bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of line-of-sight velocities of individual galaxies using neural networks – I. Modelling redshift–space distortions at large scales
Authors: Chen Hongxiang , Wang Jie , Mao Tianxiang , Ma Juntao , Meng Yuxi , Li Baojiu , Cai Yan-Chuan , Neyrinck Mark , Falck Bridget , Szalay Alexander S
Published: July 2024

We present a scheme based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) to estimate the line-of-sight velocities of individual galaxies from an observed redshift–space galaxy distribution. We find an estimate of the peculiar velocity at a galaxy based on galaxy counts and barycentres in shells around it. By training the network with environmental characteristics, such as the total mass and mass centre within each shell surrounding every galaxy in redshift space, our ANN model can accurately predict the line-of-sight velocity of each individual galaxy. When this velocity is used to eliminate the RSD effect, the two-point correlation function (TPCF) in real space can be recovered with an accuracy better than 1 per cent at s > 8 $\, h^{-1}\, \mathrm{Mpc}$, and 4 per cent on all scales compared to ground truth. The real-space power spectrum can be recovered within 3 per cent on k< 0.5 $\, \mathrm{Mpc}^{-1}\, h$, and less than 5 per cent for all k modes. The quadrupole moment of the TPCF or power spectrum is almost zero down to s = 10 $\, h^{-1}\, \mathrm{Mpc}$ or all k modes, indicating an effective correction of the spatial anisotropy caused by the RSD effect. We demonstrate that on large scales, without additional training with new data, our network is adaptable to different galaxy formation models, different cosmological models, and mock galaxy samples at high-redshifts and high biases, achieving less than 10 per cent error for scales greater than 15 $\, h^{-1}\, \mathrm{Mpc}$. As it is sensitive to large-scale densities, it does not manage to remove Fingers of God in large clusters, but works remarkably well at recovering real-space galaxy positions elsewhere. Our scheme provides a novel way to predict the peculiar velocity of individual galaxies, to eliminate the RSD effect directly in future large galaxy surveys, and to reconstruct the three-dimensional cosmic velocity field accurately.
Distinguishing radiation mechanisms and particle populations in blazar jets through long-term multiband monitoring with RINGO3 and Fermi
Authors: McCall Callum , Jermak Helen , Steele Iain A , Agudo Iván , Barres de Almeida Ulisses , Hovatta Talvikki , Lamb Gavin P , Lindfors Elina , Mundell Carole
Published: July 2024

We present the results of seven years of multicolour photometric monitoring of a sample of 31 $\gamma$-ray bright blazars using the RINGO3 polarimeter on the Liverpool Telescope from 2013–2020. We explore the relationships between simultaneous observations of flux in three optical wavebands along with Fermi$\gamma$-ray data in order to explore the radiation mechanisms and particle populations in blazar jets. We find significant correlations between optical and $\gamma$-ray flux with no detectable time lag, suggesting leptonic emission processes in the jets of these sources. Furthermore, we find the spectral behaviour against optical and $\gamma$-ray flux for many sources is best fit logarithmically. This is suggestive of a transition between bluer-/redder-when-brighter into stable-when-brighter behaviour during high activity states; a behaviour that might be missed in poorly sampled data, resulting in apparent linear relationships.
The 18 May 2024 Iberian superbolide from a sunskirting orbit: USG space sensors and ground-based independent observations
Authors: Peña-Asensio E , Grèbol-Tomàs P , Trigo-Rodríguez J M , Ramírez-Moreta P , Kresken R
Published: July 2024

On 18 May 2024, a superbolide traversed the western part of the Iberian Peninsula, culminating its flight over the Atlantic Ocean and generating significant media attention. This event was caused by a weak carbonaceous meteoroid of 1 m, entering the atmosphere at 40.4 km s$^{-1}$ with an average slope of 8.5$^\circ$. The luminous phase started at 133 km and ended at an altitude of 54 km. The meteoroid’s heliocentric orbit had an inclination of 16.4$^\circ$, a high eccentricity of 0.952, a semimajor axis of 2.4 au, and a short perihelion distance of 0.12 au. The superbolide was recorded by multiple ground-based stations of the Spanish Fireball and Meteorite Network and the European Space Agency, as well as by the U.S. Government sensors from space. Due to the absence of observable deceleration, we successfully reconciled satellite radiometric data with a purely dynamic atmospheric flight model, constraining the meteoroid’s mass and coherently fitting its velocity profile. Our analysis shows a good agreement with the radiant and velocity data reported by the Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, with a deviation of 0.56$^\circ$ and 0.1 km s$^{-1}$, respectively. The presence of detached fragments in the lower part of the luminous trajectory suggests that the meteoroid was a polymict carbonaceous chondrite, containing higher-strength macroscopic particles in its interior due to collisional gardening, or a thermally processed C-type asteroid. The orbital elements indicate that the most likely source is the Jupiter-Family Comet region, aligning with the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory comet family, as its sunskirting orbit is decoupled from Jupiter. This event provides important information to characterize the disruption mechanism of near-Sun objects.
Morphometrics and Phylogenomics of Coca (Erythroxylum spp.) Illuminate Its Reticulate Evolution, With Implications for Taxonomy
Authors: Przelomska Natalia A S , Diaz Rudy A , Ávila Fabio Andrés , Ballen Gustavo A , Cortés-B Rocío , Kistler Logan , Chitwood Daniel H , Charitonidou Martha , Renner Susanne S , Pérez-Escobar Oscar A , Antonelli Alexandre
Published: July 2024

