bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerated prime-and-trap vaccine regimen in mice using repRNA-based CSP malaria vaccine
Authors: MacMillen Zachary , Hatzakis Kiara , Simpson Adrian , Shears Melanie , Watson Felicia , Erasmus Jesse , Khandhar Amit , Wilder Brandon , Murphy Sean , Reed Steven , Davie James , AVRIL Marion
Published: June 2023

Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites, remains one of the most devastating infectious diseases worldwide, despite control efforts that have lowered morbidity and mortality. The only P. falciparum vaccine candidates to show field efficacy are those targeting the asymptomatic pre-erythrocytic (PE) stages of infection. The subunit (SU) RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, the only licensed malaria vaccine to date, is only modestly effective against clinical malaria. Both RTS,S/AS01 and the SU R21 vaccine candidate target the PE sporozoite (spz) circumsporozoite (CS) protein. These candidates elicit high-titer antibodies that provide short-term protection from disease, but do not induce the liver-resident memory CD8+ T cells (Trm) that confer strong PE immunity and long-term protection. In contrast, whole-organism (WO) vaccines, employing for example radiation-attenuated spz (RAS), elicit both high antibody titers and Trm, and have achieved high levels of sterilizing protection. However, they require multiple intravenous (IV) doses, which must be administered at intervals of several weeks, complicating mass administration in the field. Moreover, the quantities of spz required present production difficulties. To reduce reliance on WO while maintaining protection via both antibodies and Trm responses, we have developed an accelerated vaccination regimen that combines two distinct agents in a prime-and-trap strategy. While the priming dose is a self-replicating RNA encoding P. yoelii CS protein, delivered via an advanced cationic nanocarrier (LION™), the trapping dose consists of WO RAS. This accelerated regime confers sterile protection in the P. yoelii mouse model of malaria. Our approach presents a clear path to late-stage preclinical and clinical testing of dose-sparing, same-day regimens that can confer sterilizing protection against malaria.
RepID represses megakaryocytic differentiation by recruiting CRL4A-JARID1A at DAB2 promoter
Authors: Jo Jae-Hyun , Ok Seon-Mi , Kim Dong-Kyu , Kim Yeong-Mu , Park Jong-Uk , Jung Dong-Hyun , Kim Hye-Ji , Seong Hyun-A , Cho Hyo Je , Nah Jihoon , Kim Sangjune , Fu Haiqing , Redon Christophe E. , Aladjem Mirit I. , Jang Sang-Min
Published: June 2023

Background
Megakaryocytes (MKs) are platelet precursors, which arise from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). While MK lineage commitment and differentiation are accompanied by changes in gene expression, many factors that modulate megakaryopoiesis remain to be uncovered. Replication origin binding protein (RepID) which has multiple histone-code reader including bromodomain, cryptic Tudor domain and WD40 domains and Cullin 4-RING ubiquitin ligase complex (CRL4) recruited to chromatin mediated by RepID have potential roles in gene expression changes via epigenetic regulations. We aimed to investigate whether RepID-CRL4 participates in transcriptional changes required for MK differentiation.
Methods
The PCR array was performed using cDNAs derived from RepID-proficient or RepID-deficient K562 erythroleukemia cell lines. Correlation between RepID and DAB2 expression was examined in the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) through the CellMinerCDB portal. The acceleration of MK differentiation in RepID-deficient K562 cells was determined by estimating cell sizes as well as counting multinucleated cells known as MK phenotypes, and by qRT-PCR analysis to validate transcripts of MK markers using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-mediated MK differentiation condition. Interaction between CRL4 and histone methylation modifying enzymes were investigated using BioGRID database, immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assay. Alterations of expression and chromatin binding affinities of RepID, CRL4 and histone methylation modifying enzymes were investigated using subcellular fractionation followed by immunoblotting. RepID-CRL4-JARID1A-based epigenetic changes on DAB2 promoter were analyzed by chromatin-immunoprecipitation and qPCR analysis.
Results
RepID-deficient K562 cells highly expressing MK markers showed accelerated MKs differentiation exhibiting increases in cell size, lobulated nuclei together with reaching maximum levels of MK marker expression earlier than RepID-proficient K562 cells. Recovery of WD40 domain-containing RepID constructs in RepID-deficient background repressed DAB2 expression. CRL4A formed complex with histone H3K4 demethylase JARID1A in soluble nucleus and loaded to the DAB2 promoter in a RepID-dependent manner during proliferation condition. RepID, CRL4A, and JARID1A were dissociated from the chromatin during MK differentiation, leading to euchromatinization of the DAB2 promoter.
Conclusion
This study uncovered a role for the RepID-CRL4A-JARID1A pathway in the regulation of gene expression for MK differentiation, which can form the basis for the new therapeutic approaches to induce platelet production.
Joint disaster relief: The Chinese Civilian Rescue Teams' response to the 2021 Henan Flood
Authors: Lu Yi , Gan Yutong , Zhang Zhiyue
Published: June 2023

