bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Splice Site Mutation Associated with Congenital CD59 Deficiency
Authors: Chai Jiani N. , Azad Abul Kalam , Kuan Kevin , Guo Xiaoling , Wang Yanhua
Published: May 2022

Congenital CD59 deficiency is a recently described rare autosomal recessive disease associated with CD59 gene mutations that lead to deficient or dysfunctional CD59 protein on the cell surface. The disease is characterized by the early onset of chronic hemolysis, relapsing peripheral demyelinating neuropathy, and recurrent ischemic strokes. To date, there are 14 patients with 4 exon mutations reported globally. A young boy with early onset peripheral neuropathy and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome is presented. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) identified a homozygous splice site variant in intron 1 of the CD59 gene (c.67 + 1G > T). This variant alters a consensus donor splicing site. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR showed that CD59 mRNA expression in the patient is significantly reduced to 0.017-fold compared to the controls. Flow cytometry showed the lack of CD59 protein on the surface of the patient’s red blood cells. This variant is the first splice site mutation reported to be associated with congenital CD59 deficiency.
A Methodological Approach to the Study of Arabic Inscriptions in Castilian-Aragonese Kingdoms
Authors: Marquer Julie
Published: May 2022

Re-using Arabic inscriptions on the objects and monuments of the medieval Hispanic kingdoms (11th–15th centuries) bears witness to the valorization, selection, and reinterpretation of the al-Andalus heritage by the Christians. The aim of this article is to propose a methodological approach for a global study of these inscriptions, which will be based on the constitution of an exhaustive corpus on the scale of the peninsula. This will allow us to have an overview of these inscriptions, to identify a typology and the different stages of their evolution. Then, a comparison with the inscriptions of al-Andalus will highlight the heritage of the various traditions and the dynamics resulting from this appropriation. Finally, a focus on the actors as well as the different historical circumstances of the epigraphic production will lead to a better understanding of their symbolic value and the complex intention behind certain inscriptions. It will also help to better understand the mechanisms of their reception, in line with a reflection on the role and status of ornamental writing.
The Effect of Changing Climatic Conditions on the Morphological Traits and Chemical Composition of Almond Kernels
Authors: Čolić Slavica , Basić Zorica , Zec Gordan , Bakić Ivana , Rahović Dragan , Akšić Milica Fotirić , Mickovski Stefanović Violeta
Published: May 2022

This study evaluates the effect of two contrasting years, in terms of climatic parameters, on kernel morphology and content and on the composition of oil, tocopherols and the 11 macro- and micro-elements in almonds. Low precipitation and high temperatures increased the content of tocopherols, Cu and Zn but decreased the kernel ratio, the oil content, and the levels of macro-elements and of Cr, Fe, Mn and Mo. The obtained data indicate some statistically significant correlations among the kernel quality parameters and climate. A small variation in oil concentration with the highest value in ‘Texas’ (60.07%) was observed. The main tocopherol homologue was α-tocopherol (39.4 to 404.4 mg/100 g DW), representing more than 90% of the total tocopherols. Potassium was predominant (882.0 to 1104.5 mg/100 g), followed by phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and sodium. The most abundant micro-elements were iron (3.095 to 3.708 mg/100 g) and zinc (2.641 to 4.765 mg/100 g), followed by manganese, copper, molybdenum and chromium. The genotype 15/03 has the highest level of health-promoting compounds (α-tocopherol, potassium and zinc), so that, together with genotype 25/03 which showed the best response to changing climatic conditions, this genotype could be of interest for breeding programs.
Did the Socio-Economic Gradient in Depression in Later-Life Deteriorate or Weaken during the COVID-19 Pandemic? New Evidence from England Using Path Analysis
Authors: Qin Min , Evandrou Maria , Falkingham Jane , Vlachantoni Athina
Published: May 2022

It is well established that there is a socioeconomic gradient in adult mental health. However, little is known about whether and how this gradient has been exacerbated or mitigated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to identify the modifiable pathways involved in the association between socioeconomic position (SEP) and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis included 5107 adults aged 50+ living in England and participating in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing Wave nine (2018–2019) and the COVID-19 study (June 2020). Mental health was measured using a shortened version of the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. Path analysis with multiple mediator models was used to estimate the direct effect of SEP (measured by educational qualification and household wealth) on mental health (measured by depression), along with the indirect effects of SEP via three mediators: COVID-19 infection symptoms, service accessibility and social contact. The results show that the prevalence of depression for the same cohort increased from 12.6% pre-pandemic to 19.7% during the first wave of the pandemic. The risk of depression increased amongst older people who experienced COVID-19 infection, difficulties accessing services and less frequent social contact. The total effects of education and wealth on depression were negatively significant. Through mediators, wealth and education were indirectly associated with depression. Wealth also directly affected the outcome. The findings suggest that the socioeconomic gradient in depression among older people may have deteriorated during the initial phase of the pandemic and that this could in part be explained by increased financial hardship, difficulties in accessing services and reduced social contact.
The Monetary Benefits of Reducing Emissions of Dioxin-like Compounds—Century Poisons—Over Half a Century: Evaluation of the Benefit per Ton Method
Authors: Liou Je-Liang , Chen Han-Hui , Wu Pei-Ing
Published: May 2022

