bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age-dependent regulation of dendritic spine density and protein expression in Mir324 KO mice
Authors: Parkins Emma V , Burwinkel John M , Ranatunga Ruvi , Yaser Sarah , Hu Yueh-Chiang , Tiwari Durgesh , Gross Christina
Published: August 2023

Dendritic spines are small, dynamic protrusions along the dendrite that comprise more than 90% of excitatory connections in the brain, making them essential sites for neuronal communication. These synaptic sites change throughout the process of development, reducing in density and shifting morphology as synapses are refined. One important class of dendritic spine regulators is microRNA (miRNA), small noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Several studies suggest that miRNA-324-5p regulates dendritic spine formation. In addition, we have previously shown that miR-324-5p plays a role in seizure and long-term potentiation, both of which involve dendritic spine changes. In this study, we aimed to characterize the role of miRNA-324-5p in developmental spine regulation by assessing the effect of Mir324 knockout (KO) on dendritic spine density and expression of a subset of dendritic proteins at select developmental time points. We show that miR-324-5p expression is developmentally regulated and peaks at four weeks of age. We demonstrate that loss of miR-324-5p expression leads to differential changes in both target protein expression and spine density at different time points during development, disrupting the pattern of spine density changes and leading to a premature loss of dendritic spines in KO mice, which is compensated later. Our findings indicate that miR-324-5p plays a role in synaptic refinement across development. Additionally, our data illustrate the importance of context in the study of miRNA, as regulation by and/or of miRNA can vary dramatically across development and in disease.
THE PROXIMITY OF MUTUAL FUNDS DURING ECONOMIC GROWTH. Ratheesh.K.Nair &Abdul Salam K*
Authors: Nair Ratheesh. K. , K Abdul Salam
Published: August 2023

A mutual fund is a mechanism for investors to invest their money. It plays a significant role in establishing a relationship between savings and economic growth by mobilising savings and investing them in productive ways. Long-term, higher economic growth guarantees more freedom to work, save, and invest. Retail investors will thereafter invest in mutual funds at an increasing rate, mobilising significant financial resources for the Indian financial market's long-term, stable, and sustainable expansion. By pooling money from consumers and investing in the stock and debt markets, mutual funds enable portfolio diversification and risk minimization. The mutual fund sector is the most important resource mobilizer in this process. In its capacity as a resource mobilizer, industry moves exportable surplus from economies with surplus-spending units to those with deficit-spending units. Such an event is quite relevant for India, a developing nation. The mutual fund sector is thought to operate as a resource mobilizer, lowering transaction costs and boosting investor purchasing power to support genuine economic growth. The purpose of this research was to investigate the dynamics of the connection between mutual fund inflows and real GDP growth in India from 1990–1991. Using time-series econometric methodologies with cointegration and error-correction estimations, the author concludes that Granger causes domestic product growth causes mutual fund resource mobilisation in the long run but not in the short run. This finding has important policy implications because it suggests that more significant resource mobilisation in mutual funds will contribute to India's real economic growth.
CRISPRi-Induced Transcriptional Regulation of IAH1 Gene and its Influence on Volatile Compounds Profile in Kluyveromyces marxianus DU3
Authors: Muñoz-Miranda Luis A. , Zepeda-Peña Andrea C. , Casas-Godoy Leticia , Pereira-Santana Alejandro , Méndez-Zamora Andrés , Barrera-Martínez Iliana Carmen , Rodríguez-Zapata Luis Carlos , Gschaedler-Mathis Anne Christine , Figueroa-Yáñez Luis J.
Published: August 2023

Mezcal is a traditional Mexican distilled beverage, known for its marked organoleptic profile, which is influenced by several factors, such as the fermentation process, where a wide variety of microorganisms are present. Kluyveromyces marxianus is one of the main yeasts isolated from mezcal fermentations and has been associated with ester synthesis, contributing to the flavors and aromas of the beverage. In this study, we employed CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) technology, using dCas9 fused to the Mxi1 repressor factor domain, to down-regulate the expression of the IAH1 gene, encoding for an isoamyl acetate-hydrolyzing esterase, in K. marxianus strain DU3. The constructed CRISPRi plasmid successfully targeted the IAH1 gene, allowing for specific gene expression modulation. Through gene expression analysis, we assessed the impact of IAH1 down-regulation on the metabolic profile of volatile compounds. We also measured the expression of other genes involved in volatile compound biosynthesis, including ATF1, EAT1, ADH1, and ZWF1 by RT-qPCR. Results demonstrated successful down-regulation of IAH1 expression in K. marxianus strain DU3 using the CRISPRi system. The modulation of IAH1 gene expression resulted in alterations in the production of volatile compounds, specifically ethyl acetate, which are important contributors to the beverage's aroma. Changes in the expression levels of other genes involved in ester biosynthesis, suggesting possible regulatory interactions between these genes. The application of CRISPRi technology in K. marxianus opens the possibility of targeted modulation of gene expression, metabolic engineering strategies, and synthetic biology in this yeast strain.
Evaluation of Ventricular Arrhythmia Risk in Cystinosis Patients; Cardiac Electrophysiological Balance Index (iCEP)
Authors: Ertaş Kerem , Pınarbaşı Ayşe Seda
Published: August 2023

