bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac irradiation combined with an anti-Programmed cell death protein 1 antibody induces time-dependent myocardial injury by regulating the HMGB1/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Liu Yao , Wu Bibo , Wang Yu , Bai Jie , Wang Gang , Zhao Shasha , Lu Bing , Hu Yinxiang , OuYang Weiwei , Guo Zhenneng , Wan Jun , Hu Rong , Su Shengfa
Published: June 2024

Purpose
Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors may further increase the risk of cardiotoxicity of radiotherapy while improving the outcomes of locally advanced lung cancer. However, few studies have focused on cardiac injury caused by radiotherapy plus anti-PD-1 therapy, and the underlying mechanism is still under exploration. This study aimed to explore this mechanism.
Methods
Six- to eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice were treated with either an anti-PD-1 antibody or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) with or without 15 Gray (Gy) cardiac irradiation (IR). Five mice were sacrificed at 1 month, and the remaining mice were sacrificed at 3 months. Histological analysis was performed to determine the structural and morphological alterations and cardiac fibrosis. The infiltration of cardiac T cells was analysed via flow cytometry, and western blotting and qPCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of HMGB1-related pathway.
Results
Group D (IR + anti-PD-1) demonstrated more severe injury, fibrosis, and apoptosis compared to groups A (control), B (anti-PD-1), and C (IR). Furthermore, the injury observed in Group D was significantly more severe, with higher values of apoptotic index (AI) and fibrotic area at 3 months compared to 1 month (P < 0.05). At 1 month, there were no significant differences in cardiac damage or AI or CVF values between groups A and B, but these differences emerged at 3 months (P < 0.05). Group D exhibited greater infiltration of T lymphocytes and increased expression of high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB P65) at both 1 and 3 months compared to the other three groups.
Conclusion
In combination with radiation, PD-1 inhibitors exacerbated myocardial injury by modulating the HMGB1/NF-κB signalling pathway.
Online Test-time Adaptation for Interatomic
Potentials
Authors: Zhang Shufei , Cui Taoyong , Tang Chenyu , Zhou Dongzhan , Li Yuqiang , Gong Xingao , Ouyang Wanli , Su Mao
Published: June 2024

Machine learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) enable more efficient molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with ab initio accuracy, which have been used in various domains of physical science. However, distribution shift between training and test data causes deterioration of the test performance of MLIPs, and even leads to collapse of MD simulations. In this work, we propose an online Test-time Adaptation Interatomic Potential (TAIP) framework to improve the generalization on test data. Specifically, we design a dual-level self-supervised learning approach that leverages global structure and atomic local environment information to align the model with the test data. Extensive experiments demonstrate TAIP's capability to bridge the domain gap between training and test dataset without additional data. TAIP enhances the test performance on various benchmarks, from small molecule datasets to complex periodic molecular systems with various types of elements. Remarkably, it also enables stable MD simulations where the corresponding baseline models collapse.
Ralstonia solanacearum (phylotype II) isolated from Rosa spp. in the Netherlands is closely related to phylotype II isolates from other sources in the Netherlands and is virulent on potato
Authors: Blom Nathalie , Gorkink-Smits Peggy , Landman Marco , de Bilt Jeroen van , Vogelaar Martijn , Raaymakers Tom , Visser Michael , Pel Michiel , Bergsma-Vlami Maria
Published: June 2024

In 2018, during an annual survey in the Netherlands, Ralstonia solanacearum phylotype II (phy II) was found in asymptomatic greenhouse rose plants at three geographic locations. These findings were remarkable, since previous findings of Ralstonia sp. in rose always concerned Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum phylotype I (phy I). Therefore, no information was available on the virulence of R. solanacearum phy II on rose. In this study, R. solanacearum phy II isolates PD 7421 and PD 7394, isolated in 2018 from asymptomatic ornamental rose (Rosa spp.), were assessed for their virulence in two rose cultivars (“Armando” and “Red Naomi”) at two temperatures. No typical symptoms were observed for PD 7421 and PD 7394 on the two rose cultivars, irrespective of the temperature. However, latent infections upon inoculation of these isolates on rose did occur. R. solanacearum phy II is known as a major potato pathogen, where it causes brown rot. Whole genome multilocus sequence typing analysis demonstrated that the R. solanacearum phy II isolates from rose were closely related to R. solanacearum phy II isolates previously found in seed potato and surface water in the Netherlands. Because of this close genetic relatedness, the virulence of PD 7421 and PD 7394 was also assessed in potato plants, where both isolates caused severe disease symptoms on the shoots as well as the daughter tubers. This implies that rose can act as a reservoir for R. solanacearum phy II and, in this way, can potentially be involved in spreading this bacterium.
CFDN: Cross-scale Feature Distillation Network for Lightweight Single Image Super-Resolution
Authors: Mu Zihan , Zhu Ge , Tang Jinping
Published: June 2024

