bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding epistemological notions underlying scientific language use: a multifaceted analysis framework
Authors: Pieterman-Bos Annelies , Reincke Cathelijne M. , van de Schoot Rens , van Mil Marc H. W.
Published: September 2024

Helping university students develop productive views of what characterizes good scientific research and scientific knowledge is an important objective of science education. However, many studies show that students’ views of the nature of science (NOS) do not become more informed or even become less informed after learning activities that engage students in scientific practice. This could mean that the way we teach students to conduct scientific research might unintentionally strengthen or bring about uninformed views of NOS. In this article, we argue that scientific discourse (how language is used in science) might play a role in this relation between learning scientific inquiry and uninformed views of NOS. We argue that there could be implicit notions relating to NOS underlying scientific discourse that uninformed readers might translate to uninformed views of NOS. We call these implicit notions underlying scientific language use “epistemological notions.” In this article, we further define this construct of epistemological notions, contrast it with explicit views of NOS and other related constructs, explain how we think epistemological notions might affect explicit views of NOS, and present a framework we developed to characterize them in scientific language use. It is a descriptive and interpretative analysis framework which combines, optimizes, and extends several text analysis methods, discourse analysis, and reflexive thematic analysis. We provide a guide to use the framework and point out quality criteria. We finish by advocating the framework for educational researchers interested in developing instructional interventions during which learning about science is combined with explicit reflection on NOS. Identifying epistemological notions in scientific language use could provide starting points for these activities by making explicit the translation from NOS understanding to scientific practice and vice versa.
Field strength prediction of 220 kV cable oil terminal defects based on multivariate nonlinear regression model
Authors: Ren Zhigang , Guo Wei , Ji Hongquan , Geng Junwei , Cai Jing , Men Yekun , Liu Bo
Published: September 2024

During the installation of a cable oil terminal, it is easy to leave scratches on the main insulation owing to uneven forces when removing the semi-conductive layer. Scratch defects cause field intensity distortion, which leads to partial discharge and insulation failure. This study attempts to establish a simulation model of a 220 kV cable terminal to determine the effect of the length, depth, and position of the scratch on the maximum field strength at the defect. The simulation and experiment demonstrate that the maximum field strength at the defect increases with greater length and decreases as the depth increases. Therefore, a prediction method for the terminal defect field strength based on a multivariate nonlinear regression model was proposed in this study. When the defect is located at 20 mm from the root of the stress cone, the maximum field strength is 14.5 MV/m when the length and depth are 2 mm and 1 mm, respectively. The maximum field strength at the defect was predicted based on the length, depth, and position of the scratch defect to evaluate the severity of the defect.
Safety assessment of anti-B cell maturation antigen chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy: a real-world study based on the FDA adverse event reporting system database
Authors: Liu Wei , Lin Shuzhi , Zhu Xiaoying , Yin Lin , Liu Qian , Lei Shuang , Feng Bianling
Published: September 2024

Background

On April 18, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration officially required updating of the “boxed warning” for T cell malignancies for all chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapies. Given the clinical significance of these therapies, a rigorous safety assessment is paramount. However, comprehensive real-world safety studies have been lacking for the newly marketed CAR-T products idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) and ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), which target B cell maturation antigen, especially regarding the risk of secondary malignancies. Therefore, we aimed to thoroughly analyze the adverse events (AEs) information in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database to comprehensively understand the safety risks of ide-cel and cilta-cel.

Methods

We extracted AE reports related to ide-cel and cilta-cel from the FAERS database (https://fis.fda.gov/extensions/FPD-QDE-FAERS/FPD-QDE-FAERS.html.) from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023. Disproportionality analysis and Bayesian analysis were used to identify risk signals across subgroups and specific cases (including for death and secondary malignancies). Weibull distribution analysis was employed to determine the time to AE onset.

Results

A total of 695 AE reports for ide-cel and 848 for cilta-cel were included in the FAERS database. This analysis identified 81 positive signals for ide-cel and 74 for cilta-cel. Notably, comparisons with the drug labels revealed “unexpected signals,” including febrile bone marrow aplasia (reporting odds ratio=69.10; confidence interval 39.12–122.03) and plasma cell myeloma (12.45; 8.18–18.95) for ide-cel, and increased serum ferritin (24.98; 8.0–77.58) and large intestine perforation (18.57; 5.98–57.69) for cilta-cel. Both drugs showed a higher AE incidence among male recipients and patients aged ≥65 years, although female recipients faced a greater risk. Most AEs occurred at the early stage of administration. However, secondary malignancies were detected for both drugs, primarily occurring one-year post-administration.