Background
Cystinosis disease (CD) is a metabolic disease that causes multiorgan involvement, primarily in the kidneys, due to lysosomal cystine accumulation. Cardiovascular system dysfunction occurs in CD due to cystine accumulation in myocardial and vascular structures. Our objective is to evaluate the cardiovascular system in CD, define possible damage mechanisms, and predict possible pathologies.
Methods
The study was conducted with CD patients under 18 years old followed up in Diyarbakır Children's Hospital between January 2020 and January 2023. A healthy control group with similar age and gender was selected. Demographic data, electrocardiography, and echocardiographic evaluation measurements were noted.
Results
Thirty children (15 in the CD group and 15 in the control groups) were included in the study. The left ventricular wall thickness, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, EF, and FS values were similar in both groups. With tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE), mitral and triscuspid e' velocities were significantly lower in the CD group, and mitral and tricuspid mpi' values were significantly higher in the CD group. MAPSE and TAPSE values were significantly lower in the CD group. PWD, QTc, QT-d, Tpe, Tpe/QT ratio, Tpe/QRS ratio, and QTc/QRS ratio values were found to be significantly higher in the CD group than in the control group.
Conclusion
We found that the CD group had ventricular dysfunction (systolic and diastolic) and an increased atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmia risk. This suggests that CD should be monitored more closely in terms of cardiac function and that the preservation of kidney function tests may also protect against cardiac effects.
Clinical research in eight constitution medicine (ECM): a scoping review
Authors: Choi Younkuk , Cho Juhee
Published: August 2023

Background
Understanding human differencesis essential for the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases. To establish sound evidence for Eight Constitution Medicine (ECM),which is a Korean personalized medical system, it is necessary to identifythe status of clinical research in ECM and develop validated measurements.
This study aims to confirm the type of clinical research on ECM and how it has been conducted.
Methods
A scoping review was conducted using two international databases (PubMed and Cochrane) and five domestic electronic databases (DBpia, RISS, KISS, NDSL, and OASIS), using strategies such as reference search and grey literature search. Mapping was attempted, and sub-categories were established, synthesized, and presented in tables.
All content related to ECM published internationally and domestically and in Korean and English was included, however, theses or dissertations were excluded.
Results
A total of 73 ECM-related studies were selected. There were 46 (63.0) original studies, of which 38 (82.6) were observational and eight (17.4) were experimental. There were six Eight Constitution Diet (ECD)-related studies (13.0) which was much less than the 15 (32.6) Eight Constitution Acupuncture (ECA)-related studies. To measure the effectiveness of ECM, nine (19.6) Visual Analogy Scale (VAS) and three (6.5) patient self-reporting studies were used in the ECA studies; however, the method of measurement in other studies were heterogeneous.
Conclusions
The original research evidence for ECM was mainly from observational studies on ECA and Eight Constitution Diagnosis (ECDx). Active clinical research related to ECD and a tool that effectively measures adherence and target diseases are required. Furthermore, it is necessary to introduce electronic patient-reported outcome measurements that can be used in community-based clinical environments.
Characterization of trace element concentrations in blood samples of dairy cows with uterine torsion and their neonatal calves
Authors: Kazama Kei , Sugita Kazutoshi , Onda Ken
Published: August 2023

Mineral deficiencies can lead to dystocia and abnormalities in neonates. In dairy cows, the stillbirth of neonatal calves due to dystocia has become an economic problem. Uterine torsion is a common form of dystocia observed in dairy cows. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no reports on the characteristics of serum trace element concentrations in dairy cows with uterine torsion. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively measure and compare the serum trace element concentrations in dairy cows with uterine torsion and their neonates. The study found that calves delivered by cows with uterine torsion had significantly higher fetal mortality rates compared to those delivered from cows without uterine torsion. The odds ratio for fetal mortality in dairy cows with uterine torsion was 7.85. Maternal serum Zinc (Zn) concentrations in cows with uterine torsion were significantly lower than those in cows without uterine torsion (p < 0.01). In addition, the Cu: Zn ratios of cows with uterine torsion were significantly higher than that of cows without torsion (p < 0.05). In contrast, serum cobalt (Co) concentrations in neonates from cows with uterine torsion were significantly higher than those in neonates from cows without torsion (p < 0.01). In conclusion, uterine torsion is associated with a higher fetal mortality rate and greater economic loss than other types of dystocia. Further investigation is required to better understand the relationship between uterine torsion and trace mineral levels.
Infrared laser therapy decreases systemic oxidative stress and inflammation in ApoE knockout mice with periodontitis
Authors: Ribeiro Isadora Martins , Barroso Maria Eduarda Souza , Kampke Edgar Hell , Braga Larissa Figueiredo Trabach , Campagnaro Bianca Prandi , Meyrelles Silvana dos Santos
Published: August 2023