Information distillation play an important role in lightweight Single image super-resolution (SISR) by retaining and extracting hierarchical features step-by-step. This allows the network to possess a deep and compact structure, enabling it to achieve lightweight while maintaining good performance. However, the features prematurely retained by the distilled branches cannot be fully utilized, making it difficult for the model to effectively learn the multi-scale semantics and details. To solve above problems, we propose a Cross-scale Feature Distillation Network (CFDN), which consists of the basic module called Cross-scale Feature Distillation Block (CFDB) and sub-module called Multiple Receptive field Aggregation Block (MRAB). Different from the previous distillation structures that lost insight of extracting multi-scale information due to the use of simple distillation units, the proposed CFDB module designed with a novel distillation strategy can capture multi-scale information, thereby providing the diversity of features to the retained and purified branches. In each retained/distilled branch of CFDB, the sub-module MRAB equipped with pixel attention and dilated convolutions is designed to capture multi-scale semantics and details by enlarging receptive field processively. Experiments on five datasets show that the proposed network achieves superior performance over the other state-of-the-art lightweight SR methods.
Automatic recognition of grinding quality of titanium alloy using nanofluid/ultrasonic atomization microlubrication system based on convolutional neural network
Authors: Huang Wei Tai , Yang Shih-Cheng , Chou Fu-I , Chou Jyh-Horng
Published: June 2024

In this study, a nanofluid ultrasonic atomization minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) system was employed for grinding and processing titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). Nanoparticles in the nanofluid were dispersed through the ultrasonic atomization MQL system to improve the lubrication efficiency. First, a robust design method optimizes the grinding parameters of force ratio, temperature, and surface roughness of each quality characteristic. Various images of the grinding surface quality were collected. Surface integrity is considered a key component metric in grinding. We also employ the convolutional neural network (CNN) technique to establish a model with high accuracy and automatic recognition of the surface quality after grinding, which is classified as Good, Plowing, Crushing Pits, and Bad. We employed VGG-19, GoogLeNet, ResNet-50, and AlexNet for modeling and testing comparison. Different hyperparameter configurations will affect each model’s learning speed and performance. Therefore, their hyperparameter optimizations were performed before establishing our CNN model for classification. After optimization, the average accuracy of the four models can be improved by 3.75–12%, which can quickly improve the performance of the CNN model systematically. We verified and validated our model. Our findings show that this research method can be used by the industry in the actual grinding process monitoring and identification of the grinding quality of Ti-6Al-4V.
Studying The Impact of Precipitation On Nutrient Loading into The Nagarjuna Sagar Reservoir from Contributing Watershed Using the SWAT model
Authors: Kondraju Tarun Teja , Sundara Rajan Krishnan
Published: June 2024

In recent decades, the increasing nutrient contamination in several water bodies across the globe has made it necessary to revisit, study, and understand all the mechanisms that contribute to the increasing contamination levels to protect the water bodies. Precipitation-induced surface runoff could be one of the significant contributors to controlling water quality in inland water bodies by regulating nutrient movement across the contributing watersheds where the land use is mainly driven by precipitation, such as the tropical monsoon climates of Southeast Asia. Current literature does not provide sufficient information to understand the role of precipitation in controlling the water quality under these conditions. Hence, the interactions between precipitation and nutrient transport need to be studied to mitigate the ill effects of the contamination. As a case study, this work used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrological model to assess these interactions in Nagarjuna Sagar (NS) and the contributing watersheds from the Krishna River basin. The model was calibrated for the entire Krishna River basin using the flow and in-stream nitrate concentration values measured at the Wadenapally gauge station. The model was used to study the contaminants produced from the NS contributing watershed from 2007 to 2017, during which the basin recorded flood and drought conditions. Since Total Nitrogen (TN) influences the nitrate concentration in streams, TN production was used as a reference for contamination output from the contributing watershed. The results showed that the land use in 2013 and 2017 had similar land use conditions and statistics, but the contribution watershed saw higher production of TN during 2013 due to good rainfall, and 2017 saw reduced output as the precipitation decreased. When the precipitation values were mutually exchanged, the resulting TN output from 2013 and 2017 years was comparable to the original TN yield from 2017 and 2013, respectively. This shows that precipitation essentially controls the production of the contaminants in the contributing watershed.
TRAJ23 Gene Targeting as a Therapeutic Strategy for Type 1 Diabetes: Implications from NOD Mouse Model Studies
Authors: Lai Xiaoyang , Luo Junming , Luo Yue , Zheng Yijing , Yang Huan , Zou Fang
Published: June 2024

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the attack and destruction of Pancreatic islet beta cells by T cells. Understanding the role of T-cell receptor (TCR) in the development of T1D is of paramount importance. This study employs single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to delve into the mechanistic actions and potential therapeutic applications of autoreactive stem cell-like CD8 TCR in T1D. By retrieving T-cell data from non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice via the GEO database, it was revealed that CD8+ T cells are the predominant T-cell subset in the pancreatic tissue of T1D mice, along with the identification of T-cell marker genes closely associated with T1D. Moreover, the gene TRAJ23 exhibits a preference for T1D, and its knockout alleviates T1D symptoms and adverse reactions in NOD mice. Additionally, engineered TCR-T cells demonstrate significant cytotoxicity towards β cells in T1D.
Valorization of glycerol by ultrasound-assisted acetalization to solketal
Authors: Vichare Megha Shriganesh , Chakraborty Mousumi , JANA ARUN KUMAR
Published: June 2024

