bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Firmiana danxiaensis plastomes and comparative analysis of Firmiana: insight into its phylogeny and evolution
Authors: Li Ya-li , Nie Li-yun , Deng Shuang-wen , Duan Lei , Wang Zheng-feng , Charboneau Joseph L.M. , Ho Boon-Chuan , Chen Hong-feng
Published: February 2024

Background

Firmiana danxiaensis is a critically endangered and ecologically important tree currently only found in four locations in Danxia or Karst habitats in northern Guangdong Province, China. The specialized habitat preference makes it an ideal model species for study of adaptive evolution. Meanwhile, the phylogenetic relationships of F. danxiaensis in four locations under two landforms are unclear. Therefore, we sequenced its complete chloroplast (cp.) genomes and conducted comprehensive interspecific and intrageneric plastome studies.

Results

The F. danxiaensis plastomes in four locations showed a typical quadripartite and circular structure that ranged from 160,832 to 161,206 bp in size, with 112 unique genes encoded. Comparative genomics showed that the plastomes of F. danxiaensis were relatively conserved with high similarity of genome organization, gene number, GC content and SSRs. While the genomes revealed higher biased codon preferences in Karst habitat than those in Danxia habitats. Eighteen and 11 divergent hotpots were identified at interspecific and intrageneric levels for species identification and further phylogenetic studies. Seven genes (clpP, accD, ccsA, ndhH, rpl20, rpoC2, and rps4) were under positive selection and may be related to adaptation. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that F. danxiaensis is sister to F. major and F. simplex. However, the interspecific relationships are not consistent with the habitat types.

Conclusions

The characteristics and interspecific relationship of F. danxiaensis plastomes provide new insights into further integration of geographical factors, environmental factors, and genetic variations on the genomic study of F. danxiaensis. Together, our study will contribute to the study of species identification, population genetics, and conservation biology of F. danxiaensis.
“I think they should give primary health care a little more priority”. The primary health care in Caribbean SIDS: what can be said about adaptation to the changing climate? The case of Dominica— a qualitative study
Authors: Harris-Glenville Fiona , Cloos Patrick
Published: February 2024

Background

Adaptation to climate change (CC) is a priority for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean, as these countries and territories are particularly vulnerable to climate-related events. Primary health care (PHC) is an important contributor to CC adaptation. However, knowledge on how PHC is prepared for CC in Caribbean SIDS is very limited. The aim of this paper is to discuss health system adaptation to climate change, with a focus on PHC.

Methods

We explored the perspectives of PHC professionals in Dominica on PHC adaptation to climate change. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in each of the seven health districts in Dominica, a Caribbean SIDS, between November 2021 and January 2022. The semi-structured interview guide was based on the Essential Public Health Functions: assessment, access to health care services, policy development and resource allocation. Data coding was organized accordingly.

Results

Findings suggest that health care providers perceive climate change as contributing to an increase in NCDs and mental health problems. Climate-related events create barriers to care and exacerbate the chronic deficiencies within the health system, especially in the absence of high-level policy support. Healthcare providers need to take a holistic view of health and act accordingly in terms of disease prevention and health promotion, epidemiological surveillance, and ensuring the widest possible access to healthcare, with a particular focus on the environmental and social determinants of vulnerability.

Conclusion

The primary health care system is a key stakeholder in the design and operationalization of adaptation and transformative resilience. The Essential Public Health Functions should integrate social and climate and other environmental determinants of health to guide primary care activities to protect the health of communities. This study highlights the need for improved research on the linkages between climate events and health outcomes, surveillance, and development of plans informed by contextual knowledge in the SIDS.
Clinical characteristics and influencing factors of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome complicated by viral myocarditis: a retrospective study
Authors: Du Qian , Yu Jin , Chen Qianhui , Chen Xiaoping , Jiang Qunqun , Deng Liping , Li Anling , Xiong Yong
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome complicated by viral myocarditis (SFTS-VM) and analyze relevant influencing factors.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 79 SFTS-VM patients, categorized into common (SFTS-CVM, n = 40) and severe groups (SFTS-SVM, n = 39). Clinical manifestations, laboratory results, cardiac ultrasonography, and electrocardiogram features were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified significant indicators, which were further assessed using ROC curves to predict SFTS-SVM.

Results

SFTS-SVM group exhibited higher rates of hypotension, shock, abdominal pain, cough with sputum, and consciousness disorders compared to SFTS-CVM group. Laboratory findings showed elevated platelet count, ALT, AST, amylase, lipase, LDH, D-dimer, procalcitonin, TNI, and NT-proBNP in SFTS-SVM. Abnormal electrocardiograms, especially atrial fibrillation, were more prevalent in SFTS-SVM (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified elevated LDH upon admission (OR = 1.004, 95% CI: 1-1.008, P = 0.050), elevated NT-proBNP (OR = 1.005, 95% CI: 1.001–1.008, P = 0.007), and consciousness disorders (OR = 112.852, 95% CI: 3.676 ~ 3464.292, P = 0.007) as independent risk factors for SFTS-SVM. LDH and NT-proBNP had AUCs of 0.728 and 0.744, respectively, in predicting SFTS-SVM. Critical values of LDH (> 978.5U/L) and NT-proBNP (> 857.5pg/ml)) indicated increased likelihood of SFTS progression into SVM.

