bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inventario taxonómico de líquenes de la Sierra Tarahumara, Chihuahua
Authors: Zúñiga-González Rocío Alejandra , Chacón-Ramos Violeta , Álvarez-Barajas Isela Leticia , Nájera-Medellín Jesús Alejandro , Quiñonez-Martínez Miroslava
Published: April 2024

Antecedentes: Los líquenes constituyen asociaciones mutualistas entre un organismo fotosintético y un hongo, importantes formadores del suelo, alimento, refugio para animales y bioindicadores de calidad ambiental. En México, los estudios liquénicos se han concentrado en el centro y sur, siendo escasos en Chihuahua, principalmente en bosques templados de la Sierra Tarahumara.
Objetivo: Elaborar un inventario taxonómico de líquenes presentes en los bosques de la Sierra Tarahumara, Chihuahua.
Métodos: Se recolectaron líquenes en 17 zonas de la Sierra Tarahumara durante junio-agosto del 2009 al 2020. Se empleó la técnica de cuadrantes (cuatro parcelas de 25 × 50 m) donde se buscó a estos organismos en distintos sustratos. La identificación se basó en análisis macro y micromorfológicos.
Resultados y conclusiones: Se identificaron 67 especies pertenecientes a tres clases, nueve órdenes, 16 familias y 33 géneros. La familia Parmeliaceae (31 spp.) fue la más frecuente; se reportan 11 nuevos registros para Chihuahua y taxones con potencial bioindicador de contaminación atmosférica y edáfica (Cladonia spp. y Flavopunctelia praesignis).  El talo folioso (35 spp.) y líquenes epífitos predominaron. El estudio representa el primero en su tipo en Chihuahua, se recomienda incrementar las zonas de muestreo para integrar otros ecosistemas como selva baja y matorral.
Cordyceps sensu lato: the current state of knowledge in Mexico
Authors: López Rodríguez Lorena , Burrola-Aguilar Cristina , Sanjuan Giraldo Tatiana , Garibay Orijel Roberto , Argüelles Moyao Andrés , Estrada Zúñiga María Elena , Hernández Azotea María Raziel
Published: April 2024

Background: Cordyceps s.l. is a paraphyletic group of Ascomycete fungi that parasitize mainly arthropods. In Mexico, these fungi have been little studied and the current state of their diversity is unknown.Objective: To describe the history of the records of Cordyceps s.l. from Mexico, and to generate a checklist of the species, detailing their hosts and geographical distribution.Methods: A literature review was conducted addressing on Cordyceps s.l. cited from Mexico from 1864 to 2022. Geographical distribution maps of Clavicipitaceae, Cordycipitaceae, and Ophiocordycipitaceae were created in the QGIS 3.18.1 Software.Results and conclusions: The first record of Cordyceps in Mexico dates back to 1864. To date, 35 species of Cordyceps s.l. have been recorded, equivalent to 3.5% of the diversity of the genus recorded worldwide. The geographical distribution of these species is determined by their hosts and consequently by the vegetation. The species with the greatest geographical distribution were: Beauveria bassiana and Cordyceps militaris of Cordycipitaceae; Metarhizium anisopliae of Clavicipitaceae; and Tolypocladium capitatum and T. ophioglossoides of Ophiocordycipitaceae. Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are the most studied species due to their pathogenicity to different crop pests.
Mycobiota of dried fruits from different regions of Mexico
Authors: González-Albarrán David , Ramírez-Corona Nelly , López-Malo Aurelio , Palou Enrique
Published: April 2024

Background: Tree nuts and dried fruits are very profitable products, highly vulnerable to contamination and subsequent deterioration by molds such as Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp. and Rhizopus spp. In Mexico, microbial contamination of nuts and dried fruits, particularly of the product sold for bulk consumption, which also has a lax regulation.
Objectives: To study the fungal contamination status of peanuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds and walnuts from different regions of the country.
Methods: The moisture content and water activity of 111 samples of peanuts (36), pecans (30), walnuts (12) and pumpkin seeds (33) were measured. Additionally, the different species of molds present in the samples were isolated and identified.
Results and conclusions: Only some samples, mainly pumpkin seed, were found with mold and yeast contents above what is allowed by Mexican regulations. However, many samples were contaminated with toxigenic mold species, such as Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium spp. and Fusarium spp., as well as other deteriorating molds. Although contamination levels do not seem to be cause for alarm, the sale of nuts in bulk should be monitored and regulated, as there is a potential risk to the consumer if storage conditions are not adequate.
Diagnostic tests for progestogen hypersensitivity
Authors: Alonso Bello César Daniel , González Guzmán Otto Pavel , Moncayo Coello Carol Vivian , Rojo Gutiérrez María Isabel , Castrejón Vázquez María Isabel
Published: April 2024