The objective of this study is to evaluate the monetary value of health benefits following reductions in century poison dioxin-like compounds for people aged 0–14 years old, 15–64 years old, and persons 65 years or over in Taiwan. The benefit per ton (BPT) method is employed to estimate the monetary value of the benefits of such a reduction from 2021 to 2070 for different age groups in different regions. The results indicate a BPT of US$837,915 per gram of dioxin each year. The results further show that for Taiwan as a whole, the net BPT per gram of dioxin reduction from 2021 to 2025 is US$704 for children, US$42,761 for working-age adults, US$34,817 for older adults, and US$78,282 overall. Reductions in dioxin-like compounds from 2051–2070 will generate 83.93% of the net BPT for the entire country. This is approximately five times the net BPT of emissions reduction from 2021 to 2025. The monetary benefits evaluated in this study indicate that the prevention of health losses caused by the spread and diffusion of dioxin-like compounds have increased significantly. This implies that action must be taken now, along with continued vigilance, to address emission reductions.
Life Satisfaction and Perceived Stress versus Health Promoting Behavior among Medical Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Badura-Brzoza Karina , Dębski Paweł , Główczyński Patryk , Dębska-Janus Małgorzata , Gorczyca Piotr
Published: May 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate health-promoting behaviors as a factor supporting life satisfaction and a protective factor against stress in a group of Polish medical students during the third wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Material: The study was conducted in October–December 2021. There were 306 people, including 203 students in the 1st year of medicine, aged 20.42 ± 1.92 years, and 103 students in the 5th year of medicine, aged 24.88 ± 1.7 years. Methods: The following were used: the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Health Behavior Inventory (IZZ), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). The survey was conducted online. Results: In the study group, the average result of 23.66 ± 5.97 was obtained in the life satisfaction questionnaire. In the overall assessment of health behaviors (IZZ), an average score of 80.06 ± 13.81 points was obtained. In the PSS-10 questionnaire, the respondents obtained an average of 21.10 ± 5.89 points. There were significant, negative correlations between the results obtained in the health behavior inventory with the results obtained in the stress scale and positive correlations with the results obtained in the life satisfaction scale. Moreover, in the assessment of the influence of prohealth behavior parameters on perceived stress and life satisfaction, a positive effect of PMA on life satisfaction was demonstrated, as well as a protective effect of Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) and Prohealth Activities (PhA) in relation to stress. Conclusions: Life in the period of the third wave of the pandemic was assessed by medical students as moderately satisfactory. Significant intensity of stress negatively correlated with life satisfaction. Health-promoting behaviors, and especially positive mental attitudes, seem to play a protective role in stressful situations and improve life satisfaction.
Association of Hyperuricemia with 10-Year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk among Chinese Adults and Elders
Authors: Chen Feilong , Yuan Li , Xu Tao , Liu Junting , Han Shaomei
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to use a representative sample of the Chinese population and the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk assessment tool developed specifically for the Chinese to explore the prevalence of hyperuricemia (HUA) and the relationship between hyperuricemia and 10-year ASCVD risk in Chinese adults. Data was collected from the Chinese Physiological Constant and Health Condition survey. In this study, 12,988 subjects aged between 35 and 74 were selected by two-stage, cluster and random sampling. The sex-specific 10-year ASCVD risk scores equations, which were conducted by China-PAR project and specifically designed for Chinese adults, were used to assess the risk of developing ASCVD 10 years later. The ordinal regression model was used to explore the relationship between hyperuricemia and ASCVD risk. The total prevalence of hyperuricemia was 12.69%, and males’ prevalence was significantly higher than females (17.7% vs. 8.5%). Compared with people without hyperuricemia, the 10-year ASCVD risk scores of female with hyperuricemia increased significantly, but no significant increased happened in male. The ordinal regression model indicated that hyperuricemia subjects were 1.3 (males, 95% CI: 1.11–1.52) and 4.34 (females, 95% CI: 3.16–5.91) times more likely to increase their ASCVD risk levels than those without hyperuricemia. In conclusion, Hyperuricemia is prevalent among Chinese adults. In both genders, hyperuricemia was related with higher risk of 10-year ASCVD, and the relationship is much stronger in females than in males. Thus, sex-specific serum uric acid management and intervention strategies should be done in the prevention and control of cardiovascular events.
Psychobiological Factors in Global Health and Public Health
Authors: Denis Frédéric , Mahalli Rachid , Delpierre Alexis , Romagna Christine , Selimovic Denis , Renaud Matthieu
Published: May 2022

Psychobiological research is a systems approach that aims to integrate the biological, psychological and social systems that may influence health or pathology, particularly in chronic diseases and physical and/or psychiatric disorders. In this approach, we can expect to be able to deduce a ‘biological signature’ associated with particular symptom clusters. Similarly, psychosocial factors such as life events, health attitudes and behaviours, social support, psychological well-being, spirituality and personality are to be considered in terms of their influence on individual vulnerability to disease. At the psychophysiological level, it is important to understand, for example, the pathways that link the effects of chronic stress, social support and health, through the neuroendocrine and autonomic mechanisms that determine stress responses. At the macroscopic level, the role of individual socio-demographic variables such as personality, treatment modalities and health promotion through psycho-educational interventions needs to be explored.
Culture of Healthy Eating and Food Environments, Policies, and Practices in Regional New Zealand Schools
Authors: Chote Brittany , McKelvie-Sebileau Pippa , Swinburn Boyd , Tipene-Leach David , D’Souza Erica
Published: May 2022

