bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resveratrol Nanoparticles Inhibit Endothelial Dysfunction in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm by Preventing eNOS Uncoupling Through Sirtuin 1 Pathway
Authors: Chen Zhenhuan , Xiong Qinzhi , Luo Junke , Wu Zhiyong , Zhan Junfeng
Published: October 2023

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a pathological condition of chronic dilation of the aorta. This study investigated the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of resveratrol nanoparticles on AAA endothelial dysfunction. Mice in the control group received normal saline (n
= 18) while those in the model group (n = 18) were implanted with Alzet micropumps to induce AAA. After modeling, the endothelial cells of abdominal aortic tissue were collected and treated with resveratrol nanoparticles and resveratrol nanoparticles plus sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) (resveratrol
nanoparticles+SIRT1 group). CCK-8 method detected proliferation ability of abdominal aortic endothelial cells, flow cytometry assessed cell apoptosis, and transwell method measured the migration ability along with analysis of SIRT1 level, eNOS and NO content. The proliferation ability of endothelial
cells was significantly decreased in resveratrol nanoparticles group (0.41±0.04, 0.60±0.05, 0.69±0.04) and resveratrol+SIRT1 group (0.37±0.05, 0.49±0.04, 0.57±0.04), with lower proliferation in resveratrol+SIRT1 group (P <0.05). Treatment
resulted in enhancement of endothelial cell apoptosis and decreased migration ability (P <0.05), as the effect of combined treatment was more significant. Moreover, resveratrol nanoparticles (0.44±0.02, 0.34±0.05) or resveratrol nanoparticles plus SIRT1 (0.50±0.01,
0.44±0.03) increased SIRT1 level (P <0.05), eNOS activity and NO secretion (P <0.05) in the resveratrol+SIRT1 group. Resveratrol nanoparticles can reduce endothelial cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis when increasing SIRT1 expression.
miR-29b Inhibits the Malignant Progression of Gallbladder Carcinoma by Regulating Tet Methylcytosine Dioxygenase 3
Authors: Qin Yunsheng , Wang Dianqian , Ding Dongxiao
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the impact of miR-29b on the proliferative ability and apoptosis of gallbladder cancer (GBC) cells by targeting TET3. The levels of miR-29b were measured using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in GBC tissues and adjacent
non-cancerous tissues. The clinical features of GBC patients were analyzed based on miR-29b expression. Overexpression of miR-29b in GBC-SD and NOZ cells was found to significantly reduce proliferation, as assessed by CCK-8 and colony formation assays, and increase apoptosis, as measured by
flow cytometry. The regulatory mechanism between miR-29b and its target gene TET3 was confirmed through luciferase assays and rescue experiments. In a GBC mouse model, overexpression of miR-29b in GBC-SD cells suppressed tumor growth and reduced tumor weight. Low expression of miR-29b in GBC
tissues was associated with advanced tumor stage, larger tumor size, and poor prognosis. TET3, which was upregulated in GBC tissues, showed an inverse correlation with miR-29b expression. Overexpression of TET3 counteracted the effects of miR-29b on proliferation and apoptosis in GBC cells.
In summary, miR-29b inhibits the malignant progression of GBC by regulating TET3 and holds potential as a prognostic marker.
Expression of miR-141, TAMs, and CD147 in Bladder Cancer Cells: Implications for Tumor Grade and Prognosis
Authors: You Xiaoming
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate the significance of miR-141 expression, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and CD147 expression in bladder cancer (BCa) cells, and their relationship with tumor grade. A total of 80 BCa patients were selected, and they were categorized into two groups:
Group G1 (56 cases) with poorly differentiated tumors, and Group G2 (24 cases) with moderately to well-differentiated tumors according to the WHO classification criteria for urothelial carcinoma. We analyzed the differences in miR-141, TAMs, and CD147 expression levels among different tumor
grades. The miR-141 level in BCa tissues of patients in Group G2 showed a significant decrease (1.88±0.4) compared to Group G1 (P <0.05). As the tumor grade increased, TAMs levels in tumor tissues also increased (P <0.05). Notably, 66.7% of CD147-positive patients
in Group G2 exhibited a clear increase compared to Group G1 (P <0.05). Importantly, significant correlations were observed between miR-141, TAMs, CD147 levels, and tumor grade (P <0.05). These findings suggest that as BCa grades increase, miR-141 levels decrease while TAMs
and CD147 levels increase. The levels of miR-141, TAMs, and CD147 in BCa tissue cells can serve as indicators for evaluating the prognosis of BCa patients.
Lotus Seedpod Oligomeric Procyanidin Nanoliposomes Targeting TLR4/NF-κB Reduce Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Hao Wenlong , Luo Sulan , Hao Lamei , Zhang Feifei
Published: October 2023