Conclusion

This study provides a foundation for understanding the safety profile of CAR-T cell therapy, particularly in relation to the emergence of secondary malignancies. Such insights are helpful for clinical decision-making and the safe and effective utilization of these therapeutic agents.
Immune microenvironment in papillary thyroid carcinoma: roles of immune cells and checkpoints in disease progression and therapeutic implications
Authors: Zheng Xun , Sun Ruonan , Wei Tao
Published: September 2024

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common type of primary thyroid cancer. Despite the low malignancy and relatively good prognosis, some PTC cases are highly aggressive and even develop refractory cancer in the thyroid. Growing evidence suggested that microenvironment in tumor affected PTC biological behavior due to different immune states. Different interconnected components in the immune system influence and participate in tumor invasion, and are closely related to PTC metastasis. Immune cells and molecules are widely distributed in PTC tissues. Their quantity and proportion vary with the host’s immune status, which suggests that immunotherapy may be a very promising therapeutic modality for PTC. In this paper, we review the role of immune cells and immune checkpoints in PTC immune microenvironment based on the characteristics of the PTC tumor microenvironment.
Case report: Bridging radiation therapy before chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy induces sustained remission in patients with relapsed/refractory double-expressor diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with localized compressive symptoms
Authors: Yang Liying , Wu Mengdi , Yang Hao , Sun Xiaorong , Xing Lijie , Liu Dan , Xing Ligang , Yu Jinming
Published: September 2024

Background

High-risk double-expressor diffuse large B-cell lymphoma has an inferior prognosis following standard first-line therapy. After failure of second-line therapy, treatment options are limited if accompanied by localized compressive symptoms. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy preceded by bridging radiotherapy may be an effective emerging therapy.

Case presentation

We report a 66-year-old female patient diagnosed with stage IV double-expressor diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The patient achieved progressive disease after two cycles of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, liposomal doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone and continued to develop cervical lymph node recurrence after second-line therapy. The patient was infused with CAR-T cells after receiving focal bridging radiotherapy and remained in complete response more than 9 months after treatment. In addition, the patients did not experience serious adverse reactions related to radiotherapy as well as CAR-T cell therapy.

Conclusions

In this article, we describe a patient with double-expressor diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with localized compression symptoms after second-line treatment failure who benefited from CAR-T combined with focal bridging radiotherapy.
Differential immunological profiles in seronegative versus seropositive rheumatoid arthritis: Th17/Treg dysregulation and IL-4
Authors: Li Baochen , Su Rui , Guo Qiaoling , Su Ronghui , Gao Chong , Li Xiaofeng , Wang Caihong
Published: September 2024

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with various subtypes. Among these, seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (SnRA), distinguished by its distinctive seronegative antibody phenotype, presents clinical diagnosis and treatment challenges. This study aims to juxtapose the immunological features of SnRA with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (SpRA) to investigate potential mechanisms contributing to differences in antibody production.

Methods

This study included 120 patients diagnosed with RA and 78 patients diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), comprising 41 cases of SnRA and 79 cases of SpRA. Clinical, serological, and immune data were collected from all participants to systematically identify and confirm the most pivotal immunological distinctions between SnRA and SpRA.

Results

(1) SpRA demonstrates more pronounced T-helper 17 cells (Th17)/Regulatory T cells (Treg) dysregulation, vital immunological differences from SnRA. (2) SpRA exhibits higher inflammatory cytokine levels than SnRA and PsA. (3) Lymphocyte subset ratios and cytokine overall distribution in SnRA close to PsA. (4) Interleukin-4 (IL-4) emerges as the central immunological disparity marker between SnRA and SpRA.

Conclusion

Th17/Treg imbalance is one of the vital immunological disparities between SnRA and SpRA. Interestingly, PsA and SnRA display similar peripheral blood immunological profiles, providing immunological evidence for these two diseases’ clinical and pathological similarities. Furthermore, IL-4 emerges as the central immunological disparity marker between SnRA and SpRA, suggesting its potential role as a triggering mechanism for differential antibody production.
Chemotherapy combined with lenvatinib and PD-1 may be a potential better alternative option for advanced unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a retrospective real-world study
Authors: Dong Zhitao , Sui Chengjun , Lu Jiongjiong , Guo Junwu , Duan Kecai , Wang Kui , Geng Li , Dai Binghua , Yang Jiamei
Published: September 2024

Background

Currently, the prognosis of advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is poor, and the current treatment methods are not effective.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticancer efficacy of chemotherapy combined with PD-1 inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with ICC.

Methods

We retrospectively screened patients with advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) who received chemotherapy combined with lenvatinib and PD-1. We evaluated overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), the objective response rate (ORR), the disease control rate (DCR), the tumor shrinkage rate, and safety.

