bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cuproptosis-related lncRNAs predict prognosis and immune response of thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Shi Yinli , Sheng Pei , Guo Ming , Chen Kai , Zhou Hongguang , Wu Mianhua , Li Wenting , Li Bo
Published: July 2023

Objective: To estimate the survival and prognosis of patients with thyroid carcinoma (THCA) based on the Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) traits linked to cuproptosis and to investigate the connection between the immunological spectrum of THCA and medication sensitivity.

Methods: RNA-Seq data and clinical information for THCA were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. We built a risk prognosis model by identifying and excluding lncRNAs associated with cuproptosis using Cox regression and LASSO methods. Both possible biological and immune infiltration functions were investigated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and immunoassays. The sensitivity of the immune response to possible THCA medicines was assessed using ratings for tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) and tumor mutational burden (TMB).

Results: Seven cuproptosis-related lncRNAs were used to construct our prognostic prediction model: AC108704.1, DIO3OS, AL157388.1, AL138767.3, STARD13-AS, AC008532.1, and PLBD1-AS1. Using data from TCGA’s training, testing, and all groups, Kaplan-Meier and ROC curves demonstrated this feature’s adequate predictive validity. Different clinical characteristics have varying effects on cuproptosis-related lncRNA risk models. Further analysis of immune cell infiltration and single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) supported the possibility that cuproptosis-associated lncRNAs and THCA tumor immunity were closely connected. Significantly, individuals with THCA showed a considerable decline in survival owing to the superposition effect of patients in the high-risk category and high TMB. Additionally, the low-risk group had a higher TIDE score compared with the high-risk group, indicating that these patients had suboptimal immune checkpoint blocking responses. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of our results, we further verified them using several GEO databases.

Conclusion: The clinical and risk aspects of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs may aid in determining the prognosis of patients with THCA and improving therapeutic choices.
Elevated sea temperature combined with dietary methionine levels affect feed intake and appetite-related neuropeptide expression in the brains of juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum)
Authors: Nguyen Minh V. , Pham Linh P. , Jordal A-E.O. , Espe M. , Conceição L.E.C. , Yúfera M. , Engrola S. , Le M.H. , Rønnestad I.
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to determine the impact of elevated temperature combined with different levels of dietary methionine concentrations on feed intake (FI) and brain expression of selected neuropeptides and one receptor involved in appetite control in juvenile cobia (approximately 3.7 g body weight). The genes studies were neuropeptide y, npy; agouti-related protein, agrp; cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript, cart; cholecystokinin, cck and melanocortin 4 receptor; mc4r. The cobia were reared at typical sea water temperature in Vietnam (30 °C) and elevated temperature (34°C; selected as one of the predicted scenarios of climate change). The fish were fed diets with different levels of methionine: deficient (M9; 9.1 g/kg), sufficient (M12; 12.8 g/kg) and surplus (M16, 16.8 g/kg) for 6 weeks (triplicate tanks per treatment). Both dietary methionine concentration and temperature affected FI in cobia. Dietary methionine deficiency (i.e., M9) and elevated temperature reduced FI in cobia. Temperature significantly influenced the mRNA expression of agrp, cart, cck and mc4r. Expression of the orexigenic neuropeptide npy was consistently higher before the meal than after the meal for all diets and at both temperatures. At 30°C, prefeeding levels of npy correlated with both increased methionine levels and FI. The interaction between dietary methionine and temperature on the levels of brain npy expression was significant (P<0.05). There was higher brain expression of agrp, cart and cck in cobia at 34°C than in fish at 30°C, which was correlated with a lower FI. In conclusion, both feeding, temperature and/or dietary methionine levels affected the brain expression of npy and agrp, cart, cck and mc4r. This suggests that these neuropeptides as well as the mc4r receptor are actively involved in adjusting feed intake to compensate for changing energetic demands, as well as metabolic adjustments due to the variable availability of methionine at elevated temperature.
Blood orange juice intake changes specific bacteria of gut microbiota associated with cardiometabolic biomarkers
Authors: Corrêa Telma Angelina Faraldo , Tobaruela Eric de Castro , Capetini Vinicius Cooper , Quintanilha Bruna Jardim , Cortez Ramon Vitor , Taddei Carla R. , Hassimotto Neuza Mariko Aymoto , Hoffmann Christian , Rogero Marcelo Macedo , Lajolo Franco Maria
Published: July 2023

