bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of cobalt isomorphic substitution on the properties of goethite and the adsorption of lead
Authors: Liu Xu , Xue Wenlu , Zhang Zijia , Zhou Wei , Song Shaoxian , Li Yinta , Benzaazoua Mostafa , Hu Xiheng
Published: June 2023

Iron oxides are ubiquitous in the environment and often contain impurities because of their substitution by Al, Mn, Co, and other metals. However, few studies have focused on Co substitution and subsequent Pb(II) adsorption on its surfaces. Herein, the effect of the isomorphic substitution of Co on the physiochemical properties of goethite and the atomic-level mechanisms of lead sorption in relation to structural changes were investigated in this work. The results showed that Co substitution reduced the unit cell parameters and crystallinity of goethite. More Fe-OH groups on the surface were exposed with Co substitution, leading to the preferential sorption of Pb. The DFT calculations further revealed that the valence band was shortened and the total density of states was more biased towards the Fermi level in Co-substituted goethite, making the surface electrons more active. In addition, both Pb2+ and Pb(OH)+ were adsorbed by goethite, forming a tridentate complex with three oxygen atoms. In this process, sp3 hybridization mainly occurred. These results provide a new perspective for studying the properties of Co-substituted goethite and its reaction with lead, helping to expand the application of DFT calculations to simulate and predict the fixation and mobilization of heavy metals in goethite-rich soils/sediments.
Glycan dependent phenotype differences of HIV-1 generated from macrophage versus CD4+ T helper cell populations
Authors: Heeregrave Edwin J. , Thomas Jordan , van Capel Toni M. , de Jong Esther C. , Pollakis Georgios , Paxton William A.
Published: June 2023

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is able to infect a variety of cell types with differences in entry efficiency and replication kinetics determined by the host cell type or the viral phenotype. The phenotype of the virus produced from these various cell types, including infectivity, co-receptor usage and neutralisation sensitivity, may also be affected by the characteristics of the producing cell. This can be due to incorporation of variant cell-specific molecules or differences in post-translational modifications of the gp41/120 envelope. In this study we produced genetically identical virus strains from macrophages, CD4-enriched lymphocytes as well as Th1 and Th2 CD4+ cell lines and compared each different virus stock for their infectivity in various cell types and sensitivity to neutralisation. In order to study the effect of the producer host cell on the virus phenotype, virus stocks were normalised on infectivity and were sequenced to confirm env gene homogeneity. Virus production by Th1 or Th2 cells did not compromise infectivity of the variant cell types tested. We observed no difference in sensitivity to co-receptor blocking agents upon viral passage through Th1 and Th2 CD4+ cell lineages nor did this affect DC-SIGN-mediated viral capture as measured in a transfer assay to CD4+ lymphocytes. Virus produced by macrophages was comparably sensitive to CC-chemokine inhibition as was virus generated from the array of CD4+ lymphocytes. We identified that virus produced from macrophages was fourteen times more resistant to 2G12 neutralisation than virus produced from CD4+ lymphocytes. Macrophage-produced dual-tropic (R5/X4) virus was six times more efficiently transmitted to CD4+ cells than lymphocyte-derived HIV-1 (p<0.0001) after DCSIGN capture. These results provide further insights to what extent the host cell influences viral phenotype and thereby various aspects of HIV-1 pathogenesis but suggest that viruses generated from Th1 versus Th2 cells are consistent in phenotype.
Tofacitinib, a suppressor of NOD2 expression, is a potential treatment for Blau syndrome
Authors: Ueki Yoko , Takimoto-Ito Riko , Saito Megumu K. , Tanizaki Hideaki , Kambe Naotomo
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Blau syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant autoinflammatory granulomatous disease caused by a mutation in the NOD2 gene. It is characterized by a clinical trial of granulomatous dermatitis, arthritis, and uveitis. Tofacitinib is a pan Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used for treatment of Blau syndrome and idiopathic sarcoidosis. Here, we evaluated its effect on inflammatory pathways associated with Blau syndrome. The effect of tofacitinib on downstream pathways regulated by mutant NOD2 was analyzed using luciferase assays with overexpression of NOD2 mutants.

Methods

The effect of tofacitinib on the upstream pathway for the induction of NOD2 expression and proinflammatory cytokine production was assessed using monocytic cell lines differentiated from Blau syndrome patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells.

Results

Tofacitinib did not suppress the increased spontaneous transcriptional activity of NF-κB by mutant NOD2. In addition, mutant NOD2 was not involved in the transcription of ISRE and GAS, which are activated by type 1 and type 2 interferons (IFN), respectively. On the other hand, IFNγ induced the expression of NOD2, which led to the production of inflammatory cytokines by an autoinflammatory mechanism only in cells with mutant NOD2.