South American coca (Erythroxylum coca and E. novogranatense) has been a keystone crop for many Andean and Amazonian communities for at least 8,000 years. However, over the last half-century, global demand for its alkaloid cocaine has driven intensive agriculture of this plant and placed it in the center of armed conflict and deforestation. To monitor the changing landscape of coca plantations, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime collects annual data on their areas of cultivation. However, attempts to delineate areas in which different varieties are grown have failed due to limitations around identification. In the absence of flowers, identification relies on leaf morphology, yet the extent to which this is reflected in taxonomy is uncertain. Here, we analyze the consistency of the current naming system of coca and its four closest wild relatives (the “coca clade”), using morphometrics, phylogenomics, molecular clocks, and population genomics. We include name-bearing type specimens of coca's closest wild relatives E. gracilipes and E. cataractarum. Morphometrics of 342 digitized herbarium specimens show that leaf shape and size fail to reliably discriminate between species and varieties. However, the statistical analyses illuminate that rounder and more obovate leaves of certain varieties could be associated with the subtle domestication syndrome of coca. Our phylogenomic data indicate extensive gene flow involving E. gracilipes which, combined with morphometrics, supports E. gracilipes being retained as a single species. Establishing a robust evolutionary-taxonomic framework for the coca clade will facilitate the development of cost-effective genotyping methods to support reliable identification.
Reproductive cycle, fecundity and growth of the freshwater mussel Unio tumidus (Bivalvia: Unionidae) from Lake Viinijärvi, Finland
Authors: Abdelsaleheen Olfat , Taskinen Jouni , Kortet Raine
Published: July 2024

Freshwater mussels have a substantial role in aquatic ecosystem function and provide valuable ecosystem services, including water filtration, nutrient cycling, habitat creation and sediment stabilization. While they face population declines globally that can negatively affect an ecosystem's health, such as reducing the water quality and increasing the turbidity, lack of information about the basic reproductive biology for most species makes their conservation much more difficult. Here, we monitored a population of Unio tumidus for a year to study its reproductive biology, gonad-dwelling parasites and growth rate in Lake Viinijärvi, Finland. Our data revealed that this species was dioecious with no evidence of hermaphroditism and was non-significantly female-biased (a male to female ratio of 1:1.3). Both sexes of U. tumidus had continuous gametogenesis during the study period with two peaks in the gonadosomatic index (GSI%) during November and May, followed by two clear declines in December and June. Gravidity period (brooding) of embryos or glochidia in the female's outer gills lasted from June to July. Therefore, this population of U. tumidus can be classified as a short-term breeder (tachytictic). The clear decline of GSI% in December might be a strategy that individuals of U. tumidus use to resorb resources back from the gonad for somatic maintenance during winter. Mean length of glochidia was 391 ± 0.049 µm, being among the largest known glochidia for Unionidae. No gonad-dwelling trematode parasites were detected and the population exhibited high fecundity (numbers of oocytes per female), with an average oocyte production of 242,000 ± 18,000. The studied population had a moderate growth rate with a maximum predicted age of 13 years and asymptotic length (the length at which growth slows down while the mussel continues to age, L∞) of 114 mm. Our study provides the first quantitative data and histological analysis of the reproductive biology of U. tumidus, serving as a basis for future research and conservation.
Clinicopathological phenotype and outcomes of NCAM-1+ membranous lupus nephritis
Authors: Xia Xi , Li Suchun , Jia Xiuzhi , Ye Siyang , Fan Yuting , Xiang Wang , Lu Xiaohui , Peng Wenxing , Chen Wenfang , Huang Fengxian , Tang Ruihan , Chen Wei
Published: July 2024

Background

No studies have explored the long-term outcomes of neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1)-associated membranous lupus nephritis (MLN) patients.

Method

We performed immunohistochemical studies on kidney biopsy specimens against NCAM1 in consecutive MLN patients. The clinical and histopathological characteristics and outcomes of cases of NCAM1-associated MLN patients are described and compared with NCAM1-negative patients. In addition, we detected serum circulating anti-NCAM1 antibodies through western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence assays.

Results

Among 361 MLN cases, 18 (5.0%) were glomerular NCAM1-positive. NCAM1-positive MLN patients were older [35 years (interquartile range, IQR 27–43) versus 28 (22–37); P = .050] and had lower systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index [11 (IQR 8–12) versus 14 (10–18); P = .007], serum creatinine [60 μmol/L (IQR 50–70) versus 70 (54–114); P = .029] and activity index [3 (IQR 2–6) versus 6 (3–9); P = .045] at kidney biopsy compared with NCAM1-negative patients. The percentage of positive anti-Sjögren's syndrome–related antigen A antibodies in NCAM1-positive patients was significantly greater (83.3% versus 58.2%; P = .035) than in the NCAM1-negative patients. However, no evidence of neuropsychiatric disorders was found in these 18 patients. There were no significant differences in the treatment response and the risk of end-stage renal diseases between NCAM1-positive and -negative groups (P = .668 and P = .318, respectively). However, the risk of death was much higher in the NCAM1-positive group than the NCAM1-negative group (27.8% vs 8.1%; P = .007). Moreover, the risk of death was also much higher in the NCAM1-positive group than the matched NCAM1-negative group (Log-rank P = .013). Additionally, circulating anti-NCAM1 antibodies can be detected in 1/5 (20%) patients who had serum available.