The school food environment plays an important role in shaping students’ dietary choices, which often influence future dietary behaviours. We surveyed primary and secondary schools in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, to measure the comprehensiveness and strength of food policies, describe the culture of food provision, and identify barriers to improving school food environments. Fifty-one schools were included in the final analysis, with 58.8% having a food policy, most of which used a generic template. Schools with food policies and those participating in the free and healthy lunch programme were more likely to have a strong culture around healthy eating. Common barriers to healthy eating were food outlets near school and resistance from students. Secondary schools reported facing more barriers to implementing healthy eating cultures, were more likely to use food as classroom rewards and to sell food to students, most of which was unhealthy. Hawke’s Bay schools participating in food provision programmes are successfully improving their food environments through improved culture and delivery of healthy food; however, more action is needed to strengthen the wording and guidance in food policies and reduce the provision of unhealthy food in schools before effective change can be achieved.
Psychosocial Characters and Their Behavioural Indexes for Evaluation in Secondary School Physical Education Classes and Sports Club Activities
Authors: Cho Namki , Shin Minhye , Ahn Hyunkyun
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to explore students’ psychosocial characteristics presumably nurtured in school physical education (PE) and school sports club activities in Korea. In addition, this study attempted to investigate what actual behaviours for each characteristic are observed and could be evaluated. Previous studies related to secondary students’ character development in school sports clubs and school PE classes were investigated at the initial stage, and then a panel of 3 experts and 4 host researchers reviewed and selected 9 characteristics and 30 behaviours. Two replicates of a modified Delphi analysis and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with 25 and 50 PE teachers respectively were performed and reached 7 characteristics and 21 behavioural indexes and their hierarchy. The content validity ratio (CVR) for seven characteristics in two replicates of a modified Delphi analysis was 0.93. The highest CVR was 1.00 while the lowest was 0.68. The highest CVR among 21 behaviour indexes was 1.00 while the lowest was 0.52, which implied that all the characteristics and the behaviour indexes are valid. In the stage of AHP for each characteristic’s hierarchy, “Earnestness” was ranked highest with a weight of 0.215, while “Leadership” was ranked lowest at 0.044 (consistency index and consistency ratio < 0.1). ‘Disengaged observation/late in class,’ ‘helping peer,’ and ‘opinion coordination’ shared the highest score at 0.091 while ‘taking initiatives’ was placed lowest with 0.010 in the list of 21 behaviour indexes. The results helped infer that PE teachers consider development of interpersonal characteristics and the level of articulation for behaviour indexes important.
Cytogenetic Effects in Children Exposed to Air Pollutants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Acito Mattia , Fatigoni Cristina , Villarini Milena , Moretti Massimo
Published: May 2022

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the association between exposure to ambient air pollutants and micronuclei (MN) frequency in children. This work was performed according to the Cochrane Collaboration and the PRISMA guidelines and recommendations. Articles published before November 2021 were identified by an advanced search on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science databases. A critical appraisal using a specific tool was conducted to assess the quality of each included study. All analyses were carried out by using the Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 software (The Cochrane Collaboration, London, UK). One hundred and forty-five references were firstly identified, and, at the end of selection process, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies carried out a direct evaluation through the use of air samplers, whereas the other ones accessed environmental databases (n = 2) or used other tools (n = 3). In two cases, exposure was not directly investigated, with children sampled in two different areas with well-known different levels of pollution. The overall effect size (ES) was 1.57 ((95% CI = 1.39; 1.78), p-value < 0.00001) (total evaluated subjects: 4162), which highlighted a statistically significant association between outdoor air pollution and MN frequency in children. As a high MN frequency has been associated with a number of pathological states and a higher risk of developing chronic degenerative diseases, our results should be taken into consideration by policy makers to design and implement interventions aimed at reducing the introduction of pollutants in the atmosphere as well as at minimizing the exposure extent, particularly in children.
RadA, a Key Gene of the Circadian Rhythm of Escherichia coli
Authors: Diallo Aissatou Bailo , Mezouar Soraya , Boumaza Asma , Fiammingo Oksana , Coiffard Benjamin , Pontarotti Pierre , Desnues Benoit , Mege Jean-Louis
Published: May 2022