In China, the involvement of civilian rescue teams (CRTs) in emergency-response has continued to grow and has progressively developed as an effective complement to the government’s emergency management system. However, their emergency-response mechanisms, functions, and networks have not been extensively studied. Based on an empirical case study of the 2021 Henan flood, this study employed a mixed methods research model, combining in-depth interviews with social network analysis (SNA) to investigate the mechanism and functions of CRTs and analyse the joint relief networks involving these teams. The CRT emergency-response mechanism comprised five phases: assessment, preparation, mobilisation, operation, and review. The main emergency support functions of CRTs were searching for and rescuing people and transferring and distributing rescue supplies. In the CRT joint relief network, government agencies retain their dominant emergency management positions, with the frontline coordination centre playing a key role in integrating relief information and acting as a bridge between CRTs, local governments, and disaster areas. These research results can motivate CRTs to improve their capabilities, thereby increasing the efficiency and quality of their joint disaster responses. Furthermore, these findings can assist governments in formulating more effective emergency-response management policies and promote cooperation between CRTs and government entities.
Evaluation of Low-Cost Sensors for PM2.5 Monitoring: Performance, Reliability, and Implications for Air Quality Assessment
Authors: Kurniawati Syukria , Santoso Muhayatun , Nurhaini Feni Fernita , DA Djoko Prakoso , Lestiani Diah Dwiana , Ramadhani Moch. Faizal , Kusmartini Indah , Syahfitri Woro Yatu Niken , Damastuti Endah
Published: June 2023

PM2.5 become people’s concern due to its health effect and its presence in the air that reduce visibility when levels are raised. Therefore, monitoring of PM2.5 level is essential for assessing the level as well as the variability. In this study, the low-cost sensor Purple Air was utilized for PM2.5 monitoring. Evaluation of the low-cost sensor was done by co-location sampling with the filter-based Super Speciation Air Sampling System (Super SASS) instrument as the Federal Reference Method (FRM). The low-cost data during June 2022 - May 2023 were compared to the data from Super SASS. Sampling was done in Tamansari Bandung, Indonesia. The average mass concentration of PM2.5 from the low-cost sensor was 39.04±15.16 mg/m3. The comparative results of the two methods were obtained with a coefficient of determination value of 0.96. An average ratio of 1.24 shows that the concentration of PM2.5 from low-cost sensors is generally higher by 24% than from Super SASS. The low-cost sensor in this study was utilized for monitoring the temporal variation of PM2.5. Temperature and humidity measured by the low-cost sensor and the value obtained in the range of 26.29-33.41°C and 37.41-63.91%, respectively. The low-cost sensor shows its capability in monitoring the temporal variation of PM2.5 in Bandung, where the results indicate that PM2.5 levels are influenced by meteorological factors and emission sources. The outcomes of this study provide valuable information to authorities, enabling them to establish appropriate measures and policies to control and mitigate the impacts of air pollution on air quality.
Uplifting of anticorrosive coatings performance via TiO2 /ZnO core-shell pigment for oil and gas pipelines protection
Authors: Ahmed Nivin M. , Mohamed Mostafa G.
Published: June 2023

Cheap and safe ways for transportation are among the forehead crucial requirements to distribute petroleum products and natural gas to the different areas; and the most profitable method is via steel pipelines. Nonetheless these pipelines are subjected to corrosion, and therefore an economically feasible defense system is a must. Accordingly, new core-shell pigment (TiO2/ZnO) was prepared and characterized via XRD, XRF, TEM, SEM, and EDX analysis to be encountered in polymeric coating formulations, then subjected to standard corrosion experiments; including immersion test, adhesion, and electrochemical measurements. Impedance spectroscopy was hired for observing the resistance and capacitance of the coatings during 28 days. The obtained results conveyed that the prepared core-shell pigment with its unique structure can strongly enhance the resistivity of the formulated coating to protect the pipeline outer-wall from corrosion. Eventually, these results can develop the knowledge about the combination of high performance and low cost anticorrosive coatings that can be applied in high corrosive media.
Research on Propagation Characteristics of Tire Cavity Resonance Noise in the Wheel
Authors: Hu Xiaojun , Liu Xiandong , Shan Yingchun , He Tian
Published: June 2023

Tire cavity resonance noise (TCRN) is one of main contributors to vehicle interior noise which has been a concern in the automotive industry. As the wheel is the first part of TCRN energy propagating into the vehicle, the propagation characteristics of energy in the wheel are studied. Firstly, the finite element models of wheels (steel wheels and aluminum alloy wheels with the same type) are established, and the propagation characteristics of TCRN in steel wheels and aluminum alloy wheels are studied and compared by the power flow method. Then, the models of three aluminum alloy wheels with different spoke configurations are established, and the propagation characteristics of TCRN in different aluminum wheels are studied by the power flow method. TCRN is easier to propagate in Y-shaped wheels than in V-shaped and star-shaped wheels, while the TCRN propagation characteristics in V-shaped or star-shaped wheels are not significantly different. So the study of propagation characteristics can provide basis for aluminum alloy wheel spoke design.
Hsa_circ_0000417 downregulation promotes hypospadiac formation by modulating AR-PTEN-AKT axis
Authors: su cheng , Jia Wei , Huang Rongzhi , Huang Junqiang , Xie Qike , Ma Qianqian , Dong Jie , Lin Yingfu , Chen Chao
Published: June 2023