The inflammatory-immune response secondary to nerve injury is an important mechanism for craniocerebral injury. Procyanidins from lotus seedpods (LSPCs) are one of the main active ingredients isolated from the mature receptacles of the Nymphaeaceae family lotus plant. LSPCs exhibit
strong free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of LSPC nanoliposomes on traumatic brain injury (TBI). In a TBI rat model, LSPC nanoliposomes were injected intraperitoneally. Inflammatory factors and oxidative stress molecules
were detected with ELISAs and RT-PCR. The TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway was explored using Western blotting. The modified neurological severity scores (mNSS) increased in the TBI group compared with the scores in the Sham group. The water maze test indicated latency in finding
the platform was prolonged and staying time in the platform quadrant and the number of times crossing the platform were reduced in the TBI group. Treatment with LSPCs significantly reduced the mNSS scores in rats with TBI and significantly reduced the time to find the platform, increased the
residence time in the platform quadrant, and increased the frequency of crossing the platform during the water maze test. In addition, brain edema was reduced in rats with TBI after intraperitoneal injection of LSPCs. Iba-1, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were reduced
after intraperitoneal injection of LSPCs. MDA levels were also reduced, while GSH-Px and SOD levels increased. After intraperitoneal injection of LSPCs, TLR4, MyD88, and pNF-κB p65 were significantly attenuated. Activation of TLR4 prevented the protective effects of LCPCs in rats
with TBI. The results of this study demonstrate that LSPCs attenuate activation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in rats with TBI, thereby reducing microglia activation, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
The Relationship Between Autonomic Dysfunction and Mood Symptoms in De Novo Parkinson’s Disease Patients Over Time
Authors: Ratajska Adrianna M. , Etheridge Connor B. , Lopez Francesca V. , Kenney Lauren E. , Rodriguez Katie , Schade Rachel N. , Gertler Joshua , Bowers Dawn
Published: October 2023

Background

Autonomic dysfunction is prevalent in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and can worsen quality of life. We examined: (a) whether specific autonomic symptoms were more strongly associated with anxiety or depression in PD and (b) whether overall autonomic dysfunction predicted mood trajectories over a 5-year period.

Methods

Newly diagnosed individuals with PD ( N = 414) from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative completed self-report measures of depression, anxiety, and autonomic symptoms annually. Cross-sectional linear regressions examined relationships between specific autonomic subdomains (gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, thermoregulatory, etc.) and mood. Multilevel modeling examined longitudinal relationships with total autonomic load.

Results

Gastrointestinal symptoms were associated with both higher anxiety ( b = 1.04, 95% CI [.55, 1.53], P < .001) and depression ( b = .24, 95% CI [.11, .37], P = .012), as were thermoregulatory symptoms (anxiety: b = 1.06, 95% CI [.46, 1.65], P = .004; depression: b = .25, 95% CI [.09, .42], P = .013), while cardiovascular ( b = .36, 95% CI [.10, .62], P = .012) and urinary symptoms ( b = .10, 95% CI [.01, .20], P = .037) were associated only with depression. Longitudinally, higher total autonomic load was associated with increases in both depression ( b = .01, 95% CI [.00, .02], P = .015) and anxiety ( b = .04, 95% CI [.01, .06], P < .001) over time, as well as occasion-to-occasion fluctuations (depression: b = .08, 95% CI [.05, .10], P < .001; anxiety: b = .24, 95% CI [.15, .32], P < .001).

Conclusion

Findings suggest autonomic dysfunction, particularly gastrointestinal and thermoregulatory symptoms, may be an indicator for elevated anxiety/depression and a potential treatment target early on in PD.
Label-free autofluorescence and hyperspectral imaging of cerebral amyloid-β lesions in aged squirrel monkeys
Authors: Oba Ryohei , Ujike Naoki , Ono Yuki , Okano Takayuki , Murakami Tomoaki
Published: October 2023

The observation of amyloid-β (Aβ) lesions using autofluorescence in transgenic mice and human Alzheimer disease patients has been reported frequently. However, no reports verify the autofluorescence of spontaneous Aβ amyloidosis in animals, to our knowledge. We validated the autofluorescence of Aβ lesions in spontaneous squirrel monkey cases under label-free conditions; lesions had intense blue-white autofluorescence in fluorescence microscopy using excitation light at 400–440 nm. Thioflavin S staining and immunohistochemistry of the same specimens revealed that this blue-white autofluorescence was derived from Aβ lesions. Hyperspectral analysis of these lesions revealed a characteristic spectrum with bimodal peaks at 440 and 460 nm, as reported for Aβ lesions in mice. Principal component analysis using hyperspectral data specifically separated the Aβ lesions from other autofluorescent substances, such as lipofuscin. A non-labeled and mechanistic detection of Aβ lesions by hyperspectral imaging could provide valuable insights for developing early diagnostic techniques.
Pursuing, Practicing, and Portraying Qualitative Research: An Interview With Norman K. Denzin
Authors: Herrmann Andrew F. , Adams Tony E. , Dykins Callahan Sara B.
Published: October 2023

At the Second International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry (May 2006), the authors, then graduate students, interviewed Norman Denzin for Carolyn Ellis’s Advanced Qualitative Methods graduate course at the University of South Florida. Only a few parts of the interview had ever been published. The authors include the transcript of the interview here.
Perceived Truthfulness of Reduced Lung Cancer Risk Advertising Claims Influences Consumers’ Intention to try and to Purchase Snus
Authors: Fix Brian V. , Wackowski Olivia A. , Sharma Akshika , Diaz Destiny , Bansal-Travers Maansi , Cummings K. Michael , Rees Vaughan W. , Hatsukami Dorothy K. , O’Connor Richard J.
Published: October 2023