Blood orange juice is an important source of flavanones and anthocyanins, mainly hesperidin, narirutin, and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside. The benefits of these bioactive compounds have been reported, but the mechanistic details behind their biological effects are not well established. This study investigated the effects of Moro orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) juice (MOJ) on gut microbiota composition and cardiometabolic biomarkers in overweight women. In this study, 12 overweight women (BMI from 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2), aged 18–37 years, consumed 500 mL of MOJ every day for 4 weeks. We assessed the gut microbiota composition, levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), cardiometabolic biomarkers, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) at baseline and after 2 weeks and 4 weeks of MOJ intake. The results suggested that MOJ intake affected the abundance of specific operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of the gut microbiota but did not significantly alter the diversity and general composition of the gut microbiota. However, MOJ intake increased the production of SCFAs, especially propionic and isobutyric acids, and significantly improved cardiometabolic biomarkers such as blood pressure and plasma VCAM-1 levels in the overweight women. Additionally, we observed significant associations between gut microbiota OTUs belonging to the Bacteroidetes phyla and Prevotella 9 genera and the cardiometabolic biomarkers. Furthermore, MOJ reduced fasting glucose and insulin levels and HOMA-IR values, thereby enhancing insulin sensitivity in the insulin-resistant overweight women. Finally, we highlighted the importance of orange juice intake duration because some beneficial changes such as blood pressure improvements were evident at the 2-week time interval of the intervention, but other changes became significant only at the 4-week interval of MOJ intake. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that changes in specific OTUs of the gut microbiota in response to MOJ intake were associated with significant improvements in some cardiometabolic biomarkers and SCFA levels in overweight women with insulin resistance.
Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of Mangifera indica in response to Xanthomonas critis pv. mangiferaeindicae
Authors: Liu Feng , Sun Xin , Wang Lulu , Zhou Kaibing , Yao Quansheng , Zhan Ru-lin
Published: July 2023

Mango is an important tropical fruit with the reputation of “Tropical Fruit King.” It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. Mango bacterial leaf spot, which is caused by Xanthomonas critis pv. mangiferaeindicae (Xcm), poses a great threat to the development of mango planting industry. In this study, we used RNA sequencing and data-independent acquisition techniques to compare the transcriptome and proteome of the highly resistant cultivar “Renong No.1” (RN) and the highly susceptible cultivar “Keitt” (KT) in response to Xcm infection at different stages (0, 2, and 6 days). A total of 14,397 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the transcriptome of the two varieties, and 4,400 and 8,926 genes were differentially expressed in RN and KT, respectively. Among them, 217 DEGs were related to plant hormone signaling pathway, and 202 were involved in the maintenance of cellular redox homeostasis. A total of 3,438 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in the proteome of the two varieties. Exactly 1,542 and 1,700 DEPs were detected in RN and KT, respectively. In addition, 39 DEPs were related to plant hormone signaling pathway, whereas 68 were involved in the maintenance of cellular redox homeostasis. Through cross-validation of the two omics, 1,470 genes were found to be expressed in both groups, and a large number of glutathione metabolism-related genes, such as HSP26-A, G6PD4, and GPX2, were up-regulated in both omics. Peroxisome-related genes, such as LACS6, LACS9, PED1, GLO4, and HACL, were up-regulated or down-regulated in both omics. ABCB11, SAPK2, MYC2, TAG7, PYL1, and other genes related to indole-3-acetic acid and abscisic acid signal transduction and plant-pathogen interaction were up-regulated or down-regulated in both omics. We also used weighted gene co-expression network analysis to combine physiological and biochemical data (superoxide dismutase and catalase activity changes) with transcriptome and proteome data and finally identified three hub genes/proteins (SAG113, SRK2A, and ABCB1) that play an important role in plant hormone signal transduction. This work was the first study of gene/protein changes in resistant and susceptible mango varieties, and its results improved our understanding of the molecular mechanism of mango resistance to Xcm.
CRISPR/Cas9 as a therapeutic tool for triple negative breast cancer: from bench to clinics
Authors: Tiwari Prashant Kumar , Ko Tin-Hsien , Dubey Rajni , Chouhan Mandeep , Tsai Lung-Wen , Singh Himanshu Narayan , Chaubey Kundan Kumar , Dayal Deen , Chiang Chih-Wei , Kumar Sanjay
Published: July 2023

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) is a third-generation genome editing method that has revolutionized the world with its high throughput results. It has been used in the treatment of various biological diseases and infections. Various bacteria and other prokaryotes such as archaea also have CRISPR/Cas9 systems to guard themselves against bacteriophage. Reportedly, CRISPR/Cas9-based strategy may inhibit the growth and development of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) via targeting the potentially altered resistance genes, transcription, and epigenetic regulation. These therapeutic activities could help with the complex issues such as drug resistance which is observed even in TNBC. Currently, various methods have been utilized for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 into the targeted cell such as physical (microinjection, electroporation, and hydrodynamic mode), viral (adeno-associated virus and lentivirus), and non-viral (liposomes and lipid nano-particles). Although different models have been developed to investigate the molecular causes of TNBC, but the lack of sensitive and targeted delivery methods for in-vivo genome editing tools limits their clinical application. Therefore, based on the available evidences, this review comprehensively highlighted the advancement, challenges limitations, and prospects of CRISPR/Cas9 for the treatment of TNBC. We also underscored how integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning could improve CRISPR/Cas9 strategies in TNBC therapy.
Screening for PRX mutations in a large Chinese Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease cohort and literature review
Authors: Ma Xinran , Liu Xiaoxuan , Duan Xiaohui , Fan Dongsheng
Published: July 2023

Background

Periaxins (encoded by PRX) play an important role in the stabilization of peripheral nerve myelin. Mutations in PRX can lead to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4F (CMT4F).