Discussion

Tofacitinib suppressed the induction of NOD2 by IFNγ, thereby inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, tofacitinib showed anti-inflammatory effects through suppression of NOD2 expression. The JAK inhibitor tofacitinib is a potential therapeutic agent for Blau syndrome because it suppresses the autoinflammation seen in Blau syndrome by inhibiting the expression of NOD2.
Influence of reef structure and its flow field effect on the spatial behavior of Sebastes schlegelii adults
Authors: Gong Pihai , Li Jiao , Wang Gang , Guan Changtao , Meng Zhen , Jia Yudong
Published: June 2023

Sebases schlegelii is an important economic reef fish in northern China. Its distribution in the reef area is affected by the reef structure and flow field. To evaluate the effects of differently shaped artificial reefs with distinct flow field properties on the distribution of adult S. schlegelii, four types of artificial reefs (cubic (CAR), pyramidal (PAR), star-shaped (SAR) and tubular (TAR) artificial reef) and the related flow regimes were experimentally examined. The mean gathering rate (MGR) and wavelet analysis were adopted to analyze the distribution patterns of S. schlegelii adults around reef bodies in three representative environmental conditions (static water (FE1), 40 Hz water flow environment (FE2), and 50 Hz water flow environment (FE3)). The significant gathering behaviors around the artificial reefs were depicted through the MGR of adult fish during physical observations. For FE1, the MGR of adult fish showed a decrease in the order PAR > CAR > SAR > TAR. With increasing incoming velocities, the MGR changed such that the quantity of adult fish in the CAR gradually increased more than that in the PAR, but no significant differences were observed between them (P>0.05). Wavelet analysis showed that the fluctuations in the gathering behaviors of adults decreased with increasing flow velocities. Based on the two-factor analysis of variance, the reef structural characteristics had a more significant impact than the flow velocities on the gathering behavior of adult fish. In summary, the PAR and CAR are recommended to restore the habitats of S. schlegelii in marine ranches given their dominant aggregation effects on S. schlegelii.
Characterization of tumor-associated reactive astrocytes in gliomas by single-cell and bulk tumor sequencing
Authors: Zhang Chuan-bao , Wang Zhi-liang , Liu Han-jie , Wang Zheng , Jia Wang
Published: June 2023

Objective

Astrocytes constitute approximately 30% of cells in gliomas and play important roles in synapse construction and survival. Recently, JAK/STAT pathway activation associated with a new type of astrocyte was reported. However, the implications of these tumor-associated reactive astrocytes (TARAs) in glioma are not known.

Methods

We comprehensively assessed TARAs in gliomas, both in single cells and at the bulk tumor level, by analyzing five independent datasets. First, we analyzed two single-cell RNA sequencing datasets of 35,563 cells from 23 patients to estimate the infiltration level of TARAs in gliomas. Second, we collected clinical information and genomic and transcriptomic data of 1,379 diffuse astrocytoma and glioblastoma samples from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets to evaluate the genomic, transcriptomic and clinical characteristics of TARA infiltration. Third, we downloaded expression profiles of recurrent glioblastoma samples from patients receiving PD-1 inhibitors to analyze the predictive value of TARAs for immune checkpoint inhibition.

Results

Single-cell RNA sequencing data showed TARAs were abundant in the glioma micro-environment (15.7% in the CGGA dataset and 9.1% in the Gene Expression Omnibus GSE141383 dataset, respectively). Bulk tumor sequencing data showed that the extent of TARA infiltration was highly associated with major clinical and molecular features of astrocytic gliomas. Patients with more TARA infiltration were more likely to have MUC16, FLG, and PICK3A mutations, chromosome 9p21.3, 10q23.3, and 13q14.2 deletions and 7p11.2 amplification. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that the high level of astrocyte infiltration was characterized by immune and oncogenic pathways, such as the inflammatory response, positive regulation of the JAK–STAT cascade, positive regulation of NIK/NF-kappa B signaling and the tumor necrosis factor biosynthetic process. Patients with greater TARA infiltration showed inferior prognosis. Meanwhile, the extent of reactive astrocyte infiltration exhibited a predictive value for recurrent glioblastoma patients undergoing anti-PD-1 immune therapy.

Conclusion

TARA infiltration might promote glioma tumor progression and can be used as a diagnostic, predictive and prognostic marker in gliomas. Prevention of TARA infiltration might be a new therapeutic strategy for glioma.
Alternative patterns of deep brain stimulation in neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Najera Ricardo A. , Mahavadi Anil K. , Khan Anas U. , Boddeti Ujwal , Del Bene Victor A. , Walker Harrison C. , Bentley J. Nicole
Published: June 2023

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a widely used clinical therapy that modulates neuronal firing in subcortical structures, eliciting downstream network effects. Its effectiveness is determined by electrode geometry and location as well as adjustable stimulation parameters including pulse width, interstimulus interval, frequency, and amplitude. These parameters are often determined empirically during clinical or intraoperative programming and can be altered to an almost unlimited number of combinations. Conventional high-frequency stimulation uses a continuous high-frequency square-wave pulse (typically 130–160 Hz), but other stimulation patterns may prove efficacious, such as continuous or bursting theta-frequencies, variable frequencies, and coordinated reset stimulation. Here we summarize the current landscape and potential clinical applications for novel stimulation patterns.
A comprehensive review on infant formula: nutritional and functional constituents, recent trends in processing and its impact on infants’ gut microbiota
Authors: Bakshi Shiva , Paswan Vinod Kumar , Yadav Satya Prakash , Bhinchhar Basant Kumar , Kharkwal Sheela , Rose Hency , Kanetkar Prajasattak , Kumar Vishal , Al-Zamani Zakarya Ali Saleh , Bunkar Durga Shankar
Published: June 2023

