bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OMICS Analyses Unraveling Related Gene and Protein-Driven Molecular Mechanisms Underlying PACAP 38-Induced Neurite Outgrowth in PC12 Cells
Authors: Shibato Junko , Takenoya Fumiko , Yamashita Michio , Gupta Ravi , Min Cheol Woo , Kim Sun Tae , Kimura Ai , Takasaki Ichiro , Hori Motohide , Shioda Seiji , Rakwal Randeep
Published: February 2023

The study aimed to understand mechanism/s of neuronal outgrowth in the rat adrenal-derived pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12) under pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) treatment. Neurite projection elongation was suggested to be mediated via Pac1 receptor-mediated dephosphorylation of CRMP2, where GSK-3β, CDK5, and Rho/ROCK dephosphorylated CRMP2 within 3 h after addition of PACAP, but the dephosphorylation of CRMP2 by PACAP remained unclear. Thus, we attempted to identify the early factors in PACAP-induced neurite projection elongation via omics-based transcriptomic (whole genome DNA microarray) and proteomic (TMT-labeled liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) analyses of gene and protein expression profiles from 5–120 min after PACAP addition. The results revealed a number of key regulators involved in neurite outgrowth, including known ones, called ‘Initial Early Factors’, e.g., genes Inhba, Fst, Nr4a1,2,3, FAT4, Axin2, and proteins Mis12, Cdk13, Bcl91, CDC42, including categories of ‘serotonergic synapse, neuropeptide and neurogenesis, and axon guidance’. cAMP signaling and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways and a calcium signaling pathway might be involved in CRMP2 dephosphorylation. Cross-referencing previous research, we tried to map these molecular components onto potential pathways, and we may provide important new information on molecular mechanisms of neuronal differentiation induced by PACAP. Gene and protein expression data are publicly available at NCBI GSE223333 and ProteomeXchange, identifier PXD039992.
Role of the Subtilisin-like Serine Protease CJPRB from Cordyceps javanica in Eliciting an Immune Response in Hyphantria cunea
Authors: Wang Wenxiu , Chen Fengmao
Published: February 2023

Hyphantria cunea is a globally distributed quarantine plant pest. In a previous study, the Cordyceps javanica strain BE01 with a strong pathogenic effect on H. cunea was identified, and overexpression of the subtilisin-like serine protease CJPRB of this strain was found to accelerate the death of H. cunea (previous research results). In this study, the active recombinant CJPRB protein was obtained through the Pichia pastoris expression system. It was found that CJPRB protein administration to H. cunea via infectation, feeding and injection was able to induce changes in protective enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and the expression of immune defense-related genes in H. cunea. In particular, CJPRB protein injection induced a more rapid, widespread and intense immune response in H. cunea compared to the other two treatment methods. The results suggest that the CJPRB protein may play a role in eliciting a host immune response during infectation by C. javanica.
Methylphenidate Promotes Premature Growth Plate Closure: In Vitro Evidence
Authors: Pazos-Pérez Andrés , Piñeiro-Ramil María , Franco-Trepat Eloi , Guillán-Fresco María , López-López Verónica , Jorge-Mora Alberto , Alonso-Pérez Ana , Gómez Rodolfo
Published: February 2023

It is well known that patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treated with stimulants, such as methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH), have reduced height and weight. Even though MPH has an anorexigenic effect, an additional impact of this drug on the growth plate cannot be discarded. In this study, we aimed to determine the cellular effect of MPH on an in vitro growth plate model. We tested the effects of MPH on the viability and proliferation of a prechondrogenic cell line via an MTT assay. In vitro differentiation of this cell line was performed, and cell differentiation was evaluated through the expression of cartilage- and bone-related genes as measured via RT-PCR. MPH did not alter the viability or proliferation of prechondrogenic cells. However, it reduced the expression of cartilage extracellular matrix-related genes (type II collagen and aggrecan) and increased the expression of genes involved in growth plate calcification (Runx2, type I collagen, and osteocalcin) at different phases of their differentiation process. Our results evidence that MPH upregulates genes associated with growth plate hypertrophic differentiation. This may induce premature closure of the growth plate, which would contribute to the growth retardation that has been described to be induced by this drug.
Placental Mitochondrial Function and Dysfunction in Preeclampsia
Authors: Jahan Fahmida , Vasam Goutham , Green Alex E. , Bainbridge Shannon A. , Menzies Keir J.
Published: February 2023

The placenta is a vital organ of pregnancy, regulating adaptation to pregnancy, gestational parent/fetal exchange, and ultimately, fetal development and growth. Not surprisingly, in cases of placental dysfunction—where aspects of placental development or function become compromised—adverse pregnancy outcomes can result. One common placenta-mediated disorder of pregnancy is preeclampsia (PE), a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy with a highly heterogeneous clinical presentation. The wide array of clinical characteristics observed in pregnant individuals and neonates of a PE pregnancy are likely the result of distinct forms of placental pathology underlying the PE diagnosis, explaining why no one common intervention has proven effective in the prevention or treatment of PE. The historical paradigm of placental pathology in PE highlights an important role for utero–placental malperfusion, placental hypoxia and oxidative stress, and a critical role for placental mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease. In the current review, the evidence of placental mitochondrial dysfunction in the context of PE will be summarized, highlighting how altered mitochondrial function may be a common feature across distinct PE subtypes. Further, advances in this field of study and therapeutic targeting of mitochondria as a promising intervention for PE will be discussed.
Chemosensory Ability and Sensitivity in Health and Disease: Epigenetic Regulation and COVID-19
Authors: Bhatia-Dey Naina , Csoka Antonei B. , Heinbockel Thomas
Published: February 2023

