bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Reinforcement Learning With Limited Cognitive
Load
Authors: Arumugam Dilip , Ho Mark K. , Goodman Noah D. , Van Roy Benjamin
Published: April 2024

All biological and artificial agents must act given limits on their ability to acquire and process information. As such, a general theory of adaptive behavior should be able to account for the complex interactions between an agent’s learning history, decisions, and capacity constraints. Recent work in computer science has begun to clarify the principles that shape these dynamics by bridging ideas from reinforcement learning, Bayesian decision-making, and rate-distortion theory. This body of work provides an account of capacity-limited Bayesian reinforcement learning, a unifying normative framework for modeling the effect of processing constraints on learning and action selection. Here, we provide an accessible review of recent algorithms and theoretical results in this setting, paying special attention to how these ideas can be applied to studying questions in the cognitive and behavioral sciences.
The Crisis of Logic and the (In)stability of Science
Authors: Colizzi Paolo
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this paper is 1) to focus on the last section of the In Parmenidem, analyzing Proclus’ reflection on the relationship between the First God and what he calls the “axioms of contradiction”, accompanied by an attempt to harmonize in a subordinate sense the Aristotelian perspective with the Platonic one; 2) to analyze the reception of this idea in Nicholas of Cusa, the first Latin author to be systematically influenced by the In Parmenidem. It will be possible to show how Cusanus develops a perspective that, on the one hand, finds its explicit antecedent in Proclus and, on the other, how he radicalizes Proclus’ perspective, developing theoretical tensions that we can find unsystematically in Proclus’ own thought. Proclus is aware that the Principle of all reality—and of science itself—must be conceived as in itself unknowable. At the same time, he seeks to save the ability of human knowledge to describe reality. Starting from an idea of the relationship between God and the laws of contradiction close to that of Proclus, Cusanus develops an epistemology that, on the one hand, recognizes the principle of contradiction as the ultimate principle of reason and, on the other hand, comes to the conclusion of a separation between thought and reality outside thought.
Glomus rugosae, a new arbuscular mycorrhizal species in Glomeraceae (phylum Glomeromycota) from maritime sand dunes of Poland and an ash pond of Czech Republic
Authors: BŁASZKOWSKI JANUSZ , ZUBEK SZYMON , MILCZARSKI PAWEŁ , MALINOWSKI RYSZARD , GOTO BRUNO TOMIO , NIEZGODA PIOTR
Published: April 2024

Preliminary morphological analyzes of an isolate producing glomoid spores in culture and comparison of its 45S nuc rDNA sequences (= 18S-ITS-28S) with sequences available in GenBank suggested that this isolate is an undescribed arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus of the genus Glomus in the family Glomeraceae (phylum Glomeromycota). This suggestion was confirmed by phylogenetic analyzes with sequences of 45S and the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (rpb1) gene that placed this isolate in an autonomous clade sister to that with Glomus macrocarpum, the type species of Glomus and Glomeromycota. In the field, this species, here named G. rugosae sp. nov., was associated with roots of Rosa rugosa, which inhabited the coastal dunes of the Hel Peninsula in northern Poland. In single-species cultures, G. rugosae formed typical vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza. Phylogenetic analyzes with 45S sequences of Glomus species and environmental sequences with a similarity of >96% to the 45S sequences of G. rugosae showed that G. rugosae was previously detected in the Czech Republic.
Clinical outcomes in critically ill children on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with severe thrombocytopenia
Authors: Labarinas Sonia , Norbisrath Kalpana , Johnson Dana , Meliones Jon , Greenleaf Christopher , Salazar Jorge , Karam Oliver
Published: April 2024

Introduction

As international guidelines suggest keeping the platelet count between 50 and 100 × 109 cells/L in children on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), platelet transfusions are administered to two-thirds of ECMO days, and up to 70% of these patients still bleed. We aim to describe outcomes in critically ill children who develop severe thrombocytopenia on ECMO.

Methods

Single-center retrospective study, enrolling critically ill children on ECMO admitted at Children’s Memorial Hermann, TX, between 1/2018 and 12/2022, with at least one platelet count below 50 × 109 cells/L (severe thrombocytopenia). Platelet counts were measured four times a day. We report platelet transfusion, bleeding, hemolysis, and clotting events within 6 h after transfusion, as well as ECMO duration and mortality.

Results

We enrolled 54 patients representing 337 ECMO days and 1190 platelet counts. Median weight was 3.7 kg and 54% were male. Severe thrombocytopenia was observed in 56% of platelet counts. Severe thrombocytopenia was not associated with bleeding in the subsequent 6 h (18% vs 20%, p = .95), but was associated with more frequent platelet transfusions (18% vs 11%, p = .001). There was no correlation between time spent with severe thrombocytopenia and the duration of ECMO (R2 = 0.03). While the time spent with severe thrombocytopenia was not associated with on-ECMO mortality rate ( p = .36), there was an association with in-hospital mortality rate ( p = .003).

