] quasi-norm subject to convex constraints is proposed. The proposed algorithm requires solving for the roots of a scalar degree polynomial as opposed to applying a soft thresholding operator in the case of $\ell_{1}$ norm minimization. The algorithm's merit relies on its ability to solve the [[EQUATION]] quasi-norm minimization subject to any convex constraints set. For the specific case of constraints defined by differentiable functions with Lipschitz continuous gradient, a second, faster algorithm is proposed. Using a proximal gradient step, we mitigate the convex projection step and hence enhance the algorithm's speed while proving its convergence. We present various applications where the proposed algorithm excels, namely, sparse signal reconstruction, system identification, and matrix completion. The results demonstrate the significant gains obtained by the proposed algorithm compared to other [[EQUATION]] quasi-norm based methods presented in previous literature.
Impact of Temperature and Nutrition on Biomass and Phycobiliprotein of Desertifilum Salkalinema From Hot Water Spring
Authors: Kothari Flory , Patel Priti , Rasheed Abdul , Rao P.L.S , Karande Sucheta , Hasan Zaheer
Published: November 2023

Cyanobacteria known for their remarkable adaptability in challenging environments serve as a vital form of the study. The exploration focuses on isolation of micro algal cultures from hi-temperature habitats. The hot spring of Tuva, Gujarat through rigorous morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis, the isolated strain were identified as Desertifilum Salkalinema. The objective is to optimize the growth rate and conditions for enhancing the efficiency of phycobiliprotein (PBP) production exhibiting its maximal growth rate at 30 ⁰C when cultivated in BG11 medium. Notably, Nitrogen concentration experiments within the original BG11 media by increasing the sodium nitrate concentration exhibit both growth rate and PBP as accumulated in these strains. This finding highlights the nitrogen availability and temperature on both growth dynamics and phycobiliprotein. For enhancing the PBP extraction efficiency, the mechanism identified different extortion methods. Wherein the combined extraction protocol involving freeze- through cycles plus ultrasonication exhibited a marked increase in the efficiency of phycobilin protein extraction. Finally, these observations hold significant implications for the biotechnological application of phycobilin protein, as C-PC are recognized for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties providing valuable potential of these cyanobacteria.
Laser capture microdissection transcriptome (LCM RNA-seq) reveals BcDFR is a key gene in anthocyanin synthesis of Non-heading Chinese cabbage
Authors: Zhou Qian , Xu Xinfeng , Li Mengjie , Yang Xiaoxue , Wang Meiyun , Li Ying , Liu Tongkun , Hou Xilin
Published: November 2023

Background: Non-heading Chinese cabbage [Brassica campestris (syn. Brassica rapa) ssp. chinensis]is an important leafy vegetable that is mainly grown in Asian. Purple non-heading Chinese cabbage has become popular because of it rich in anthocyanin. However, since anthocyanins only accumulate in the upper epidermis of leaves, further studies are needed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the specific accumulation of anthocyanins in the upper epidermis of leaves.
Results: In this study, we used laser capture frozen section method (LCM) to divide purple (ZBC) and green (LBC) non-heading Chinese cabbage leaves into upper and lower epidermis parts (ZS represents the purple upper epidermis, ZX represents the purple lower epidermis, LS represents the green upper epidermis, LX represents the green lower epidermis). Through transcriptome sequencing, we found that the DIHYDROFLAVONOL 4-REDUCTASE-encoding gene BcDFR, shows highly expressed in ZS but hardly in others (ZX, LS, LX). Further, a deletion and insertion in the promoter of BcDFR in LBC was found, which may interfere BcDFRexpression. Subsequent analysis of gene structure and conserved structural domains showed that BcDFR is highly conserved in Brassica species. Predicted protein-protein interaction network of BcDFR suggests that it interacts with almost all functional proteins in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. Finally, the results of the tobacco transient expression also demonstrated that BcDFR promotes the synthesis and accumulation of anthocyanin.
Conclusions: BcDFRis specifical highly expressed on the upper epidermis of purple non-heading Chinese cabbage leaves and regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis and accumulation. Our study provides new insights into the functional analysis and transcriptional regulatory network of anthocyanin-related genes in purple non-heading Chinese cabbage.
Traumatic Events and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in a Treatment-seeking sample of Ukrainian Children During the War
Authors: Pfeiffer Elisa , Garbade Maike , Sachser Cedric
Published: November 2023

