bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lysine Acetyltransferases (KATs) in Disguise: Diseases Implications
Authors: Srivastava Swati , Kumar Sanjay , Bhatt Rohini , Ramachandran Ravishankar , Trivedi Arun K , Kundu Tapas K
Published: March 2023

Acetylation is one of the key post-translational protein modifications catalysed by the protein lysine acetyltransferases (KATs). KATs catalyse the transfer of acetyl groups to the epsilon-amino groups of lysine residues in histones and non-histone proteins. Because of its wide range of target proteins, KATs regulate many biological processes, and their aberrant activities may underlie several human diseases, including cancer, asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and neurological disorders. Unlike most of the histone modifying enzymes, such as lysine methyltransferases, KATs do not possess any conserved domain like SET domain of lysine methyltransferases. However, almost all the major families of KATs are found to be transcriptional coactivators or adaptor proteins, with defined catalytic domains, called canonical KATs. Over the past two decades, a few proteins have been discovered to possess intrinsic KAT activity but are not classical coactivators. We would like to categorize them as non-canonical KATs (NC-KATs). These NC-KATs include general transcription factors TAFII250, mammalian TFIIIC complex, and mitochondrial protein GCN5L1, etc. This review focuses on our understanding, as well as controversies regarding non-canonical KATs, where we compare the structural and functional similarities and dissimilarities of non-canonical KATs with the canonical KATs. This review also highlights the potential role of NC-KATs in health and diseases.
Notoginsenoside R1 Facilitates Cell Angiogenesis by Inactivating the Notch Signaling During Wound Healing
Authors: Li Dongjin , Wang Deping , Cai Jun , Guo Qinghao , Jiang Lintao
Published: March 2023

The development of chronic, nonhealing wounds is a persistent medical problem that drives patient morbidity and increases healthcare costs. Angiogenesis is a critical accompanying activity in the proliferation stage during the wound healing process. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) isolated from Radix notoginseng has been reported to alleviate diabetic ulcers by promoting angiogenesis and decreasing inflammatory responses and apoptosis. In the present study, we investigated the effect of NGR1 on angiogenesis and its therapeutic functions in cutaneous wound healing. For in vitro evaluation, cell counting kit-8 assays, migration assays, Matrigel-based angiogenic assays, and western blotting were conducted. The experimental results showed that NGR1 (10–50 μM) had no cytotoxicity to human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) and human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC), and NGR1 treatment facilitated the migration of HSFs and enhanced angiogenesis in HMECs. Mechanistically, NGR1 treatment inhibited the activation of Notch signaling in HMECs. For in vivo analysis, hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunostaining, and Masson’s trichrome staining were performed, and we found that NGR1 treatment promoted angiogenesis, reduced wound widths, and facilitated wound healing. Furthermore, HMECs were treated with N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-L-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT; a Notch inhibitor), and DAPT treatment was found to exert pro-angiogenic effects. Simultaneously, DAPT was administrated into experimental cutaneous wound healing model, and we found that DAPT administration prevented the development of cutaneous wounds. Collectively, NGR1 promotes angiogenesis and wound repair via activation of the Notch pathway and exhibits therapeutic effects on cutaneous wound healing.
A novel embedding composition for the evaluation of the internal structure of carbon materials using electron microscopy
Authors: Yahagi Tsukaho
Published: March 2023

The image contrast obtained in electron microscopy depends on the atomic number of the sample. Therefore, obtaining a clear contrast is challenging when samples composed of light elements (carbon materials and polymers) are embedded in the resin. Herein, a newly developed embedding composition exhibiting low viscosity and high electron density is reported, which can be solidified using physical or chemical methods. When used for carbon materials, this embedding composition allows clear microscopic observation with higher contrast compared to conventional resin embedding. Furthermore, details of the observation of samples such as graphite and carbon black using this embedding composition are reported.
The ‘Arbitralization’ of Courts: The Role of International Commercial Arbitration in the Establishment and the Procedural Design of International Commercial Courts
Authors: Antonopoulou Georgia
Published: March 2023

International commercial arbitration is the most preferred dispute resolution method in cross-border commercial disputes. It has been, however, claimed that arbitration has lost its flexibility by becoming increasingly formal and by incorporating litigation practices. In academic literature, this trend has been termed the ‘judicialization’ of international commercial arbitration. This article argues that while arbitration is becoming progressively judicialized, international commercial courts evidence an opposite, less studied trend; namely, the ‘arbitralization’ of courts. Through a comparative analysis of different international commercial courts, the article explores how the competition with arbitration has prompted the establishment of these courts, and how arbitration has served as the inspiration for some of their most innovative features. The article concludes that while the incorporation of arbitration features could improve court proceedings, some of international commercial courts’ arbitration features undermine procedural justice and the role of courts as public institutions and therefore hit the limits of arbitralization.
Accretion of substellar companions as the origin of chemical abundance inhomogeneities in globular clusters
Authors: Winter Andrew J , Clarke Cathie J
Published: March 2023