Human milk is considered the most valuable form of nutrition for infants for their growth, development and function. So far, there are still some cases where feeding human milk is not feasible. As a result, the market for infant formula is widely increasing, and formula feeding become an alternative or substitute for breastfeeding. The nutritional value of the formula can be improved by adding functional bioactive compounds like probiotics, prebiotics, human milk oligosaccharides, vitamins, minerals, taurine, inositol, osteopontin, lactoferrin, gangliosides, carnitine etc. For processing of infant formula, diverse thermal and non-thermal technologies have been employed. Infant formula can be either in powdered form, which requires reconstitution with water or in ready-to-feed liquid form, among which powder form is readily available, shelf-stable and vastly marketed. Infants’ gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem and the nutrient composition of infant formula is recognized to have a lasting effect on it. Likewise, the gut microbiota establishment closely parallels with host immune development and growth. Therefore, it must be contemplated as an important factor for consideration while developing formulas. In this review, we have focused on the formulation and manufacturing of safe and nutritious infant formula equivalent to human milk or aligning with the infant’s needs and its ultimate impact on infants’ gut microbiota.
Modulation of immunity by tryptophan microbial metabolites
Authors: Li Siying
Published: June 2023

Tryptophan (Trp) is an essential amino acid that can be metabolized via endogenous and exogenous pathways, including the Kynurenine Pathway, the 5-Hydroxyindole Pathway (also the Serotonin pathway), and the Microbial pathway. Of these, the Microbial Trp metabolic pathways in the gut have recently been extensively studied for their production of bioactive molecules. The gut microbiota plays an important role in host metabolism and immunity, and microbial Trp metabolites can influence the development and progression of various diseases, including inflammatory, cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, metabolic diseases, and cancer, by mediating the body’s immunity. This review briefly outlines the crosstalk between gut microorganisms and Trp metabolism in the body, starting from the three metabolic pathways of Trp. The mechanisms by which microbial Trp metabolites act on organism immunity are summarized, and the potential implications for disease prevention and treatment are highlighted.
CAR-NK cell therapy for glioblastoma: what to do next?
Authors: Xiong Qi , Zhu Jiao , Zhang Yong , Deng Hongxin
Published: June 2023

Glioblastoma is a malignant tumor with the highest morbidity and mortality in the central nervous system. Conventional surgical resection combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy has a high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. The 5-year survival rate of patients is less than 10%. In tumor immunotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy represented by chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells has achieved great success in hematological tumors. However, the application of CAR-T cells in solid tumors such as glioblastoma still faces many challenges. CAR-NK cells are another potential adoptive cell therapy strategy after CAR-T cells. Compared with CAR-T cell therapy, CAR-NK cells have similar anti-tumor effects. CAR-NK cells can also avoid some deficiencies in CAR-T cell therapy, a research hotspot in tumor immunity. This article summarizes the preclinical research status of CAR-NK cells in glioblastoma and the problems and challenges faced by CAR-NK in glioblastoma.
Tocilizumab (monoclonal anti-IL-6R antibody) reverses anlotinib resistance in osteosarcoma
Authors: Xu Jiuhui , Chen Chenglong , Sun Kunkun , Shi Qianyu , Wang Boyang , Huang Yi , Ren Tingting , Tang Xiaodong
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Anlotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) has been in clinical application to inhibit malignant cell growth and lung metastasis in osteosarcoma (OS). However, a variety of drug resistance phenomena have been observed in the treatment. We aim to explore the new target to reverse anlotinib resistance in OS.

Materials and Methods

In this study, we established four OS anlotinib-resistant cell lines, and RNA-sequence was performed to evaluate differentially expressed genes. We verified the results of RNA-sequence by PCR, western blot and ELISA assay. We further explored the effects of tocilizumab (anti- IL-6 receptor), either alone or in combined with anlotinib, on the inhibition of anlotinib-resistant OS cells malignant viability by CCK8, EDU, colony formation, apoptosis, transwell, wound healing, Cytoskeletal stain assays, and xenograft nude mouse model. The expression of IL-6 in 104 osteosarcoma samples was tested by IHC.

Results

We found IL-6 and its downstream pathway STAT3 were activated in anlotinib-resistant osteosarcoma. Tocilizumab impaired the tumor progression of anlotinib-resistant OS cells, and combined treatment with anlotinib augmented these effects by inhibiting STAT3 expressions. IL-6 was highly expressed in patients with OS and correlated with poor prognosis.

