bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of vaginal probiotics Lactobacillus crispatus on intrauterine adhesion in mice model and in clinical practice
Authors: Wu Fei , Kong Yao , Chen Wenjie , Liang Dingfa , Xiao Qin , Hu Lijuan , Tan Xiao , Wei Jing , Liu Yujuan , Deng Xiaorong , Liu Zhaoxia , Chen Tingtao
Published: January 2023

Background
Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a frequent acquired endometrial condition, for which there is no effective preventive or treatment. Previous studies have found that vaginal microbiota dysregulation is closely related to endometrial fibrosis and IUA.
Results
In this study, we administered Lactobacillus crispatus (L. crispatus) vaginally to restore vaginal microbiota and explore the beneficial role of vaginal probiotics in the treatment and prevention of IUA. Then, we created a mechanically injured mouse model of IUA and restored the mice's vaginal microbiota by the addition of L. crispatus convolvulus. The observations suggested that intrauterine injections of L. crispatus significantly decreased the degree of uterine fibrosis, the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in blood, and downregulated the TGF-β1/SMADs signaling pathway in IUA mice. A therapy with L. crispatus considerably raised the abundance of the helpful bacteria Lactobacillus and Oscillospira and restored the balance of the vaginal microbiota in IUA mice, according to high-throughput sequencing. Then we conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare the therapeutic effect of L. crispatus with estrogen after TCRA. And the results showed that vaginal probiotics had a better potential to prevent intrauterine adhesion than estrogen.
Conclusions
This study confirmed that the prevention and treatment of L. crispatus in IUA has a certain effect, and made a new exploration for the treatment of vaginal probiotics in gynecological diseases.
Clinical trial registration
: http://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier (ChiCTR1900022522), registration time: 15/04/2019.
Analysis of Codon Usage Patterns in 41 Aconitum species
Authors: Yang Meihua , Liu Jiahao , Yang Wanqing , Li Zhen , Hai Yonglin , Duan Baozhong , Zhang Haizhu , Yang Xiaoli , Xia Conglong
Published: January 2023

Background
The Ranunculaceae family comprises an essential group of genus known as Aconitum. Globally, 350 Aconitum species are found, and about 170 species are found in China. Aconitum species have several pharmacological effects and are also frequently used to treat joint pain, cold abdominal pain, and other diseases. Codon usage bias (CUB) analysis is an effective method for studying evolutionary relationships and phylogenetics. On the basis of protein-coding sequences (PCGs), 41 Aconitum species were selected for performing CUB analysis.
Results
The results revealed that the presence of GC content was less than 50% at different positions in Aconitum species. The distribution of GC content was also irregular and showed a trend of GC1 > GC2 > GC3, indicating that Aconitum species were biased towards A/T bases. Relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) heat map analysis found the presence of conservative codons with silght differences in the genus. The effective number of codons (ENC)-Plot and the parity rule 2 (PR2)-bias plot analysis found natural selection as the main factor affecting the variation in codon usage. Consequently, various optimal codons were screened out, and A/T bases were preferred as the last codon. In addition, the results of Maximum Likelihood (ML) based on PCGs among 41 Aconitum species were consistent with the results of complete chloroplast (cp) genome data, inferring that the mutation analysis of PCGs is an efficient method to show phylogeny between species at the genus level.
Conclusions
The CUB analysis in 41 Aconitum species was majorly impacted by natural selection. The present study highlights the CUB patterns of Aconitum species in order to establish sources for future research on the genetic modifications and phylogeny.
Evaluate soil C stability by combining δ13C and soil aggregates after afforestation and thinning on larch plantations
Authors: Zhang Yue , Zhang Junhui , Geng Shichong , Mu Changcheng
Published: January 2023

Background and Aims
Afforestation and thinning management are effective ways to mitigate global warming. The mechanism of soil carbon recovery is effectively explored by linking soil aggregate and isotopic 13C.
Methods
Soil samples were collected from nearby agricultural land (AL) and larch plantations (established in 1965 and thinning in1995, UT: 2500 tree ha− 1, MT: 1867 tree ha− 1, and ST: 1283 tree ha− 1). The soil was separated into three aggregates (LMAC: >2 mm, SMAC: 2-0.25 mm, MIC: 0.25 − 0.053), minerals associated with organic matter (MAOM: <0.053 mm), and carbon fractions within macroaggregate.
Results
We found that afforestation on agricultural land significantly increased mean weight diameter (MWD). But thinning intensifying decreased MWD resulting from the distribution of LMAC replaced by SMAC. Moreover, after afforestation, the carbon concentration in soil aggregates and MAOM was significantly decreased, and the C stability of macroaggregates was weakened, while could be strong after thinning. Thinning decreased the C/N in soil aggregates and MAOM and the effect of thinning intensity on C/N was obvious with the shrinking of particle size. The δ13C, controlled by soil aggregates, significantly decreased in each soil aggregate after afforestation while increased after thinning. Additionally, the carbon concentrations, C/N and δ13C of small-size particles (< 0.25 mm) and the distribution of SMAC are important for soil carbon indicators (SOC, C/N, CO2 fluxes and δ13C).
Conclusion
We conclude that soil aggregate distribution shows a recovery tendency for soil carbon, suggesting that increasing thinning intensity is beneficial for the accumulation of older carbon and the efficiency of nitrogen in more stable fractions.
Methylene blue dye’s adsorption on a natural clay surface from Southeast Morocco: modeling and experimental equilibrium studies
Authors: HABACHA Mohamed EL - , Dabagh Abdelkader , Lagdali Salek , Miyah Youssef , Mahmoudy Guellaa , Sinan Fouad , Chiban Mohamed , Iaich Soulaiman , Zerbet Mohamed
Published: January 2023