Results

We enrolled 95 patients with ICC and divided them into three groups with a median follow-up duration of 15.1 months. The chemotherapy group (chemo-regimen group), chemotherapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (dual-regimen group), and chemotherapy combined with lenvatinib (triple-regimen group) had median OS times of 13.1 months, 20.8 months, and 39.6 months, respectively. Notably, the triple-regimen group had a significantly longer OS than did the chemo-regimen and dual-regimen groups. The chemo-regimen group, dual-regimen group, and triple-regimen group reported median PFS durations of 4.8 months, 11.9 months, and 23.4 months, respectively. Both combination groups exhibited significantly longer PFS than the chemotherapy-only group (P<0.05). The ORRs of the chemo-regimen, dual-regimen, and triple-regimen groups were 18.2%, 55.5%, and 54.7%, respectively. The DCRs were 72.7%, 90%, and 96.2%, respectively, indicating significantly better outcomes in the combination therapy groups.

Conclusion

The combination of chemotherapy with PD-1 inhibitors and lenvatinib demonstrates considerable efficacy and tolerability as a treatment strategy for patients with advanced ICC.
Exploring Siamese network to estimate sea state bias of synthetic aperture radar altimeter
Authors: Ma Chunyong , Hou Qianqian , Liu Chen , Liu Yalong , Duan Yingying , Zhang Chengfeng , Chen Ge
Published: September 2024

Sea state bias (SSB) is a crucial error of satellite radar altimetry over the ocean surface. For operational nonparametric SSB (NPSSB) models, such as two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) NPSSB, the solution process becomes increasingly complex and the construction of their regression functions pose challenges as the dimensionality of relevant variables increases. And most current SSB correction models for altimeters still follow those of traditional nadir radar altimeters, which limits their applicability to Synthetic Aperture Radar altimeters. Therefore, to improve this situation, this study has explored the influence of multi-dimensional SSB models on Synthetic Aperture Radar altimeters. This paper proposes a deep learning-based SSB estimation model called SNSSB, which employs a Siamese network framework, takes various multi-dimensional variables related to sea state as inputs, and uses the difference in sea surface height (SSH) at self-crossover points as the label. Experiments were conducted using Sentinel-6 self-crossover data from 2021 to 2023, and the model is evaluated using three main metrics: the variance of the SSH difference, the explained variance, and the SSH difference variance index (SVDI). The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed SNSSB model can further improve the accuracy of SSB estimation. On a global scale, compared to the traditional NPSSB, the multi-dimensional SNSSB not only decreases the variance of the SSH difference by over 11%, but also improves the explained variance by 5-10 cm2 in mid- and low-latitude regions. And the regional SNSSB also performs well, reducing the variance of the SSH difference by over 10% compared to the NPSSB. Additionally, the SNSSB model improves the computational efficiency by approximately 100 times. The favorable results highlight the potential of the multi-dimensional SNSSB in constructing SSB models, particularly the five-dimensional (5D) SNSSB, representing a breakthrough in overcoming the limitations of traditional NPSSB for constructing high-dimensional models. This study provides a novel approach to exploring the multiple influencing factors of SSB.
Cloning, identification, and functional analysis of foxl2 gene and its expression after 17β‐estradiol (E2) treatment in Dabry’s sturgeon, Acipenser dabryanus
Authors: Hu Yacheng , Tan Ruihua , Shu Tingting , Chu Zhong , Wang Haoran , Chen Yining , Zhu Xin , Li Yang , Wang Binzhong , Guo Baifu , Wang Runqiu , Qu Huantao , Zhang Dezhi , Du Hejun , Li Zhiyuan , Xu Dan , Jiang Wei , Li Qingfei , Yang Yuanjin
Published: September 2024

The study focuses on the critically endangered Dabry’s sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus), a species on the brink of extinction in the wild. This research investigates the role of the Forkhead box protein L2 (foxl2) in the gonadal development and differentiation of this species. The foxl2 gene, known for its role in various physiological processes, including sexual maturation, is hypothesized to play a significant role in the sex differentiation of Dabry’s sturgeon. This study cloned the full-length cds sequence of the foxl2 gene and analyzed its expression across various tissues, focusing on its response to estradiol treatment. Our findings indicate that foxl2 is predominantly expressed in ovaries and shows a dose-dependent response to estradiol, suggesting its potential role in ovarian differentiation. This research underscores the importance of foxl2 in understanding reproductive biology and offers a foundation for future conservation strategies.
Sequencing technology in sarcopenia: current research progress and future trends
Authors: Yang Yuxia , Meng Xiangji , Dai Xiaomei , Zhang Jian , Dai Jihang , Wang Jingcheng , Fei Wenyong
Published: September 2024

Background

Muscle is an important tissue of the human body. Muscle atrophy is common in people of all ages, which will lead to human weakness and decline of motor function, which is one of the important causes of disability. The common methods of genomics research are transcriptome, proteomics and metabolomics, which are important means to explore the molecular pathology of diseases. In recent years, combinatorial research has been carried out on a large scale in the field of muscle atrophy. However, no author in this field has carried out bibliometrics and visual analysis.

Methods

In this study, articles related to the histological study of muscular dystrophy since 2000 were searched from the Web of Science core database (WoSCC). We will retrieve the results through CiteSpace, VosViewer and R for data statistics and visual analysis.