Conclusion

The prevalence of NCAM1 positivity was 5.0% in our cohort of MLN and the high mortality in these subgroup patients are needed to validate in future studies.
Missed Opportunities for Preexposure Prophylaxis Initiation in Hospitalized Persons With Opioid Use Disorder and Infectious Diseases
Authors: Parchinski Kaley , Neirinckx Victor , Frank Cynthia , Di Paola Angela , Tarfa Adati , Shenoi Sheela , Vander Wyk Brent , Roth Prerana , Ghantous Tracy , Wegman Mary Kay , Strong Michelle , Levin Frances R , Brady Kathleen , Nunes Edward , Litwin Alain H , Springer Sandra A
Published: July 2024

Hospitalizations are increasing among persons who use opioids, secondary to overdose and infections. Our study identified acute hospitalization as a reachable moment for engaging people who use drugs in increased screening and education about human immunodeficiency virus risk and prevention (preexposure prophylaxis).
Neighborhood-Level Burden of Social Risk Factors on Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalization in Ontario, Canada, 2016–2019
Authors: Chen Kitty Y A , van Ingen Trevor , Smith Brendan T , Fitzpatrick Tiffany , Whelan Michael , Parpia Alyssa S , Alessandrini Jenna , Buchan Sarah A
Published: July 2024

Background

Beyond clinical risk factors, little is known about the impact of social determinants on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) burden. Our study aimed to estimate RSV-related hospitalization rates across sociodemographic and housing characteristics.

Methods

We conducted a population-based study of all RSV-related hospitalizations in Ontario, Canada, between September 1, 2016, and August 31, 2019, using validated hospital discharge codes and census data. Crude and age-standardized annualized RSV incidence rates and rate ratios (RRs) were estimated for a range of individual-level demographics and neighborhood-level measures of marginalization and housing characteristics.

Results

Overall, the annual RSV-related hospitalization rate was 27 per 100 000, with the highest rates observed in children age <12 months (1049 per 100 000) and 12–23 months (294 per 100 000) and adults age ≥85 years (155 per 100 000). Higher RSV-related hospitalization rates were associated with increasing marginalization quintile (Q) of material resources (RR, 1.4; Q5: 33 per 100 000 vs Q1: 24 per 100 000) and household instability (RR, 1.5; Q5: 31 per 100 000 vs Q1: 22 per 100 000).

Conclusions

The burden of RSV-related hospitalization was greatest in young children and older adults, with variation by sociodemographic and housing factors. Understanding the role of these social factors is crucial for informing equitable preventive program delivery.
FGFR2 fusion/rearrangement is associated with favorable prognosis and immunoactivation in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Shaoqing , Weng Jialei , Cao Manqing , Zhou Qiang , Xu Min , Xu Wenxin , Hu Zhiqiu , Xu Minghao , Dong Qiongzhu , Sheng Xia , Zhou Chenhao , Ren Ning
Published: July 2024

Increasing evidence highlights that fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusion/rearrangement shows important therapeutic value for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). This study aims to explore the association of FGFR2 status with the prognosis and immune cell infiltration profiles of patients with ICC. A total of 226 ICC tissue samples from patients who received surgery at the Department of Liver Surgery at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, were collected retrospectively and assigned to a primary cohort (n = 152) and validation cohort (n = 74) group. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed to determine FGFR2 status. Multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) staining and immunohistochemistry were performed to identify immune cells. Thirty-two (14.2%) ICC tissues presented with FGFR2 fusion/rearrangement. FGFR2 fusion/rearrangement was associated with low levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA, P = .026) and gamma glutamyl transferase (γ-GGT, P = .003), low TNM (P = .012), CNLC (P = .008) staging as well as low tumor cell differentiation (P = .016). Multivariate COX regression analyses revealed that FGFR2 fusion/rearrangement was an independent protective factor for both overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival in patients with ICC. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed that an FGFR2 fusion/rearrangement was associated with low levels of Tregs and N2 neutrophils and high levels of N1 neutrophils infiltrating into tumors but not with CD8+ T-cell or macrophage tumor infiltration. FGFR2 fusion/rearrangement may exert a profound impact on the prognosis of ICC patients and reprogram the tumor microenvironment to be an immune-activated state. FGFR2 status may be used for ICC prognostic stratification and as an immunotherapeutic target in patients with ICC.
Phycocyanobilin Binding and Specific Amino Acid Residues Near The Chromophore Contribute To Orange Light Perception By The Dualchrome Phytochrome Region
Authors: Fukazawa Mana , Miyake Keita , Hoshino Hiroki , Fushimi Keiji , Narikawa Rei
Published: July 2024