The present research work revolves around the evaluation of the elimination of the cationic dye Methylene Blue (MB) from an aqueous solution by the exploitation of natural clay (TMG) from South-East Morocco. Several physicochemical techniques were used to characterize our TMG adsorbate, namely: X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy (FTIR), differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and zero charge point (pHpzc). The morphological properties and elemental composition of our material were identified using scanning electron microscopy coupled with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDS). The batch technique was used under different operating conditions to produce quantitative adsorption, namely the amount of adsorbent, dye concentration, contact time, pH, and solution temperature. The maximum adsorption capacity of MB on TMG was 81.185 mg g-1 for a concentration of 100 mg L-1 MB at pHinitial= 6.43, temperature 20 °C, and 1 g L-1 adsorbent. The adsorption data were examined by Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherms. The Langmuir isotherm provides the best correlation with the experimental data, and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model is more appropriate for the adsorption of the MB dye. The thermodynamic study of MB adsorption indicates that the process is physical, endothermic, and spontaneous. The Box-Behnken method was applied to identify the optimal conditions for MB removal in the design of batch experiments. The parameters examined result in >99% removal.
Long-term rotationalstability of AcrySof IQ Toric intraocular lens in cataract patients with myopia: a retrospective case series study
Authors: luo jie , liu yang
Published: January 2023

Purpose
To investigate the long-term rotational stability of AcrySof IQ Toric intraocular lens (IOL) in cataract patients with myopia.
Methods
Retrospective case series study. In total, 120 eyes of 78 cataract patients with axial length (AL) 24–30 mm, corneal astigmatism ≥ 1.50 D and implantation of AcrySof IQ Toric IOL guided by the Version navigation system were collected. According to the AL, they were assigned to two groups: group A, 60 eyes with high myopia (AL ≥ 26 mm); group B, 60 eyes with low to moderate myopia (24 mm ≤ AL < 26 mm). The preoperative eye axis, best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), corneal astigmatism, IOL rotation at 24–48 months after operation, the proportion of eyes with IOL rotation less than 5° and 10°, rotation direction and residual astigmatism were recorded.
Results
The mean follow-up period was 34.27 ± 4.98 months and the mean rotation degree was 2.73 ± 1.29°. The rotation degree of Group A (2.87 ± 1.31°) was slightly higher than that of Group B (2.59 ± 1.27°), with no statistical significance (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in IOL rotation between the two groups at 24–36 months or 36–48 months postoperation (P > 0.05). The ratio of rotation ≤ 5° was 98.22%, with no patients with a rotation > 10°. The postoperative BCDVA was 0.13 ± 0.03 LogMAR, which was significantly higher than that preoperation (X2 = 76.79, P < 0.05). The mean corneal astigmatism preoperation was 2.17 ± 1.08 D, while the residual astigmatism postoperation was 0.41 ± 0.26 D, which was statistically significantly lower (t = 4.281, P < 0.05).
Conclusion
AcrySof Toric IOL can effectively correct corneal astigmatism in cataract patients with myopia and has good long-term rotational stability.
Algorithms Based on Block-Chain Applied to Develop the IoT Applications
Authors: Chen Joy Iong-Zong , Lee Chien-Yeh
Published: January 2023