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the impact of a reduced risk claim about lung cancer, presented in various formats, on smokers’ and non-smokers’ interest in trying Camel Snus and intention to purchase Camel Snus. We varied claim formats by varying advertising messages for Camel Snus in 4 ways (1) text only; (2) bar chart; (3) text/testimonial; and (4) bar chart/testimonial. 3001 participants were recruited from a web-based consumer specialty panel via an email invitation. In 2015, a second study was conducted, using similar methods, where 3001 additional participants were recruited. Overall, controlling for other factors, the presence of an MRTP claim was not significantly related to interest in trying snus [X2 (4) = 8.567, P = .073], or purchase intentions [X2 (4) = 1.148, P = .887]. Relative to a control ad where no explicit health risk claim was made, the Graphic + testimonial [OR = 1.29] or Text only [OR = 1.41] claims did significantly increase interest in trying Camel Snus. However, the adverting format did not impact interest in purchasing Camel Snus. While current smokeless tobacco users (95%) and smokers (59%) expressed interest in trying Camel Snus, non-tobacco users (7%) showed low interest in trying or purchasing Camel Snus ( P < .001). Interest in trying Camel Snus was stronger in younger smokers compared to older smokers. Among current smokers, worry about lung cancer (the key focus of the reduced risk claim) was not associated with interest in trying Camel Snus or with purchase intention [OR = .91, 95% CI: .72, 1.14] or intention to purchase snus [OR = 1.07, 95% CI: .86, 1.32]. Future research should evaluate how claim and messaging formats influence perceived truthfulness and whether this effect differs among sub-groups of consumers, such as adolescents, those with tobacco-related disease, and former smokers. It will also be helpful to understand whether perceptions of ad truthfulness result in changes in product use patterns over time. In sum, giving people truthful, credible information about relative product risks, such as through authorized MRTP claims, is important, but such information is likely insufficient to get smokers to switch.
Inclusion or exclusion: Evaluation of hotel websites from an accessibility perspective
Authors: Singh Ranjit , PS Sibi , Bashir Asma
Published: October 2023

This study evaluates the top 100 hotel websites from Web Content Accessibility Guideline 2.0 based on conformance level AA to understand their compliance with the international accessibility standards for disabled people. The study utilizes an automatic online tool - TAW, to check the web accessibility of hotels. The findings demonstrate that the hotel websites have accessibility barriers that prevent disabled people from using the online facility, especially in the guidelines 1.1, 2.4, 4.1, 1.3 and 1.4. Additionally, the study has also discussed various theoretical and practical implications that can help promote inclusive tourism.
Effects of a high-salt diet on MAP and expression levels of renal ENaCs and aquaporins in SHR
Authors: Ramachandran Chitra Devi , Gholami Khadijeh , Lam Sau-Kuen , Hoe See-Ziau
Published: October 2023

An increase in blood pressure by a high-salt (HS) diet may change the expression levels of renal epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) and aquaporins (AQPs). Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were exposed to HS and regular-salt (RS) diets for 6 weeks. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), angiotensin II (Ang II), aldosterone, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels were determined. Expression of mRNA levels of ENaCs and AQPs were quantified by real-time PCR. The MAP was higher in SHRs on the HS diet. Plasma Ang II and aldosterone levels were low while plasma ANP level was high in both strains of rats. Renal expression of mRNA levels of α-, β-, and γ-ENaCs was lowered in SHRs on the HS diet. Meanwhile, renal AQP1, AQP2, and AQP7 mRNA expression levels were lowered in both strains of rats on the HS diet. Suppression of mRNA expression levels of ENaC and AQP subunits suggests that the high-salt-induced increase in the MAP of SHR may not be solely due to renal sodium and water retention.
Perceptions of Competition-Based Learning After a Brief Experience at a National Surgical Meeting
Authors: Ruggiero Nicco , L’Huillier Joseph C. , Marine Nigel , Burns Owen , Mawani Farrah , Sanders L. T. Muavé , Abbas Adam , Adams Timothy M. , Santos Byron F. , Wirengard Yana R. , Rosser James “Butch”
Published: October 2023

Background

Competition-based learning (CBL) facilitates learning through competitions. At the 2022 & 2023 Annual SAGES meetings, we evaluated a CBL experience (TOP GUN Shootout) developed from a modified version of the previously validated TOP GUN Laparoscopic Skills and Suturing Program. The project sought to evaluate the TOP GUN Shootout’s (TGS) ability to enhance participant engagement in pursuit of laparoscopic surgical skills.

Methods

Participants competed in the TGS. Their scores (time and errors) were recorded for: Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery Peg Pass, Cup Drop Task, and Intracorporeal Suturing. All participants completed a 10-question satisfaction survey on a 7-point Likert scale, with questions assessing 3 domains: (1) capability/confidence in MIS skill performance prior to the competition; (2) applicability and satisfaction with TGS’s capacity to develop MIS skills; and (3) interest in seeking additional MIS training and appropriateness of CBL in MIS training. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate these areas.

Results

Overall, 121 participants completed the TGS, of whom 84 (69%) completed the satisfaction survey. The average age was 32.9 years, 67% were males. On average (+/− SD), participant satisfaction was 5.04 (+/− 2.08) for Domain 1, 6.20 (+/− 1.28) for Domain 2, and 6.58 (+/− .95) for Domain 3.

Conclusion

Participants described an overall lack of confidence in their MIS skills prior to the 2022-2023 Annual SAGES conference. Participants felt that this brief CBL experience, aided in the development of their MIS skills. Furthermore, this brief CBL experience may inspire learners to seek out further training of their MIS skills.
HI-MViT: A lightweight model for explainable skin disease classification based on modified MobileViT
Authors: Ding Yuhan , Yi Zhenglin , Li Mengjuan , long Jianhong , Lei Shaorong , Guo Yu , Fan Pengju , Zuo Chenchen , Wang Yongjie
Published: October 2023

Objective

To develop an explainable lightweight skin disease high-precision classification model that can be deployed to the mobile terminal.