Conclusion

Elevated LDH, NT-proBNP, and consciousness disorders independently correlate with SFTS-SVM. LDH and NT-proBNP can aid in early identification of SFTS-SVM development when above specified thresholds.
Patients with first-episode psychosis in northern Taiwan: neurocognitive performance and niacin response profile in comparison with schizophrenia patients of different familial loadings and relationship with clinical features
Authors: Yu Shun-Chun , Hwang Tzung–Jeng , Liu Chih-Min , Chan Hung-Yu , Kuo Chian-Jue , Yang Tsung-Tsair , Wang Jen-Pang , Liu Chen-Chung , Hsieh Ming H. , Lin Yi-Ting , Chien Yi-Ling , Kuo Po-Hsiu , Shih Ya-Wen , Yu Sung-Liang , Chen Hsuan-Yu , Chen Wei J.
Published: February 2024

Background

Examining patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) provides opportunities to better understand the mechanism underlying these illnesses. By incorporating quantitative measures in FEP patients, we aimed to (1) determine the baseline distribution of clinical features; (2) examine the impairment magnitude of the quantitative measures by comparing with external controls and then the counterparts of schizophrenia patients of different familial loadings; and (3) evaluate whether these quantitative measures were associated with the baseline clinical features.

Methods

Patients with FEP were recruited from one medical center, two regional psychiatric centers, and two private clinics in northern Taiwan with clinical features rated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scale. Quantitative measurements included the Continuous Performance Test (CPT), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), niacin response abnormality (NRA), and minor physical anomalies and craniofacial features (MPAs). To evaluate the relative performance of the quantitative measures in our FEP patients, four external comparison groups from previous studies were used, including three independent healthy controls for the CPT, WCST, and NRA, respectively, and one group of treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients for the MPAs. Additionally, patients from simplex families and patients from multiplex families were used to assess the magnitude of FEP patients’ impairment on the CPT, WCST, and NRA.

Results

Among the 80 patients with FEP recruited in this study (58% female, mean age = 25.6 years, mean duration of untreated psychosis = 132 days), the clinical severity was mild to moderate (mean PANSS score = 67.3; mean PSP score = 61.8). Patients exhibited both neurocognitive and niacin response impairments (mean Z-scores: −1.24 for NRA, − 1.06 for undegraded d', − 0.70 for degraded d', − 0.32 for categories achieved, and 0.44 for perseverative errors) but did not show MPAs indicative of treatment resistance. Among these quantitative measures, three of the four neurocognitive indices were correlated with the baseline clinical features, whereas NRA did not show such correlation.

Conclusions

This FEP study of Taiwanese patients revealed the presence of neurocognitive performance and niacin response and their different relationships with clinical features, rendering this sample useful for future follow-up and incorporation of multiomics investigation.
Selective under-representation of Pacific peoples in population estimates for health indicator measurements in Aotearoa New Zealand misinforms policy making
Authors: Sonder Gerard J.B , Grey Corina , Ryan Debbie , Cumming Jacqueline , Sporle Andrew , Hill Philip C.
Published: February 2024

Background

The Census of Populations and Dwellings’ is the five yearly population count of Aotearoa New Zealand. Best available populations (BAP) are subnational projections based on census data and demographic assumptions developed for healthcare planning and funding allocation but are also used as the denominator for health indicator monitoring. Pacific people are systematically undercounted, but the impact on health statistics is not well studied. For COVID-19 vaccination coverage, health service user (HSU) data were considered a more reliable denominator than BAP but introduced new biases. We aimed to understand how the choice of denominator population impacts estimates of population size and health system performance for Pacific people at a local level.

Methods

We described how declining census response rates affected population data quality. We compared BAP and HSU data at district level. For the indicators ‘access to primary care’ and ‘cervical cancer screening uptake’ we replaced currently used BAP denominators with HSU and examined the impact for different ethnic groups in different geographic districts.

Results

Overall Census 2018 response declined by 10%, but for Māori and Pacific people by 21% and 23%, respectively. This inequitably affected BAP accuracy. Census undercount was highest in the district with the largest Pacific populations, where HSU exceeded BAP most. Notably, ‘access to primary care’ for Pacific people in this district consistently exceeds 100%. Using BAP, both health indicators are currently estimated as highest for Pacific people compared to other ethnic groups, but when based on HSU, they dropped to lowest. Similar, but less pronounced trends occurred in other districts. Changes in trends over time for both indicators coincided mostly with adjustments in BAP, rather than changes in the numerators.