Methods

In this study, we screened for PRX mutations using next-generation sequencing and whole-exome sequencing in a large Chinese CMT cohort consisting of 465 unrelated index patients and 650 healthy controls. Sanger sequencing was used for the validation of all identified variants. We also reviewed all previously reported PRX-related CMT cases and summarized the clinical manifestations and genetic features of PRX-related CMTs.

Results

The hit rate for biallelic PRX variants in our cohort of Chinese CMT patients was 0.43% (2/465). One patient carried a previously unreported splice-site mutation (c.25_27 + 9del) compound heterozygous with a known nonsense variant. Compiling data on CMT4F cases and PRX variants from the medical literature confirmed that early-onset (95.2%), distal amyotrophy or weakness (94.0%), feet deformity (75.0%), sensory impairment or sensory ataxia (65.5%), delayed motor milestones (60.7%), and spinal deformity (59.5%) are typical features for CMT4F. Less frequent features were auditory impairments, respiratory symptoms, late onset, dysarthria or hoarseness, ophthalmic problems, and central nervous system involvement. The two cases with biallelic missense mutations have later onset age than those with nonsense or frameshift mutations. We did not note clear correlations between the type and site of mutations and clinical severity or distinct constellations of symptoms.

Conclusion

Consistent with observations in other countries and ethnic groups, PRX-related CMT is rare in China. The clinical spectrum is wider than previously anticipated.
Is there an association between a plant-based eating pattern and clinical findings of a migraine headache?
Authors: Karimi Elham , Tirani Shahnaz Amani , Azimi Elham Sadat , Askari Gholamreza , As’habi Atefeh , Arab Arman
Published: July 2023

Aims

The present study was conducted among Iranian individuals diagnosed with migraine headaches to investigate the association between plant-based eating patterns and the clinical features of a migraine headache.

Methods

In total, 262 patients aged 20–50 years who were diagnosed with migraine headaches were included in the current cross-sectional study. Participants’ dietary intake was assessed using a validated 168-item, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Three versions of the plant-based diet index (PDI) comprising overall PDI, healthy PDI (hPDI), and unhealthy PDI (uPDI) were generated. Headache frequency, duration, and severity were assessed via a 30-day headache diary. Migraine-related disability was assessed with a validated version of the headache impact test (HIT-6) questionnaire. Serum nitric oxide (NO) was measured using the Griess method utilizing serum samples.

Results

After controlling for potential confounders, an increase in mean PDI score from 48.22 to 61.67 decreased the frequency of headaches by −2.95 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.53; ptrend = 0.005). PDI was inversely associated with serum levels of NO in those with the highest scores of PDI compared to those with the lowest scores after adjustment for confounders (β = −7.69; 95% CI: −14.68, −0.69; ptrend = 0.028). After adjustment for potential confounders, an increase in the mean hPDI score from 47.96 to 65.25 decreased serum levels of NO by −11.92 (95% CI: −19.74, −4.10; ptrend = 0.003).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that higher adherence to a plant-based eating style, as evidenced by higher PDI and hPDI values, was significantly associated with lower headache frequency and serum levels of NO.
Potential risk of tamoxifen: gut microbiota and inflammation in mice with breast cancer
Authors: Li Hailong , Gao Xiufei , Chen Yian , Wang Mengqian , Xu Chuchu , Yu Qinghong , Jin Ying , Song Jiaqing , Zhu Qi
Published: July 2023

Objective

Tamoxifen is an effective anti-tumor medicine, but evidence has been provided on tamoxifen-related inflammation as well as its impact on gut microbiota. In this study, we aimed to investigate tamoxifen-induced gut microbiota and inflammation alteration.

Methods

We established a BC xenograft mouse model using the MCF-7 cell line. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to investigate gut microbiota. qRT–PCR, western blotting, and cytometric bead array were used to investigate inflammation-related biomarkers. Various bioinformatic approaches were used to analyze the data.

Results

Significant differences in gut microbial composition, characteristic taxa, and microbiome phenotype prediction were observed between control, model, and tamoxifen-treated mice. Furthermore, protein expression of IL-6 and TLR5 was up-regulated in tamoxifen-treated mice, while the mRNA of Tlr5 and Il-6, as well as protein expression of IL-6 and TLR5 in the model group, were down-regulated in the colon. The concentration of IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL12P70 in serum was up-regulated in tamoxifen-treated mice. Moreover, correlation-based clustering analysis demonstrated that inflammation-negatively correlated taxa, including Lachnospiraceae-UCG-006 and Anaerotruncus, were enriched in the model group, while inflammation-positively correlated taxa, including Prevotellaceae_UCG_001 and Akkermansia, were enriched in the tamoxifen-treated group. Finally, colon histologic damage was observed in tamoxifen-treated mice.

Conclusion

Tamoxifen treatment significantly altered gut microbiota and increased inflammation in the breast cancer xenograft mice model. This may be related to tamoxifen-induced intestinal epithelial barrier damage and TLR5 up-regulation.
Predicting the immune microenvironment and prognosis with a anoikis - related signature in breast cancer
Authors: Lu Xiuqing , Yuan Qi , Zhang Chao , Wang Sifen , Wei Weidong
Published: July 2023

Background

Tumor heterogeneity is widely recognized as a crucial factor impacting the prognosis of breast cancer (BC) patients. However, there remains an insufficient understanding of the underlying impact of anoikis on the prognosis of BC patients.