Methods

In this study, we present HI-MViT, a lightweight network for explainable skin disease classification based on Modified MobileViT. HI-MViT is mainly composed of ordinary convolution, Improved-MV2, MobileViT block, global pooling, and fully connected layers. Improved-MV2 uses the combination of shortcut and depth classifiable convolution to substantially decrease the amount of computation while ensuring the efficient implementation of information interaction and memory. The MobileViT block can efficiently encode local and global information. In addition, semantic feature dimensionality reduction visualization and class activation mapping visualization methods are used for HI-MViT to further understand the attention area of the model when learning skin lesion images.

Results

The International Skin Imaging Collaboration has assembled and made available the ISIC series dataset. Experiments using the HI-MViT model on the ISIC-2018 dataset achieved scores of 0.931, 0.932, 0.961, and 0.977 on F1-Score, Accuracy, Average Precision (AP), and area under the curve (AUC). Compared with the top five algorithms of ISIC-2018 Task 3, Marco's average F1-Score, AP, and AUC have increased by 6.9%, 6.8%, and 0.8% compared with the suboptimal performance model. Compared with ConvNeXt, the most competitive convolutional neural network architecture, our model is 5.0%, 3.4%, 2.3%, and 2.2% higher in F1-Score, Accuracy, AP, and AUC, respectively. The experiments on the ISIC-2017 dataset also achieved excellent results, and all indicators were better than the top five algorithms of ISIC-2017 Task 3. Using the trained model to test on the PH2dataset, an excellent performance score is obtained, which shows that it has good generalization performance.

Conclusions

The skin disease classification model HI-MViT proposed in this article shows excellent classification performance and generalization performance in experiments. It demonstrates how the classification outcomes can be applied to dermatologists’ computer-assisted diagnostics, enabling medical professionals to classify various dermoscopic images more rapidly and reliably.
Mice expressing nonpolymerizable fibrinogen have reduced arterial and venous thrombosis with preserved hemostasis
Authors: Hur Woosuk S. , Kawano Tomohiro , Mwiza Jean Marie N. , Paul David S. , Lee Robert H. , Clark Emily G. , Bouck Emma G. , Dutta Ananya , Cai Can , Baker Stephen R. , Guthold Martin , Mackman Nigel , Mangin Pierre , Wolberg Alisa S. , Bergmeier Wolfgang , Flick Matthew J.
Published: October 2023

Elevated circulating fibrinogen levels correlate with increased risk for both cardiovascular and venous thromboembolic diseases. In vitro studies show that formation of a highly dense fibrin matrix is a major determinant of clot structure and stability. Here, we analyzed the impact of nonpolymerizable fibrinogen on arterial and venous thrombosis as well as hemostasis in vivo using FgaEK mice that express normal levels of a fibrinogen that cannot be cleaved by thrombin. In a model of carotid artery thrombosis, FgaWT/EK and FgaEK/EK mice were protected from occlusion with 4% ferric chloride (FeCl3) challenges compared with wild-type (FgaWT/WT) mice, but this protection was lost, with injuries driven by higher concentrations of FeCl3. In contrast, fibrinogen-deficient (Fga−/−) mice showed no evidence of occlusion, even with high-concentration FeCl3 challenge. Fibrinogen-dependent platelet aggregation and intraplatelet fibrinogen content were similar in FgaWT/WT, FgaWT/EK, and FgaEK/EK mice, consistent with preserved fibrinogen–platelet interactions that support arterial thrombosis with severe challenge. In an inferior vena cava stasis model of venous thrombosis, FgaEK/EK mice had near complete protection from thrombus formation. FgaWT/EK mice also displayed reduced thrombus incidence and a significant reduction in thrombus mass relative to FgaWT/WT mice after inferior vena cava stasis, suggesting that partial expression of nonpolymerizable fibrinogen was sufficient for conferring protection. Notably, FgaWT/EK and FgaEK/EK mice had preserved hemostasis in multiple models as well as normal wound healing times after skin incision, unlike Fga−/− mice that displayed significant bleeding and delayed healing. These findings indicate that a nonpolymerizable fibrinogen variant can significantly suppress occlusive thrombosis while preserving hemostatic potential in vivo.
The influence of immunodeficiency, disease features, and patient characteristics on survival in plasmablastic lymphoma
Authors: Di Ciaccio Pietro R. , Polizzotto Mark N. , Cwynarski Kate , Gerrie Alina S. , Burton Catherine , Bower Mark , Kuruvilla John , Montoto Silvia , McKay Pam , Fox Christopher P. , Milliken Samuel , Jiamsakul Awachana , Osborne Wendy , Collins Graham P. , Manos Kate , Linton Kim M. , Iyengar Sunil , Kassam Shireen , Limei Michelle Poon , Kliman David , Wong Doo Nicole , Watson Anne-Marie , Fedele Pasquale , Yannakou Costas K. , Hunt Stewart , Ku Matthew , Sehn Laurie H. , Smith Alexandra , Renshaw Hanna , Maxwell Alice , Liu Qin , Dhairyawan Rageshri , Ferguson Graeme , Pickard Keir , Painter Daniel , Thakrar Nisha , Song Kevin W. , Hamad Nada
Published: October 2023