This study examines the effects of Photobiomodulation by near infrared irradiation (NIR-PBM) on oxidative and physiological stress in the apoliprotein E (ApoE-/-) knockout animal model with ligature-induced periodontal disease (PD). The animals were divided into three groups: ApoEC (without intervention); ApoEP (periodontitis); and ApoEP + L (periodontitis, NIR-PBM seven consecutive days). Alveolar bone loss (via scanning electron microscopy), quantification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by flow cytometry, plasma cholesterol levels, inflammatory activity and plasma lipid peroxidation were evaluated. Alveolar bone loss was significant in the ApoEP group compared to the ApoEC group (p < 0.05). There was an increase in plasma cholesterol levels in the ApoEP group (p < 0.05) in relation to ApoEC; NIR-PBM reduced levels to levels below those of control animals. The ApoEP group had higher MPO levels when compared to the ApoEC group (p < 0.05). The superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide increased in the ApoE P group in relation to the ApoEC (p < 0.05), ApoE P + L showed a reduction when compared to the ApoE P animals (p < 0.05) and the levels of hydrogen peroxide hydrogen were lower in the ApoEC group compared to ApoEP + L (p < 0.05). ApoEP group showed increased lipid peroxidation than ApoEC (p < 0.05), and animals that received NIR-PBM treatment had lower levels than ApoEP group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, NIR-PBM effectively reduces systemic parameters associated with PD progression in hypercholesterolemic animals. More studies with longer evaluation times are needed to elucidate the effects of PBM on experimental periodontitis related to hypercholesterolemia.
Analyzing the Evolution of Droughts and Floods During the Flood Season in the Yangtze River Basin and the Three Gorges Reservoir Area from 1470 to 2022
Authors: Deli Ma , Yingqin Ju , Ruiqin Shi , Liangmin Du
Published: August 2023

As an important economic region in China, The Yangtze River economic belt encountered a historically rare successive drought in 2022. Here even appeared a phenomenon of anti-dry during flood season, which significantly hindered the economic development in the belt. Thus, there is an urgent need to reveal the evolution pattern of drought and flood in the basin. This study analyzed the 553-year historical records of drought and flood levels at 12 representative stations located across the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin, and the Three Gorges Reservoir area. Based on the conventional judgment standard of drought and flood level, the sequence of drought and flood level during the flood season was constructed with “Yearly Charts of Dryness/Wetness in China for the last 500 years Period” and precipitation from May to September in 1961–2022 at the 12 stations in the region. The analysis revealed a normal distribution of drought and flood occurrences during the flood season, ranging from grade one to grade five in the area, with approximately 52–60% of the time experiencing normal conditions (grade three) and 2–4% being classified as drought (grade five) or flood (grade one) condition. From 1470 to 2022, there were distinct alternating periods of drought and flood during the flood season in the Yangtze River Basin, upper reaches, middle reaches, lower reaches, and the Three Gorges Reservoir area. The frequency of severe flood and flood events increased significantly in the 19th and 20th centuries, while the frequency of severe drought and drought events sharply rose in the 20th century. Within the 553 years, there were 13 flood years and 24 drought years in the Yangtze River Basin, with drought years occurring more frequently than flood years. Moreover, the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the basin experienced more frequent occurrences of droughts and floods compared to the entire basin. Evolutions of droughts and floods in the Three Gorges Reservoir area were the same as those in the up reaches of the Yangtze River basin. Before and after the impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir area, there was no sudden change but a decreasing trend in the precipitation during flood season in the upstream Jintao River, Mintuo River, Jialing River, and Wujiang River Basin, and the reservoir area. However, the rainfall during flood season decreased by 7–10 mm ten years− 1 in ups reaches of Mintuo River and the Three Gorges Reservoir area. Our funding might help to support the regulation of water resources responding to drought and flood in the basin.
Analysis of workplace violence suffered by nurses in general hospitals in southwest China
Authors: Yang Mei , Wang Xinglu , Liao Caiyun , Li Shisi
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of workplace violence among nurses in general hospitals in Southwest China and provide a basis for developing relevant policies. A total of 254 nurses from a tertiary general hospital in Southwest China were surveyed using a revised questionnaire on workplace violence. Results showed that the incidence rate of hospital violence among nurses was 46.46% within one year, with verbal abuse being the most common type of violence. Nurses with only children were found to have a higher incidence of workplace violence, while nurses with different educational backgrounds and attitudes towards patients also had significant differences in incidents of workplace violence in hospitals. The overall awareness rate of nurses on workplace violence was 66.1%. The study also found that training on workplace violence, encouraging reporting of workplace violence, and adopting a fair attitude towards dealing with violence can lower the incidence of workplace violence in hospitals. Therefore, effective comprehensive intervention measures should be taken by hospital management departments and nursing managers to reduce the occurrence of hospital violence and create a harmonious medical environment for nurses.
Efficacy of a Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors with Body Image Distress: Secondary Outcomes from the BRIGHT Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Graboyes Evan M. , Kistner-Griffin Emily , Hill Elizabeth G. , Maurer Stacey , Balliet Wendy , Williams Amy M. , Padgett Lynne , Yan Flora , Rush Angie , Johnson Brad , McLeod Taylor , Dahne Jennifer , Ruggiero Kenneth J. , Sterba Katherine R.
Published: August 2023