Conclusion

Tocilizumab could reverse anlotinib resistance in OS by IL-6/STAT3 pathway and the combination treatment with anlotinib rationalized further studies and clinical treatment of OS.
Limb girdle muscular dystrophy 23 caused by compound heterozygous mutations of LAMA2 gene
Authors: Xu Yuqing , Zhu Linyan , Qian Yeqing , Dong Minyue
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Mutations of LAMA2 gene are associated with congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD). The LAMA2-related CMD mainly consists of two diseases, merosin deficient congenital muscular dystrophies type 1A (MDC1A) and limb girdle muscular dystrophy 23 (LGMD23). LGMD23 is characterized by slowly progressive proximal muscle weakness, which primarily affects the lower limbs and results in gait difficulties. Additional clinical features include increased serum creatine kinase, abnormal electromyography with or without white matter abnormalities on brain imaging.

Methods

Clinical data were collected from a Chinese Han family. Whole-exome sequencing, Sanger sequencing, RT-PCR and TA clone sequencing were performed on the family members.

Results

Compound heterozygous mutations of LAMA2: c.1693C > T (p. Q565*) (maternally inherited) and c.9212-6T > G (paternally inherited) were identified and confirmed in the proband. The mutation c.1693C > T (p. Q565*) was classified as pathogenic according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. By performing RT-PCR and TA clone sequencing, an insertion of 40-bp intronic sequence (intron 64) was found in the transcripts of the proband and her father, which resulted in a frameshift and premature truncation codon of the LAMA2. In particular, the variant truncated the LamG domain of the LAMA2. Therefore, the c.9212-6T>G was classified as likely pathogenic according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.

Discussion

Our findings described two novel mutations in a girl with LGMDR23, which contributes to the genetic counseling of the family and expands the clinical and molecular spectrums of the rare disease.
Incomplete peripheral retinal vascularisation in retinopathy of prematurity: is it the consequence of changing oxygen saturation?
Authors: Yehiam Sigal Zmujack , Simkin Samantha K. , Al-Taie Rasha , Wong Maisie , Battin Malcolm , Dai Shuan
Published: June 2023

Background

We wish to determine the prevalence and risk factors of incomplete peripheral avascular retina (IPAR) in children screened for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and its association with oxygen saturation (SpO2) targets.

Methods

A retrospective review of retinal images of premature infants born and screened for ROP in Auckland Region, New Zealand, between January 2013 and December 2017 was conducted. Images were reviewed to determine if avascular retina was present at their final ROP screening. The prevalence of peripheral avascular retina was compared among infants born prior to (Group 1) and after (Group 2) 2015 when the SpO2 target was increased. Infants with any concurrent ocular pathology or who had received ROP treatment were excluded.

Results

In total, 62 (12.8%) of the total of 486 infants (247 in Group 1; 239 in Group 2) were found to have IPAR at their last ROP screening. Group 1 had more statistically significant infants with IPAR compared to Group 2 (39/247 infants and 23/239 infants respectively; p = 0.043).

Conclusions

Incomplete peripheral retinal vascularisation occurred at a prevalence of 12.8% in infants at risk of ROP. Higher SpO2 targets did not increase the prevalence of incomplete peripheral retinal vascularisation. Low gestational age and low birth weight are likely risk factors for the development of avascular retina. Further research into the risk factors associated with incomplete peripheral retinal vascularisation and the associated long-term outcomes is needed.
The management of achondroplasia in Italy: results from a Delphi panel based on real-world experience
Authors: Maghnie Mohamad , Bruzzi Paolo , Casilli Giorgio , Lidonnici Dario , Scarano Gioacchino
Published: June 2023

Background

Achondroplasia is a rare genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene, leading to skeletal changes and other systemic complications that greatly impact the patient's quality of life. There currently are differences in achondroplasia patients' management among countries and centers within the same country.

Method

A group of Italian experts discussed the best practice and the current unmet needs in the management of patients with achondroplasia though a two-round Delphi panel, between September and November 2022. The Delphi survey consisted of 32 questions covering organizational aspects, diagnosis and follow-up, and management of achondroplasia patient, and was shared among 54 experts from 25 different centers in Italy. The consensus was determined on the basis of the percentage of agreement or disagreement to each statement on a 5-point Likert scale.

Results

Pediatricians (including specialists in pediatrics, medical genetics, and pediatric endocrinology) orthopedics and medical geneticists were the most represented specialists accounting for 64%, 9% and 9% of participants, respectively. The panel highlighted the need for standardized procedures to identify reference centers, the crucial role of multidisciplinary team, and effective communication among centers (Hub and Spoke model) as the essential organizational features; the importance of genetic counseling, presence of a psychologist, and clear communication during prenatal diagnosis as main points for diagnosis; early intervention by different specialists, personalized care, and promotion of a healthy lifestyle as major points for patient management.