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare and aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma associated with immunodeficiency, characterized by uncertain treatment approaches and an unfavorable prognosis. We conducted a multicenter, international, retrospective cohort study, aiming to characterize the clinical features, risk factors, and outcomes of patients with PBL. Data were collected from 22 institutions across 4 countries regarding patients diagnosed with PBL between 1 January 1999 and 31 December 2020. Survival risk factors were analyzed using both univariate and multivariate regression models. Overall survival (OS) was calculated using Kaplan-Meier statistics. First-line treatment regimens were stratified into standard- and higher-intensity regimens, and based on whether they incorporated a proteasome inhibitor (PI). A total of 281 patients (median age, 55 years) were included. Immunodeficiency of any kind was identified in 144 patients (51%), and 99 patients (35%) had HIV-positive results. The 5-year OS for the entire cohort was 36% (95% confidence interval, 30%-42%). In multivariate analysis, inferior OS was associated with Epstein-Barr virus–negative lymphoma, poor performance status, advanced stage, and bone marrow involvement. In an independent univariate analysis, the international prognostic index was associated with OS outcomes. Neither immunosuppression nor HIV infection, specifically, influenced OS. Among patients treated with curative intent (n = 234), the overall response rate was 72%. Neither the intensity of the treatment regimen nor the inclusion of PIs in first-line therapy was associated with OS. In this large retrospective study of patients with PBL, we identified novel risk factors for survival. PBL remains a challenging disease with poor long-term outcomes.
Identifying quantitatively differential chromosomal compartmentalization changes and their biological significance from Hi-C data using DARIC
Authors: Kai Yan , Liu Nan , Orkin Stuart H. , Yuan Guo-Cheng
Published: October 2023

Background

Chromosomal compartmentalization plays a critical role in maintaining proper transcriptional programs in cell differentiation and oncogenesis. However, currently the prevalent method for comparative analysis of compartmentalization landscapes between different cell types is limited to the qualitative switched compartments.

Results

To identify genomic regions with quantitatively differential compartmentalization changes from genome-wide chromatin conformation data like Hi-C, we developed a computational framework named DARIC. DARIC includes three modules: compartmentalization quantification, normalization, and differential analysis. Comparing DARIC with the conventional compartment switching analysis reveals substantial regions characterized by quantitatively significant compartmentalization changes without switching. These changes are accompanied by changes in gene expression, chromatin accessibility, H3K27ac intensity, as well as the interactions with nuclear lamina proteins and nuclear positioning, highlighting the functional importance of such quantitative changes in gene regulation. We applied DARIC to dissect the quantitative compartmentalization changes during human cardiomyocyte differentiation and identified two distinct mechanisms for gene activation based on the association with compartmentalization changes. Using the quantitative compartmentalization measurement module from DARIC, we further dissected the compartment variability landscape in the human genome by analyzing a compendium of 32 Hi-C datasets from 4DN. We discovered an interesting correlation between compartmentalization variability and sub-compartments.

Conclusions

DARIC is a useful tool for analyzing quantitative compartmentalization changes and mining novel biological insights from increasing Hi-C data. Our results demonstrate the functional significance of quantitative compartmentalization changes in gene regulation, and provide new insights into the relationship between compartmentalization variability and sub-compartments in the human genome.
Pulsed electric field treatment of seeds altered the endophytic bacterial community and promotes early growth of roots in buckwheat
Authors: Qu Hao , Wang Yi , Wang Baijuan , Li Chengyun
Published: October 2023

Background

Endophytic bacteria provide nutrients and stimulate systemic resistance during seed germination and plant growth and development, and their functional properties in combating various stresses make them a powerful tool in green agricultural production. In this paper we explored the function of the endophyte community in buckwheat seeds in order to provide a theoretical basis for the application and scientific research of endophytes in buckwheat cultivation. We used pulsed electric field (PEF) technology to treat buckwheat seeds, monitored the effect of high-voltage pulse treatment on buckwheat seed germination, and analyzed the diversity of endophytic bacteria in buckwheat seeds using the amplicon sequencing method.

Results

PEF treatment promoted root development during buckwheat seed germination. A total of 350 Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) that were assigned into 103 genera were obtained from control and treatment groups using 16SrRNA amplicon sequencing technology. Additionally, PEF treatment also caused a significant decrease in the abundance of Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. The abundance of 28 genera changed significantly as well: 11 genera were more abundant, and 17 were less abundant. The number of associated network edges was reduced from 980 to 117, the number of positive correlations decreased by 89.1%, and the number of negative correlations decreased by 86.6%.

Conclusion

PEF treatment promoted early root development in buckwheat and was able to alter the seed endophytic bacterial community. This study thus makes a significant contribution to the field of endophyte research and to the application of PEF technology in plant cultivation.
Comparative analysis of flavonoid metabolites from different parts of Hemerocallis citrina
Authors: Lv Hongrui , Guo Shang
Published: October 2023

Background

Hemerocallis citrina Baroni is a traditional medical and edible plant. It is rich in flavonoid compounds, which are a kind of important bioactive components with various health benefits and pharmaceutical value. However, the flavonoid metabolomics profile and the comparison of flavonoid compounds from different parts of H. citrina is scarce.