Progesterone is an endogenous hormone, produced by the adrenal cortex, the gonads and in women, its source is the corpus luteum. Progesterone is produced in the late phase of the menstrual cycle, when implantation of the zygote does not occur, the corpus luteum involutes and the release of progesterone is suppressed, thus initiating menstruation. Progestogen Hypersensitivity were initially identified as hormone allergy and were related to endogenous reactions to hormones and alteration of ovarian function. Skin manifestations such as dermatitis or urticaria were initially reported and described as progesterone autoimmune dermatitis, although the immune-mediated mechanism was not clear. Currently there is no standardization for in vivo or in vitro tests for Progestogen Hypersensitivity diagnosis. In this review, we will address the different diagnostic methods of this disease.
Associations of dietary linoleic acid and alpha linolenic acid intake with cardiovascular, cancer and all-cause mortalities in patients with diabetes: NHANES 1999-2008
Authors: Jiang Mianmian , Zhu Huiping , Zhou Xiaoding , Zhai Xiaobing , Li Shiyang , Ma Wenzhi , Liu Keyang , Cao Jinhong , Eshak Ehab S.
Published: April 2024

Objective

To investigate the association between the dietary intake of linoleic acid (LA) and alpha linolenic acid (ALA) with mortality outcomes in patients with diabetes.

Participants

3,112 U.S. adults aged≥20 years.

Setting

Basic information was collected at baseline of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Serum CRP (mg/dL), total protein (g/L), waist circumference (cm), fasting blood glucose (mmol/L), white blood cell count, serum LDL-C, and serum HDL-C were also measured. Daily diets were also recorded using a 24-hour dietary review to produce the individuals’ intake of LA and ALA. The association between tertiles of LA and ALA intake with mortality was analyzed by weighted Cox models adjusted for the main confounders.

Main outcome measures

The study included 3,112 adults with diabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2008. Death outcomes were ascertained by linkage to the database records through 31 December 2015.

Results

Subjects with a high intake of LA (T3) had 17% [hazard ratio (HR) 0.83, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.99) and 48% (HR=0.52, 0.35 to 0.80)] reductions in all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality, respectively, compared with subjects with lowest intake (T1). Similar results were observed for ALA, HR of cardiovascular mortality was 0.55 (0.38 to 0.81) and for all-cause mortality was 0.85 (0.69 to 1.04) comparing the highest to lowest intake tertiles.

Conclusion

Higher intakes of LA and ALA were inversely associated with CVD and all-cause deaths in patients with diabetes. Proper dietary intakes of LA and ALA could contribute to the cardiovascular health and the long-term survival of patients with diabetes.
Brief online acceptance and commitment therapy for adults with type 1 diabetes: a pilot study
Authors: Stefanescu Cristina , Tatu Alin Laurentiu , Nechita Aurel , Iacob Claudia I. , Secara Eugen , Nicolescu Silvia , Huiu Gabriela Alexandra
Published: April 2024

Recognizing the pivotal role of psychosocial factors in triggering and maintaining Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), the integration of psychoeducational and psychotherapeutic interventions is associated with comprehensive management of the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a four-week online individual Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention in mitigating diabetes-associated stress, fostering diabetes acceptance, enhancing the patient-doctor relationship, and promoting psychological flexibility in adults diagnosed with T1DM. Employing a single-arm trial design with mixed methodology, thirteen participants (Mage = 39.04, SDage =13.74) engaged in the intervention and completed self-report measures before and after the intervention. Quantitative analysis with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated a statistically significant difference in diabetes-associated stress, diabetes acceptance, and psychological flexibility pre- and post-intervention. Notably, stress levels and psychological inflexibility diminished, while psychological flexibility and diabetes acceptance improved. However, the patient-doctor relationship did not exhibit a significant change. Furthermore, narrative feedback obtained from participants reflected overall satisfaction with the intervention. These preliminary findings contribute to the expanding body of literature supporting the affirmative influence of ACT interventions on individuals with T1DM.
Transcription of microRNAs is regulated by developmental signaling pathways and transcription factors
Authors: Arnott Malcolm , Sampilo Nina Faye , Song Jia L.
Published: April 2024

In early embryonic development, the cross-regulation of transcription factors and signaling pathways are critical in mediating developmental and physiological processes. Additionally, many studies have shown the importance of post-transcriptional regulation of signaling and network components mediated by microRNAs (miRNAs); however, how miRNAs are transcriptionally regulated is poorly understood. miRNAs are critical fine-tuners of many biological processes and their dysregulation leads to a variety of diseases and developmental defects. Previously, we have shown that miRNAs are dynamically expressed throughout sea urchin development, suggesting that miRNAs are likely to be under transcriptional regulation. Here, we used pharmacological inhibitors, genetic constructs, and loss-of-function reagents to assess the impact of key signaling pathways (Wnt, Nodal, MAPK, Sonic Hedgehog, Delta/Notch, VEGF, and BMP) and transcription factors (Alx1, Ets1/2, and Tbr) on the transcript levels of the evolutionarily conserved miR-1, miR-31, miR-92 and miR-124; the invertebrate-specific miR-71; and the echinoderm-specific miR-2002, miR-2007, and miR-2012. We also used computational methods to identify potential transcription factor binding sites of these miRNAs. Lists of binding motifs for transcription factors (TFs) were acquired from the MEME-Suite Motif Database and used as inputs for the algorithm FIMO (Find Individual Motif Occurrences), which detects short nucleotide motifs within larger sequences. Based on experimental data on miRNA expression in conjunction with bioinformatic predictions, we propose that the transcription factors Tbr, Alx1, and Ets1 regulate SpmiR-1, SpmiR-31, and SpmiR-71, respectively. We additionally observed significant effects on miRNA levels as a result of perturbations to Wnt, Nodal, MAPK, and Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathways, while no significant change on miRNA levels were observed with perturbations to Delta/Notch, VEGF, or BMP signaling pathways. Overall, this study provides insights into the transcriptional regulation of miRNAs by signaling pathways and transcription factors and contribute to our overall understanding of the genetic regulation of developmental processes.
PKA inhibition is a central step in D,L-methadone-induced ER Ca2+ release and subsequent apoptosis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Kamran Hamza , Lee Jung Kwon , Lee Ki-Young
Published: April 2024