Conclusions

The current use of BAP denominators for health statistics does not enable reliable monitoring of key health indicators for Pacific people. HSU denominators are also unsuitable for monitoring health. Exploring the feasibility of a real-time population register is strongly recommended as a new, transparent, way of obtaining more reliable, timely population data to guide policymaking and underpin a more equitable health system under the health reforms. Meanwhile, reporting of ethnic specific outcomes need to include a clear assessment of the potential for bias due to inaccurate population estimates.
COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination experiences and perceptions and their predictors among community members during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ebonyi state, Nigeria: an analytical cross-sectional study
Authors: Omale Ugwu I. , Uduma Victor U. , Adeke Azuka S. , Ikegwuonu Cordis O. , Nkwo Glory E. , Nwali Ugochi IA. , Nnachi Olaedo O. , Ukpabi Okechukwu O. , Okeke Ifeyinwa M. , Ewah Richard L. , Iyare Osarhiemen , Oka Onyinyechukwu U. , Amuzie Chidinma I.
Published: February 2024

Background

COVID-19 is still a disease of global public health importance which requires long term application of control measures as millions of new infections or re-infections and thousands of related deaths still occur worldwide and the risk of an upsurge from new strains of the virus continues to be a threat. The decrease in the use of and non-use of preventive public health measures are among the factors fuelling the disease. The (previous) experiences and perceptions of people regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 vaccination, and the vaccination process are factors that will influence subsequent use of preventive/control measures. We explored the COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination and the vaccination process experiences and perceptions, and their predictors, among the community members in Ebonyi state, Nigeria.

Methods

We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study between March 12 and May 9, 2022 among all consenting/assenting community members aged 15 years and above in 28 randomly selected geographical clusters. A structured interviewer-administered electronic questionnaire in KoBoCollect installed in android devices was used to collect data which was analysed using descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate generalized estimating equations.

Results

Of the 10,825 community members surveyed: only 31.6% had strong COVID-19 experience and perception, 72.2% had good COVID-19 vaccination expectation and perception, and only 54.2% had positive COVID-19 vaccination process experience and perception. The most important predictors of the extent/level of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination and the vaccination process experiences and perceptions were level of attitude towards COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination and level of knowledge about COVID-19. Other important predictors were marital status, educational level, and main occupation.

Conclusions

This study’s evidence, including the identified predictors, will inform subsequent policy actions regarding COVID-19 in the strategies to improve the COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination and the vaccination process experiences and perceptions of community members (and their use of preventive/control measures) in Ebonyi state and Nigeria, and other similar contexts. It will also inform future policy actions/strategies regarding similar diseases.
A longitudinal study on changes in weekend leisure time by age groups in Korea (1999–2019)
Authors: Cha Yu-Jin
Published: February 2024

Background

Data analysis was conducted on 20 years (1999–2019) of the Korean Time Use Survey (KTUS) to identify differences and characteristics among each types by extracting latent clusters of weekend leisure activities.

Methods

Using data from the KTUS, we classified weekend leisure time activities into 6 distinct categories. To identify the latent clusters for each year's KTUS data, we utilized latent profile analysis (LPA). Furthermore, independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA were conducted to investigate the characteristics of each latent cluster.

Results

As a result of leisure time analysis by survey period, media use accounted for the largest share in all three age groups. The results of the LPA, which included media, sports, culture, and tourism, revealed that the distribution of leisure time for these activities was lower throughout the entire study period.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, it is recommended to explore constructive leisure activities and to develop policy measures to promote the domestic leisure industry and leisure consumption.
HDL levels modulate the impact of type 2 diabetes susceptibility alleles in older adults
Authors: Sullivan Siobhán O.’ , Al Hageh Cynthia , Henschel Andreas , Chacar Stephanie , Abchee Antoine , Zalloua Pierre , Nader Moni
Published: February 2024

Background

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is influenced by genetic, environmental, and ageing factors. Ageing pathways exacerbate metabolic diseases. This study aimed to examine both clinical and genetic factors of T2D in older adults.

Methods

A total of 2,909 genotyped patients were enrolled in this study. Genome Wide Association Study was conducted, comparing T2D patients to non-diabetic older adults aged ≥ 60, ≥ 65, or ≥ 70 years, respectively. Binomial logistic regressions were applied to examine the association between T2D and various risk factors. Stepwise logistic regression was conducted to explore the impact of low HDL (HDL < 40 mg/dl) on the relationship between the genetic variants and T2D. A further validation step using data from the UK Biobank with 53,779 subjects was performed.

Results

The association of T2D with both low HDL and family history of T2D increased with the age of control groups. T2D susceptibility variants (rs7756992, rs4712523 and rs10946403) were associated with T2D, more significantly with increased age of the control group. These variants had stronger effects on T2D risk when combined with low HDL cholesterol levels, especially in older control groups.

Conclusions

The findings highlight a critical role of age, genetic predisposition, and HDL levels in T2D risk. The findings suggest that individuals over 70 years who have high HDL levels without the T2D susceptibility alleles may be at the lowest risk of developing T2D. These insights can inform tailored preventive strategies for older adults, enhancing personalized T2D risk assessments and interventions.
CD73 mitigates ZEB1 expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Vedovatto Samlai , Oliveira Fernanda Dittrich , Pereira Luiza Cherobini , Scheffel Thamiris Becker , Beckenkamp Liziane Raquel , Bertoni Ana Paula Santin , Wink Márcia Rosângela , Lenz Guido
Published: February 2024

Background

ZEB1, a core transcription factor involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), is associated with aggressive cancer cell behavior, treatment resistance, and poor prognosis across various tumor types. Similarly, the expression and activity of CD73, an ectonucleotidase implicated in adenosine generation, is an important marker of tumor malignancy. Growing evidence suggests that EMT and the adenosinergic pathway are intricately linked and play a pivotal role in cancer development. Therefore, this study focuses on exploring the correlations between CD73 and ZEB1, considering their impact on tumor progression.