Throughout the animal kingdom, our two chemical senses, olfaction and gustation, are defined by two primary factors: genomic architecture of the organisms and their living environment. During the past three years of the global COVID-19 pandemic, these two sensory modalities have drawn much attention at the basic science and clinical levels because of the strong association of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction with viral infection. Loss of our sense of smell alone, or together with a loss of taste, has emerged as a reliable indicator of COVID-19 infection. Previously, similar dysfunctions have been detected in a large cohort of patients with chronic conditions. The research focus remains on understanding the persistence of olfactory and gustatory disturbances in the post-infection phase, especially in cases with long-term effect of infection (long COVID). Also, both sensory modalities show consistent age-related decline in studies aimed to understand the pathology of neurodegenerative conditions. Some studies using classical model organisms show an impact on neural structure and behavior in offspring as an outcome of parental olfactory experience. The methylation status of specific odorant receptors, activated in parents, is passed on to the offspring. Furthermore, experimental evidence indicates an inverse correlation of gustatory and olfactory abilities with obesity. Such diverse lines of evidence emerging from basic and clinical research studies indicate a complex interplay of genetic factors, evolutionary forces, and epigenetic alterations. Environmental factors that regulate gustation and olfaction could induce epigenetic modulation. However, in turn, such modulation leads to variable effects depending on genetic makeup and physiological status. Therefore, a layered regulatory hierarchy remains active and is passed on to multiple generations. In the present review, we attempt to understand the experimental evidence that indicates variable regulatory mechanisms through multilayered and cross-reacting pathways. Our analytical approach will add to enhancement of prevailing therapeutic interventions and bring to the forefront the significance of chemosensory modalities for the evaluation and maintenance of long-term health.
The Biological Behaviors of Neural Stem Cell Affected by Microenvironment from Host Organotypic Brain Slices under Different Conditions
Authors: Jiao Qian , Wang Li , Zhang Zhichao , Chen Xinlin , Lu Haixia , Liu Yong
Published: February 2023

Therapeutic strategies based on neural stem cells (NSCs) transplantation bring new hope for neural degenerative disorders, while the biological behaviors of NSCs after being grafted that were affected by the host tissue are still largely unknown. In this study, we engrafted NSCs that were isolated from a rat embryonic cerebral cortex onto organotypic brain slices to examine the interaction between grafts and the host tissue both in normal and pathological conditions, including oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) and traumatic injury. Our data showed that the survival and differentiation of NSCs were strongly influenced by the microenvironment of the host tissue. Enhanced neuronal differentiation was observed in normal conditions, while significantly more glial differentiation was observed in injured brain slices. The process growth of grafted NSCs was guided by the cytoarchitecture of host brain slices and showed the distinct difference between the cerebral cortex, corpus callosum and striatum. These findings provided a powerful resource for unraveling how the host environment determines the fate of grafted NSCs, and raise the prospect of NSCs transplantation therapy for neurological diseases.
Association between NLRP3 rs10754558 and CARD8 rs2043211 Variants and Susceptibility to Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: La Russa Antonella , Lofaro Danilo , Montesanto Alberto , La Russa Daniele , Zaza Gianluigi , Granata Simona , Di Dio Michele , Serra Raffaele , Andreucci Michele , Bonofiglio Renzo , Perri Anna
Published: February 2023

Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) is a multi-protein complex belonging to the innate immune system, whose activation by danger stimuli promotes inflammatory cell death. Evidence supports the crucial role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the transition of acute kidney injury to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), by promoting both inflammation and fibrotic processes. Variants of NLRP3 pathway-related genes, such as NLRP3 itself and CARD8, have been associated with susceptibility to different autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated for the first time the association of functional variants of NLRP3 pathway-related genes (NLRP3-rs10754558, CARD8-rs2043211), with a susceptibility to CKD. A cohort of kidney transplant recipients, dialysis and CKD stage 3–5 patients (303 cases) and a cohort of elderly controls (85 subjects) were genotyped for the variants of interest and compared by using logistic regression analyses. Our analysis showed a significantly higher G allele frequency of the NLRP3 variant (67.3%) and T allele of the CARD8 variant (70.8%) among cases, compared with the control sample (35.9 and 31.2%, respectively). Logistic regressions showed significant associations (p < 0.001) between NLRP3 and CARD8 variants and cases. Our results suggest that the NLRP3 rs10754558 and CARD8 rs2043211 variants could be associated with a susceptibility to CKD.
Novel Seed Size: A Novel Seed-Developing Gene in Glycine max
Authors: Zhang Mingxia , Dong Rui , Huang Penghui , Lu Mingyang , Feng Xianzhong , Fu Yongfu , Zhang Xiaomei
Published: February 2023