Circadian rhythms are present in almost all living organisms, and their activity relies on molecular clocks. In prokaryotes, a functional molecular clock has been defined only in cyanobacteria. Here, we investigated the presence of circadian rhythms in non-cyanobacterial prokaryotes. The bioinformatic approach was used to identify a homologue of KaiC (circadian gene in cyanobacteria) in Escherichia coli. Then, strains of E. coli (wild type and mutants) were grown on blood agar, and sampling was made every 3 h for 24 h at constant conditions. Gene expression was determined by qRT-PCR, and the rhythmicity was analyzed using the Cosinor model. We identified RadA as a KaiC homologue in E. coli. Expression of radA showed a circadian rhythm persisting at least 3 days, with a peak in the morning. The circadian expression of other E. coli genes was also observed. Gene circadian oscillations were lost in radA mutants of E. coli. This study provides evidence of molecular clock gene expression in E. coli with a circadian rhythm. Such a finding paves the way for new perspectives in antibacterial treatment.
How RNases Shape Mitochondrial Transcriptomes
Authors: Cartalas Jérémy , Coudray Léna , Gobert Anthony
Published: May 2022

Mitochondria are the power houses of eukaryote cells. These endosymbiotic organelles of prokaryote origin are considered as semi-autonomous since they have retained a genome and fully functional gene expression mechanisms. These pathways are particularly interesting because they combine features inherited from the bacterial ancestor of mitochondria with characteristics that appeared during eukaryote evolution. RNA biology is thus particularly diverse in mitochondria. It involves an unexpectedly vast array of factors, some of which being universal to all mitochondria and others being specific from specific eukaryote clades. Among them, ribonucleases are particularly prominent. They play pivotal functions such as the maturation of transcript ends, RNA degradation and surveillance functions that are required to attain the pool of mature RNAs required to synthesize essential mitochondrial proteins such as respiratory chain proteins. Beyond these functions, mitochondrial ribonucleases are also involved in the maintenance and replication of mitochondrial DNA, and even possibly in the biogenesis of mitochondrial ribosomes. The diversity of mitochondrial RNases is reviewed here, showing for instance how in some cases a bacterial-type enzyme was kept in some eukaryotes, while in other clades, eukaryote specific enzymes were recruited for the same function.
Noradrenaline in Alzheimer’s Disease: A New Potential Therapeutic Target
Authors: Gutiérrez Irene L. , Dello Russo Cinzia , Novellino Fabiana , Caso Javier R. , García-Bueno Borja , Leza Juan C. , Madrigal José L. M.
Published: May 2022

A growing body of evidence demonstrates the important role of the noradrenergic system in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative processes, especially Alzheimer’s disease, due to its ability to control glial activation and chemokine production resulting in anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Noradrenaline involvement in this disease was first proposed after finding deficits of noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus from Alzheimer’s disease patients. Based on this, it has been hypothesized that the early loss of noradrenergic projections and the subsequent reduction of noradrenaline brain levels contribute to cognitive dysfunctions and the progression of neurodegeneration. Several studies have focused on analyzing the role of noradrenaline in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. In this review we summarize some of the most relevant data describing the alterations of the noradrenergic system normally occurring in Alzheimer’s disease as well as experimental studies in which noradrenaline concentration was modified in order to further analyze how these alterations affect the behavior and viability of different nervous cells. The combination of the different studies here presented suggests that the maintenance of adequate noradrenaline levels in the central nervous system constitutes a key factor of the endogenous defense systems that help prevent or delay the development of Alzheimer’s disease. For this reason, the use of noradrenaline modulating drugs is proposed as an interesting alternative therapeutic option for Alzheimer’s disease.
Light Induces Carotenoid Biosynthesis-Related Gene Expression, Accumulation of Pigment Content, and Expression of the Small Heat Shock Protein in Apple Fruit
Authors: Do Van Giap , Lee Youngsuk , Kweon Hunjoong , Kim Seonae
Published: May 2022

The coloration of the apple fruit (Malus × domestica Borkh.) depends on pigment content. Light stimulus activates a broad range of photosynthesis-related genes, including carotenoids. The effect of light on two red commercial apple cultivars, ‘Summer Prince’ and ‘Arisoo’ at the juvenile stage were examined. Apple fruits were either bagged to reduce light irradiation or were exposed to direct, enhanced sunlight (reflected). The pigment content and the expression of carotenoid metabolism genes in the peel and flesh of apple fruits were significantly different between the shaded and the reflected parts. These parameters were also different in the two cultivars, highlighting the contribution of the genetic background. Further, a combination of light and transient overexpression of carotenogenic genes increased fruit coloration and pigment content in the variety ‘RubyS’. Western blot analysis showed the expression of small heat shock proteins (smHSP) in lysates extracted from the reflected part of the fruits but not in the bagged fruits, indicating the activation of smHSP in response to heat generated by the reflected light. Therefore, the synergy between the genes and the environment dictates the color of apple fruits.
Persistent Infection of a Canine Histiocytic Sarcoma Cell Line with Attenuated Canine Distemper Virus Expressing Vasostatin or Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor
Authors: Marek Katarzyna , Armando Federico , Nippold Vanessa Maria , Rohn Karl , Plattet Philippe , Brogden Graham , Gerold Gisa , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Puff Christina
Published: May 2022