Conclusions

Our results indicate a restrictive platelet transfusion strategy is not associated with higher proportions of subsequent bleeding, duration of ECMO, or on-ECMO mortality rate. Multicenter studies are needed to evaluate further the appropriateness of this strategy.
The value of CT radiomics combined with deep transfer learning in predicting the nature of gallbladder polypoid lesions
Authors: Yin Shengnan , Ding Ning , Ji Yiding , Qiao Zhenguo , Yuan Jianmao , Chi Jing , Jin Long
Published: April 2024

Background

Computed tomography (CT) radiomics combined with deep transfer learning was used to identify cholesterol and adenomatous gallbladder polyps that have not been well evaluated before surgery.

Purpose

To investigate the potential of various machine learning models, incorporating radiomics and deep transfer learning, in predicting the nature of cholesterol and adenomatous gallbladder polyps.

Material and Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical and imaging data from 100 patients with cholesterol or adenomatous polyps confirmed by surgery and pathology at our hospital between September 2015 and February 2023. Preoperative contrast-enhanced CT radiomics combined with deep learning features were utilized, and t-tests and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) cross-validation were employed for feature selection. Subsequently, 11 machine learning algorithms were utilized to construct prediction models, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC), accuracy, and F1 measure were used to assess model performance, which was validated in a validation group.

Results

The Logistic algorithm demonstrated the most effective prediction in identifying polyp properties based on 10 radiomics combined with deep learning features, achieving the highest AUC (0.85 in the validation group, 95% confidence interval = 0.68–1.0). In addition, the accuracy (0.83 in the validation group) and F1 measure (0.76 in the validation group) also indicated strong performance.

Conclusion

The machine learning radiomics combined with deep learning model based on enhanced CT proves valuable in predicting the characteristics of cholesterol and adenomatous gallbladder polyps. This approach provides a more reliable basis for preoperative diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.
A Marketing Perspective on Maladaptive Consumption and Product Regulation
Authors: Martin Ingrid , Stewart David W.
Published: April 2024

While maladaptive consumption and its consequences are well known, the management and regulation of such consumption is fraught with numerous issues related to definition, locus of responsibility, and potential modes of intervention. The present article provides a review of the conceptual, methodological, and policy issues surrounding maladaptive consumption. The authors suggest that marketing has an important and unique role in the design of products and regulation intended to address maladaptive consumption. Questions for future research and public policy are identified and discussed.
Implementation of the Australian National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards
Authors: Rigby Sandra , Boyd-Skinner Christopher , Storm Victor , Katte James
Published: April 2024

Objective

Following the release of the Australian National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health (NSQDMH) Standards in November 2020, our objective was to ensure effective implementation of the Standards. This included the development of an accreditation scheme to allow digital mental health services to be formally assessed against the Standards and provide service users with an assurance of safe and high-quality services.

Method

The accreditation scheme was adapted from the one used for the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. As the digital mental health sector was largely unfamiliar with standards and accreditation, the scheme was pilot-tested with a range of service providers and further consultation took place to refine it.

Results

The accreditation scheme was launched in November 2022 with support resources published to aid implementation.

Conclusions

The NSQDMH Standards accreditation scheme provides an assurance of safety and quality for digital mental health service users.
Searching for meaning through conspiracy theories. Considerations on the state of the art of psychological literature and definition of a research agenda from a semiotic dynamic cultural perspective
Authors: De Fortuna Angelo Maria , De Luca Picione Raffaele
Published: April 2024

Why do conspiracy theories abound in critical times? The purpose of this article is to provide an extensive critical review of research perspectives that focus, in the age of crisis, on the human processes of sensemaking in the creation and diffusion of conspiracy theories. Correlational methods of study are not enough to highlight psychic and collective dynamics. The authors trace some paths through various contributions from different disciplines (from social psychology to psychoanalysis, from neuroscience to cultural psychology), and link some of the psychic mechanisms and factors that have emerged as fundamental in a broad and flexible theoretical framework based on affective semiosis.
The Use of Dance and Movement for the Embodied Healing of Interpersonal Trauma in Women and Girls: A Systematic Review
Authors: Liang Catherine X. , Bryant Thema
Published: April 2024