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a hematologic cancer that mostly affects children. It accounts for over a quarter of ALL pediatric cancers, causing most of the cancer death among children. Previously, we demonstrated that D,L-methadone causes ALL cell apoptosis via μ-opioid receptor 1 (OPRM1)-triggered ER Ca2+ release and decrease in Ca2+ efflux, elevating [Ca2+]i. However, the precise mechanism by which D,L-methadone induces ER Ca2+ release remains to be defined. Here, we show that in ALL cells, D,L-methadone-induced ER Ca2+ release is blocked by inhibition of Gαi, but not Gβϒ, indicating that the process is dependent on Gαi. Activation of adenylyl cyclase (AC) with forskolin or treatment with 8-CPT-cAMP blocks D,L-methadone-induced ER Ca2+ release, indicating that the latter results from Gαi-dependent downregulation of AC and cAMP. The 14–22 amide (myr) PKA inhibitor alone elicits ER Ca2+ release, and subsequent treatment with D,L-methadone does not cause additional ER Ca2+ release, indicating that PKA inhibition is a key step in D,L-methadone-induced ER Ca2+ release and can bypass the D,L-methadone-OPRM1-AC-cAMP step. This is consistent with the decrease in PKA-dependent (i) inhibitory PLCβ3 Ser1105 phosphorylation that leads to PLCβ3 activation and ER Ca2+ release, and (ii) BAD Ser118 phosphorylation, which together ultimately result in caspase activation and apoptosis. Thus, our findings indicate that D,L-methadone-induced ER Ca2+ release and subsequent apoptosis in ALL cells is mediated by Gαi-dependent downregulation of the AC-cAMP-PKA-PLCβ3/BAD pathway. The fact that 14–22 amide (myr) alone effectively kills ALL cells suggests that PKA may be targeted for ALL therapy.
Antimicrobial peptides in livestock: a review with a one health approach
Authors: Robles Ramirez Oscar , Osuna Gabriel , Plisson Fabien , Barrientos-Salcedo Carolina
Published: April 2024

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), often referred to as nature’s antibiotics, are ubiquitous in living organisms, spanning from bacteria to humans. Their potency, versatility, and unique mechanisms of action have garnered significant research attention. Unlike conventional antibiotics, peptides are biodegradable, adding to their appeal as potential candidates to address bacterial resistance in livestock farming—a challenge that has been under scrutiny for decades. This issue is complex and multifactorial, influenced by a variety of components. The World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed a comprehensive approach known as One Health, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human-animal-environment relationships in tackling such challenges. This review explores the application of AMPs in livestock farming and how they can mitigate the impact of this practice within the One Health framework.
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease landscape in Singapore
Authors: Sia Ching-Hui , Simon Oliver , Loh Poay-Huan , Poh Kian Keong
Published: April 2024

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for over one-third of all deaths in Singapore. An analysis of age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) for CVD in Singapore revealed a deceleration in the initial rapid decline in ASMR. A decrease in smoking prevalence may have contributed to the initial rapid decline in ASMR. Furthermore, other major risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, elevated low-density lipoprotein levels, and obesity, are steadily rising. Singapore's CVD economic burden is estimated to be 8.1 billion USD (11.5 billion SGD). The burden of CVD can only be reduced using individual and population-based approaches. Prevention programs must also be developed based on an understanding of risk trends. Therefore, this article attempts to capture the burden of CVD, trends in risk factor control, preventive care, disparities, and current unmet needs, particularly in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease management in Singapore.
Generative probabilistic prediction of precipitation induced landslide deformation with variational autoencoder and gated recurrent unit
Authors: Cai Wencheng , Lan Fuan , Huang Xianhao , Hao Junfeng , Xia Weifeng , Tang Ran , Feng Peng , Li Huajin
Published: April 2024

Landslides, prevalent in mountainous areas, are typically triggered by tectonic movements, climatic changes, and human activities. They pose catastrophic risks, especially when occurring near settlements and infrastructure. Therefore, detecting, monitoring, and predicting landslide deformations is essential for geo-risk mitigation. The mainstream of the previous studies have often focused on deterministic models for immediate landslide prediction. However, in most of them, the aspect of prediction uncertainties are not sufficiently addressed. This paper introduces an innovative probabilistic prediction method using a Variational Autoencoder (VAE) combined with Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) to forecast landslide deformations from a generative standpoint. Our approach consists of two main elements: firstly, training the VAE-GRU model to maximize the variational lower bound on the likelihood of historical precipitation data; secondly, using the learned approximated posterior distribution to predict imminent deformations from a generative angle. To assess the prediction quality, we use four widely-used metrics: Prediction Interval Coverage Probability (PICP), Prediction Interval Normalized Average Width (PINAW), Coverage Width-Based Criterion (CWC), and Prediction Interval Normalized Root Mean Square Width (PINRW). The results demonstrate that our proposed VAE-GRU framework surpasses traditional state-of-the-art (SOTA) probabilistic deformation prediction algorithms in terms of accuracy and reliability.
Teaching children to write and read in Waldorf schools
Authors: Bell Amanda
Published: April 2024