Conclusion

To ensure an adequate continuity of care over the whole lifespan of a patient with achondroplasia a shared model for patient management is suggested by Italian specialists.
Feedforward resonance control for the European X-ray free electron laser high duty cycle upgrade
Authors: Bellandi Andrea , Branlard Julien , Schlarb Holger , Schmidt Christian
Published: June 2023

The High Duty Cycle (HDC) upgrade is a proposed improvement to the existing European X-ray Free Electron Laser (EuXFEL) to extend the pulsed RF duty factor from the actual value of around 1% to more than 5% up to Continuous Wave (CW). To implement this upgrade, the loaded quality factor (QL) of the superconducting cavities will increase by more than one order of magnitude. This will result in shrinking the cavity bandwidth to values as low as a few Hertz. Since the Lorentz Force Detuning (LFD) experienced during the accelerating field buildup is of hundreds of Hertz, the Low-Level RF (LLRF) system has to accurately track and control the cavity resonance frequency to obtain the desired accelerating gradient. Moreover, ponderomotive instabilities have to be suppressed to achieve stability during beam acceleration. Since LFD is a repetitive disturbance in cavity frequency, the correction to its effects can be implemented as a feedforward compensation on the piezoelectric tuners of the cavity. Initial results on the simulation of feedforward resonance control in the HDC regime are discussed in this proceeding.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Amorphophallus albus and development of molecular markers for five Amorphophallus species based on mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Shan Yuanyu , Li Jingling , Zhang Xue , Yu Jie
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Amorphophallus albus is an herbaceous, cormous, perennial plant used as a food source and traditional medicine in Asia.

Methods

In this study, we assembled and annotated the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of A. albus. Then we analyzed the repeated elements and mitochondrial plastid sequences (MTPTs), predicted RNA editing sites in mitochondrial protein-coding genes (PCGs). Lastly, we inferred the phylogenetic relationships of A. albus and other angiosperms based on mitochondrial PCGs, and designed two molecular markers based on mitochondrial DNA.

Results and discussion

The complete mitogenome of A. albus consists of 19 circular chromosomes. And the total length of A. albus mitogenome is 537,044 bp, with the longest chromosome measuring 56,458 bp and the shortest measuring 12,040 bp. We identified and annotated a total of 36 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 21 tRNA genes, and 3 rRNA genes in the mitogenome. Additionally, we analyzed mitochondrial plastid DNAs (MTPTs) and identified 20 MTPTs between the two organelle genomes, with a combined length of 22,421 bp, accounting for 12.76% of the plastome. Besides, we predicted a total of 676 C to U RNA editing sites on 36 protein-coding genes of high confidence using Deepred-mt. Furthermore, extensive genomic rearrangement was observed between A. albus and the related mitogenomes. We conducted phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial PCGs to determine the evolutionary relationships between A. albus and other angiosperms. Finally, we developed and validated two molecular markers, Ai156 and Ai976, based on two intron regions (nad2i156 and nad4i976) respectively. The discrimination success rate was 100 % in validation experiments for five widely grown konjac species. Our results reveal the multi-chromosome mitogenome of A. albus, and the developed markers will facilitate molecular identification of this genus.
Enhancement of the anthocyanin contents of Caladium leaves and petioles via metabolic engineering with co-overexpression of AtPAP1 and ZmLc transcription factors
Authors: Yang Ximeng , Li Airong , Xia Jing , Huang Yan , Lu Xin , Guo Gangyu , Sui Shunzhao
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Metabolic engineering of anthocyanin synthesis is an active research area for pigment breeding and remains a research hotspot involving AtPAP1 and ZmLc transcription factors. Caladium bicolor is a desirable anthocyanin metabolic engineering receptor, with its abundant leaf color and stable genetic transformation system.

Methods

We transformed C. bicolor with AtPAP1 and ZmLc and successfully obtained transgenic plants. We then used a combination of metabolome, transcriptome, WGCNA and PPI co-expression analyses to identify differentially expressed anthocyanin components and transcripts between wild-type and transgenic lines.

Results

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside and peonidin-3-O-rutinoside are the main components of anthocyanins in the leaves and petioles of C. bicolor. Exogenous introduction of AtPAP1 and ZmLc resulted in significant changes in pelargonidins, particularly pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside and pelargonidin-3-O-rutinoside in C. bicolor. Furthermore, 5 MYB-TFs, 9 structural genes, and 5 transporters were found to be closely associated with anthocyanin synthesis and transport in C. bicolor.

Discussion

In this study, a network regulatory model of AtPAP1 and ZmLc in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis and transport in C. bicolor was proposed, which provides insights into the color formation mechanisms of C. bicolor, and lays a foundation for the precise regulation of anthocyanin metabolism and biosynthesis for economic plant pigment breeding.
Phylogenomic analysis provides insights into MADS-box and TCP gene diversification and floral development of the Asteraceae, supported by de novo genome and transcriptome sequences from dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Authors: Xiong Wei , Risse Judith , Berke Lidija , Zhao Tao , van de Geest Henri , Oplaat Carla , Busscher Marco , Ferreira de Carvalho Julie , van der Meer Ingrid M. , Verhoeven Koen J. F. , Schranz M. Eric , Vijverberg Kitty
Published: June 2023