Background: Congenital hypospadias is a common congenital malformation of the urinary system in male children. To explore the mechanism of hypospadias is particularly important,because it could provide a potential guide for clinical treatment. Dysregulated apoptosis of penile mesenchymal cells has been previously demonstrated to underly hypospadiac urethral closure failure.we found hsa_circ_0000417 significantly downregulated in hypospadias preputial specimens,act as a ceRNA for AR via sequestering hsa_miR-6756-5p, and that the biological functions of hsa_circ_0000417 may significantly involve the PI3K/AKT pathway in previous reports.However, the regulatory mechanisms remain poorly unknown.
Methods: We performed study on primary culture fibroblasts from normal and hypospadias tissues in vitro.The cell apoptosis was measured by fow cytometry using Apoptosis Detection Kit,and the protein level of AR,bax, caspase 9 and AKT signaling pathway were measured by Western Blot (WB). we examined the role of hsa_circ_0000417 in vivo using the mouse model of hypospadias.
Results: The effects of hsa_circ_0000417 in foreskin fibroblasts were studied both in vitro and vivo. Functionally, knockdown of hsa_circ_0000417 influence the mesenchymal cell apoptosis whereas overexpression had the reverse effects. Mechanistically, primary culture fibroblasts and mice models were detected by flow cytometry and Western Blot (WB)，androgen receptor (AR)、cell apoptosis proteins of AKT、BAX、Caspase9 were significantly decreased expression compared with normal tissues, attenuated mesenchymal cell apoptosis. Further investigation revealed that hsa_circ_0000417 directly interacted with miR-6756. miR-6756 inhibitors had a rescue effect on the proliferation and apoptosis capacities by knockdown of hsa_circ_0000417.It suggested that hsa_circ_0000417 may regulate AR-PTEN-AKT pathway influence the apoptosis of fibroblasts.
Conclusions: Taken together,hsa_circ_0000417 functioned as a molecular sponge for miR-6756 promotes the occurrence of hypospadias through the AR-PTEN-AKT axis and may serve as a novel diagnostic marker and target for treatment of hypospadiac patients.
Comprehensive Analysis of Long Non-Coding RNAs and mRNAs Expression in Single Suture Craniosynostosis Patients
Authors: Lan Dongyi , Wang Yueqing , Zhang Songchunyuan , Liu Baihui , Ge Qianyun , Dong Chenbin
Published: June 2023

Aim To investigate the expression profile of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in closed and patent sutures from single suture craniosynostosis patients and explore their underlying functions. Methods Using a lncRNA microarray assay to determine the differential expression profile of lncRNA in sutures from three single suture craniosynostosis patients (two sagittal, one uni-coronal). We performed the functional analysis and constructed the lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network to explore the biological functions. Results There were 98 up-regulated, 125 down-regulated lncRNAs and 88 up-regulated, 122 down-regulated mRNAs identified in the closed sutures compared to the patent sutures (fold change > 1.5,P < 0.05). GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that altered genes enriched in “extracellular matrix,” “skeletal system development,” and “osteoclast differentiation.” The lncRNAs-mRNAs co-expression network manifested the implication of lncRNA expression profiles in single suture craniosynostosis via interactions with mRNAs. Conclusion This is a novel study to present an expression profile of lncRNAs from craniosynostosis patients. lncRNAs may play a functional role in cranial suture development and premature fusion. The results provide a new perspective on the etiology of single suture craniosynostosis.
Cardiovascular Mortality among Patients with Pancreatic Cancer: A Population-based Study
Authors: Liu Gen , Zhang Bo-fang
Published: June 2023

Background
With the advancements in detection and treatment, the survival rates of patients with pancreatic cancer have gradually increased. However, cardiovascular disease has become a common complication among tumor patients due to treatments. The mortality and risks of cardiovascular mortality in patients with pancreatic cancer remain unclear.
Objectives
This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the mortality patterns and quantify cardiovascular mortality risk in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Methods
Data extracted from the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2000 to 2018 were used to conduct this study. Patients aged 15 or older with a primary diagnosis of pancreatic cancer were included. The primary endpoint was the death of cardiovascular disease among pancreatic cancer patients. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were compared with the general cancer population in the US. The Competing Risk model was used to assess the association between pancreatic cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Results
A total of 125,324 patients primarily diagnosed with pancreatic cancer were enrolled, with a median follow-up time of 4.0 (1.0–12.0) months. The mean age at diagnosis was 68.97 ± 12.88 years, and 62,271 (49.69%) were male. Overall, 2862 patients died of cardiovascular disease. The SMR of cardiovascular disease was 1.81 (1.74–1.88), and the highest SMR in the subtype of cardiovascular disease was atherosclerosis (2.69, 95%CI: 1.90–3.48). In the multivariable Competing Risk model, patients with older age at diagnosis and who underwent surgery were associated with higher risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusions
Cardiovascular disease mortality among patients with pancreatic cancer is higher than that in the general cancer population in the US. Patients with pancreatic cancer at higher risk of cardiovascular disease need more attention.
Effect of siRNA-promoted Silencing of Prion Protein on Doxorubicin-induced Cell Death Machineries in Human Adriamycin-resistant Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Line H69AR
Authors: Kadınşah Hayrettin , Öztel Zübeyde , Tuğrul Berrin , Balcan Erdal
Published: June 2023