Globular clusters exhibit abundance variations, defining ‘multiple populations’, which have prompted a protracted search for their origin. Properties requiring explanation include the high fraction of polluted stars (∼40−90 per cent, correlated with cluster mass), the absence of pollution in young clusters, and the lower pollution rate with binarity and distance from the cluster centre. We present a novel mechanism for late delivery of pollutants into stars via accretion of substellar companions. In this scenario, stars move through a medium polluted with asymptotic giant branch (AGB) and massive star ejecta, accreting material to produce companions with typical mass ratio q ∼ 0.1. These companions undergo eccentricity excitation due to dynamical perturbations by passing stars, culminating in a merger with their host star. The accretion of the companion alters surface abundances via injected pollutant. Alongside other self-enrichment models, the companion accretion model can explain the dilution of pollutant and correlation with intracluster location. The model also explains the ubiquity and discreteness of the populations and correlations of enrichment rates with cluster mass, cluster age, and stellar binarity. Abundance variations in some clusters can be broadly reproduced using AGB and massive binary ejecta abundances from the literature. In other clusters, some high companion mass ratios (q ≳ 1) are required. In these cases, the available mass budget necessitates a variable degree of mixing of the polluted material with the primary star, deviations from model ejecta abundances, or mixing of internal burning products. We highlight the avenues of further investigation that are required to explore some of the key processes invoked in this model.
Hidden deep in the halo: selection of a reduced proper motion halo catalogue and mining retrograde streams in the velocity space
Authors: Viswanathan Akshara , Starkenburg Else , Koppelman Helmer H , Helmi Amina , Balbinot Eduardo , Esselink Anna F
Published: March 2023

The Milky Way halo is one of the few galactic haloes that provides a unique insight into galaxy formation by resolved stellar populations. Here, we present a catalogue of ∼47 million halo stars selected independent of parallax and line-of-sight velocities, using a combination of Gaia DR3 proper motion and photometry by means of their reduced proper motion. We select high tangential velocity (halo) main sequence stars and fit distances to them using their simple colour-absolute-magnitude relation. This sample reaches out to ∼21 kpc with a median distance of 6.6 kpc thereby probing much further out than would be possible using reliable Gaia parallaxes. The typical uncertainty in their distances is $0.57_{-0.26}^{+0.56}$ kpc. Using the colour range 0.45 < (G0 − GRP, 0) < 0.715, where the main sequence is narrower, gives an even better accuracy down to $0.39_{-0.12}^{+0.18}$ kpc in distance. The median velocity uncertainty for stars within this colour range is 15.5 km s−1. The distribution of these sources in the sky, together with their tangential component velocities, are very well-suited to study retrograde substructures. We explore the selection of two complex retrograde streams: GD-1 and Jhelum. For these streams, we resolve the gaps, wiggles and density breaks reported in the literature more clearly. We also illustrate the effect of the kinematic selection bias towards high proper motion stars and incompleteness at larger distances due to Gaia’s scanning law. These examples showcase how the full RPM catalogue made available here can help us paint a more detailed picture of the build-up of the Milky Way halo.
The SAMI Galaxy Survey: Environmental analysis of the orbital structures of passive galaxies
Authors: Santucci Giulia , Brough Sarah , van de Sande Jesse , McDermid Richard , Barsanti Stefania , Bland-Hawthorn Joss , Bryant Julia J , Croom Scott M , Lagos Claudia , Lawrence Jon S , Owers Matt S , van de Ven Glenn , Vaughan Sam P , Yi Sukyoung K
Published: March 2023

Most dynamical models of galaxies to date assume axisymmetry, which is not representative of a significant fraction of massive galaxies. We have built triaxial orbit-superposition Schwarzschild models of galaxies observed by the SAMI Galaxy Survey, in order to reconstruct their inner orbital structure and mass distribution. The sample consists of 153 passive galaxies with total stellar masses in the range 109.5 to $10^{12} \, {\rm M}_{\odot }$. We present an analysis of the internal structures and intrinsic properties of these galaxies as a function of their environment. We measure their environment using three proxies: central or satellite designation, halo mass and local 5th nearest neighbour galaxy density. We find that although these intrinsic properties correlate most strongly with stellar mass, environment does play a secondary role: at fixed stellar mass, galaxies in the densest regions are more radially anisotropic. In addition, central galaxies, and galaxies in high local densities show lower values of edge-on spin parameter proxy λRe, EO. We also find suggestions of a possible trend of the fractions of orbits with environment for lower mass galaxies (between 109.5 and $10^{11} \, {\rm M}_{\odot }$) such that, at fixed stellar mass, galaxies in higher local densities and halo mass have higher fractions of hot orbits and lower fractions of warm orbits. Our results demonstrate that after stellar mass, environment does play a role in shaping present-day passive galaxies.
Integratedde novogene prediction and peptide assembly of metagenomic sequencing data
Authors: Thippabhotla Sirisha , Liu Ben , Podgorny Adam , Yooseph Shibu , Yang Youngik , Zhang Jun , Zhong Cuncong
Published: March 2023