Soybean-seed development is controlled in multiple ways, as in many known regulating genes. Here, we identify a novel gene, Novel Seed Size (NSS), involved in seed development, by analyzing a T-DNA mutant (S006). The S006 mutant is a random mutant of the GmFTL4pro:GUS transgenic line, with phenotypes with small and brown seed coats. An analysis of the metabolomics and transcriptome combined with RT-qPCR in the S006 seeds revealed that the brown coat may result from the increased expression of chalcone synthase 7/8 genes, while the down-regulated expression of NSS leads to small seed size. The seed phenotypes and a microscopic observation of the seed-coat integument cells in a CRISPR/Cas9-edited mutant nss1 confirmed that the NSS gene conferred small phenotypes of the S006 seeds. As mentioned in an annotation on the Phytozome website, NSS encodes a potential DNA helicase RuvA subunit, and no such genes were previously reported to be involved in seed development. Therefore, we identify a novel gene in a new pathway controlling seed development in soybeans.
Nicotine-Mediated Recruitment of GABAergic Neurons to a Dopaminergic Phenotype Attenuates Motor Deficits in an Alpha-Synuclein Parkinson’s Model
Authors: Lai Jessica IChi , Porcu Alessandra , Romoli Benedetto , Keisler Maria , Manfredsson Fredric P. , Powell Susan B. , Dulcis Davide
Published: February 2023

Previous work revealed an inverse correlation between tobacco smoking and Parkinson’s disease (PD) that is associated with nicotine-induced neuroprotection of dopaminergic (DA) neurons against nigrostriatal damage in PD primates and rodent models. Nicotine, a neuroactive component of tobacco, can directly alter the activity of midbrain DA neurons and induce non-DA neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) to acquire a DA phenotype. Here, we investigated the recruitment mechanism of nigrostriatal GABAergic neurons to express DA phenotypes, such as transcription factor Nurr1 and DA-synthesizing enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and the concomitant effects on motor function. Wild-type and α-syn-overexpressing (PD) mice treated with chronic nicotine were assessed by behavioral pattern monitor (BPM) and immunohistochemistry/in situ hybridization to measure behavior and the translational/transcriptional regulation of neurotransmitter phenotype following selective Nurr1 overexpression or DREADD-mediated chemogenetic activation. We found that nicotine treatment led to a transcriptional TH and translational Nurr1 upregulation within a pool of SN GABAergic neurons in wild-type animals. In PD mice, nicotine increased Nurr1 expression, reduced the number of α-syn-expressing neurons, and simultaneously rescued motor deficits. Hyperactivation of GABA neurons alone was sufficient to elicit de novo translational upregulation of Nurr1. Retrograde labeling revealed that a fraction of these GABAergic neurons projects to the dorsal striatum. Finally, concomitant depolarization and Nurr1 overexpression within GABA neurons were sufficient to mimic nicotine-mediated dopamine plasticity. Revealing the mechanism of nicotine-induced DA plasticity protecting SN neurons against nigrostriatal damage could contribute to developing new strategies for neurotransmitter replacement in PD.
Serum Concentrations and Dietary Intake of Vitamin B12 in Children and Adolescents on Metformin: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Tsiroukidou Kyriaki , Paschalidou Eleni G. , Grammatikopoulou Maria G. , Androulakis John , Vamvakis Anastasios , Gkouskou Kalliopi K. , Tzimos Christos , Sergentanis Theodoros N. , Vassilakou Tonia , Roilides Emmanuel , Bogdanos Dimitrios P. , Goulis Dimitrios G.
Published: February 2023

The International Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) recommends metformin (MET) use for metabolic disturbances and hyperglycemia, either in combination with insulin therapy or alone. A caveat of MET therapy has been suggested to be biochemical vitamin B12 deficiency, as seen mainly in studies conducted in adults. In the present case–control study, children and adolescents of different weight status tiers on MET therapy for a median of 17 months formed the cases group (n = 23) and were compared with their peers not taking MET (n = 46). Anthropometry, dietary intake, and blood assays were recorded for both groups. MET group members were older, heavier, and taller compared with the controls, although BMI z-scores did not differ. In parallel, blood phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations were lower in the MET group, whereas MCV, Δ4-androstenedione, and DHEA-S were higher. No differences were observed in the HOMA-IR, SHBG, hemoglobin, HbA1c, vitamin B12, or serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations between groups. Among those on MET, 17.4% exhibited vitamin B12 deficiency, whereas none of the controls had low vitamin B12 concentrations. Participants on MET therapy consumed less energy concerning their requirements, less vitamin B12, more carbohydrates (as a percentage of the energy intake), and fewer fats (including saturated and trans fats) compared with their peers not on MET. None of the children received oral nutrient supplements with vitamin B12. The results suggest that, in children and adolescents on MET therapy, the dietary intake of vitamin B12 is suboptimal, with the median coverage reaching 54% of the age- and sex-specific recommended daily allowance. This low dietary intake, paired with MET, may act synergistically in reducing the circulating vitamin B12 concentrations. Thus, caution is required when prescribing MET in children and adolescents, and replacement is warranted.
Small RNA and Degradome Sequencing in Floral Bud Reveal Roles of miRNAs in Dormancy Release of Chimonanthus praecox
Authors: Liu Ning , Jiang Yingjie , Zhu Ting , Li Zhineng , Sui Shunzhao
Published: February 2023