Methods

We employed CRISPR/Cas9 technology to silence CD73 expression in cell lines derived from papillary thyroid carcinoma. These same cells underwent lentiviral transduction of a reporter of ZEB1 non-coding RNA regulation. We conducted studies on cell migration using scratch assays and analyses of cellular speed and polarity. Additionally, we examined ZEB1 reporter expression through flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry, complemented by Western blot analysis for protein quantification. For further insights, we applied gene signatures representing different EMT states in an RNA-seq expression analysis of papillary thyroid carcinoma samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas.

Results

Silencing CD73 expression led to a reduction in ZEB1 non-coding RNA regulation reporter expression in a papillary thyroid carcinoma-derived cell line. Additionally, it also mitigated ZEB1 protein expression. Moreover, the expression of CD73 and ZEB1 was correlated with alterations in cell morphology characteristics crucial for cell migration, promoting an increase in cell polarity index and cell migration speed. RNA-seq analysis revealed higher expression of NT5E (CD73) in samples with BRAF mutations, accompanied by a prevalence of partial-EMT/hybrid state signature expression.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings suggest an association between CD73 expression and/or activity and the post-transcriptional regulation of ZEB1 by non-coding RNA, indicating a reduction in its absence. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the relationship between CD73 and ZEB1, with the potential for targeting them as therapeutic alternatives for cancer treatment in the near future.
Clinicopathological analysis of rosette-forming glioneuronal tumors
Authors: Liu Jing , Lin Fan , Sun Yanhua , Liu Xia
Published: February 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, diagnostic indicators, and critical factors for the differential diagnosis of rosette-forming glioneuronal tumor (RGNT).

Patients and methods

This retrospective study included six surgically treated RGNT cases. We analyzed and summarized their clinical manifestations, radiological features, histological morphology, immunophenotype, and molecular genetic changes, supplemented with a literature review.

Results

The patients comprised four males and two females with a mean age of 35 years. The tumors were located in the cerebellum (two cases); the fourth ventricle, quadrigeminal cistern, and third ventricle (one case each); and the fourth ventricle and brainstem (one case). Clinical manifestations included headaches in four cases, left eyelid ptosis in one case, and one asymptomatic case only identified during physical examination. Microscopically, the tumor cells were uniform in size and were marked by rosette-like or pseudorosette-like structures around the neuropil and blood vessels. Immunohistochemistry revealed biphasic patterns. The central neuropil components of the rosette-like structures around the neuropil and the pseudorosette structures of the perivascular regions expressed Syn, while the cells surrounding the rosettes expressed Olig2 and not GFAP. GFAP and S-100 were expressed in the glial components but not in the rosette or pseudorosette regions. The Ki-67 proliferation index was typically low. Molecular genetic analysis showed that the main molecular changes involved FGFR1 mutation accompanied by PIK3R1 mutation. None of the patients received chemoradiotherapy postoperatively. Follow-up durations varied between 4 and 23 months with no recorded recurrence or metastasis.

Conclusion

RGNT is a comparatively rare mixed glioneuronal tumor that occurs in the midline structures. Its morphology shows certain overlaps with other low-grade neuroepithelial tumors. Identifying the rosettes around the neuropil is critical for morphological diagnosis, and the molecular identification of FGFR1 mutations accompanied by PIK3R1 mutations can facilitate diagnosis.
Design, synthesis, and molecular dynamics simulation studies of some novel kojic acid fused 2-amino-3-cyano-4H-pyran derivatives as tyrosinase inhibitors
Authors: Najafi Zahra , Zandi Haramabadi Maryam , Chehardoli Gholamabbas , Ebadi‬ Ahmad , Iraji Aida
Published: February 2024