Results

In this study, a total of 141 publications were collected, and the number of publications increased year by year. These 141 articles came from 1031 co-authors from 361 institutions in 31 countries and were published in 92 journals. A total of 6286 articles from 1383 journals were cited. Authors from American institutions have published the most articles and have been cited the most, and authors from other countries have also made considerable contributions.

Conclusion

This is the first bibliometric and visual analysis of published research in the field of muscular dystrophy through systematic data retrieval and combined with a variety of bibliometric analysis tools. Through these data, we summarize the previous studies of scholars, and provide prospects for future research in the field.
MicroRNAs: emerging biomarkers and therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Yuan Jiaqian , Yan Kaiqi , Guo Yong , Li Yan
Published: September 2024

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly malignant disease with high aggressiveness and a dismal prognosis, which is challenging to diagnose clinically early and gains low benefit from standard therapies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have become a hot topic in oncology research. Current evidence indicates that miRNAs are regulators involved in the entire process of PC, providing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for this fatal disease. Related research has been rapidly updated, making it necessary to review it to propose new directions and ideas and provide guidance for the development of precision medicine for PC. We reviewed the relevant literature through Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science and Medline, showing that abnormally expressed miRNAs in PC patients have the potential to be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, highlighting the excellent prospect of combining miRNAs with traditional therapies, and the effective application of these factors for PC, especially miRNA mimics and inhibitors. MiRNAs participate in the entire process of PC and play important roles in diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. They are potential factors in conquering PC in the future.
De novo and recurrent post-transplant membranous nephropathy cases show similar rates of concurrent antibody-mediated rejection
Authors: Khorsandi Nikka , Han Hwarang Stephen , Rajalingam Raja , Shoji Jun , Urisman Anatoly
Published: September 2024

Background

Membranous nephropathy (MN) can develop post-kidney transplant and is classified as a recurrent disease in patients with a history of MN in the native kidneys or as de novo disease in patients without such history. The mechanism of recurrent MN is thought to be like that of primary MN, but the mechanism of de novo MN is not well delineated. An association between de novo MN and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) has been suggested.

Methods

A search of the pathology database from our medical center identified 11 cases of recurrent and 15 cases of de novo MN, in which clinical and histologic findings were compared. No significant differences were identified in the demographic characteristics, serum creatinine and proteinuria trends, or rates of allograft failure between the recurrent and de novo MN groups.

Results

Rates of concurrent AMR were high in both groups (36% and 40%, respectively) but not statistically different from each other. PLA2R immunofluorescence (IF) positivity was seen in 64% of recurrent MN cases compared to 33% of de novo MN cases, suggesting a higher incidence of PLA2R-positive de novo MN than previously reported. No significant histologic differences were identified in the initial biopsies from the two groups, except mean IgG intensity by IF was higher in the recurrent group, suggesting a higher load of immune complex deposits at diagnosis in this group.

Conclusion

The findings do not provide support for a specific association between AMR and de novo MN, but whether there is a possible link between both forms of post-transplant MN and AMR remains an unanswered question.
Examining the overlap between tinnitus and depression questionnaires—protocol for an ICF based content analysis
Authors: Fuchten Denise , Smit Adriana L. , Stegeman Inge
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Tinnitus is a common phenomenon with an estimated prevalence of 14.4% in the adult population. The experienced severity of tinnitus varies significantly among this population. Psychological factors have been identified as major contributors to this perceived severity, and numerous studies have demonstrated a correlation between symptoms of depression and tinnitus severity. However, the assessment of tinnitus severity and depressive symptoms often relies on self-report questionnaires, which show content overlap. This can pose challenges in distinguishing both conditions and interpreting their relationship. To address these challenges, the proposed study aims to examine the overlap between tinnitus and depressive symptom questionnaires by analyzing their content based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.

Methods and analysis

Six validated, multi-item, self-report questionnaires measuring perceived tinnitus severity (THI, TQ, mTQ, THQ, TRQ, TFI) and seven validated, multi-item, self-report, depressive symptom questionnaires (BDI-II, HADS-D, SDS, PHQ-9, CES-D, SCL-90-R depression subscale, DASS-42 depression subscale) will be included in the content analysis. The content of all items of these questionnaires will be linked to ICF categories and item overlap between the tinnitus and depressive symptom questionnaires will be analyzed.