Chimonanthus praecox (wintersweet) is highly valued ornamentally and economically. Floral bud dormancy is an important biological characteristic in the life cycle of wintersweet, and a certain period of chilling accumulation is necessary for breaking floral bud dormancy. Understanding the mechanism of floral bud dormancy release is essential for developing measures against the effects of global warming. miRNAs play important roles in low-temperature regulation of flower bud dormancy through mechanisms that are unclear. In this study, small RNA and degradome sequencing were performed for wintersweet floral buds in dormancy and break stages for the first time. Small RNA sequencing identified 862 known and 402 novel miRNAs; 23 differentially expressed miRNAs (10 known and 13 novel) were screened via comparative analysis of breaking and other dormant floral bud samples. Degradome sequencing identified 1707 target genes of 21 differentially expressed miRNAs. The annotations of the predicted target genes showed that these miRNAs were mainly involved in the regulation of phytohormone metabolism and signal transduction, epigenetic modification, transcription factors, amino acid metabolism, and stress response, etc., during the dormancy release of wintersweet floral buds. These data provide an important foundation for further research on the mechanism of floral bud dormancy in wintersweet.
Identification and Characterization of 5-HT Receptor 1 from Scylla paramamosain: The Essential Roles of 5-HT and Its Receptor Gene during Aggressive Behavior in Crab Species
Authors: Huang Xinlian , Fu Yuanyuan , Zhai Wei , Wang Xiaopeng , Zhou Yueyue , Liu Lei , Wang Chunlin
Published: February 2023

Biogenic amines (BAs) play an important role in the aggressive behavior of crustaceans. In mammals and birds, 5-HT and its receptor genes (5-HTRs) are characterized as essential regulators involved in neural signaling pathways during aggressive behavior. However, only one 5-HTR transcript has been reported in crabs. In this study, the full-length cDNA of the 5-HTR1 gene, named Sp5-HTR1, was first isolated from the muscle of the mud crab Scylla paramamosain using the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid-amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) methods. The transcript encoded a peptide of 587 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of 63.36 kDa. Western blot results indicate that the 5-HTR1 protein was expressed at the highest level in the thoracic ganglion. Furthermore, the results of quantitative real-time PCR show that the expression levels of Sp5-HTR1 in the ganglion at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h after 5-HT injection were significantly upregulated compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the behavioral changes in 5-HT-injected crabs were analyzed with EthoVision. After 0.5 h of injection, the speed and movement distance of the crab, the duration of aggressive behavior, and the intensity of aggressiveness in the low-5-HT-concentration injection group were significantly higher than those in the saline-injection and control groups (p < 0.05). In this study, we found that the Sp5-HTR1 gene plays a role in the regulation of aggressive behavior by BAs, including 5-HT in the mud crab. The results provide reference data for the analysis of the genetic mechanism of aggressive behaviors in crabs.
SOXC Transcription Factors as Diagnostic Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Arthritis
Authors: Ahmed Emad A. , Alzahrani Abdullah M.
Published: February 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are two common disorders that disrupt the quality of life of millions of people. These two chronic diseases cause damage to the joint cartilage and surrounding tissues of more than 220 million people worldwide. Sex-determining region Y-related (SRY) high-mobility group (HMG) box C, SOXC, is a superfamily of transcription factors that have been recently shown to be involved in various physiological and pathological processes. These include embryonic development, cell differentiation, fate determination, and autoimmune diseases, as well as carcinogenesis and tumor progression. The SOXC superfamily includes SOX4, SOX11, and SOX12, all have a similar DNA-binding domain, i.e., HMG. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge about the role of SOXC transcription factors during arthritis progression and their potential utilization as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The involved mechanistic processes and signaling molecules are discussed. SOX12 appears to have no role in arthritis, however SOX11 is dysregulated and promotes arthritic progression according to some studies but supports joint maintenance and protects cartilage and bone cells according to others. On the other hand, SOX4 upregulation during OA and RA was documented in almost all studies including preclinical and clinical models. Molecular details have indicated that SOX4 can autoregulate its own expression besides regulating the expression of SOX11, a characteristic associated with the transcription factors that protects their abundance and activity. From analyzing the currently available data, SOX4 seems to be a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target of arthritis.
Systemic Changes in Endocannabinoids and Endocannabinoid-like Molecules in Response to Partial Nephrectomy-Induced Ischemia in Humans
Authors: Rothner Ariel , Gov Tom , Hinden Liad , Nemirovski Alina , Tam Joseph , Rosenzweig Barak
Published: February 2023