Background
The Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in a dramatic increase of children and adolescents being confronted with war and other traumatic experiences, which could result in an increase of trauma-related mental health disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in an entire generation. This study aims at reporting the prevalence of traumatic events, PTSD, and Complex PTSD (CPTSD) in children and adolescents seeking for mental health treatment since the Russian invasion. Additionally, the consistency of child and caregiver reported trauma, PTSD and CPTSD will be examined.
Methods
This study is part of the “TF-CBT Ukraine” project in which Ukrainian therapists were trained in assessing their patients via the “Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen” (CATS-2) before initiating trauma-focused treatment, if indicated. Altogether N = 200 Ukrainian children and adolescents (Mage = 12.01, range 4–21; 62.0% female) were included in the study between October 2022 and August 2023. Data were analysed descriptively, via t-tests and bivariate correlations.
Results
The children and adolescents reported on average four different traumatic events, most frequently war (n = 123; 68.7%), bullying threats (n = 71; 39.7%) and domestic violence (n = 68; 38.0%). Almost 70% (n = 123) of the participants fulfilled the DSM-5 PTSD criteria, 31% (n = 56) fulfilled the ICD-11 PTSD criteria and 21% (n = 38) the ICD-11 CPTSD criteria. Rates of PTSD were even higher in preschool children (95%). The comparisons of self-and caregiver reports on traumatic events and PTSD/CPTSD severity scores indicated moderate to high correlations between the patients and their caregivers (r = .710-.767).
Conclusions
This study shows that Ukrainian children and adolescents starting treatment report a high number of traumatic events and trauma-related symptoms, which could have a long-lasting negative impact on their social-emotional development and quality of life. The implementation of evidence-based trauma-focused interventions for these children is therefore crucial.
Dynamic accelerated stress test and coupled on-line analysis program to elucidate aging processes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Birkner Lena , Foreta Michael , Rinaldi Ali , Orekhov Anton , Willinger Marc-Georg , Eichelbaum Maik
Published: November 2023

The application of hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) in greenhouse gas emission free heavy-duty vehicles requires extremely durable PEMFC components with service lives in the range of 30,000 hours. Hence suitable test and analysis methods are required that reflect realistic operation scenarios, but significantly accelerate aging. For this purpose, a dynamic accelerated stress test (AST) was developed, which is coupled with a comprehensive in-depth in-situ and ex-situ analysis program to determine the aging processes of a PEMFC membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The test comprehends dynamic cycling between low, moderate and high load, different temperature and humidity conditions as well as recovery sequences to distinguish between reversible and irreversible failure modes. All phases of the PEMFC system (i.e.solid, liquid and gaseous) are monitored on-line during aging by sophisticated electrochemical, mass spectrometric and ion chromatographic analytical methods. The structural and elemental composition of the MEA before and after the aging program (post-mortem) are investigated by X-ray fluorescence, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. This program was able to age a commercial PEMFC to end-of-life in 1,000 hours, while providing an accurate picture of the aging processes involved.
Development of the Parent-to-Infant Bonding Scale: validation in Swedish mothers and fathers in community and clinical contexts
Authors: Lindeberg Sara , Tedgård Eva , Kerstis Birgitta , Tedgård Ulf , Taylor Alyx , Jönsson Peter
Published: November 2023

Valid measurements are needed to investigate the impact of parental bonding on child health development from a life-course perspective. The aim was to develop and validate a psychometric rating scale, the Parent-to-Infant Bonding Scale (PIBS) to measure bonding in both mothers and fathers. Internal consistency and construct validity were analysed using data from Swedish parents from both clinical (N = 182), and community (N = 122) population samples. Overall, good internal consistency, convergent validity (against the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire, analysed in the clinical sample), and discriminant validity (against the mental health constructs depressive symptoms and anxiety) appeared. The results indicate good psychometric measurement properties of the PIBS for both mothers and fathers in community and clinical populations. Similarities in PIBS measurement properties between the groups suggest its usefulness for comparisons between mothers and fathers, and for investigating unique and interactive impacts of maternal and paternal bonding on child outcomes using community and clinical cohorts.
A middle-aged woman with acute disequilibrium, tinnitus, and unilateral facial palsy
Authors: Bender Tiffany , Amin Nessim
Published: November 2023