Conversion of glycerol into high-value chemical products is a compelling process in the biomass conversion and biorefinery industry. In this study, a novel approach was employed to investigate ultrasound-assisted solketal synthesis using glycerol and acetone as raw material and sulfated zirconia as catalyst. Effect of six factors, including reactant ratio (1:2 -1:6), catalyst dosage (0.5-1.5 wt%), ultrasound voltage (180-220 V), tip depth (0.5-1.5 cm), time of reaction (10-20 min) and temperature of reaction (30°-50°C) on glycerol conversion were studied. The significant factors obtained from Box-Behnken Design (BBD) were in the order of reactant ratio > ultrasonic voltage > catalyst dosing for fixed tip depth, temperature, and time of 1 cm, 50°C and 15 min, respectively. Then, the reaction was carried out at the optimum reactant ratio (glycerol: acetone) 1:6, ultrasonic voltage 200 V, catalyst dosing 0.5 wt.%. The conversion of glycerol was estimated from the results of ultrasonic velocity measurement, and the same was later cross-verified by TLC and GC-MS analysis. Further acidity of the catalyst (Zr-S-400) was increased by increasing acid concentration (0.5M, 0.7M and 1M H2SO4) and Zr-S-0.5, Zr-S-0.7, and Zr-S-1 catalysts were synthesized. Catalysts were characterized by FESEM, EDAX, XRD, BET and Ammonia TPD. At the optimum condition of the reaction, a high glycerol conversion (94%) with solketal selectivity (93.9%) and isomer (0.1%) was achieved using Zr-S-1 as the catalyst. The sulfated zirconia catalyst demonstrated remarkable reusability, maintaining consistent glycerol conversion and solketal selectivity over 4 consecutive cycles.
A comprehensive Extraction-Precipitation Method and Characterization Study to Optimize Biogas Slurry Enzyme Recovery
Authors: Rana Gaurav Singh , Naudiyal Neetika , Bal Rajesh , Verma Ashok Kumar , Dubey Ashutosh , Singh B. R. , Singh T. P.
Published: June 2024

Biogas slurry (BGS), or digestate, is a nutrient-rich byproduct of anaerobic digestion, containing essential macronutrients and micronutrients alongside organic matter. This slurry acts as a potent organic fertilizer, improving soil structure, water retention, and microbial health. Enzymes like amylase, alkaline protease, and laccase, along with lignocellulosic enzymes such as β-glucosidase, cellulase, and xylanase, play crucial roles in enhancing biogas production through the breakdown of complex organic compounds. The current study focuses on the isolation and precipitation of these enzymes present in biogas slurry and analyzes their activity and stability under different conditions. All enzymes were observed to exhibit higher activity in their intracellular forms compared to their extracellular counterparts with respect to enzymatic activity. Enzymatic activity was significantly increased, ranging from 4-fold to up to 14-fold, using ammonium sulphate precipitation. The optimal pH for amylase and laccase was found to be 6.0 and 7.0 respectively, while alkaline protease exhibited optimal activity at pH 8.0. All three enzymes displayed optimal activity at temperatures ranging between 40-60°C. These findings suggested that BGS is a potential source of these enzymes and that ammonium sulphate precipitation (0-80%) can be a successful method for concentrating these enzymes as well as understanding the optimal pH and temperature conditions for these enzymes is crucial for maximizing their effectiveness in various industrial applications.
Impact of Loading Protocol on the Repair Efficiency of Heat-damaged Concrete Beams with SNSM CFRP Ropes
Authors: Haddad Rami Haythem , Obeidat Rawan S.
Published: June 2024

The influence of static-load distribution and symmetry on the flexural performance of concrete beams, strengthened/repaired using side near-surface-mounted (SNSM) CFRP ropes with parabolic and straight profiles is investigated. For this, eighteen reinforced concrete beams (150 × 250 × 1600 mm) were fabricated using a ready-mix concrete of 35 MPa strength grade before cured for 28 days in wet burlap for 28 days. Nine beams were exposed to an elevated temperature at 450oC for three hours, while the remaining ones were left in laboratory air, as controls. Six specimens from each group were retrofitted using SNSM of straight and parabolic profiles then tested with references ones under four- and six-point symmetrical and six-point asymmetrical loadings with load response versus deflection and strain in SNSM ropes acquired. Furthermore, cracking initiation and propagation leading to failure was monitored and reported. Generally, the study revealed that the mechanical performance of the concrete beams was influenced by the loading regime as well as by the rope profile (straight, parabolic) as well as heat-damage. The flexural performance factor (PF) varied from 5.4 to 7.9 for strengthened compared to 10.9 to 16.3 for repaired and heat-damaged specimens. Furthermore, all strengthened/repaired beams failed by concrete-cover separation following the sudden rupture of the SNSM CFRP ropes except for that repaired with a straight profile of SNSM CFRP rope and subjected to asymmetrical loading.
Transmission of Physalis rugose mosaic virus via Pruning, Leaves Contact and Soil
Authors: Kraide Heron Delgado , Carmo Eike , Fariña Arnaldo , Ferro Camila , Rezende Jorge
Published: June 2024