Canine histiocytic sarcoma (HS) represents a neoplasia with poor prognosis. Due to the high metastatic rate of HS, there is urgency to improve treatment options and to prevent tumor metastases. Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a single-stranded negative-sense RNA (ssRNA (-)) virus with potentially oncolytic properties. Moreover, vasostatin and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) are attractive molecules in cancer therapy research because of their anti-angiogenetic properties and potential modulation of the tumor microenvironment. In the present study, an in vitro characterization of two genetically engineered viruses based on the CDV strain Onderstepoort (CDV-Ond), CDV-Ondneon-vasostatin and CDV-Ondneon-GM-CSF was performed. Canine histiocytic sarcoma cells (DH82 cells) were persistently infected with CDV-Ond, CDV-Ondneon, CDV-Ondneon-vasostatin and CDV-Ondneon-GM-CSF and characterized on a molecular and protein level regarding their vasostatin and GM-CSF production. Interestingly, DH82 cells persistently infected with CDV-Ondneon-vasostatin showed a significantly increased number of vasostatin mRNA transcripts. Similarly, DH82 cells persistently infected with CDV-Ondneon-GM-CSF displayed an increased number of GM-CSF mRNA transcripts mirrored on the protein level as confirmed by immunofluorescence and Western blot. In summary, modified CDV-Ond strains expressed GM-CSF and vasostatin, rendering them promising candidates for the improvement of oncolytic virotherapies, which should be further detailed in future in vivo studies.
Butylidenephthalide Abrogates the Snail-Induced Cancer Stemness in Oral Carcinomas
Authors: Chen Pei-Yin , Chao Shih-Chi , Hsieh Pei-Ling , Liao Yi-Wen , Chu Pei-Ming , Harn Horng-Jyh , Yu Cheng-Chia
Published: May 2022

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, especially in South Central Asia. It has been suggested that cancer stem cells (CSC) play crucial roles in tumor relapse and metastasis, and approaches to target CSC may lead to promising results. Here, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) and CD44 were utilized to isolate CSCs of oral cancer. Butylidenephthalide, a bioactive phthalide compound from Angelica sinensis, was tested for its anti-CSC effects. MTT assay showed that a lower concentration of butylidenephthalide was sufficient to inhibit the proliferation of patient-derived ALDH1+/CD44+ cells without affecting normal cells. Administration of butylidenephthalide not only reduced ALDH1 activity and CD44 expression, it also suppressed the migration, invasion, and colony formation abilities of ALDH1+/CD44+ cells using a transwell system and clonogenic assay. A patient-derived xenograft mouse model supported our in vitro findings that butylidenephthalide possessed the capacity to retard tumor development. We found that butylidenephthalide dose-dependently downregulated the gene and protein expression of Sox2 and Snail. Our results demonstrated that overexpression of Snail in ALDH1-/CD44- (non-CSCs) cells induced the CSC phenotypes, whereas butylidenephthalide treatment successfully diminished the enhanced self-renewal and propagating properties. In summary, this study showed that butylidenephthalide may serve as an adjunctive for oral cancer therapy.
LXRα Regulates oxLDL-Induced Trained Immunity in Macrophages
Authors: Findeisen Hannes M. , Voges Vivienne C. , Braun Laura C. , Sonnenberg Jannik , Schwarz Dennis , Körner Helena , Reinecke Holger , Sohrabi Yahya
Published: May 2022

Reprogramming of metabolic pathways in monocytes and macrophages can induce a proatherosclerotic inflammatory memory called trained innate immunity. Here, we have analyzed the role of the Liver X receptor (LXR), a crucial regulator of metabolism and inflammation, in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced trained innate immunity. Human monocytes were incubated with LXR agonists, antagonists, and oxLDL for 24 h. After five days of resting time, cells were restimulated with the TLR-2 agonist Pam3cys. OxLDL priming induced the expression of LXRα but not LXRβ. Pharmacologic LXR activation was enhanced, while LXR inhibition prevented the oxLDL-induced inflammatory response. Furthermore, LXR inhibition blocked the metabolic changes necessary for epigenetic reprogramming associated with trained immunity. In fact, enrichment of activating histone marks at the IL-6 and TNFα promotor was reduced following LXR inhibition. Based on the differential expression of the LXR isoforms, we inhibited LXRα and LXRβ genes using siRNA in THP1 cells. As expected, siRNA-mediated knock-down of LXRα blocked the oxLDL-induced inflammatory response, while knock-down of LXRβ had no effect. We demonstrate a specific and novel role of the LXRα isoform in the regulation of oxLDL-induced trained immunity. Our data reveal important aspects of LXR signaling in innate immunity with relevance to atherosclerosis formation.
The Mediator Complex: A Central Coordinator of Plant Adaptive Responses to Environmental Stresses
Authors: Chen Jialuo , Yang Su , Fan Baofang , Zhu Cheng , Chen Zhixiang
Published: May 2022

As sessile organisms, plants are constantly exposed to a variety of environmental stresses and have evolved adaptive mechanisms, including transcriptional reprogramming, in order to survive or acclimate under adverse conditions. Over the past several decades, a large number of gene-specific transcription factors have been identified in the transcriptional regulation of plant adaptive responses. The Mediator complex plays a key role in transducing signals from gene-specific transcription factors to the transcription machinery to activate or repress target gene expression. Since its first purification about 15 years ago, plant Mediator complex has been extensively analyzed for its composition and biological functions. Mutants of many plant Mediator subunits are not lethal but are compromised in growth, development and response to biotic and abiotic stress, underscoring a particularly important role in plant adaptive responses. Plant Mediator subunits also interact with partners other than transcription factors and components of the transcription machinery, indicating the complexity of the regulation of gene expression by plant Mediator complex. Here, we present a comprehensive discussion of recent analyses of the structure and function of plant Mediator complex, with a particular focus on its roles in plant adaptive responses to a wide spectrum of environmental stresses and associated biological processes.
Nrf2 Transcriptional Activity Governs Intestine Development
Authors: Kopacz Aleksandra , Kloska Damian , Klimczyk Dominika , Kopec Magdalena , Jozkowicz Alicja , Piechota-Polanczyk Aleksandra
Published: May 2022