A well-established principle of Waldorf Education is that children’s development is compromised if we bring intellectual teaching too early. Waldorf teachers congratulate themselves that they wait until the seventh year to begin formal schooling, but according to the principles of child development out of which Waldorf Education arose, and on which much of our practice has been based for a hundred years, teaching children to read and write at seven is not ideal; they are still not ready. Convention and state expectations made it necessary in 1919, just as they do now, to introduce literacy teaching at an age not too far from what was generally considered normal, so a compromise was needed. Steiner suggested that, because physical development reaches a certain completion at seven, it is less harmful if we can wait until then. But according to Steiner, this is still a compromise: we cannot immediately unleash any kind of teaching scheme on children as soon as they reach their seventh year without doing any harm. According to modern teaching principles and methods, starting earlier means getting ahead; everything should be taught explicitly and systematically; and nothing can be left to develop of its own accord. Proponents of synthetic phonics refer to impressive research showing that it produces better results than other methods of teaching literacy, which is why it has been adopted so widely in mainstream education. However, the validity of this claim depends on what we mean by ‘better results’ and ‘literacy’. This paper explores these ideas.
Phase angle at bioelectric impedance analysis is associated with detrimental sperm quality in idiopathic male infertility: a preliminary clinical study
Authors: Liprino Annalisa , Giacone Filippo , Lombardo Debora , Asmundo Maria Giovanna , Russo Giorgio Ivan , Abdelhameed Ali Saber , Cimino Sebastiano , Guglielmino Antonino , Chamayou Sandrine
Published: April 2024

Background

In 2020, 38% of adults were affected by obesity, while infertility globally affected 1 in 6 people at some stage of their lives.

Body mass index (BMI) provides an easy but occasionally inaccurate estimation of body composition. To achieve a more precise assessment, bioelectric impedance analysis serves as a validated tool that administers electrical energy through surface electrodes. Phase angle as a function of the relationship between tissues resistance and reactance, is a trustworthy predictor of body composition and cell membrane integrity.

Objectives

We aim to assess whether there is an association between phase angle and seminal parameters, as well as sperm DNA fragmentation percentage.

Design

Semen samples of 520 idiopathic infertile patients were analyzed according to 2021 World Health Organization guidelines and evaluated for sperm DNA fragmentation rate. Each participants underwent bioelectric impedance analysis.

Results

Median age was 40 years old, median BMI was 26.3 kg/m2, median phase angle was 6.2°. In the logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and total intracorporeal water, phase angle (continuous) was significantly associated with oligozoospermia (odds ratio [OR]:0.4; p<0.01) and sperm morphology (OR: 0.65; p=0.05) and slightly with sperm DNA fragmentation (OR: 0.98; p=0.07). In subgroup analysis, the logistic regression analysis adjusted for the mentioned parameters showed that a phase angle between 6.2 and 7 (°) (OR: 0.63; p=0.02) and >7 (°) (OR: 0.12; p<0.01) were associated with a reduced risk of oligozoospermia compared to values <6.2 (°). Similarly, a phase angle between 6.2 and 7 (°) (OR: 0.57; p< 0.01 and OR: 0.58; p= 0.01) and PA > 7 (°) (OR: 0.12; p= 0.03 and OR: 0.21; p< 0.01) were associated with a reduced risk of lower sperm concentration and lower total sperm count, respectively, compared to a phase angle < 6.2 (°).

Conclusion

Our study suggests a negative association between phase angle and detrimental sperm parameters in male idiopathic infertility.
SVhawkeye: an ultra-fast software for user-friendly visualization of targeted structural fragments from BAM files
Authors: Xiao Yuhui , Yu Tao , Liang Fan , Hou Tingping
Published: April 2024

SVhawkeye is a novel visualization software created to rapidly extract essential structural information from third-generation sequencing data, such as data generated by PacBio or Oxford Nanopore Technologies. Its primary focus is on visualizing various structural variations commonly encountered in whole-genome sequencing (WGS) experiments, including deletions, insertions, duplications, inversions, and translocations. Additionally, SVhawkeye has the capability to display isoform structures obtained from iso-seq data and provides interval depth visualization for deducing local copy number variation (CNV). One noteworthy feature of SVhawkeye is its capacity to genotype structural variations, a critical function that enhances the accuracy of structural variant genotyping. SVhawkeye is an open-source software developed using Python and R languages, and it is freely accessible on GitHub (https://github.com/yywan0913/SVhawkeye).
Identifying specific TLS-associated genes as potential biomarkers for predicting prognosis and evaluating the efficacy of immunotherapy in soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Wang Xiang-Xu , Liu Yun-Peng , Lu Yajie , Wu Li-Hong , Ren Jing-Yi , Ji Hongchen , Wang Xiaowen , Zhang Hong-Mei
Published: April 2024