Methods

The researchers utilized the TCGA-BRCA dataset to screen and analyze the differentially expressed genes of anoikis-related genes (ARGs) in BC and normal breast tissue. Prognostic gene signatures were established through univariate, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression analyses. These signatures were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, resulting in the development of an anoikis-related index (ACI). The training dataset was TCGA-BRCA, while METABRIC and GSE96058 were used for external validation. Additionally, nomograms were developed by combining risk scores and clinical parameters, enabling gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and tumor immunoassay. Furthermore, an exploration of small molecule compounds was conducted to identify potential therapeutic benefits.

Results

A six-gene anoikis-related signature was constructed, which divided BC patients into high- and low-ACI groups based on median ACI scores. The ACI accurately predicted prognosis and acted as an independent prognostic factor for BC patients. Patients in the high-ACI group exhibited poorer overall survival (OS) across all cohorts and showed more severe clinical manifestations compared to the low-ACI group. The study also explored the potential impacts of anoikis on immune cells infiltrating tumors, immune checkpoints, growth factors, and cytokine levels. Additionally, the potential implications of anoikis in BC immunotherapy were discussed, along with highlighting small molecule compounds that could offer therapeutic benefits.

Conclusions

Anoikis was found to hold significant prognostic value in breast cancer, providing a novel approach for managing patients with different prognoses and implementing more precise immunotherapy strategies.
Prospective associations of physical fitness with spinal flexibility in childhood: implications for primary prevention of non-specific back pain
Authors: Bade Svea , Lona Giulia , Infanger Denis , Endes Katharina , Roth Ralf , Faude Oliver , Hanssen Henner
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Early predictors for back pain need to be identified for the development of prevention strategies starting as early as childhood. For this purpose, the relationship between physical fitness and spinal flexibility at the age of six years and its prediction for the development of non-specific back pain (BP) during childhood were analyzed.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study with 4-year follow-up, school children from the Swiss Canton Basel-Stadt, aged 6–8 (2014) at baseline and 10–12 years (2018) at follow-up, were recruited from 26 primary schools (n = 238) within a mandatory evaluation of motor skills. Data for spinal flexibility were collected by use of a hand-held computer-assisted device and physical fitness was assessed by shuttle run performance at both time points. Occurrence of non-specific BP was determined by use of a questionnaire at follow-up.

Results

Children with higher physical fitness at baseline achieved a better spinal flexibility four years later (β [95% CI] 3.75 [2.19–5.3] degree per 1 stage increase, p < 0.001). Higher spinal flexibility by 1 degree at baseline was associated with 2% less odds for non-specific BP at follow-up (OR [95% CI] 0.98 [0.97–0.99] per 1 degree increase, p = 0.032). There was little evidence for a direct association between physical fitness at baseline and development of non-specific BP at follow-up (OR [95% CI] 1.13 [0.96–1.34] per 1 stage increase, p = 0.128).

Conclusion

Fitness performance is associated with the development of better childhood spinal flexibility over four years. Moreover, a better spinal flexibility at baseline was associated with less non-specific BP at follow-up. This study suggests that physical fitness may be a key modulator of spinal flexibility which itself is a main determinant of non-specific BP during childhood development. Further long-term studies are warranted to confirm our assumptions and to prove trajectories into adolescents and adulthood.
Medium-term and long-term renal function changes with direct oral anticoagulants in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Armentaro Giuseppe , D’Arrigo Graziella , Bo Mario , Cassano Velia , Miceli Sofia , Pitino Annalisa , Tripepi Giovanni , Romeo Santina Maria Grazia , Sesti Giorgio , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Pastori Daniele , Gori Mercedes , Sciacqua Angela
Published: July 2023

Objective: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease frequently coexist in the elderly. Warfarin-like drugs (WLDs) may be associated with a relatively greater decrease of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as compared to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), but there is no evidence on the medium- and long-term changes. To further elucidate this issue in elderly patients with AF, we investigated the renal function deterioration in the two groups of the study (DOACs or WLDs).

Patients and Methods: A total of 420 AF patients were enrolled (mean age: 77.0 ± 6.0 years; 136 on WLDs and 284 on DOACs). These patients underwent three eGFR measurements during the follow-up period. The between-arms difference of eGFR decline over time was investigated by Linear Mixed Models and group-based trajectory model analyses.

Results: In the whole study cohort, after a median follow-up of 4.9 years (interquartile range: 2.7–7.0 years), eGFR decreased from 67.4 ± 18.2 to 47.1 ± 14.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.001). Remarkably, patients on DOACs experienced a significantly smaller eGFR decline than WLDs patients (−21.3% vs. −45.1%, p < 0.001) and this was true both in the medium-term (−6.6 vs. −19.9 mL/min/1.73 m2) and in the long-term (−13.5 versus −34.2 mL/min/1.73 m2) period. After stratification into five subgroups according to trajectories of renal function decline over time, logistic regression showed that DOACs patients had from 3.03 to 4.24-fold greater likelihood to belong to the trajectory with less marked eGFR decline over time than WLDs patients.