Discussion

By exploring the overlap between depression and tinnitus questionnaires, this study seeks to gain a better understanding of the relationship between tinnitus and depression, by distinguishing between shared content and independent constructs of symptom scores and shedding light on the factors influencing their measured severity.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this study, due to the characteristics of the study design. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed open access publication and scientific conferences.
SEEG4D: a tool for 4D visualization of stereoelectroencephalography data
Authors: Evans James L. , Bramlet Matthew T. , Davey Connor , Bethke Eliot , Anderson Aaron T. , Huesmann Graham , Varatharajah Yogatheesan , Maldonado Andres , Amos Jennifer R. , Sutton Bradley P.
Published: September 2024

Epilepsy is a prevalent and serious neurological condition which impacts millions of people worldwide. Stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG) is used in cases of drug resistant epilepsy to aid in surgical resection planning due to its high spatial resolution and ability to visualize seizure onset zones. For accurate localization of the seizure focus, sEEG studies combine pre-implantation magnetic resonance imaging, post-implant computed tomography to visualize electrodes, and temporally recorded sEEG electrophysiological data. Many tools exist to assist in merging multimodal spatial information; however, few allow for an integrated spatiotemporal view of the electrical activity. In the current work, we present SEEG4D, an automated tool to merge spatial and temporal data into a complete, four-dimensional virtual reality (VR) object with temporal electrophysiology that enables the simultaneous viewing of anatomy and seizure activity for seizure localization and presurgical planning. We developed an automated, containerized pipeline to segment tissues and electrode contacts. Contacts are aligned with electrical activity and then animated based on relative power. SEEG4D generates models which can be loaded into VR platforms for viewing and planning with the surgical team. Automated contact segmentation locations are within 1 mm of trained raters and models generated show signal propagation along electrodes. Critically, spatial–temporal information communicated through our models in a VR space have potential to enhance sEEG pre-surgical planning.
Iatrogenic pediatric unilateral vocal cord paralysis after cardiac surgery: a review
Authors: Callaghan Amy , El-Hakim Hamdy , Isaac Andre
Published: September 2024

Unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP) is a growing area of research in pediatrics as it spans across many specialties including otolaryngology, cardiology, general surgery, respirology, and speech language pathology. Iatrogenic injury is the most common cause of UVCP, however there is a wide range of data reporting the prevalence, symptom burden, and best treatment practice for this condition. The literature included systematic reviews and meta-analyses, retrospective studies and limited prospective studies. Overall, the literature lacked consistency in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcomes of patients with UVCP. Many articles conflated bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP) with UVCP and had limited data on the natural history of the condition. There was no consensus on objective and subjective measurements to evaluate the condition or best indications for requiring surgical intervention. Thyroplasty, injection medialization (IM) and recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation (RLNR) were the reported surgical interventions used to treat UVCP, however there was limited data on short and long-term surgical outcomes in children. More research is needed to determine the true prevalence, natural history, indications for surgical intervention and long-term outcomes for pediatric patients with this condition.
The different effects of four adenosine receptors in liver fibrosis
Authors: Yang Lan , Gao Zhao-wei , Wang Xi , Wu Xia-nan , Li Si-min , Dong Ke , Zhu Xiao-ming
Published: September 2024

Background

The adenosine–adenosine receptor pathway plays important roles in the immune system and inflammation. Four adenosine receptors (i.e., A1R, A2AR, A2BR, and A3R) have been identified. However, the roles of these receptors were different in the disease progress and even play opposite roles in the same disease. This study aims to investigate the roles of A1R/A2AR/A2BR/A3R activation in liver fibrosis.

Methods

Intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 into C57BL/6 mice was used to induce liver fibrosis in the models. Adenosine receptor agonists CCPA, CGS21680, BAY 60-6583, and namodenoson were used for A1R/A2AR/A2BR/A3R activation, respectively. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were used to evaluate the liver function. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to investigate the pathological damage. Masson staining and Sirius Red staining were performed to evaluate the degree of collagen deposition. CCK8 and scratch assays were used to investigate the proliferation and migration ability of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).

Results

By using liver fibrosis mouse models, we observed that the A1R and A2AR agonists aggravated liver fibrosis, characterized by increasing ALT and AST levels, more serious liver pathological damage, and collagen deposition. However, the A2BR and A3R agonists alleviated liver fibrosis. Moreover, the A1R and A2AR agonist treatment promotes the proliferation and migration of HSC line LX2, while A2BR and A3R agonist treatment inhibited LX2 proliferation and migration. Consistently, A1R and A2AR agonist treatment elevated the expression of α-SMA and Col1α1 in LX2, whereas A2BR and A3R agonist treatment inhibited the expression of α-SMA and Col1α1 in LX2 cells. Additionally, 5′-N-ethyl-carboxamidoadenosine (NECA), a metabolically stable adenosine analog, alleviated liver fibrosis and inhibited LX2 cell activity, proliferation, and migration.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the different roles of A1R/A2AR/A2BR/A3R during liver fibrosis development via regulating the HSC activity and proliferation.
Effect of ketone monoester supplementation on elite operators’ mountaineering training
Authors: Miyatsu Toshiya , McAdam Jeremy , Coleman Kody , Chappe Ed , Tuggle Steven C. , McClure Tyler , Bamman Marcas M.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Special Operations Forces (SOF) often conduct operations in physiologically stressful environments such as severe heat, cold, or hypoxia, which can induce decreases in a variety of cognitive abilities. Given the promising empirical demonstration of the efficacy of exogenous ketone monoester (KME) supplementation in attenuating cognitive performance decrease during hypoxia at rest in a laboratory setting, we conducted a real-world, field experiment examining KME’s efficacy during high-altitude mountaineering, an austere environment in which US SOF have conducted increasing numbers of operations over the past two decades.

