bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of a practical assessment index to capture the clinical presentation of cachexia in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Katsushima Utae , Hase Kimitaka , Fukushima Takuya , Kubo Takanari , Nakano Jiro , Ogushi Naoya , Okuno Yukiko , Kamisako Keisuke , Nakanishi Kentaro , Okazaki Yuta , Ikoma Tatsuki , Takeyasu Yuki , Yamanaka Yuta , Yoshioka Hiroshige , Imai Yoshie , Kurata Takayasu
Published: January 2024

Objective

Cancer cachexia constitutes a poor prognostic factor in patients with lung cancer. However, the factors associated with cancer cachexia remain unclear. This study aimed to identify factors that influence cancer cachexia in patients with lung cancer.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study conducted at the Kansai Medical University, 76 patients with lung cancer were evaluated for physical function, nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form) and physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form) at the first visit to the rehabilitation outpatient clinic. The patients were divided into cachexia and noncachexia groups. The log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards model were used to investigate the relationship between cachexia and prognosis. To examine the factors that influence cachexia, multivariate regression analysis with significant (P < 0.05) variables in the univariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Spearman’s correlation analysis was performed to investigate the association between International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form and performance status.

Results

Overall, 42 patients (55.2%) had cachexia associated with survival time since their first visit to the outpatient rehabilitation clinic, even after confounders adjustment (hazard ratio: 3.24, 95% confidence interval: 1.12–9.45, P = 0.031). In the multivariate analysis, Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (odds ratio: 20.34, 95% confidence interval: 4.18–99.02, P < 0.001) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (odds ratio: 4.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.20–17.89, P = 0.026) were identified as independent factors for cachexia. There was no correlation between International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form and performance status (r = 0.155, P = 0.181).

Conclusion

Malnutrition and low physical activity were associated with cachexia in patients with lung cancer. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form may be a useful indicator of physical activity in cachexia. Regularly assessing these factors and identifying suitable interventions for cachexia remain challenges to be addressed in the future.
Unveiling the Inner Structure of Micrometric Hollow Polymeric Fibers Using Synchrotron X-Ray Nanotomography
Authors: Torre Jorge , Cimavilla-Román Paula , Cuadra-Rodríguez Daniel , Rodríguez-Pérez Miguel Ángel , Guttmann Peter , Werner Stephan , Pinto Javier , Barroso-Solares Suset
Published: January 2024

In this study, a novel application of synchrotron X-ray nanotomography based on high-resolution full-field transmission X-ray microscopy for characterizing the structure and morphology of micrometric hollow polymeric fibers is presented. By employing postimage analysis using an open-source software such as Tomviz and ImageJ, various key parameters in fiber morphology, including diameter, wall thickness, wall thickness distribution, pore size, porosity, and surface roughness, were assessed. Electrospun polycaprolactone fibers with micrometric diameters and submicrometric features with induced porosity via gas dissolution foaming were used to this aim. The acquired synchrotron X-ray nanotomography data were analyzed using two approaches: 3D tomographic reconstruction and 2D radiographic projection-based analysis. The results of the combination of both approaches demonstrate unique capabilities of this technique, not achievable by other available techniques, allowing for a full characterization of the internal and external morphology and structure of the fibers as well as to obtain valuable qualitative insights into the overall fiber structure.
Gaia GraL: Gaia DR2 gravitational lens systems – VIII. A radio census of lensed systems
Authors: Dobie Dougal , Sluse Dominique , Deller Adam , Murphy Tara , Krone-Martins Alberto , Stern Daniel , Wang Ziteng , Wang Yuanming , Bœhm Céline , Djorgovski S G , Galluccio Laurent , Delchambre Ludovic , Connor Thomas , den Brok Jakob Sebastiaan , Do Vale Cunha Pedro H , Ducourant Christine , Graham Matthew J , Jalan Priyanka , Klioner Sergei A , Klüter Jonas , Mignard François , Negi Vibhore , Petit Quentin , Scarano Sergio , Slezak Eric , Surdej Jean , Teixeira Ramachrisna , Walton Dominic J , Wambsganss Joachim
Published: January 2024

We present radio observations of 24 confirmed and candidate strongly lensed quasars identified by the Gaia Gravitational Lenses working group. We detect radio emission from eight systems in 5.5 and 9 GHz observations with the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA), and 12 systems in 6 GHz observations with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA). The resolution of our ATCA observations is insufficient to resolve the radio emission into multiple lensed images, but we do detect multiple images from 11 VLA targets. We have analysed these systems using our observations in conjunction with existing optical measurements, including measuring offsets between the radio and optical positions for each image and building updated lens models. These observations significantly expand the existing sample of lensed radio quasars, suggest that most lensed systems are detectable at radio wavelengths with targeted observations, and demonstrate the feasibility of population studies with high-resolution radio imaging.
The formation of cores in galaxies across cosmic time – the existence of cores is not in tension with the ΛCDM paradigm
Authors: Jackson R A , Kaviraj S , Yi S K , Peirani S , Dubois Y , Martin G , Devriendt J E G , Slyz A , Pichon C , Volonteri M , Kimm T , Kraljic K
Published: January 2024