Renal ischemia–reperfusion (IR), a routine feature of partial nephrectomy (PN), can contribute to the development of acute kidney injury (AKI). Rodent studies show that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a major regulator of renal hemodynamics and IR injury; however, its clinical relevance remains to be established. Here, we assessed the clinical changes in systemic endocannabinoid (eCB) levels induced by surgical renal IR. Sixteen patients undergoing on-clamp PN were included, with blood samples taken before renal ischemia, after 10 min of ischemia time, and 10 min following blood reperfusion. Kidney function parameters (serum creatinine (sCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum glucose) and eCB levels were measured. Baseline levels and individual changes in response to IR were analyzed and correlation analyses were performed. The baseline levels of eCB 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) were positively correlated with kidney dysfunction biomarkers. Unilateral renal ischemia increased BUN, sCr, and glucose, which remained elevated following renal reperfusion. Renal ischemia did not induce changes in eCB levels for all patients pooled together. Nevertheless, stratifying patients according to their body mass index (BMI) revealed a significant increase in N-acylethanolamines (anandamide, AEA; N-oleoylethanolamine, OEA; and N-palmitoylethanolamine, PEA) in the non-obese patients. No significant changes were found in obese patients who had higher N-acylethanolamines baseline levels, positively correlated with BMI, and more cases of post-surgery AKI. With the inefficiency of ‘traditional’ IR-injury ‘preventive drugs’, our data support future research on the role of the ECS and its manipulation in renal IR.
Transcriptome Dynamic Analysis Reveals New Candidate Genes Associated with Resistance to Fusarium Head Blight in Two Chinese Contrasting Wheat Genotypes
Authors: Zhao Yunzhe , Wang Dehua , Ji Mengqi , Tian Jichun , Ding Hanfeng , Deng Zhiying
Published: February 2023

In recent years, Fusarium head blight (FHB) has developed into a global disease that seriously affects the yield and quality of wheat. Effective measures to solve this problem include exploring disease-resistant genes and breeding disease-resistant varieties. In this study, we conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis to identify the important genes that are differentially expressed in FHB medium-resistant (Nankang 1) and FHB medium-susceptible (Shannong 102) wheat varieties for various periods after Fusarium graminearum infection using RNA-seq technology. In total, 96,628 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, 42,767 from Shannong 102 and 53,861 from Nankang 1 (FDR < 0.05 and |log2FC| > 1). Of these, 5754 and 6841 genes were found to be shared among the three time points in Shannong 102 and Nankang 1, respectively. After inoculation for 48 h, the number of upregulated genes in Nankang 1 was significantly lower than that of Shannong 102, but at 96 h, the number of DEGs in Nankang 1 was higher than that in Shannong 102. This indicated that Shannong 102 and Nankang 1 had different defensive responses to F. graminearum in the early stages of infection. By comparing the DEGs, there were 2282 genes shared at the three time points between the two strains. GO and KEGG analyses of these DEGs showed that the following pathways were associated with disease resistance genes: response to stimulus pathway in GO, glutathione metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, and plant–pathogen interaction in KEGG. Among them, 16 upregulated genes were identified in the plant–pathogen interaction pathway. There were five upregulated genes, TraesCS5A02G439700, TraesCS5B02G442900, TraesCS5B02G443300, TraesCS5B02G443400, and TraesCS5D02G446900, with significantly higher expression levels in Nankang 1 than in Shannong 102, and these genes may have an important role in regulating the resistance of Nankang 1 to F. graminearum infection. The PR proteins they encode are PR protein 1-9, PR protein 1-6, PR protein 1-7, PR protein 1-7, and PR protein 1-like. In addition, the number of DEGs in Nankang 1 was higher than that in Shannong 102 on almost all chromosomes, except chromosomes 1A and 3D, but especially on chromosomes 6B, 4B, 3B, and 5A. These results indicate that gene expression and the genetic background must be considered for FHB resistance in wheat breeding.
Clocking Epilepsies: A Chronomodulated Strategy-Based Therapy for Rhythmic Seizures
Authors: Sun Sha , Wang Han
Published: February 2023

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by hypersynchronous recurrent neuronal activities and seizures, as well as loss of muscular control and sometimes awareness. Clinically, seizures have been reported to display daily variations. Conversely, circadian misalignment and circadian clock gene variants contribute to epileptic pathogenesis. Elucidation of the genetic bases of epilepsy is of great importance because the genetic variability of the patients affects the efficacies of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). For this narrative review, we compiled 661 epilepsy-related genes from the PHGKB and OMIM databases and classified them into 3 groups: driver genes, passenger genes, and undetermined genes. We discuss the potential roles of some epilepsy driver genes based on GO and KEGG analyses, the circadian rhythmicity of human and animal epilepsies, and the mutual effects between epilepsy and sleep. We review the advantages and challenges of rodents and zebrafish as animal models for epileptic studies. Finally, we posit chronomodulated strategy-based chronotherapy for rhythmic epilepsies, integrating several lines of investigation for unraveling circadian mechanisms underpinning epileptogenesis, chronopharmacokinetic and chronopharmacodynamic examinations of AEDs, as well as mathematical/computational modeling to help develop time-of-day-specific AED dosing schedules for rhythmic epilepsy patients.
Exploring the Role of Salicylic Acid in Regulating the Colonization Ability of Bacillus subtilis 26D in Potato Plants and Defense against Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Sorokan Antonina , Burkhanova Guzel , Gordeev Andrew , Maksimov Igor
Published: February 2023