Purpose: Body image distress (BID) among head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors leads to depression, social isolation, stigma, and poor quality of life. BRIGHT (Building a Renewed ImaGe after Head & neck cancer Treatment) is a brief, tailored cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that reduces HNC-related BID. This trial examines the effect of BRIGHT on psychosocial outcomes among HNC survivors with BID.
Methods: In this pilot randomized trial, HNC survivors with clinically significant BID were randomized to 5 weekly psychologist-led tele-CBT sessions (BRIGHT) or dose-and delivery matched survivorship education (attention control [AC]). Secondary psychosocial outcomes were assessed using validated patient-reported outcomes at baseline and 1- and 3-months post-intervention.
Results: Among 44 HNC survivors with BID, BRIGHT resulted in a greater reduction in depression relative to AC (mean model-based 1-month difference in Δ PROMIS SF v1.0-Depression 8a score, -3.4; 90% CI, -6.4 to -0.4; 3-month difference, -4.3; 90% CI, -7.8 to -0.8). BRIGHT also decreased shame and stigma relative to AC (mean model-based 3-month difference in Δ Shame and Stigma Scale score, -9.7; 90% CI, -15.2 to -4.2) and social isolation (mean model-based 3-month difference in Δ PROMIS SF v2.0 Social Isolation 8a score, -2.9; 90% CI, -5.8 to -0.1).
Conclusions: In this planned secondary analysis of a pilot RCT, BRIGHT improved a broad array of psychosocial outcomes among HNC survivors with BID.
Implications for Cancer Survivors: These promising preliminary data suggest the need for a large efficacy trial evaluating the effect of BRIGHT on psychosocial outcomes among HNC survivors with BID.
Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03831100
Biomechanical sound production in high-pitched classical singing – the „Queen of the Night“ does not whistle
Authors: Echternach Matthias , Burk Fabian , Köberlein Marie , Döllinger Michael , Burdumy Michael , Richter Bernhard , Titze Ingo , Elemans Coen , Herbst Christian
Published: August 2023

Voice production of humans and most mammals is governed by the MyoElastic-AeroDynamic (MEAD) principle, where an air stream is modulated by self-sustaining vocal fold oscillation to generate audible air pressure fluctuations. An alternative mechanism is found in ultrasonic vocalizations of rodents, which are established by an aeroacoustic (AA) phenomenon without vibration of laryngeal tissue. Previously, some authors argued that high-pitched human vocalization is also produced by the AA principle. Here, we investigate the so-called "whistle register" voice production in nine professional female operatic sopranos. Super-high-speed videoendoscopy revealed vocal fold collision in all participants, with closed quotients from 30–73%. Computational modeling suggests a vocal fold strain of about 50%, facilitated by high subglottal pressures and increased contraction of the cricothyroid muscle. Our data suggest that high-pitched operatic soprano singing uses the MEAD mechanism. Consequently, the commonly used term “whistle register” is inappropriate for this singing style.
Enhancing native seedling establishment on degraded agricultural land with topsoil pellets
Authors: Munro Thomas , Erickson Todd E. , Nimmo Dale G. , Dadzie Frederick A. , Rojas Miriam Muñoz , Price Jodi N.
Published: August 2023

Background and aims
Agricultural activities can degrade soils and promote weeds, posing challenges in restoring native plant species. Removing contaminated topsoil, a restoration method used in some agricultural systems, reduces soil nutrients, and eliminates weeds both aboveground and in soil seed bank before direct seeding. However, it also diminishes native soil seed banks and beneficial soil microbes. We investigated the potential of encasing seeds in pellets containing fresh topsoil to improve seedling performance and establishment on a degraded grassy woodland where topsoil had been removed.
Methods
We tested various pellet recipes, including one using commercial ingredients and three with different topsoil proportions (30%, 50%, and 70%). The study was conducted in a degraded grassy woodland in southeastern Australia, where topsoil was removed. We explored the effect of these pellet varieties on seedling emergence and growth of six native species common in this community, as well microbial activity in the soil.
Results
Pellets significantly improved the emergence of Chrysocephalum apiculatum, providing evidence of their effectiveness. However, pellets significantly reduced Arthropodium milleflorum and Glycine tabacina emergence. Linum marginale and Rytidosperma caespitosum emergence remained unaffected by pellets. One species, Bothriochloa macra, had insufficient emergence for analysis. The microbial activity of the soil surrounding Rytidosperma caespitosum seedlings was significantly improved by pellets, with no significant effects observed for other species.
Conclusion
Overall, our results demonstrate that using seed enhancement technologies in combination with direct seeding can improve the emergence of one native species on degraded agricultural soil, potentially facilitating the recovery of degraded ecosystems.
Protective Effect of Luffa cylindrica Roemer against Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy in Primary Rat Skeletal Muscle Cells
Authors: Yeo Changhwan , Kim Hyunseong , Jeon Wan-Jin , Lee Junseon , Hong Jin Young , Kim Hyun , Lee Yoon Jae , Baek Seung Ho , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: August 2023

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions. However, the administration of high doses and long-term use of GCs can induce muscle atrophy (MA) in patients, leading to a decline in quality of life and increased mortality. MA leads to protein degradation in skeletal muscle, resulting in a reduction of muscle mass. This process is triggered by GCs like dexamethasone (DEX), which induce the expression of E3 ubiquitin ligases, namely Atrogin-1 and muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1). In this study, we examined the anti-MA potential of Luffa cylindrica Roemer (LCR) on DEX-treated primary skeletal myotube. Primary skeletal myotubes stimulated with LCR alone resulted in a significant upregulation of myotube development, characterized by an increase in both the number and diameter of myotubes. Contrastingly, combined treatment with LCR and DEX reduced the expression of Atrogin-1, while treatment with DEX alone induced the expression of MuRF1. Furthermore, LCR treatment successfully restored the number and diameter of myotubes that had been diminished by DEX treatment. These findings suggest that LCR holds potential for treating MA, as an accelerating effect on muscle development and anti-MA effects on primary skeletal muscle cells were observed.
Digital anatomical features of morphological development in C2~C7 Neurocentral synchondrosis in children aged 1~6 years: a retrospective study of CT images
Authors: Yi Yuying , Li Ziyu , Sun Ruifen , Yin Zhaozheng , zhang Fengzhen , Wang Xing , Li Kun , Zhang Shaojie , Ren Xiaoyan
Published: August 2023