Background

The tertiary lymphatic structure (TLS) is an important component of the tumor immune microenvironment and has important significance in patient prognosis and response to immune therapy. However, the underlying mechanism of TLS in soft tissue sarcoma remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 256 RNAseq and 7 single-cell sequencing samples were collected from TCGA-SARC and GSE212527 cohorts. Based on published TLS-related gene sets, four TLS scores were established by GSVA algorithm. The immune cell infiltration was calculated via TIMER2.0 and “MCPcounter” algorithms. In addition, the univariate, LASSO, and multivariate-Cox analyses were used to select TLS-related and prognosis-significant hub genes. Single-cell sequencing dataset, clinical immunohistochemical, and cell experiments were utilized to validate the hub genes.

Results

In this study, four TLS-related scores were identified, and the total-gene TLS score more accurately reflected the infiltration level of TLS in STS. We further established two hub genes (DUSP9 and TNFSF14) prognosis markers and risk scores associated with soft tissue sarcoma prognosis and immune therapy response. Flow cytometry analysis showed that the amount of CD3, CD8, CD19, and CD11c positive immune cell infiltration in the tumor tissue dedifferentiated liposarcoma patients was significantly higher than that of liposarcoma patients. Cytological experiments showed that soft tissue sarcoma cell lines overexpressing TNFSF14 could inhibit the proliferation and migration of sarcoma cells.

Conclusion

This study systematically explored the TLS and related genes from the perspectives of bioinformatics, clinical features and cytology experiments. The total-gene TLS score, risk score and TNFSF14 hub gene may be useful biomarkers for predicting the prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy of soft tissue sarcoma.
Causal relationship between eosinophilic esophagitis and inflammatory bowel disease: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ji Ruoyu , Zhi Yuxiang
Published: April 2024

Background

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are immune-mediated gastrointestinal diseases with overlapped pathogenesis and are sometimes concurrently diagnosed, but their causal relationship remains unclear. We investigated the causal relationship between EoE and IBD and its subtypes via a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.

Methods

MR analyses were performed using summary data of a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on individuals of European ancestry. Independent single-nucleotide polymorphisms correlated with EoE (from a GWAS meta-analysis containing 1,930 cases and 13,634 controls) and IBD (from FinnGen GWASs containing 9,083 IBD, 2,033 CD, and 5,931 UC cases, and GWASs of IBD genetic consortium containing 12,882 IBD, 6,968 UC, and 5,956 CD cases) were selected as instruments. We applied the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method as the primary analysis followed by several sensitivity analyses. For the forward MR study, estimates from IVW methods were subsequently meta-analyzed using a random-effect model.

Results

Our results suggested a causal effect of EoE on IBD [pooled odds ratio (OR), 1.07; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02–1.13] and EoE on UC (pooled OR, 1.09, 95% CI, 1.04–1.14). No causal link between EoE and CD was observed (pooled OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.96–1.16). The reverse MR analyses revealed no causal effect of IBD (and its subtypes) on EoE. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of primary results.

Conclusions

Our findings provided evidence of a suggestive causal effect of EoE on IBD (specifically on UC) in the European population. Increased awareness of concurrent or subsequent IBD in patients with EoE is called for. Still, the present evidence is not adequate enough and ought to be validated by further investigations.
Comparison of upfront haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and salvage haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation after immunosuppressive therapy in children with acquired severe aplastic anemia - a multicenter study
Authors: Luo Danqi , Qu Yuhua , Wang Dao , Zhang Benshan , Sun Ming , Xiong Hao , Lu Jun , Yang Rui , Zhao Mingyi , Liu Haiyan , Jiang Hua
Published: April 2024

Background

For children with severe aplastic anemia, if the first immunosuppressive therapy (IST) fails, it is not recommended to choose a second IST. Therefore, for patients without matched sibling donor (MSD) and matched unrelated donor (MUD), haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Haplo-HSCT) can be chosen as a salvage treatment. This article aims to explore the comparison between upfront Haplo-HSCT and salvage Haplo-HSCT after IST.

Methods

29 patients received salvage Haplo-HSCT, and 50 patients received upfront Haplo-HSCT. The two groups received Bu (Busulfan, 3.2mg/kg/d*2d on days -9 to-8), CY (Cyclophosphamide, 60mg/kg/d*2d on days -4 to-3), Flu (fludarabine, 40mg/m2/d*5d on days -9 to -5) and rabbit ATG (Anti-thymocyte globulin, total dose 10mg/kg divided into days -4 to -2).