Plant colonization by endophytic bacteria is mediated by different biomolecules that cause dynamic changes in gene expression of both bacteria and plant. Phytohormones, in particular, salicylic acid, play a key role in the regulation of endophytic colonization and diversity of bacteria in methaphytobiome. For the first time it was found that salicylic acid influenced motility in biofilms and transcription of the surfactin synthetase gene of the endophytic strain Bacillus subtilis 26D in vitro. Treatment of Solanum tuberosum plants with salicylic acid, along with B. subtilis 26D, increased the number of endophytic cells of bacteria in potato internal tissues and level of transcripts of bacterial surfactin synthetase gene and decreased transcription of plant PR genes on the stage of colonisation with endophytes. Thus, the production of surfactin plays an important role in endophytic colonization of plants, and salicylic acid has an ability to influence this mechanism. Here we firstly show that plants treated with salicylic acid and B. subtilis 26D showed enhanced resistance to the late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans, which was accompanied by increase in transcriptional activity of plant PR-genes and bacterial surfactin synthetase gene after pathogen inoculation. Therefore, it is suggested that salicylic acid can modulate physiological status of the whole plant–endophyte system and improve biocontrol potential of endophytic strains.
Transmission of Digital Data in the 5G Era: Compression and Privacy
Authors: Carpentieri Bruno , Palmieri Francesco
Published: February 2023

The vast majority of compressed digital data that flows nowadays on modern high-speed networks is directly related to human activity. It describes what we do, what we see and photograph, where we go, whom we meet, and specifically every moment of our lives. This brings up issues and concerns regarding the necessity to safeguard user privacy as well as to protect the digital multimedia contents that are delivered to offer new experiences. In this paper, we explore a unified approach to compression and privacy by considering different types of digital data (text, images, sound, and hyperspectral images).
Information and Entropy Aspects of the Specifics of Regional Road Traffic Accident Rate in Russia
Authors: Petrov Artur I.
Published: February 2023

The aim of this research is to study the specifics of the road accident rate formation processes in regions of the Russian Federation (2021) using information-entropic analysis. The typical research approaches (correlation-regression, factorial analyses, simulation modelling, etc.) do not always allow us to identify its specificity. It is impossible to evaluate the quality of the researched process’s structure using these methods. However, this knowledge is required to understand the distinctions between high-quality road safety management and its opposite. In order to achieve the goal of the research methodology based on the use of the classical approaches of C. Shannon, the quantitative value of information entropy H was elaborated. The key components of this method are the modelling of the cause-and-effect chain of road accident rate formation and the consideration of the relative significances of individual blocks of the process in achieving the final result. During the research the required statistical data were collected and the structure of the road accident rate formation process in 82 regions of the Russian Federation in the format “Population P—Fleet of vehicles NVh—Road Traffic Accidents NRA—RTA Victims NV—Fatality Cases ND” was analyzed. The fact that the structure of the road accident rate formation process is extremely specific in different Russian regions was shown. Exactly this specificity forms the degree of ambiguity in the state of Russian regional road safety provision systems in terms of the probability of death in road accidents. The main conclusion of this research is that information-entropic analysis can be successfully used to assess the structural quality of road safety systems.
Effects of Boron-Containing Compounds on Liposoluble Hormone Functions
Authors: Estevez-Fregoso Elizabeth , Kilic Ahmet , Rodríguez-Vera Diana , Nicanor-Juárez Luis E. , Romero-Rizo C. Elena M. , Farfán-García Eunice D. , Soriano-Ursúa Marvin A.
Published: February 2023

Boron-containing compounds (BCC), particularly boronic acids and derivatives, are being increasingly tested as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Some effects of BCC involve phenomena linked to the action of steroid or thyroid hormones; among these, are the effects on muscle mass or basal metabolism. Additionally, some toxicology reports on mammals, including humans, sound an alert concerning damage to several systems, among which are the negative effects on the induction of male infertility. Systemic and local mechanisms to explain changes in metabolism and impaired fertility were collected and presented. Then, we presented the putative pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic mechanisms involved and demonstrated in these events. In addition, it is proposed that there are adducts of some oxygenated BCC with cis-diols in fructose, an essential source of energy for sperm–cell motility, an uncoupling of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and its ligands, and the modulation of the DNA synthetic rate. These effects share the reactivity of boron-containing compounds on the cis-diols of key molecules. Moreover, data reporting no DNA damage after BCC administration are included. Further studies are required to support the clear role of BCC through these events to disrupt metabolism or fertility in mammals. If such phenomena are confirmed and elucidated, an advance could be useful to design strategies for avoiding BCC toxicity after BCC administration, and possibly for designing metabolism regulators and contraceptive drugs, among other purposes. Boronic derivatives and carboranes have been proposed and studied in this field.
“Semi-Long-Periodical” Tabulated Version of Chemical Elements Periodic System
Authors: Mikhailov Oleg V.
Published: February 2023

