bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating genome-wide association study with transcriptomic data to predict candidate genes influencing Brassica napus root and biomass-related traits under low phosphorus conditions
Authors: Ahmad Nazir , Ibrahim Sani , Kuang Lieqiong , Ze Tian , Wang Xinfa , Wang Hanzhong , Dun Xiaoling
Published: October 2023

Background

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is an essential source of edible oil and livestock feed, as well as a promising source of biofuel. Breeding crops with an ideal root system architecture (RSA) for high phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) is an effective way to reduce the use of phosphate fertilizers. However, the genetic mechanisms that underpin PUE in rapeseed remain elusive. To address this, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 327 rapeseed accessions to elucidate the genetic variability of 13 root and biomass traits under low phosphorus (LP; 0.01 mM P +). Furthermore, RNA-sequencing was performed in root among high/low phosphorus efficient groups (HP1/LP1) and high/low phosphorus stress tolerance groups (HP2/LP2) at two-time points under control and P-stress conditions.

Results

Significant variations were observed in all measured traits, with heritabilities ranging from 0.47 to 0.72, and significant correlations were found between most of the traits. There were 39 significant trait–SNP associations and 31 suggestive associations, which integrated into 11 valid quantitative trait loci (QTL) clusters, explaining 4.24–24.43% of the phenotypic variance observed. In total, RNA-seq identified 692, 1076, 648, and 934 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) specific to HP1/LP1 and HP2/LP2 under P-stress and control conditions, respectively, while 761 and 860 DEGs common for HP1/LP1 and HP2/LP2 under both conditions. An integrated approach of GWAS, weighted co-expression network, and differential expression analysis identified 12 genes associated with root growth and development under LP stress. In this study, six genes (BnaA04g23490D, BnaA09g08440D, BnaA09g04320D, BnaA09g04350D, BnaA09g04930D, BnaA09g09290D) that showed differential expression were identified as promising candidate genes for the target traits.

Conclusion

11 QTL clusters and 12 candidate genes associated with root and development under LP stress were identified in this study. Our study's phenotypic and genetic information may be exploited for genetic improvement of root traits to increase PUE in rapeseed.
Multivariate GWAS of Alzheimer’s disease CSF biomarker profiles implies GRIN2D in synaptic functioning
Authors: Neumann Alexander , Ohlei Olena , Küçükali Fahri , Bos Isabelle J. , Timsina Jigyasha , Vos Stephanie , Prokopenko Dmitry , Tijms Betty M. , Andreasson Ulf , Blennow Kaj , Vandenberghe Rik , Scheltens Philip , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Blin Oliver , Richardson Jill C. , Bordet Régis , Lleó Alberto , Alcolea Daniel , Popp Julius , Marsh Thomas W. , Gorijala Priyanka , Clark Christopher , Peyratout Gwendoline , Martinez-Lage Pablo , Tainta Mikel , Dobson Richard J. B. , Legido-Quigley Cristina , Van Broeckhoven Christine , Tanzi Rudolph E. , ten Kate Mara , Lill Christina M. , Barkhof Frederik , Cruchaga Carlos , Lovestone Simon , Streffer Johannes , Zetterberg Henrik , Visser Pieter Jelle , Sleegers Kristel , Bertram Lars ,   EMIF-AD & ADNI study group
Published: October 2023

Background

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have identified several risk loci, but many remain unknown. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers may aid in gene discovery and we previously demonstrated that six CSF biomarkers (β-amyloid, total/phosphorylated tau, NfL, YKL-40, and neurogranin) cluster into five principal components (PC), each representing statistically independent biological processes. Here, we aimed to (1) identify common genetic variants associated with these CSF profiles, (2) assess the role of associated variants in AD pathophysiology, and (3) explore potential sex differences.

Methods

We performed GWAS for each of the five biomarker PCs in two multi-center studies (EMIF-AD and ADNI). In total, 973 participants (n = 205 controls, n = 546 mild cognitive impairment, n = 222 AD) were analyzed for 7,433,949 common SNPs and 19,511 protein-coding genes. Structural equation models tested whether biomarker PCs mediate genetic risk effects on AD, and stratified and interaction models probed for sex-specific effects.

Results

Five loci showed genome-wide significant association with CSF profiles, two were novel (rs145791381 [inflammation] and GRIN2D [synaptic functioning]) and three were previously described (APOE, TMEM106B, and CHI3L1). Follow-up analyses of the two novel signals in independent datasets only supported the GRIN2D locus, which contains several functionally interesting candidate genes. Mediation tests indicated that variants in APOE are associated with AD status via processes related to amyloid and tau pathology, while markers in TMEM106B and CHI3L1 are associated with AD only via neuronal injury/inflammation. Additionally, seven loci showed sex-specific associations with AD biomarkers.