The ‘core-cusp’ problem is considered a key challenge to the ΛCDM paradigm. Haloes in dark matter only simulations exhibit ‘cuspy’ profiles, where density continuously increases towards the centre. However, the dark matter profiles of many observed galaxies (particularly in the dwarf regime) deviate strongly from this prediction, with much flatter central regions (‘cores’). We use NewHorizon (NH), a hydrodynamical cosmological simulation, to investigate core formation, using a statistically significant number of galaxies in a cosmological volume. Haloes containing galaxies in the upper (M⋆ ≥ 1010.2 M⊙) and lower (M⋆ ≤ 108 M⊙) ends of the stellar mass distribution contain cusps. However, Haloes containing galaxies with intermediate (108 M⊙ ≤ M⋆ ≤ 1010.2 M⊙) stellar masses are generally cored, with typical halo masses between 1010.2 M⊙ and 1011.5 M⊙. Cores form through supernova-driven gas removal from halo centres, which alters the central gravitational potential, inducing dark matter to migrate to larger radii. While all massive (M⋆ ≥ 109.5 M⊙) galaxies undergo a cored-phase, in some cases cores can be removed and cusps reformed. This happens if a galaxy undergoes sustained star formation at high redshift, which results in stars (which, unlike the gas, cannot be removed by baryonic feedback) dominating the central gravitational potential. After cosmic star formation peaks, the number of cores, and the mass of the Haloes they are formed in, remain constant, indicating that cores are being routinely formed over cosmic time after a threshold halo mass is reached. The existence of cores is, therefore, not in tension with the standard paradigm.
Star-forming environments in smoothed particle magnetohydrodynamics simulations II: re-simulating isolated clumps to determine equivalence of extracted clumps and parent simulations
Authors: Wurster James , Rowan Connar
Published: January 2024

What is the numerical reproducibility of a stellar system (including its discs) when evolving only a subset of (partially-evolved) smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) particles? To investigate this, we modelled the evolution of 29 star-forming clumps that were extracted from our previous simulations that investigated the formation and early evolution of low-mass star clusters. These clumps were evolved using a three-dimensional smoothed particle radiation magnetohydrodynamics code, where we included or excluded non-ideal magnetohydrodynamics to match the cluster simulation. While star formation proceeded as expected, we were unable to identically reproduce any of the systems present at the end of the cluster simulations. However, the final distributions of stellar mass, stellar system mass, disc mass, and disc radii were reproduced statistically; unfortunately, the distribution of average magnetic field strengths in the discs was not reproduced statistically, but this may be a result of our updated algorithms governing the evolution of the magnetic field. Therefore, given that our clumps yield stellar masses that are statistically similar to those in the original low-mass star clusters, we have demonstrated that we can statistically reproduce systems (aside from their magnetic field strength) by evolving a subset of SPH particles. Therefore, clumps such as these can be used as initial conditions to investigate the formation of isolated stars from less-contrived initial environments.
Off-axis MeV and very-high-energy gamma-ray emissions from structured gamma-ray burst jets
Authors: Bošnjak Željka , Zhang B Theodore , Murase Kohta , Ioka Kunihito
Published: January 2024

Very-high-energy (VHE) photons around TeV energies from a gamma-ray burst (GRB) jet will play an essential role in the multimessenger era, with a fair fraction of the events being observed off-axis to the jet. We show that different energy photons (MeV and TeV photons in particular) arrive from different emission zones for off-axis observers even if the emission radius is the same. The location of the emission region depends on the jet structure of the surface brightness, and the structures are generally different at different energies, mainly due to the attenuation of VHE photons by electron–positron pair creation. This off-axis zone-shift effect does not justify the usual assumption of the one emission zone at a certain radius and also produces a time delay of VHE photons comparable to the GRB duration, which is crucial for future VHE observations, such as by the Cherenkov Telescope Array.
Cosmological gas accretion history on to the stellar discs of Milky Way-like galaxies in the Auriga simulations – II. The inside–out growth of discs
Authors: Iza Federico G , Nuza Sebastián E , Scannapieco Cecilia , Grand Robert J J , Gómez Facundo A , Springel Volker , Pakmor Rüdiger , Marinacci Federico , Fragkoudi Francesca
Published: January 2024

We investigate the growth of stellar discs in Milky Way-mass galaxies using the magnetohydrodynamical simulations of the Auriga Project in a full cosmological context. We focus on the gas accretion process along the discs, calculating the net, infall and outflow rates as a function of galactocentric distance, and investigate the relation between them and the star formation activity. The stellar distributions of around 70 per cent of the simulated galaxies exhibit an ‘inside–out’ pattern, with older (younger) stellar populations preferentially located in the inner (outer) disc regions. In all cases, we find a very tight correlation between the infall, outflow, and net accretion rates, as well as between these three quantities and the star formation rate. This is because the amount of gas which is ultimately available for star formation in each radial ring depends not only on the infall rates, but also on the amount of gas leaving the disc in outflows, which directly relates to the local star formation level. Therefore, any of these rates can be used to identify galaxies with inside–out growth. For these galaxies, the correlation between the dominant times of accretion/star formation and disc radius is well fitted by a linear function. We also find that, when averaged over galaxies with formation histories similar to the Milky Way, the simulated accretion rates show a similar evolution (both temporally and radially integrated) to the usual accretion prescriptions used in chemical evolution models, although some major differences arise at early times and in the inner disc regions.
The distribution of stellar orbits in eagle galaxies – the effect of mergers, gas accretion, and secular evolution
Authors: Santucci Giulia , Lagos Claudia Del P , Harborne Katherine E , Ludlow Aaron , Proctor Katy L , Foster Caroline , McDermid Richard , Poci Adriano , Thater Sabine , van de Ven Glenn , Zhu Ling , Walo Martín Daniel
Published: January 2024