Conclusion: Elderly patients with AF on treatment with DOACs had a relatively smaller decline of eGFR over time compared to those on treatment with WLDs. This is consistent with what was partly reported in the literature.
Reproducibility of drug-induced effects on the contractility of an engineered heart tissue derived from human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Arefin Ayesha , Mendoza Melissa , Dame Keri , Garcia M. Iveth , Strauss David G. , Ribeiro Alexandre J. S.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Engineered heart tissues (EHTs) are three-dimensional culture platforms with cardiomyocytes differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and were designed for assaying cardiac contractility. For drug development applications, EHTs must have a stable function and provide reproducible results. We investigated these properties with EHTs made with different tissue casting batches and lines of differentiated hPSC-cardiomyocytes and analyzed them at different times after being fabricated.

Methods: A video-optical assay was used for measuring EHT contractile outputs, and these results were compared with results from motion traction analysis of beating hPSC-cardiomyocytes cultured as monolayers in two-dimensional cultures. The reproducibility of induced contractile variations was tested using compounds with known mechanistic cardiac effects (isoproterenol, EMD-57033, omecamtiv mecarbil, verapamil, ranolazine, and mavacamten), or known to be clinically cardiotoxic (doxorubicin, sunitinib). These drug-induced variations were characterized at different electrical pacing rates and variations in intracellular calcium transients were also assessed in EHTs.

Results: To ensure reproducibility in experiments, we established EHT quality control criteria based on excitation-contraction coupling and contractile sensitivity to extracellular calcium concentration. In summary, a baseline contractile force of 0.2 mN and excitation-contraction coupling of EHTs were used as quality control criteria to select suitable EHTs for analysis. Overall, drug-induced contractile responses were similar between monolayers and EHTs, where a close relationship was observed between contractile output and calcium kinetics. Contractile variations at multiple time points after adding cardiotoxic compounds were also detectable in EHTs.

Discussion: Reproducibility of drug-induced effects in EHTs between experiments and relative to published work on these cellular models was generally observed. Future applications for EHTs may require additional mechanistic criteria related to drug effects and cardiac functional outputs to be measured in regard to specific contexts of use.
A bullet recognition algorithm based on improved YOLOX
Authors: Hu Jie , Chen Hua , Xu Yubo , Fu Yu
Published: July 2023

The identification and positioning of flying projectiles is a critical issue that affects the testing accuracy of equipment in ballistic testing technology. Traditional image processing methods are difficult to accurately extract targets due to the characteristics of small target size, fast speed, and strong fragmentation interference of projectiles ejected from the muzzle. This paper proposes a projectile recognition algorithm based on an improved YOLOX detection model for the detection and recognition of flying projectiles. The fast and accurate YOLOX model is used, and the network structure is improved by adding attention mechanisms in the feature fusion module to enhance the detection ability of small targets; the loss function is also improved to enhance the model’s iterative optimization ability. Test results show that the improved YOLOX model has significantly improved accuracy in projectile recognition compared to the original network, reaching 84.82%, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed approach. The improved algorithm can be effectively used for small target scenarios in range testing and significantly improves the accuracy of recognition.
Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting hospitalization longer than 14 days in pediatric patients with ventricular septal defect—a study based on the PIC database
Authors: Zhu Jia-Liang , Xu Xiao-Mei , Yin Hai-Yan , Wei Jian-Rui , Lyu Jun
Published: July 2023

Background: Ventricular septal defect is a common congenital heart disease. As the disease progresses, the likelihood of lung infection and heart failure increases, leading to prolonged hospital stays and an increased likelihood of complications such as nosocomial infections. We aimed to develop a nomogram for predicting hospital stays over 14 days in pediatric patients with ventricular septal defect and to evaluate the predictive power of the nomogram. We hope that nomogram can provide clinicians with more information to identify high-risk groups as soon as possible and give early treatment to reduce hospital stay and complications.

Methods: The population of this study was pediatric patients with ventricular septal defect, and data were obtained from the Pediatric Intensive Care Database. The resulting event was a hospital stay longer than 14 days. Variables with a variance inflation factor (VIF) greater than 5 were excluded. Variables were selected using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso), and the selected variables were incorporated into logistic regression to construct a nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was assessed by using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), Decision Curve Analysis (DCA) and calibration curve. Finally, the importance of variables in the model is calculated based on the XGboost method.

Results: A total of 705 patients with ventricular septal defect were included in the study. After screening with VIF and Lasso, the variables finally included in the statistical analysis include: Brain Natriuretic Peptide, bicarbonate, fibrinogen, urea, alanine aminotransferase, blood oxygen saturation, systolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate. The AUC values of nomogram in the training cohort and validation cohort were 0.812 and 0.736, respectively. The results of the calibration curve and DCA also indicated that the nomogram had good performance and good clinical application value.