Conclusions

These results suggest that pathway and sex-specific analyses can improve our understanding of AD genetics and may contribute to precision medicine.
Chronic supplementation of noni in diabetic type 1-STZ rats: effects on glycemic levels, kidney toxicity and exercise performance
Authors: de Oliveira Fernandes Débora , César Fernanda Gracia , Melo Bruno Pereira , Brandão Jéssica da Silva Faria , dos Santos Kelvin Jaques , de Andrade Marcelo Teixeira , da Fonseca Casteluber Marisa Cristina , de Carvalho Moisés Vieira , de Barcellos Luiz Alexandre Medrado , Soares Danusa Dias , Bohnen Guimarães Juliana
Published: October 2023

Noni is a fruit with potential medicinal use preventing elevated blood glucose levels in diabetes mellitus. Its effects have been attributed to an antioxidant property in several other diseases. However, the effects of noni-chronic supplementation on exercise performance in the presence of diabetes conditions are not known. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were used to verify the effects of chronic noni (Morinda citrifolia L) juice administration on glycemia, triglyceride levels, and its relation to physical performance. In addition, it was verified if chronic noni supplementation is safe for clinical use through kidney morphology analysis. In half of the rats, diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced with STZ. All rats were submitted to an incremental workload running test (IWT) until fatigued so that oxygen consumption and performance indexes (exercise time to fatigue and workload) could be analyzed before noni administration. Then, the control and DM groups received a placebo (saline solution) or noni juice (dilution 2:1) at a dose of 2 mL/kg once a day for 60 days. The result was four groups: control + placebo (CP), control + noni (CN), DM + placebo (DMP), and DM + noni (DMN). Our dose was based on in previous study by Nayak et al. (2011) that observed a significant reduction in glycemia with 2 ml/kg of the noni juice without any toxicity effect cited. Groups were then given a third IWT to verify the effect of the noni juice on exercise performance (exercise time to fatigue, workload, maximal oxygen consumption) and glycemia. Twenty-four hours after the third test, all animals were euthanized and blood and kidneys were removed for posterior analysis. The DM induction with STZ impaired the performance by 39%. Noni administration improved the time to fatigue and workload in DM rats beyond reducing hyperglycemia. These results could be associated with an improved energy efficiency promoted by noni ingestion, since the oxygen consumption was not different between the groups, although the exercise was longer in animals with noni ingestion. Our results provided evidence that chronic noni administration causes kidney damage since increased Bowman’s space area in the control rats, suggesting glomerular hyperfiltration at the same magnitude as the non-treated DM group.

In conclusion, chronic noni ingestion promoted glycemic control and improved the performance in DM rats but caused kidney toxicity.
Insight into microRNAs’ involvement in hematopoiesis: current standing point of findings
Authors: Nassiri Seyed Mahdi , Ahmadi Afshar Neda , Almasi Parsa
Published: October 2023

Hematopoiesis is a complex process in which hematopoietic stem cells are differentiated into all mature blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). Different microRNAs (miRNAs) involve in several steps of this process. Indeed, miRNAs are small single-stranded non-coding RNA molecules, which control gene expression by translational inhibition and mRNA destabilization. Previous studies have revealed that increased or decreased expression of some of these miRNAs by targeting several proto-oncogenes could inhibit or stimulate the myeloid and erythroid lineage commitment, proliferation, and differentiation. During the last decades, the development of molecular and bioinformatics techniques has led to a comprehensive understanding of the role of various miRNAs in hematopoiesis. The critical roles of miRNAs in cell processes such as the cell cycle, apoptosis, and differentiation have been confirmed as well. However, the main contribution of some miRNAs is still unclear. Therefore, it seems undeniable that future studies are required to focus on miRNA activities during various hematopoietic stages and hematological malignancy.
Factors influencing emotional support of older adults living in the community: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Devkota Rashmi , Cummings Greta , Hunter Kathleen F. , Maxwell Colleen , Shrestha Shovana , Dennett Liz , Hoben Matthias
Published: October 2023

Background

Emotional support is key to improve older adults’ subjective health, and psychological, social and emotional well-being. However, many older adults living in the community lack emotional support, increasing the risk for loneliness, depression, anxiety, potentially avoidable healthcare use and costs, and premature death. Multiple intersecting factors may influence emotional support of older adults in the community, but these are poorly understood. Studies have focused on specific populations (e.g., older adults with depression, cancer). Although relevant, these studies may not capture modifiable factors for the wider and more diverse population of older adults living in the community. Our scoping review will address these important gaps. We will identify and synthesize the evidence on factors that influence emotional support of older adults in the community.

Methods

We will use the Johanna Briggs Institute updated methodological guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews to guide our review process.We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE, APA Psycinfo, CINAHL, Dissertations and Theses Global, and Scopus from inception. We will include studies published in English, examining factors influencing emotional support of older adults residing in community, without restrictions on the study design or year of publication. We will also include gray literature (dissertations and reports). Two independent reviewers will conduct title, abstract, and full-text screening, as well as risk of bias assessment, using validated quality appraisal tools based on study designs. Discrepancies will be resolved by consensus. The primary reviewer will extract the data from all studies, and the second reviewer will check the extractions of all the studies. We will use descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis for analysis. Family/friend caregivers and older adults involved as an advisory group will help with explaining the findings in terms of whether associations observed reflect their experiences and reality. We will analyze the discussion and generate themes, and summarize in a narrative form.

Discussion

This scoping review may identify factors that could be modified or mitigated to improve emotional support provision for older adults residing in community. The knowledge will inform the development of tailored interventions directed to older adults and their caregivers.