Our recent findings indicate that Nrf2 transcriptional activity is essential in maintaining the proper large intestinal structure in adult mice. Here, we aimed to verify whether Nrf2-related intestine abnormalities stemmed from the early weaning or gestational periods. Therefore, we analyzed 4-day-old pups and embryos devoid of Nrf2 transcriptional activity (tKO) and their wild-type counterparts. We found significant changes in the intestinal structure of 4-day-old Nrf2 tKO pups including a longer colon, altered crypt distribution, and enlargement of the goblet cells with a markedly higher level of mucin 2. Tracing back the origin of these alterations, we observed that they appeared as early as day 14.5 of embryonic development, independently of sex. Importantly, in this period, we observed a significant increase in the Nrf2 level and a distinctive, untimely pattern of expression of the proliferation factor Ki67. At the latest stage of embryonic development, we detected a premature drop in the differentiation factor Notch1. We suspect that intestine abnormalities in mice lacking Nrf2 transcriptional activity stem from sex-independent disturbed intestinal cell proliferation and could be further exacerbated by altered differentiation. Summing up, we identified Nrf2 transcriptional activity as an important regulator of intestinal formation. It influences the hindgut cell proliferation and differentiation at different stages of embryonic development.
Shorebirds and the Dispersal of Bipolar Plant Species to South America
Authors: Hancock James F. , Prince Harold
Published: May 2022

Among the most distantly separated plant species are those that are found on the polar regions of the northern and southern hemispheres, the so-called bipolar species. Two routes of introduction have been proposed—long-distance dispersal (LDD) and mountain hopping (MH). Shorebirds have been implicated in the distribution of the bipolar species by several authors, but the most likely participants and the most probable routes of introduction have been little investigated. The Global Biodiversity Information Facility database was accessed to determine the geographic range of those angiosperm species that have been reported to have bipolar distributions. A bipolar plant species was considered most likely to have been dispersed by LDD if it has a distinct disjunct distribution between North and South America, and through MH if it is found in intermediate latitudes. The Atlas of Bird Migrations and the Cornell Birds of the World database were searched to discover which birds make long-distance migrations from Arctic North America to the tip of South America, and their mode of travel. Twenty-three plant species have been identified as bipolar. LDD appears to have been more important than MH in their dispersal, as seventeen (75%) have disjunct distributions and six (25%) are found in intermediate latitudes. The most likely players in the LDD dispersal of the bipolar plant species are the Eskimo Curlew, Hudsonian Godwit, Red Knot, Ruddy Turnstone and Whimbrel. Of these five long flyers, the Hudsonian Godwit may have delivered the most seeds as its breeding and migration ranges overlap with the most bipolar species, 12 in all.
A New Journal for a New Discipline
Authors: Kasuya Hideki
Published: May 2022

International Medical Education (IME) (ISSN: 2813-141X) [...]
Why Another New Medical Journal?
Authors: Roth Peter
Published: May 2022

How many medical journals exist [...]
Design and Analysis of Joint Source-Channel Code System with Fixed-Length Code
Authors: Bao Han , Zhang Can , Gao Shaoshuai
Published: May 2022

As the demands of multimedia and data services increase, efficient communication systems are being investigated to meet the high data rate requirements. Joint source-channel coding (JSCC) schemes were proposed for improving overall system performance. However, existing JSCC systems may suffer a symbol error rate (SER) performance loss when residual source redundancy is not fully exploited. This paper presents a novel, low-complexity JSCC system, which consists of a fixed-length source block code and an irregular convolutional channel code. A simple approach is proposed to design source codes that minimize the SER of source detection and guarantee the convergence of iterative source-channel decoding (ISCD). To improve the waterfall performance of ISCD, the channel code is optimized by using the extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) chart and the concept of irregular code. The channel code is constituted by recursive non-systematic convolutional (RNSC) subcodes. The weights of subcodes are optimized to make the EXIT curves of the channel decoder and the source decoder well-matched, and therefore, a near-capacity performance is achieved. Simulation results show that the proposed system achieves more than 1 dB gains and 0.3 dB gains compared to the separate source-channel code system and the other optimal JSCC systems, respectively. Additionally, the performance of the proposed system is within 1 dB deviation from the Shannon limit capacity.
Biological Control Options for the Golden Twin-Spot Moth, Chrysodeixis chalcites (Esper) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Banana Crops of the Canary Islands
Authors: del Pino Modesto , Cabello Tomás , Hernández-Suárez Estrella
Published: May 2022