Interpersonal trauma is a pervasive issue with devastating consequences for women and girls of diverse identities. Research has shown that there are many potential physiological consequences for experiencing trauma, and as such, treatment for trauma should incorporate the body. Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) has been emerging in the current literature as one body-oriented treatment approach effective in helping women and girls heal from interpersonal trauma. This review uses textual narrative evidence synthesis to examine how practitioners are currently using DMT for this population, what treatment outcomes have been observed, and what the racial/ethnic identities and international contexts are for survivors who have benefited from DMT. Inclusion criteria for the present review included peer-reviewed studies published in English between the years 2000 to 2022, reporting data on the use of dance or movement to help women and/or adolescent girls aged 12 and older heal from interpersonal trauma. Studies were identified through electronic databases, and 16 total studies met criteria. This review found that the characteristics and structure of DMT vary greatly between different practitioners, the participants of DMT are very diverse, and there are many commonly observed outcomes such as increased physical ability, increased emotional capacity, mind-body integration, safety, aid with trauma processing, empowerment, social support, and fun. This review also gives recommendations for practitioners who wish to utilize dance and movement in treatment: offer group interventions; use the body to create metaphor, imagery, and symbolism; give survivors choices in how they participate; use music purposefully; and don’t forget to cultivate joy.
Real-world experience supporting the role of oncologic resection and adjuvant chemotherapy in biliary tract cancers
Authors: Boutin Melina , Krishnan Tharani , Safro Maria , Yang Jenny , Jafari Helia , Davies Janine M. , Gill Sharlene
Published: April 2024

Background:

Complete resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy is the gold standard for patients with localized cholangiocarcinoma (CC) or gallbladder cancer (GBC). However, this is not always feasible, and recurrence rates remain high.

Objectives:

To understand the real-world proportions and reason for treatment failure in resected biliary tract cancers.

Design and methods:

We performed a retrospective population-based review of patients with GBC or CC [intrahepatic (IHCC) or extrahepatic (EHCC)] resected between 2005 and 2019 using the BC Cancer provincial database. A chart review was conducted to characterize demographics, treatments received and outcomes.

Results:

In total, 594 patients were identified of whom 416 (70%) had disease recurrence. Most GBCs (96%) were diagnosed incidentally, and repeat oncologic resection was performed in 45%. Adjuvant chemotherapy was received in 51% of patients diagnosed after 2017 (mostly capecitabine). Patient co-morbidities, disease progression and patient preference were the commonest reasons for not proceeding with adjuvant chemotherapy. One-third of patients did not complete all planned cycles. Median overall survival was significantly higher in those with complete (R0) versus incomplete (R1) resection [31.6 versus 18 months, hazard ratio (HR): 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.35–0.53] and in those with versus without re-resection for GBC [29.4 versus 19 months, HR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.41–0.73]. There was a trend towards improved survival with versus without adjuvant therapy (HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.61–1.02). Only 25% in the more contemporary cohort (2017–2019) had an R0 resection and completed adjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusion:

Complete resection, including reresection for incidentally diagnosed GBCs, and adjuvant chemotherapy were associated with improved outcomes in this retrospective cohort, yet many patients were not able to complete these treatments. Neoadjuvant strategies may improve treatment delivery and ultimately, outcomes.
(Supporting) Writing Qualitatively: Errantry of Embodied Relational Writing
Authors: Morris Faithlynn , Pigliacelli Mary , Rhee Jeong-eun
Published: April 2024

We write collectively and collaboratively to make more visible writing qualitatively and supporting writing qualitatively, both of which we approach as the process of embodied relational writing, to ourselves and to Others. We even consider that writing qualitatively always has an invisible prefix of supporting before it since the practice is not possible without multiple supports. From our different positionalities as a Black doctoral candidate, a white writing center director, and an Asian faculty, we write a collective autoethnography as an inquiry to examine what we do, how we do it, and what it produces when we are supporting (and) writing qualitatively in our private, teaching-oriented, regional, predominantly white institutional context where doctoral programs offer only one qualitative research course. What our writing reveals is that supporting writing qualitatively is possible only when we live/work together—stay long enough—in that in-between space of you know that I will not understand and you pray for me to understand. In this space, we get entangled with each other’s multiple relationships with our selves, Others, and errantries, which, in turn, changes each of us, our relation, and this writing.
“It Scared the Crap Out of Me”: Taking Risks and Talking About Race in a Principal Preparation Course
Authors: Lac Van
Published: April 2024

University faculty have fixated on ways to adequately prepare social justice-oriented school leaders for quite some time. This teacher action research project documents the experiences of 14 aspiring school leaders in a principal preparation course focused on a critical race pedagogy curriculum. Using interview data, this qualitative study examines how white and Latinx students experience coursework grounded in the notion of risk-taking rather than safety. Findings from this study illustrate the following: (A) participants most resistant to the curriculum entered coursework having internalized dominant ideologies regarding merit and achievement; (B) these same students had adverse views regarding their critically conscious classmates and instructor; and lastly (C) all participants in this study demonstrated growth in their thinking regarding racial justice and educational equity. The discussion and implications address the nuances and complexities of promoting a pedagogy framed as risk-taking in preparation programs, particularly in mixed-race settings.
Students online learning experience during emergency remote teaching in higher education
Authors: Larbi-Apau JA , Kwofie B
Published: April 2024