Systematic review registration

https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/4TAEB(associated project link: osf.io/6y48t).
Analytical mechanics methods in finite element analysis of multibody elastic system
Authors: Scutaru Maria Luminita , Vlase Sorin , Marin Marin
Published: October 2023

The study of multibody systems with elastic elements involves at the moment the reevaluation of the classical methods of analysis offered by analytical mechanics. Modeling this system with the finite element method requires obtaining the motion equation for an element in the circumstances imposed by a multibody system. The paper aims to present the main analysis methods used by researchers, to make a comparative analysis, and to show the advantages or disadvantages offered by different methods. For the presentation of the main methods (namely Lagrange’s equations, Gibbs–Appell’s equations, Maggi’s formalism, Kane’s equations, and Hamilton’s equations) a unified notation is used. The paper provides a critical evaluation of the studied applications that involved some of these methods, highlighting the reason why it was decided to use them. Also, the paper identifies potential research areas to explore.
A model based on adipose and muscle-related indicators evaluated by CT images for predicting microvascular invasion in HCC patients
Authors: Mao Xin-Cheng , Shi Shuo , Yan Lun-Jie , Wang Han-Chao , Ding Zi-Niu , Liu Hui , Pan Guo-Qiang , Zhang Xiao , Han Cheng-Long , Tian Bao-Wen , Wang Dong-Xu , Tan Si-Yu , Dong Zhao-Ru , Yan Yu-Chuan , Li Tao
Published: October 2023

Background and aim

The presence of microvascular invasion (MVI) will impair the surgical outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Adipose and muscle tissues have been confirmed to be associated with the prognosis of HCC. We aimed to develop and validate a nomogram based on adipose and muscle related-variables for preoperative prediction of MVI in HCC.

Methods

One hundred fifty-eight HCC patients from institution A (training cohort) and 53 HCC patients from institution B (validation cohort) were included, all of whom underwent preoperative CT scan and curative resection with confirmed pathological diagnoses. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression was applied to data dimensionality reduction and screening. Nomogram was constructed based on the independent variables, and evaluated by external validation, calibration curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

Histopathologically identified MVI was found in 101 of 211 patients (47.9%). The preoperative imaging and clinical variables associated with MVI were visceral adipose tissue (VAT) density, intramuscular adipose tissue index (IMATI), skeletal muscle (SM) area, age, tumor size and cirrhosis. Incorporating these 6 factors, the nomogram achieved good concordance index of 0.79 (95%CI: 0.72–0.86) and 0.75 (95%CI: 0.62–0.89) in training and validation cohorts, respectively. In addition, calibration curve exhibited good consistency between predicted and actual MVI probabilities. ROC curve and DCA of the nomogram showed superior performance than that of models only depended on clinical or imaging variables. Based on the nomogram score, patients were divided into high (> 273.8) and low (< = 273.8) risk of MVI presence groups. For patients with high MVI risk, wide-margin resection or anatomical resection could significantly improve the 2-year recurrence free survival.

Conclusion

By combining 6 preoperative independently predictive factors of MVI, a nomogram was constructed. This model provides an optimal preoperative estimation of MVI risk in HCC patients, and may help to stratify high-risk individuals and optimize clinical decision making.
Feasibility, acceptability, and outcome responsiveness of the SYMPERHEART intervention to support symptom perception in persons with heart failure and their informal caregivers: a feasibility quasi-experimental study
Authors: Santos Gabrielle Cécile , Liljeroos Maria , Tschann Kelly , Denhaerynck Kris , Wicht Justine , Jurgens Corrine Y. , Hullin Roger , Schäfer-Keller Petra
Published: October 2023

Background

Symptom perception is an important process of heart failure (HF) self-care that persons with HF need in order to master self-care management. It also leads to better patient outcomes. Symptom perception consists of body observation and analysis, which are both challenging. We aimed to test the feasibility, acceptability, and outcome responsiveness of a novel intervention (SYMPERHEART) delivered to persons with HF with their informal caregiver.

Methods

We designed SYMPERHEART as a complex evidence-informed education and support intervention targeting body observation and analysis. We conducted a feasibility quasi-experimental study with a single group pre-post-test design. We included three subsamples: persons with HF receiving home-based care, their informal caregivers exposed to SYMPERHEART, and home-care nurses who delivered SYMPERHEART during 1 month. We assessed feasibility by recruitment time, time to deliver SYMPERHEART, eligibility rate, and intervention fidelity. We assessed acceptability by consent rate, retention rate, persons with HF engagement in body observation, and treatment acceptability. Outcome responsiveness was informed by patient-reported (PRO) and clinical outcomes: HF self-care and the informal caregivers’ contribution to HF self-care, perception of HF symptom burden, health status, caregivers’ burden, and HF events. We performed descriptive analyses for quantitative data and calculated Cohen’s d for PROs. A power analysis estimated the sample size for a future full-scale effectiveness study.

Results

We included 18 persons with HF, 7 informal caregivers, and 9 nurses. Recruitment time was 112.6 h. The median time to deliver SYMPERHEART for each participant was 177.5 min. Eligibility rate was 55% in persons with HF. Intervention fidelity revealed that 16 persons with HF were exposed to body observation and analysis. Consent and retention rates in persons with HF were 37.5% and 100%, respectively. Participants engaged actively in symptom and weight monitoring. Treatment acceptability scores were high. Symptom perception and informal caregivers’ contribution to symptom perception were found to be responsive to SYMPERHEART. We estimate that a sample size of 50 persons with HF would be needed for a full-scale effectiveness study.

Conclusions

SYMPERHEART was found to be feasible and acceptable. This feasibility study provides information for a subsequent effectiveness study.