Conclusion: The nomogram established by BNP, bicarbonate, fibrinogen, urea, alanine aminotransferase, blood oxygen saturation, systolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate has good predictive performance and clinical applicability. The nomogram can effectively identify specific populations at risk for adverse outcomes.
Knockdown of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1) reduces fat body lipid mobilization and resistance to starvation in the insect vector Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: De Paula Iron F. , Santos-Araujo Samara , Majerowicz David , Ramos Isabela , Gondim Katia C.
Published: July 2023

The energy stored in fatty acids is essential for several critical activities of insects, such as embryogenesis, oviposition, and flight. Rhodnius prolixus is an obligatory hematophagous hemipteran and vector of Chagas disease, and it feeds infrequently on very large blood meals. As digestion slowly occurs, lipids are synthesized and accumulate in the fat body, mainly as triacylglycerol, in lipid droplets. Between feeding bouts, proper mobilization and oxidation of stored lipids are crucial for survival, and released fatty acids are oxidized by mitochondrial β-oxidation. Carnitine palmitoyl transferase I (CPT1) is the enzyme that catalyzes the first reaction of the carnitine shuttle, where the activated fatty acid, acyl-CoA, is converted to acyl-carnitine to be transported into the mitochondria. Here, we investigated the role of CPT1 in lipid metabolism and in resistance to starvation in Rhodnius prolixus. The expression of the CPT1 gene (RhoprCpt1) was determined in the organs of adult females on the fourth day after a blood meal, and the flight muscle showed higher expression levels than the ovary, fat body, and anterior and posterior midgut. RhoprCpt1 expression in the fat body dramatically decreased after feeding, and started to increase again 10 days later, but no changes were observed in the flight muscle. β-oxidation rates were determined in flight muscle and fat body homogenates with the use of 3H-palmitate, and in unfed females, they were higher in the flight muscle. In the fat body, lipid oxidation activity did not show any variation before or at different days after feeding, and was not affected by the presence of etomoxir or malonyl-CoA. We used RNAi and generated RhoprCPT1-deficient insects, which surprisingly did not show a decrease in measured 3H-palmitate oxidation rates. However, the RNAi-knockdown females presented increased amounts of triacylglycerol and larger lipid droplets in the fat body, but not in the flight muscle. When subjected to starvation, these insects had a shorter lifespan. These results indicated that the inhibition of RhoprCpt1 expression compromised lipid mobilization and affected resistance to starvation.
A decrease in plant gain, namely CO2 stores, characterizes dysfunctional breathing whatever its subtype in children
Authors: Bokov Plamen , Peiffer Claudine , Gallego Jorge , Pautrat Jade , Matrot Boris , Delclaux Christophe
Published: July 2023

Background: Whether dysfunctional breathing (DB) subtype classification is useful remains undetermined. The hyperventilation provocation test (HVPT) is used to diagnose DB. This test begins with a 3-min phase of hyperventilation during which fractional end-tidal CO2 (FETCO2) decreases that could be an assessment of plant gain, which relies on CO2 stores. Our aim was to assess 1) whether the children suffering from different subtypes of DB exhibit decreased plant gain and 2) the relationships between HVPT characteristics and plant gain.

Methods: We retrospectively selected 48 children (median age 13.5 years, 36 females, 12 males) who exhibited during a cardiopulmonary exercise test either alveolar hyperventilation (transcutaneous PCO2 < 30 mmHg, n = 6) or inappropriate hyperventilation (increased VE’/V’CO2 slope) without hypocapnia (n = 18) or dyspnea without hyperventilation (n = 18) compared to children exhibiting physiological breathlessness (dyspnea for sports only, n = 6). These children underwent tidal-breathing recording (ventilation and FETCO2 allowing the calculation of plant gain) and a HVPT.

Results: The plant gain was significantly higher in the physiological group as compared to the dyspnea without hyperventilation group, p = 0.024 and hyperventilation without hypocapnia group, p = 0.008 (trend for the hyperventilation with hypocapnia group, p = 0.078). The slope of linear decrease in FETCO2 during hyperventilation was significantly more negative in physiological breathlessness group as compared to hyperventilation without hypocapnia group (p = 0.005) and dyspnea without hyperventilation group (p = 0.049).

Conclusion: The children with DB, regardless of their subtype, deplete their CO2 stores (decreased plant gain), which may be due to intermittent alveolar hyperventilation, suggesting the futility of our subtype classification.
Identification and validation of a major quantitative trait locus for spike length and compactness in the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) line Chuanyu12D7
Authors: Wang Mingxiu , Lu Jing , Liu Rong , Li Yunfang , Ao Donghui , Wu Yu , Zhang Lei
Published: July 2023

Spike length (SL) and spike compactness (SC) are crucial traits related to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield potential. In this study, a backcrossed inbred lines (BILs) population segregating for SL/SC was developed by using a commercial variety chuanyu25 as recurrent parent and a backbone parent Chuanyu12D7. Bulked segregant analysis (BSA) combined with the Wheat 660K SNP array was performed to conduct quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. A major and stable SL/SC QTL (designated as QSl/Sc.cib-2D.1) was identified on chromosome 2DS, explaining 45.63-59.72% of the phenotypic variation. QSl/Sc.cib-2D.1 was mapped to a 102.29-Kb interval by flanking SNPs AX-110276364 and AX-111593853 using a BC4F2:3 population. Since QSl/Sc.cib-2D.1 is linked to the Rht8 gene, their additive effects on plant type and spike type were analysed. Remarkably, the superior allele of QSl/Sc.cib-2D.1 combined with Rht8 can increase SL and TGW, and decrese SC without any apparent trade-offs in other yield-related traits. In addition, the closely linked kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers of this locus were developed for marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding. Four genes within the physical interval were considered as potential candidates based on expression patterns as well as orthologous gene functions. These results laid the foundation for map-based cloning of the gene(s) underlying QSl/Sc.cib-2D.1 and its potential application in wheat ideotype breeding.
Leaf photosynthetic pigment as a predictor of leaf maximum carboxylation rate in a farmland ecosystem
Authors: Li Yue , Wang Qingtao , Fu Taimiao , Qiao Yunfeng , Hao Lihua , Qi Tao
Published: July 2023