Background With the continuous improvement of diagnosis and treatment technology for cervical spine-related diseases in children at home and abroad, the demand for exploring the developmental anatomy and function of children's cervical spine of different ages is increasing. So the aim of this study was to investigate the changes of anatomical indicators in neurocentral synchondrosis (NCS) of C2 ~ C7 with age and the developmental characteristics of different vertebrae in children aged 1 ~ 6 years old. Method A retrospective collection of 160 cases of normal cervical spine CT images of children aged 1 ~ 6 years old in provincial tertiary hospitals, according to the age group of 1-year-old into 6 groups. The original data of continuously scanned cervical spine tomography images were imported into Mimics16.0 software, under the two-dimensional image window, selected the measurement tool under the Measurements toolbar to measure and statistically analyzed the anatomical indicators such as cross diameter, sagittal diameter, height, perimeter and area of NCS in the C2 ~ C7 segment of the cervical spine on the coronal plane and cross-section. Results There was no significant difference in the anatomical indexes of cervical spine NCS in children compared with the left and right sides of the same vertebrae (P > 0.05). The same cervical spine generally had differences between the age groups of 1 ~ 4 years old and 5 ~ 6 years old (P < 0.05).The transverse diameter and circumference gradually decreased with age; the sagittal diameter and height showed a slight increase trend; there was a maximum area at 2 years of age. In different cervical vertebrae of the same age group, the NCS values of C3, C4,and C5 varied greatly, which showed that the ossification process of cervical cartilage was faster than that at the upper and lower ends. There were obvious differences between C2 and the rest of the cervical vertebral segments’ NCS ossification process. C7 was also very different from the rest of the cervical vertebrae segments, presumably more similar to the thoracic spine. Conclusions The anatomical indexes of C2 ~ C7 NCS in children have obvious developmental regularities at different ages, and there are also regularities between cervical segments.
Seed priming with corona discharge plasma modified growth performance, improved metabolism, and elicited production of tropane alkaloids in Datura inoxia seedlings; plasma technology for application in plant in-vitro cultures
Authors: Tardast Zahra , Iranbakhsh Alireza , Ebadi Mostafa , Ardebili Zahra Oraghi
Published: August 2023

This study aims to monitor growth, biochemical, and anatomical responses of Datura seeds to cold plasma treatments for 0, 60, 120, 180 and 300 seconds. The plasma treatments of 60, 120 and 180 s improved the growth performance of seedlings, while the plasma treatment of 300 s drastically declined growth performance. The most pronounced response to the plasma treatments was on root growth and biomass. The proline concentrations in both root and leaves displayed a linear significant upward trend in response to the plasma treatments. The plasma treatment for 180s was the most effective method to increase tropane alkaloids in leaves about 2-fold. With increasing the plasma duration time from 60 to 300 s, the soluble phenols in leaves were linearly enhanced. The P60, P120, and P180 treatments augmented total protein concentrations by an average of 32.9%, while the P300 treatments significantly diminished protein content by 27.2%. The applied treatments also enhanced the soluble sugars in leaves by an average of 48%. The highest amounts of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids) were recorded in the P120 and P180 treatment groups contrasted with P300. The activities of two enzymatic antioxidants, including catalase and peroxidase, showed a similar upward trend to that of proline. The plasma priming also improved the phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity (a secondary metabolism index) by an average of 65.6%. Further investigations are needed to optimize plasma treatment parameters and understand the underlying mechanisms to maximize its benefits while minimizing potential risks.
A prospective study on tumour response assessment methods after neoadjuvant endocrine therapy in early oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer
Authors: López-Velazco Joanna I. , Manzano Sara , Otaño María , Elorriaga Kepa , Bultó Núria , Herrero Julio , Lahuerta Ainhara , Segur Virginia , Álvarez-López Isabel , Caffarel Maria M. , Urruticoechea Ander
Published: August 2023

Background
Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) in oestrogen receptor positive (ER+) HER2 negative (HER2-) breast cancer allows real-time evaluation of drug efficacy as well as investigation of the biological and molecular changes that occur after estrogenic deprivation. Clinical and pathological evaluation after neoadjuvant endocrine therapy may be used to obtain prognostic and predictive information of tumour response to decide adjuvant treatment. In this setting, clinical scales developed to evaluate response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy are not useful and there are not many validated biomarkers to assess response to neoadjuvant endocrine therapy beyond Ki67 levels and preoperative endocrine prognostic index score.
Methods
In this prospective study, we extensively analysed radiological (by ultrasound (USS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pathological tumour response of 104 postmenopausal patients with ER+/HER2- resectable breast cancer, treated with neoadjuvant endocrine treatment for a mean of 7 months prior to surgery. We defined a new score, tumour cellularity size (TCS), calculated as the product of the residual tumour cellularity in the surgical specimen and the tumour pathological size.
Results
Our results show that radiological evaluation by both USS and MRI underestimates pathological tumour size, although they support the use of MRI over USS to clinically assess tumour response. In addition, we propose that the tumour cellularity size could become a new tool to standardize response assessment to NET given its simplicity, reproducibility and its good correlation with existing biomarkers and potential added value.
Conclusion
Our findings shed light on the dynamics of tumour response to neoadjuvant endocrine therapy, challenge the paradigm of the ability of NET to decrease surgical volume and point to the utility of the tumour cellularity size to quantify the scattered tumour response usually produced by endocrine therapy.
Association of anti-β2-glycoprotein I/HLA-DR complex antibody with arterial thrombosis in female patients with systemic rheumatic diseases
Authors: Yoneda Katsuhiko , Ueda Yo , Tanimura Kenji , Arase Hisashi , Yamada Hideto , Saegusa Jun
Published: August 2023