Trial registration

ISRCTN.ISRCTN18151041, retrospectively registered on 4 February 2021, ICTRP Search Portal.
Development of the Strengths, Skills, and Goals Matrix: a tool for facilitating strengths-based adolescent and young adult engagement in research
Authors: Allemang Brooke , Patton Megan , Greer Katelyn , Pintson Karina , Farias Marcela , Schofield Keighley , Samuel Susan , Patten Scott B. , Sitter Kathleen C. , Dimitropoulos Gina
Published: October 2023

Background

The involvement of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with lived experience of health and mental health conditions as partners in research is increasing given the prominence of participatory approaches to research, including patient-oriented research (POR). Much of the relevant research is conducted by graduate students. While guiding AYA engagement frameworks and models exist, the processes of partnering with AYAs in patient-oriented graduate-level research projects have not been well established. Co-developed tools and practices are required to support strengths-based, developmentally appropriate AYA-graduate student partnerships.

Objectives

The objectives of this commentary are: (1) to share the processes of partnership between a graduate student and five Young Adult Research Partners (YARP), (2) to describe the co-design and implementation of the Strengths, Skills, and Goals Matrix (SSGM), a tool for facilitating strengths-based AYA engagement in research, and (3) to outline considerations for applying this tool across a variety of research contexts with patient partners.

Main body

Within the YARP-graduate student partnership, the SSGM offered extensive benefits, including tangible skill development, peer mentorship, and rapport building among all members. This tool offers strategies for strengths-based engagement practices which emphasize AYAs’ preferences and goals throughout POR projects. Practical recommendations and considerations for applying the SSGM within graduate-level research and beyond are described, including the importance of connecting AYAs’ current (and desired) skills to specific tasks within the research project and resulting outputs.

Conclusions

The SSGM has possible relevance in a variety of settings given its broadly applicable structure. Future research could explore the adaptation, application, and evaluation of the SSGM across research contexts to determine its feasibility and ease of implementation.

Patient or public contribution

This article was conceived of and co-authored by five young adult research partners. The YARP co-designed the SSGM presented in this article, the figures, and substantially contributed to the preparation of the article.
Successful renal transplantation following hemodialysis as bridging therapy in a patient with Fechtner syndrome: a case report and literature review
Authors: Hama Eriko Yoshida , Yamaguchi Shintaro , Uchiyama Kiyotaka , Kojima Daiki , Nagasaka Tomoki , Yoshimoto Norifumi , Tajima Takaya , Kanda Takeshi , Morimoto Kohkichi , Yoshida Tadashi , Kosaki Kenjiro , Itoh Hiroshi , Hayashi Kaori
Published: October 2023

Background

Fechtner syndrome, also referred to as nonmuscle myosin heavy chain 9-related disease (MYH9-RD), is an autosomal-dominant genetic disorder. It is caused by abnormalities in the MYH9 gene, which encodes the nonmuscle conventional (class II) myosin heavy chain A (NMMHC-IIA). Its clinical manifestations include mild macrothrombocytopenia with leukocyte inclusions, hearing loss, cataracts, and renal failure.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 34-year-old female patient with Fechtner syndrome in whom end-stage renal disease (ESRD) developed. During childhood, she presented with the typical symptoms of MYH9-RD, including thrombocytopenia, leukocyte inclusion bodies, onset of nephropathy, sensorineural hearing loss, and cataracts, wherein a clinical diagnosis of Fechtner syndrome was established. Her renal function deteriorated during adolescence. Furthermore, the patient underwent renal biopsy at the age of 18 years, which revealed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. She was started on hemodialysis at the age of 33 years, followed by a living-donor renal transplantation after 5 months. She achieved a target platelet count of 50 × 109/L for arteriovenous fistula creation and 100 × 109/L for renal transplantation via platelet transfusions. Heparin use was avoided as an anticoagulant during hemodialysis. Since the patient expressed a desire for childbearing, genetic testing was performed, revealing an in-frame deletion of 21 nucleotides at 3195–3215 in exon 25 (A1065_A1072 del) of NMMHC-IIA, which has been reported to correlate with mild renal dysfunction. Our patient’s condition progressed into ESRD. Although genetic testing techniques have made great strides in recent years, our case clearly presents the difficulty in assuming an association between genetic abnormalities and clinical manifestations.

Conclusions

Our case may provide further understanding of the management of ESRD in patients with MYH9-RD-related thrombocytopenia based on the results of genetic testing.
Complexities of deep learning-based undersampled MR image reconstruction
Authors: Noordman Constant Richard , Yakar Derya , Bosma Joeran , Simonis Frank Frederikus Jacobus , Huisman Henkjan
Published: October 2023

Artificial intelligence has opened a new path of innovation in magnetic resonance (MR) image reconstruction of undersampled k-space acquisitions. This review offers readers an analysis of the current deep learning-based MR image reconstruction methods. The literature in this field shows exponential growth, both in volume and complexity, as the capabilities of machine learning in solving inverse problems such as image reconstruction are explored. We review the latest developments, aiming to assist researchers and radiologists who are developing new methods or seeking to provide valuable feedback. We shed light on key concepts by exploring the technical intricacies of MR image reconstruction, highlighting the importance of raw datasets and the difficulty of evaluating diagnostic value using standard metrics.