Metagenomics is the study of all genomic content contained in given microbial communities. Metagenomic functional analysis aims to quantify protein families and reconstruct metabolic pathways from the metagenome. It plays a central role in understanding the interaction between the microbial community and its host or environment. De novo functional analysis, which allows the discovery of novel protein families, remains challenging for high-complexity communities. There are currently three main approaches for recovering novel genes or proteins: de novo nucleotide assembly, gene calling and peptide assembly. Unfortunately, their information dependency has been overlooked, and each has been formulated as an independent problem. In this work, we develop a sophisticated workflow called integrated Metagenomic Protein Predictor (iMPP), which leverages the information dependencies for better de novo functional analysis. iMPP contains three novel modules: a hybrid assembly graph generation module, a graph-based gene calling module, and a peptide assembly-based refinement module. iMPP significantly improved the existing gene calling sensitivity on unassembled metagenomic reads, achieving a 92–97% recall rate at a high precision level (>85%). iMPP further allowed for more sensitive and accurate peptide assembly, recovering more reference proteins and delivering more hypothetical protein sequences. The high performance of iMPP can provide a more comprehensive and unbiased view of the microbial communities under investigation. iMPP is freely available from https://github.com/Sirisha-t/iMPP.
Magnetic activity variability from Hα line intensive monitoring of two F-type stars with a hot Jupiter, τ Bootis A and υ Andromedae A
Authors: Lee Sanghee , Notsu Yuta , Sato Bun’ei
Published: March 2023

We report the results of intensive monitoring of the variability in the Hα line for two F-type stars, τ Boo and υ And, over the last four years 2019–2022, in order to investigate their stellar magnetic activity. The 4 yr Hα line intensity data taken with the 1.88 m reflector at the Okayama Branch Office, Subaru Telescope, shows the existence of a possible ∼123 d magnetic activity cycle for τ Boo. The result of the Hα variability as another tracer of the magnetic activity on the chromosphere is consistent with previous studies of the Ca ii H&K line and suggests that the magnetic activity cycle persists in τ Boo. For υ And, we suggest a quadratic long-term trend in the Hα variability. Meanwhile, the short-term monitoring shows no significant period corresponding to specific variations likely induced by their hot Jupiter in both cases (≈3.31 and 4.62 d, respectively). In this Hα observation, we could not find any signature of the star–planet magnetic interaction. It is speculated that the detected magnetic activity variability of the two F-type stars is related to the stellar intrinsic dynamo.
Paternalism in Historical Context: Helmet and Seatbelt Legislation in the UK
Authors: Weston Janet
Published: March 2023

Paternalism is a frequent source of anxiety and scholarly enquiry within public health. This article examines debate in the UK from the 1950s to the early 1980s about two quintessentially paternalistic laws: those making it compulsory to use a motorcycle helmet, and a car seatbelt. This kind of historical analysis, looking at change over time and the circumstances that prevent or enable such change, draws attention to two significant features: the contingent nature of that which is perceived as paternalistic and therefore objectionable, and the wide range of arguments that can be marshalled for and against. It suggests that paternalism became a particularly disruptive accusation in the UK of the 1970s in relation to seatbelts, thanks to the population that would be affected and the wider socio-political context. It also suggests that arguments about the social cost of death and injury on the roads, along with overt acceptance that some element of paternalism could be acceptable, proved influential—as was the sense of inevitability that 10 years of regular debate helped to create.
Elemental composition and stoichiometry of krill and salps
Authors: Plum Christoph , Möller Fenja-Marie , Smykala Mike , Moorthi Stefanie
Published: March 2023

Krill and salps play a pivotal role in marine food webs and ocean biogeochemistry, yet little is known about their stoichiometry, which is crucial for our understanding of the consequences of key grazer population shifts for ecosystem functioning. To assess differences in stoichiometric requirements, we compared the elemental composition of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in body tissue and gut content of Euphausia superba and Salpa thompsoni collected along the Northern Antarctic Peninsula and conducted a systematic literature review on the stoichiometry of 33 euphausiid and 19 salp species. Our data revealed significantly lower body C:P and N:P ratios but higher gut content N:P in S. thompsoni compared with E. superba, suggesting higher P uptake. In contrast, literature data showed higher C:N, C:P and N:P ratios in salps, potentially indicating lower nutrient demand compared with krill. However, literature data exhibited high intra- and interspecific variability potentially driven by organism size, seasonal or latitudinal variations, emphasizing that nutritional requirements are not only related to the target species, but also to its habitat. Our study provides valuable stoichiometric information for future experimental and modeling studies, fostering our ability to predict the future role of krill and salps for ocean biogeochemistry.
Uptake of oomycete RXLR effectors into host cells by clathrin-mediated endocytosis
Authors: Wang Haixia , Wang Shumei , Wang Wei , Xu Lin , Welsh Lydia R J , Gierlinski Marek , Whisson Stephen C , Hemsley Piers A , Boevink Petra C , Birch Paul R J
Published: March 2023