The Asteraceae is the largest angiosperm family with more than 25,000 species. Individual studies have shown that MADS-box and TCP transcription factors are regulators of the development and symmetry of flowers, contributing to their iconic flower-head (capitulum) and floret. However, a systematic study of MADS-box and TCP genes across the Asteraceae is lacking. We performed a comparative analysis of genome sequences of 33 angiosperm species including our de novo assembly of diploid sexual dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and 11 other Asteraceae to investigate the lineage-specific evolution of MADS-box and TCP genes in the Asteraceae. We compared the phylogenomic results of MADS-box and TCP genes with their expression in T. officinale floral tissues at different developmental stages to demonstrate the regulation of genes with Asteraceae-specific attributes. Here, we show that MADS-box MIKCc and TCP-CYCLOIDEA (CYC) genes have expanded in the Asteraceae. The phylogenomic analysis identified AGAMOUS-like (AG-like: SEEDSTICK [STK]-like), SEPALATA-like (SEP3-like), and TCP-PROLIFERATING CELL FACTOR (PCF)-like copies with lineage-specific genomic contexts in the Asteraceae, Cichorioideae, or dandelion. Different expression patterns of some of these gene copies suggest functional divergence. We also confirm the presence and revisit the evolutionary history of previously named “Asteraceae-Specific MADS-box genes (AS-MADS).” Specifically, we identify non-Asteraceae homologs, indicating a more ancient origin of this gene clade. Syntenic relationships support that AS-MADS is paralogous to FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) as demonstrated by the shared ancient duplication of FLC and SEP3.
Measuring adolescents’ level of interest in nature: a promising psychological factor facilitating nature protection
Authors: Neurohr Anna-Lena , Pasch Nadine , Otto Siegmar , Möller Andrea
Published: June 2023

Studies indicate that young people are more prepared to engage in pro-environmental behavior if they are interested in nature and recognize it as worthy of protection. However, a reliable instrument to measure adolescents’ interest in nature is still lacking. Therefore, we developed a new metric, the Scale of Interest in Nature (SIN). It consists of 18 items, is based on Item-Response-Theory and was validated using the known group approach (N = 351 adolescents). Results indicate that adolescents’ interest in nature correlates positively with their connection with nature, their intention to preserve nature and engagement in pro-environmental activities in their free time. Bivariate Pearson correlations between the SIN and the Connectedness to Nature Scale (INS), as well as the Environmental Values model (2-MEV) demonstrated the scale’s construct validity. Hence, the SIN scale provides an economical way to measure adolescents’ interest in nature in research contexts or environmental and sustainability education settings.
Predicting new-onset post-stroke depression from real-world data using machine learning algorithm
Authors: Chen Yu-Ming , Chen Po-Cheng , Lin Wei-Che , Hung Kuo-Chuan , Chen Yang-Chieh Brian , Hung Chi-Fa , Wang Liang-Jen , Wu Ching-Nung , Hsu Chih-Wei , Kao Hung-Yu
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a serious mental disorder after ischemic stroke. Early detection is important for clinical practice. This research aims to develop machine learning models to predict new-onset PSD using real-world data.

Methods

We collected data for ischemic stroke patients from multiple medical institutions in Taiwan between 2001 and 2019. We developed models from 61,460 patients and used 15,366 independent patients to test the models’ performance by evaluating their specificities and sensitivities. The predicted targets were whether PSD occurred at 30, 90, 180, and 365 days post-stroke. We ranked the important clinical features in these models.

Results

In the study’s database sample, 1.3% of patients were diagnosed with PSD. The average specificity and sensitivity of these four models were 0.83–0.91 and 0.30–0.48, respectively. Ten features were listed as important features related to PSD at different time points, namely old age, high height, low weight post-stroke, higher diastolic blood pressure after stroke, no pre-stroke hypertension but post-stroke hypertension (new-onset hypertension), post-stroke sleep-wake disorders, post-stroke anxiety disorders, post-stroke hemiplegia, and lower blood urea nitrogen during stroke.

Discussion

Machine learning models can provide as potential predictive tools for PSD and important factors are identified to alert clinicians for early detection of depression in high-risk stroke patients.
Assessment of medication adherence among Lebanese adult patients with non-communicable diseases during COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Malaeb Diana , Sacre Hala , Mansour Sara , Haddad Chadia , Sarray El Dine Abir , Fleihan Tamara , Hallit Souheil , Salameh Pascale , Hosseini Hassan
Published: June 2023

Background

Medical treatment is considered a cornerstone in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) management, lack of adherence remains the main challenge that may compromise optimal therapeutic outcome achievement.

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate treatment adherence levels and associated factors among Lebanese adult patients with non-communicable diseases.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional survey conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown imposed by the Lebanese Government (between September 2020 and January 2021) enrolled 263 adult patients through an anonymous online questionnaire to assess adherence to medications using the Lebanese Medication Adherence Scale (LMAS-14).

Results

Of the total sample, 50.2% showed low adherence with a total mean adherence score of 4.41 ± 3.94. The results showed that depression (β = 1.351) and peptic ulcer (β = 1.279) were significantly associated with higher LMAS scores (lower adherence). However, age between 50 and 70 (β = −1.591, p = 0.011), practicing physical exercise (β = −1.397, p = 0.006), having kidney disease (β = −1.701, p = 0.032), and an intermediate (β = −1.336, p = 0.006) to high income (β = −3.207, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with lower LMAS scores (higher adherence).