A novel series of kojic acid fused 2-amino-3-cyano-4H-pyran derivatives were synthesized via a multicomponent reaction involving kojic acid, benzyloxy benzaldehyde, and malonitrile as tyrosinase inhibitors. Subsequently, the structures of the compounds were characterized using FT-IR, 1H-, and 13C-NMR spectroscopic analyses. The designed compounds fall into three series: (1) 4-benzyloxy-phenyl kojopyran 6a–e, (2) 3-benzyloxy- phenyl kojopyran derivatives 6f–j, and (3) 4-benzyloxy-3-methoxy-phenyl kojopyran derivative 6 k–o. The assessment of tyrosinase inhibition activity was conducted using L-Dopa as the substrate. Among synthesized compounds, 2-amino-4-(4-((4-fluorobenzyl)oxy)phenyl)-6-(hydroxymethyl)-8-oxo-4,8-dihydropyrano[3,2-b]pyran-3-carbonitrile (6b) demonstrated the highest antityrosinase activity with a competitive inhibition pattern (IC50 = 7.69 ± 1.99 μM) as compared to the control agent kojic acid (IC50 = 23.64 ± 2.56 µM). Since compound 6b was synthesized as a racemic mixture, in silico studies were performed for both R and S enantiomers. The R- enantiomer showed critical interactions compared with the S-enantiomer. Specifically, it established hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with crucial and highly conserved amino acids within the enzyme's binding site in the target protein. Moreover, the molecular dynamics simulations revealed that compound 6b demonstrated significant interactions with essential residues of the binding site, resulting in a stable complex throughout the entire simulation run. The drug-like and ADMET properties predictions showed an acceptable profile for compound 6b. Thus, it can serve as a drug candidate to develop more potent antityrosinase agents due to its low toxicity and its high inhibition activity.
Determination of antihistaminic drugs alcaftadine and olopatadine hydrochloride via ion-pairing with eosin Y as a spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric probe: application to dosage forms
Authors: Derayea Sayed M. , Badr El-din Khalid M. , Ahmed Ahmed S. , Khorshed Ahmed A. , Oraby Mohamed
Published: February 2024

Four sensitive and fast analytical approaches relied on ion pairing with eosin Y were built up and evaluated using spectroscopy for determination of Alcaftadine and Olopatadine hydrochloride with high sensitivity and selectivity. Two spectrofluorimetric techniques were employed to observe the quenching effect of Alcaftadine or Olopatadine hydrochloride on the intrinsic fluorescence of eosin Y in a 0.1 M acetate buffer solution at pH 3.8 and 3.3 for Alcaftadine and Olopatadine hydrochloride, respectively. Those methods are considered the first spectrofluorimetric methods for Alcaftadine and Olopatadine hydrochloride assay. The fluorescence quenching effect was linear with concentration ranging from 150 to 2000 and 200 to 2000 ng mL−1 for Alcaftadine and Olopatadine hydrochloride, respectively. In the two spectrophotometric techniques, the absorbance of the produced ion-pair was monitored at 548 and 547 nm in aqueous buffered solution at pH 3.8 and 3.3 for Alcaftadine and Olopatadine hydrochloride, respectively. Beer's law was obeyed in the concentrations range of 0.8–8.0 and 1.0–10.0 µg mL−1. The four techniques were evaluated in accordance with ICH requirements and were effectively used to analyze dosage forms with a high percent recovery.
Identification of environment-insensitive genes for oil content by combination of transcriptome and genome-wide association analysis in rapeseed
Authors: Yao Min , He Dan , Li Wen , Xiong Xinghua , He Xin , Liu Zhongsong , Guan Chunyun , Qian Lunwen
Published: February 2024

Background

The primary objective of rapeseed breeding is to enhance oil content, which is predominantly influenced by environmental factors. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of these environmental factors on oil accumulation remain inadequately elucidated. In this study, we used transcriptome data from two higher (HOC) and two lower oil content (LOC) inbred lines at 35 days after pollination (DAP) to investigate genes exhibiting stable expression across three different environments. Meanwhile, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was utilized to detect candidate genes exhibiting significant associations with seed oil content across three distinct environments.

Results

The study found a total of 405 stable differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 25 involved in lipid/fatty acid metabolism and 14 classified as transcription factors. Among these genes, BnBZIP10-A09, BnMYB61-A06, BnAPA1-A08, BnPAS2-A10, BnLCAT3-C05 and BnKASIII-C09 were also found to exhibit significant associations with oil content across multiple different environments based on GWAS of 50 re-sequenced semi-winter rapeseed inbred lines and previously reported intervals. Otherwise, we revealed the presence of additive effects among BnBZIP10-A09, BnKASIII-C09, BnPAS2-A10 and BnAPA1-A08, resulting in a significant increase in seed oil content. Meanwhile, the majority of these stable DEGs are interconnected either directly or indirectly through co-expression network analysis, thereby giving rise to an elaborate molecular network implicated in the potential regulation of seed oil accumulation and stability.

Conclusions

The combination of transcription and GWAS revealed that natural variation in six environment-insensitive gene regions exhibited significant correlations with seed oil content phenotypes. These results provide important molecular marker information for us to further improve oil content accumulation and stability in rapeseed.
A knock down strategy for rapid, generic, and versatile modelling of muscular dystrophies in 3D-tissue-engineered-skeletal muscle
Authors: in ‘t Groen Stijn L. M. , Franken Marnix , Bock Theresa , Krüger Marcus , de Greef Jessica C. , Pijnappel W. W. M. Pim
Published: February 2024

Background

Human iPSC-derived 3D-tissue-engineered-skeletal muscles (3D-TESMs) offer advanced technology for disease modelling. However, due to the inherent genetic heterogeneity among human individuals, it is often difficult to distinguish disease-related readouts from random variability. The generation of genetically matched isogenic controls using gene editing can reduce variability, but the generation of isogenic hiPSC-derived 3D-TESMs can take up to 6 months, thereby reducing throughput.