The current article presents a BC (block-chain) algorithm proposed for developing IoT (internet of things) applications. The TM (trust management) scheme is also embedded for improving secure protection. In the BC stage, specified parameters are extracted first according to the estimated trust value before the control information comes from the TM. A merit referred to as QoI (quality of information) judges the IoT technology parameter dependent on the trust value. The simulation results from experiments show that the security has more reliability after the proposed fusion schemes. The BC embedding scheme has always provided a higher QoI level. Furthermore, the outcomes are such that the jointed algorithm can enhance secure protection efficiency and solve the application tier security problem. Alternatively, reducing the QoI degree, such as the packet capacity and data rate, is the penalty factors. Eventually, the results from the proposed methods have significant delivery ratio outperform a relevant work, and there has a real implemented project is demonstrated by providing the mentioned assessment for a toxic chemical trade.
Sacubitril/valsartan cannot improve cardiac function compared with valsartan in patients suffering nonvalvular atrial fibrillation without systolic heart failure
Authors: Zhu Mingxin , Guo Jianfeng , qiqike Badeng , nay Xeri , dan Shan , Kuransi Aidina , Hu Gaokai , Han Zhangtong , Hou Dong , aili Ailifeilai , Xia Bin , Chen Ping , bate Bayin , Xie Jiangjiao
Published: January 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Sacubitril/valsartan (Sac/Val) in patients diagnosed with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) without systolic heart failure (SHF).
Methods: Nonvalvular AF patients without SHF admitted to the People’s Hospital of Boltala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture from December 2020 to December 2021 were enrolled and randomly divided into the Sac/Val treatment group (group T) and valsartan treatment group (group C, control). For subgroup analysis, patients were divided into subgroups with and without diastolic heart failure (DHF). After a 1-month run-in period and subsequent 3-month treatment period, patients were followed up in the cardiology clinic. Plasma levels of biochemical markers and echocardiographic parameters before and after treatment were compared, and DHF scores were calculated for comparison of diastolic function.
Results: Of 61 enrolled patients, 46 patients completed the follow-up. Sac/Val treatment did not increase the proportion of sinus rhythm. Although NT-proBNP expression tended to be reduced in both groups after 3 months of treatment, the differences compared with respective baseline levels and between groups were not significant. Subgroup analysis suggested that NT-proBNP expression in the subgroup with DHF was decreased at follow-up versus baseline, but the difference was not significant. Similarly, no marked differences in echocardiographic parameters or tissue Doppler parameters related to DHF were detected between the groups (P>0.05). Subgroup analysis also showed no significant differences in the echocardiographic parameters between subgroups (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Sac/Val is not superior to valsartan in the treatment for patients suffering with AF without SHF.
Retrospective cohort study comparing antiretroviral treatment outcomes among adolescents in Teen Clubs and Standard Care Clinics: Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Alibi Michael , Mwapasa Victor , Gwalangwa Fatsani
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Teen clubs are already known to improve retention rates for adolescents on antiretroviral therapy. This study aimed to find out if this model also improves virological suppression and reduces virological failure. Viral suppression monitoring is a golden ART programme performance indicator. HIV treatment outcomes are poor among adolescents compared to adults. Different service delivery models are being implemented to address this; among them is the Teen Club model. Currently, it is clear that teen clubs improve treatment adherence (short-term impact), but there is a knowledge gap regarding the long-term impact. The study compared the rates of virological suppression and failure among adolescents in Teen Clubs and those on the Standard of Care (SoC) model.
Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 110 adolescents in teen clubs and 123 adolescents in SOC from six health facilities were selected using stratified simple random sampling. The participants were followed for 24 months. The data were analysed using STATA version 16.0. Univariate analyses were performed for demographic and clinical variables. A chi-squared test was used to assess the difference between proportions. The crude and adjusted relative risks were calculated using a binomial regression model.
Results: At 24 months, 56% of adolescents in the Standard of Care (SoC) arm had viral load suppression compared to 90% in the Teen Club arm. Of those who achieved viral load suppression at 24 months, about 22.7% (SoC) and 76.4% (Teen Club) achieved undetectable viral load suppression rates. Adolescents in the Teen Club arm had a lower viral load than those in the SoC arm (adjusted RR 0.23, 95% CI: 0.11-0.61; p = 0.002 adjusted for age and gender). Teen Club and SoC adolescents had virological failure rates of 3.1% and 10.9%, respectively. The adjusted RR was 0.16, 95% CI: 0.03-0.78; p = 0.023; those in Teen Clubs were less likely to have virological failure relative to those in SoC after adjusting for age, sex, and place of residence.
Conclusion: The study found that Teen Club models are more effective at achieving virological suppression among HIV positive adolescents.
Effects of waterlogging at different growth stages on the photosynthetic characteristics and grain yield of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)
Authors: Zhang Ruidong , Yue Zhongxiao , Chen Xiaofei , Zhou Yufei , Cao Xiong , Huang Ruidong
Published: January 2023

Various plants, including sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), are exposed to waterlogging; however, little is known about the effects of waterlogging at different growth stages on sorghum. A pot experiment was conducted using two sorghum hybrids, Jinuoliang 01 (JN01) and Jinza 31 (JZ31), to investigate the effects of waterlogging at different growth stages on the photosynthesis enzyme activity, chlorophyll content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, photosynthetic parameters, dry matter accumulation, and grain yield. The experiment was conducted using waterlogging treatments implemented at the five-leaf stage (T1), flowering stage (T2), and filling stage (T3), using standard management (no waterlogging) as a control (CK). The adverse effects of waterlogging on sorghum growth varied with the waterlogging timing, with the maximum impact at T1, followed by T2 and T3. JZ31 was more sensitive to waterlogging compared to JN01. Waterlogged conditions inhibited the photosynthetic enzyme activity and reduced the chlorophyll content and photosynthesis, ultimately lowering the biomass yield and grain yield. The maximum yield loss was observed with the T1 waterlogging treatment; the grain yield of JN01 and JZ31 decreased by 52.01%~54.58% and 69.52%~71.97%, respectively, compared with CK. Furthermore, the decline in grain yield in T1 was associated with reducing grain number per panicle. These findings indicate that sorghum is sensitive to waterlogging at the five-leaf stage and JZ31 is more sensitive to waterlogging than JN01, which may provide a basis for selecting genotypes and management measures to cope with waterlogging in sorghum.
Value Chain Analysis of Maize (Zea mays) in Hoko District, Sidama Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Legesse Tibebu , Gezmu Girma
Published: January 2023