Filamentous (oomycete and fungal) plant pathogens deliver cytoplasmic effector proteins into host cells to facilitate disease. How RXLR effectors from the potato late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans enter host cells is unknown. One possible route involves clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). Transient silencing of NbCHC, encoding clathrin heavy chain, or the endosome marker gene NbAra6 encoding a Rab GTPase in the model host Nicotiana benthamiana, attenuated P. infestans infection and reduced translocation of RXLR effector fusions from transgenic pathogen strains into host cells. By contrast, silencing PP1c isoforms, susceptibility factors not required for endocytosis, reduced infection but did not attenuate RXLR effector uptake. Endosome enrichment by ultracentrifugation and sucrose gradient fractionation revealed co-localization of RXLR effector Pi04314-RFP with clathrin-coated vesicles. Immunopurification of clathrin- and NbAra6-associated vesicles during infection showed that RXLR effectors Pi04314-RFP and AvrBlb1-RFP, but not apoplastic effector PiSCR74-RFP, were co-immunoprecipitated during infection with pathogen strains secreting these effectors. Tandem mass spectrometry analyses of proteins co-immunoprecipitated with NbAra6-GFP during infection revealed enrichment of host proteins associated with endocytic vesicles alongside multiple pathogen RXLR effectors, but not apoplastic effectors, including PiSCR74, which do not enter host cells. Our data show that the uptake of P. infestans RXLR effectors into plant cells occurs via CME.
The transcription factor CitZAT5 modifies sugar accumulation and hexose proportion in citrus fruit
Authors: Fang Heting , Shi Yanna , Liu Shengchao , Jin Rong , Sun Jun , Grierson Donald , Li Shaojia , Chen Kunsong
Published: March 2023

Sugars are fundamental to plant developmental processes. For fruits, the accumulation and proportion of sugars play crucial roles in the development of quality and attractiveness. In citrus (Citrus reticulata Blanco.), we found that the difference in sweetness between mature fruits of “Gongchuan” and its bud sport “Youliang” is related to hexose contents. Expression of a SuS (sucrose synthase) gene CitSUS5 and a SWEET (sugars will eventually be exported transporter) gene CitSWEET6, characterized by transcriptome analysis at different developmental stages of these 2 varieties, revealed higher expression levels in “Youliang” fruit. The roles of CitSUS5 and CitSWEET6 were investigated by enzyme activity and transient assays. CitSUS5 promoted the cleavage of sucrose to hexoses, and CitSWEET6 was identified as a fructose transporter. Further investigation identified the transcription factor CitZAT5 (ZINC FINGER OF ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA) that contributes to sucrose metabolism and fructose transportation by positively regulating CitSUS5 and CitSWEET6. The role of CitZAT5 in fruit sugar accumulation and hexose proportion was investigated by homologous transient CitZAT5 overexpression, -VIGS, and -RNAi. CitZAT5 modulates the hexose proportion in citrus by mediating CitSUS5 and CitSWEET6 expression, and the molecular mechanism explained the differences in sugar composition of “Youliang” and “Gongchuan” fruit.
Diversity beyond density: Experienced social mixing of urban streets
Authors: Fan Zhuangyuan , Su Tianyu , Sun Maoran , Noyman Ariel , Zhang Fan , Pentland Alex ‘Sandy’ , Moro Esteban
Published: March 2023

Urban density, in the form of residents’ and visitors’ concentration, is long considered to foster diverse exchanges of interpersonal knowledge and skills, which are intrinsic to sustainable human settlements. However, with current urban studies primarily devoted to city- and district-level analyses, we cannot unveil the elemental connection between urban density and diversity. Here we use an anonymized and privacy-enhanced mobile dataset of 0.5 million opted-in users from three metropolitan areas in the United States to show that at the scale of urban streets, density is not the only path to diversity. We represent the diversity of each street with the experienced social mixing (ESM), which describes the chances of people meeting diverse income groups throughout their daily experience. We conduct multiple experiments and show that the concentration of visitors only explains 26% of street-level ESM. However, adjacent amenities, residential diversity, and income level account for 44% of the ESM. Moreover, using longitudinal business data, we show that streets with an increased number of food businesses have seen an increased ESM from 2016 to 2018. Lastly, although streets with more visitors are more likely to have crime, diverse streets tend to have fewer crimes. These findings suggest that cities can leverage many tools beyond density to curate a diverse and safe street experience for people.
Why Dreaming Worlds aren’t Nearby Possible Worlds
Authors: Simpson James
Published: March 2023

A familiar anti-sceptical response (à la Sosa) to radical sceptical scenarios employs the safety of knowledge. Radical sceptical scenarios are purported to be too modally remote to really threaten knowledge of ordinary propositions. Why? Because knowledge requires safety, and safety requires the target belief to be true in all nearby possible worlds, but radical sceptical scenarios purportedly take place at distant possible worlds. Hence, the safety theorist claims that radical sceptical scenarios don’t challenge our knowledge of ordinary propositions. But it's alleged by Sosa and others that there's one radical sceptical scenario that can’t be dismissed so easily: the dream scenario. After all, unlike evil demons and brains in vats, ‘dreaming is a daily part of our lives…it is too close for comfort’. In this paper, I sketch an argument to the effect that there's good reason to think that the dream of dream scepticism describes a modally remote possibility, in which case I argue that if the safety-based anti-sceptical response is successful against the evil demon sceptical scenario, the brain in a vat sceptical scenario, and other Cartesian sceptical scenarios in this mould, then it's successful against the dream sceptical scenario as well.
Dynamic Asset-Backed Security Design
Authors: Ozdenoren Emre , Yuan Kathy , Zhang Shengxing
Published: March 2023