Relevance statement Increasingly complex algorithms output reconstructed images that are difficult to assess for robustness and diagnostic quality, necessitating high-quality datasets and collaboration with radiologists.

Key points

• Deep learning-based image reconstruction algorithms are increasing both in complexity and performance.

• The evaluation of reconstructed images may mistake perceived image quality for diagnostic value.

• Collaboration with radiologists is crucial for advancing deep learning technology.

Graphical Abstract
Hospital characteristics and perioperative complications of Hispanic patients following reverse shoulder arthroplasty—a large database study
Authors: Venishetty Nikit , Sohn Garrett , Nguyen Ivy , Trivedi Meesha , Mounasamy Varatharaj , Sambandam Senthil
Published: October 2023

Background

Hispanic patients are the youngest and fastest-growing ethnic group in the USA. Many of these patients are increasingly met with orthopedic issues, often electing to undergo corrective procedures such as reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). This patient population has unique medical needs and has been reported to have higher incidences of perioperative complications following major procedures. Unfortunately, there is a lack of information on the hospitalization data and perioperative complications in Hispanic patients following procedures such as RSA. This project aimed to query the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to assess patient hospitalization information, demographics, and the prevalence of perioperative complications among Hispanic patients who received RSA.

Methods

Information from 2016–2019 was queried from the NIS database. Demographic information, incidences of perioperative complications, length of stay, and costs of care among Hispanic patients undergoing RSA were compared to non-Hispanic patients undergoing RSA. A subsequent propensity matching was conducted to consider preoperative comorbidities.

Results

The query of NIS identified 59,916 patients who underwent RSA. Of this sample, 2,656 patients (4.4%) were identified to be Hispanic, while the remaining 57,260 patients (95.6%) were found to belong to other races (control). After propensity matching, Hispanic patients had a significantly longer LOS (median = 1.4 days) than the patients in the control group (median = 1.0, P < 0.001). The Hispanic patients (89,168.5 USD) had a significantly higher cost of care than those in the control group (67,396.1 USD, P < 0.001). In looking at postoperative complications, Hispanic patients had increased incidences of acute renal failure (Hispanics: 3.1%, control group: 1.1%, P = 0.03) and blood loss anemia (Hispanics: 12.7%, control group: 10.9%, P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Hispanic patients had significantly longer lengths of stay, higher costs of care, and higher rates of perioperative complications compared to the control group. For patients who are Hispanic and undergoing RSA, this information will aid doctors in making comprehensive decisions regarding patient care and resource allocation.
Provitamin A retention and sensory acceptability of landrace orange maize (MW5021) food products among school-aged children living in rural Malawi
Authors: Katola Alex Arves , Stark Aliza Hannah , Ndolo Victoria Uchizi , Tembo David Tryson , Katundu Mangani Chilala
Published: October 2023

Landrace orange maize is rich in carotenoids and is thought to be a potentially sustainable solution for Vitamin A deficiency. This study evaluated the acceptability of landrace orange maize food products among school-aged children living in rural Malawi. It also determined the retention of provitamin A carotenoids after storage in an uncontrolled environment, followed by milling and cooking. Sensory evaluations of porridge and nsima (thick porridge) were carried out in school-aged children (n = 160) using a 7-point hedonic scale. Total carotenoid content (TCC) was analysed using a spectrophotometric method and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to identify the specific carotenoid composition of the food products. Sensory evaluation results showed a higher acceptance of landrace orange maize food products in comparison to those commonly prepared from white maize. Plain porridge scored 6.5 ± 1.4 and 5.6 ± 1.9 for orange and white maize, respectively. Similar results were observed with nsima. Orange maize nsima received a score of 6.8 ± 0.7 while white maize was evaluated at 5.8 ± 1.9. After 10 months of storage and processing, there was 89% retention of total carotenoids with 59% accounted for by evaluation of individual carotenoids. Despite the total degradation of beta-carotene, 42% retention of beta-cryptoxanthin with provitamin A activity was observed. Encouraging the production of landrace orange maize appears to be a useful strategy for providing Malawian farmers with carotenoid-rich foods with high palatability. It presents a cost-effective option to reduce dependence on supplementation and fortification.

Graphical Abstract
Frequency of atypical pulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 patients on chest CT-scan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Borji Soheila , Isavand Puria , Azami Mobin , Ghafouri Ehsan
Published: October 2023

Background

Chest CT is a crucial diagnostic tool in COVID-19 due to its high sensitivity. Typical chest CT findings such as reversed halo sign, vascular enlargement, and air-bronchogram are commonly recognized in the pandemic, but finding atypical signs is essential to diagnose. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of the atypical manifestations during the two months of 2022 and compare the results to studies conducted before its outbreak.

Methods

Those patients with positive, positive RT-PCR tests were reevaluated to see if they met the inclusion and exclusion. Demographic information of patients, including age and sex, was recorded. The computed tomography (CT) examination was carried out using a 100-slice scanner (Philips Brilliance 6 CT Scanner). Two radiology specialists evaluated SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR-positive patients for atypical pulmonary CT findings separately. The obtained data were evaluated using R software version 4.1.1.

Results

606 confirmed COVID-19 cases were included in this study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria during January and February 2022. 55% of patients were female, and the median age was 56 (IQR: 42, 69). More than half of the patients (59%) had atypical findings on their pulmonary CT examination. These findings showed that pleural abnormalities were the most frequent atypical finding. Among pleural abnormalities, pleural thickening was the most common (17%). The double halo sign represented the least frequent atypical sign (0.2%).