A novel photoreceptor dualchrome 1 (DUC1), containing a fused structure of cryptochrome and phytochrome, was discovered in the marine green alga Pycnococcus provasolli. The DUC1 phytochrome region (PpDUC1-N) binds to the bilin (linear tetrapyrrole) chromophores, phytochromobilin (PΦB) or phycocyanobilin (PCB), and reversibly photoconverts between the orange-absorbing dark-adapted state and the far-red-absorbing photoproduct state. This contrasts with typical phytochromes, which photoconvert between the red-absorbing dark-adapted and far-red-absorbing photoproduct states. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanism of PpDUC1-N to sense orange light by identifying the chromophore species synthesized by P. provasolli and the amino acid residues within the PpDUC1-N responsible for sensing orange light in the dark-adapted state. We focused on the PcyA homolog of P. provasolli (PpPcyA). Coexpression with the photoreceptors followed by an enzymatic assay revealed that PpPcyA synthesized PCB. Next, we focused on the PpDUC1-N GAF domain responsible for chromophore binding and light sensing. Ten amino acid residues were selected as the mutagenesis target near the chromophore. Replacement of these residues with those conserved in typical phytochromes revealed that three mutations (F290Y/M304S/L353M) resulted in a 23-nm red shift in the dark-adapted state. Finally, we combined these constructs to obtain the PΦB-binding F290Y/M304S/L353M mutant and a 38-nm red shift was observed compared with the PCB-binding wild-type PpDUC1. The binding chromophore species and the key residues near the chromophore contribute to blue-shifted orange light sensing in the dark-adapted state of the PpDUC1-N.
The HD-ZIP II Gene PaHAT14 Increases Cuticle Deposition by Downregulating ERF Gene PaERF105 in Phalaenopsis
Authors: Mao Wan-Ting , Hsu Wei-Han , Song Jia-Lin , Yang Chang-Hsien
Published: July 2024

To analyze the genes involved in orchid floral development, a homeodomain-leucine zipper II gene PaHAT14, which is specifically and highly expressed in perianth during early flower development, was identified from Phalaenopsis. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing 35S::PaHAT14 and 35S::PaHAT14 + SRDX (fused with the repressor motif SRDX) exhibited similar altered phenotypes, including small leaves, early flowering and bending petals with increased cuticle production. This suggests that PaHAT14 acts as a repressor. In contrast, transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing 35S::PaHAT14 + VP16 (fused with the activation domain VP16) exhibited curled leaves, late flowering and folded petals with decreased cuticle production within hardly opened flowers. Additionally, the expression of the ERF gene DEWAX2, which negatively regulates cuticular wax biosynthesis, was downregulated in 35S::PaHAT14 and 35S::PaHAT14 + SRDX transgenic Arabidopsis, while it was upregulated in 35S::PaHAT14 + VP16 transgenic Arabidopsis. Furthermore, transient overexpression of PaHAT14 in Phalaenopsis petal/sepal increased cuticle deposition due to the downregulation of PaERF105, a Phalaenopsis DEWAX2 ortholog. On the other hand, transient overexpression of PaERF105 decreased cuticle deposition, whereas cuticle deposition increased and the rate of epidermal water loss was reduced in PaERF105 virus-induced gene silencing Phalaenopsis flowers. Moreover, ectopic expression of PaERF105 not only produced phenotypes similar to those in 35S::PaHAT14 + VP16 Arabidopsis but also compensated for the altered phenotypes observed in 35S::PaHAT14 and 35S::PaHAT14 + SRDX Arabidopsis. These results suggest that PaHAT14 promotes cuticle deposition by negatively regulating downstream gene PaERF105 in orchid flowers.
A database of nutritional strategies of nanoplankton genera present in North American lake surface waters
Authors: Le Noac’h Philippe , Beisner Beatrix E
Published: July 2024

A database of nutritional strategies of nanoplankton genera present in North American lake surface waters is presented. This work represents an integrated and updated database of nutritional strategies for nanoplankton genera commonly found in surface waters of North American lakes. We tabulate the nutritional strategies (autotroph, phago-mixotroph and phago-heterotroph) for nanoplankton genera identified during several pan-continental lake surveys: the EPA-NLA surveys conducted in 2012 and 2017 across the continental USA and the NSERC Canadian Lake Pulse survey campaign conducted from 2017 to 2019. We expect that this work will serve others in the plankton community interested in assessing nanoplankton feeding strategies.
Evaluating research waste and traits among randomized controlled trials of scars over the past 20 years: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Hongrui , Huang Zening , Sun Bin , Hua Chen , Lin Xiaoxi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To analyze the changes in the characteristics of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the field of scarring over the last two decades, unveil the components of research waste (RW) within these RCTs, and identify targets for improvement.

Methods

A search was conducted on ClinicalTrials.gov for RCTs registered from January 2000 to December 2023, using “scar” as the keyword. The search was carried out in January 2024.

Results

391 RCTs were included in this analysis. The global registration of RCTs in scarring has exhibited a consistent increase annually, with the proportion in Asia gradually rising, while the shares in North America and Europe have demonstrated a declining trend. In the analysis of RW, 232 RCTs were included, of which 96 (41.4%) have been published. Among the published RCTs, 56 (58.3%) were evaluated to have sufficient reporting, while 47 RCTs (48.9%) were identified as having avoidable design flaws. Ultimately, 183 RCTs (78.9%) exhibited at least one form of RW. Multicenter design (OR: 3.324, 95%CI: 1.385–7.975, P = 0.018), non-pharmacological interventions (OR: 2.61, 95%CI: 1.253–5.435, P = 0.010), the absence of external funding (OR: 0.325, 95%CI: 0.144–0.732, P = 0.031), and participant numbers exceeding 50 (OR: 3.269, 95%CI: 1.573–6.794, P = 0.002) were identified as independent protective factors against waste.