Background.
β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) complexed with human leukocyte antigen DR (β2GPI/HLA-DR) was found to be a major autoantibody target in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). This study aimed to reveal the association between anti-β2GPⅠ/HLA-DR antibodies and vascular thromboses in women with systemic rheumatic diseases.
Methods.
We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study. We measured anti-β2GPⅠ/HLA-DR antibodies and compared them with anti-phospholipid antibody (aPL) profiles and the adjusted global antiphospholipid syndrome score (aGAPSS). Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, we determined the best cut-off value for arterial thrombosis. We also evaluated the validity of anti-β2GPⅠ/HLA-DR antibodies by adding to conventional cardiovascular risk factors in multivariate logistic analysis.
Results.
We evaluated 704 patients, including 66 (obstetric or thrombotic) APS, 13 primary APS, and 78 asymptomatic aPL carriers. Seventy-seven patients had a history of arterial thrombosis, and 14 patients had both arterial and venous thrombosis. These 14 patients, as well as patients with aGAPSS > 10 or triple-positive aPL profiles, displayed high anti-β2GPⅠ/HLA-DR antibody titers. The ROC curve showed a sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) for arterial thrombosis of 33.8%, 91.4%, and 0.6009, respectively, with a cut-off value of 172.359 U/mL. The anti-β2GPⅠ/HLA-DR antibody positivity using this cut-off value yielded an odds ratio of 5.13 (95%CI: 2.85–9.24), significantly improving the AUC from 0.677 to 0.730.
Conclusion.
Anti-β2GPⅠ/HLA-DR antibodies are associated with arterial thrombosis in female patients with systemic rheumatic diseases.
Social Determinants of Health and Happiness of Older Adults in Ghana: Secondary Analysis of Ghana SAGE Wave 2 Longitudinal Data
Authors: Oduro Joseph Kojo , Oduro Mary Ama , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena
Published: August 2023

Background
Social determinants of health [SDOH] and happiness have received meaningful consideration as foundational concepts in the field of public health. However, the relationship between the SDOH and happiness of older adults have not received the requisite recognition in Ghana. This study examined the relationship between the SDOH and happiness of older adults in Ghana.
Methods
The study used data from the 2014/2015 Ghana Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) Wave 2. Data was analysed using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique to investigate the direct, indirect and covariances of the SDOH and happiness of older adults.
Results
The results showed positive relationship between the SDOH and happiness among older adults. The economic stability (β = 0.07), neighbourhood and built environment (β = 0.02, P < 0.001), access to quality education (β = 0.56, P < 0.01), access to healthy food (β = 0.48, P < 0.001) social and community context (β = 0.41, P < 0.05), and access to quality healthcare (β = 0.80, P < 0.001) had direct relationship with happiness of the older adults in Ghana.
Conclusion
This study shows that the conditions in which older adults were born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age (SDOH) positively impact their happiness in later life. Neighbourhood and physical environment influence the effect of quality education on happiness of older adults. Social policies and interventions aiming at happiness of older adults should consider the social determinants of health and the mediating effects of food on happiness through quality education, and quality of healthcare system.
Diagnostic performance of urinary 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid in acute appendicitis: a systematic review and diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis
Authors: Montero Javier Arredondo , Asfura Oscar Emilio Bueso , Riveros Blanca Paola Pérez , Rico-Jiménez María
Published: August 2023

Background
This study aimed to analyze the diagnostic performance of urinary 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (5-HIAA) in acute appendicitis (AA).
Methods
We conducted a systematic review of the literature in the main databases of medical bibliography. Two independent reviewers selected the articles and extracted relevant data. Methodological quality was assessed using the QUADAS2 index. A synthesis of the results, standardization of the metrics, and a random-effect meta-analysis were performed. Additionally, a diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis (DTA) was performed.
Results
Twelve studies with data from 1467 participants (724 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of AA and 743 controls) were included in this review. The random-effect meta-analysis of urinary 5-HIAA (AA vs controls) included 7 articles (352 AA and 258 controls) and resulted in a significant mean difference [95% CI] of 23.30 [15.82–30.77] µmol/L (p < 0.001). The DTA meta-analysis of urinary 5-HIAA included 8 articles and resulted in a pooled sensitivity [95% CI] of 68.6 [44.1–85.9]% and a pooled specificity [95% CI] of 82 [54.7–94.5]%.
Conclusions
Although the evidence is heterogeneous and limited, urinary 5-HIAA emerges as a potential non-invasive diagnostic tool for AA. Urinary 5-HIAA does not seem to be a useful biomarker to distinguish between NCAA and CAA. Future prospective studies with a large sample size and a rigorous design are necessary to validate these findings.
LncRNA-ABALON potentiates mitophagy and 5-FU resistance in colorectal cancer via PINK1/Parkin pathway
Authors: Liu Huimin , Huang Ying , Zhao Chunmei , Wang Guihua , Wang Xudong
Published: August 2023