Background
Multidrug resistance is one of major challenges in cancer therapy. Recent data have proposed that among its many cellular functions, prion protein (PrP) is also involved in the acquisition of a multidrug resistance phenotype of cancer cells. In this study, we examined the effect of PrP on doxorubicin-induced cell death in the human adriamycin-resistant small cell lung cancer cell line H69AR.
Methods
We established an experimental design with a series of groups including knockdown of PrP expression in H69AR cells by siRNA (siRNA group), doxorubicin treatment at IC50 concentration (Doxo IC50 group) and combination of siRNA transfection/doxorubicin IC50 treatment (siRNA/Doxo IC50 group). qRT-PCR and immunocytochemistry analyses were performed for PrP, CD44, Bax and Beclin-1 expressions.
Results
siRNA transfection and co-delivery of siRNA transfection/doxorubicin treatment decreased the PrP mRNA expression and immunofluorescence signals for PrP. However, doxorubicin treatment at IC50 concentration increased the PrP levels. Besides, the increased expression of CD44, Bax and Beclin-1 proteins was observed in all three groups. Monodansylcadaverine results indicated that the number of autophagic vacuoles was increased in all the experimental conditions.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that knockdown of PrP in H69AR cells may ameliorate the doxorubicin-induced cell death machineries such as apoptosis and autophagy. In conclusion, the knockdown of PrP may be an attractive strategy for the treatment of drug-resistant cancers to improve the effect of conventional chemotherapeutics.
The Influence of Light-Induced Pupil Constriction on the Vault of Implantable Collamer Lens and Its Determinants
Authors: Song Zhenhao , Li Qi , Xiong Ying , Mao Yingyan , Wang Xiaofei
Published: June 2023

Purpose
To investigate the change in the vault of the Implantable collamer lens (ICL) under dark-to-light conditions and its associations with anterior chamber parameters in patients who have undergone ICL surgery.
Methods
For 76 eyes from 80 patients, some anterior chamber volume (ACV), pupil diameter (PD), anterior chamber angle, central corneal thickness (CCT), white-to-white (WTW), lens thickness (LT), axial length (AL) and the patient’s age preoperatively were collected. Using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), to measure postoperative vault, PD and LT under scotopic and photopic conditions and calculated the changes. Mixed-effects models were used to analyze the correlation between the vault change under dark-to-light conditions and the demographic and ocular parameters of all subjects and the high-vault subgroup.
Results
The vault under photopic condition (648.36 ± 304.47µm) was significantly smaller compared to the vault under scotopic condition (708.89 ± 316.15µm). In all patients, vault change increased with the increase of age, LT change and PD change; and increased with the decrease of ACV and baseline vault (vault under scotopic condition). In the subgroup of patients with high vault, vault change increased with the increase of CCT and PD change; and increased with the decrease of ACV.
Conclusions
The changes in ICL vault under dark-to-light conditions had a significant correlation with specific anterior segment parameters. Changes in vault were primarily due to the posterior shift of the ICL and alterations in lens thickness and position.
Effect of age and gender on ventricular-arterial coupling estimated using a non-invasive technique
Authors: Obata Yurie , Matsuki Yuka , Okafuji Kazuhiro , Shigemi Kenji
Published: June 2023

Background: Left ventricular-arterial coupling is assessed as the ratio of left ventricular end-systolic elastance (Ees) to arterial elastance (Ea). Previous studies have introduced non-invasive estimations of Ees/Ea. It requires only four variables, namely pre-ejection period, ejection time, end-systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. The aims of the present study were to clarify the reference values of Ees/Ea estimated using the noninvasive technique, and to investigate the effects of age and gender on Ees/Ea in healthy subjects.
Methods: This retrospective study utilized data from healthy, 30-79 year old subjects. We recorded electrocardiogram, phonocardiogram, and brachial arterial pulse waves simultaneously using the vascular screening system, and used the observed variables to calculate Ees/Ea. We separated subjects into five groups according to their age and compared Ees/Ea among the different age groups.
Results: The study included 2114 males and 2292 females. Ees/Ea ranged from 1.87 to 2.04 in males, and 1.97 to 2.32 in females. We observed no age-related differences in Ees/Ea in males (p=0.10), and significant differences in females (p<0.001). Ees/Ea in males was not different compared to those in females in 60-69 year old group. Whereas Ees/Ea was higher in females compared to those in males in the other age groups.
Conclusions: We clarified the reference values of Ees/Ea in healthy subjects. The effect of age on Ees/Ea is different in males and females, although Ees/Ea is maintained within a relatively narrow range in all subjects.
Dynamic resonance fluorescence in cavity quantum electrodynamics
Authors: Liu Jin , Liu Shunfa , Gustin Chris , Liu Hanqing , Li Xueshi , Yu Ying , Ni Haiqiao , Niu Zhichuan , Hughes Stephen , Wang Xue-Hua
Published: June 2023