Borrowers obtain liquidity by issuing securities backed by the current period payoff and resale price of a long-lived collateral asset, and they are privately informed about the payoff distribution. Asset price can be self-fulfilling: a higher asset price lowers adverse selection and allows borrowers to raise greater funding, which makes the asset more valuable, leading to multiple equilibria. Optimal security design eliminates multiple equilibria, improves welfare, and can be implemented as a repo contract. Persistent adverse selection lowers debt funding, generates volatility in asset prices, and exacerbates credit crunches. The theory demonstrates the role of asset-backed securities on stability of market-based financial systems.
IFN-beta and EIF2AK2 are potential biomarkers for interstitial lung disease in anti-MDA5 positive dermatomyositis
Authors: Liu Yiming , Feng Shuo , Liu Xingyue , Tang Yujie , Li Xiaoling , Luo Chengyu , Tao Jinhui
Published: March 2023

Objective

DM with positive anti-melanoma differentiation-related gene 5 (MDA5) antibody is an autoimmune disease with multiple complications. Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are significantly associated with DM and are particularly related to MDA5+ DM. This article aims to explore potential molecular mechanisms and develop new diagnostic biomarkers for MDA5+ DM-ILD.

Methods

The series matrix files of DM and non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to screen the common enriched pathways related to DM and NSIP. Next, the co-expressed differential expressed genes (co-DEGs) between MDA5+, MDA5− and NSIP groups were identified by Venn plots, and then selected for different enrichment analyses and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction. The mRNA expression levels of IFN-beta and EIF2AK2 were measured by RT-qPCR. The protein expression levels of IFN-beta were measured by ELISA.

Results

Using GSEA, the enriched pathway ‘herpes simplex virus 1 infection’ was both up-regulated in DM and NSIP. Enrichment analysis in MDA5+ DM, MDA5− DM and NSIP reported that the IFN-beta signalling pathway was an important influencing factor in the MDA5+ DM-ILD. We also identified that eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 2 (EIF2AK2) was an important gene signature in the MDA5+ DM-ILD by PPI analysis. The expression levels of IFN-beta and EIF2AK2 were significantly increased in MDA5+ DM-ILD patients.

Conclusions

IFN-beta and EIF2AK2 contributed to the pathogenesis of MDA5+ DM-ILD, which could be used as potential therapeutic targets.
Schizophrenia and Increased Distrust-Based Competitiveness in Interpersonal Interactions: A Serial Process Model
Authors: Ellett Lyn , Wildschut Tim , Chadwick Paul
Published: March 2023

Background and Hypothesis

Game theory paradigms, such as the Prisoner’s Dilemma Game (PDG), have been used to study nonclinical paranoia, though research using clinical populations has been scarce. We test our novel theoretical model that schizophrenia leads to competitiveness in interpersonal interactions, and that this link is serially mediated by trait paranoia, state paranoia, and distrust.

Study Design

In this quasi-experimental study, individuals with schizophrenia spectrum diagnoses with current persecutory delusions (n = 46) and a nonclinical control group (n = 43) played the PDG, and completed measures of trait paranoia, state paranoia, and distrust.

Study Results

Individuals with schizophrenia competed more in the PDG than the control group. Supporting our theoretical model, all direct effects were significant: schizophrenia was associated with higher trait paranoia (H1); trait paranoia predicted state paranoia in the PDG (H2); state paranoia in the PDG predicted distrust of the opponent in the PDG (H3); and distrust predicted competition in the PDG (H4). The hypothesized indirect effect of schizophrenia on competition in the PDG via trait paranoia, state paranoia, and distrust was supported in a serial mediation model (H5).

Conclusions

The findings make clear theoretical and methodological contributions. We provide the first evidence for a theoretical process model by which schizophrenia leads to competitiveness in interpersonal interactions via trait paranoia, state paranoia, and distrust. Game theory paradigms, and the PDG in particular, are important for advancing theory and research on paranoia as it occurs in both clinical and nonclinical populations.
Temporal shifts in root exudates driven by vegetation restoration alter rhizosphere microbiota inRobinia pseudoacaciaplantations
Authors: Li Jiajia , Fan Miaochun , Yang Le , Yang Zhen , Shangguan Zhouping
Published: March 2023