Methods

Specifically, 34 students and cadre at the US Army 10th Special Forces Group Special Operations Advanced Mountaineering School (SOAMS) participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo (PLA)–controlled crossover trial (KME vs. PLA) over 2 days of tactical mountain operations training. The participants ascended from 7,500 ft in altitude (basecamp) to 12,460 ft on 1 day and 13,627 ft the other day (in randomized order), while performing various training activities inducing high physical and cognitive loads over 8–12 h, and consumed six doses of KME or PLA 2–3 h apart throughout each training day.

Results and Discussion

While KME increased blood ketone levels and decreased glucose levels, there were no clear indications that the elevated ketone level enhanced physical or cognitive performance. KME also produced a greater incidence of heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. In these elite operators, high-altitude mountaineering had a limited impact on cognitive performance, and KME supplementation did not demonstrate any benefit.
Mitochondrial genome study of Camellia oleifera revealed the tandem conserved gene cluster of nad5–nads in evolution
Authors: Gu Yiyang , Yang Liying , Zhou Junqin , Xiao Zhun , Lu Mengqi , Zeng Yanling , Tan Xiaofeng
Published: September 2024

Camellia oleifera is a kind of high-quality oil supply species. Its seeds contain rich unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant active ingredients, which is a kind of high-quality edible oil. In this study, we used bioinformatics methods to decipher a hexaploid Camellia oil tree’s mitochondrial (mt) genome based on second-generation sequencing data. A 709,596 bp circular map of C. oleifera mt genome was found for the first time. And 74 genes were annotated in the whole genome. Mt genomes of C. oleifera and three Theaceae species had regions with high similarity, including gene composition and gene sequence. At the same time, five conserved gene pairs were found in 20 species. In all of the mt genomes, most of nad genes existed in tandem pairs. In addition, the species classification result, which, according to the gene differences in tandem with nad5 genes, was consistent with the phylogenetic tree. These initial results provide a valuable basis for the further researches of Camellia oleifera and a reference for the systematic evolution of plant mt genomes.
Role of bacterial pathogens in microbial ecological networks in hydroponic plants
Authors: Liu Wenyi , Zhang Zhihua , Zhang Bin , Zhu Yi , Zhu Chongwen , Chen Chaoyong , Zhang Fangxu , Liu Feng , Ai Jixiang , Wang Wei , Kong Wuyuan , Xiang Haoming , Wang Weifeng , Gong Daoxin , Meng Delong , Zhu Li
Published: September 2024

Plant-associated microbial communities are crucial for plant growth and health. However, assembly mechanisms of microbial communities and microbial interaction patterns remain elusive across vary degrees of pathogen-induced diseases. By using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology, we investigated the impact of wildfire disease on the microbial composition and interaction network in plant three different compartments. The results showed that pathogen infection significantly affect the phyllosphere and rhizosphere microbial community. We found that the primary sources of microbial communities in healthy and mildly infected plants were from the phyllosphere and hydroponic solution community. Mutual exchanges between phyllosphere and rhizosphere communities were observed, but microbial species migration from the leaf to the root was rarely observed in severely infected plants. Moreover, wildfire disease reduced the diversity and network complexity of plant microbial communities. Interactions among pathogenic bacterial members suggested that Caulobacter and Bosea might be crucial “pathogen antagonists” inhibiting the spread of wildfire disease. Our study provides deep insights into plant pathoecology, which is helpful for the development of novel strategies for phyllosphere disease prediction or prevention.
Potassium indole-3-butyric acid affects rice’s adaptability to salt stress by regulating carbon metabolism, transcription factor genes expression, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites
Authors: Zhou Hang , Meng Fengyan , Jiang Wenxin , Lu Xutong , Zhang Rui , Huang Anqi , Wu Kunlun , Deng Peng , Wang Yaxin , Zhao Huimin , Du Youwei , Huo Jingxin , Du Xiaole , Feng Naijie , Zheng Dianfeng
Published: September 2024