For actionable insight, this study explored computer science and information technology students’ online learning experience in an emergency remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic in a public technical university in Ghana. A mixed method research of both quantitative and qualitative design was used to expand the evidence base. The inherent set of factors of the learning experience were determined by an exploratory factor analysis and confirmed with a multiple regression. Six factors comprising sense of concern, institutional support, effective communication, connectedness, mediated technologies, and stress levels explained 66.5% of the variance in the patterns of relationship. All factors had positive regression weights and added significantly to the prediction. Potentials identified comprised positive reactions to institutional support, improved lecturer-student interaction, active participation, accessible course contents, and moderately high future online learning expectations. The challenges included unpreparedness, unreliable Internet, high cost of data, and incidental learning design and pedagogy. Evidently, the higher education landscape shifted during the pandemic in obvious ways to merit further studies and reflective online learning administration to inform robust technology-oriented post-pandemic practices.
Tweaking algorithms. Technopolitical issues associated with artificial intelligence based tuberculosis detection in global health
Authors: David Pierre-Marie , Onno Julien , Pourraz Jessica , Ahmad Khan Faiz
Published: April 2024

Computer-aided detection algorithms based on artificial intelligence are increasingly being tested and used as a means for detecting tuberculosis in countries where the epidemic is still present. Computer-aided detection tools are often presented as a global solution that can be deployed in all the geographical areas concerned by tuberculosis, but at the same time, they need to be adjusted and calibrated according to local populations’ characteristics. The aim of this article is to analyze the tensions between the standardization of computer-aided detection algorithms and their local adaptation and the political issues associated with these tensions. We undertook a qualitative analysis of practices associated with tuberculosis detection algorithms in different contexts, contrasting the perspectives of various stakeholders. Algorithms embed the promise of standardization through automation and the bypassing of variable human expertise such as that of radiologists, they are nonetheless objects of local practices that we have characterized as “tweaking.” This work of tweaking reveals how the technology is situated but also the many concerns of the users and workers (insertion in care, control over infrastructure, and political ownership). This should be better considered to truly make computer-aided detection innovative tools for tuberculosis management in global health.
Arthroscopic Repair of a Lateral Meniscus Oblique Radial Tear
Authors: Langhans Mark T. , Hevesi Mario , Pan Xuankang , Smith Patrick A. , Krych Aaron J.
Published: April 2024

Background:

Lateral meniscal oblique radial tears (LMORTs) are the most common type of lateral meniscal tears and occur concomitantly with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in up to 12% of cases. Four types of LMORTs have been classified in the literature based on proximity to the meniscal root and extent of the tear. Type 1 and 2 LMORTs represent partial and complete posterior root tears less than 10 mm from the root insertion. Type 3 and 4 LMORTs are partial and complete posterior radial meniscus tears greater than 10 mm from the root insertion.

Indications:

Type 3 and 4 LMORTs can and should be addressed with an all-inside side-to-side repair at the time of ACL reconstruction. LMORTs that are not repaired at the time of ACL reconstruction can contribute to persistent instability and meniscal extrusion.

Technique Description:

Diagnostic arthroscopy is performed to evaluate the posterior aspects of both the medial and lateral meniscus. The medial leaflet is commonly flipped into the notch and scarred to ACL remnant. After identifying and isolating the medial leaflet, an arthroscopic suture passer is used to pass a suture from inferior to superior through the medial leaflet. A second suture is passed from inferior to superior through the lateral leaflet. This is used to shuttle the suture pass through the medial leaflet to the bottom of the meniscus, where it can be tied in a horizontal mattress fashion. The sutures are tied down with aide of an arthroscopic knot pusher. A second set of sutures is passed and used to shuttle a second suture that would be tied posterior to the first suture, again in a horizontal mattress fashion. This allows reduction of the fragments in apposition across the tear. Postoperatively, patients are allowed range of motion from 0° to 90° and to toe touch weightbearing for the first 4 weeks. Patients are advanced to weightbearing as tolerated at 5 weeks. Typical return to sport ranges from 6 to 9 months postoperatively.

Results:

Results have been published for 2-year outcomes of type 3 and 4 LMORT repairs and have demonstrated persistent improved patient-reported outcomes as well as healing rates that are greater than 80% and in some series approach nearly 100%.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Arthroscopic all-inside side-to-side surgical repair is a durable and reliable treatment option for patients presenting for ACL reconstruction with concomitant type 3 or 4 LMORT.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Rimegepant orally disintegrating tablet 75 mg for acute treatment of migraine in adults from China: a subgroup analysis of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 clinical trial
Authors: Yu Shengyuan , Guo Aihong , Wang Zhen , Liu Jianguang , Tan Ge , Yang Qian , Zhang Mingjie , Yibulaiyin Hasiyeti , Chen Huisheng , Zhang Yongbo , Croop Robert , Sun Yanhui , Liu Yu , Zhao Qian , Lu Zhihong
Published: April 2024

Background

Rimegepant orally disintegrating tablet (ODT), an oral small-molecule calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist, is indicated for acute and preventive treatment of migraine in the United States and other countries. Previously, a large clinical trial assessed the efficacy and safety of rimegepant ODT 75 mg for the acute treatment of migraine in adults living in China or South Korea. A post hoc subgroup analysis of this trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rimegepant for acute treatment of migraine in adults living in China.