Background:
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disease typically preceeded by an upper respiratory infection or gastrointestinal illness. A hallmark characteristic of the syndrome is the accompanying rapidly ascending distal paralysis. This case describes a 56-year-old woman with an acute presentation of disequilibrium, tinnitus, unilateral facial palsy, and proximal muscle weakness after an upper respiratory infection.
Case presentation:
The patient presented to the emergency department three days after an antibiotic course was prescribed for a URI with symptoms of vestibular disequilibrium and was discharged with reassurance her symptoms would improve. Two days later, she presented again with right facial weakness and significantly impaired gait. After receiving acyclovir and steroid infusions, the patient developed progressive proximal muscle weakness. Further workup with CSF studies revealed cytoalbuminogolic dissociation, confirming a diagnosis of GBS. She made a full recovery with IVIG treatment.
Conclusion:
Guillain-Barré syndrome can have atypical presentations and thus requires differentiation from other diagnoses. Given the increased prevalence of GBS in the US compared to other developed countries, timely diagnosis and treatment before ascending paralysis compromises respiratory function is crucial.
The Precise Detection Technology of Coal and Gangue Based on Natural γ-Ray
Authors: Zhang Ningbo , Liu Changyou , Zhu Chuanqi , Chen Baobao , Wang Zhongbin , Wu Xiaojie
Published: November 2023

In order to solve the technical bottleneck of automatic detection technology of coal and gangue in the fully mechanized top coal caving mining, the low radiation level radioactivity measurement method is adopted to detect coal gangue mixed degree in coal releasing process, based on the radiation differentiation characteristics of natural γ-rays from coal and gangue. The research team analyzed the distribution characteristics of natural γ-rays in coal and rock layers of thick coal seams and the applicability of this method, introduced the basic principle of coal-gangue detection technology based on natural γ-ray, developed forming the test system about automatic coal-gangue detection, studied the radiation characteristics of coal and gangue, proposed determination model of the coal-gangue mixed degree, combined with the time sequence characteristics of the top coal’s releasing flow and the energy spectrum characteristics of different layers of rock, realized the precise coal-gangue detection technology in complex structure thick coal seam with multiple gangue. Field tests were conducted in Lilou, Xiaoyu and Tashan Coal Mine. The test results were well corroborated with the research results and achieved the expected results, which laid the foundation for the field application of intelligent coal mining.
An antimicrobial peptide expression platform for targeting pathogenic bacterial species
Authors: Barnes Chris , Rutter Jack , Dekker Linda , Clare Chania , McDonald Julie , Nair Sean , Fedorec Alex
Published: November 2023

Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides that are naturally produced by many bacteria. They hold great potential in the ﬁght against antibiotic resistant bacteria, including ESKAPE pathogens. However, they often have low stability in vivo and therefore, may not be eﬀective when administered orally. Engineered live biotherapeutic products (eLBPs) that secrete bacteriocins can be created to deliver bacteriocins directly at the site of infection. Here we develop a modular bacteriocin secretion platform that can be used to express and secrete multiple bacteriocins from non-pathogenic Escherichia coli host strains. As a proof of concept we create Enterocin A and Enterocin B secreting strains that show strong antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, and characterise this activity in both solid culture and liquid co-culture. We then develop a Lokta-Volterra model that can be used to capture the interactions of these competitor strains. We show that simultaneous exposure to EntA and EntB can increase the level of Enterococcus killing and delay the development of resistance. Our system has the potential to be used as an eLBP to secrete additional bacteriocins for the targeted killing of other pathogenic bacteria.
Causal relationship between diet and celiac disease in leukemia: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: cheng Shupeng , Zhang Meiling , Luo Junyun , Zheng Hang , Wu Zhenhui , Tang Nana , Zeng Yingjian
Published: November 2023