Although maize is economically and socially significant in the Hoko district, its production and marketing challenges as well as its economic benefit to society have not yet been studied. As a result, this study examined the maize value chain in the Hoko district of Sidama regional state, Ethiopia. This study used a multi-stage sampling strategy and a cross-sectional research design. To analyze the data value chain approach and econometric analysis were used. To move 4275.755Qt of maize, twelve marketing channels were found. Producers have the largest profit share when selling directly to consumers and the lowest profit share in a channel where many intermediaries are involved. The results of the multiple linear regression model showed that, out of the 13 explanatory variables that were assumed to determine the household's market supply of maize, seven of them—sex of the household head, age, family size, frequency of extension contact, amount of maize produced, net annual income, and use of credit services were found to have a significant impact on the market supply of maize. The main constraints for maize producers were a limited supply of improved maize varieties, poor technology, seasonality, and weather-related issues, a lack of irrigation, pests, and diseases, poor credit services, a lack of market information, and a lack of knowledge and skill. Lack of suitable storage, poor post-harvest management, the existence of unlicensed dealers, inadequate market knowledge, price volatility, and low maize quality were the main constraints to maize marketing. Therefore, it is advised to implement policy initiatives aimed at enhancing farmers' access to maize technologies, creating and improving market information, cooperative development, innovations, enhancing extension systems, and credit to hasten the development of the maize value chain in the study area.
Analysis of vaccine-induced immune responses according to the immunization sequences of mRNA and protein vaccines
Authors: Nam Jae-Hwan , Park Hyeong-Jun , Bang Yoo-Jin , Kwon Sung Pil , Kwak Woori , Park Sang-In , Roh Gahyun , Bae Seo-Hyeon , Kim Jae-Yong , Kwak Hye Won , Kim Yongkwan , Yoo Soyeon , Kim Daegeun , Keum Gyochang , Bang Eun-Kyoung , Hong So-Hee
Published: January 2023

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, different types of vaccines, such as inactive, live-attenuated, messenger RNA, and protein subunit, have been developed against SARS-CoV2. This circumstance has unintentionally led to heterologous prime-boost vaccination against a single virus in a large human population. Here, we aimed to analyze whether the immunization order of vaccine types influences the efficacy of heterologous prime-boost vaccination, especially mRNA and protein-based vaccines. We developed a new mRNA vaccine expressing hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza using the 3′UTR and 5′UTR of muscle cells (mRNA-HA) and tested its efficacy by heterologous immunization with an HA protein vaccine (protein-HA). The results demonstrated higher IgG2a levels and hemagglutination inhibition titers in mRNA-HA priming/protein-HA boosting (R-P) regimen than that induced by reverse immunization (protein-HA priming/mRNA-HA boosting, P-R). After the virus challenge, the R-P group showed lower virus titers and less inflammation in the lungs than the P-R group. Transcriptome analysis revealed that heterologous prime-boost groups had differentially activated immune response pathways, according to the order of immunization. In summary, our results demonstrate that the sequence of vaccination is critical to sculpt immune responses. This study provides the potential of a heterologous vaccination strategy using mRNA and protein vaccine platforms against viral infection.
Primary Pulmonary Paraganglioma, Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bardhi Ledi , Vannucchi Margherita , Corzani Roberto , Galgano Angela , Nicola Libero Antonio , Paladini Piero , Bellan Cristiana
Published: January 2023

Background: Primary pulmonary paragangliomas are extremely rare neuroendocrine tumor, counting less than 1% of all paragangliomas. The incidence of paragangliomas range between 2– 8 per million in a year. The most common site of origin is the superior paraaortic region between the diaphragm and the lower renal poles (approximately 46% of all cases), and particularly in and around the renal hilus. Most pulmonary paragangliomas are nonfunctional and result in no evident clinical symptoms. Some patients develop respiratory symptoms, such as a cough, chest pain, or dyspnea, as in our case.
Case presentation: A 71-year-old woman came to our attention for cough. Active smoker of 56 p/y, her medical history consisted of a myocardial infarction, anxious-depressive syndrome, hypertension, diabetes, obesity (BMI 37.3) and Hashimoto thyroiditis. The chest radiography revealed a rounded opacity of the middle lobe. Then, a computerized tomography (CT) showing the presence of a 2.6 cm solid lesion, oval in shape, with regular margins, located in the medial segment of the middle lobe.
On gross examination, a well-demarcated neoplasm, with white-brown cut surface and solid consistency was found. The tumor cells appear to be arranged in a typical nest pattern supported by a thin vascular framework producing the classic ‘zellballen’ or basket pattern. Immunohistochemical staining showing positivity for CgA, Syn and S100 (immunostaining revealed of the presence of the classic “substentacular” cells).
Conclusion: Primary pulmonary paragangliomas are rare entities and their differential diagnosis with carcinoid tumors, more typical for this site, is not always easy and lies in subtle morphological and immunophenotypic differences. A correct diagnosis is important since, in 50% of the patients, mutations in tumor susceptibility genes have been reported, thus a genetic testing and counseling should be considered.
Radiation-Safe Human Bases on the Moon
Authors: Dobynde Mikhail , Guo Jingnan
Published: January 2023