Methods

Eligible participants were ≥ 18 years of age and had a ≥ 1-year history of migraine, with 2 to 8 attacks of moderate or severe pain intensity per month and < 15 headache days per month during the 3 months before screening. Participants self-administered rimegepant ODT 75 mg or matching placebo to treat a single migraine attack of moderate or severe pain intensity. The co-primary endpoints were pain freedom and freedom from the most bothersome symptom (MBS) at 2 h post-dose. Key secondary endpoints included pain relief at 2 h post-dose, ability to function normally at 2 h post-dose, use of rescue medication within 24 h post-dose, and sustained pain freedom from 2 to 24 h and 2 to 48 h post-dose. Allpvalues were nominal. Safety was assessed via treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), electrocardiograms, vital signs, and routine laboratory tests.

Results

Overall, 1075 participants (rimegepant,n = 538; placebo,n = 537) were included in the subgroup analysis. Rimegepant was more effective than placebo for the co-primary endpoints of pain freedom (18.2% vs. 10.6%,p = 0.0004) and freedom from the MBS (48.0% vs. 31.8%,p <  0.0001), as well as all key secondary endpoints. The incidence of TEAEs was comparable between the rimegepant (15.2%) and placebo (16.4%) groups. No signal of drug-induced liver injury was observed, and no study drug-related serious TEAEs were reported in the rimegepant group.

Conclusions

A single dose of rimegepant 75 mg rimegepant was effective for the acute treatment of migraine in adults living in China, with safety and tolerability similar to placebo.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04574362 Date registered: 2020-10-05.

Graphical Abstract
Allantoate Amidohydrolase OsAAH is Essential for Preharvest Sprouting Resistance in Rice
Authors: Xie Ting , Hu Wenling , Shen Jiaxin , Xu Jiangyu , Yang Zeyuan , Chen Xinyi , Zhu Peiwen , Chen Mingming , Chen Sunlu , Zhang Hongsheng , Cheng Jinping
Published: April 2024

Preharvest sprouting (PHS) is an undesirable trait that decreases yield and quality in rice production. Understanding the genes and regulatory mechanisms underlying PHS is of great significance for breeding PHS-resistant rice. In this study, we identified a mutant, preharvest sprouting 39 (phs39), that exhibited an obvious PHS phenotype in the field. MutMap+ analysis and transgenic experiments demonstrated that OsAAH, which encodes allantoate amidohydrolase, is the causal gene of phs39 and is essential for PHS resistance. OsAAH was highly expressed in roots and leaves at the heading stage and gradually increased and then weakly declined in the seed developmental stage. OsAAH protein was localized to the endoplasmic reticulum, with a function of hydrolyzing allantoate in vitro. Disruption of OsAAH increased the levels of ureides (allantoate and allantoin) and activated the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and thus increased energy levels in developing seeds. Additionally, the disruption of OsAAH significantly increased asparagine, arginine, and lysine levels, decreased tryptophan levels, and decreased levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA). Our findings revealed that the OsAAH of ureide catabolism is involved in the regulation of rice PHS via energy and hormone metabolisms, which will help to facilitate the breeding of rice PHS-resistant varieties.
Peripheral ulcerative keratitis associated with tralokinumab therapy: a case report and review of IL-13 inhibitor-associated ocular surface disease
Authors: Maganti Nenita , Whittier Samuel A. , Warner Evan J.
Published: April 2024

Background

Dupilumab and tralokinumab are interleukin-binding monoclonal antibodies used to treat systemic atopic disease. Use of these medications in management of atopic dermatitis (AD) is known to cause conjunctivitis. Dupilumab therapy has also been associated with more severe ocular surface disease, which has not previously been described in association with tralokinumab. This report describes a case of tralokinumab-associated conjunctivitis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis and reviews the spectrum and proposed mechanisms of ocular surface disease triggered by these medications.

Case presentation

A 61-year-old male with no rheumatologic or ocular history presented with bilateral papillary conjunctivitis and right eye peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK). PUK was arrested using oral corticosteroids and doxycycline, and long-term control of papillary conjunctivitis was achieved using topical tacrolimus ointment, allowing continuation of effective AD management with tralokinumab.

Conclusion

This case report documents ulcerative keratitis occurring in association with tralokinumab therapy for AD, which has previously been described with dupilumab but not tralokinumab. This report demonstrates the need for vigilant ocular surface monitoring for patients on tralokinumab and illustrates successful management and long-term control of adverse ocular events associated with this medication.
Epigenetic regulation of H3K27me3 in laying hens with fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome induced by high-energy and low-protein diets
Authors: Cui Yong , Ru Meng , Wang Yujie , Weng Linjian , Haji Ramlat Ali , Liang Haiping , Zeng Qingjie , Wei Qing , Xie Xianhua , Yin Chao , Huang Jianzhen
Published: April 2024

Background

Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) in the modern poultry industry is primarily caused by nutrition. Despite encouraging progress on FLHS, the mechanism through which nutrition influences susceptibility to FLHS is still lacking in terms of epigenetics.