Physalis peruviana (Solanaceae) is an exotic plant in Brazil that has been increasingly known for its fruits’ vitamins, nutrients, and high-added value. Like other solanaceous plants, physalis is also the target of some plant viruses; until now, five viruses have been reported to naturally infect P. peruviana in Brazil. Among them, the physalis rugose mosaic virus (PhyRMV) has attracted attention due to the severity of the symptoms, characterized by leaf mosaic, malformation, leaf abscission, and a significant reduction in plant development and yield. This work evaluated the efficiency of different forms of PhyRMV transmission. The virus was efficiently transmitted to healthy physalis plants through contact between the leaves, pruning, and contaminated soil. PhyRMV remained active and infectious in contaminated soil for up to ninety days.
Impact of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab toxins on the development of the predator Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Petersen) through prey-mediated tri-trophic interaction analysis
Authors: Kaur Jagdeep , Aggarwal Naveen
Published: June 2024

Adopting genetically modified crops in developing nations like India has consistently been hindered by apprehensions regarding their impact on non-target arthropods. Consequently, laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of Bt toxins of BG-II cotton on the common green lacewing [Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Petersen)], by exposing them indirectly to the toxins. Prey-mediated feeding bioassays, utilizing BG-II cotton and non-Bt cotton plants as hosts, two prey herbivores, specifically Aphis gossypii Glover and Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), were conducted on several days to assess the effects of Cry toxins on the growth of C. z. sillemi. The ELISA assay, quantified the Cry toxins across three trophic levels and revealed that the leaves had the highest quantities of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab toxins, measuring 7.36 and 23.54 µg/g FW, respectively. In contrast, herbivores and predators exhibited very low concentrations of Cry toxins. Although traces of Cry toxins were found in both herbivores and predators, they had no negative impacts on any of the predator's developmental characteristics, confirming that these toxins do not threaten C. z. sillemi.
Light-Mediated Elicitation of Tessaria absinthioides Calli for the Production of Anthocyanins: Correlation with Protein Expression
Authors: Martinez Antares , Bonilla José , Aguilera Leonardo , Callegari Eduardo , Paez Maria Daniela , Kurina-Sanz Marcela , Orden Alejandro Agustin
Published: June 2024

This study explores the metabolic responses of undifferentiated cells of Tessaria absinthioides to light elicitation, with a focus on the production and accumulation of anthocyanins. We observed that anthocyanin concentrations in cell biomass were notably higher compared to those in wild flowers, albeit with slight compositional differences, according to the HPLC-DAD analysis. In a proteomic analysis of T. absinthioidescalli, light exposure induced significant changes in protein expression, with 578 proteins overexpressed and 486 uniquely identified under this condition. These proteins were predominantly clustered in key functional categories like protein processing, cellular transport, and DNA regulation, along with those involved in sesquiterpene synthesis and developmental regulation. Furthermore, proteins crucial for the phenylpropanoid pathway and the anthocyanin biosynthesis were identified in light-exposed calli, with many significantly overexpressed compared to dark-grown cultures. A similar trend was observed in enzymes associated with the de novo synthesis of arginine, a precursor to stress-responsive metabolites like polyamines and nitric oxide. These findings help elucidate the metabolic pathways underlying anthocyanin production in T. absinthioides. They also extend to the development of natural dyes, highlighting the significance of cellular culture in sustainable bioproduction.
A case report of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma developing into B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Zhang Yanyu , Zhang Lizhi , Shen Jingzhi , Sun Xiuli
Published: June 2024

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is recognized as an independent clinicopathological entity that often presents with immune imbalance and a hyperinflammatory response. In addition to neoplastic T-cell clones, AITL is frequently accompanied by dominant B-cell clones. B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL), a rarer class of B-ALL, associates with a poor prognosis in adults. Previous reports have often mentioned cases of B-cell lymphoma secondary to AITL, but no cases of secondary B-ALL have been reported. In this manuscript, we present a case of the patient with AITL who developed secondary BCP-ALL following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). Remarkably, the patient demonstrate durable complete remission after dose-reduced chemotherapy.
Triglyceride to High-Density Lipoprotein ratio as a predictor for 10-year cardiovascular disease in individuals with diabetes in Thailand
Authors: Poochanasri Methavee , Lertsakulbunlue Sethapong , Kookanok Chutawat , Rangsin Ram , Kaewput Wisit , Mungthin Mathirut , Samakkarnthai Parinya
Published: June 2024

Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels. The Framingham Heart Study (FHS) predicted a 10-year CVD risk score is used to establish risk stratification and evaluate intervention outcomes. TG/HDL ratio is utilized as an alternative tool to assess CVD risk. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the role of the TG/HDL ratio in predicting the 10-year cardiovascular risk utilizing the established FHS risk prediction model in individuals with T2DM.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 61,004 patients with T2DM without a history of CVD aged between 30–74 years. From 2014, 2015, and 2018. The predicted 10-year CV risk was calculated using laboratory-based Framingham heart study equations. The cut point of TG/HDL was calculated using Youden’s J statistics of the ROC curve for predicting high predicted 10-year CV risk. Linear and Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between TG/HDL and high predicted 10-year CVD risk.
Results
For the overall participant group, ROC curve analysis yielded an AUC of 0.62 (95% CI 0.61–0.62) for predicting high FHS-CVD risk, with a TG/HDL cutoff value of 3.09 (Sensitivity 61%, Specificity 57%). Linear regression analysis revealed a dose-response relationship between the TG/HDL ratio and log-transformed predicted 10-year CV risk across both sexes and all age groups. Participants with high TG/HDL ratios (> 3.09) were positively associated with a prevalence of high FHS-CVD risk (AOR: 5.91, 95% CI 5.52–6.31). In comparison with participants in the first TG/HDL quartile (< 2.05), those in the fourth quartile (> 4.91) had a higher chance of high predicted 10-year CV risk (AOR: 18.27, 95% CI 16.537–20.185). Subgroup analysis revealed that the strength of association was more intense in females and those of advanced age.
Conclusions
TG/HDL can be used as a risk factor to determine predicted 10-year CV risk, particularly in individuals with T2DM aged between 30–74 years. However, further study is necessary to robustly establish the association between TG/HDL and cardiovascular disease risk prediction.
Integration of an Implantable Biosensor within a Traditional Oral Bite Guard for Bruxism Detection: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Al-Hamad Khalid , Asiri Ashwaq , Al-Qahtani Ali , Alotaibi Saud , Almalki Abdullah
Published: June 2024

While biofeedback therapy based on occlusal force has demonstrated safety, effectiveness, and minimal adverse effects in bruxism treatment, the underlying mechanism and fundamental technologies remain elusive. This study aimed to implement a biosensor device into a conventional bite night guard to detect bruxism. A layering process (sandwich technique) was utilized to integrate stress sensors, which were then inserted into an acrylic occlusal stabilization splint. The core components of the sensor system consisting of a server terminal, a core control module, and a "pressure sensor data acquisition unit". The occlusal force data analysis and parameter setup employed a machine learning technique. A prototype sensor platform was meticulously developed to assess each aspect of the smart splint comprehensively. Experimental outcomes substantiated the viability of the intended approach for teeth-grinding therapy and unveiled appropriate parameter metrics for the sensor system
Nanopore sequencing-based genotyping corroborated the association between CYP2D6 function and susceptibility to anxiety and depression
Authors: Chua Eng Wee , Karunanathie Harsheni , Yanasegaran Kevina , Maggo Simran , Ng Pei Yuen , Kee Ping Siu , Kennedy Martin , Manaf Mohd Rizal Abdul
Published: June 2024

Objective
CYP2D6 activity has been inconsistently associated with anxious and depressive personality traits. The inconsistency may stem from limitations of targeted genotyping, employed in most previous studies, leading to undetected errors in metabolic classification. Using a nanopore sequencing-based method, we comprehensively genotyped CYP2D6 alleles in a small cohort of 96 Malaysians and re-examined the relationship between CYP2D6 activity and susceptibility to anxiety and depression.
Results
In keeping with prior studies, CYP2D6*10 was found to be the most common defective allele; nearly half of the (48.5%) participants were classified as intermediate and poor metabolisers. Linear regression analysis revealed that impaired CYP2D6 activity was a significant predictor of anxiety and depression, consistent with the putative role of CYP2D6 in the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine, the mood-boosting neurotransmitters. We hope that this brief report will prompt larger-scale studies to further elucidate the contribution of CYP2D6 to the genetic underpinnings of mental well-being.
Across a phylogeographic break in the Qinling Mountains - Huaihe River Line :Quaternary evolutionary history of a medicinal and edible homologous plants (Allium macrostemon) in China
Authors: Jiang Chunxue , Shi Tian , Mo Zhongmei , Zhao Cai
Published: June 2024

Biogeographical barriers to gene flow are central to plant phylogeography. There are many physical and geographic boundaries in China, but there are few studies on the natural geographical isolation boundary of the Qinling Mountains-Huaihe River Line (QHL) using molecular ecological evidence. Allium macrostemon is a perennial herb belonging to the family Amaryllidaceae. It is a precious Chinese herb with the same origin as medicine and food, and has a variety of health and healing properties. Five SSR markers, three chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) markers (psbA-trnH, rps16 and trnL-F), one nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) marker (ITS), and simplified genome GBS sequencing were used to analyze the genetic diversity and genetic structure of A. macrostemon. Combining SSR, cpDNA, nrDNA ITS data and GBS analysis results, A. macrostemon populations could be grouped into northern and southern group, with the southern group further divided into southwestern and central-southeastern group. Niche simulations results show that the distribution area of A. macrostemon will reach its maximum in the future. These data indicate that a geographical barrier and Quaternary climate have maintained the regional separation of A. macrostemon, and the back-and-forth fluctuations of QHL and Quaternary climate play an important role in this process. QHL acts as a north-south dividing line in phylogeography and population genetic structure, promoting physical geographic isolation. This study can provide scientific theoretical basis for the conservation, development and utilization of A. macrostemon resources, further provide reference for the systematic geographical pattern of large-scale spatial distribution of plants in China, and enrich our understanding of the Quaternary plant evolution history in complex terrain areas.
Perceptions about dementia clinical trials among underrepresented populations: A nationally representative survey of U.S. dementia caregivers
Authors: Leggins Brandon , Hart Danielle M. , Jackson Ashley J. , Levenson Robert W. , Windon Charles C. , Merrilees Jennifer , Chiong Winston
Published: June 2024