Human visits to the Moon will be the next milestone for human space exploration. During deep space crewed missions, radiation risk is an important and unavoidable risk for astronauts' health, especially for their long-term stays at future lunar stations. In this work, we present the first protocol of a lunar mission schedule given space radiation constraints. We use the recently developed and validated "Radiation Environment and Dose at the Moon (REDMoon)" model [1] to calculate radiation dose rates due to omnipresent Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) and sporadic Solar Energetic Particles (SEP) as well as the secondary particles induced by them at the surface and subsurface of the Moon. We evaluate the biologically-weighted body effective dose rate, its variation with solar activity, and its dependence on the shielding thickness, including both the lunar soil shielding and the module aluminum shielding. For surface bases assuming a historical solar activity period (e.g., that between year 2000 and 2020), we obtain the background GCR exposure rate to be 20-40 cSv . year-1 considering different solar modulation conditions and various Al-shielding thicknesses of the module. In comparison, the average radiation exposure for an astronaut in International Space Station at low-Earth orbit is ≈20 cSv . year-1 in the middle of solar cycle in 2006 [2]. Large SEP events throughout this period are also accounted for and some single-event effective dose may exceed the annual GCR level if shielding is insufficient. We thus consider potential bases utilizing in-situ lunar regolith for shielding protection. We investigate different combinations of depth and Al-shielding for lunar base scenarios to derive mission schedules which allow the persistent presence of crew operation on the Moon. With our schedule throughout the aforementioned period, the radiation exposure is kept under certain recommended levels. As a first protocol, our work provide valuable radiation mitigation considerations for future human lunar bases and mission cost estimates.
Lack of adipocyte IP3R1 reduces diet-induced obesity and greatly improves whole-body glucose homeostasis
Authors: Yin Jingdong
Published: January 2023

The normal function of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue ensures whole-body glucose homeostasis. Ca2+ release channel inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor 1 (IP3R1) plays a vital role in regulating diet-induced obesity and disorders, but its functions in peripheral tissue regulating glucose homeostasis remain unexplored. In this study, mice with Ip3r1 specific knockout in skeletal muscle or adipocytes were used for investigating the mediatory role of IP3R1 on whole-body glucose homeostasis under normal or high-fat diet. We reported that IP3R1 expression levels were increased in the white adipose tissue and skeletal muscle of diet-induced obese mice. Ip3r1 knockout in skeletal muscle improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity of mice on a normal chow diet, but worsened insulin resistance in diet-induced obese mice. These changes were associated with the reduced muscle weight and compromised Akt signaling activation. Importantly, Ip3r1 deletion in adipocytes protected mice from diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance, mainly due to the enhanced lipolysis and AMPK signaling pathway in the visceral fat. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that IP3R1 in skeletal muscle and adipocytes exerts divergent effects on systemic glucose homeostasis, and characterizes adipocyte IP3R1 as a promising target for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Increased plasma DYRK1A with aging may protect against neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Delabar Jean-Maurice , Lagarde Julien , Fructuoso Marta , Mohammad Ammara , Bottlaender Michel , Doran Eric , Lott Ira , Schmitt Frederic , Head Elisabeth , Sarazin Marie , Potier Marie-Claude
Published: January 2023

Early markers are needed for more effective prevention of Alzheimer's disease. We previously showed that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease have decreased plasma DYRK1A levels compared to controls. We assessed DYRK1A in plasma of cognitively healthy elderly volunteers, individuals with either Alzheimer’s disease (AD), tauopathies or Down syndrome (DS), and in lymphoblastoids from individuals with DS. DYRK1A levels were inversely correlated with brain amyloid β burden in asymptomatic elderly individuals and AD patients. Low DYRK1A levels were also detected in patients with tauopathies. Individuals with DS had higher DYRK1A levels than controls, although levels were lower in individuals with DS and with dementia. These data suggest that plasma DYRK1A levels could be used for early detection of at risk individuals of AD and for early detection of AD. We hypothesize that lack of increase of DYRK1A at middle age (40–50 years) could be a warning before cognitive decline, reflecting increased risk for AD.
Photochemistry on Mars reduces the abundance of heavy isotopes in atmospheric CO and their escape efficiency to space
Authors: Alday Juan , Trokhimovskiy Alexander , Patel Manish , Fedorova Anna , Lefèvre Franck , Montmessin Franck , Holmes James , Rajendran Kylash , Mason Jon , Olsen Kevin , Belyaev Denis , Korablev Oleg , Baggio Lucio , Patrakeev Andrey , Shakun Alexey
Published: January 2023

The atmosphere of Mars is enriched in heavy isotopes with respect to Earth as a result of the escape of the atmosphere to space over billions of years. Estimating the enrichment in heavy isotopes due to atmospheric escape requires a rigorous understanding of all atmospheric processes that contribute to the evolution of isotopic ratios between the lower and upper atmosphere, where escape processes take place. Using a combination of vertical profiles from the Atmospheric Chemistry Suite (ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter) with the predictions of a photochemical model, we provide evidence for a new process of photochemistry-induced fractionation that depletes the heavy isotopes of C and O in CO. Accounting for this new source of fractionation, we find that only a fraction of ≈12% of the atmosphere needs to have been lost to space through CO photochemical escape to explain the enrichment of 13C/12C in CO2 measured by the Curiosity Rover.
Generating Antiaromaticity: Thermally-selective Skeletal Rearrangements at Interfaces
Authors: Pérez-Elvira Elena , Barragán Ana , Chen Qifan , Soler-Polo Diego , Sánchez-Grande Ana Sánchez-Grande , Vicent Diego J. , Lauwaet Koen , Santos José , Mutombo Pingo , Mendieta-Moreno Jesús I. , Torre Bruno De la , Gallego José M. , Miranda Rodolfo , Martin Nazario , Jelinek Pavel , Urgel José , Ecija David
Published: January 2023