Plant–soil–microbiota interactions mediated by root exudates regulate plant growth and drive rhizosphere microbial feedbacks. It remains unknown how root exudates affect rhizosphere microbiota and soil functions in the course of forest plantation restoration. The metabolic profiles of tree root exudates are expected to shift with stand age, leading to variation in rhizosphere microbiota structure, and in turn, potentially altering soil functions. To unravel the effects of root exudates, a multi-omics study was conducted using untargeted metabonomic profiling, high-throughput microbiome sequencing and functional gene array. The interactions among root exudates, rhizosphere microbiota and nutrient cycling-related functional genes were explored under 15- to 45-year-old Robinia pseudoacacia plantations in the Loess Plateau region of China. Root exudate metabolic profiles, rather than chemodiversity, markedly changed with an increase in stand age. A total of 138 age-related metabolites were extracted from a key module of root exudates. The relative contents of six biomarker metabolites, such as glucose-1-phosphate, gluconic acid and N-acetylneuraminic acid, increased distinctly over time. The biomarker taxa (16 classes) of rhizosphere microbiota varied in a time-sensitive manner, which played potential roles in nutrient cycling and plant health. Nitrospira, Alphaproteobacteria and Acidobacteria were enriched in the rhizosphere of older stands. Key root exudates influenced functional gene abundances in the rhizosphere via direct effects or indirectly through biomarker microbial taxa (e.g., Nitrososphaeria). Overall, root exudates and rhizosphere microbiota are essential for soil function maintenance in R. pseudoacacia plantation restoration.
Hard and Soft Skills in Vocational Training: Experimental Evidence from Colombia
Authors: Barrera-Osorio Felipe , Kugler Adriana , Silliman Mikko
Published: March 2023

This paper studies the effects of an oversubscribed job-training program on skills and labor-market outcomes using both survey and administrative data. Overall, vocational training improves labor-market outcomes, particularly by increasing formal employment. A second round of randomization evaluates how applicants to otherwise similar job-training programs are affected by the extent that hard versus soft skills are emphasized in the curriculum. Admission to a vocational program that emphasizes technical relative to social skills generates greater short-term benefits, but these relative benefits quickly disappear, putting participants in the technical training on equal footing with their peers from the soft-skill training in under a year. Results from an additional randomization suggest that offering financial support for transportation and food increases the effectiveness of the program. The program fails to improve the soft skills or broader labor-market outcomes of women.
The roles of neuroinflammation and glutamatergic excitotoxicity in treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Candee Ryan , Wilkenson Rachel , Schreiber Molly , DeCenzo Megan
Published: March 2023

Major depressive disorder affects nearly 20% of people during their lifetime. A growing body of evidence supports the theory that neuroinflammation plays a prominent role in the neurobiology of depression, which implicates glutamate and gamma aminobutyric acid as key factors in the pathophysiology of the disease process. This article reviews the pathologic pathways of glutamate excess in the central nervous system and how they may be implicated in the underlying disorder of treatment-resistant depression and targeted for treatment.
Recognizing and managing hydrocephalus in children
Authors: Alois Corinne I. , Luntz Allison
Published: March 2023

Hydrocephalus is one of the most common indications for pediatric neurosurgical intervention and is associated with the need for lifelong monitoring. All clinicians should be familiar with the complications that may arise throughout life in these patients so that they can provide timely intervention. This article focuses on the assessment of hydrocephalus, the appropriate diagnostic workup and differential diagnoses, and evidence-based surgical treatments and associated outcomes.
Acknowledging the risk of suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety in PAs
Authors: Smith Noël E. , Sierra Talia , Brown Heidi
Published: March 2023

The prevalence of suicidal ideation is unknown and limited information exists about depression and anxiety among physician associates/assistants (PAs). We set out to understand the degree of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in PAs and PA students. In total, 728 PAs and 322 PA students took an online survey. Risk of depression and anxiety were present at higher levels in PA students compared with employed PAs. PA students indicated higher levels of suicidal ideation compared with clinically active PAs. One-third of those with suicidal ideation did not reveal it to anyone; among those who did, 16.2% feared the results of disclosure. This study establishes that PAs and PA students are at risk for suicidal ideation and often bypass help. The COVID-19 pandemic may have led to elevated rates of emotional distress, and longitudinal studies are needed to understand the basis for such ideation and if it is transitory.
Mushroom consumption and risk of gastric cancer: a pooled analysis within the stomach cancer pooling project and a combined meta-analysis with other observational studies
Authors: Ba Djibril M. , Ssentongo Paddy , Pelucchi Claudio , Negri Eva , Palli Domenico , Ferraroni Monica , Zhang Zuo-Feng , Yu Guo-Pei , Tsugane Shoichiro , Hidaka Akihisa , Hamada Gerson Shigueaki , Zaridze David , Maximovich Dmitry , Obón-Santacana Mireia , Álvarez-Álvarez Laura , Vioque Jesus , Garcia de la Hera Manoli , López-Carrillo Lizbeth , López-Cervantes Malaquias , Mu Lina , Lagiou Areti , Lagiou Pagona , Boffetta Paolo , Camargo Maria Constanza , Curado Maria Paula , Lunet Nuno , La Vecchia Carlo , Muscat Joshua
Published: March 2023