Results

In this study, we analyzed the genome-wide patterns of trimethylated lysine residue 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3) enrichment by chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq), and examined its association with transcriptomes in healthy and FLHS hens. The study results indicated that H3K27me3 levels were increased in the FLHS hens on a genome-wide scale. Additionally, H3K27me3 was found to occupy the entire gene and the distant intergenic region, which may function as silencer-like regulatory elements. The analysis of transcription factor (TF) motifs in hypermethylated peaks has demonstrated that 23 TFs are involved in the regulation of liver metabolism and development. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in fatty acid metabolism, amino acid, and carbohydrate metabolism. The hub gene identified from PPI network is fatty acid synthase (FASN). Combined ChIP-seq and transcriptome analysis revealed that the increased H3K27me3 and down-regulated genes have significant enrichment in the ECM-receptor interaction, tight junction, cell adhesion molecules, adherens junction, and TGF-beta signaling pathways.

Conclusions

Overall, the trimethylation modification of H3K27 has been shown to have significant regulatory function in FLHS, mediating the expression of crucial genes associated with the ECM-receptor interaction pathway. This highlights the epigenetic mechanisms of H3K27me3 and provides insights into exploring core regulatory targets and nutritional regulation strategies in FLHS.
OsCIPK2 mediated rice root microorganisms and metabolites to improve plant nitrogen uptake
Authors: Chen Mengying , Feng Shizhong , Lv He , Wang Zewen , Zeng Yuhang , Shao Caihong , Lin Wenxiong , Zhang Zhixing
Published: April 2024

Crop roots are colonized by large numbers of microorganisms, collectively known as the root-microbiome, which modulate plant growth, development and contribute to elemental nutrient uptake. In conditions of nitrogen limitation, the over-expressed Calcineurin B-like interacting protein kinase 2 (OsCIPK2) gene with root-specific promoter (RC) has been shown to enhance growth and nitrogen uptake in rice. Analysis of root-associated bacteria through high-throughput sequencing revealed that OsCIPK2 has a significant impact on the diversity of the root microbial community under low nitrogen stress. The quantification of nifH gene expression demonstrated a significant enhancement in nitrogen-fixing capabilities in the roots of RC transgenetic rice. Synthetic microbial communities (SynCom) consisting of six nitrogen-fixing bacterial strains were observed to be enriched in the roots of RC, leading to a substantial improvement in rice growth and nitrogen uptake in nitrogen-deficient soils. Forty and twenty-three metabolites exhibiting differential abundance were identified in the roots and rhizosphere soils of RC transgenic rice compared to wild-type (WT) rice. These findings suggest that OSCIPK2 plays a role in restructuring the microbial community in the roots through the regulation of metabolite synthesis and secretion. Further experiments involving the exogenous addition of citric acid revealed that an optimal concentration of this compound facilitated the growth of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and substantially augmented their population in the soil, highlighting the importance of citric acid in promoting nitrogen fixation under conditions of low nitrogen availability. These findings suggest that OsCIPK2 plays a role in enhancing nitrogen uptake by rice plants from the soil by influencing the assembly of root microbial communities, thereby offering valuable insights for enhancing nitrogen utilization in rice cultivation.
Impact of cobalt and proline foliar application for alleviation of salinity stress in radish
Authors: Inayat Hira , Mehmood Hassan , Danish Subhan , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Datta Rahul
Published: April 2024

Salinity stress ranks among the most prevalent stress globally, contributing to soil deterioration. Its negative impacts on crop productivity stem from mechanisms such as osmotic stress, ion toxicity, and oxidative stress, all of which impede plant growth and yield. The effect of cobalt with proline on mitigating salinity impact in radish plants is still unclear. That’s why the current study was conducted with aim to explore the impact of different levels of Co and proline on radish cultivated in salt affected soils. There were four levels of cobalt, i.e., (0, 10, 15 and 20 mg/L) applied as CoSO4 and two levels of proline (0 and 0.25 mM), which were applied as foliar. The treatments were applied in a complete randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Results showed that 20 CoSO4with proline showed improvement in shoot length (∼ 20%), root length (∼ 23%), plant dry weight (∼ 19%), and plant fresh weight (∼ 41%) compared to control. The significant increase in chlorophyll, physiological and biochemical attributes of radish plants compared to the control confirms the efficacy of 20 CoSO4in conjunction with 10 mg/L proline for mitigating salinity stress. In conclusion, application of cobalt with proline can help to alleviate salinity stress in radish plants. However, multiple location experiments with various levels of cobalt and proline still needs in-depth investigations to validate the current findings.
Promoter variations of ClERF1 gene determines flesh firmness in watermelon
Authors: Zhou Yimei , Shen Qinghui , Cai Lingmin , Zhao Haoshun , Zhang Kejia , Ma Yuyuan , Bo Yongming , Lyu Xiaolong , Yang Jinghua , Hu Zhongyuan , Zhang Mingfang
Published: April 2024

Background

Flesh firmness is a critical factor that influences fruit storability, shelf-life and consumer’s preference as well. However, less is known about the key genetic factors that are associated with flesh firmness in fresh fruits like watermelon.