Methods

Here, by combining 3D-TESM and shRNA technologies, we developed a disease modelling strategy to induce distinct genetic deficiencies in a single hiPSC-derived myogenic progenitor cell line within 1 week.

Results

As proof of principle, we recapitulated disease-associated pathology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A caused by loss of function of DMD and CAPN3, respectively. shRNA-mediated knock down of DMD or CAPN3 induced a loss of contractile function, disruption of tissue architecture, and disease-specific proteomes. Pathology in DMD-deficient 3D-TESMs was partially rescued by a candidate gene therapy treatment using micro-dystrophin, with similar efficacy compared to animal models.

Conclusions

These results show that isogenic shRNA-based humanized 3D-TESM models provide a fast, cheap, and efficient tool to model muscular dystrophies and are useful for the preclinical evaluation of novel therapies.
Investigation of the strength behavior and failure modes of layered sedimentary rocks under Brazilian test conditions
Authors: Abdi Yasin
Published: February 2024

As the anisotropic behavior of sandstones and limestone along the Khorramabad-Zal expressway has not been studied, this research aims to examine the impact of layer orientation on the strength characteristics and failure patterns of layered sedimentary rocks using the Brazilian test. For this purpose, a total of 8 rock blocks were gathered from Kashkan sandstones and Sarvak limestones in three different locations along the Khorramabad-Zal highway in western Iran. The core specimens were drilled with 54 mm diameter and parallel to the laminations. Overall 150 disc-shaped specimens were subjected to Brazilian tensile strength (BTS) in ten different anisotropy angles, which refers to the angle between the loading direction and the lamination plane. The findings revealed that the highest and lowest BTS values were obtained at β = 70° and 20° for all three types of rock. After analyzing the samples that experienced the Brazilian test and examining their failure patterns, three primary modes of failure were identified: parallel to the lamination (PL), across the lamination (AL), and curved fracture (CF). Furthermore, the transitional angle, which signifies the point at which the dominant pattern of failure shifts from PL to AL or from PL to CF, was also determined.
Drawdown-based risk indicators for high-frequency financial volumes
Authors: D’Amico Guglielmo , Basilio Bice Di , Petroni Filippo
Published: February 2024

In stock markets, trading volumes serve as a crucial variable, acting as a measure for a security’s liquidity level. To evaluate liquidity risk exposure, we examine the process of volume drawdown and measures of crash-recovery within fluctuating time frames. These moving time windows shield our financial indicators from being affected by the massive transaction volume, a characteristic of the opening and closing of stock markets. The empirical study is conducted on the high-frequency financial volumes of Tesla, Netflix, and Apple, spanning from April to September 2022. First, we model the financial volume time series for each stock using a semi-Markov model, known as the weighted-indexed semi-Markov chain (WISMC) model. Second, we calculate both real and synthetic drawdown-based risk indicators for comparison purposes. The findings reveal that our risk measures possess statistically different distributions, contingent on the selected time windows. On a global scale, for all assets, financial risk indicators calculated on data derived from the WISMC model closely align with the real ones in terms of Kullback–Leibler divergence.
Combination of high-flow nasal oxygen and ketamine/dexmedetomidine sedation for diagnostic catheterization in a child with pulmonary arterial hypertension: a case report
Authors: Tsuboi Kaoru , Asai Misuzu , Nakamura Toshiki , Ninagawa Jun , Ono Hiroshi , Kasuya Shugo
Published: February 2024

Pulmonary hypertension is associated with significant risk of perioperative life-threatening events. We present a case of a 12-year-old child with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension who successfully underwent diagnostic cardiac catheterization under ketamine and dexmedetomidine sedation with the support of high-flow nasal oxygen. Ketamine and dexmedetomidine are reported to have minimal effect on pulmonary vasculature in children with pulmonary hypertension and can be safely used in this population along with its lack of respiratory depression. Positive pressure generated by high-flow nasal oxygen improves upper airway patency, prevents micro-atelectasis, and is shown to improve the effectiveness of ventilation and oxygenation in patients under sedation breathing spontaneously. The presented strategy may contribute to enhancing the safety and effectiveness of procedural sedation for children with life-threatening pulmonary hypertension.
Early molecular events in the interaction between Magnaporthe oryzae and rice
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Yang Jun , Liu Muxing , Xu Xiaozhou , Yang Leiyun , Liu Xinyu , Peng Youliang , Zhang Zhengguang
Published: February 2024

Rice is a staple crop feeding more than 50% of the world’s population and, its sustainable production is crucial to the global food security. However, blast disease caused by the filamentous fungus Magnaporthe oryzae (anamorph: Pyricularia oryzae) threatens sustainable rice production as it can reduce grain yields over 30% in epidemic years. Therefore, deciphering the molecular mechanisms of the M. oryzae-rice interaction and the mechanism that how M. oryzae overcomes rice defense is crucial for developing new strategies to make green fungicides and disease-resistant rice varieties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms by which M. oryzae perceives host surface signals and subsequently develops specific infection structure called appressoria. In addition, the review delves into the strategies that the fungus utilizes to overcome host immunity, which in turn allows it to colonize rice tissues. Finally, we propose the perspectives for dissecting the pathogenesis of the fungus and controlling rice blast disease.
Sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis patients and impact of disease activity
Authors: Abdelrahman Maha S. I. , Shaddad Ahmad M. , Khaleel Waleed Gamal Elddin , Talaat Esraa A. , Safwat Shady Mohamed , Farrag Sara
Published: February 2024

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune lifelong disease. Systemic manifestations represent a significant aspect of the disease burden. This study aimed to assess sleep quality and psychosocial aspects among RA patients and the impact of disease duration and activity.