Chrysodeixis chalcites (Esper) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a significant pest in banana plantations in the Canary Islands. Field surveys were carried out to identify its naturally occurring parasitoids and estimate their parasitism rates between September 2007 and October 2010. Ch. chalcites was parasitized by six different larval/pupal parasitoid species: Cotesia sp., C. glomerata L. (Hym.: Braconidae), Aplomyia confinis Fallén (Dip.: Tachinidae), Hyposoter rufiventris Perez, Ctenochares bicolorus L. (Hym.: Ichneumonidae) and Aleiodes sp. (Hym.: Braconidae). Among them, Cotesia sp. was the most frequent species, accounting for 8.18% of parasitized larvae. High levels of egg parasitism were detected, with Trichogramma achaeae Nagaraja and Nagarkatti (Hym.: Trichogrammatidae) being the most widely distributed egg parasitoid. A greenhouse assay was also carried out on a commercial banana crop with the aim of evaluating the potential of T. achaeae as a biological control agent and compared with a chemical control. Five periodic inundative releases of 35 adults/m2 every 21 days were necessary to achieve an adequate parasitism level (56.25 ± 1.61%). Moreover, there was 15.75% less foliar damage in the biological control plot compared to the chemical control plot. These results indicate that T. achaeae could be a promising biocontrol agent of Ch. chalcites in greenhouse banana crops.
Urgent Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Complicated by Systemic Inflammatory Response from Fulminant Herpes Zoster Successfully Managed with Adjunct Extracorporeal Hemoadsorption: A Case Report
Authors: Haidari Zaki , Weißenberger Wilko , Tyczynski Bartosz , Demircioglu Ender , Deliargyris Efthymios , Christ Martin , Thielmann Matthias , El Gabry Mohamed , Ruhparwar Arjang , Wendt Daniel
Published: May 2022

Blood purification by hemoadsorption therapy seems to improve outcomes in selected patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Here, we report the successful application of hemoadsorption in the severe systemic inflammatory response during coronary artery bypass surgery in a patient with reactivated herpes zoster.
Safety and Efficacy of Left Atrial Catheter Ablation in Patients with Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Devices
Authors: Wang Binhao , He Bin , Fu Guohua , Feng Mingjun , Du Xianfeng , Liu Jing , Yu Yibo , Chu Huimin
Published: May 2022

Background: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is an alternative to oral anticoagulation for thromboembolic prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Left atrial (LA) catheter ablation (CA) in patients with LAAO devices has not been well investigated. Here, we report on the safety and efficacy of LA CA in patients with nitinol cage or plug LAAO devices. Methods: A total of 18 patients (aged 67 ± 11 years; 14 males; 5 paroxysmal AF) with LAAO devices (nitinol cage, n = 10; nitinol plug, n = 8) and symptomatic LA tachyarrhythmias were included. Periprocedural and follow-up data were assessed. Results: A total of 20 LA CA procedures were performed at a median of 130 (63, 338) days after LAAO. The strategy of CA consisted of circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (n = 16), linear lesions (n = 14) and complex fractionated atrial electrogram ablation (n = 6). No major adverse events occurred periprocedurally. Repeated transesophageal echocardiography showed no device-related thrombus, newly developed peridevice leakage or device dislodgement. After a median follow-up period of 793 (376, 1090) days, four patients (22%) experienced LA tachyarrhythmias recurrence and two received redo LA CA. No patients suffered stroke or major bleeding events during follow-up. Conclusions: LA CA in patients with LAAO devices (either nitinol cages or nitinol plugs) seems to be safe and efficient in our single-center experience.
Potassium Level Variation Following Packed Cell Transfusion in Critically Ill Adult Patients—How Alert Should We Be?
Authors: Frenkel Amit , Hassan Lior , Glick Aviad , Pikovsky Oleg , Boyko Matthew , Binyamin Yair , Novack Victor , Klein Moti
Published: May 2022

One of the most clinically important effects following the administration of packed cell transfusion (PCT) is hyperkalemia, which can cause severe life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. This retrospective population-based cohort study included adults hospitalized between January 2007 and December 2019 in a general intensive care unit for 24 h or more, with normal levels of serum potassium on admission. We assessed changes in serum potassium levels after administration of one unit of packed cells and sought to identify clinical parameters that may affect these changes. We applied adjusted linear mixed models to assess changes in serum potassium. The mean increase in serum potassium was 0.09 mEq/L (C.U 0.04–0.14, p-value < 0.001) among the 366 patients who were treated with a single PCT compared to those not treated with PCT. Increased serum potassium levels were also found in patients who required mechanical ventilation, and to a lesser degree in those treated with vasopressors. Hypertension, the occurrence of a cerebrovascular accident, and increased creatinine levels were all associated with reduced serum potassium levels. Due to the small rise in serum potassium levels following PCT, we do not suggest any particular follow-up measures for critically ill patients who receive PCT.
Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction and Prognostic Scales: The Impact of Exercise Modality in Cardiopulmonary Exercise Tests
Authors: Herrero Huertas Julia , García Clemente Marta , Díaz Molina Beatriz , Lambert Rodríguez José Luis , Íscar Urrutia Marta
Published: May 2022