The coherent interaction between a two-level system and electromagnetic fields serves as a foundation for fundamental quantum physics and modern photonic quantum technology. A profound example is resonance fluorescence, where the non-classical photon emission appears in the form of a Mollow-triplet when a two-level system is continuously driven by a resonant laser. Pushing resonance fluorescence from a static to dynamic regime by using short optical pulses generates on-demand emissions of highly coherent single photons. Further increasing the driving strength in the dynamical regime enables the pursuit of exotic non-classical light emission in photon number superposition, photon number entanglement, and photon bundle states. However, the long-sought-after spectrum beyond the Mollow-triplet, a characteristic of dynamic resonance fluorescence under strong driving strength, has not been observed yet. Here we report the direct observation and systematic investigations of dynamic resonance fluorescence spectra beyond the Mollow-triplet in a solid-state cavity quantum electrodynamic system. The dynamic resonance fluorescence spectra with up to five pairs of side peaks, excitation detuning induced spectral asymmetry, and cavity filtering effect are observed and quantitatively modeled by a full quantum model with phonon scattering included. Time-resolved measurements further reveal that the multiple side peaks originate from interference of the emission associated with different temporal positions of the excitation pulses. Our work facilitates the generation of a variety of exotic quantum states of light with dynamic driving of two-level systems.
Dual-Wing Ligand Constructed Metal-Organic Framework Membranes with Finely Tuned Apertures for Natural Gas Separation
Authors: Jin Jian , Shi Yapeng , Wang Zhenggong , Lai Weikang , Liao Yining , Lu Kuan , Liu Yang , Niu Zheng
Published: June 2023

Metal-organic framework (MOF) membranes with apparent molecular sieving effect have great potential for gas separation. However, their application in light-gas separation (e.g. CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4) remains challenging due to their enlarged pore structures under transmembrane pressure. In this work, we report a series of MOF membranes constructed from dual-wing (DW) ligands including 2-chloromethylbenzimidazole, 2-methylbenzimidazole, 2-ethylbenzimidazole, and 2-phenylbenzimidazole, to finely tune apertures and enhance molecule sieving property for small-size gases. These DW-ligands provide steric resistance in two directions perpendicular to the coordination bond, leading to a much finer pore structure. The introduction of the DW-ligands endows the DW/ZIF-8 membranes with an adjustable bottleneck door for regulating gas diffusion, blocking the transport of large-size CH4 while allowing small-size CO2 to permeate. The membranes show significantly improved molecular sieving property with separation factor of CO2/CH4 above 55 in the case of 2-chloromethylbenzimidazole23/ZIF-8 membrane, which represents the highest value among the reported MOF membranes. The membrane also exhibits exceptional separation performance for H2/CH4 and H2/C3H8 with separation factors of 430 and 34341, surpassing most of the reported MOF membranes. This study presents a facile and efficient strategy for regulating MOF aperture and constructing high-performance membranes for natural gas separation.
Ultrasensitive touch sensor for simultaneous tactile and slip sensing
Authors: Pan Caofeng , Liu Yue , Tao Juan , Mo Yepei , Bao Rongrong
Published: June 2023

Touch is a general term to describe mechanical stimuli. It is extremely difficult to develop touch sensors that can detect different modes of contact forces due to their low sensitivity. A high sensitivity response to complex contact states, such as pressure and slip, requires effective material design strategies for the sensor sensitivity layers. In this work, an ultrasensitive piezoresistive touch sensor is developed using a one-step phase-inversion-to-film strategy along with the sacrificial template method. The spectral analysis of the output signal is performed using a wavelet transform. This enables the sensor to be used for normal pressure and slip sensing. This work confirms that an interconnected porous structure can be easily controlled using this strategy. The sensor shows an ultra-high sensitivity of 1167 kPa− 1and a low-pressure detection limit of 1.34 Pa due to its considerably low compression modulus of 23.8 Pa. A wavelet transform is used to successfully detect different contact states and identify various materials. This novel fabrication strategy and signal analysis method provides a new direction for the development of tactile/slip sensors.
Exploration of the causal effects of leukocyte telomere length and four gastrointestinal diseases: A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Haikuo , Chen Xiaolin , Wang Siming , Zhang Heyun
Published: June 2023

Objective
To explore the underlying causal relationship between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and four gastrointestinal diseases, we designed a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.
Methods
Two-sample Mendelian randomization was used to explore genetic predictive causality between LTL and four gastrointestinal diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), gastrointestinal ulcers disease (GUD), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Fixed-effect model IVW results were used as the primary outcome of MR analysis. Cochran's Q was calculated to check for heterogeneity, and MR-Egger and MR-presso were detected for pleiotropy. To increase the credibility of the findings, SNPs with a significance level of 5e-7 for selected exposure were adjusted for secondary analysis.
Results
MR analysis showed that LTL increased the incidence of IBS (OR, 95% CI: 1.002, 1.000-1.004; p = 0.040), reducing the incidence of GERD (OR, 95% CI: 0.890, 0.800 to 0.991; p = 0.033), and the conclusion was not affected by the reverse causal effect. The results of MR analysis showed that there was no potential causal relationship between the change of LTL length and the pathogenesis of PUD and NAFLD.
Conclusion
The shortening of LTL predicts a low risk of IBS and a high risk of GERD. Although changes in LTL may not be a direct cause of gastrointestinal diseases, it may be used as a biomarker for the prediction of digestive tract diseases as a potential therapeutic target.
Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences non-academic workers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tembo Letwin Nomalungelo , Munyikwa Jacquiline Paidamoyo , Musoro Chipo , Majonga Grace , Mavindidze Edwin
Published: June 2023