Results

In this study, through bulk segregant analysis (BSA-seq), we identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) that influenced variations in flesh firmness among recombinant inbred lines (RIL) developed from cross between the Citrullus mucosospermus accession ZJU152 with hard-flesh and Citrullus lanatus accession ZJU163 with soft-flesh. Fine mapping and sequence variations analyses revealed that ethylene-responsive factor 1 (ClERF1) was the most likely candidate gene for watermelon flesh firmness. Furthermore, several variations existed in the promoter region between ClERF1 of two parents, and significantly higher expressions of ClERF1 were found in hard-flesh ZJU152 compared with soft-flesh ZJU163 at key developmental stages. DUAL-LUC and GUS assays suggested much stronger promoter activity in ZJU152 over ZJU163. In addition, the kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) genotyping datasets of RIL populations and germplasm accessions further supported ClERF1 as a possible candidate gene for fruit flesh firmness variability and the hard-flesh genotype might only exist in wild species C. mucosospermus. Through yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and dual luciferase assay, we found that ClERF1 could directly bind to the promoters of auxin-responsive protein (ClAux/IAA) and exostosin family protein (ClEXT) and positively regulated their expressions influencing fruit ripening and cell wall biosynthesis.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that ClERF1 encoding an ethylene-responsive factor 1 is associated with flesh firmness in watermelon and provide mechanistic insight into the regulation of flesh firmness, and the ClERF1 gene is potentially applicable to the molecular improvement of fruit-flesh firmness by design breeding.
Is alcohol and psychoactive medication use associated with excess hospital length-of-stay and admission frequency? A cross-sectional, observational study
Authors: Gamboa Danil , Kabashi Saranda , Jørgenrud Benedicte , Lerdal Anners , Nordby Gudmund , Bogstrand Stig Tore
Published: April 2024

Background

Hospital length-of-stay and admission frequency are commonly used indicators of disease burden and health resource expenditures. However, the impact of psychoactive prescription medication use and harmful alcohol consumption on both the duration and frequency of hospital admissions is under-explored.

Methods

We conducted an analysis of data gathered from 2872 patients admitted to the Emergency Department at Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital in Oslo, Norway. Psychoactive medicines (benzodiazepines, opioids, and z-hypnotics) were detected via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of whole blood, while alcohol consumption was self-reported through the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-4 (AUDIT-4). Using logistic regression, we examined associations with our primary outcomes, which were excess length-of-stay and admission frequency, defined as exceeding the sample median of 3.0 days and 0.2 admissions per year, respectively.

Results

Compared to the absence of psychoactive medication, and after adjusting for age, gender, malignant disease, pre-existing substance use disorder and admission due to intoxication, the detection of two or more psychoactive medicines was associated with both excess length-of-stay (odds ratio [OR], 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20 to 2.14) and yearly hospitalization rate (OR, 3.72; 95% CI, 2.64 to 5.23). This association persisted when increasing the definition for excess length-of-stay to 4 and 5 days and to 1.0 and 1.5 admissions per year for admission frequency. Harmful alcohol consumption (AUDIT-4 scores of 9 to 16) was not associated with excess length-of-stay, but with excess admission frequency when defined as more than 1.0 admission per year when compared to scores of 4 to 6 (OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.58 to 4.57).

Conclusions

Psychoactive medication use is associated with both excess length-of-stay and increased antecedent admission frequency, while harmful alcohol consumption may be associated with the latter. The utility of our findings as a causal factor should be explored through intervention-based study designs.
Downregulation of lncRNA EPB41L4A-AS1 promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion
Authors: Ma Jiancang , Feng Yingying , Xu Jinkai , Li Zongyu , Lai Jingyue , Guan Hao
Published: April 2024

Background

The incidence of gastric cancer ranks the first among digestive tract tumors in China. However, there are no specific symptoms in the early stage of the tumor and the diagnosis process is complex, so more effective detection methods are very needed. In this study, a novel long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) was introduced as a diagnostic biomarker for gastric cancer, which brought new thinking to the exploration of its pathological mechanism and clinical prediction.