Growing evidence demonstrated long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely related with malignant progress in colorectal cancer (CRC), and seriously implicated in chemoresistance. Mitophagy serves as an essential factor to maintain the quality of tumor cells. However, it is unclear whether lncRNAs are involved in mitophagy regulation in CRC. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of lncRNA-ABALON on proliferation, migration, apoptosis, sensitivity to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and mitophagy in CRC cells. Indicated mRNAs and protein expressions were determined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and western blot. CCK-8 was employed to evaluate IC50 of 5-FU and cell viability. Colony formation and flow cytometry were carried out for cell proliferation and apoptosis. We found ABALON expression was increased in CRC tissues, especially in CMS1 subtype and highly expressed ABALON was related with tumor differentiation, TNM staging, and lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05*). ABALON knockdown significantly led to impaired cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis in CRC. Under different concentrations 5-FU stimulation, the IC50 of ABALON interference group were significantly declined than negative control group. ABALON overexpression promoted the IC50 of CRC cells to 5-FU. ABALON knocking down upregulated TOMM20 expression and suppressed LC3II, PTEN-induced putative kinase1 (PINK1), and E3 ubiquitin ligase (Parkin) expression. Furthermore, under 5-FU stimulation, inhibiting mitophagy reversed the increased colony formation, migration and cell apoptosis induced by ABALON overexpression. Collectively, our study proposed a novel perspective that ABALON potentiates cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis via PINK1/Parkin mediated mitophagy, and ABALON is a promising therapeutic target in reversing 5-FU resistance.
SLC39A14 may be a characteristic gene affecting the development of Barrett's esophagus
Authors: Guo Zheng , Tang Yanping , Li Mingli , Yang Lei , Liu lei , Liu Siyu
Published: August 2023

Ferroptosis is associated with a variety of pathophysiological processes. The inhibition of ferroptosis has been widely concerned in some diseases. However, no study has yet fully elucidated the role of iron death-related genes (FRGS) in Barrett esophagus. The key genes of ferroptosis in Barrett's esophagus were screened by bioinformatics analysis and verified by experiments. Data were downloaded from the Ferroptosis database (FerrDb) and the Comprehensive Gene Expression Database (GEO) database, and 203 DE-FRGs associated with Barrett's esophagus were obtained, which are associated with immune inflammation, cancer, etc. SLC39A14 was identified as a key gene from these 203 DE-FRGs using SVM-RFE and LASSO algorithms. Functional annotation shows that this gene may have an important impact on Barrett's esophagus through Autophagy animal, HIF-1 signaling pathway, and FoxO signaling pathway and other pathways. Establishing a Barrett's esophagus rat model through “end-to-end anastomosis of esophagus duodenum and preservation of whole stomach”, and detecting the characteristic target SLC39A14 in rat esophageal tissue. And constructing a ceRNA network of characteristic target SLC39A14 related miRNAs and lncRNAs. In summary, this study provides some insights into the pathogenesis of Barrett's esophagus by combining data mining with experimental verification. On the basis of clinical data mining, animal experiments were conducted to verify the key target SLC39A14. It was revealed that SLC39A14 may be a key gene affecting the occurrence and development of Barrett's esophageal disease through ferroptosis pathway, and the miRNA and lncRNA bound by SLC39A14 were predicted.
SYN1 is associated with immune infiltrates and might be a prognostic biomarker for glioma
Authors: Hu Zhongxu , Hu Xiaolei , Xiao Haiyan , Zeng Youjie , Jiang Minghao , Li Dai , Song Tao
Published: August 2023

Background Conventional treatments for glioma patients are not curative, and patient survival remains limited. Therefore, it is crucial to explore additional potent prognostic biomarkers for gliomas. SYN1, a member of the synapsin gene family, has been implicated in various neuropsychiatric illnesses. However, its role in glioma progression remains unclear.Methods Clinical and gene expression profile data of primary tumors were obtained from TCGA database. GEPIA was used to investigate SYN1 expression and plot survival curves of the involved patients. TIMER and CIBERSORT were used to analyze the immune infiltrates and responses of 22 TIICs, respectively. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to identify the potential function of SYN1 in glioma. Furthermore, we collected tissue samples from 25 glioma patients for validation analysis using quantitative real-time PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry.Results 457 eligible glioma samples downloaded from TCGA (including grade II 229 cases and III 228 cases) were involved in the current study. We found SYN1 was poorly expressed in tumor tissue and higher SYN1 expression could significantly improve the survival of glioma patients. Besides, we found that age, grade, and SYN1 were independent prognostic factors for glioma patients. In addition, macrophages M2, macrophages M0, T cells CD4 memory resting, T cells follicular helper, and plasma cells are the main immune cells affected by SYN1 expression. And the expression of SYN1 was negatively correlated with infiltrating levels of B cell, CD4 + T cell, Macrophages, Neutrophil, and Dendritic cell. SYN1 could also significantly influence the cumulative survival of B cell, CD8 + T cell, CD4 + T cell, Macrophages, Neutrophil, and Dendritic cell. The GSEA results indicated that ADIPOGENESIS, G2M_CHECKPOINT, GLYCOLYSIS, KRAS_SIGNALING_DN, KRAS_SIGNALING_UP, MYC_TARGETS_V1, NOTCH_SIGNALING, P53_PATHWAY, PANCREAS_BETA_CELLS, and SPERMATOGENESIS are mainly enriched pathways between the high and low expression groups of SYN1. Further clinical validation found that the expression of SYN1 mRNA and protein was significantly downregulated in glioma tissues.Conclusion SYN1 is found to be associated with immune infiltrates and might be a prognostic biomarker for glioma.
Investigation of the mechanism of NLRP3/GSDMD signaling axis regulating GA cell pyroptosis based on in vivo and in vitro experiments
Authors: Donghua Yu , Xu Xiaomin , Yu Wang , Mohammed Shadi A.D. , Peng Xu , Ying Zhang , Xin Jiang , Fang Lu , Liu Shumin
Published: August 2023