Conclusion

Our study shed light on the factors affecting medication adherence in patients with non-communicable diseases. It showed that depression and peptic ulcer were associated with lower adherence, contrary to older age, exercising, having chronic kidney disease, and a higher socioeconomic status.
Influence of social support on subjective well-being of patients with chronic diseases in China: chain-mediating effect of self-efficacy and perceived stress
Authors: Luo Zhenni , Zhong Sisi , Zheng Siyu , Li Yun , Guan Yan , Xu Weihong , Li Lu , Liu Siyuan , Zhou Haozheng , Yin Xuanhao , Wu Yibo , Liu Diyue , Chen Jiangyun
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The well-being of patients with chronic diseases is an issue of widespread concern in public health. While social support is thought to have a positive effect on it, the mechanisms of its influence have not been fully addressed. Thus, we explored the possible mediating effects of self-efficacy and perceived stress to determine the relationship between social support and well-being in these patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 4,657 patients with chronic diseases in China. The PROCESS Macro model 6 of SPSS was employed to explore the intermediary role between variables.

Results

Self-efficacy and perceived stress played a partial intermediary role between social support and subjective well-being, with an effect ratio of 48.25% and 23.61%, respectively. Self-efficacy and perceived stress had a chain intermediary effect (28.14%) between social support and subjective well-being.

Discussion

This study suggested that improving the self-efficacy of patients with chronic diseases to cope with the changes in social support caused by the disease could reduce stress and enhance subjective well-being.
Community health workers' perspectives on integrating into school settings to support student health
Authors: Yao Nicole , Kowalczyk Monica , Gregory LaToya , Cheatham Jeannine , DeClemente Tarrah , Fox Kenneth , Ignoffo Stacy , Volerman Anna
Published: June 2023

Introduction

While schools represent key venues for supporting health, they continue to experience gaps in health resources. The integration of community health workers (CHWs) into schools has the potential to supplement these resources but has been underexplored. This study is the first to examine perspectives of experienced CHWs about how CHWs can be applied in school settings to support student health.

Methods

This qualitative study involved conducting semi-structured interviews focused on implementation of CHWs in schools with individuals who held positions aligned with the CHW scope of work. De-identified transcripts were analyzed, and codes were organized into domains and themes.

Results

Among 14 participants, seven domains emerged about the implementation of CHWs in schools: roles and responsibilities, collaborations, steps for integration, characteristics of successful CHWs, training, assessment, and potential challenges. Participants shared various potential responsibilities of school-based CHWs, including educating on health topics, addressing social determinants of health, and supporting chronic disease management. Participants emphasized the importance of CHWs building trusting relationships with the school community and identified internal and external collaborations integral to the success of CHWs. Specifically, participants indicated CHWs and schools should together determine CHWs' responsibilities, familiarize CHWs with the school population, introduce CHWs to the school community, and establish support systems for CHWs. Participants identified key characteristics of school-based CHWs, including having familiarity with the broader community, relevant work experience, essential professional skills, and specific personal qualities. Participants highlighted trainings relevant to school-based CHWs, including CHW core skills and health topics. To assess CHWs' impact, participants proposed utilizing evaluation tools, documenting interactions with students, and observing indicators of success within schools. Participants also identified challenges for school-based CHWs to overcome, including pushback from the school community and difficulties related to the scope of work.

Discussion

This study identified how CHWs can have a valuable role in supporting student health and the findings can help inform models to integrate CHWs to ensure healthy school environments.
Contributions from incumbent police officer’s physical activity and body composition to occupational assessment performance
Authors: Dicks Nathan D. , Shoemaker Marni E. , DeShaw Kathryn J. , Carper Michael J. , Hackney Kyle J. , Barry Allison M.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Police officers must perform various tasks in unpredictable work environments and potentially volatile situations. This study aimed to determine if cardiovascular fitness, body composition, and physical activity levels could predict performance in a Midwest Police Department’s Physical Readiness Assessment (PRA).

Methods

Researchers collected data from thirty incumbent police officers (33.9 ± 8.3 years, female = 5). Anthropometric data included height, body mass, body fat percentage (BF%), fat-free mass (FFM), and maximal hand grip strength. The police officers also completed a physical activity rating (PA-R) scale to estimate maximal oxygen consumption (V˙O2max) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Police officers then conducted their department’s PRA. Stepwise linear regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between predictor variables and PRA performance. Pearson’s product-moment correlations investigated relationships between anthropometric, physical fitness, and physical activity variables and PRA performance using SPSS (v.28). The significance level was set at p < 0.05.