Soil salinity pollution is increasing worldwide, seriously affecting plant growth and crop production. Existing reports on how potassium indole-3-butyric acid (IBAK) regulates rice salt stress adaptation by affecting rice carbon metabolism, transcription factor (TF) genes expression, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites still have limitations. In this study, an IBAK solution at 40 mg L−1 was sprayed on rice leaves at the seedling stage. The results showed that the IBAK application could promote shoot and root growth, decrease sucrose and fructose content, increase starch content, and enhance acid invertase (AI) and neutral invertase (NI) activity under salt stress, indicating altered carbon allocation. Furthermore, the expression of TF genes belonging to the ethylene responsive factor (ERF), WRKY, and basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) families was influenced by IBAK. Many key genes (OsSSIIc, OsSHM1, and OsPPDKB) and metabolites (2-oxoglutaric acid, fumaric acid, and succinic acid) were upregulated in the carbon metabolism pathway. In addition, this study highlighted the role of IBAK in regulating the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites pathway, potentially contributing to rice stress adaptability. The results of this study can provide new sustainable development solutions for agricultural production.
Positional differences in the micro- and ultra-structural variations of ray parenchyma cells during the transformation from sapwood to heartwood
Authors: Yin Lijuan , Ma Lingyu , Jiang Xiaomei , Zhang Yonggang , Wei Yupei , Cao Yuan , Yao Lihong , Guo Juan
Published: September 2024

Ray parenchyma cells are involved in the initiation of heartwood formation. The position within a ray influences the timing of ray parenchyma cell differentiation and function; however, there is little information concerning the positional influence on the cellular changes of ray parenchyma cells from sapwood and heartwood. In this study, radial variations in morphology, size, and ultrastructure of ray parenchyma cells were studied by combined transmission electron microscopy and optical microscopy. Results showed that cellular traits of ray parenchyma cells in Populus tomentosa were all affected by both radial position in the secondary xylem and position within a ray. Specifically, radial variations in cellular traits were more evident in isolation cells, which were not adjacent to vessel elements. Both cell length and cell width/length ratio of isolation cells were bigger than contact cells, which contacted adjacent vessel elements via pits. Moreover, the secondary wall thickening and lignification of contact cells developed in the current-year xylem, much earlier than isolation cells. Secondary walls in contact cells were in a polylamellate structure with a protective layer on the inner side. No alteration in the ultrastructure of contact cells occurred in the sapwood-heartwood transition zone, except that most contact cells died. By contrast, in the transition zone, isolation cells still lived. A thin secondary wall began to deposit on the thick primary wall of isolation cells, with two isotropic layers on the inner side of the primary wall and secondary wall respectively being characteristic. Meanwhile, starch grains in isolation cells were depleted, and dark polyphenolic droplets lost their spherical shape and flowed together. Furthermore, the intercellular spaces of isolation cells became densified in the transition zone. Overall, cellular changes suggested that the positional information of ray parenchyma cells appeared to be an important factor in the transformation from sapwood to heartwood. Unlike contact cells, isolation cells were more elongated, specialized in radial transport, had a delayed formation of secondary walls, and were involved in the synthesis of heartwood substances. Our result promotes the elucidation of the involvement of xylem rays in heartwood formation.
Differential symbiotic compatibilities between rhizobium strains and cultivated and wild soybeans revealed by anatomical and transcriptome analyses
Authors: Zadegan Sobhan Bahrami , Kim Wonseok , Abbas Hafiz Muhammad Khalid , Kim Sunhyung , Krishnan Hari B. , Hewezi Tarek
Published: September 2024

Various species of rhizobium establish compatible symbiotic relationships with soybean (Glycine max) leading to the formation of nitrogen-fixing nodules in roots. The formation of functional nodules is mediated through complex developmental and transcriptional reprogramming that involves the activity of thousands of plant genes. However, host transcriptome that differentiate between functional or non-functional nodules remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated differential compatibilities between rhizobium strains (Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens USDA110 Bradyrhizobium sp. strain LVM105) and cultivated and wild soybeans. The nodulation assays revealed that both USDA110 and LVM105 strains effectively nodulate G. soja but only USDA110 can form symbiotic relationships with Williams 82. LVM105 formed pseudonodules on Williams 82 that consist of a central nodule-like mass that are devoid of any rhizobia. RNA-seq data revealed that USDA110 and LVM105 induce distinct transcriptome programing in functional mature nodules formed on G. soja roots, where genes involved in nucleosome assembly, DNA replication, regulation of cell cycle, and defense responses play key roles. Transcriptome comparison also suggested that activation of genes associated with cell wall biogenesis and organization and defense responses together with downregulation of genes involved in the biosynthesis of isoprenoids and antioxidant stress are associated with the formation of non-functional nodules on Williams 82 roots. Moreover, our analysis implies that increased activity of genes involved in oxygen binding, amino acid transport, and nitrate transport differentiates between fully-developed nodules in cultivated versus wild soybeans.
LC-MS based metabolomics identification of natural metabolites against Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Yang Wenjuan , Tang Sidi , Xu Rubing , Zhang Lu , Zhou Zihao , Yang Yong , Li Yanyan , Xiang Haibo
Published: September 2024