Objective:This study investigated the regulatory mechanism of the NLRP3/GSDMD pathway in GA pyroptosis using network pharmacology and in vitro and in vivo experiments.
Methods:In this study, network pharmacology was used to predict the mechanism of pyroptosis in Gouty arthritis, and HE, ELISA, Real-time PCR, Western blot, immunoprecipitation, and flow cytometry were used to further investigate the mechanism of NLRP3/GSDMD signal axis in GA rat model induced by MSU and THP-1 cells induced by MSU.
Results:When gout arthritis pyroptosis occurred, the NOD-like receptor pathway was activated, as determined by network pharmacology. In the rat model of GA induced by MSU, the swelling degree, pathological damage, serum biochemical indices, and inflammatory factors of the joints were significantly increased, and the expressions of key pyroptosis proteins such as NLRP3, GSDMD, ASC, Caspase-1, and IL-1β were significantly increased in ankle joints, indicating the existence of a NOD-like receptor pathway mediating pyroptosis during the acute attack of GA. The results of NLRP3 and GSDMD inhibitor intervention showed that inhibitor intervention significantly inhibited the expression of pyroptosis protein. At the same time, it was found that the activation of NLRP3 inflammatory bodies was inhibited, and the expressions of GSDMD, ASC, Caspase-1 and IL-1β protein were down-regulated, but the expression of NLRP3 protein was not affected by inhibiting the activation of GSDMD and down-regulating the expression of IL-1β. The results of the cell experiment revealed that the inhibitor group prevented MSU-induced Nod-like receptor-mediated pyroptosis in THP-1. Co-precipitation results also revealed a close interaction between NLRP3 and GSDMD.
Conclusion:Inhibiting the NLRP3/GSDMD signaling axis can further reduce the occurrence of pyroptosis and thus alleviate the inflammatory response in acute Gouty arthritis attacks. Through a Caspase-1-dependent mechanism, NLRP3 regulates the process of pyroptosis in the occurrence of Gouty arthritis.
A retrospective study on the correlation between lipoprotein and occult pancreaticobiliary reflux complicated with gallbladder cholesterolosis
Authors: Cai Jingli , Zhang Honglei , Xiang Yukai , Hu Hai , Zhang Cheng , Kong Xiangyu , Tian Fuzhou , Da Xuanbo , Qiu Chen , Lv Beining , Wang Yubin , Yang Yulong
Published: August 2023

Objective
It is found in clinical practice that many patients with gallbladder stone also have occult pancreaticobiliary reflux (OPBR) and cholesterol deposition on the gallbladder wall. However, there is no study reporting their correlations. The purpose of the present study was to explore the correlation between lipid metabolism and occult pancreaticobiliary reflux (OPBR) with complicated gallbladder cholesterolosis by analyzing lipoproteins in the venous blood.
Methods
According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 407 patients who received gallbladder surgery at the Center for Gallbladder Diseases of Shanghai East Hospital between December 2020 and November 2021 were included, of whom 55 patients were consistent with the diagnosis of OPBR. The baseline information and preoperative lipid levels of all patients were collected to analyze the correlation between lipid metabolism and OPBR with complicated gallbladder cholesterolosis.
Results
Serum lipoprotein associated phospholipase (LP-PL)-A2 and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the Study group were significantly higher than those in the Control group ( p = 0.0023; p = 0.0344). LP-PL-A2 showed a moderately strong correlation with OPBR (R = 0.446, p = 0.002), and LDL-C showed a weak correlation (R = 0.277, p = 0.042). Multivariate Logistics regression analysis showed that LP-PL-A2 (OR: 1.014, 95%CI: 1.001 ~ 1.026, p = 0.029) was an independent risk factor. The AUC value of ROC curve for LP-PL-A diagnosis of OPBR with cholesterolosis was 0.7592, with 95%CI: 0.616 ~ 0.902, specificity: 96.15% and sensitivity: 57.14% (p = 0.0025).
Conclusion
LP-PL-A2 is an independent risk factor for OPBR complicated with cholesterolosis, showing a certain clinical value for the diagnosis of OPBR with cholesterolosis. Inhibiting the expression and secretion of LP-PL-A2 by using drugs to inhibit inflammatory cells or reduce the activity of LP-PL-A2 should be a viable option to block the development and progression of cholesterolosis in OPBR patients so as to protect the gallbladder function and slow down the progression of gallbladder diseases.