Antiaromatic polycyclic conjugated hydrocarbons (PCHs) are attractive research targets in modern organic chemistry in view of their interesting structural, electronic and magnetic properties. Unlike aromatic compounds, the synthesis of antiaromatic PHs is challenging as a result of their high reactivity and lack of stability, stemming from the small energy gap between their highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals. In this work, we describe a strategy toward the introduction of antiaromatic units in PHs viathermally selective intra- and intermolecular ring-rearrangement reactions of dibromomethylene-functionalized molecular precursors upon sublimation on a hot Au(111) metal surface, not available in solution chemistry. The synthetic value of these reactions is proven by 1) the integration of pentalene segments into acene-based precursors which undergo intramolecular ring-rearrangement; 2) the formation of π-conjugated ladder polymers, linked through cyclobutadiene connections, prior to ring-rearrangement and [2+2] cycloaddition reactions of indenofluorene-based precursors. The elucidation of the reaction products of the title reactions are investigated by scanning tunneling and non-contact atomic force microscopy investigations, and the mechanistic insights are unveiled by state-of-the-art computational studies.
Myocardial T1 native mapping and extracellular volume in asymptomatic female carriers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene mutations
Authors: Masárová Lucia , Panovsky Roman , Pešl Martin , Pisciotti Mary Luz Mojica , Holeček Tomas , Kincl Vladimír , Juříková Lenka , Machal Jan , Opatřil Lukáš , Feitová Věra
Published: January 2023

Background
Female carriers of dystrophin gene mutations (DMD-FC) were previously considered non-manifesting, but in recent decades, cardiomyopathy associated with muscular dystrophy and myocardial fibrosis has been described. Our study aimed to assess prospectively myocardial fibrosis in asymptomatic DMD-FC compared to a sex- and age-matched control group (CG) using T1 native mapping and extracellular volume (ECV) by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. To our knowledge, this approach has not been published yet.
Material and methods
38 DMD-FC (mean age 39.1 ± 8.8 years) and 22 CG (mean age 39.9 ± 12.6 years) were included. Using CMR, T1 native relaxation time and ECV were determined in each group. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was assessed in all cases.
Results
T1 native relaxation time was similar for DMD-FC and CG (1005.1 ± 26.3 ms vs 1003.5 ± 25.0 ms; p-value = 0.81). Likewise, the global ECV was also similar between the groups (27.92 ± 2.02% vs 27.10 ± 2.89%; p-value = 0.20). The segmental analysis of ECV according to the American Heart Association classification did not show any differences between DMD-FC and CG.
Conclusion
There were no statistically significant differences in the global T1 native relaxation time and global or segmental ECV.
Conserved role for PCBP1 in altered RNA splicing in the hippocampus after chronic alcohol exposure
Authors: Carvalho Luana , Chen Hu , Maienschein-Cline Mark , Glover Elizabeth , Pandey Subhash , Lasek Amy
Published: January 2023

We previously discovered using transcriptomics that rats undergoing withdrawal after chronic ethanol exposure had increased expression of several genes involved in RNA splicing in the hippocampus. Here, we examined RNA splicing in the rat hippocampus during withdrawal from chronic ethanol exposure and in postmortem hippocampus of human subjects diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD). We found that expression of the gene encoding the splicing factor, poly r(C) binding protein 1 (PCBP1), was elevated in the hippocampus of rats during withdrawal after chronic ethanol exposure and AUD subjects. We next analyzed the rat RNA-Seq data for differentially expressed (DE) exon junctions. One gene,Hapln2, had increased usage of a novel 3’ splice site in exon 4 during withdrawal. This splice site was conserved in humanHAPLN2and was used more frequently in the hippocampus of AUD compared to control subjects. To establish a functional role for PCBP1 inHAPLN2splicing, we performed RNA immunoprecipitation with a PCBP1 antibody in rat and human hippocampus. PCBP1 association was enriched near theHAPLN2exon 4 3’ splice site in the hippocampus of rats during ethanol withdrawal and AUD subjects. Our results indicate a conserved role for the splicing factor PCBP1 in aberrant splicing ofHAPLN2after chronic ethanol exposure. As theHAPLN2gene encodes an extracellular matrix protein involved in nerve conduction velocity, use of this alternative splice site is predicted to result in loss of protein function that could negatively impact neurotransmission in AUD.
Perception on and the intention to use 5G technology in Malaysian SMEs
Authors: Khee Pek Chuen , Ee Foo Fang , Chinna Karuthan
Published: January 2023