Results

The mean age for included RA patients was 50.00 ± 9.37 years. The median disease duration was 9.50 (Interquartile range (IQR)=5–15) years and 90% of patients were females. Disease activity score 28 was 4.65 ± 1.66. Anxiety and depression were significantly higher among RA participants. Regarding sleep quality assessment, RA group had significantly higher levels of insomnia than the control group (Insomnia Severity Index median (IQR) was 4.5 (0–15) versus 1 (0–3); p value = 0.013) and daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale median (IQR) was 4 (1–11.25) versus 1 (0–3); p value = 0.002). RA patients showed significantly higher values of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index components as well as the global score indicating poor sleep quality. The 36-item short-form health survey domains, representing physical and mental health, were significantly lower among RA cases versus control subjects. Higher disease activity was positively correlated with anxiety, depression, insomnia, sleep quality, sleep efficiency, and daytime dysfunction, while negatively correlated with all domains of the 36-item short-form health survey.

Conclusions

RA patients have increased anxiety and depression levels in addition to poor sleep quality. High disease activity is linked to increased anxiety and depression levels, impaired quality of life, and poor sleep quality.
Role of STREM-1 for early prediction of ventilator-associated pneumonia in pediatrics
Authors: Abdelgawad Tarek Ahmed , Anwar Maha Ahmad , Magdy Sondos Mohamed , El-Sayed Abd El-Maksoud Abd El-Maks Mohamed
Published: February 2024

Background

TREM-1 (setting off receptor imparted on myeloid cells-1) is an immunoreceptor. Neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, and endothelial cells all express TREM-1. This work aimed to evaluate the role of STREM-1 in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) early prediction in pediatrics.

Methods

This case–control research involved 56 children aged from 1 month to 5 years old, who were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and needed mechanical ventilation (MV), from January 2023 to June 2023. Subjects were equally allocated into two groups: VAP group and non-VAP group.

Results

There was significantly elevated serum STREM-1 after 72 h than at admission between both groups. There was significantly elevated STREM-1, procalcitonin (PCT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) after 72 h in the VAP group compared to the non-VAP group. There was a positive correlation between PCT and CRP after 72 h. STREM-1 at admission and after 72 h area under the curve (AUC) was 0.641 (0.502 to 0.765), 1.000 (0.936 to 1.000), with best cut-off value for prediction of VAP was > 185, > 230 with sensitivity 53.6%, 100% and specificity 67.9%, 100%, respectively.

Conclusion

Serum sTREM-1 concentration is a reliable biomarker for predicting VAP in pediatrics received MV.
Successful surgical management of ventricular septal perforation following left ventricular free wall rupture due to acute myocardial infarction: a case report
Authors: Takehara Makoto , Tomotsuka Sanae , Tsumaru Shinichi , Shimamoto Takeshi
Published: February 2024

Background

The mechanical complications associated with acute myocardial infarction can be fatal. We report a life-saving case of a very elderly patient with consecutive mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction.

Case presentation

A 90-year-old woman was transferred to our hospital for emergency care due to chest pain. She underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention of the left anterior descending branch and was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction and intra-aortic balloon pumping insertion was performed. After returning to the intensive care unit, she experienced chest pain and went into shock. Echocardiography showed left ventricular free wall rupture, and percutaneous cardiopulmonary support was established. Emergency left ventriculoplasty was performed for the left ventricular free wall rupture. A ventricular septal perforation was observed on postoperative day 9, and its closure through right ventriculotomy was performed on postoperative day 10. On the 128th postoperative day, the patient was transferred to the hospital for rehabilitation.

Conclusions

A 90-year-old patient with consecutive left ventricular free wall rupture and ventricular septal perforation after acute myocardial infarction was successfully managed with two surgeries.
Mediastinal angiosarcoma mimicking constrictive pericarditis and aortic dissection: a case report
Authors: Ikemoto Koki , Numata Satoshi , Kobayashi Takuma , Yaku Hitoshi
Published: February 2024

Background

Angiosarcomas are soft-tissue sarcomas of endothelial cells that can arise from any site in the body. Primary mediastinal angiosarcoma is rare, with an extremely poor prognosis and currently no established treatment. Mediastinal angiosarcoma is often detected as a tumor mass in the heart, lung, aorta, or pulmonary artery. However, in cases where no tumor mass is found, a definitive diagnosis is difficult without tissue biopsy, as the condition shows various, non-specific clinical findings.