Background:Work-related musculoskeletal disorders most commonly contribute to years lived with disability among workers. Heavy physical work, static work posture, awkward posture, force exertion, lifting and repetitive movements increase risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among non-academic workers at the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Methods and materials: The study used a cross-sectional analytical design.108 non-academic workers at University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences were sampled through stratified proportional convenient sampling. An adapted Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire capturing socio-demographics and ergonomic risk factors was used to gather data. SPSS v24 was used for data analysis.
Results:100 non-academic workers from University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciencesresponded. The 3-month and 12-month prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders were highest in lower back (72% and 75%) and wrists/hands (60% and 69%) respectively. Sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, work experience, educational level and worker category were associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Discussion and conclusion: Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was high among the participants. This was influenced by the nature of work as well as cultural factors.
Recommendations: Employers should consider developing wellness programs for the workers and promoting healthy working environments.
Fibulin-3 is necessary to prevent cardiac rupture following myocardial infarction
Authors: Murtha Lucy A. , Hardy Sean A. , Mabotuwana Nishani S. , Bigland Mark J. , Bailey Taleah , Raguram Kalyan , Liu Saifei , Ngo Doan T. , Sverdlov Aaron L. , Tomin Tamara , Birner-Gruenberger Ruth , Hume Robert D. , Iismaa Siiri E. , Humphreys David T. , Patrick Ralph , Chong James J.H. , Lee Randall J. , Harvey Richard P. , Graham Robert M. , Rainer Peter P. , Boyle Andrew J.
Published: June 2023

Despite the high prevalence of heart failure in the western world, there are few effective treatments. Fibulin-3 is a protein involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) structural integrity, however its role in the heart is unknown. We have demonstrated, using single cell RNA-seq, that fibulin-3 was highly expressed in quiescent murine cardiac fibroblasts, with expression highest prior to injury and late post-infarct (from ~day-28 to week-8). In humans, fibulin-3 was upregulated in left ventricular tissue and plasma of heart failure patients. Fibulin-3 knockout (Efemp1-/-) and wildtype mice were subjected to experimental myocardial infarction. Fibulin-3 deletion resulted in significantly higher rate of cardiac rupture days 3-6 post-infarct, indicating a weak and poorly formed scar, with severe ventricular remodelling in surviving mice at day-28 post-infarct. Fibulin-3 knockout mice demonstrated less collagen deposition at day-3 post-infarct, with abnormal collagen fibre-alignment. RNA-seq on day-3 infarct tissue revealed upregulation of ECM degradation and inflammatory genes, but downregulation of ECM assembly/structure/organisation genes in Fibulin-3 knockout mice. GSEA pathway analysis showed enrichment of inflammatory pathways and a depletion of ECM organization pathways. Fibulin-3 originates from cardiac fibroblasts, is upregulated in human heart failure, and is necessary for correct ECM organisation/structural integrity of fibrotic tissue to prevent cardiac rupture post-infarct.
Functionalized Cellulose with EDTA-like Chelating Groups for Removal of Heavy Metals
Authors: Yang Lu , You Nan , Ding Baohong
Published: June 2023

Cellulose is a renewable and promising material. However, native cellulose has to face the challenge of the removal of heavy metals with low efficiency which limits its application. In this work, a cellulose derivative with EDTA-like chelating groups is designed and prepared by the chemical grafting of cellulose. Cellulose is partially oxidized to dialdehyde cellulose which is treated with 20% excess of diethylenetriamine through a Schiff base reaction for the preparation of the aminated cellulose. The amine groups of the aminated cellulose are carboxymethylated by reacting with 20% excess of bromoacetic acid through a substitution reaction. A EDTA-like cellulose derivative functionalized with multidentate N,O‑donor atoms (EDTA-CL) is obtained for accessing the adsorptive property of Cd2+and Pb2+. The high-efficient adsorption of the both ions by the EDTA-CL with high adsorptive amounts (Pb2+: 438.3 mg g− 1and Cd2+: 287.2 mg g− 1) can be accomplished by controlled parameters (pH in the range of 4–6 with contact time 30 min) using the dosage of 1 g L− 1of the EDTA-CL in aqueous solution. The adsorptive processes of the both ions onto the EDTA-CL can be well fitted by pseudo-second-order and Langmuir equations. Thermodynamics data reveal that the adsorption of the both ions onto the EDTA-CL is a spontaneous and endothermic process. The loaded EDTA-CL by simple acid-base treatment can be regenerated 5 times with loss of adsorptive amounts (Cd2+: 14% and Pb2+: 17%).
Visualization of Latent Fingerprints Based on Composites of Dye-Doped Cellulose with Red Emissive Fluorescence
Authors: Li Zhan-Chao , Li Da-Wu , Liu Zhao-Hui , Wu Li-Ping , lv Xiao-Sen
Published: June 2023

Novel cellulose-based composites by integrating the rhodamine B (RhB) with cellulose microparticles are developed and used to detect latent fingerprints (LFPs). The cellulose-based composites containing the various amounts of RhB (5.4 ± 0.2, 9.7 ± 0.3, and 19.6 ± 0.3 mg g− 1) with the good photostability are obtained by simple adsorption method. Under 365 nm light irradiation, cellulose-based composite can produce the bright red fluorescence in solid-state. The images of the LFPs on the surface of the substrates with variable textures and colors are detected with integral ridge patterns and finely clear detail characteristics in level 2 and 3. The fresh and aging LFPs can be finely detected by the cellulose-based composite with the little interference of background because the red-emissive can efficiently avoid the interference from self-fluorescence of the substrates. These results suggest that the cellulose-based composite with favorable applicability and dependability can be a promising candidate for the visualization of the LFPs.
First report of the Olive flathead gudgeon, Butis gymnopomus (Bleeker 1853) from Kerala waters with taxonomic notes on B. butis (Hamilton 1822) and B. koilomatodon (Bleeker 1849)
Authors: Hariprakash Krishnaprasad Puthupillayalukkal Kallarikkal , Varada Mugtha Sukumaran , Krishnasadanam Melbin Lal , Hamsa Anvar Ali Palakkaparambil
Published: June 2023