Conclusions

Atypical findings were more prevalent in this study than its predecessors, while we acknowledge that other factors, such as study design and patient population, could have impacted it. The presence of atypical signs generally was not correlated with specific demographic groups, while some of these signs were more frequent in particular groups.
Sonographic assessment of mean pulmonary artery pressure and diaphragmatic excursion in chronic respiratory failure patient after using home non-invasive positive pressure ventilation
Authors: Alsadik Maha E. , Shouman Waheed M , Gad Doaa Mostafa , Elfeqy Mohamed Elsaid
Published: October 2023

Background

Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) has emerged as a recognized and effective long-term therapeutic approach for individuals suffering from chronic respiratory insufficiency resulting from various diverse disorders. Nevertheless, providing home non-invasive positive pressure ventilation encounters several challenges, including compliance, training inadequacies, and limited resources. Therefore, the objective of this study was to observe the impact of home non-invasive positive pressure ventilation on patients with chronic respiratory failure, specifically focusing on its effects on the mean pulmonary artery pressure, diaphragmatic excursion, and associated complications.

Results

The study included a total of 48 patients, consisting of 26 males (54.1%) and 22 females (45.9%). The baseline mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) was found to be 39.79 ± 7.51. Additionally, the baseline diaphragmatic excursion in quiet breathing was measured to be 1.80 ± 0.38 cm, while the baseline diaphragmatic excursion in deep breathing was recorded as 4.35 ± 0.99 cm. Following the implementation of home non-invasive ventilation, specifically bilevel-positive airway pressure or continuous positive airway pressure, significant improvements were observed in the aforementioned parameters. The most commonly reported complications among the patients included skin ulcers and aerophagia. Furthermore, mortality rate of 6.3% was observed.

Conclusions

The use of home non-invasive positive pressure ventilation has been shown to be a successful and sustainable therapeutic approach for persons suffering from chronic respiratory failure. This therapy method has significantly improved PAP, diaphragm force, and overall mortality rates. The use of ultrasonography to evaluate pulmonary pressure or diaphragmatic excursion is considered a beneficial and straightforward approach for the follow-up of subjects with chronic respiratory failure.
Detection and elimination of insignificant interacting subsystems in MIMO closed-loop systems using the least mean square-based partial correlation algorithm
Authors: Rahim Mohamed A.
Published: October 2023

Closed-loop identification of multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems in large-scale plants has significant difficulties due to subsystem interactions. This complexity is attributed to several input‒output variables, interactions such as recycling to improve or save material and energy, and disturbances such as heating or cooling within the plant. One of the fundamental problems in closed-loop identification is the input perturbation of the interacting subsystems to capture the dynamics of the system for producing an informative dataset and consequently obtaining an accurate model. However, perturbing all the interacting subsystems in the plant increases the applied excitation signals, which makes the identification a nontrivial task. Thus, a precise and quantitative procedure to evaluate the significance and contribution of such interacting subsystems before applying these excitation signals is required to simplify the identification task. Conventional partial correlation analysis is one of the implemented techniques to measure the significance of these interacting subsystems. However, this technique is based on least square estimation. Thus, incorrect estimation of the model errors is produced due to the correlations amongst the process inputs and unmeasured disturbances. Accordingly, this paper describes the implementation of a developed least mean square-based partial correlation algorithm for detecting and eliminating insignificant interacting subsystems of MIMO closed-loop systems. The developed algorithm can discriminate the interacting subsystems that substantially influence the plant interaction from those that do not by minimizing the model regression errors produced due to the process input correlation, unmeasured disturbances, and colored noise. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through a case study.
Investigation of machining characteristics and surface integrity for trim cut WEDM of hybrid metal matrix composite [Al 6061, SiC, and TiB2]
Authors: Kumar Nilesh , Kumar Jatinder
Published: October 2023

This study is focused on fabrication of Hybrid Al6061/SiC + TiB2 MMC by stir casting process, primarily to study the effect of two different reinforcement particles on mechanical properties and microstructure. Additionally, the assessment of surface integrity has been attempted after machining the composite by trim cut WEDM process. Five samples have been fabricated with varied weight fraction of SiC and TiB2 reinforcement, keeping total weight percentage of reinforcement particles fixed to 10%. It is observed that Hybrid MMC with composition Al6061 (90%), SiC (2.5%), and TiB2 (7.5%) shows better mechanical properties which is corroborated by both the optical microscopy and SEM. A screening experiment has been designed using fold over fractional factorial technique (with resolution IV), to investigate the parametric effects on surface integrity features, i.e., surface roughness, spark gap, and recast layer for trim cut WEDM operation. Peak current (Ip) and pulse on time (Ton) have been found to be the significant parameters for spark gap as well as surface roughness. It is observed that the trim cut operation improved the surface roughness and reduced it to 2.2 µm from 3.93 µm (after rough cut). Recast layer has been reduced to a value of 4.67 µm after trim operation, from 24.6 µm for rough cut. These findings suggest that trim cut strategy is very effective in improving the surface integrity of the rough-cut machined samples. It is also observed that thickness of recast layer is directly proportional to the discharge energy during trim cutting.
Seismic reverse time migration based on biaxial wavefield decomposition
Authors: Xu Qiang , Wang Yanghua
Published: October 2023