The merger history of a galaxy is thought to be one of the major factors determining its internal dynamics, with galaxies having undergone different types or mergers (e.g. dry, minor, or major mergers) predicted to show different dynamical properties. We study the instantaneous orbital distribution of galaxies in the eagle simulation, colouring the orbits of the stellar particles by their stellar age, in order to understand whether stars form in particular orbits (e.g. in a thin or thick disc). We first show that eagle reproduces well the observed stellar mass fractions in different stellar orbital families as a function of stellar mass and spin parameter at z = 0. We find that the youngest stars reside in a thin disc component that can extend to the very inner regions of galaxies, and that older stars have warmer orbits, with the oldest ones showing orbits consistent with both hot and counter-rotating classifications, which is consistent with the trend found in the Milky Way and other disc galaxies. We also show that counter-rotating orbits trace galaxy mergers – in particular dry mergers, and that in the absence of mergers, counter-rotating orbits can also be born from highly misaligned gas accretion that leads to star formation.
From Hubble to snap parameters: a Gaussian process reconstruction
Authors: Jesus J F , Benndorf D , Escobal A A , Pereira S H
Published: January 2024

By using recent H(z) and supernovae Type Ia (SNe Ia) data, we reconstruct the evolution of kinematic parameters H(z), q(z), jerk, and snap, using a model-independent, non-parametric method, namely, the Gaussian processes. Throughout the present analysis, we have allowed for a spatial curvature prior, based on Planck 18 constraints. In the case of SNe Ia, we modify a python package (gapp) in order to obtain the reconstruction of the fourth derivative of a function, thereby allowing us to obtain the snap from comoving distances. Furthermore, using a method of importance sampling, we combine H(z) and SNe Ia reconstructions in order to find joint constraints for the kinematic parameters. We find for the current values of the parameters: H0 = 67.2 ± 6.2 km s−1 Mpc−1, $q_0 = -0.54^{+0.06}_{-0.05}$, $j_0=0.94^{+0.20}_{-0.18}$, and $s_0=-0.62^{+0.26}_{-0.25}$ at 1σ c.l. We find that these reconstructions are compatible with the predictions from flat lambda-cold dark matter model, at least for 2σ confidence intervals.
X-ray polarization in magnetar atmospheres – effects of mode conversion
Authors: Kelly Ruth M E , Zane Silvia , Turolla Roberto , Taverna Roberto
Published: January 2024

Magnetars, the most strongly magnetized neutron stars, are among the most promising targets for X-ray polarimetry. Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), the first satellite devoted to exploring the sky in polarized X-rays, has observed four magnetars to date. A proper interpretation of IXPE results requires the development of new atmospheric models that can take into proper account the effects of the magnetized vacuum on par with those of the plasma. Here we investigate the effects of mode conversion at the vacuum resonance on the polarization properties of magnetar emission by computing plane-parallel atmospheric models under varying conditions of magnetic field strength/orientation, effective temperature, and allowing for either complete or partial adiabatic mode conversion. Complete mode conversion results in a switch of the dominant polarization mode, from the extraordinary (X) to the ordinary (O) one, below an energy that decreases with increasing magnetic field strength, occurring at $\approx 0.5\, \mathrm{keV}$ for a magnetic field strength of $B=10^{14}\, \mathrm{G}$. Partial adiabatic mode conversion results in a reduced polarization degree when compared with a standard plasma atmosphere. No dominant mode switch occurs for $B=10^{14}\, \mathrm{G}$, while there are two switches for lower fields of $B=3\times 10^{13}\, \mathrm{G}$. Finally, by incorporating our models in a ray-tracing code, we computed the expected polarization signal at infinity for different emitting regions on the star surface and for different viewing geometries. The observability of quantum electrodynamics signatures with IXPE and with future soft X-ray polarimeters as Rocket Experiment Demonstration of a Soft X-ray Polarimeter is discussed.
Less-is-more: selecting transcription factor binding regions informative for motif inference
Authors: Xu Jinrui , Gao Jiahao , Ni Pengyu , Gerstein Mark
Published: January 2024

Numerous statistical methods have emerged for inferring DNA motifs for transcription factors (TFs) from genomic regions. However, the process of selecting informative regions for motif inference remains understudied. Current approaches select regions with strong ChIP-seq signal for a given TF, assuming that such strong signal primarily results from specific interactions between the TF and its motif. Additionally, these selection approaches do not account for non-target motifs, i.e. motifs of other TFs; they presume the occurrence of these non-target motifs infrequent compared to that of the target motif, and thus assume these have minimal interference with the identification of the target. Leveraging extensive ChIP-seq datasets, we introduced the concept of TF signal ‘crowdedness’, referred to as C-score, for each genomic region. The C-score helps in highlighting TF signals arising from non-specific interactions. Moreover, by considering the C-score (and adjusting for the length of genomic regions), we can effectively mitigate interference of non-target motifs. Using these tools, we find that in many instances, strong ChIP-seq signal stems mainly from non-specific interactions, and the occurrence of non-target motifs significantly impacts the accurate inference of the target motif. Prioritizing genomic regions with reduced crowdedness and short length markedly improves motif inference. This ‘less-is-more’ effect suggests that ChIP-seq region selection warrants more attention.
A super minigene with a short promoter and truncated introns recapitulates essential features of transcription and splicing regulation of the SMN1 and SMN2 genes
Authors: Ottesen Eric W , Seo Joonbae , Luo Diou , Singh Natalia N , Singh Ravindra N
Published: January 2024