This article provides information on the taxonomy and distribution of the poorly known gobioid genus Butisfrom a tropical Ramsar site, Vembanad-Kole in Kerala state, India. The results of integrative taxonomy confirm the presence of B. gymnopomus in Kerala. Identity of the other two species – B. butis and B. koilomatodon in the study area was also confirmed through morphology and mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase 1 gene. Butis gymnopomus is distinguished from B. butis by the absence of scales on the interorbital region and the absence of axillary scales. The interorbital region is narrow in B. gymnopomus compared to B. butis. The overall K2P genetic distance between the species was found to be 14%. The study highlights the necessity of a detailed study on systematics of gobioids based on large regional sampling.
Aquaporins (AQPs) as marker in the Physiology of inflammation and its interaction studies with Garcinol
Authors: Kalita Anuradha , Das Manas
Published: June 2023

Aquaporins mainly AQP1, AQP3 and AQP4 have been known to be involved in the pathophysiology of inflammation based on earlier reports. Thisin vitrostudy using both RAW264.7 and THP-1 cells aimed to evaluate the involvement of Aquaporins as potential target of inflammation and the efficacy of methanolic extract ofGarcinia(GME) and its potent phytocompound (Garcinol) against the different markers of inflammation including the Aquaporins involved. siRNA silencing of AQP3 was carried out in RAW264.7 cells followed by LPS stimulation (1µg/ml) and assessment of important markers of inflammation including NO, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, CCL20, iNOS and COX-2. To assess the anti-inflammatory potential ofGarciniaextract and its active component Garcinol, cells were treated with 1µg/ml LPS in the absence and presence of increasing concentrations of GME and Garcinol. During the experimental period, extract concentrations (115µg/ml and 230 µg/ml for RAW264.7; 118 µg/ml and 236 µg/ml for THP-1) and Garcinol concentrations (6µM and 12µM for RAW264; 3µM and 6µM for THP-1) based on the IC50determined by MTT assay were used. The anti-inflammatory effects were assessed by measuring the levels of secretory proteins of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and CCL20 in LPS-activated cells. qPCR and Western blot analysis were performed to measure the AQP expression both at transcriptional and translational levels respectively. AQP3 knock down significantly decreased the NO, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-1β levels as well as iNOS and COX-2 mRNA expression. LPS stimulation led to significant increase in the mRNA and protein level expression AQP1, AQP3 and AQP4 in RAW264.7 cells; AQP1 and AQP3 in THP-1 cells indicating their role as markers of inflammation. GME and Garcinol effectively suppressed the LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokine release in dose-dependent manner in both the cell lines. These results indicate that AQP1, AQP3 and AQP4 could play a crucial role as markers of inflammation. Anti-inflammatory agents likeGarciniacould potentially decrease the expression of such AQPs, thus inhibiting the process of inflammation.
Morbidity and Etiology-Based Success Rate of Combined Endoscopic Ventriculostomy and Choroid Plexus Cauterization: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 1918 Infants
Authors: Albalkhi Ibrahem , Garatli Sarah , Helal Baraa , Saleh Tariq , Ramadan Abdullah Al , Warf Benjamin Curtis
Published: June 2023

Approaches to the treatment of infant hydrocephalous vary among centers. Standard shunting carries a significant infection rate, an unpredictable time-to-failure, and the life-long risk of recurrent failures. Combined choroid plexus cauterization (CPC) and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has been increasingly employed over the past decade as an alternative approach in an attempt to avoid shunt dependency. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the reported morbidity associated with ETV/CPC and its rate of success reported for specific etiologies of infant hydrocephalus. The protocol of this study was registered with the International prospective register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with the following registration number CRD 42022343898. The study utilized four databases of medical literature to perform a systematic search following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Several parameters were extracted from the included studies including authors, publication year, region, study design, sample size, mean age, success rate, complication rate, reported complications hydrocephalus etiology, median time-to-failure, secondary management after failure and mean follow up time. The outcomes of interest, success, and complication rates were pooled using 95% confidence intervals (CI) and a random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria from an initial search result of 472 studies. The study included 1938 infants (1918 of which were included in the meta-analysis). The overall success rate of combined ETV/CPC is 0.59 (95% CI [0.53, 0.64], I2 = 82%). Etiology-based success rate is 0.71, 0.70, 0.64, and 0.52 for aqueductal stenosis, myelomeningocele, postinfectious hydrocephalus, and posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus, respectively. The overall complication rate is 0.04 (95% CI [0.02, 0.05], I2 = 14%). Our study presents a comprehensive analysis of the current evidence on the use of ETV/CPC for treating hydrocephalus in infants. The findings demonstrate the potential efficacy of this procedure; however, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations inherent in the included studies, such as selection bias and limited follow-up, which could have impacted the reported outcomes.
Stimulus awareness is associated with secondary somatosensory cortex activation in an inattentional numbness paradigm
Authors: Peters Antje , Bruchmann Maximilian , Dellert Torge , Moeck Robert , Schlossmacher Insa , Straube Thomas
Published: June 2023