The leaf maximum rate of carboxylation (Vcmax) is a key parameter of plant photosynthetic capacity. The accurate estimation of Vcmax is crucial for correctly predicting the carbon flux in the terrestrial carbon cycle. Vcmax is correlated with plant traits including leaf nitrogen (Narea) and leaf photosynthetic pigments. Proxies for leaf chlorophyll (Chlarea) and carotenoid contents (Cararea) need to be explored in different ecosystems. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between leaf maximum rate of carboxylation (scaled to 25°C; Vcmax25) and both leaf Narea and photosynthetic pigments (Chlarea and Cararea) in winter wheat in a farmland ecosystem. Our results showed that Vcmax25 followed the same trends as leaf Chlarea. However, leaf Narea showed smaller dynamic changes before the flowering stage, and there were smaller seasonal variations in leaf Cararea. The correlation between leaf Vcmax25 and leaf Chlarea was the strongest, followed by leaf Cararea and leaf Narea (R2 = 0.69, R2 = 0.47 and R2 = 0.36, respectively). The random forest regression analysis also showed that leaf Chlarea and leaf Cararea were more important than leaf Narea for Vcmax25. The correlation between leaf Vcmax25 and Narea can be weaker since nitrogen allocation is dynamic. The estimation accuracy of the Vcmax25 model based on Narea, Chlarea, and Cararea (R2 = 0.75) was only 0.05 higher than that of the Vcmax25 model based on Chlarea and Cararea (R2 = 0.70). However, the estimation accuracy of the Vcmax25 model based on Chlarea and Cararea (R2 = 0.70) was 0.34 higher than that of the Vcmax25 model based on Narea (R2 = 0.36). These results highlight that leaf photosynthetic pigments can be a predictor for estimating Vcmax25, expanding a new way to estimate spatially continuous Vcmax25 on a regional scale, and to improve model simulation accuracy.
What have we learned from 15  years of research on cross-situational word learning? A focused review
Authors: Roembke Tanja C. , Simonetti Matilde E. , Koch Iring , Philipp Andrea M.
Published: July 2023

In 2007 and 2008, Yu and Smith published their seminal studies on cross-situational word learning (CSWL) in adults and infants, showing that word-object-mappings can be acquired from distributed statistics despite in-the-moment uncertainty. Since then, the CSWL paradigm has been used extensively to better understand (statistical) word learning in different language learners and under different learning conditions. The goal of this review is to provide an entry-level overview of findings and themes that have emerged in 15 years of research on CSWL across three topic areas (mechanisms of CSWL, CSWL across different learner and task characteristics) and to highlight the questions that remain to be answered.
Analysis of a super-transmission of SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant BA.5.2 in the outdoor night market
Authors: Luo Mingyu , Liu Shelan , Zhu Liebo , Wang Fengying , Wu Kunyang , He Hanqing , Qi Xiaohua , Pang Zhifeng , Dong Xuanjun , Gong Zhenyu , Yu Min
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the world, and mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 continues. The new strain has become more transmissible. The role of aerosol transmission in the pandemic deserves great attention.

Methods

In this observational study, we collected data from market customers and stallholders who had been exposed to the virus in the Qingkou night market on July 31 and were subsequently infected. We analyzed the possible infection zones of secondary cases and aerosol suspension time in ambient air. We described and analyzed the characteristics of the secondary cases and the transmission routes for customers.

Results

The point source outbreak of COVID-19 in Qingkou night market contained a cluster of 131 secondary cases. In a less-enclosed place like the Qingkou night market, aerosols with BA.5.2 strain released by patients could suspend in ambient air up to 1 h 39 min and still be contagious.

Conclusion

Aerosols with viruses can spread over a relatively long distance and stay in ambient air for a long time in a less enclosed space, but shorter than that under experimental conditions. Therefore, the aerosol suspension time must be considered when identifying and tracing close contact in outbreak investigations.
Mega-city construction engineering to residential satisfaction: new insights from Yan’ an of China
Authors: Huang Huan , Qian Xin-Meng , Xiao Yi , Luo Zi-Xin
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The contradiction among population, economy and urbanization has gradually intensified, and the Mountain Excavation and City Construction (MECC) project is one of the special solutions. Nevertheless, there are few comparative studies on the project index studies and effect of MECC projects on residential satisfaction. To remedy this deficiency, this study base on the Yan’an new district (YND) reconstruction project, attempting to analyze the specific influencing factors prerelocation and post-relocation from the perspective of residential satisfaction.