Results

The OS of the salvage Haplo-HSCT group showed no difference to the upfront Haplo-HSCT group (80.2 ± 8.0% vs. 88.7 ± 4.8%, p=0.37). The FFS of the salvage Haplo-HSCT group also showed no difference to the frontline Haplo-HSCT group (75 ± 8.2% vs. 84.9 ± 5.3%, p=0.27). There was no significant difference in the incidence of other complications after transplantation between the two groups, except for thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). In the grouping analysis by graft source, the incidence of II-IV aGVHD in patients using PBSC ± BM+UCB was lower than that in the PBSC ± BM group (p=0.010)

Conclusion

Upfront Haplo-HSCT and salvage Haplo-HSCT after IST in children with acquired severe aplastic anemia have similar survival outcomes. However, the risk of TMA increases after salvage Haplo-HSCT. This article provides some reference value for the treatment selection of patients. In addition, co-transplantation of umbilical cord blood may reduce the incidence of GVHD.
Interleukin 27, like interferons, activates JAK-STAT signaling and promotes pro-inflammatory and antiviral states that interfere with dengue and chikungunya viruses replication in human macrophages
Authors: Valdés-López Juan Felipe , Hernández-Sarmiento Lady Johana , Tamayo-Molina Y. S. , Velilla-Hernández Paula A. , Rodenhuis-Zybert Izabela A. , Urcuqui-Inchima Silvio
Published: April 2024

Interferons (IFNs) are a family of cytokines that activate the JAK-STAT signaling pathway to induce an antiviral state in cells. Interleukin 27 (IL-27) is a member of the IL-6 and/or IL-12 family that elicits both pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. Recent studies have reported that IL-27 also induces a robust antiviral response against diverse viruses, both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that IFNs and IL-27 share many similarities at the functional level. However, it is still unknown how similar or different IFN- and IL-27-dependent signaling pathways are. To address this question, we conducted a comparative analysis of the transcriptomic profiles of human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) exposed to IL-27 and those exposed to recombinant human IFN-α, IFN-γ, and IFN-λ. We utilized bioinformatics approaches to identify common differentially expressed genes between the different transcriptomes. To verify the accuracy of this approach, we used RT-qPCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, and microarrays data. We found that IFNs and IL-27 induce transcriptional changes in several genes, including those involved in JAK-STAT signaling, and induce shared pro-inflammatory and antiviral pathways in MDMs, leading to the common and unique expression of inflammatory factors and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs)Importantly, the ability of IL-27 to induce those responses is independent of IFN induction and cellular lineage. Additionally, functional analysis demonstrated that like IFNs, IL-27-mediated response reduced chikungunya and dengue viruses replication in MDMs. In summary, IL-27 exhibits properties similar to those of all three types of human IFN, including the ability to stimulate a protective antiviral response. Given this similarity, we propose that IL-27 could be classified as a distinct type of IFN, possibly categorized as IFN-pi (IFN-π), the type V IFN (IFN-V).
Experimental investigation and optimization of nano Al2O3 mixed FSWed joint between AA2024-T351 and AA7075-T651 by response surface approach
Authors: Gebreamlak Getachew , Palani Sivaprakasam , Sirahbizu Belete , Čep Robert
Published: April 2024

Additive mixed friction stir welding can be an innovative and novel method for enhancing the friction stir welding process. Thus, this research aimed to investigate nano Al2O3 effects on the mechanical and microstructure of FSWed joints using Al alloys AA2024-T351/AA7075-T651. The experiments were performed based on response surface approach based CCD twenty run with varying three factors: tool rotational speed (A: 800–1,200 rpm), welding speed (B: 20–60 mm/min), tool plunge depth (C: 0.2–0.4 mm) and fixed volume percentages of Al2O3 nano-particles (8%). Mechanical performances such as tensile, yield, and hardness tests have been performed and microstructural properties have been analyzed through SEM and microscopy. The statistical analysis shows that the tensile strength can be significantly affected by rotational speed (A), welding speed (B), tool plunge depth (C), interaction (AB, BC, AC), and quadratic term A2, B2 in the FSW process; yield strength was influenced considerably by main, interaction, and quadratic terms; main factors and quadratic terms A2, B2 and C2 significantly influenced hardness values. The fracture test revealed that the joints with Al2O3-reinforced AA2024-T351/AA7075-T651 alloys were more ductile and less brittle. The optimal conditions for FSW, tool rotational at 1,146 rpm, weld speed at 60 mm/min, and 0.4 mm plunge depth were responsible for higher tensile strength of 169 MPa, yield strength of 145 MPa, and micro-hardness values of 89 HRB due to the uniform nano-particle dispersions and better material mixing.
A 12-year follow up of principles learned in a pediatric dentistry Master of Public Health dual degree program applied to professional practice
Authors: Ramos-Gomez Francisco , Kinsler Janni J. , Parkinson Stephanie , Wang Yan
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Dental public health professionals play a critical role in preventing and controlling oral diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess the application of public health principles learned in a pediatric dentistry Master of Public Health (MPH) dual degree program to professional practice upon graduation.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with pediatric dentistry/MPH dual degree alumni who graduated from the program between 2012 and 2023. Interview questions inquired about characteristics of patient population, location of providers’ clinic/organization, whether the program was worthwhile to their practice and application of principles learned in the program to their professional practice.

Results

Twenty of the 22 program alumni agreed to be interviewed. All alumni thought the program was extremely worthwhile to their practice. They felt the MPH component of the program gave them the public health background and tools they needed to provide comprehensive and holistic care to their patients. Additionally, all alumni reported applying the public health principles they learned in the program to their professional practice through leadership roles, research and teaching that focuses on oral disease prevention and the promotion of dental health.