While inattentional blindness and deafness studies have revealed neural correlates of consciousness (NCC) without the confound of task relevance in the visual and auditory modality, comparable studies for the somatosensory modality are lacking. Here, we investigated NCC using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in an inattentional numbness paradigm. Participants (N = 44) received weak electrical stimulation on the left hand while solving a demanding visual task. Half of the participants were informed that task-irrelevant weak tactile stimuli above the detection threshold would be applied during the experiment, while the other half expected stimuli below the detection threshold. Unexpected awareness assessments after the experiment revealed that altogether 10 participants did not consciously perceive the somatosensory stimuli during the visual task. Awareness was not significantly modulated by prior information. The fMRI data show that awareness of stimuli led to increased activation in the contralateral secondary somatosensory cortex. We found no significant effects of stimulus awareness in the primary somatosensory cortex or frontoparietal areas. Thus, our results support the hypothesis that somatosensory stimulus awareness is mainly based on activation in higher areas of the somatosensory cortex and does not require strong activation in extended anterior or posterior networks, which is usually seen when perceived stimuli are task-relevant.
Antidepressant use during pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth – a cohort study
Authors: Amit Guy , Yanover Chen , Bivas-Benita Maytal , Girshovitz Irena , Helbitz Tal , Sudry Tamar , Bar Vered , Tang Alice , Le Brian , Roger Jacquelyn , Woldemariam Sarah , Costello Jean , Kosti Idit , Oskotsky Tomiko T. , Akiva Pinchas , Sirota Marina
Published: June 2023

Background
Major depressive disorder and exposure to antidepressants during pregnancy have been previously associated with preterm birth (PTB). However, the reported results are difficult to interpret due to the inherent confounding by indication bias. We aimed to estimate the disentangled effects of antidepressants and maternal depression on the risk of PTB using data from electronic health records (EHRs).
Methods
This is a population-based retrospective cohort study, utilizing data from a primary care EHR. The cohort included 216,070 deliveries of 176,866 patients from the United Kingdom between January 1996 and February 2019. We analyzed the effects of antidepressant exposure, in particular selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), during pregnancy on the risk of PTB and additional control outcomes in subgroups of patients with a history of depression, and with recent pre-pregnancy treatment. We also assessed the effect of depression alone, in a subgroup of untreated patients. The analysis utilized large-scale propensity score matching that included all demographic and clinical covariates (conditions, drug prescriptions, observations, and procedures), and effect estimation using a Cox model.
Results
The main cohort included 17,615 (8.2%) PTBs of 16,946 mothers. Among patients who were not exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy, a history of depression was associated with an increased risk of PTB (HR 1.10, CI [1.04,1.15], P < 0.01]. Patients exposed to SSRIs during the first 22 weeks of gestation were at a marginally higher risk of PTB (during weeks 23 to 37) compared to unexposed patients (HR 1.08, CI [0.98,1.18], P = 0.11). However, subgroup analysis demonstrated that among patients with pre-pregnancy use of SSRIs, treatment continuation during pregnancy did not affect the risk of PTB (HR 1.03 [0.92,1.15], P = 0.61), as well as among patients with history of depression (HR 1.00 [0.90,1.11], P = 0.98). Additionally, in these subgroups exposure to antidepressants was associated with a reduced risk of some common medical conditions during the PTB follow-up window. These conditions, which are otherwise increased by depression, included upper respiratory infection, constipation, and headache.
Conclusion
Depression is associated with a higher risk of PTB, while exposure to antidepressants during pregnancy does not affect the observed risk. The clinical decision regarding antidepressant treatment during pregnancy should therefore consider the patient-specific risk-benefit potential, regardless of the concern of PTB.
A composite of blood-based biomarkers to distinguish major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder in adolescents and adults
Authors: Huang Jieping , Hou Xuejiao , Li Moyan , Xue Yingshuang , An Jiangfei , Wen Shenglin , Wang Zi , Cheng Minfeng , Yue Jihui
Published: June 2023

Objective
The purpose of the present study was to construct a diagnostic model to distinguish major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) using potential commonly tested blood biomarkers.
Methods
Information of 721 inpatients with an ICD-10 diagnosis of major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder were collected from the electronic medical record system. Variables in the nomogram were selected by best subset selection method after a prior univariable screening, and then constructed using logistic regression with inclusion of the psychotropic medication use. The discrimination, calibration and internal validation of the nomogram were evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve, the calibration curve, cross validation and subset validation method.
Results
The nomogram consisted of five variables, including age, eosinophil count, plasma concentrations of prolactin, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The model could discriminate between MDD and BD with an AUC of 0.858, with a sensitivity of 0.716 and a specificity of 0.890.
Conclusion
The comprehensive nomogram constructed by the present study can be convenient to distinguish MDD and BD since the incorporating variables were common indicators in clinical practice. It could help avoid misdiagnoses and improve prognosis of the patients.