Background: The research community has historically failed to enroll diverse groups of participants in dementia clinical trials. A unique aspect of dementia care research is the requirement of a study partner, who can attest to the care recipient’s clinical and functional capacity. The aim of this study is to assess racial and ethnic differences and the importance of various trial considerations among dementia caregivers, in their decision to participate in clinical research as study partners.Method: We embedded a vignette about a hypothetical dementia clinical trial in a nationally representative survey of U.S. dementia caregivers, oversampling non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic caregivers. Dementia caregivers were asked about their willingness to participate in the trial with their care recipient and rated the importance of nine considerations in hypothetical decisions to participate. Caregiver demographic characteristics were analyzed as predictors of trial participation in a base demographic model. In a second reasons model caregiver demographic characteristics and the rated importance of the nine considerations were separately analyzed as predictors; both models used survey-weighted logistic regression.Result: The sample consisted of 610 dementia caregivers, including 156 non-Hispanic Black and 122 Hispanic caregiver participants. In the base demographic model, hypothetical trial participation was negatively associated with older caregiver age (OR (odds ratio) = 0.72, p = < 0.001). In the reasons model, the rated importance of a social responsibility to help others by participating in research was significantly associated with participation (OR = 1.56, p = 0.049), while the importance of the possibility of the care recipient experiencing serious side effects was negatively associated with participation (OR = 0.51, p = 0.003). In both models there was no significant difference in hypothetical participation between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White caregivers, or between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White caregivers.Conclusion: Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black dementia caregivers were not less likely than non-Hispanic White dementia caregivers to participate in a hypothetical dementia clinical trial. Our study suggests that failures to recruit diverse populations in dementia clinical research are not attributable to less willingness among members of underrepresented groups but may instead reflect structural barriers and historic exclusion from trial participation.
Construct a Refined Monte Carlo Model for BNCT Dose Calculation and Assessment by Converting HU Value to Material Compositions for ROIs
Authors: Teng Yi-Chiao , Chen Jiang , Zhong Wan-Bing , Liu Yuan-Hao
Published: June 2024

The work of general Hounsfield unit (HU) value conversion material library has a prominent advantage in reflecting the multiplicity of tissue material compositions. For the sake of conquering the impact of limitations of imaging energy resolution and spatial resolution, while bearing in mind the accuracy and conservatism of BNCT dose calculation and assessment, a HU conversion material library for organs at risk (OAR) is established. The region of interest (ROI) is assigned to the OAR material library to build Monte Carlo model, which can be evolved into a homogeneous material with a single composition or a heterogeneous material with multiple compositions. A benchmark comparison of a coarse model with conventional fixed material library versus a refined model of HU-based converting approach coupled with an improved OAR-related ingrained material library within ROI was performed on practical glioma and head-and-neck tumor cases. Comparing the refined model with the coarse model showed that the minimum bioequivalent dose rate and physical absorbed dose rate of tumor differed by more than 3.6%, the health tissue maximum bioequivalent dose rate differed by 12.9%, and the maximum physical absorbed dose rate of the health tissue differed by 5.9%. Elemental compositions and mass densities influence the dose distribution. Delicately defined material compositions should be applied to ensure the trustworthiness of the calculated dose. Taking into account individual patient differences, improved material modeling strategies allow for simulations that are closer to the patient’s authentic physical condition, thereby more accurately assessing health tissue dose limit and tumor prescribed dose.
Hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of sarcoidosis-associated uveitis and idiopathic uveitis
Authors: PLAVONIL Sarah , EL-JAMMAL Thomas , JACQUOT Robin , BERT Arthur , JAMILLOUX Yvan , KODJIKIAN Laurent , SEVE Pascal
Published: June 2024

Background : Uveitis is one of the five leading causes of blindness in developed countries, and adverse effects associated with long-term use of topical or systemic steroids and immunosuppressive agents are notable. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in sarcoidosis-associated uveitis (SAU) and idiopathic uveitis (IU).
Methods: Monocentric retrospective study including 42 patients with SAU and 15 patients with IU treated with HCQ for at least 6 months between March 2003 and December 2022. The main objective was to determine the success rate of the HCQ at 6 and 12 months, and at the last visit, and was defined as having control of inflammation, no more than 5 mg prednisone daily and less than or equal to 2 drops of dexamethasone phosphate 0.1%, and no treatment failure due to safety. The Fisher’s exact test and the Wilcoxon rank test were used for the comparison of qualitative data and quantitative data respectively. Prednisone dose was compared using a mixed model.
Results: The median duration to the last visit was 19.5 [11; 44.8] months in SAU patients and 18 [13; 38] months in IU patients. At the last visit, 55% patients with SAU (including 71% anterior SAU and 100% intermediate SAU) and 40% patients with IU (including 40% anterior IU) were successfully treated with HCQ ; the median prednisone dose decreased from 10 [IQR, 8.0; 27.5] to 4 [IQR, 2.5; 5.75] mg/d and from 15.5 [IQR, 12.5; 19.5] to 3.0 [IQR, 3.0; 5.0] mg/d in SAU and IU patients, respectively. The reduction in median prednisone dose was significant in patients with SAU (p=0.002). The incidence rate ratio of flare was 0.73 (p=0.143) in SAU patients and 0.26 (p < 0.001) in IU patients.
Conclusion: HCQ could be an interesting therapeutic option in certain types of SAU and IU. Additionally, HCQ decreased the incidence of flare-ups and the need for oral prednisone in these patients.
Trial registration : The present study received approval from the local ethics committee (CPP Sud Est IV) in February 2019 (N° 19-31) and was registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03877575).
Exploring why and when workplace friendship has a differentiated effect on relationship norms and helping behavior: A relationship motivation theory approach
Authors: Wang Shuai , Jiao Guanzhe , Chen Yun
Published: June 2024