Fusarium is a soil-borne pathogen that poses a serious threat to the quality and yield of hundreds of crops worldwide, particularly tobacco production. Using metabolomics technology, we investigated natural metabolites from disease-conducting soil (DCS) and disease-suppressing soil (DSS) of tobacco rhizosphere as fungicides to control tobacco Fusarium wilt (TFW), which is mainly caused by Fusarium oxysporum. Furthermore, the antifungal mechanisms of these natural metabolites were preliminarily elucidated through various assessments, including antifungal activity determination, chemotaxis effect tests, PI staining experiments, and measurements of extracellular conductivity and protein content. Metabolomics results showed that the DCS with three different disease grades (G1, G5 and G9 groups) had significantly higher levels of 15, 14 and 233 differential rhizosphere metabolites (DRMs) and significantly lower levels of 72, 152 and 170 DRMs compared to the DSS (G0 group). According to KEGG pathway analysis, these DRMs were found to be enriched in the caffeine metabolism, biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids, galactose metabolism and tyrosine metabolism, etc. Linustatin, scopoletin and phenylpropiolic acid were picked out from these DRMs and found to have suppressive activity against F. oxysporum through correlation analysis and antifungal experiments. The three DRMs showed strong inhibitory effects on the growth and spore germination of F. oxysporum at concentrations of 0.5 mM or higher in each test period. Furthermore, F. oxysporum showed a phobotaxis effect against these three DRMs at concentrations as low as 0.25 mM. Finally, we found that the three DRMs had an inhibitory effect on F. oxysporum by destroying the integrity of the cell membrane and increasing the membrane permeability of F. oxysporum. This study firstly reports the inhibition activity of phenylpropiolic acid and linustatin on F. oxysporum, providing a practical and environmentally friendly method for biocontrol of TFW by using natural fungicides.
Liberal visions of multiculturalism and majoritarianism
Authors: LeVan A. Carl
Published: September 2024

Liberalism advances democratic rights and representation through three principles. First, it seeks to protect individuals from abusive state power. Second, it shares an affinity with the epistemology of the Enlightenment, where an objective world can be discovered and observed. Third, it limits “tyranny of the majority” through civil liberties that counter the weight of public opinion and political rights that enable political competition of ideas. Rapidly evolving demands for recognition in the United States have advanced a broad critique of liberalism, highlighting the boundaries it imposes on representation as well as its limited success protecting rights. This essay traces disenchantment with liberalism to two very different sources: first, many progressives who resent how the jurisprudence of equal opportunity obscures efforts to achieve actual equality reject “anonymity” under the law—removing a core civil rights principle for promoting fairness. Such demands for more explicit rights and representation conflict with the majoritarian model’s application of liberalism, which biases cultural assimilation over multicultural integration. Movements for recognition increasingly challenge both assimilation and the institutional devices of multicultural integration. The other source of tension around recognition comes from the right, where populists have set out to revive nativist ideas of coerced assimilation or outright homogenization through exclusion (ie, non-recognition). Such failures of representation have promoted subjectivist views as a credential for contesting facts. The paper argues for “pluralist solidarity” as a tool for reconciling multiculturalism with new rights and demands for recognition emanating from liberalism’s traditions of individual liberty. This device aims to help separate the quest for recognition and dignity from the subjectivity that contributes to post-truth politics.
Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder and associated factors among police officers in Central Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia, 2023: institutional-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Adugna Biruk , Tesfaye Bizuneh , Ali Dawed , Mirkena Yohannes , Getinet Wondale
Published: September 2024

Background

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that follows exposure to a traumatic or stressful life event. Police officers are exposed to a number of traumatic events that put them at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder. Previous studies have found the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among police officers to be varied and inclusive. However, in Ethiopia, little is known about the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder and associated factors among police officers. Therefore, assessing the prevalence and associated factors of post-traumatic stress disorder among police officers might have a plausible role in future investigations.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder and associated factors among police officers in Central Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia, 2023.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Central Gondar Zone by using self-administered and semi-structured questionnaires. A multi-stage cluster sampling technique was employed to select a sample of 634 participants. Post-traumatic stress disorder was assessed using the PTSD Checklist DSM-5. The collected data were coded and entered using Epi data Software version 4.6.02 and then exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. Statistically significant results were declared at a 95% confidence interval (CI) of a p-value less than 0.05.

Results

The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder was found to be 15.2%, with a 95% CI of 12.5% to 18.3%. In the multivariate analysis, female (AOR = 3.36, 95% CI 1.95–5.78), being directly exposed to traumatic events (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.16–3.48), current alcohol use (AOR = 2.90, 95% CI 1.65–5.12), and having poor social support (AOR = 4.25, 95% CI 1.58–11.36) were factors significantly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Conclusion

According to this study, police officers suffered from a significant burden of post-traumatic stress disorder. Female sex, police personnel directly exposed to traumatic events, current alcohol users, and those who had poor social support were found to be strongly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, early detection and intervention are crucial to mitigating the overall problem.