Discussion

Given the importance of a dental public health professionals’ role in reducing oral health disparities at the population level, more pediatric dentistry MPH dual degree programs are urgently needed. Additionally, more research is necessary to demonstrate the effectiveness of these programs, which will be critical to helping ensure the value of a dual degree in dentistry and public health is recognized and promoted worldwide.
Effect of TGF-β3 on wound healing of bone cell monolayer in static and hydrodynamic shear stress conditions
Authors: Al-Attar Hawra , Damiati Laila A. , Keshel Saeed Heidari , Tuinea-Bobe Cristina , Damiati Samar , Saeinasab Morvarid , Sefat Farshid
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Wound healing is characterized as a complicated and sophisticated biological process through which tissue heals and repairs itself after injury. However, the normal wound healing process relies on different growth factors as well as the presence of an accurate cytokine level to ensure appropriate cellular responses. In the case of wound healing, the effects of various growth factors have been studied, but the effects of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) on wound healing have been found to be more significant because of its broad spectrum of impacts on healing the wounded tissues or skins.

Methods

In the current study, the impact of TGF-β3 in bone cells’ wound healing was examined in vitro. Furthermore, the activities and characteristics of TGF-β3, as well as those of related growth factors throughout this wound healing process, were studied under hydrodynamic shear stress conditions as well as static conditions of cultured bone cells.

Results

We demonstrated that a positive outcome of TGF-β3 treatment was found after 24 h under a static condition, while TGF-β3 treatment was found to be effective under a dynamic condition for wound closure. In the case of the dynamic condition, a full wound closure was obtained after 18 h in both the control and TGF-β3 treatment, while in the case of static conditions, wounds were found to remain open, even after 24 h, for both the control and TGF-β3 treatment. Additionally, in the static condition, the wound closure rate with TGF-β3 treatment was found to be quicker than that of the control flask, which implies that wound healing can be postponed in the static condition. In the dynamic condition, the wound healing process became more rapid in a cultured cell environment.

Conclusion

The synergistic effect of TGF-β3 and hydrodynamic shear stress conditions had a positive impact on increasing wound healing and improving the rate of wound closure.
Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography features of two types of Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease: fuzzy or lost pattern of the choroidal vasculature is of diagnostic value
Authors: Liu Xinshu , Wang Shuling , An Yan , Zhang Hao
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study aimed to compare enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) features of exudative retinal detachment (ERD) type and optic disc (OD) swelling type Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease.

Methods

Hospitalized VKH patients were retrospectively reviewed and classified into the ERD type and the OD swelling type. The EDI-OCT features were then analyzed.

Results

The study included 32 ERD type and 15 OD swelling type VKH patients at the acute uveitis stage. The interval between the onset of ocular symptoms and the start of treatment in OD swelling type VKH disease was significantly longer compared to the ERD type (p < 0.001). A fuzzy or lost pattern of the choroidal vasculature was observed in 100% of VKH patients of both types. Moreover, high frequencies (greater than or equal to 50%) of fluctuations in the internal limiting membrane, interdigitation zone disruption, ERD, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) folds, and ellipsoid zone disruption were observed in both types. Patients with OD swelling type VKH disease exhibited higher frequencies of OD swelling and hyperreflective substances above the RPE (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively), with lower frequencies of ERD and bacillary layer detachment (p = 0.012 and p < 0.001, respectively). At the convalescence stage, changes in the EDI-OCT images of 10 ERD type and 5 OD swelling type VKH patients were analyzed. The frequencies of the OCT features decreased with similar trends in both types of VKH disease.

Conclusion

Although ERD type and OD swelling type VKH disease have their own unique characteristics, they share common EDI-OCT features. The Fuzzy or lost pattern of the choroidal vasculature that indicates choroidal inflammation may serve as a diagnostic aid for VKH disease, especially for the OD swelling type and the early-stage ERD type.
Interactions between Aeromonas caviae and Yersinia enterocolitica isolated from a case of diarrhea: evaluation of antimicrobial susceptibility and immune response of infected macrophages
Authors: Fernández-Bravo Ana , Recio Gemma , Figueras Maria José
Published: April 2024

Aeromonas species cause a wide spectrum of human diseases, primarily gastroenteritis, septicemia, and wound infections. Several studies have shown that about 40% of these cases involve mixed or polymicrobial infections between Aeromonas spp. and bacteria from other genera. However, the immune response of macrophages in front of the bacteria present in the mixed infections, as well as their impact on antimicrobial therapy, have not been investigated. This study evaluated the cell damage and immune response of the mouse macrophage BALB/c cell line (J774A.1) after performing a single and a mixed infection with a strain of Aeromonas caviae and Yersinia enterocolitica, both recovered from the same fecal sample from a patient with diarrhea. Macrophage cell damage was measured by the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) while the immune response was evaluated studying the expression by RT-qPCR of six relevant immune-related genes. Additionally, the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the single and mixed strains in front of seventeen antibiotics was evaluated to determine the potential impact on the infection treatment. Macrophages infected with the mixture of the two strains showed a higher cell damage in comparison with the single infections and the immune-related genes, i.e., cytokines and chemokines genes (TNF-α, CCL20), and apoptotic and pyroptotic genes (TP53 and IL-1β) were overexpressed. After infection with the mixed cultures, an increase in the antimicrobial resistance was observed for ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim, chloramphenicol, gentamicin and ertapenem. This study increased the knowledge about the synergetic effect of the bacteria involved in mixed infection and on their potential impact on the treatment and evolution of the infection.
Comparative genomic analysis provides insights into the genetic diversity and pathogenicity of the genus Brucella
Authors: Yang Zilong , Chai Zili , Wang Xia , Zhang Zehan , Zhang Fengwei , Kang Fuqiang , Liu Wenting , Ren Hongguang , Jin Yuan , Yue Junjie
Published: April 2024