Although scholars have begun to focus on the complexity of workplace friendship as a collection of exchange relationships and communal relationships that contain conflicting exchange norms and communal norms (Pillemer & Rothbard, 2018), unfortunately, our elaborated understanding of whether the differentiated effects of workplace friendship on organizational citizenship behavior or not due to such complexity and, especially, boundary conditions for their differentiated influence are limited. Our purpose is to develop a motivational framework that reveals when and how differentiated helping is driven by workplace friendship via different relationship norms considering perceived relationship motivations. To do so, we argue that workplace friendship can lead to proactive helping and reactive helping through adherence to communal norms and exchange norms, respectively, and such a differentiated effect of workplace friendship hinges on employees’ perceived partners’ relationship motivation. Using multi-wave survey (Study 1) and experiment (Study 2) methods, we found that when employees perceive others are driven by autonomous relationship motivation, workplace friendship is positively related to communal norms, enhancing proactive helping, whereas when employees perceive others are driven by controlled relationship motivation attribution, workplace friendship is positively related to exchange norms, enhancing reactive helping. Our study contributes to the literature on workplace friendship and relationship motivation.
Normative age and gender differences in lie-telling across early and mid-adolescence from a multi-informant perspective
Authors: Gouwy Marie-Céline , Dierckx Kim , Ivanova Masha , Roets Arne , De Clercq Barbara
Published: June 2024

The present study investigates age and gender differences in lie-telling during the sensitive developmental phase of adolescence, using a multi-informant approach. Data from a large, multi-national dataset was used, including 25,643 participants aged 11–18 years across 24 societies, using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Youth Self-Report (YSR). Mixed models were applied to examine both linear and curvilinear age trends, gender differences, and discrepancies between self- and parental reports on lying. The findings revealed that boys consistently showed higher frequencies of lying across all ages and informants, highlighting a robust gender difference. Also, significant mean-level age trends in lying were found, which however differed across informants. Adolescents’ reporting showed an inverted U-shape pattern in lying frequency with growing age, peaking around mid-adolescence, while parental reports showed a U-shaped trend in their child’s lying frequency across age, although curvilinearity was less pronounced. The highest discrepancy between self- and parental reports of adolescent lying was situated in mid-adolescence, likely due to both a parental truth bias and the increased sophistication of adolescents in concealing their lies. These results suggest that informant agreement during mid-adolescence on rather undesirable behavior may be particularly challenging. These informant discrepancies on lying may also have clinical significance, and future research may further address to what extent each of these informant perspectives generate relevant information to understand mental health outcomes in youth.
The Impact of Vaccination on RT-PCR Cycle Threshold Values for COVID-19: Insights for Future Pandemic Preparedness
Authors: Aga Abebe M. , Mulugeta Demise , Gebreegziabxier Atsbeha , Mohammed Jemal , Alemu Anberber , Tesera Yewenshet , Mulugeta Frehiwot , Gidisa Bedasa , Bulti Jaleta , Tadesse Gemechu , Nigussie Dereje
Published: June 2024