Results

Descriptive data for the sample includes BF%: 27.85 ± 7.57%, FFM: 65.73 ± 10.72 kg, hand grip strength: 55.51 ± 11.07 kg, weekday sedentary time (WST): 328 ± 28.26 min, weekend day sedentary time (WDST): 310 ± 28.92 min, daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA): 29.02 ± 39.41 min, PRA: 273.6 ± 51.4 s and estimated V˙O2max: 43.26 ± 6.35 mL kg−1 min−1. The stepwise regression analyses indicated that BF% was predictive of PRA time (R2 = 0.32, p < 0.01); estimated V˙O2max predictive of PRA time (R2 = 0.45, p < 0.001). There were significant correlations between BF % and PRA time (r = 0.57, p < 0.001), PA-R and MVPA (r = 0.71, p < 0.001), %BF % and WDST (r = −0.606, p < 0.001), hand grip and FFM (r = 0.602, p < 0.001) and PA-R and PRA time (r = −0.36, p < 0.05).

Discussion

The results of this exploratory study highlight that higher estimated V˙O2max and lower BF% were the best predictors for faster PRA completion times, accounting for 45% and 32% of the variance, respectively. The findings of this study support the need for wellness and fitness initiatives in law enforcement agencies focused on increasing cardiovascular fitness and physical activity while decreasing BF% to ensure optimal performance in policing and overall health.
EPPO ontology: a semantic-driven approach for plant and pest codes representation
Authors: Ayllón-Benitez Aarón , Bernabé-Diaz José Antonio , Espinoza-Arias Paola , Esnaola-Gonzalez Iker , Beeckman Delphine S. A. , McCaig Bonnie , Hanzlik Kristin , Cools Toon , Castro Iragorri Carlos , Palacios Nicolás
Published: June 2023

The agricultural industry and regulatory organizations define strategies and build tools and products for plant protection against pests. To identify different plants and their related pests and avoid inconsistencies between such organizations, an agreed and shared classification is necessary. In this regard, the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) has been working on defining and maintaining a harmonized coding system (EPPO codes). EPPO codes are an easy way of referring to a specific organism by means of short 5 or 6 letter codes instead of long scientific names or ambiguous common names. EPPO codes are freely available in different formats through the EPPO Global Database platform and are implemented as a worldwide standard and used among scientists and experts in both industry and regulatory organizations. One of the large companies that adopted such codes is BASF, which uses them mainly in research and development to build their crop protection and seeds products. However, extracting the information is limited by fixed API calls or files that require additional processing steps. Facing these issues makes it difficult to use the available information flexibly, infer new data connections, or enrich it with external data sources. To overcome such limitations, BASF has developed an internal EPPO ontology to represent the list of codes provided by the EPPO Global Database as well as the regulatory categorization and relationship among them. This paper presents the development process of this ontology along with its enrichment process, which allows the reuse of relevant information available in an external knowledge source such as the NCBI Taxon. In addition, this paper describes the use and adoption of the EPPO ontology within the BASF's Agricultural Solutions division and the lessons learned during this work.
Explainable online health information truthfulness in Consumer Health Search
Authors: Upadhyay Rishabh , Knoth Petr , Pasi Gabriella , Viviani Marco
Published: June 2023

Introduction

People are today increasingly relying on health information they find online to make decisions that may impact both their physical and mental wellbeing. Therefore, there is a growing need for systems that can assess the truthfulness of such health information. Most of the current literature solutions use machine learning or knowledge-based approaches treating the problem as a binary classification task, discriminating between correct information and misinformation. Such solutions present several problems with regard to user decision making, among which: (i) the binary classification task provides users with just two predetermined possibilities with respect to the truthfulness of the information, which users should take for granted; indeed, (ii) the processes by which the results were obtained are often opaque and the results themselves have little or no interpretation.

Methods

To address these issues, we approach the problem as anad hocretrieval task rather than a classification task, with reference, in particular, to the Consumer Health Search task. To do this, a previously proposed Information Retrieval model, which considers information truthfulness as a dimension of relevance, is used to obtain a ranked list of both topically-relevant and truthful documents. The novelty of this work concerns the extension of such a model with a solution for the explainability of the results obtained, by relying on a knowledge base consisting of scientific evidence in the form of medical journal articles.

Results and discussion

We evaluate the proposed solution both quantitatively, as a standard classification task, and qualitatively, through a user study to examine the “explained” ranked list of documents. The results obtained illustrate the solution's effectiveness and usefulness in making the retrieved results more interpretable by Consumer Health Searchers, both with respect to topical relevance and truthfulness.
QAnon, authoritarianism, and conspiracy within American alternative spiritual spaces
Authors: Conner Christopher T.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

QAnon, in the United States, has become something of household name due to its role in the January 6th insurrection, and because of the relatively high degree of media attention it has received. While such coverage has been useful in understanding this conspiracy movement, it has also painted a picture of QAnon that is incomplete.

Methods

Using a qualitative ethnographic approach I analyzed 1,000 hours of QAnon content produced by 100 QAnon influencers. I created a database of 4,104 images (tweets, screenshots, and other static forms of communication) and 122 videos.

Results

We found three separate cultural entry points not typically associated with the movement—Yoga and Wellness Groups, Neo-Shamanistic circles, and Psychics. By colonizing these spaces QAnon was able to embed itself, disguise its abrasive features, and go largely unnoticed by the general public.

Discussion

This study reminds us that authoritarianism can take root in a variety of spaces, and that within each of us lie potentially fascistic tendencies—even those seeking enlightenment, through alternative practices.