In wireless communication, Fifth Generation (5G) Technology is a recent generation of mobile networks. This technology offers a great deal of advantage to industries. 5G technology can help businesses in enhancing efficiency and promoting innovations. Improved efficiency helps in reducing cost and consequently increasing revenue. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of a country’s economy. Unlike the large companies, SMEs have not paid much attention to 5G technology. SMEs must be prepared to move into this big digital transformation or lose out in the competitive market. The major concerns of SMEs in deploying 5G technology include lack of expertise, switching cost, reliability, security, environment, and interference with other systems. In this study, we explored the perceptions of Malaysian SME employees on 5G technology. Positive perceptions on 5G features, competitive advantage, improved efficiency, impact of productivity, economic benefit and benefits to customers are high. However, there are high concerns in the deploying of the 5G technology and the Malaysian SMEs seem to have a wait-and-see attitude in implementing the 5G technology.
Stroke Mimics in a Brazilian Stroke Center: a Retrospective Cohort in a Brazilian Stroke Unit
Authors: Santos Júlio César Claudino dos , Ribas Michelle Zonkowski , Fernandes Alexandre Chaves , de Mendonça Lucas Lopes Penido , Filho Paulo Cesar de Santiago , Santiago Ruan Braga , Gomes Gabriel Felipe , Santos Nayla Lima dos , Costa Rafaella Iughetti da , Galvão Stéfani Lara , Filho Luciano Barroso de Albuquerque , Duarte Fairane Sousa , Sallem Camilla Costa , Veras Arthur de Oliveira , Noleto Felipe Micelli , Ramanzini Luis Guilherme , Paticcié Gabriela Ferreira , Nones Diogo Pasquali
Published: January 2023

Background: stroke is a highly common neurologic disease, with great mortality and morbidity rates. It is a cerebrovascular condition characterized by a deficiency in the blood supply that should reach the nervous tissue. It can be classified into two types, depending on its etiology: ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, the first one being the most common. The correct diagnosis of this condition is a challenge, especially in cases of confusing conditions, such as stroke mimics (SM). A highly detailed epidemiologic description and previous knowledge of the disease can help to recognize it. In cases of stroke, a quick revascularization treatment is necessary for a good clinical outcome, however, the inadvertent administration of thrombolytics to the patient with SM can cause hemorrhage and death, as well as unnecessary costs. The present study consisted in evaluating the patients admitted in the stroke unit of the Clinical Hospital Complex of the Federal University of Paraná in Brazil, between October 2012 and September 2013, and describing the prevalence, clinical presentation, etiology, and treatment outcomes in the SM cases primarily diagnosed as a stroke.
Results: 10 patients (7.1%) of the total number of patients with less than four hours of symptoms onset were considered SM and six were submitted to intravenous thrombolysis. The main clinical presentations were motor symptoms (90%) and dysarthria and sensitive symptoms (60%). Regarding the etiology of the patients with SM, six patients (60%) had functional disorders, one (10%) had Todd paresis, one (10%) exogenous intoxication, one (10%) diabetic ketoacidosis, and one (10%) presented with a clinically isolated syndrome.
Conclusions: our results showed that an important percentage of patients admitted to a stroke unit are SM and that a significant part of these SM is subjected to unnecessary thrombolytic procedures. Thus, further studies are necessary and important to develop well-defined guidelines that stratify the risk of SM and evaluate, based on the stratification, the risk-benefit of soliciting imaging methods that can help to distinguish between stroke and SM.
Melatonin ameliorates neurological deficits through MT2/IL-33/ferritin H signaling-mediated inhibition of neuroinflammation and ferroptosis after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Tao Luyang , Gao Yuan , Wang Tao , Cheng Ying , Wu Yumin , Zhu Luwen , Gu Zhiya , Wu Youzhuang , Cai Luwei , Zhang Yidan , Gao Cheng , Chen Xueshi , Li Lili , Li Jing , Wang Zufeng , Wang Ying , Wang Fudi , Wu Yinmin , Luo Chengliang
Published: January 2023

Although traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of death and disability worldwide, there is currently a lack of effective therapeutic drugs or targets. To reveal the complex pathophysiologic mechanisms of TBI, we performed transcriptome analysis of the mouse cerebral cortex and immunohistochemical analysis of human cerebral tissues. The genes Mt1, Mt2, Il33, and Fth1 were upregulated post-TBI and enriched in pathways associated with inflammatory response, oxidative phosphorylation, and ferroptosis. As an agonist of MT1/2, melatonin (MLT) has anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ferroptosis properties after TBI. However, whether these upregulated genes and their corresponding pathways are involved in the neuroprotective effect of MLT remains unclear. In this study, interventions to inhibit MT1/2, IL-33, and ferroptosis (i.e., ferritin H (Fth)-KO) were applied post-TBI. The results showed that MLT attenuated TBI-induced cerebral edema and neurological outcomes by inhibiting inflammation and ferroptosis. Mechanistically, MLT mainly suppressed inflammatory responses and ferroptosis via the activation of MT2 and IL-33 pathways. Building on the previous finding that Fth deletion increases susceptibility to ferroptosis post-TBI, we demonstrated that Fth depletion remarkably exacerbated the post-TBI inflammatory response, and abolished the anti-inflammatory effect of MLT in vivo and in vitro. What’s more, the post-TBI anti-inflammatory effect of MLT, which occurs by promoting the transformation of M2 phenotype macrophages, was dependent on Fth. Taken together, these results clarified that MLT alleviates inflammation- and ferroptosis-mediated brain edema and neurological deficits by activating the MT2/IL-33/Fth pathway, which provides a novel target and theoretical basis for MLT to treat TBI patients.
Morphological and metabolomics profiling of intraspecific Arabidopsis hybrids in relation to biomass heterosis
Authors: Le Quynh Thi Ngoc , Sugi Naoya , Yamaguchi Masaaki , Kobayashi Makoto , Suzuki Yutaka , Kusano Miyako , Shiba Hiroshi
Published: January 2023