Amid the COVID-19 surge, effective management hinges on precise diagnostic techniques, particularly through the comparison of results among vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. This research seeks to assess clinical evaluations, Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT), and Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) findings, with a specific focus on the correlation between vaccination status and RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values. A total of 453 suspected COVID-19 cases were included in the study. Detailed information on clinical symptoms, RDT, and RT-PCR results was meticulously collected. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected for both RDT and RT-PCR examinations following established procedures. While RDTs were carried out on-site, RT-PCR tests were performed at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) genomics laboratory. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and Chi-Square tests to reveal connections between diagnostic outcomes and vaccination status, particularly focusing on Ct values in RT-PCR tests. RDT findings showed 34.0% negative and 65.8% positive results, while RT-PCR indicated 35.8% negative and 64.2% positive results. Discrepancies between RDT and RT-PCR results highlighted the importance of comprehensive testing protocols. Further investigation found no significant link between vaccination status and viral load, as indicated by Ct values. Among RT-PCR positive cases, 49.8% had been vaccinated, underscoring the complexities of interpreting test results in vaccinated populations. Analysis of viral load in relation to vaccination status revealed that neither the first nor second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine had a notable impact on Ct values, suggesting that vaccination status alone may not greatly affect viral load dynamics in infected individuals. This underscores the substantial differences between RDT and RT-PCR outcomes, emphasizing the necessity of holistic testing approaches. Additionally, findings indicate that vaccination status does not markedly impact RT-PCR Ct values, underscoring the complexity of interpreting diagnostic results in the context of vaccination, particularly concerning breakthrough infections and false positives.
Resistance of Anopheles gambiae s.s. against commonly used insecticides and implication of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase in resistance to pyrethroids in Lambaréné (Gabon)
Authors: Boussougou-Sambe Stravensky Térence , Ynous Djida , Doumba-Ndalembouly Ange Gatien , Ngossanga Barclaye , Boussougou Lynda Nouage , Ambinintsoa Maminirina Fidélis , Bikangui Rodrigue , Nguiffo-Nguete Daniel , Nkemngo Francis N. , Agonhossou Romuald , Akoton Romaric , Ntabi Jacques Dollon Mbama , Lissom Abel , Ntoumi Francine , Wondji Charles S. , Kremsner Peter G. , Mordmüller Benjamin , Borrmann Steffen , Adegnika Ayôla A.
Published: June 2024

Background
Insecticides are a crucial component of vector control. However, resistance constitute a threat on their efficacy and the gains obtained over the years through malaria vector control. In Gabon, little data on phenotypic insecticide resistance in Anopheles vectors are published, preventing the rational implementation of resistance management strategies. We assessed the susceptibility to pyrethroids, carbamates and organophosphates of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) and discuss the mechanisms involved in the pyrethroid resistance-phenotype.
Methods
A. gambiae s.l. larvae were collected from breeding sites in Lambaréné. Emerging adults were used in WHO tube assays at an insecticide concentration that defines resistance (diagnostic concentration). Subsequently, deltamethrin and permethrin were used at 5x and 10x diagnostic concentrations and after preexposure with the cytochrome p450 (and glutathione S-transferase) inducer piperonyl butoxide (PBO). A subset of mosquitoes was typed by molecular methods and screened using Taqman assays for mutations conferring target site resistance at the Voltage-gated sodium channel 1014 (Vgsc-1014) locus and the acetylcholinesterase (Ace-1) gene.
Results
All mosquitoes were A. gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) and resistant to permethrin, deltamethrin and alphacypermethrin (mortality less than 98%). However, mosquitoes were susceptible to malathion but resistant to bendiocarb. The level of resistance was high for permethrin and at least moderate for deltamethrin. Pre-exposure to PBO significantly increased the mortality of resistant mosquitoes (P < 0.0001). They became fully susceptible to deltamethrin and permethrin-induced mortality increased 4-fold. The G119S Ace-1 resistance allele, which confers resistance to both organophosphates and carbamates, was not present. All sampled mosquitoes were either homozygous for the Vgsc-L1014F or heterozygous for Vgsc-L1014F/L1014S, a marker for resistance to pyrethroids and organochlorides.
Conclusion
These findings demonstrate a role of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases in the pyrethroid-resistance of A. gambiae s.s. from Lambaréné. Combining PBO with pyrethroids, as done in second generation bednets, may be used to revert resistance. In addition, malathion could also be used in combination with pyrethroids-based methods for resistance management.
Effects of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin and Fungal Sensitization on the Clinical Outcomes of Asthma
Authors: Wu Hao-Ming , Lin Chun-Yu , Lin Tin-Yu , Teo Mei-Yuan , Cheng Hsin-I , Hung Wei-Syun , Wu Bing-Chen , Chang Chiung-Hsin , Chang Po-Jui , Lo Chun-Yu , Lin Horng-Chyuan , Lin Shu-Min
Published: June 2024

Background
Staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) and fungal sensitization influences the severity of asthma. However, the effects of SE and fungal sensitization on the clinical outcomes of asthma remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the clinical outcomes of asthma in patients with or without SE sensitization. In addition, we analyzed the effects of fungal sensitization on clinical outcomes in patients with SE sensitization.
Methods
This retrospective study included patients with asthma who had undergone an SE-specific immunoglobulin E test at our hospital between January and August 2021. Data on clinical manifestations, medication use, pulmonary function, clinic and emergency room (ER) visits, and hospitalization were collected from the patients.
Results
This study included 106 patients. The prevalence of SE sensitization in the patients was 27.3%. Of the patients with SE sensitization, 50% also had fungal sensitization. The levels of asthma treatment (triple inhaler therapy and biologics) and the risks of hospitalization and an ER visit were higher in the patients with SE sensitization than in those without it. However, after 12-month treatment, the cohorts exhibited similar rates of hospitalizations and ER visits. The patients with concomitant SE and fungal sensitization exhibited a substantial posttreatment decline in pulmonary function.
Conclusion
Adherence to asthma treatment protocols improves clinical outcomes in patients with or without SE sensitization. Among patients with SE sensitization, those with concomitant fungal sensitization tend to exhibit a rapid decline in pulmonary function within 1 year.