Objective To explore the causal relationship between celiac disease and a wheat-free diet with leukemia.
Methods We obtained genome-wide association study (GWAS) data on celiac disease, a wheat-free diet, and leukemia from published literature. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) representing celiac disease or a wheat-free diet were selected as instrumental variables. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted using inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, MR-Egger regression, simple mode, and weighted mode methods. The reliability of the results was evaluated using MR-Egger test, MR-PRESSO test, Cochran Q test, and leave-one-out test.
Results We identified 16 SNPs associated with celiac disease as instrumental variables and 5 SNPs associated with a wheat-free diet as instrumental variables. MR analysis showed that an increase in celiac disease is associated with an increased risk of leukemia (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07, P = 0.03) according to the IVW method, and similar results were obtained using the MR-Egger regression (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.09, P = 0.04). Consistent causal effects were observed using the five methods. The IVW method revealed that a wheat-free diet in healthy individuals leads to an increased risk of leukemia (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03-1.08, P = 2.36E-05), and similar results were obtained using the MR-Egger regression (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.98-1.15, P = 0.27). The five methods consistently supported these causal directions. Reliability analysis indicated no heterogeneity, no pleiotropy, and no significant bias in both sets of MR analyses, suggesting the reliability of the results.
Conclusion Celiac disease is a risk factor for leukemia, and a wheat-free diet in healthy individuals also increases the risk of developing leukemia. Adjusting one's own immune system may be the best choice for individuals with celiac disease.
Asian Low-Carbohydrate Diet with Increased Whole Egg Consumption Improves Metabolic Outcomes in Metabolic Syndrome: A 52-Week Intervention Study
Authors: Pinsawas Bonggochpass , Mongkolsucharitkul Pichanun , Pongkunakorn Tanyaporn , Surawit Apinya , Suta Sophida , Manosan Thamonwan , Ophakas Suphawan , Pumeiam Sureeporn , Sranacharoenp Kitti , Mayurasakorn Korapat
Published: November 2023

Background: The low-carbohydrate-ketogenic diet, an effective strategy to address metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity has been concerns about high fat consumption on atherogenic lipoproteins. This study aimed to compare the Asian ketogenic diet (AKD), which incorporates balanced protein and fat intake from Asian foods, with a balanced low-caloric diet (BLC) in individuals diagnosed with MetS.
Methods: A 52-week randomized clinical trial included three parallel groups: AKD with increased whole egg intake (Yolk-KD, aged 40.9 ± 1.7, n = 27), yolk-free ketogenic diet with egg white supplementation (White-KD, aged 41.5 ± 1.3, n = 26), and BLC diet (aged 38.5 ± 1.7, n = 22). Primary outcomes were anthropometric and metabolic changes.
Results: The AKD groups achieved significant reductions in weight and waist circumference (P < 0.05). Compared to the BLC group, the AKD groups demonstrated significant improvements in fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, and lipid profile at weeks 12 and 35 (P < 0.05). All groups experienced improvements in insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and appetite-related hormones like leptin and peptide YY (P < 0.05). From weeks 35 to 52, the AKD consistently maintained reductions in anthropometric measurements, improved glucose tolerance, enhanced lipid profiles, and better liver function compared to the BLC.
Conclusion: The AKD proved safe and effective, yielding various metabolic improvements in individuals with Mets compared to the BLC. By emphasizing a low-saturated fat diet while disregarding dietary cholesterol, this approach holds promise for MetS and obesity management. Further studies are warranted.
Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04608136, registered on September 21, 2020.
Identification and cellular validation of the relevant potential biomarkers associated with female lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang JianPing , An XiaoQiao , Deng ChengCheng , Lui Jingyu , Liu Ying
Published: November 2023