Methods

The level of lncRNA EPB41L4A-AS1 (EPB41L4A-AS1) in gastric cancer serum and cells was verified via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed based on the EPB41L4A-AS1 level, and the diagnostic possibility of EPB41L4A-AS was analyzed. The chi-square test evaluated the correlation between EPB41L4A-AS expression and clinical information. The cells were cultured and transfected in vitro, and the mediations of abnormal EPB41L4A-AS level on the viability and motility of gastric cancer cells were verified through cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Transwell assay. Furthermore, luciferase activity assay was performed to confirm the sponge molecule microRNA-17-5p (miR-17-5p) of EPB41L4A-AS1.

Results

EPB41L4A-AS1 was decreased in gastric cancer, and low EPB41L4A-AS1 level indicated resultful diagnostic value. Overexpression of EPB41L4A-AS1 inhibited the activity of gastric cancer cells, while knockdown of EPB41L4A-AS1 promoted tumor deterioration. EPB41L4A-AS1 directly targeted and regulated the expression ofmiR-17-5p.

Conclusion

This study elaborated that EPB41L4A-AS1 is lowly expressed in gastric cancer. Silencing EPB41L4A-AS1 was beneficial to cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. EPB41L4A-AS1 provides a new possibility for the diagnosis of gastric cancer patients by targeting miR-17-5p.
The role of piRNAs in predicting and prognosing in cancer: a focus on piRNA-823 (a systematic review and meta-analysis)
Authors: Taghizadeh Mohammad , Jafari-Koshki Tohid , Jafarlou Vahid , Raeisi Mortaza , Alizadeh Leila , Roosta Yousef , Matin Somaieh , Jabari Rahele , Sur Daniel , Karimi Abbas
Published: April 2024

Introduction

This article examines the potential of using liquid biopsy with piRNAs to study cancer survival outcomes. While previous studies have explored the relationship between piRNA expression and cancer patient outcomes, a comprehensive investigation is still lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature.

Methods

We searched major online databases up to February 2024 to identify articles reporting on the role of piRNA in cancer patient survival outcomes. Our meta-analysis used a random-effects model to pool hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and assess the prognostic value of deregulated piRNA-823. For survival analysis, the Kaplan–Meier method and COX analysis were used.

Results

Out of 6104 articles screened, 20 met our inclusion criteria. Our analysis revealed that dysregulated piRNA expression is associated with cancer patient survival outcomes. Specifically, our meta-analysis found that overexpression of piR-823 is significantly linked with poorer overall survival in patients with colorectal cancer and renal cell cancer (HR: 3.82, 95% CI = [1.81, 8.04], I2 = 70%).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that various piRNAs may play a role in cancer survival outcomes and that piRNA-823 in particular holds promise as a prognostic biomarker for multiple human cancers.

Implications for cancer survivors

Our systematic review and meta-analysis of piRNA-823 has important implications for cancer survivors. Our findings suggest that piRNA-823 can be used as a prognostic biomarker for predicting cancer recurrence and survival rates. This information can help clinicians develop personalized treatment plans for cancer survivors, which can improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of recurrence.
HAIC Combined with lenvatinib plus PD-1 versus lenvatinib Plus PD-1 in patients with high-risk advanced HCC: a real-world study
Authors: Chang Xu , Li Xinge , Sun Peng , Li Zhenfeng , Sun Pengfei , Ning Shangkun
Published: April 2024

Background

The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients exhibiting high-risk characteristics (Vp4, and/or bile duct invasion, and/or tumor occupancy ≥ 50%) lacks standardized approaches and yields unfavorable results. This study endeavors to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and prognostic impacts of employing hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC), lenvatinib, and humanized programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) in the treatment of high-risk HCC patients.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, HCC patients with high-risk features were treated with either lenvatinib combined with PD-1 (LEN-PD1) or a combination of HAIC, lenvatinib, and PD-1 (HAIC-LEN-PD1). The study assessed the antitumor efficacy by calculating overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR). Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were analyzed to assess the safety profiles.

Results

Between June 2019 and September 2022, a total of 61 patients were included in the LEN-PD1 group, while 103 patients were enrolled in the HAIC-LEN-PD1 group. The OS was 9.8 months in the LEN-PD1 group, whereas the HAIC-LEN-PD1 group exhibited a significantly longer median OS of 19.3 months (HR = 0.43, p < 0.001). Furthermore, PFS was notably extended in the HAIC-LEN-PD1 group compared to the LEN-PD1 group (9.6 months vs. 4.9 months, HR = 0.48, p < 0.001). Patients in the HAIC-LEN-PD1 group had a higher ORR and DCR according to the modified RECIST (76.7% vs. 23.0%, p < 0.001; 92.2% vs. 72.1%, p = 0.001). HAIC-LEN-HAIC group led to more adverse events than LEN-PD1 group, most of which were tolerable and controllable.

Conclusion

Lenvatinib, HAIC and PD-1 showed safe and promising anti-tumor activity compared with lenvatinib alone for HCC with high-risk features.