Here we report a Survival Motor Neuron 2 (SMN2) super minigene, SMN2Sup, encompassing its own promoter, all exons, their flanking intronic sequences and the entire 3′-untranslated region. We confirm that the pre-mRNA generated from SMN2Sup undergoes splicing to produce a translation-competent mRNA. We demonstrate that mRNA generated from SMN2Sup produces more SMN than an identical mRNA generated from a cDNA clone. We uncover that overexpression of SMN triggers skipping of exon 3 of SMN1/SMN2. We define the minimal promoter and regulatory elements associated with the initiation and elongation of transcription of SMN2. The shortened introns within SMN2Sup preserved the ability of camptothecin, a transcription elongation inhibitor, to induce skipping of exons 3 and 7 of SMN2. We show that intron 1-retained transcripts undergo nonsense-mediated decay. We demonstrate that splicing factor SRSF3 and DNA/RNA helicase DHX9 regulate splicing of multiple exons in the context of both SMN2Sup and endogenous SMN1/SMN2. Prevention of SMN2 exon 7 skipping has implications for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). We validate the utility of the super minigene in monitoring SMN levels upon splicing correction. Finally, we demonstrate how the super minigene could be employed to capture the cell type-specific effects of a pathogenic SMN1 mutation.
Homology recognition without double-stranded DNA-strand separation in D-loop formation by RecA
Authors: Shibata Takehiko , Ikawa Shukuko , Iwasaki Wakana , Sasanuma Hiroyuki , Masai Hisao , Hirota Kouji
Published: January 2024

RecA protein and RecA/Rad51 orthologues are required for homologous recombination and DNA repair in all living creatures. RecA/Rad51 catalyzes formation of the D-loop, an obligatory recombination intermediate, through an ATP-dependent reaction consisting of two phases: homology recognition between double-stranded (ds)DNA and single-stranded (ss)DNA to form a hybrid-duplex core of 6–8 base pairs and subsequent hybrid-duplex/D-loop processing. How dsDNA recognizes homologous ssDNA is controversial. The aromatic residue at the tip of the β-hairpin loop (L2) was shown to stabilize dsDNA-strand separation. We tested a model in which dsDNA strands were separated by the aromatic residue before homology recognition and found that the aromatic residue was not essential to homology recognition, but was required for D-loop processing. Contrary to the model, we found that the double helix was not unwound even a single turn during search for sequence homology, but rather was unwound only after the homologous sequence was recognized. These results suggest that dsDNA recognizes its homologous ssDNA before strand separation. The search for homologous sequence with homologous ssDNA without dsDNA-strand separation does not generate stress within the dsDNA; this would be an advantage for dsDNA to express homology-dependent functions in vivo and also in vitro.
Uromodulin biology
Authors: Karagiannidis Artemios G , Theodorakopoulou Marieta P , Pella Eva , Sarafidis Pantelis A , Ortiz Alberto
Published: January 2024

Uromodulin is a kidney-specific glycoprotein which is exclusively produced by the epithelial cells lining the thick ascending limb and early distal convoluted tubule. It is currently recognized as a multifaceted player in kidney physiology and disease, with discrete roles for intracellular, urinary, interstitial and serum uromodulin. Among these, uromodulin modulates renal sodium handling through the regulation of tubular sodium transporters that reabsorb sodium and are targeted by diuretics, such as the loop diuretic–sensitive Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporter type 2 (NKCC2) and the thiazide-sensitive Na+/Cl− cotransporter (NCC). Given these roles, the contribution of uromodulin to sodium-sensitive hypertension has been proposed. However, recent studies in humans suggest a more complex interaction between dietary sodium intake, uromodulin and blood pressure. This review presents an updated overview of the uromodulin's biology and its various roles, and focuses on the interaction between uromodulin and sodium-sensitive hypertension.
Conductive catalysis by subsurface transition metals
Authors: Deng Xin , Zheng Caiyan , Li Yangsheng , Zhou Zeyu , Wang Jiamin , Ran Yihua , Hu Zhenpeng , Yang Fan , Li Landong
Published: January 2024