Case presentation

A 49-year-old man had an episode of syncope while walking. Cardiac catheterization and computed tomography suggested constrictive pericarditis, aortic dissection, and coronary artery disease. Scheduled total arch replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting could not be completed because intraoperative findings indicated the presence of a malignant tumor. Only pericardiectomy was performed. Hyaluronic acid concentration in the pleural fluid was high. The diagnosis of mediastinal angiosarcoma was confirmed postoperatively.

Conclusions

Mediastinal angiosarcoma might mimic multiple diseases within a single case. Hyaluronic acid concentration in the pleural fluid may be a useful indicator for mediastinal angiosarcoma diagnosis.
O DIREITO À MEMÓRIA E À VERDADE NA JURISDIÇÃO INTERAMERICANA DE DIREITOS HUMANOS
Authors: Porto Matheus Macedo Lima , Ávila Flávia de
Published: February 2024

Objetivo: Este trabalho analisa a construção do direito à memória e à verdade no Sistema Interamericano de Direitos Humanos de acordo com conceitos de testemunho e verdade em Hannah Arendt.Metodologia: Trata-se de uma pesquisa jurisprudencial, baseada em método jurídico-teórico. Serão sistematizadas e analisadas decisões em que se pleiteou reconhecimento de direito à memória e à verdade perante a Corte Interamericana de Direitos Humanos, por intermédio do método qualitativo.Resultados: Apresentam-se primeiramente os contornos da definição de memória e verdade no âmbito do sistema interamericano. De acordo com tais conteúdos materiais, é situado o debate sobre o direito à memória para se realizar a verdade a partir do papel do testemunho e das vítimas nas obras Eichmann em Jerusalém e Verdade e Política de Hannah Arendt.Contribuições: O direito à verdade é necessário em um espaço público político, e os fatos não podem ser reduzidos à mera opinião; ao contrário, é somente a partir dos fatos que se podem extrair opiniões. O reconhecimento desse direito contribuiu para os processos de justiça de transição, reconhecendo-se também o direito à memória. Na sociedade atual, conforme atestado pela jurisdição interamericana, o direito à verdade deve ser garantido à sociedade como um próprio pressuposto do ambiente democrático.
The lure of the foreign stage: Chronicles of Italian mobility to France in the long eighteenth century
Authors: Cazzato Elisa
Published: February 2024

This article investigates the migration of three Italian-born artists working in France in the field of ephemeral entertainment and argues that their stories were part of a broader process of cultural history and artistic mobility of the long eighteenth century. These artists are the firework makers Ruggieri brothers, the circus performer Antonio Franconi and his family and the stage designer Ignazio Degotti. They left their home country at different points (1730s, 1750s and 1790 respectively), settling in Paris under different socio-political circumstances. Due to the immaterial and contingent medium in which these artists chose to work, which is difficult to replicate and collect, the mobility of these artists has often remained a neglected story. To explore the reasons why these artists moved from their home country and the motivation that convinced them to stay in France, this research combines an attentive examination of archival material with a methodology influenced by methods of cultural history. The paper argues that their lives and their artistic expertise were not only aesthetically relevant, but also very much integrated within the defined social and cultural context they chose to live in.
The genome sequence of the semaphore fly, Poecilobothrus nobilitatus (Linnaeus, 1767)
Authors: Mitchell Ryan , Sivell Olga , Sivell Duncan , Sudworth Jennifer ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Poecilobothrus nobilitatus (semaphore fly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Dolichopodidae). The genome sequence is 944.0 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 5 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X and Y sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.39 kilobases in length.
SIMULATION OF OSCILLATIONS OF THE CENTER OF MASS OF THE TRACTOR WITH TRACKED PROPULSION UNIT
Authors: Bykov Mikhail A. , Froltsov Nikita V. , Sidorov Maksim V. , Ponomarev Alexey I.
Published: February 2024

To increase the traction force of tractors while simultaneously reducing the specific pressure on the soil, one of the effective ways is the use of a tracked propulsion unit. The article considers a variant of a tracked propulsion unit, installed separately on each drive axle of the tractor instead of wheels. The basis of the developed design of the tracked propulsion unit is the trackbed, which reduces the pressure on the ground and increases adhesion to the soil.

The results of simulation modeling of the rectilinear movement of a tractor with a tracked propulsion unit along grain stubble are presented. Realizations of oscillations of the front, sprung and rear, unsprung axles and the tractor frame were obtained. Oscillations in the ordinates of the reference surface were modeled as a random process with specified values corresponding to the reference surface of the grain stubble.

The simulation results showed acceptable oscillation values of the tractor frame with the proposed propulsion design. The proposed propulsion unit can be easily installed on a tractor instead of wheels and, if necessary, can also be easily dismantled.

Purpose. Investigation of oscillations of the center of mass of a tractor with a tracked propulsion unit using simulation modeling in the MATLAB Simulink environment.

Methodology. Methods of mathematical modeling and analysis were used in the article.

Results. The parameters showing the effectiveness of using a tracked propulsion unit instead of wheels on a tractor of traction class 6 are obtained.

Practical implications. The results obtained can be applied in the design of tractors to determine the acceptable parameters of the tracked propulsion unit.