Background: FOXM1 plays a pivotal role in regulating tumor progression in various cancer types. However, its involvement in the progression of female lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and potential impact on immunotherapy remain uncharacterized.
Methods: To investigate the role of FOXM1 in LUAD, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using GDC TCGA (Genomic Data Commons The Cancer Genome Atlas) and GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) datasets along with a Gene Set Enrichment Analysis approach. Our methodology included differential expression analysis, survival correlation analysis, survival correlation meta-analysis, and clinical correlation analysis, all aimed at elucidating the relationship between FOXM1 expression and LUAD. Additionally, the miRDB, miRTarBase, and TargetScan databases were used to predict target microRNAs (miRNAs). Co-expression analysis was performed to explore the interplay between target miRNAs, FOXM1, target long non-coding RNAs, and the estrogen receptor. A competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed using Cytoscape. The analysis of tumor mutational burden (TMB) was employed to gauge the sensitivity of FOXM1-mutated LUAD to immunotherapy. Furthermore, the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis package facilitated the examination of immune cell infiltration in LUAD samples. Finally, we employed R tools to assess the immunotherapeutic effects of LUAD. We conducted in vitro experiments to evaluate the biological role of FOXM1.
Results: FOXM1 expression was elevated in LUAD samples compared to that in normal tissues. Moreover, results from survival and clinical correlation analyses underscored the significant influence of FOXM1 expression on LUAD progression. FOXM1 knockdown has a substantial impact on LUAD cell proliferation and apoptosis. We established a ceRNA network involving DGCR-5, has-miRNA-204-5p, FOXM1, and estrogen receptor 1. Validation experiments confirmed that has-miR-204-5p is a target miRNA for FOXM1, whereas DGCR5 is not a target long non-coding RNAs for has-miR-204-5p. Furthermore, our study demonstrated a physical interaction between FOXM1 and estrogen receptors. Immune-related analyses indicated that the low FOXM1 expression group exhibited increased sensitivity to immunotherapy, including anti-PDA and anti-CTLA treatment.
Conclusion: We established a new ceRNA network (DGCR-5---has-miRNA-204-5p---FOXM1---estrogen receptor 1) that holds promise for unraveling mechanistic insights into LUAD and predicting survival outcomes in LUAD patients.
Lateral Heterostructures of WS2 and MoS2 Monolayers for Photo-Synaptic Transistor
Authors: Park Jaeseo , Kim Jun Oh , Kang Sang-Woo
Published: November 2023

Von Neumann architecture-based computing, while widely successful in personal computers and embedded systems, faces inherent challenges including the von Neumann bottleneck, particularly amidst the ongoing surge of data-intensive tasks. Neuromorphic computing, designed to integrate arithmetic, logic, and memory operations, has emerged as a promising solution for improving energy efficiency and performance. This approach requires the construction of an artificial synaptic device that can simultaneously perform signal processing, learning, and memory operations. We present a photo-synaptic device with 32 analog multi-states by exploiting field-effect transistors (FETs) based on the lateral heterostructures of two-dimensional (2D) WS2 and MoS2 monolayers, formed through a two-step metal-organic chemical vapor deposition process. These lateral heterostructures offer high photoresponsivity and enhanced efficiency of charge trapping at the interface between the heterostructures and SiO2 due to the presence of the WS2 monolayer with large trap densities. As a result, it enables the photo-synaptic transistor to implement synaptic behaviors of long-term plasticity and high recognition accuracy. To confirm the feasibility of the photo-synapse, we investigated its synaptic characteristics under optical and electrical stimuli, including the retention of excitatory post-synaptic currents, potentiation, habituation, nonlinearity factor, and paired-pulse facilitation. Our findings suggest the potential of versatile 2D material-synapse with a high density of device integration.
Fluorescent probes based on Ag NPs@N/GQDs and molecularly imprinted polymer for sensitive detection of noradrenaline in bananas
Authors: Wang Yaru , Li Shuhuai , Ma Xionghui , Pang Chaohai , Wu Yuwei , Wang Mingyue , Li Bei , Liu Sixin
Published: November 2023

Fluorescence intensity and selective recognition ability are crucial factors in determining the analytical techniques for fluorescent probes. In this study, a core-shell fluorescent material composed of silver nanoparticles@nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (Ag NPs@N/GQDs) was synthesised using mango leaves as the raw material through a thermal cracking method, resulting in strong fluorescence luminescence intensity. By employing noradrenaline as a template molecule and utilising a surface molecular imprinting technique, a molecularly imprinted membrane (MIP) was formed on the surface of the fluorescent material, which was subsequently eluted to obtain a highly specific fluorescent probe capable of recognising noradrenaline. The probe captured various concentrations of noradrenaline using the MIP, causing a decrease in the probe fluorescence intensity. Then a method for detecting trace amounts of noradrenaline was established. This method exhibited a linear range from 0.5 –700 pM with a detection limit of 0.154 pM. The proposed method was achievemently implemented in banana samples. Satisfactory recoveries were confirmed at four different concentrations. The method presented a relative standard deviation (RSD%) of less than 5.0%.
Introgression of genes associated with yield enhancement and resistance against bacterial leaf blight and blast diseases into an elite rice variety, ‘Jaya’ through marker assisted backcrossing
Authors: GD Dileep Kumar , R ABDUL Fiyaz , Kasarla Chaithanya , Viswanatha Kannalli Paramashivaiah , Darmagaru Shivani , Patwari Payal , Bupalli Sathwik , M.B.V.N Kousik , VS Rapaka Percy , M Bharath Kumar , More Sahithi , KS Raghuwanshi , Chimote Vivek Pandurang , GS Laha , J Aravind Kumar , Basavaraj K , Rao Lella Venkata Subba , Sundaram Raman Meenakshi
Published: November 2023