Heterosis contributes greatly to the worldwide agricultural yield. However, the molecular mechanism underlying heterosis remains unclear. This study took advantage ofArabidopsisintraspecific hybrids to identify heterosis-related metabolites. Forty-six intraspecific hybrids were used to examine parental effects on seed area and germination time. The degree of heterosis was evaluated based on biomass: combinations showing high heterosis of F1hybrids exhibited a biomass increase from 6.1–44% over the better parent value (BPV), whereas that of the low- and no-heterosis hybrids ranged from − 19.8–9.8% over the BPV. A metabolomics analyses of F1hybrids with high heterosis and that with low-one suggested that changes in TCA cycle intermediates are key factors that control growth. Notably, higher fumarate/malate ratios were observed in the high heterosis F1hybrids, suggesting that they provide metabolic support associated with the increased biomass. These hybrids may produce more energy-intensive biomass by speeding up the efficiency of TCA fluxes. However, the expression levels of TCA-process-related genes in F1hybrids were not associated with the intensity of heterosis, suggesting that the post-transcriptional or post-translational regulation of these genes may affect the productivity of the intermediates in the TCA cycle.
Detection of complex interpersonal trauma and asset-based resilience factors in foster care youth five years or younger using latent class analysis
Authors: Tumlin Kimberly I. , Crowley Amanda , Riley Elizabeth , Turner Brian , Lyons John
Published: January 2023

Background: Children less than five years of age comprise the largest entry into foster care in the United State at approximately 30% in 2020. Very young children can respond differently to the same adverse life events. Detection of complex interpersonal traumas are core to providing appropriate interventions and prevention of reoccurring negative outcomes in these youth.
Methods: Children with complex interpersonal trauma and who did not have traumatic stress symptoms were identified using Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths data in a large midwestern state from 2010 to 2021. A logistic model was fit to determine effect of cumulative traumatic exposures (e.g. adverse childhood experiences) with increased events resulting in increased likelihood of symptomatic detection. We conducted a latent class analysis to understand the relationship between traumatic experiences, asset-based factors, and the detection of traumatic stress in children aged five years and under who had exposure to traumatic events but did not have detectable traumatic stress symptoms.
Results: We detected three classes of youth described as resilient, missed, and unfolding. Very young children do demonstrate asset-based resilience when faced with traumatic experiences. A subset of children with missed diagnoses exhibit behavioral and mental health types similar to those with detected traumatic stress symptoms. Recognition of resilience in very young children is critical for designing systems that customize approaches of trauma-informed care.
Conclusions: Detection of traumatic stress may be more difficult in young children. It is important to assess both traumatic stress and strengths to ensure that children who are resilient after exposure to traumatic experiences (i.e., do not demonstrate traumatic stress symptoms) are not referred to unnecessary interventions. Additional educational approaches are needed to help caseworkers identify symptoms of traumatic stress that mirror symptoms of other behavioral and emotional challenges. Precision medicine approaches are required to best match the interventions to specific needs of young children.
How Equitable is Utilization of Maternal Health Services in Uganda? Implications for Achieving Universal Health Coverage
Authors: Atuhaire Phiona , Kiracho-Ekirapa Elizabeth , Mutenyo John
Published: January 2023

Background: Maternal and neonatal mortality in Uganda remain persistently high. While utilisation of and utilisation of maternal health services has been shown to reduce the risk of maternal death, little is known about the inequalities in utilisation of maternal health services. This study examined the inequalities in utilisation of maternal health services between 2006 and 2016 to draw implications for achieving universal health coverage.
Methods: We used the Uganda Demographic Health Survey 2006, 2011 and 2016 to analyse inequalities in utilisation of antenatal care (ANC4+), skilled birth attendance (SBA), postnatal care (PNC) and a package of maternal health services. Equity ratios, concentration curves, concentration indices and regression analysis were used in the estimations.
Results: Inequalities in utilization of single and a package of maternal health services reduced between 2005 and 2016, but remained pro-rich. Inequalities in utilisation of package of maternal health services were greater than for a single service. Women from the richest quintile were 4 times more likely to receive a package of care compared to the poorest women, but were just 1.5 times more likely to receive ANC4+ than those in the poorest quintile. In 2006 women in urban areas were 2.6 times more likely to receive a package of all three maternal health services than their rural counterpart and they had a relative advantage of 23.4% to utilize skilled birth delivery than the poorest women. Each additional year of schooling and living in urban areas was associated with 1.2 and 1.6 percentage point increase in utilisation of a package of care respectively. Wealth, education and living in urban areas were positively associated with utilisation of all maternal healthcare.
Conclusion: Declining inequalities in utilisation of maternal healthcare reflect a move towards achieving universal health coverage in Uganda. Pro-rich, education and urban-biased inequalities, imply the need for targeted interventions for the poor, less educated and rural women. Targeted voucher schemes, free distribution of birth kits for poorer and rural women, community-level mobilization to improve uptake of postnatal care, and promoting women’s education and incomes are feasible interventions to improve utilisation of maternal health services and equity.