The nature of catalysis has been hotly pursued for over a century, and current research is focused on understanding active centers and their electronic structures. Herein, the concept of conductive catalysis is proposed and verified by theoretical simulations and experimental observations. Metallic systems containing buried catalytically active transitional metals and exposed catalytically inert main group metals are constructed, and the electronic interaction between them via metallic bonding is disclosed. Through the electronic interaction, the catalytic properties of subsurface transitional metals (Pd or Rh) can be transferred to outermost main group metals (Al or Mg) for several important transformations like semi-hydrogenation, Suzuki-coupling and hydroformylation. The catalytic force is conductive, in analogy with the magnetic force and electrostatic force. The traditional definition of active centers is challenged by the concept of conductive catalysis and the electronic nature of catalysis is more easily understood. It might provide new opportunities for shielding traditional active centers against poisoning or leaching and allow for precise regulation of their catalytic properties by the conductive layer.
Lesser Woodcreepers excavate nest cavities in trees
Authors: Cockle Kristina L , Gomez Milka R , Ferreyra Carlos A , Di Sallo Facundo G , Bodrati Alejandro
Published: January 2024

To understand the evolution, life-history tradeoffs, and population ecology of cavity nesters, it is critical to identify the avian lineages and circumstances in which birds excavate tree cavities. Woodcreepers (Furnariidae: Dendrocolaptinae; 56 species) are considered non-excavators dependent on existing cavities. We overturn this assumption by providing definitive evidence that the Lesser Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus fuscus, 23 g) is a facultative tree-cavity excavator. From 2007 to 2022 in the Atlantic forest of Misiones, Argentina, Lesser Woodcreepers nested in preexisting tree crevices (4 nests), or excavated cavities in trunks of large-diameter trees in advanced stages of decay (mean diameter: 58 cm, range: 22–121 cm, 22 nests). Nest entrances were vertically elongated and chambers were usually pocket like, excavated in the exterior of the trees (sapwood), with floors that curved along the trees’ circumference. Excavating woodcreepers pulled out elongated pieces of spongy, fibrous decayed wood, tapping only when inside cavities. Published and online photographs of nests of Xiphorhynchus species suggest that excavation may be widespread in the genus. Our observations that woodcreepers tore out elongated pieces of spongy wood (rather than hammering) are consistent with the idea that their long, thin bills are more resistant to torsion and less resistant to impact compared to the stouter bills of other excavators in Passeriformes and Piciformes. Research has tended to focus on birds with chisel-shaped bills, perforating harder sapwood to create nesting chambers in the center of heartrot-infected trees (resulting in typical woodpecker cavities, with circular floors). We hypothesize that Lesser Woodcreepers have adopted an alternative strategy, selecting large trunks with soft outer wood (sapwood), stopping their excavation radially if they reach harder wood, and then expanding the nest chamber laterally. Furnariidae may offer a useful model family for understanding ecological and evolutionary factors that influence cavity excavation. We provide a Spanish translation in Supplementary Material.
The impact of light and thioredoxins on the plant thiol-disulfide proteome
Authors: Hou Liang-Yu , Sommer Frederik , Poeker Louis , Dziubek Dejan , Schroda Michael , Geigenberger Peter
Published: January 2024

Thiol-based redox regulation is a crucial posttranslational mechanism to acclimate plants to changing light availability. Here, we conducted a biotin switch–based redox proteomics study in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) to systematically investigate dynamics of thiol–redox networks in response to temporal changes in light availability and across genotypes lacking parts of the thioredoxin (Trx) or NADPH-Trx-reductase C (NTRC) systems in the chloroplast. Time-resolved dynamics revealed light led to marked decreases in the oxidation states of many chloroplast proteins with photosynthetic functions during the first 10 min, followed by their partial reoxidation after 2 to 6 h into the photoperiod. This involved f, m, and x-type Trx proteins showing similar light-induced reduction–oxidation dynamics, while NTRC, 2-Cys peroxiredoxins, and Trx y2 showed an opposing pattern, being more oxidized in light than dark. In Arabidopsis trxf1f2, trxm1m2, or ntrc mutants, most proteins showed increased oxidation states in the light compared to wild type, suggesting their light-dependent dynamics were related to NTRC/Trx networks. While NTRC deficiency had a strong influence in all light conditions, deficiencies in f- or m-type Trxs showed differential impacts on the thiol–redox proteome depending on the light environment, being higher in constant or fluctuating light, respectively. The results indicate plant redox proteomes are subject to dynamic changes in reductive and oxidative pathways to cooperatively fine-tune photosynthetic and metabolic processes in the light. The importance of the individual elements of the NTRC/Trx networks mediating these responses depend on the extent of light variability, with NTRC playing a crucial role to balance protein–redox states in rapidly fluctuating light.
Phytosulfokine promotes fruit ripening and quality via phosphorylation of transcription factor DREB2F in tomato
Authors: Fang Hanmo , Zuo Jinhua , Ma Qiaomei , Zhang Xuanbo , Xu Yuanrui , Ding Shuting , Wang Jiao , Luo Qian , Li Yimei , Wu Changqi , Lv Jianrong , Yu Jingquan , Shi Kai
Published: January 2024