Edible mushrooms have high concentrations of vitamins and minerals. They are considered ‘functional foods’ for their disease-prevention properties. Mushroom consumption may reduce the risk of gastric cancer, the fifth most common cancer worldwide. We investigated the association between mushroom consumption and gastric cancer risk in a pooled analysis within the Stomach Cancer Pooling (StoP) Project and in a meta-analysis that also included previously published studies. A total of 3900 gastric cancer cases and 7792 controls from 11 studies were included in the StoP analysis. Mushroom consumption was measured using food frequency questionnaires. Higher mushroom consumption was associated with a lower risk of gastric cancer [relative risk (RR) for the highest vs. lowest consumption categories, 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.71–0.95]. The corresponding RRs were 0.59 (95% CI, 0.26–1.33) in a meta-analysis of four previously published studies and 0.77 for all studies combined (95% CI, 0.63–0.95; n = 15 studies). In geographic subgroup analysis, the pooled risk in Western Pacific countries was (RR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.40–0.87; n = 6). The stronger effect in Asian countries may reflect high level of antioxidants in mushroom species consumed in Asia.
Assessing the utility of pepsinogens and gastrin-17 in gastric cancer detection
Authors: Gašenko Evita , Bogdanova Inga , Sjomina Olga , Aleksandraviča Ilona , Kiršners Arnis , Ancāns Guntis , Rudzīte Dace , Vangravs Reinis , Sīviņš Armands , Škapars Roberts , Tzivian Lilian , Polaka Inese , Folkmanis Valdis , Leja Mārcis
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine the proportion of gastric cancer patients with decreased levels of pepsinogen and gastrin-17 in plasma, with the goal of providing indirect evidence of the sensitivity of these biomarkers when applied in a cancer screening setting.

Methods

The levels of pepsinogens I and II, gastrin-17, and Helicobacter pylori immunoglobulin antibodies in plasma samples of gastric cancer patients were evaluated using the GastroPanel test system (Biohit Oyj, Helsinki, Finland). A decreased level of the pepsinogen I/II ratio was defined as less than three, while a decrease in gastrin-17 was defined as less than 1 pmol/L. Univariate analysis using non-parametric tests was used to investigate differences between normal and low concentrations of biomarkers.

Results

In total, 481 plasma samples from patients (59.9% male) with a median age of 64 years (ranging from 27 to 88 years) were analyzed. Out of the 400 cases of gastric cancer (83.2% of the total), 182 were categorized as the intestinal type, 141 as the diffuse type, 60 as the mixed type, and 17 as indeterminate according to the Lauren classification system. The H. pylori immunoglobulin test was positive in 74.0% of the patients. Pepsinogen I/II ratio was decreased in 32.4% (36.8% of the intestinal type); gastrin-17 in 12.3% (10.1% of the antral region) of all cases.

Conclusion

The majority of gastric cancer patients had normal levels of pepsinogen and gastrin-17, suggesting that these biomarkers have limited application as screening tools in the Caucasian population.
The construction and analysis of a prognostic assessment model based on P53-related multi-genes in breast carcinoma
Authors: Cai Yangjun , Wang Linyi , Xu Wangjin , Huang Shifen , Xie Bojian , Zeng Hanqian
Published: March 2023

Background

Breast cancer ranks second in female tumor mortality, with an estimation of 2 million new cases diagnosed each year worldwide.

Methods

In our current study, we screened 13 genes highly distributed on the P53 phenotype which were significantly expressed and had a strong correlation with survival in the Cancer Genome Atlas breast cancer dataset. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression was conducted to construct the risk assessment model. Based on bioinformatics and statistical methods, we confirmed the credibility and validity of the model by training set and testing set.

Results

The result of comparing the other two previous hypoxia models was also satisfying. We also verified the model on one of the Gene Expression Omnibus datasets—GSE20685. Using clinical data from patients in the Cancer Genome Atlas, we acknowledged the risk score as an independent influence on breast cancer survival prognosis, and strong relevance was suggested between risk signature and age, lymphatic metastasis, tumor size and clinical stage by performing univariate and multivariate analysis. Immunology analysis demonstrated that the macrophages subset was positively associated with a risk score and other immune cell types had a negative effect with the risk score increases. The risk score was also emerging as a valuable prognostic factor for the prediction of chemotherapy drug curative effect because Gemcitabine, vinorelbine, paclitaxel and cisplatin known as a generic drug for breast cancer had more pleasing sensitivity in high-scored patients than low-scored patients.

Conclusion

The P53-related risk assessment model is promising to be a potential predictor for the prognosis of patients with breast cancer and a powerful guide for the selection of therapeutic strategies.
Counseling on hormone replacement therapy: the real risks and benefits
Authors: Voedisch Amy J.
Published: March 2023

Purpose of review

The menopause transition can be a time of great upheaval and suffering for some patients. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life but the perceived risks of HRT have decreased use over the past two decades. Understanding the real risks and benefits will ease physician and other healthcare professionals discomfort with counseling and prescribing this potentially life changing therapy in appropriate patients.

Recent findings

Menopausal symptoms may persist several years beyond the final menstrual period. Previously stated risks of HRT overestimated the concern with menopausal therapy. New data indicates there are medical benefits to HRT beyond quality of life measures.

In appropriate patients, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy outweigh the risks. Extended use of hormone replacement therapy is reasonable in patients with persistent symptoms.
Aspirin in pregnancy: a review of indications, timing, dosing and efficacy
Authors: Joudi Noor , Rode Martha
Published: March 2023

Purpose of review

The aim of this study was to evaluate the recent literature examining the utility of low-dose daily aspirin (LDA) in the prevention of preeclampsia and other potential adverse perinatal sequelae. The evidence supporting various aspirin doses and timing of initiation of treatment for this purpose will be examined. The potential benefits of LDA therapy in pregnancy will be discussed weighing against any potential associated harm.