Background
Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) and blast diseases are the major biotic threats responsible for significant yield loss in rice production across all the rice growing regions. Development of high yielding lines along with resistance to major rice disease is more relevant solution for sustainable yields in paddy. ‘Jaya’ the most popular, stable mega rice variety, notified and cultivated in nineteen states across India and is susceptible to bacterial leaf blight and blast diseases and has an average yielding ability (4.5 t/ha). Present study targeting introgression of bacterial leaf blight, blast resistance genes along with yield improvement genes is the most felicitous strategy for a panoramic genetic enhancement to develop high yielding disease resistant rice cultivars.
Results
In the current investigation, efforts have been made to transfer ‘Xa21’ gene which provide resistance to bacterial leaf blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae, ‘Pi54’ gene which governs blast resistance caused by Magnoporthe oryzae and yield enhancing gene ‘Gn1a’ which governs the higher grain number per panicle thereby ultimately increasing the yield of the concerned genotype. Using marker assisted backcross breeding approach twenty elite BC2F2 lines with two biotic stress resistance genes (Xa21 and Pi54) and a yield enhancement gene (Gn1a) were developed and evaluated for their disease resistance, yield and agronomic performance under field and controlled condition in BC2F3 generation. The background genome recovery analysis of twenty elite BC2F2 lines was carried out using 1K-RiCA SNP genotyping and it ranged from 85.41 to 96.28 per cent. The selected backcross derived lines showed higher resistant to BLB and blast along with significant yield increase over recurrent parent.
Conclusions
The strategy of marker assisted backcross selection found to be promising technique in identifying superior backcross introgressed lines. Among the twenty improved backcross derived lines, IJ-4 and IJ-107 were found to be more promising lines by having the highest recurrent parent genome recovery along with increased resistance to BLB and blast with superior yielding ability than recurrent parent Jaya.
Comparison of feasibility and effectiveness of catheter placement with or without DSA guidance: a propensity score-matched cohort study
Authors: Shang Yiwei , Pan Shujun , Jin Chen , Zheng Danna , Xu Xiujun , Zhu Bin , Zhao Li , Jin Juan , He Qiang , Shen Xiaogang
Published: November 2023

Background
The use of digital subtraction angiography (DSA)-guided placement for tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC) placement is preferred in developed countries due to its higher success rate and accurate positioning. However, in developing countries with limited medical resources, the procedure is typically only performed under ultrasound guidance. The healthcare system is facing challenges due to the shortage of resources and financial pressures. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of DSA-guided catheter placement compared to ultrasound-guided placement in developing countries.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included all TDC insertions at a hospital between January 2020 and October 2022. Patient demographics, laboratory results, surgical details, and hemodialysis information were collected. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the demographics and clinical characteristics between the DSA-guided and ultrasound-guided groups. Adverse events, catheter function, catheter tip position, and costs were evaluated.
Results
After matching, there were no significant differences between the groups. Both groups achieved adequate catheter blood flow and ultrafiltration volumes without deviations from dialysis prescriptions. The DSA-guided group had fewer events leading to early termination of dialysis compared to the ultrasound-guided group. Catheter tip position in the right atrium was more consistent in the DSA-guided group. Cost analysis showed higher expenses with DSA-guided procedures. When the study was limited to patients with catheter tips located in the right atrium, there was no significant difference in adverse events between the two groups.
Conclusion
The performance of hemodialysis catheters inserted under DSA guidance is superior to those inserted under ultrasound guidance during postoperative blood dialysis. This may be related to the position of the tip of the catheter. We recommend using DSA when it cannot be ensured that the tip of the catheter is located in the right atrium.
Low dose methotrexate impaired T cell transmigration through down-regulating CXCR4 expression in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ding Lei , Park Daniel , Gao Bo , Wu Lingyuan , Li Meizhang , Abedelhakim Haitham , Zhang Ming
Published: November 2023