Results

In this study, flavonoid metabolites were investigated from roots, stems, leaves and flowers of H. citrina. A total of 364 flavonoid metabolites were identified by UPLC-MS/MS based widely targeted metabolomics, and the four plant parts showed huge differences at flavonoid metabolic level. Compared to roots, 185, 234, and 119 metabolites accounted for upregulated differential flavonoid metabolites (DFMs) in stems, leaves, and flowers, respectively. Compared to stems, 168 and 29 flavonoid metabolites accounted for upregulated DFMs in leaves and flowers, respectively. Compared to leaves, only 29 flavonoid metabolites accounted for upregulated DFMs in flowers. A number of 35 common flavonoid metabolites were observed among six comparison groups, and each comparison group had its unique differential metabolites. The most abundant flavonoid metabolites in the four parts are flavonols and flavones, followed by flavanones, chalcones, flavanols, flavanonols, anthocyanidins, tannin, and proanthocyanidins. 6,7,8-Tetrahydroxy-5-methoxyflavone, 7,8,3’,4’-tetrahydroxyflavone, 1-Hydroxy-2,3,8-trimethoxyxanthone, Farrerol-7-O-glucoside, 3’,7-dihydroxy-4’-methoxyflavone, 3,3’-O-Dimethylellagic Acid, 5-Hydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyflavone, Nepetin (5,7,3’,4’-Tetrahydroxy-6-methoxyflavone), (2s)-4,8,10-trihydroxy-2-methoxy-1 h,2 h-furo[3,2-a]xanthen-11-one are dominant in roots. Isorhamnetin-3-O-(6’’-malonyl)glucoside-7-O-rhamnoside, 7-Benzyloxy-5-hydroxy-3’,4’-methylenedioxyflavonoid, 3-Hydroxyphloretin-4’-O-glucoside are dominant in stems. Chrysoeriol-7-O-glucoside, Epicatechin glucoside, Kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside (Afzelin)(Kaempferin)*, Azaleatin (5-O-Methylquercetin), Chrysoeriol-5-O-glucoside, Nepetin-7-O-glucoside(Nepitrin), 3,5,7,2’-Tetrahydroxyflavone; Datiscetin, Procyanidin B2*, Procyanidin B3*, Procyanidin B1, Isorhamnetin-3-O-(6’’-acetylglucoside) are dominant in leaves. kaempferol-3-p-coumaroyldiglucoside, Delphinidin-3-O-sophoroside-5-O-glucoside, Limocitrin-3-O-sophoroside, Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside(Nicotiflorin), Luteolin-7-O-(6’’-malonyl)glucoside-5-O-rhamnoside are dominant in flowers.

Conclusion

There was significant difference in flavonoid metabolites among different parts of H. citrina. Leaves had relative higher metabolites contents than other parts. This study provided biological and chemical evidence for the different uses of various plant parts of H. citrina, and these informations are important theoretical basis for the food industry, and medical treatment.
New approaches and technical considerations in detecting outlier measurements and trajectories in longitudinal children growth data
Authors: Massara Paraskevi , Asrar Arooj , Bourdon Celine , Ngari Moses , Keown-Stoneman Charles D. G. , Maguire Jonathon L. , Birken Catherine S. , Berkley James A. , Bandsma Robert H. J. , Comelli Elena M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Growth studies rely on longitudinal measurements, typically represented as trajectories. However, anthropometry is prone to errors that can generate outliers. While various methods are available for detecting outlier measurements, a gold standard has yet to be identified, and there is no established method for outlying trajectories. Thus, outlier types and their effects on growth pattern detection still need to be investigated. This work aimed to assess the performance of six methods at detecting different types of outliers, propose two novel methods for outlier trajectory detection and evaluate how outliers affect growth pattern detection.

Methods

We included 393 healthy infants from The Applied Research Group for Kids (TARGet Kids!) cohort and 1651 children with severe malnutrition from the co-trimoxazole prophylaxis clinical trial. We injected outliers of three types and six intensities and applied four outlier detection methods for measurements (model-based and World Health Organization cut-offs-based) and two for trajectories. We also assessed growth pattern detection before and after outlier injection using time series clustering and latent class mixed models. Error type, intensity, and population affected method performance.

Results

Model-based outlier detection methods performed best for measurements with precision between 5.72-99.89%, especially for low and moderate error intensities. The clustering-based outlier trajectory method had high precision of 14.93-99.12%. Combining methods improved the detection rate to 21.82% in outlier measurements. Finally, when comparing growth groups with and without outliers, the outliers were shown to alter group membership by 57.9 -79.04%.

Conclusions

World Health Organization cut-off-based techniques were shown to perform well in few very particular cases (extreme errors of high intensity), while model-based techniques performed well, especially for moderate errors of low intensity. Clustering-based outlier trajectory detection performed exceptionally well across all types and intensities of errors, indicating a potential strategic change in how outliers in growth data are viewed. Finally, the importance of detecting outliers was shown, given its impact on children growth studies, as demonstrated by comparing results of growth group detection.
Dynamics, association, and temporal sequence of cognitive function and frailty: a longitudinal study among Chinese community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Cui Kai , Meng Weihan , Li Zhiqiang , Zeng Xinning , Li Xiaozhe , Ge Xiaoyan
Published: October 2023

Background

Little is known about the association of longitudinal dynamics between cognitive function and frailty in Chinese older adults. The temporal sequences between cognitive function and frailty remains unclear. Our study investigates this directionality association using longitudinal data.

Methods

Latent growth and multivariate latent growth models were employed to examine dynamics of cognition and frailty and their association among 2824 older adults in China. Cross-lagged panel analyses were used to assess the temporal sequences between frailty and cognition. The relation between cognitive domains and frailty was also examined using aforementioned methods.

Results

Cognitive function was negatively associated with frailty status. Higher initial level of cognition indicated lower baseline level (β=-0.175, P < 0.001) and change rate (β=-0.041, P = 0.002) of frailty. We observed a reciprocal association between frailty and cognitive function rather than a unidirectional causal relationship. The initial cognitive performance for all components were negatively associated with baseline (β ranged between − 0.098 to -0.023) and change rate (β ranged between − 0.007 to -0.024) of frail status. No consistent associations between change rate of cognitive components and either initial level or change rate of frailty were detected.