Conclusions

This study delineates the changes in the characteristics of scar RCTs globally over the past two decades, uncovering a substantial burden of RW in scarring research. It provides an evidential reference for more rational planning of future scar-related RCTs and for minimizing RW.
Correlation Functions Involving Dirac Fields from Homotopy Algebras II: The Interacting Theory
Authors: Konosu Keisuke
Published: July 2024

We extend the formula for correlation functions of free scalar field theories and Dirac field theories in terms of quantum $A_{\infty }$ algebras presented in arXiv:2305.11634 to general scalar-Dirac systems. We obtain the result that the same formula as in the previous paper holds in this case. We show that correlation functions from our formula satisfy the Schwinger–Dyson equations. We therefore confirm that correlation functions from our formula express correlation functions from the ordinary approach of quantum field theory.
Electromagnetic Response of Spinful Majorana Fermions
Authors: Kobayashi Shingo , Sato Masatoshi
Published: July 2024

A remarkable feature of topological superconductors is the emergence of Majorana fermions in electron systems. Whereas the emergent Majorana fermions share the self-antiparticle property with Majorana fermions in particle physics, they may have essentially different electromagnetic properties. In this paper, we discuss the electromagnetic response of spinful Majorana fermions in topological superconductors. We present a general theory of the electromagnetic response of spinful Majorana fermions in topological superconductors and clarify how the pairing symmetry is encoded in the electromagnetic response. As an application, we predict the sublattice-dependent dipole (Ising)-type magnetic response of corner Majorana fermions in iron-based superconductors.
Associations of Cognitive Expectancies With Auditory Hallucinations and Hallucinatory-Like Experiences in Patients With Schizophrenia
Authors: Kowalski Joachim , Dąbkowska Małgorzata , Aleksandrowicz Adrianna , Jarkiewicz Michał , Larøi Frank , Gawęda Łukasz
Published: July 2024

Background

Various neurocognitive models explore perceptual distortions and hallucinations in schizophrenia and the general population. A variant of predictive coding account suggests that strong priors, like cognitive expectancy, may influence perception. This study examines if stronger cognitive expectancies result in more auditory false percepts in clinical and healthy control groups, investigates group differences, and explores the association between false percepts and hallucinations.

Study Design

Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia with current auditory hallucinations (n = 51) and without hallucinations (n = 66) and healthy controls (n = 51) underwent the False Perception Task under various expectancy conditions. All groups were examined for the presence and severity of hallucinations or hallucinatory-like experiences.

Study Results

We observed a main effect of condition across all groups, ie, the stronger the cognitive expectancy, the greater the ratio of auditory false percepts. However, there was no group effect for the ratio of auditory false percepts. Despite modest pairwise correlations in the hallucinating group, the ratio of auditory false percepts was not predicted by levels of hallucinations and hallucinatory-like experiences in a linear mixed model.

Conclusions

The current study demonstrates that strong priors in the form of cognitive expectancies affect perception and play a role in perceptual disturbances. There is also a tentative possibility that overreliance on strong priors may be associated with hallucinations in currently hallucinating subjects. Possible, avoidable confounding factors are discussed in detail.
Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) supplementation enhances sleep and wake consolidation in wild-type, but not in narcoleptic mice
Authors: Sakai Noriaki , Komi Kazuhiro , Nishino Naoya , Kuroki Yutaka , Nishino Seiji
Published: July 2024

Tongkat Ali (TA), also known as Eurycoma longifolia, has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for anti-aging, evidenced by clinical trials presenting the beneficial effects on energy, fatigue, and mood disturbance. We have recently shown that TA supplementation dose-dependently enhances the rest–activity pattern in C57BL/6 mice. Since destabilization of wakefulness and sleep is one of the typical symptoms of not only the elderly but also narcolepsy, we performed sleep analysis with and without dietary TA extract supplementation in middle-aged (10–12 months old) wild-type (WT) and narcoleptic DTA mice. We found that TA supplementation enhanced diurnal rhythms of locomotion and temperature in a time-of-day-dependent manner in WT mice but attenuated in DTA mice. In WT mice, TA supplementation consolidated wakefulness with a long bout duration and led to less entries into the sleep state during the active period, while it consolidated NREM sleep with long bout duration during the resting period. Neither disturbed sleep and wake cycles nor cataplexy was sufficiently improved in DTA mice. EEG spectral analysis revealed that TA supplementation enhanced slow wave activity (SWA) at both delta and low delta frequencies (0.5–4.0 and 0.5–2.0 Hz) during the light period, suggesting TA extract may induce vigilance during the active period, which then elicits a rebound effect during the resting period. Interestingly, DTA mice also slightly, but significantly, increased SWA at low frequencies during the light period. Taken together, our results suggest that TA supplementation enhances the Yin-Yang balance of sleep, temperature, and locomotion in WT mice, while its efficacy is limited in narcoleptic mice.
Development of a CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Gene Knockout Method for Functional Genomics of the Barley Spot Blotch Pathogen Bipolaris sorokiniana
Authors: Poursafar Alireza , Leng Yueqiang , Zhong Shaobin
Published: July 2024