A possible modification of the tabulated version of the Chemical Elements Periodical System, proposed to overcome deficiencies of the two most used versions—the “short-periodical” proposed by Mendeleev and the “long-periodical” introduced by Werner and recommended by IUPAC at the present time—is discussed in this paper.
From the Lab to the Field: Long-Distance Transport of Sterile Aedes Mosquitoes
Authors: Maïga Hamidou , Bakhoum Mame Thierno , Mamai Wadaka , Diouf Gorgui , Bimbilé Somda Nanwintoum Séverin , Wallner Thomas , Martina Claudia , Kotla Simran Singh , Masso Odet Bueno , Yamada Hanano , Sow Bazoumana B. D. , Fall Assane Gueye , Bouyer Jeremy
Published: February 2023

Pilot programs of the sterile insect technique (SIT) against Aedes aegypti may rely on importing significant and consistent numbers of high-quality sterile males from a distant mass rearing factory. As such, long-distance mass transport of sterile males may contribute to meet this requirement if their survival and quality are not compromised. This study therefore aimed to develop and assess a novel method for long-distance shipments of sterile male mosquitoes from the laboratory to the field. Different types of mosquito compaction boxes in addition to a simulation of the transport of marked and unmarked sterile males were assessed in terms of survival rates/recovery rates, flight ability and morphological damage to the mosquitoes. The novel mass transport protocol allowed long-distance shipments of sterile male mosquitoes for up to four days with a nonsignificant impact on survival (>90% for 48 h of transport and between 50 and 70% for 96 h depending on the type of mosquito compaction box), flight ability, and damage. In addition, a one-day recovery period for transported mosquitoes post-transport increased the escaping ability of sterile males by more than 20%. This novel system for the long-distance mass transport of mosquitoes may therefore be used to ship sterile males worldwide for journeys of two to four days. This study demonstrated that the protocol can be used for the standard mass transport of marked or unmarked chilled Aedes mosquitoes required for the SIT or other related genetic control programs.
Do Patches of Flowering Plants Enhance Insect Pollinators in Apple Orchards?
Authors: Barda Myrto , Karamaouna Filitsa , Kati Vaya , Perdikis Dionysios
Published: February 2023

Apples depend on insect pollination but intensification of agriculture jeopardizes pollination services in agroecosystems. Concerns about the dependency of crop pollination exclusively on honey bees increase the interest in agricultural practices that safeguard wild pollinators in agroecosystems. The purpose of the study was to assess the potential of floral resource provision in apple orchards to enhance the conservation of hymenopterous pollinating insects and potentially the pollination service to the crop. For this reason, flowering plant mixtures sown in patches inside apple orchards were tested against wild plant patches. Pollinator taxa recorded on the sown and wild plant patches were honey bees, wild bees (Andrena, Anthophora, Eucera, Halictus, Lasioglossum, Megachilidae on both; Systropha only on wild plants; Bombus, Hylaeus, Sphecodes, Nomada, Xylocopa only on sown mixture), syrphids, bee flies. The most abundant pollinator of apple was A. mellifera but wild bees were also recorded (Andrena, Anthophora, Bombus, Xylocopa, Lasioglossum, Megachilidae). The sown mixture attracted a more diverse taxa of pollinators and in greater numbers compared to the weed flora, but it did not have an effect on pollinators visiting apple flowers. Groundcover management with patches of suitable flowering mixtures can enhance pollinator conservation in apple orchards.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Pattern of Cytochrome P450 Genes in the Social Aphid Pseudoregma bambucicola
Authors: Lu Jianjun , Zhang Hui , Wang Qing , Huang Xiaolei
Published: February 2023

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) have a variety of functions, including involvement in the metabolism of exogenous substances and the synthesis and degradation of endogenous substances, which are important for the growth and development of insects. Pseudoregma bambucicola is a social aphid that produces genetically identical but morphologically and behaviorally distinct first-instar soldiers and normal nymphs within colonies. In this study, we identified 43 P450 genes based on P. bambucicola genome data. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these genes were classified into 4 clans, 13 families, and 23 subfamilies. The CYP3 and CYP4 clans had a somewhat decreased number of genes. In addition, differential gene expression analysis based on transcriptome data showed that several P450 genes, including CYP18A1, CYP4G332, and CYP4G333, showed higher expression levels in soldiers compared to normal nymphs and adult aphids. These genes may be candidates for causing epidermal hardening and developmental arrest in soldiers. This study provides valuable data and lays the foundation for the study of functions of P450 genes in the social aphid P. bambucicola.
Association between Body Mass Index and Hospital Outcomes for COVID-19 Patients: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Khokher Waleed , Iftikhar Saffa , Abrahamian Andrew , Beran Azizullah , Abuhelwa Ziad , Rashid Rakin , Ali Hyder , Khuder Sadik , Assaly Ragheb
Published: February 2023