Seismic images generated by reverse time migration (RTM) are often contaminated by low-wavenumber artifacts. Decomposition of up- and downgoing waves during propagation can effectively reduce these artifacts. However, decomposition along the vertical axis is not sufficient to eliminate the migration artifacts. We introduce biaxial wavefield decomposition to decompose seismic wavefields in the lateral and vertical directions. After decomposition, there are 16 crosscorrelation terms between different components, and there are only four crosscorrelation terms that can be used separately to image flat layers and tilted interfaces. Within these four terms, the remaining artifacts can be easily identified and reduced by other methods, and the resolution can be further improved by adjusting the weights of the four terms. The decomposition method based on the analytic wavefield via the Hilbert transform has been shown to agree with the viscoacoustic wave equation with fractional spatial derivatives. Therefore, this biaxial wavefield decomposition method is suitable for decomposing the wavefields for the attenuation-compensated RTM. The decomposed and recombined migration results can better image a complex subsurface structure with high resolution.
A divergence-free vector finite-element method for efficient 3D magnetotelluric forward modeling
Authors: Wang Yongfei , Guo Rongwen , Liu Jianxin , Li Jian , Liu Rong , Chen Hang , Cao Xun , Yin Zihui , Cao Chuanghua
Published: October 2023

For large-scale magnetotelluric (MT) forward modeling using vector finite-element methods, iterative solvers are commonly applied. However, as frequency decreases close to zero, the iterative solution process struggles to converge. This is mainly caused by the fact that the weak conductivity term in the curl-curl equation governing the electromagnetic (EM) diffusion in the earth fades during the iterative solution for EM fields. This can lead to violation of the divergence-free condition for current and false jumps in the calculated fields. We develop a regularization technique for vector finite-element MT forward modeling, in which a scaled grad-div operator for electrical fields is included in the curl-curl equation to enforce the divergence-free condition explicitly. Because of its use of basis functions, the direct edge element discretization of the scaled term can lead to zero coefficients. To address this, an equivalent substitute of the scaled grad-div operator based on potential representation of electrical fields is used, discretized with node elements. For one specific element, this is finally reduced to a scaled gradient of the surface integral of current across all the surfaces of the element, resulting in better connectivity of the linear system of equations. The correctness of our algorithm is verified with two synthetic models and an inversion model from real data. The numerical performance is compared to the traditional iterative divergence correction technique (and without the application of the divergence correction for one case) for each of the three models. The results indicate that our algorithm is generally more efficient and stable compared to the traditional technique for all models at all periods considered, with significant improvement at long periods.
Enrollment Success, Factors, and Prediction Models in Cancer Trials (2008-2019)
Authors: Zhang Siqi , Zhang Jianrong , Liu Sida , Pang Herbert , Stinchcombe Thomas E. , Wang Xiaofei
Published: October 2023

Study on 4,004 cancer trials found 49.1% of enrolment success rate with a decreasing tendency in 2008-2019.
Transcriptomic analysis of diabetic kidney disease and neuropathy in mouse models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Elzinga Sarah E. , Eid Stephanie A. , McGregor Brett A. , Jang Dae-Gyu , Hinder Lucy M. , Dauch Jacqueline R. , Hayes John M. , Zhang Hongyu , Guo Kai , Pennathur Subramaniam , Kretzler Matthias , Brosius Frank C. , Koubek Emily J. , Feldman Eva L. , Hur Junguk
Published: October 2023

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) are common complications of type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes. However, the mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of these complications are unclear. In this study, we optimized a streptozotocin-induced db/+ murine model of T1D and compared it to our established db/db T2D mouse model of the same C57BLKS/J background. Glomeruli and sciatic nerve transcriptomic data from T1D and T2D mice were analyzed by self-organizing map and differential gene expression analysis. Consistent with prior literature, pathways related to immune function and inflammation were dysregulated in both complications in T1D and T2D mice. Gene-level analysis identified a high degree of concordance in shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in both complications and across diabetes type when using mice from the same cohort and genetic background. As we have previously shown a low concordance of shared DEGs in DPN when using mice from different cohorts and genetic backgrounds, this suggests that genetic background may influence diabetic complications. Collectively, these findings support the role of inflammation and indicate that genetic background is important in complications of both T1D and T2D.
Endurance Exercise Performance Is Reduced after 6-h Dives at 1.35 ATA When Breathing 100% Oxygen Compared with Air
Authors: CONSIDINE ELIZABETH G. , FLORIAN JOHN P. , KLEMP ALEX O.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Long-duration dives on consecutive days reduces muscular performance, potentially affecting military personnel. However, a paucity of data exists on how breathing gases affect endurance performance. This study examined the influence of long-duration diving with different breathing gases on aerobic endurance and handgrip performance.

Methods

Twenty-three military divers completed a single 6-h dive (single dive [SD]) and five 6-h dives over consecutive days (dive week [DW]) with 30-min cycling intervals using air (AIR, n = 13) or 100% oxygen (OXY, n = 10). Before and after SD and DW, subjects completed a maximum handgrip strength test, a handgrip endurance test at 40% maximal strength, and a time to exhaustion run.