Bipolaris sorokiniana (= Cochliobolus sativus) is an important fungal pathogen that causes spot blotch, common root rot, and kernel blight in barley and wheat. In this study, we aimed to develop a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated approach for efficiently knocking out genes of B. sorokiniana. We first assessed the efficiency of a split-marker system combined with Cas9 and single guide RNA (sgRNA) for gene replacement. We designed sgRNAs to target a polyketide synthase gene ( PKS1) that is required for melanin biosynthesis of the fungus. When the preassembled Cas9/sgRNA ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) and the split hygromycin B resistance gene ( HygB) fragments that each harbored 449-bp-upstream and 595-bp-downstream flanking sequences of PKS1 were cotransformed into the protoplasts of B. sorokiniana, the number of transformants with PKS1 replaced by the selection marker were significantly increased compared to the control without RNPs. We then used the RNPs and PCR-amplified HygB gene cassette carrying 40- or 60-bp arms homologous to the flanking sequences of the PKS1 target site for fungal transformation and showed that the RNPs significantly enhanced gene disruption efficiency through the short-homology recombination and that more gene knockout mutants were generated with longer (60-bp) homologous arms than with the shorter (40-bp) ones. Finally, we disrupted an uncharacterized nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) gene ( NPSx) in B. sorokiniana strain ND90Pr using the RNP-mediated gene knockout approach and showed that the mutants lost virulence on barley cultivar Bowman. The Cas9/sgRNA-mediated gene knockout method developed will facilitate large-scale functional genomics studies of B. sorokiniana.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Protective effect of Cyclo(His‐Pro) on peritoneal fibrosis through regulation of HDAC3 expression
Authors: Kim Ji Eun , Han Dohyun , Kim Kyu Hong , Seo Areum , Moon Jong Joo , Jeong Jin Seon , Kim Ji Hye , Kang Eunjeong , Bae Eunjin , Kim Yong Chul , Lee Jae Wook , Cha Ran‐hui , Kim Dong Ki , Oh Kook‐Hwan , Kim Yon Su , Jung Hoe‐Yune , Yang Seung Hee
Published: July 2024

Peritoneal dialysis is a common treatment for end‐stage renal disease, but complications often force its discontinuation. Preventive treatments for peritoneal inflammation and fibrosis are currently lacking. Cyclo(His‐Pro) (CHP), a naturally occurring cyclic dipeptide, has demonstrated protective effects in various fibrotic diseases, yet its potential role in peritoneal fibrosis (PF) remains uncertain. In a mouse model of induced PF, CHP was administered, and quantitative proteomic analysis using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was employed to identify PF‐related protein signaling pathways. The results were further validated using human primary cultured mesothelial cells. This analysis revealed the involvement of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) in the PF signaling pathway. CHP administration effectively mitigated PF in both peritoneal tissue and human primary cultured mesothelial cells, concurrently regulating fibrosis‐related markers and HDAC3 expression. Moreover, CHP enhanced the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) while suppressing forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1), known to inhibit Nrf2 transcription through its interaction with HDAC3. CHP also displayed an impact on spleen myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, suggesting an immunomodulatory effect. Notably, CHP improved mitochondrial function in peritoneal tissue, resulting in increased mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate production. This study suggests that CHP can significantly prevent PF in peritoneal dialysis patients by modulating HDAC3 expression and associated signaling pathways, reducing fibrosis and inflammation markers, and improving mitochondrial function.
Decreasing Premedication for Blood Transfusions: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Hole Ashley , Budhai Alexandra , King Kerry , Borge P. Dayand
Published: July 2024

Background:

Premedication administration to patients who are to receive blood transfusions continues despite evidence of a lack of benefit when given to prevent febrile nonhemolytic or mild allergic transfusion reactions. Reviews of ordering practices and staff surveys on an adult inpatient hematology–oncology unit in our multisite oncology medical center indicated a lack of standardization and overuse of premedication in blood transfusions and a lack of knowledge of when it was appropriate to use premedication.

Methods:

A literature search was performed, and the evidence led to a proposal for a quality improvement (QI) project focused on development of an evidence-based algorithm to guide clinicians in when to administer which premedication, development of clear documentation for premedication plans, integration of the documented premedication plans into electronic orders for blood products, and staff education. Interventions included a hospital-wide algorithm and an electronic order to be integrated with a premedication plan for each patient on the adult hematology–oncology unit.

Results:

Seven months after implementation of the intervention, premedication use among patients decreased by 57.6%, and the transfusion reaction rate decreased from 1% to 0.8%. Staff knowledge as measured by responses to pre- and postintervention surveys on the appropriate use of premedication also improved.

Conclusion:

Evidence-based interventions can reduce the incidence of premedication use in patients receiving blood transfusions.
Original Research: The Lived Experiences of Nurses as Patients: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kimchi-Woods Judith , Pugh Robin , Wiley Molly
Published: July 2024

Background:

An ED admission and hospitalization are scary experiences for anyone, and potentially more so for nurses. Yet there is scant information about nurses as patients in the nursing research literature. This likely reflects a general tendency among researchers to study the needs of patients but not those of nurses.

Objective:

This qualitative phenomenological study sought to explore the lived experiences of nurses who were admitted as patients to a hospital directly from an ED.

Methods:

A sample of nurse patients 21 years of age and older and including various genders, nursing specialties, and diagnoses were recruited using maximum variation purposive sampling. A semistructured interview guide was created, and data were collected through individual interviews conducted either face-to-face or via telephone. Data were coded manually, and thematic analysis was conducted using Dedoose software.

Results:

The analysis revealed that many participants had experienced tremendous undue stress during their hospitalization. Four themes were identified: to tell or not to tell, pulling the nurse card, taking one's care into one's own hands, and having to make medical decisions while sick.