Background
CXC chemokine CXCL12 is involved in the pathological development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through abnormal migration of peripheral immune cells in the joint. Although low dose methotrexate (MTX) is clinically used to treat RA patients, CXCL12 signaling responses to MTX-mediated treatments is still controversial.
Methods
In this study, we examined the expression of CXCR4 (cognatic receptor for CXCL12) in peripheral T cells from RA patients and arthritis mice models received from low dose MTX therapies. The effects of low dose MTX on CXCR4 was further determined via both in vitro CD3 + T cells and Cxcr4 conditional knockout (CKO) arthritis mice models.
Results
Our clinical data shows that low dose MTX treatment was clinically associated with down-regulated expression of chemokine receptor CXCR4 on patient peripheral T cells. In vitro, low dose MTX significantly decreased cell transmigration through down-regulated CXCR4’s expression in CD3 + T cells. Consistently, CD3 + T cells treated with low dose MTX demonstrated an increased genomic hypermethylation across the promoter region of Cxcr4 gene. Furthermore, our preclinical studies showed that low dose MTX-mediated downregulation of CXCR4 significantly improved the pathological development of mouse arthritis models. Conditional disruption of the Cxcr4 gene in peripheral immune cells potentially alleviated inflammation of joints and lung tissue in the arthritis mice, though genetic modification itself did not change their clinical scores of arthritis.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that the effect of low dose MTX treatment could serve to eliminate inflammation in RA patients through impairment of immune cell transmigration.
Optimizing Solid Waste Collection and route using POA algorithm
Authors: Son Pham Vu Hong , Van Tran Thiet
Published: November 2023

The study explores the intricacies of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) collection in the urban context where its high per capita waste generation and susceptibility to the adverse impacts of climate change, particularly in developing countries. This research focuses on a specialized vehicle routing model to optimize the solid waste transportation system within the city. To enhance the model's efficiency, a novel combined method is proposed, integrating the Pelican Optimization Algorithm (POA). Experimental evaluations, conducted using real data, unequivocally demonstrate that the proposed combined method outperforms alternative approaches, including the current manual MSW collection protocol in the city. This research makes a significant contribution to the waste management and urban sustainability field, with the ultimate goal of mitigating the social, economic, and environmental consequences associated with urban waste collection.
Mir155hg accelerates hippocampal neuron injury in convulsive status epilepticus by inhibiting microglial phagocytosis
Authors: Wang Ming , Xu Binyuan , Xie Yangmei , Yao Ge , Chen Yinghui
Published: November 2023

Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) is a common critical neurological condition that can lead to irreversible hippocampal neuron damage and cognitive dysfunction. Multiple studies have demonstrated the critical roles that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Mir155hg plays in a variety of diseases. However, less is known about the function and mechanism of Mir155hg in CSE. Here we investigate and elucidate the mechanism underlying the contribution of Mir155hg to CSE-induced hippocampal neuron injury. By applying high-throughput sequencing, we examined the expression of differentially expressed genes in normal and CSE rats. Subsequent RT-qPCR enabled us to measure the level of Mir155hg in rat hippocampal tissue. Targeted knockdown of Mir155hg was achieved by the AAV9 virus. Additionally, we utilized HE and Tunel staining to evaluate neuronal injury. Immunofluorescence (IF), Golgi staining, and brain path clamping were also used to detect the synaptic plasticity of hippocampal neurons. Finally, through IF staining and Sholl analysis, we assessed the degree of microglial phagocytic function. It was found that the expression of Mir155hg was elevated in CSE rats. HE and Tunel staining results showed that Mir155hg knockdown suppressed the hippocampal neuron loss and apoptosis followed CSE. IF, Golgi staining and brain path clamp data found that Mir155hg knockdown enhanced neuronal synaptic plasticity. The results from IF staining and Sholl analysis showed that Mir155hg knockdown enhanced microglial phagocytosis. Our findings suggest that Mir155hg promotes CSE-induced hippocampal neuron injury by inhibiting microglial phagocytosis.