Phytosulfokine (PSK), a plant peptide hormone with a wide range of biological functions, is recognized by its receptor PHYTOSULFOKINE RECEPTOR 1 (PSKR1). Previous studies have reported that PSK plays important roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, the involvement of PSK in fruit development and quality formation remains largely unknown. Here, using tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) as a research model, we show that exogenous application of PSK promotes the initiation of fruit ripening and quality formation, while these processes are delayed in pskr1 mutant fruits. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that molecular events and metabolic pathways associated with fruit ripening and quality formation are affected in pskr1 mutant lines and transcription factors are involved in PSKR1-mediated ripening. Yeast screening further identified that DEHYDRATION-RESPONSIVE ELEMENT BINDING PROTEIN 2F (DREB2F) interacts with PSKR1. Silencing of DREB2F delayed the initiation of fruit ripening and inhibited the promoting effect of PSK on fruit ripening. Moreover, the interaction between PSKR1 and DREB2F led to phosphorylation of DREB2F. PSK improved the efficiency of DREB2F phosphorylation by PSKR1 at the tyrosine-30 site, and the phosphorylation of this site increased the transcription level of potential target genes related to the ripening process and functioned in promoting fruit ripening and quality formation. These findings shed light on the involvement of PSK and its downstream signaling molecule DREB2F in controlling climacteric fruit ripening, offering insights into the regulatory mechanisms governing ripening processes in fleshy fruits.
Auxin receptor OsTIR1 mediates auxin signaling during seed filling in rice
Authors: Wu Daxia , Cao Yanan , Wang Daojian , Zong Guoxinan , Han Kunxu , Zhang Wei , Qi Yanhua , Xu Guohua , Zhang Yali
Published: January 2024

Cereal endosperm represents the most important source of the world’s food. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms behind sugar import into rice (Oryza sativa) endosperm and their relationship with auxin signaling are poorly understood. Here, we report that auxin transport inhibitor response 1 (TIR1) plays an essential role in rice grain yield and quality via modulating sugar transport into endosperm. The fluctuations of OsTIR1 transcripts parallel to the early stage of grain expansion among those of the 5 TIR1/AFB (auxin-signaling F-box) auxin co-receptor proteins. OsTIR1 is abundantly expressed in ovular vascular trace, nucellar projection, nucellar epidermis, aleurone layer cells, and endosperm, providing a potential path for sugar into the endosperm. Compared to wild-type (WT) plants, starch accumulation is repressed by mutation of OsTIR1 and improved by overexpression of the gene, ultimately leading to reduced grain yield and quality in tir1 mutants but improvement in overexpression lines. Of the rice AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR (ARF) genes, only the OsARF25 transcript is repressed in tir1 mutants and enhanced by overexpression of OsTIR1; its highest transcript is recorded at 10 d after fertilization, consistent with OsTIR1 expression. Also, OsARF25 can bind the promoter of the sugar transporter OsSWEET11 (SWEET, sugars will eventually be exported transporter) in vivo and in vitro. arf25 and arf25/sweet11 mutants exhibit reduced starch content and seed size (relative to the WTs), similar to tir1 mutants. Our data reveal that OsTIR1 mediates sugar import into endosperm via the auxin signaling component OsARF25 interacting with sugar transporter OsSWEET11. The results of this study are of great significance to further clarify the regulatory mechanism of auxin signaling on grain development in rice.
Phthalic Acid and Its Role in Roots of Melon Plants (Cucumis melo)
Authors: Marquez Sixto A. , Crosby Kevin M. , Patil Bhimanagouda S. , Ibrahim Amir M. H. , Avila Carlos A. , Pessoa Herika P. , Singh Jashbir
Published: January 2024

Melon is an important crop worldwide. However, this crop has many problems, such as high production costs, pests, diseases, and sensitivity to abiotic stresses. Among the diseases that negatively impact its production, vine decline disease (VDD), caused by the fungus Monosporascus cannonballus, is very dangerous because it affects the plant when the fruit is almost ready to be harvested, which causes huge losses to growers. In addition, this disease is widely spread in areas where melons are grown all over the world, and its control through soil fumigation is costly and polluting. Thus, cheap and sustainable ways to combat it must be found. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objectives of identifying and quantifying phenolic compounds produced during the interaction of melon plants with the fungus M. cannonballus, which can be useful in controlling VDD, ameliorating cultural practices of this crop, and consequently reducing production costs. Two varieties were grown and inoculated with the fungus M. cannonballus: TAM-Uvalde (susceptible) and USDA PI 124104 (resistant). Their roots were sampled before inoculating with the fungus (0 h) and 24, 48, and 72 h after inoculation. The root chemicals were then analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Our results indicate that phthalic acid was induced in the roots after inoculation in both varieties, which suggests that it is produced by the plant as a defensive compound. Also, the production of phthalic acid varied over time according to the variety used, which suggests its allelopathic function.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Parenting Expectations, NICU Experiences, and Maternal Psychological Outcomes
Authors: Rodrigues Sarah M. , Shin Sanghyuk S. , Pinto Melissa D. , Bounds Dawn T. , Terry Jennifer , Burton Candace W.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Infant neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization increases maternal risk for psychological distress. However, no universal screening standards exist and predicting maternal risk remains challenging. Reconceptualizing maternal distress in relation to differences between parenting expectations and NICU experiences may illuminate commonalities across a range of experiences.

Purpose:

This study explored parenting expectation–experience differences (EEDs) among NICU mothers and assessed correlations between EED scores and psychological outcomes 1 to 5 years post-NICU hospitalization.

Methods:

A 3-phase explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was used. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to measure relationships between EED scores and maternal psychological outcomes. Reflexive thematic analysis of one-on-one, semi-structured interviews contextualized EED scores.