Conclusions

Our study detected a reciprocal association between cognition and frailty rather than a unidirectional causal relationship. Our results also revealed different connections between cognitive performance and frailty across diverse cognitive domains.
Balance telerehabilitation and wearable technology for people with Parkinson’s disease (TelePD trial)
Authors: Silva-Batista Carla , Wilhelm Jennifer L. , Scanlan Kathleen T. , Stojak Margaret , Carlson-Kuhta Patricia , Chen Siting , Liu William , de la Huerta Tomas Nicolás García , Horak Fay B. , Mancini Martina , King Laurie A.
Published: October 2023

Background

Balance impairments, that lead to falls, are one of the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Telerehabilitation is becoming more common for people with PD; however, balance is particularly challenging to assess and treat virtually. The feasibility and efficacy of virtual assessment and virtual treatment of balance in people with PD are unknown. The present study protocol has three aims: I) to determine if a virtual balance and gait assessment (instrumented L-shape mobility test) with wearable sensors can predict a gold-standard, in-person clinical assessment of balance, the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest); II) to explore the effects of 12 sessions of balance telerehabilitation and unsupervised home exercises on balance, gait, executive function, and clinical scales; and III) to explore if improvements after balance telerehabilitation transfer to daily-life mobility, as measured by instrumented socks with inertial sensors worn for 7 days.

Methods

The TelePD Trial is a prospective, single-center, parallel-group, single-blind, pilot, randomized, controlled trial. This trial will enroll 80 eligible people with PD. Participants will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio into receiving home-based balance exercises in either: 1) balance telerehabilitation (experimental group, n = 40) or 2) unsupervised exercises (control group, n = 40). Both groups will perform 12 sessions of exercise at home that are 60 min long. The primary outcome will be Mini-BESTest. The secondary outcomes will be upper and lower body gait metrics from a prescribed task (instrumented L-shape mobility test); daily-life mobility measures over 7 days with wearable sensors in socks, instrumented executive function tests, and clinical scales. Baseline testing and 7 days of daily-life mobility measurement will occur before and after the intervention period.

Conclusion

The TelePD Trial will be the first to explore the usefulness of using wearable sensor-based measures of balance and gait remotely to assess balance, the feasibility and efficacy of balance telerehabilitation in people with PD, and the translation of balance improvements after telerehabilitation to daily-life mobility. These results will help to develop a more effective home-based balance telerehabilitation and virtual assessment that can be used remotely in people with balance impairments.

Trial registration

This trial was prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05680597).
The machine learning methods to analyze the using strategy of antiplatelet drugs in ischaemic stroke patients with gastrointestinal haemorrhage
Authors: Cui Chaohua , Li Changhong , Hou Min , Wang Ping , Huang Zhonghua
Published: October 2023

Background

For ischaemic stroke patients with gastrointestinal haemorrhage, stopping antiplatelet drugs or reducing the dose of antiplatelet drugs was a conventional clinical therapy method. But not a study to prove which way was better. And the machinery learning methods could help to obtain which way more suit for some patients.

Methods

Data from consecutive ischaemic stroke patients with gastrointestinal haemorrhage were prospectively collected. The outcome was a recurrent stroke rate, haemorrhage events, mortality and favourable functional outcome (FFO). We analysed the data using conventional logistic regression methods and a supervised machine learning model. We used unsupervised machine learning to group and analyse data characters.

Results

The patients of stopping antiplatelet drugs had a lower rate of bleeding events (p = 0.125), mortality (p = 0.008), rate of recurrence of stroke (p = 0.161) and distribution of severe patients (mRS 3–6) (p = 0.056). For Logistic regression, stopping antiplatelet drugs (OR = 2.826, p = 0.030) was related to lower mortality. The stopping antiplatelet drugs in the supervised machine learning model related to mortality (AUC = 0.95) and FFO (AUC = 0.82). For group by unsupervised machine learning, the patients of better prognosis had more male (p < 0.001), younger (p < 0.001), had lower NIHSS score (p < 0.001); and had a higher value of serum lipid level (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

For ischemic stroke patients with gastrointestinal haemorrhage, stopping antiplatelet drugs had a better prognosis. Patients who were younger, male, with lesser NIHSS scores at admission, with the fewest history of a medical, higher value of diastolic blood pressure, platelet, blood lipid and lower INR could have a better prognosis.
Prior treatment with oxaliplatin-containing regimens and higher total bilirubin levels are risk factors for neutropenia and febrile neutropenia in patients with gastric or esophagogastric junction cancer receiving weekly paclitaxel and ramucirumab therapy: a single center retrospective study
Authors: Nara Katsuhiko , Yamamoto Takehito , Yamashita Hiroharu , Yagi Koichi , Takada Tappei , Seto Yasuyuki , Suzuki Hiroshi
Published: October 2023

Background

Weekly paclitaxel + ramucirumab (wPTX + RAM) therapy is recommended as the standard second-line chemotherapy regimen for unresectable advanced/recurrent gastric cancer (GC) or esophagogastric junction cancer. Recent subgroup analysis of the RAINBOW trial revealed a higher frequency of severe neutropenia due to wPTX + RAM in Japanese compared to Western patients. However, no risk factors for severe neutropenia have been identified.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included patients with advanced/unresectable gastric or esophagogastric junction cancer who received wPTX + RAM after failure to respond to platinum and fluoropyrimidine doublet chemotherapy between June 2015 and April 2020. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify the risk factors associated with grade 4 neutropenia and febrile neutropenia (FN). In addition, we investigated the relationship between the number of risk factors and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