Some Brucella spp. are important pathogens. According to the latest prokaryotic taxonomy, the Brucella genus consists of facultative intracellular parasitic Brucella species and extracellular opportunistic or environmental Brucella species. Intracellular Brucella species include classical and nonclassical types, with different species generally exhibiting host preferences. Some classical intracellular Brucella species can cause zoonotic brucellosis, including B. melitensis, B. abortus, B. suis, and B. canis. Extracellular Brucella species comprise opportunistic or environmental species which belonged formerly to the genus Ochrobactrum and thus nowadays renamed as for example Brucella intermedia or Brucella anthropi, which are the most frequent opportunistic human pathogens within the recently expanded genus Brucella. The cause of the diverse phenotypic characteristics of different Brucella species is still unclear. To further investigate the genetic evolutionary characteristics of the Brucella genus and elucidate the relationship between its genomic composition and prediction of phenotypic traits, we collected the genomic data of Brucella from the NCBI Genome database and conducted a comparative genomics study. We found that classical and nonclassical intracellular Brucella species and extracellular Brucella species exhibited differences in phylogenetic relationships, horizontal gene transfer and distribution patterns of mobile genetic elements, virulence factor genes, and antibiotic resistance genes, showing the close relationship between the genetic variations and prediction of phenotypic traits of different Brucella species. Furthermore, we found significant differences in horizontal gene transfer and the distribution patterns of mobile genetic elements, virulence factor genes, and antibiotic resistance genes between the two chromosomes of Brucella, indicating that the two chromosomes had distinct dynamics and plasticity and played different roles in the survival and evolution of Brucella. These findings provide new directions for exploring the genetic evolutionary characteristics of the Brucella genus and could offer new clues to elucidate the factors influencing the phenotypic diversity of the Brucella genus.
Smooth muscle contractile responses to bile acids in mouse ileum require TGR5 but not ASBT
Authors: Chang Diana S. , Soni Krishnakant G. , Preidis Geoffrey A.
Published: April 2024

Background

Many disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) are more prevalent in women than men and feature alterations in gastrointestinal motility and bile acid homeostasis. Mechanisms by which bile acids regulate gastrointestinal motility are poorly characterized. We recently validated an adapted tissue bath technique using everted mouse ileum, which revealed differential contractile responses to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and deoxycholic acid (DCA). Here, we aimed to determine whether these responses are dependent on host sex, the plasma membrane bile acid receptor TGR5, or the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter ASBT.

Methods

Ileal segments from male and female mice were everted and suspended in tissue baths. Contractile responses to physiologic concentrations of UDCA and DCA were quantified with or without TGR5 or ASBT inhibitors. Phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and myosin light chain (MLC), markers of TGR5 activation and smooth muscle contraction, respectively, were assessed with western blot.

Results

There were no sex differences in the dose-dependent contractile responses to bile acids. At 100 μmol/L, UDCA but not DCA increased MLC phosphorylation and increased contractility. TGR5 inhibition decreased ERK phosphorylation and led to decreases in contractility, phosphorylated MLC, and surprisingly, total MLC. ASBT inhibition did not affect contractile responses.

Conclusion

Differential effects of UDCA and DCA on ileal smooth muscle contractility are not dependent on host sex or ASBT-mediated transport. Bile acids signal through mucosal TGR5, which regulates smooth muscle contractility by complex mechanisms. Understanding how bile acids differentially regulate gastrointestinal motility could facilitate new therapeutic options for specific DGBIs.
Research on the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease based on thalamocortical computational model
Authors: Gang Yijin , Li Tao , Xu Xianjing , Zheng Qi , Wang Weiping
Published: April 2024

Alpha rhythm slowing is an important electroencephalogram(EEG) feature associated with (AD). This study aims to understand the correlation between alpha band deceleration and molecular changes from the perspective of neural computing. Considering the effect of Aβ amyloid deposition on the inhibitory changes in the thalamic, a thalamic cortical model coupled with Aβ amyloid is established. The results show that Aβ amyloid deposition may induce neurotoxicity in thalamic reticular nucleus neurons, which results in inhibitory changes in the thalamus and slows the alpha rhythm of EEG output from the thalamus. In order to understand the pathogenesis more intuitively, some numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the obtained theories. This research is helpful to understand the pathogenesis of AD, so as to provide theoretical basis for the intervention and control of the disease.