Conclusions:

The study findings indicate that nurses who are hospitalized have different needs than do hospitalized individuals in the lay population. The findings inform our recommendations, which health care organizations, nurse educators, and nurse leaders can use to promote smoother, more compassionate care for nurse patients. Staff nurses can use them to better prepare themselves for caring for a nurse patient—or becoming one. The study findings can also serve to guide future research.
Hepatic GDP-fucose transporter SLC35C1 attenuates cholestatic liver injury and inflammation by inducing CEACAM1 N153 fucosylation
Authors: Zhang Liangjun , Xie Pingfan , Li Mingqiao , Zhang Xiaoxun , Fei Shuke , Zhao Nan , Li Ling , Xie Qiaoling , Xu Ziqian , Tang Wan , Zhu Guanyu , Zhu Zhixian , Xu Zuzhi , Li Jianwei , Zhang Chengcheng , Boyer James L. , Chen Wensheng , Cai Shi-Ying , Pan Qiong , Chai Jin
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims:

Inflammatory response is crucial for bile acid (BA)-induced cholestatic liver injury, but molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Solute Carrier Family 35 Member C1 (SLC35C1) can transport Guanosine diphosphate-fucose into the Golgi to facilitate protein glycosylation. Its mutation leads to the deficiency of leukocyte adhesion and enhances inflammation in humans. However, little is known about its role in liver diseases.

Approach and Results:

Hepatic SLC35C1 mRNA transcripts and protein expression were significantly increased in patients with obstructive cholestasis and mouse models of cholestasis. Immunofluorescence revealed that the upregulated SLC35C1 expression mainly occurred in hepatocytes. Liver-specific ablation of Slc35c1 (Slc35c1 cKO) significantly aggravated liver injury in mouse models of cholestasis induced by bile duct ligation and 1% cholic acid–feeding, evidenced by increased liver necrosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and bile ductular proliferation. The Slc35c1 cKO increased hepatic chemokine Ccl2 and Cxcl2 expression and T cell, neutrophil, and F4/80 macrophage infiltration but did not affect the levels of serum and liver BA in mouse models of cholestasis. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed that hepatic Slc35c1 deficiency substantially reduced the fucosylation of cell-cell adhesion protein CEACAM1 at N153. Mechanistically, cholestatic levels of conjugated BAs stimulated SLC35C1 expression by activating the STAT3 signaling to facilitate CEACAM1 fucosylation at N153, and deficiency in the fucosylation of CEACAM1 at N135 enhanced the BA-stimulated CCL2 and CXCL2 mRNA expression in primary mouse hepatocytes and Primary Liver Carcinoma/Poliomyelitis Research Foundation/5-ASBT cells.

Conclusions:

Elevated hepatic SLC35C1 expression attenuates cholestatic liver injury by enhancing CEACAM1 fucosylation to suppress CCL2 and CXCL2 expression and liver inflammation.
Indications and Outcomes of Emergency Keratoplasty in a Major New Zealand Eye Tertiary Referral Center, 2000 to 2021
Authors: Al-Mahrouqi Haitham , Lewis James S. , Crawford Alexandra Z. , McGhee Charles N. J.
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

To report the indications and outcomes of emergency keratoplasty over a 21-year period in Greenlane Clinical Centre, the major tertiary eye referral center in Auckland, New Zealand (Aotearoa).

Methods:

A retrospective review of medical records of all emergency keratoplasties performed in Greenlane Clinical Centre from January 2000 to September 2021 was conducted. Demographic, preoperative, intraoperative, and 1-year postoperative data were collected.

Results:

Emergency keratoplasty was performed in 102 eyes of 97 patients (54 men), comprising 5.6% of transplants performed (N = 1830) in this period. The mean age was 53 years (range = 4–95 years, SD = 20). Patients of Māori ethnicity were overrepresented (31%). Corneal perforation was present in 90% of eyes, and microbial keratitis was the most common indication. Bacteria were the most commonly isolated organisms (38%). The mean preoperative and 12-month postoperative best potential corrected distance visual acuity was 1.6 and 1.2 (logMAR), respectively. All cases of therapeutic keratoplasty achieved initial therapeutic success, with no eyes lost or requiring repeat emergency keratoplasty. Complications included nonhealing epithelial defects (19%), cataract (19%), glaucoma (15%), allograft rejection (13%), and corneal melting (5%). Fifteen cases (15%) had documented graft failure at 12 months. Multivariate analysis revealed that younger age was the only statistically significant factor associated with failure at 12 months.

Conclusions:

Emergency keratoplasty was the indication for 5.6% of keratoplasties performed. Our results compare favorably with those in the literature, possibly because of early intervention and lower incidence of fungal keratitis. The reported overrepresentation of Māori has important implications for health access and delivery in New Zealand.
Bone and Joint Infections in Children With Sickle Cell Disease in French Guiana: A 13-Year Retrospective Multicenter Review
Authors: Furgier Apolline , Goutines Juliette , Dobian Succes , Zappa Magaly , Demar Magalie , Aigoun Nadjia , Oubda Bruno , Faye Albert , Elenga Narcisse , Osei Lindsay
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder with a high infectious morbidity and mortality and a heterogeneous distribution in France. One of the challenges is to differentiate a bone and joint infection (BJI) from a vaso-occlusive crisis. This challenge is particularly prevalent in French Guiana, an overseas territory with the highest incidence of SCD in France. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of BJI in children with SCD in French Guiana.

Method:

This was a retrospective multicentric descriptive study of SCD patients living in French Guiana aged under 18 and diagnosed with a BJI between 2010 and 2022. These BJI were divided into 2 groups: those with microbiological documentation (d-BJI) and those without microbiological identification (ud-BJI).