Results:

Most participants (92.9%) reported negative EED scores, indicating NICU experiences fell short of parenting expectations. Significant inverse correlations were found between EED scores and maternal outcomes, including depression (r = −0.25, P < .01), anxiety (r = −0.25, P < .01) and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (r = −0.41, P < .001), and perceived parenting self-efficacy (r = −0.28, P < .01). Major qualitative themes included unexpected versus prepared, lost parenting experiences, and surviving and thriving. Data synthesis contextualized EED scores and revealed key differences in meaning ascribed to unmet parenting expectations.

Implications for Practice and Research:

Preparing mothers for infant NICU hospitalization and creating a NICU parenting environment, which better supports mothers and their engagement in parenting tasks, may help to reduce differences between parenting expectations and NICU experiences. Further research is needed to elucidate the impacts of parenting EEDs in this population.
The Effect of Social Isolation on 1-Year Outcomes After Surgical Repair of Low Energy Hip Fracture
Authors: Mandl Lisa A. , Rajan Mangala , Lipschultz Robyn A. , Lian Serena , Sheira Dina , Frey Marianna B. , Shea Yvonne M. , Lane Joseph M.
Published: January 2024

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate if social isolation or loneliness is associated with outcomes 1 year after low energy hip fracture.

METHODS:

Design:

Prospective inception cohort study.

Setting:

Academic Level I Trauma Center.

Patient Selection Criteria:

Participants were ≥ 65 years of age and enrolled 2-4 days after surgery for a first low energy hip fracture. Exclusion criteria were bilateral or periprosthetic hip fracture, previous hip fracture, non-English speaking, international address, active cancer, stage 4 cancer in the past 5 years, radiation to the hip region and cognitive impairment. Participants were followed longitudinally for one year.

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:

The PROMIS-29 was elicited 2-4 days post-operatively and 1 year later. Patient reported risk factors included the Lubben Social Networks Scale and the UCLA Loneliness Scale, which were compared to the Lower Extremity Activity Scale and PROMIS-29 domains.

RESULTS:

Three hundred and twenty-five patients were enrolled. Participants had a median age of 81.7 years, were 70.9 % female and were 85.9% white. 31.6% of patients were socially isolated at time of fracture. At 1 year, 222 of the 291 subjects who were confirmed alive at one year provided data. Multivariable linear models were performed separately for each outcome, including Lower Extremity Activity Scale and PROMIS-29 domains. Controlling for age, sex, education, and body mass index, those who were socially isolated at time of fracture had worse PROMIS-29 function (β= -3.83 p= 0.02) and ability to participate in social roles (β= -4.17 p= 0.01) at 1 year. Secondary analyses found that pre-fracture loneliness was associated with clinically meaningfully worse function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep, pain and ability to participate in social roles at 1 year, (all p< 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

Pre-fracture social isolation was associated with worse outcomes 1 year after surgical repair of low energy hip fracture. This data suggests loneliness may be more strongly associated with important patient centric metrics than pre-fracture social isolation. Given the dearth of modifiable risk factors in this population, future studies are needed to evaluate whether improving social connections could impact outcomes in this rapidly growing demographic.
E2F3/5/8 serve as potential prognostic biomarkers and new therapeutic direction for human bladder cancer
Authors: Gan Zhilu , Abudurexiti Alimujiang , Hu Xiaogang , Chen Wenxin , Zhang Ning , Sang Wei
Published: January 2024

Objects:

Human bladder cancer (BC) is the most common urogenital system malignancy. E2F transcription factors (E2Fs) have been reported to be involved in the growth of various cancers. However, the expression patterns, prognostic value and immune infiltration in the tumor microenvironment of the 8 E2Fs in BC have yet fully to be explored.

Methods and strategy:

We investigated the differential expression of E2Fs in BC patients, the prognostic value and correlation with immune infiltration by analyzing a range of databases.

Results:

We found that the mRNA expression levels of E2F1/2/3/4/5/7/8 were significantly higher in BC patients than that of control tissues. And the increased mRNA expression levels of all E2Fs were associated with tumor stage of BC. The survival analysis revealed that the elevated mRNA expression levels of E2F3/5/8 were significantly correlated with the overall survival (OS) of BC patients. And the genetic changes of E2Fs in BC patients were associated with shorter overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). In addition, we revealed that the E2F3/5/8 expressions were closely correlated with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs).

Conclusions:

E2F3/5/8 might serve as promising prognostic biomarkers and new therapeutic direction for BC patients.
Associations between body size and visual impairment of first-year university students in Chongqing: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Ruili , Zhang Yong , Li Cuihong , Xu Bingwu , Qi Xiaoya
Published: January 2024