Among 66 patients who met the inclusion criteria, grade 4 neutropenia and FN occurred in 21 (31.8%) and 12 (18.2%) patients, respectively. Prior treatment with oxaliplatin-containing regimens was identified as an independent risk factor for developing grade 4 neutropenia (odds ratio (OR) 20.034, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 3.216–124.807, P = 0.001). Total bilirubin of > 1.5 mg/dL (OR 31.316, 95% CI 2.052–477.843, P = 0.013) and prior treatment with oxaliplatin-containing regimen (OR 12.502, 95% CI 1.141–137.022, P = 0.039) were identified as independent risk factors for developing FN. Next, we classified patients with 0, 1, 2 risk factor(s) as RF-0, RF-1, and RF-2 subgroups, respectively, and compared the PFS and OS among the three subgroups. PFS was not significantly different among the three subgroups, whereas OS was significantly shorter in the RF-2 subgroup (median 1.4 month, 95% CI 0.0–5.3 month) than in the RF-0 subgroup (median 10.2 month, 95% CI 6.8–13.5 month, P < 0.01 vs RF-2) and RF-1 subgroup (median 13.3 month, 95% CI 10.9–15.7 month, P < 0.01 vs RF-2).

Conclusions

Careful monitoring for grade 4 neutropenia and FN is needed for patients receiving wPTX + RAM therapy who have a history of treatment with oxaliplatin-containing regimens and higher total bilirubin levels.
Anticipated time to seek medical advice for possible ovarian cancer symptoms and perceived barriers to early presentation among Palestinian women: a national cross-sectional study
Authors: Elshami Mohamedraed , Al-Madhoun Sondos , Alser Mohammed , Al-Slaibi Ibrahim , Yaseen Areej , Tuffaha Aya , Jabr Hadeel , Ubaiat Sara , Khader Salma , Khraishi Reem , Jaber Inas , Arafeh Zeina Abu , Alqattaa Aya , Hadi Asmaa Abd El , Barhoush Ola , Hijazy Maysun , Eleyan Tamara , Alser Amany , Hziema Amal Abu , Shatat Amany , Almakhtoob Falasteen , Mohamad Balqees , Farhat Walaa , Abuamra Yasmeen , Mousa Hanaa , Adawi Reem , Musallam Alaa , Albarqi Shurouq I. , Abu-El-Noor Nasser , Bottcher Bettina
Published: October 2023

Background

Several factors contribute to delayed presentation with ovarian cancer (OC) symptoms including poor symptom awareness and barriers to seeking help. This study explored the anticipated time to seek medical advice for possible OC symptoms and its association with OC symptom awareness. In addition, it examined perceived barriers that may delay help-seeking among Palestinian women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult women (≥ 18 years) recruited from hospitals, primary healthcare centers, and public spaces in 11 Palestinian governorates. A modified version of the OC awareness measure was used to collect data in face-to-face interviews. The questionnaire comprised three sections: sociodemographic details, awareness of 11 OC symptoms and time to seek medical advice, and barriers to early presentation.

Results

Of 6095 participants approached, 5618 completed the OCAM (response rate = 92.1%). The proportion of participants who would immediately seek medical advice for a possible OC symptom varied based on the symptom’s nature. For OC symptoms with pain, the proportion that reported immediate seeking of medical advice ranged from 7.9% for ‘persistent low back pain’ to 13.6% for ‘persistent pain in the pelvis’. For non-specific potential OC symptoms, the proportion that reported immediate seeking of medical advice ranged from 2.3% for ‘feeling full persistently’ to 15.8% for ‘increased abdominal size on most days’. Good OC symptom awareness was associated with higher likelihood of seeking medical advice within a week from recognizing 10 out of 11 OC symptoms.

Emotional barriers were the most common barriers with ‘feeling scared’ as the most reported barrier (n = 1512, 52.4%). Displaying good OC symptom awareness was associated with a lower likelihood of reporting ≥ 4 emotional barriers (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.38–0.98).

Conclusion

Participants with good OC symptom awareness were more likely to seek medical advice earlier and to display fewer emotional barriers. Establishing educational interventions to raise OC awareness may help in promoting earlier help-seeking and, thus, facilitate earlier diagnosis and improved prognosis.
Circular RNA CCT3 is a unique molecular marker in bladder cancer
Authors: Luo Lin , Xie Qingzhi , Wu Yunchou , Li Ping , Qin FuQiang , Liao Dunming , Wang KangNing
Published: October 2023

This study surveyed circular RNA CCT3 in bladder cancer (BCa). We recruited 85 BCa patients and 40 normal controls (Normal) and collected clinical specimens for analysis. circRNA CCT3 expression was analyzed by RT-qPCR, diagnostic accuracy was calculated by ROC curves, and survival outcomes were evaluated by survival curves. CircRNA CCT3 was overexpressed or knocked down in cells, thereafter to observe the changes in cell malignant phenotypes. The downstream molecules of circRNA CCT3 were detected. Our data suggest that circRNA CCT3 was upregulated in human BCa and was associated with poor survival outcomes of BCa patients. In cell experiments, overexpressing circRNA CCT3 promoted BCa cell malignancy, whereas silencing circRNA CCT3 did the opposite. In addition, circRNA CCT3 modulated PP2A expression by miR-135a-5p. This study demonstrates that circRNA CCT3 is a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in BCa patients and is a tumor promoter in BCa.