Methods

After conducting reliability and validity analysis on each dimension, multiple linear regression and paired t-test were used to analyze and compare the questionnaire data.

Results

The results show that the residential satisfaction index of the YND is indeed higher than that of the Yan’an old district (YOD). Concurrently, the decisive factors of residential satisfaction are also different. Specifically, the interpersonal communication, supporting facilities, community environment and economic income are significant in the YOD, but only the aspect of supporting facilities is negative significant. The supporting facilities, community environment, economic income and urban development are all positive significant in the YND. The satisfaction factors of middle-aged people in YOD and YND have the most significant differences, and the significance of each dimension is different.

Discussion

The research results of this study provide a comparative perspective at the micro-level for evaluating China’s urban construction, and it supplies specific directions for future urban development and the improvement of old cities through the new residential satisfaction index.
Promoting sexual health in schools: a systematic review of the European evidence
Authors: Abrams Ronja , Nordmyr Johanna , Forsman Anna K.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Sexual ill-health is an urgent public health issue with subsequent social and economic costs. There is, therefore, a need for more effective sexual health promotion interventions in an early stage of life. Previous research has focused on preventive sexual health interventions applying a risk perspective, and the limited and scattered evidence concerning school-based sexual health promotion interventions employing a health-resource perspective has not been compiled and synthesized. Hence, this study aimed to systematically review the current evidence on the effects of sexual health promotion interventions conducted in schools in Europe.

Method

A systematic review based on the JBI and PRISMA standards was performed, encompassing searches in seven databases to identify sexual health promotion interventions conducted in European schools between 2012 and 2022. Data coding was performed according to a predetermined protocol and included information on study characteristics, intervention content, methods, and outcomes relevant to the current review. A narrative synthesis of the included studies was performed, highlighting the collective results.

Result

Seventeen records were included in the review, reporting on 16 individual studies conducted in 7 European countries. Of the 16 included studies, 13 had a quantitative research design, and three had a qualitative design. All three studies with a qualitative research design described positive effects experienced by the participants. Six of thirteen quantitative studies showed statistically significant positive effects on at least one of the outcomes of interest. The outcomes of interest were grouped into five areas, and most studies focused on the area of attitudes toward sexual health.

Conclusion

The findings indicate promising evidence of effect for interventions with a health promotion approach, highlighting the importance of strengthening sexual health resources related to respect, communication skills, attitudes, and other positive psycho-social aspects of sexual health. Most sexual health promotion intervention studies have focused on sexual health resource outcomes connected to attitudes and skills, whereas a comprehensive focus on the multi-dimensional sexual health literacy concept is less common and can be recommended to be included in future intervention research.
Psychosocial ergonomics of the workplace of medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in three risk’s dimensions: working hours, violence and the use of psychoactive drugs—a prospective pilot study
Authors: Rypicz Łukasz , Gawłowski Paweł , Witczak Izabela , Humeńczuk-Skrzypek Alicja , Salehi Hugh Pierre , Kołcz Anna
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Workplace ergonomics should also be considered in the context of psychosocial factors affecting the worker, which have a real impact on occupational risk. The present study examined psychosocial risk factors in medical personnel in three domains: working hours, violence and substance abuse.

Methods

The purpose of the present study is to assess the current state of psychosocial ergonomics of medical personnels by measuring occupational risks in the domains of: working hours, violence and psychoactive substance abuse. The survey is consisted of two parts: socio-demographic information of participants and participants’ assements of psychosocial risk factors.

Results

In more than half of the respondents (52%), increased risk was identified in the domain of working hours. Nearly half of the respondents (49.6%) have an identified high risk in the domain of violence, and more than half of the respondents (52%) are at high risk in the domain of psychoactive substance abuse.

Discussion

Our findings show that the present psychosocial ergonomics of the Polish health system must be improved. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a compelling test to assess the current state. Our findings highlighted the fact that HCWs often worked overtime and that many cases of workplace violence and substance abuse were reported.
Case report: Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome and enlarged prostatic utricle in a male dog
Authors: Welsh Peter J. , McDaniel Kaylyn , Goldsmith Elizabeth W. , Ramsay Joshua D. , Conley Alan , Owen Tina Jo , Ambrosini Yoko M. , Ciccarelli Michela
Published: July 2023

A 1-year-old male intact Miniature Schnauzer mix was presented for chronic intermittent hematuria. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a large, fluid-filled cystic structure extending cranially and dorsally to the prostate. Computed tomography scan images revealed that the fluid-filled cavity resembled a uterus, with both horns entering the scrotum through the inguinal canal adjacent to the testes. On cytogenetic analysis, the dog was found to have a homozygote mutation on AMHRII consistent with persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS). A gonadohysterectomy was performed, and surgical and histologic findings confirmed the presence of a uterus, oviducts, vagina, and testes in this dog. Additionally, an intraoperative fluoroscopy exam revealed a communication between the uterus and the bladder via an enlarged utricle, explaining the hematuria and urine in the reproductive tract (urometra). To our knowledge, this is the first clinical report of a phenotypically intact male dog with PMDS and urometra due to an enlarged prostatic utricle. This case illustrates a combination of a disorder of sex and urogenital sinus development.