The relationship between body size and visual impairment (VI) presents a controversial topic in the health sciences. This study aims to evaluate and clarify the potential associations between these 2 variables. We conducted a cross-sectional study on first-year students enrolled in 2022 at the Southwest University of Political Science & Law. The students underwent a series of physical examinations and visual acuity tests. Visual impairment was classified into 3 categories: mild, moderate, or severe. We used logistic regression analysis to examine the association between body size and VI. Our findings indicated a high prevalence of VI among first-year university students; more than 80% of them were affected. In bivariate analysis, height and weight were negatively related to the presence of VI. However, BMI (body mass index) was not related to VI. By adjusting all available confounders, no associations between BMI (OR = 1.002, 95% CI = 0.974–1.032, P = .877), height (OR = 0.998, 95% CI = 0.967–1.010, P = .298), weight (OR = 0.999, 95% CI = 989–1.009, P = .860), and mild-severe VI were found in females. For males, the ORs were 0.988 (95% CI = 0.955–1.021, P = .459), 0.980 (95% CI = 0.954–1.006, P = .135), and 0.995 (95% CI = 0.985–1.004, P = .285) for BMI, height, and weight, respectively. Among young adults demonstrating high academic performance in high schools, the cessation of physical growth, combined with potential eye strain resulting from overuse, may mitigate any previously observed positive associations between physical status and VI in younger children.
Midurethral sling position and surgical outcome: A meta-analysis
Authors: Qu Peng , Hai Ning , Lv Zhaoyang , Yang Jingdong
Published: January 2024

There is still ongoing debate as to whether the outcome of the sling is determined by the position of the midurethral sling. In order to evaluate the potential impact of sling position on the outcomes of retropubic and transobturator sling procedures for stress urinary incontinence, it is necessary to conduct further investigations. We conducted a comprehensive search across various electronic databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE. Relevant data were extracted, organized in a table format, and analyzed using RevMan software for further analysis. This review comprised a total of 9 studies. The findings indicate that patients with TVT tape placement in the midurethra exhibited a slightly higher cure rate compared to those with proximal placement. Conversely, tape placement in the midurethra was associated with a significantly higher cure rate compared to distal placement [RR = 0.84, 95% CI (0.74–0.95), P < .05]. In the case of transobturator slings, tape positioning beneath the midurethra or distal urethra yielded better outcomes compared to placement near the bladder neck [RR = 0.74, 95% CI (0.57–0.94), P = .02; RR = 0.61, 95% CI (0.39–0.96), P = .03]. Based on 2D and 3D ultrasound imaging, differences in TVT placement appear to have minimal impact on the cure rate. However, the highest rate of failure after transobturator sling surgery is closely linked to the positioning.
Knowledge domain and emerging trends of autophagy in cardiovascular research: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Lv Meng , Zhu Xueping , You Yaping , Fan Shaowei , Chai Ruoning , Cheng Tao , Xue Wenjing , Shi Shuai , Hu Yuanhui
Published: January 2024

Background:

Autophagy is essential for the homeostasis and function of the cardiovascular system. Citespace is a visual analysis software developed in the context of scientometrics and data visualization. The purpose of this study is to use Citespace software to conduct bibliometric and visual analysis of the research on autophagy in cardiovascular diseases, identify the current status, hot spots and trends in this field, help researchers clarify the future research focus and direction of autophagy in cardiovascular diseases, and provide more positive and broader ideas for the treatment and drug development of cardiovascular diseases.

Methods:

In the Web of Science Core Collection database to download the data from 2004 to 2022 regarding autophagy in cardiovascular research. CitespaceV was used to collect the research status, hotspots and development trends for visual analysis.

Results:

The 3568 articles were published by 547 authors from 397 institutions in 75 countries. From 2004 to 2021, the annual publications increased over time. The top 3 productive nations were China, the United States, and Germany. The leading institution was China’s Fudan University. The most cited paper is Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (3rd edition). The research hotpots include monitoring methods for autophagy activity, changes in autophagy levels in different types of cardiovascular diseases, autophagy signal transduction mechanism in cardiovascular diseases, etc.

Conclusion:

Bibliometric analysis provided valuable information for autophagy research in cardiovascular disease, which is full of opportunities and challenges. The research of autophagy in the field of cardiovascular diseases is still worthy of in-depth exploration. A challenge with autophagy-targeted therapies is their dichotomy in which the goal is to target maladaptive autophagy while maintaining a baseline level of cell survival to optimize a beneficial outcome. It is necessary for scientists to develop new methods to evaluate the level of autophagy from basic application to human body and reveal the signaling mechanism of autophagy in different types of cardiovascular diseases.
Discovering peptide inhibitors of thrombin as a strategy for anticoagulation
Authors: Zhen Shuxin , Wang Guiping , Li Xiaoli , Yang Jing , Yu Jiaxin , Wang Yucong
Published: January 2024

Unusual blood clots can cause serious health problems, such as lung embolism, stroke, and heart attack. Inhibiting thrombin activity was adopted as an effective strategy for preventing blood clots. In this study, we explored computational-based method for designing peptide inhibitors of human thrombin therapeutic peptides to prevent platelet aggregation. The random peptides and their 3-dimentional structures were generated to build a virtual peptide library. The generated peptides were docked into the binding pocket of human thrombin. The designed strong binding peptides were aligned with the native binder by comparative study, and we showed the top 5 peptide binders display strong binding affinity against human thrombin. The 5 peptides were synthesized and validated their inhibitory activity. Our result showed the 5-mer peptide AEGYA, EVVNQ, and FASRW with inhibitory activity against thrombin, range from 0.53 to 4.35 μM. In vitro anti-platelet aggregation assay was carried out, suggesting the 3 peptides can inhibit the platelet aggregation induced by thrombin. This study showed computer-aided peptide inhibitor design can be a robust method for finding potential binders for thrombin, which provided solutions for anticoagulation.