Recent findings

Findings from several recent meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials are consistent with prior studies in showing a reduction in risk for preeclampsia with LDA use in individuals at an increased risk for this complication. Some studies suggest aspirin at a dose greater than the current recommended 81 mg is associated with the highest reduction in preterm PE.

Several studies have demonstrated a reduction in risk for preterm birth, small for gestational age (SGA) infant or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and a reduction in the risk of perinatal mortality associated with aspirin use. The findings of reduced preterm birth (PTB) and IUGR were also demonstrated among low-risk patients.

Identifying patients at risk was re-evaluated, with resulting changes to existing United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines.

This review of recent evidence suggests a decreased rate of preeclampsia at aspirin doses higher than the standardly used 81 mg when treatment is initiated prior to 16 weeks of gestation. Although LDA use seems promising for other outcomes such as preterm delivery and IUGR, further studies to strengthen recommendations are warranted.
Menopause, weight, and metabolic health – considerations for a patient centered, multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Lowy Leasa , Kasianchuk Anastasia
Published: March 2023

Purpose of review

To examine the complexity of weight and metabolic changes during the menopausal transition and propose a multidisciplinary care approach to support long-term metabolic health.

Recent findings

Menopause, weight and metabolic health changes are influenced by many interplaying factors, and therefore, require a multipronged, multidisciplinary patient centered approach. This approach should start with a medical history and examination. Additional key components include: behavior change principles, mental health evaluation, gynecological care, nutrition, exercise recommendations and sleep care. In addition, when appropriate, weight loss pharmacotherapy and surgical options should be considered. Metabolic health is a long-term chronic process and improvement requires a chronic management approach.

Applying the framework of chronic disease prevention and treatment to optimizing metabolic health and body weight in peri and postmenopausal women offers an approach that works with the dynamic nature of metabolism changes that occur during aging and the menopausal transition. Using patient-centered care and behavior change principles with this multidisciplinary approach can strengthen its long-term effect.
Understanding the distinction between cleft lip and cleft palate: a critical step for successful prenatal detection
Authors: Minor Kathleen , Chueh Jane
Published: March 2023

Purpose of review

Orofacial clefts (OCs) are among the most common congenital anomalies, however, prenatal detection of cleft palate without cleft lip (CP) remains low. CP is associated with a higher risk of associated structural anomalies, recurrence risk and genetic aberrations. There is opportunity to optimize prenatal diagnosis, counseling and diagnostic genetic testing for OCs.

Recent findings

Improving prenatal diagnosis of CP requires understanding that embryologically, the secondary palate develops from the 6th to the 10th week and fuses with the primary palate by the 12th week. Multiple first, second and third trimester 2D ultrasonographic markers for OCs have been described including the maxillary gap, frontal space, maxilla-nasion-mandible angle, retronasal triangle, palatino-maxillary diameter, equal sign, nonvisualization or gap in the soft to hard palate interface and loss of the superimposed line. We discuss the technique, evidence and limitations of each.

Prenatal detection of OC can be optimized by employing 2D sonographic markers. Prenatal detection of CP may be improved by recognizing its high association with retrognathia/micrognathia.
Fetal growth disorders in twin gestations
Authors: Blumenfeld Yair J. , Anderson Jill N.
Published: March 2023

Purpose of review

Twin gestations account for approximately 3% of all births. Although there appear to be physiologic differences in the third trimester growth of twins compared with singleton gestations, reasons for this remain unclear. As growth-restricted fetuses and neonates are at increased risk for adverse outcomes, there is a clinical need to optimize our ability to delineate normally from pathologically grown twins.

Recent findings

Recent studies have addressed current limitations in the way growth restriction is diagnosed in twin gestations. Twin-specific fetal and neonatal growth charts have been shown to decrease the number of cases inappropriately labeled as growth restricted compared with singleton nomograms. In addition, individual growth assessment (IGA) is a promising method of diagnosing pathological growth using each fetus's growth potential rather than a comparison of the estimated fetal weight with population nomograms.

There is a recent focus on improving our understanding of physiologic and pathologic twin growth. The increased use of twin-specific growth curves is likely to result in a decrease in the incidence of FGR diagnosis among twin gestations and could improve the outcomes of twins currently misclassified as FGR. Future research will hopefully clarify the reasons behind differences seen in twin versus singleton third trimester twin growth.
Perimenopausal depression: review of recent findings and implications for future research
Authors: Williams Katherine
Published: March 2023

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the most recent research regarding potential causes and treatments for perimenopausal depression.

Recent findings

Erratic estrogen fluctuations and alterations in the neurosteroid allopregnanolone are important contributors to perimenopausal mood symptoms. These hormone changes augment increased risk associated with recent stressful events, as well as early life childhood events. Perimenopausal depressions have different clinical presentations and may respond to differential treatment approaches.

Future research should focus on these recent findings of interindividual hormonal sensitivity, childhood trauma histories, and varying depression symptom profiles for a personalized treatment approach to perimenopausal depression.