Results:

A total of 53 episodes of BJI in 42 patients (mean age 7.2 years) were reported. Clinical symptoms on arrival were comparable between the d-BJI and ud-BJI groups. Patients in the d-BJI group had longer average hospital stays (40.4 days vs. 16.8 days, P = 0.01) and Salmonella spp. were the most identified bacteria (n = 8/13). White blood cell count was greater in the d-BJI group (30.3 G/L vs. 18.G/L, P = 0.01) and a collection was more frequently identified on imaging (11/13 vs. 16/40, P = 0.01) in this group. Initial in-hospital antibiotic therapy was longer in the d-BJI group (17.2 days vs. 12.8, P = 0.02), as were infection-related complications (9/13 vs. 12/40 P = 0.01).

Conclusion:

BJI in children with SCD is not sufficiently microbiologically documented. Progress must be made to improve the documentation of BJI.
Relative Effectiveness of the NVX-CoV2373 Vaccine Compared With the BNT162b2 Vaccine in Adolescents
Authors: Lee Eun Sol , Choe Young June , Choe Seung Ah , Gwak Eun Sun , Kwon Donghyok
Published: July 2024

This retrospective matched cohort study evaluated the efficacy of 2 doses of NVX-CoV2373 compared with that of BNT162b2 vaccines in preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in adolescents. We analyzed 13-week risk differences and ratios between these 2 vaccines. The study included 465 NVX-CoV2373 and 465 BNT162b2 recipients. Throughout the follow-up period, 4.1% of NVX-CoV2373 recipients and 2.8% of BNT162b2 recipients contracted the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. The incidence risk ratio for NVX-CoV2373 compared with that for BNT162b2 was calculated at 1.46 (95% CI 0.68–3.22; P = 0.296). While our findings suggest noninferiority between the 2 vaccines, further research is needed to comprehensively assess their effectiveness in real-world settings. Our study highlights the critical need for vigilant vaccine surveillance and monitoring efforts to ensure informed decision-making and public health protection.
Differential Serum Phosphate Levels in Pediatric Febrile Syndromes and Their Clinical Significance
Authors: Milman Yonatan , Landau Daniel , Lebel Asaf , Levinsky Yoel , Marcus Nufar , Chezana Adi , Ashkenazi-Hoffnung Liat
Published: July 2024

Background:

The potential of hypophosphatemia (HP) to differentiate between febrile syndromes and its clinical significance in children without sepsis were not previously described.

Methods:

Data were retrospectively collected of febrile children 3 months to 18 years of age, hospitalized at general pediatric wards during 2010–2019. Phosphate levels were compared between bacterial infection (BI), viral infection (VI), and Kawasaki disease (KD). Regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between HP and outcome.

Results:

Of 3963 febrile children, 559 had BI, 3271 had VI, and 133 had KD. In BI compared to VI and KD, HP was more prevalent (49.2%, 19.7%, and 31.6%, respectively; P<0.001) and more severe [median (interquartile range) phosphate standard deviation score: −1.85 (2.08), −0.56 (2.08), and −1.20 (2.28), respectively; P<0.001]. In the BI group, Pi-SDS level was lower among patients with than without bacteremia (−2.33 ± 1.8 vs. –0.79 ± 1.68; P<0.001). Phosphate levels displayed discriminatory potential between bacterial and viral etiologies, with an area under the curve of 0.719 (95% CI, 0.697–0.742). Minimal phosphate standard deviation score values had a negative weak correlation with the maximal C-reactive protein levels and white blood cell count. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed an association of HP with a more severe disease course, manifested by longer hospital stay [+2.10 (95% CI, 0.75–3.46) days; P=0.003] and a higher rate of intensive care unit admission [odds ratio, 2.63 (95% CI, 1.94–3.56); P<0.001).

Conclusions:

Hypophosphatemia rates were highest in bacterial etiology, intermediate in KD, and lowest in viral etiology and were associated with poorer outcomes. Phosphate level may serve as a marker for ruling out a bacterial etiology.
Nucleus accumbens myocyte enhancer factor 2C mediates the maintenance of peripheral nerve injury–induced physiological and behavioral maladaptations
Authors: Serafini Randal A. , Farzinpour Zahra , Patel Vishwendra , Kelley Abigail M. , Estill Molly , Pryce Kerri D. , Sakloth Farhana , Teague Collin D. , Torres-Berrio Angelica , Nestler Eric J. , Shen Li , Akbarian Schahram , Karkhanis Anushree N. , Blitzer Robert D. , Zachariou Venetia
Published: July 2024

Preclinical and clinical work has demonstrated altered plasticity and activity in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) under chronic pain states, highlighting critical therapeutic avenues for the management of chronic pain conditions. In this study, we demonstrate that myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C), a master regulator of neuronal activity and plasticity, is repressed in NAc neurons after prolonged spared nerve injury (SNI). Viral-mediated overexpression of Mef2c in NAc neurons partially ameliorated sensory hypersensitivity and emotional behaviors in mice with SNI, while also altering transcriptional pathways associated with synaptic signaling. Mef2c overexpression also reversed SNI-induced potentiation of phasic dopamine release and neuronal hyperexcitability in the NAc. Transcriptional changes induced by Mef2c overexpression were different than those observed after desipramine treatment, suggesting a mechanism of action different from antidepressants. Overall, we show that interventions in MEF2C-regulated mechanisms in the NAc are sufficient to disrupt the maintenance of chronic pain states, providing potential new treatment avenues for neuropathic pain.