Results

Handgrip endurance decreased after DW in OXY (SD, 1.9 ± 0.0 vs 1.4 ± 0.3 min) compared with AIR (1.8 ± 0.0 vs 1.8 ± 0.2 min) (P < 0.001). Run time decreased after SD (Pre, 20.7 ± 10.4 min; Post, 16.6 ± 7.6 min; P = 0.039) and DW (Pre, 21.6 ± 9.0 min; Post, 11.2 ± 4.0 min; P < 0.001) in OXY and after overall diving in AIR (Pre, 26.5 ± 10.2 min; Post, 22.3 ± 7.5 min; P = 0.025). V̇O2 decreased after diving only in AIR (Pre, 42.6 ± 3.4 mL·kg−1⋅min−1; Post, 40.4 ± 3.7 mL·kg−1⋅min−1; P = 0.010). There were no other significant effects.

Conclusions

Breathing 100% oxygen during long-duration dives on consecutive days may exacerbate decreases in aerobic endurance and impairs handgrip endurance compared with air. Additional research is needed to elucidate mechanisms of action and possible mitigation strategies.
The pseudotorsional space of RNA
Authors: Grille Leandro , Gallego Diego , Darré Leonardo , da Rosa Gabriela , Battistini Federica , Orozco Modesto , Dans Pablo D.
Published: October 2023

The characterization of the conformational landscape of the RNA backbone is rather complex due to the ability of RNA to assume a large variety of conformations. These backbone conformations can be depicted by pseudotorsional angles linking RNA backbone atoms, from which Ramachandran-like plots can be built. We explore here different definitions of these pseudotorsional angles, finding that the most accurate ones are the traditionalη(eta) andθ(theta) angles, which represent the relative position of RNA backbone atoms P and C4′. We explore the distribution ofη−θin known experimental structures, comparing the pseudotorsional space generated with structures determined exclusively by one experimental technique. We found that the complete picture only appears when combining data from different sources. The maps provide a quite comprehensive representation of the RNA accessible space, which can be used in RNA-structural predictions. Finally, our results highlight that protein interactions lead to significant changes in the population of theη−θspace, pointing toward the role of induced-fit mechanisms in protein–RNA recognition.
‘As if Arvanitika was the plague (!) and they exorcised it…’
Authors: Φλωρά Χριστίνα
Published: October 2023

Η παρούσα διατριβή πραγματεύεται την διερεύνηση των γλωσσικών στάσεων των αρβανιτόφωνων και μη αρβανιτόφωνων κοινοτήτων απέναντι στα αρβανίτικα. Οι ομιλητές/-τριες των αρβανίτικων έχουν υποστεί πολιτικές αφομοίωσης, όπως και άλλες γλωσσικές μειονότητες στην Ελλάδα, οι οποίες, σε συνδυασμό με μια σειρά παραγόντων, είχαν ως αποτέλεσμα τη σταδιακή υποχώρηση της γλώσσας. Για το λόγο αυτό, κατά τη δεκαετία του 1980, ερευνητές είχαν προβλέψει ότι τα αρβανίτικα πιθανότατα θα εξαφανίζονταν μέσα στις επόμενες δύο με τρεις γενιές. Ωστόσο, η αλβανική οικονομική μετανάστευση στην Ελλάδα τη δεκαετία του 1990 φαίνεται να διέκοψε την φθίνουσα πορεία της αρβανίτικης γλώσσας και να συνέβαλε στη βραχυπρόθεσμη «αναβίωσή» της λόγω της αμοιβαίας κατανοησιμότητας της με τα αλβανικά. Αυτός ήταν και ο λόγος που τα αρβανίτικα υπήρξαν ο βασικός κώδικας επικοινωνίας μεταξύ των Αρβανιτών/-ισσών και των Αλβανών μεταναστών/-τριών στην Ελλάδα. Η συλλογή δεδομένων έλαβε χώρα δια ζώσης σε διάφορες αρβανιτόφωνες περιοχές της βόρειας και της νότιας Ελλάδα καθώς και διαδικτυακά. Η χρήση τόσο των ποσοτικών όσο και των ποιοτικών μεθόδων επέτρεψε την εξαγωγή ασφαλών συμπερασμάτων σχετικά με τη στάση των συμμετεχόντων/-ουσών απέναντι στα αρβανίτικα. Η ποσοτική μέθοδος αποκάλυψε θετικές στάσεις από την πλευρά των περισσότερων αρβανιτόφωνων και μη αρβανιτόφωνων απέναντι στα αρβανίτικα, ενώ η ποιοτική μέθοδος αποκάλυψε αντικρουόμενες και αντιφατικές στάσεις από την πλευρά των ηλικιωμένων ομιλητών της αρβανίτικης. Οι στάσεις αυτές φαίνεται να έχουν διαμορφωθεί και επηρεαστεί από την ταύτιση των ομιλητών/-τριών της αρβανίτικης με τους Αλβανούς μετανάστες, μία κοινωνική ομάδα που έχει υποστεί πολλαπλές διακρίσεις ως αποτέλεσμα των αρνητικών συνυποδηλώσεων του όρου 'Αλβανός' στην Ελλάδα. Αυτή η διάκριση και ο στιγματισμός που υπέστησαν οι ομιλητές/-τριες των αρβανίτικων φαίνεται να οδήγησε στην εγκατάλειψη της μητρικής τους γλώσσας, με τα αρβανίτικα σήμερα να χαρακτηρίζονται πλέον ως μία από τις πιο σοβαρά απειλούμενες γλώσσες στην Ελλάδα.