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is limited information describing the hospital outcomes of COVID-19 patients in regard to specific body mass index (BMI) categories. Methods: We utilized the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2020 database to collect information on patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in the United States. Using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) coding system, adult patients (≥18 years of age) with a primary hospitalization for COVID-19 were identified. Adjusted analyses were performed to assess for mortality, morbidity, and resource utilization, and compare the outcomes among patients categorized according to BMI. Results: A total of 305,284 patients were included in this study. Of them, 248,490 had underlying obesity, defined as BMI ≥ 30. The oldest patients were observed to have BMI < 19, while youngest patients were in the BMI > 50 category. BMI < 19 category had the highest crude in-hospital mortality rate. However, after adjusted regression, patients with BMI > 50 (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.63, 95% CI 1.48–1.79, p-value < 0.001) had the highest increased odds, at 63%, of in-hospital mortality compared to all other patients in the study. Patients with BMI > 50 also had the highest increased odds of needing invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and mortality associated with IMV compared to all other patient, by 37% and 61%, respectively. Obese patients were noted to have shorter average hospital length of stay (LOS), by 1.07 days, compared to non-obese patients, but there was no significant difference in average hospitalization charges. Conclusion: Among obese patients primarily hospitalized with COVID-19, those with BMI ≥ 40 had significantly increased rates of all-cause in-hospital mortality, need for IMV, mortality associated with IMV, and septic shock. Overall, obese patients had shorter average hospital LOS, however, did not have significantly higher hospitalization charges.
VISTA H-Score Is Significantly Associated with a 5-Year DFS Rate in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Starzyńska Anna , Sobocki Bartosz , Sakowicz-Burkiewicz Monika , Jereczek-Fossa Barbara , Alterio Daniela , Szot Olga , Korwat Aleksandra , Pęksa Rafał
Published: February 2023

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of oral cancer in the world. Despite its prevalence, it is often recognized in advanced stages (III or IV) when it has already spread to local lymph nodes. In this study, we investigate the V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) as a potential prognostic factor in OSCC. Tissue samples were collected from 71 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients to determine protein expression levels (using immunochemistry and the semi-quantitative H-score method). Moreover, RT-qPCR was additionally performed in 35 patients. Clinical factors in our cohort study had no impact on VISTA expression. However, VISTA expression is largely correlated with Il-33 levels in tumor cells and lymphocytes and with PD-L1 in tumor cells. The impact of VISTA expression on overall survival (OS) is rather limited, but in the case of a 5-year survival rate, a significant association has been proven. VISTA seems to be a rather weak clinicopathological marker but needs further evaluation in the context of survival. In addition, the potential of VISTA combination with Il-33 or PD-L1 should be further investigated in OSCC.
Techniques and Outcomes of Endoscopic Ultrasound Guided—Pancreatic Duct Drainage (EUS- PDD)
Authors: Teh Jun Liang , Teoh Anthony Yuen Bun
Published: February 2023

Endoscopic ultrasound guided—pancreatic duct drainage (EUS- PDD) is one of the most technically challenging procedures for the interventional endoscopist. The most common indications for EUS- PDD are patients with main pancreatic duct obstruction who have failed conventional endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) drainage or those with surgically altered anatomy. EUS- PDD can be performed via two approaches: the EUS-rendezvous (EUS- RV) or the EUS-transmural drainage (TMD) techniques. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated review of the techniques and equipment available for EUS- PDD and the outcomes of EUS- PDD reported in the literature. Recent developments and future directions surrounding the procedure will also be discussed.
Past, Present and (Foreseeable) Future of Biological Anti-TNF Alpha Therapy
Authors: Leone Gian Marco , Mangano Katia , Petralia Maria Cristina , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Fagone Paolo
Published: February 2023

Due to the key role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the pathogenesis of immunoinflammatory diseases, TNF-α inhibitors have been successfully developed and used in the clinical treatment of autoimmune disorders. Currently, five anti-TNF-α drugs have been approved: infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, certolizumab pegol and etanercept. Anti-TNF-α biosimilars are also available for clinical use. Here, we will review the historical development as well as the present and potential future applications of anti-TNF-α therapies, which have led to major improvements for patients with several autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), psoriasis (PS) and chronic endogenous uveitis. Other therapeutic areas are under evaluation, including viral infections, e.g., COVID-19, as well as chronic neuropsychiatric disorders and certain forms of cancer. The search for biomarkers able to predict responsiveness to anti-TNF-α drugs is also discussed.
Role of Gut Microbiota in Neurological Disorders and Its Therapeutic Significance
Authors: Tiwari Prabhakar , Dwivedi Rekha , Bansal Manisha , Tripathi Manjari , Dada Rima
Published: February 2023

In humans, the gut microbiota (GM) are known to play a significant role in the metabolism of nutrients and drugs, immunomodulation, and pathogen defense by inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The role of the GM in the gut–brain axis (GBA) has been documented for different regulatory mechanisms and associated pathways and it shows different behaviors with individualized bacteria. In addition, the GM are known as susceptibility factor for neurological disorders in the central nervous system (CNS), regulating disease progression and being amenable to intervention. Bidirectional transmission between the brain and the GM occurs in the GBA, implying that it performs a significant role in neurocrine, endocrine, and immune-mediated signaling pathways. The GM regulates multiple neurological disorders by supplementing them with prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, fecal transplantations, and/or antibiotics. A well-balanced diet is critically important for establishing healthy GM, which can alter the enteric nervous system (ENS) and regulate multiple neurological disorders. Here, we have discussed the function of the GM in the GBA from the gut to the brain and the brain to the gut, the pathways associated with neurology that interacts with the GM, and the various neurological disorders associated with the GM. Furthermore, we have highlighted the recent advances and future prospects of the GBA, which may require addressing research concerns about GM and associated neurological disorders.