The cardiopulmonary exercise (CPET) test is an essential tool to determine the severity, prognosis, and need for invasive treatments in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) but disregards the exercise modality. The present study aimed at analyzing the differences between treadmill and cycle-ergometer exercises. This was a prospective study, involving 65 patients with HfrEF who performed treadmill exercise followed by cycle-ergometer exercise 72 h later. We enrolled 65 patients, aged 58 ± 9 years, with an ejection fraction of 29 ± 9%. Peak VO2 was 20% greater (95% CI: 18–21%; p < 0.000) on the treadmill, and the ventilatory efficiency estimated by the VE/VCO2 slope (32 ± 8 vs. 34 ± 9; p < 0.05). The ventilatory response was greater on the treadmill: maximum ventilation (55 ± 16 vs. 46 ± 11 L/min; p < 0.000) and ventilatory reserve at the maximum effort (28 ± 17 vs. 41 ± 15%; p < 0.000). These values led to a change in the functional class of 23 (51%) patients and ventilatory class of 28 (47%) patients. Differences in the main parameters, including peak VO2 and VE/VCO2, impact prognostic scales and possible advanced treatments; therefore, the results should be interpreted in accordance with the exercise modality.
Lymphatic Phenotype of Noonan Syndrome: Innovative Diagnosis and Possible Implications for Therapy
Authors: Kleimeier Lotte E. R. , van Schaik Caroline , Leenders Erika , Itkin Maxim , Klein Willemijn M. , Draaisma Jos M. T.
Published: May 2022

Dysregulation of the Ras/Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is suggested to play a pivotal role in the development of the lymphatic system in patients with Noonan Syndrome (NS). Pathogenic gene variants in the Ras/MAPK pathway can therefore lead to various lymphatic diseases such as lymphedema, chylo-thorax and protein losing enteropathy. Diagnosis and treatment of the lymphatic phenotype in patients with NS remain difficult due to the variability of clinical presentation, severity and, probably, underlying unknown pathophysiologic mechanism. The objective of this article is to give an overview of the clinical presentation of lymphatic disease in relation to central conducting lymphatic anomalies (CCLA) in NS, including new diagnostic and therapeutic options. We visualized the central conducting lymphatic system using heavily T2-weighted MR imaging (T2 imaging) and Dynamic Contrast-enhanced MR Lymphangiography (DCMRL) and compared these results with the lymphatic clinical presentation in seven patients with NS. Our results show that most patients with NS and lymphatic disease have CCLA. Therefore, it is probable that CCLA is present in all patient with NS, presenting merely with lymphedema, or without sensing lymphatic symptoms at all. T2 imaging and DCMRL can be indicated when CCLA is suspected and this can help to adjust therapeutic interventions.
In Vivo Effects of Balanced Crystalloid or Gelatine Infusions on Functional Parameters of Coagulation and Fibrinolysis: A Prospective Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Wiórek Agnieszka , Mazur Piotr K. , Żurawska Elżbieta , Krzych Łukasz J.
Published: May 2022

Prudent administration of fluids helps restore or maintain hemodynamic stability in the setting of perioperative blood loss. However, fluids may arguably exacerbate the existing coagulopathy. We sought to investigate the influence of balanced crystalloid and synthetic gelatine infusions on coagulation and fibrinolysis in healthy volunteers. This prospective randomized crossover study included 25 males aged 18–30 years. Infusions performed included 20 mL/kg of a balanced crystalloid solution (Optilyte®) or 20 mL/kg of gelatine 26.500 Da (Geloplasma®) in a random order over a period of 2 weeks. Laboratory analysis included conventional coagulation parameters and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) assays. We confirmed a decrease in fibrinogen concentration and the number of platelets, and prolongation of PT after infusions. Compared to baseline values, differences in the ROTEM assays’ results after infusions signified the decrease in coagulation factors and fibrinogen concentration, causing impaired fibrin polymerization and clot structure. The ROTEM indicator of clot lysis remained unaffected. In the case of both Optilyte® and Geloplasma®, the results suggested relevant dilution. Gelatine disrupted the process of clot formation more than balanced crystalloid. Infusions of both crystalloid and saline-free colloid solutions causing up to 30% blood dilution cause significant dilution of the coagulation factors, platelets, and fibrinogen. However, balanced crystalloid infusion provides less infusion-induced coagulopathy compared to gelatine.
A New Look at the Swing Contract: From Linear Programming to Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Behrndt Tapio , Chen Ren-Raw
Published: May 2022

As the energy market has grown in importance in recent decades, researchers have paid increasing attention to swing option contracts. Early studies evaluated the swing contract as if it were a financial derivative contract, by ignoring its storage constraints. Aided by recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies, recent studies were able to incorporate storage limitations. We make two discoveries in this paper. First, we contribute to the literature by proposing an AI methodology—particle swarm optimization (PSO)—for the evaluation of the swing contract. Compared to the other ML methodologies in the literature, PSO has an advantage by expanding to include more features. Secondly, we study the relative impact of the price process (exogenously given) that underlies the swing contract and the storage constraints that affect a quantity decision process (endogenously decided), and discover that the latter has a much greater impact than the former, indicating the limitation of the earlier literature that focused only on price dynamics.