bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of forager honey bee appetite independent of the glucose-insulin signaling pathway
Authors: Ghanem Saleh , Akülkü İrem , Güzle Kübra , Khan Zaeema , Mayack Christopher
Published: February 2024

Introduction

To maintain energetic homeostasis the energetic state of the individual needs to communicate with appetite regulatory mechanisms on a regular basis. Although hunger levels indicated by the energetic state and appetite levels, the desire for food intake, tend to be correlated, and on their own are well studied, how the two cross-talk and regulate one another is less known. Insects, in contrast to vertebrates, tend to have trehalose as the primary sugar found in the hemolymph, which could possibly serve as an alternative monitor of the energetic state in comparison to the glucose-insulin signaling pathway, found in vertebrates.

Methods

We investigate how manipulating hemolymph sugar levels alter the biogenic amines in the honey bee brain, appetite levels, and insulin like peptide gene expression, across three age classes, to determine how the energetic state of the honey bee might be connected to appetite regulation.

Results

We found that only in the forager bees, with a lowering of hemolymph trehalose levels, there was an increase in octopamine and a decrease in tyramine levels in the honey bee brain that corresponded with increased appetite levels, while there was no significant changes in Insulin Like Peptide-1 or 2 gene expression.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that hemolymph trehalose levels aid in regulating appetite levels, in forager bees, via octopamine and tyramine, and this regulation appears to be functioning independent of the glucose insulin signaling pathway. Whether this potentially more direct and rapid appetite regulatory pathway can be generalized to other insects, which also undergo energy demanding activities, remains to be investigated.
Molecular phylogeny and ethology of the Family Plagiostomidae (Platyhelminthes, Prolecithophora), with integrative description of a new species, Plagiostomum robusta A. Wang, sp. nov.
Authors: Wang Yujia , Huang Jiajie , Zhang Yu , Wang Antai
Published: February 2024

The taxon Prolecithophora, which is closely related to the well-known clade Tricladida, is rarely studied, particularly in terms of molecular phylogeny and behavioral characteristics. In this study, we employed an integrative analysis of molecular phylogeny, histology, and ethology to describe a new marine species, Plagiostomum robusta A.Wang, sp. nov. of the order Prolecithophora. Additionally, we obtained its nearly complete mitogenome sequence with annotations of 12 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes and 22 tRNA genes. P. robusta is characterized by several features, including a pair of short tentacles, a terminal mouth and a terminal gonopore, a large variable pharynx, two extended front ends of the intestine, paired testes located behind the ovaries and outside the vitellaria, a muscular and movable distal sac, and a long tubular penis surrounded by a sheath. The phylogenetic analysis, based on 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA, revealed that the new species formed a clade with six Plagiostomum flatworms, indicating a close kinship with Plagiostomum. Despite contradictions between the traditional morphological classification system and the results of molecular phylogenetics, we chose to assign the new species to Plagiostomum based on comprehensive considerations. Moreover, our study has provided more insights into the behavioral features of Plagiostomidae species, as we found that P. robusta fed on other flatworms and engaged in cannibalism, and unexpectedly it mated via hypodermic inpregnation. This study represents the first comprehensive description of the reproductive behavior of Plagiostomidae species, contributing to the more in-depth understanding of the biological characteristics of this group.
Current clinical opinion on surgical approaches and rehabilitation of hand flexor tendon injury—a questionnaire study
Authors: Xue Ruikang , Wong Jason , Imere Angela , King Heather , Clegg Peter , Cartmell Sarah
Published: February 2024

The management of flexor tendon injury has seen many iterations over the years, but more substantial innovations in practice have been sadly lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the current practice of flexor tendon injury management, and variation in practice from the previous reports, most troublesome complications, and whether there was a clinical interest in potential innovative tendon repair technologies. An online survey was distributed via the British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) and a total of 132 responses were collected anonymously. Results showed that although most surgeons followed the current medical recommendation based on the literature, a significant number of surgeons still employed more conventional treatments in clinic, such as general anesthesia, ineffective tendon retrieval techniques, and passive rehabilitation. Complications including adhesion formation and re-rupture remained persistent. The interest in new approaches such as use of minimally invasive instruments, biodegradable materials and additive manufactured devices was not strong, however the surgeons were potentially open to more effective and economic solutions.
Investigating causal associations among gut microbiota, metabolites, and psoriatic arthritis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xu Xiao , Wu Lin-yun , Wang Shu-yun , Yan Min , Wang Yuan-Hong , Li Li , Sun Zhi-ling , Zhao Ji-Xiang
Published: February 2024

Background

Currently, there has been observed a significant alteration in the composition of the gut microbiome (GM) and serum metabolites in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) compared to healthy individuals. However, previous observational studies have shown inconsistent results regarding the alteration of gut microbiota/metabolites. In order to shed light on this matter, we utilized Mendelian randomization to determine the causal effect of GM/metabolites on PsA.

Methods

We retrieved summary-level data of GM taxa/metabolites and PsA from publicly available GWAS statistics. Causal relationships between GM/metabolites and PsA were determined using a two-sample MR analysis, with the IVW approach serving as the primary analysis method. To ensure the robustness of our findings, we conducted sensitivity analyses, multivariable MR analysis (MVMR), and additional analysis including replication verification analysis, LDSC regression, and Steiger test analysis. Furthermore, we investigated reverse causality through a reverse MR analysis. Finally, we conducted an analysis of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) involved in the metabolic pathway to explore potential molecular mechanisms of metabolism.

Results

Our findings reveal that eight GM taxa and twenty-three serum metabolites are causally related to PsA (P< 0.05). Notably, a higher relative abundance of FamilyRikenellaceae(ORIVW: 0.622, 95% CI: 0.438–0.883, FDR = 0.045) and elevated serum levels of X-11538 (ORIVW: 0.442, 95% CI: 0.250–0.781, FDR = 0.046) maintain significant causal associations with a reduced risk of PsA, even after adjusting for multiple testing correction and conducting MVMR analysis. These findings suggest that FamilyRikenellaceaeand X-11538 may have protective effects against PsA. Our sensitivity analysis and additional analysis revealed no significant horizontal pleiotropy, reverse causality, or heterogeneity. The functional enrichment analysis revealed that the eQTLs examined were primarily associated with glycerolipid metabolism and the expression of key metabolic factors influenced by bacterial infections (Vibrio choleraeandHelicobacter pylori) as well as the mTOR signaling pathway.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study demonstrates that FamilyRikenellaceae and X-11538 exhibit a strong and negative causal relationship with PsA. These particular GM taxa and metabolites have the potential to serve as innovative biomarkers, offering valuable insights into the treatment and prevention of PsA. Moreover, bacterial infections and mTOR-mediated activation of metabolic factors may play an important role in this process.
Dynamics of the soil microbial community associated with Morchella cultivation: diversity, assembly mechanism and yield prediction
Authors: Yue Yihong , Hao Haibo , Wang Qian , Xiao Tingting , Zhang Yuchen , Chen Qun , Chen Hui , Zhang Jinjing
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The artificial cultivation of morels has been a global research focus owing to production variability. Understanding the microbial ecology in cultivated soil is essential to increase morel yield and alleviate pathogen harm.

Methods

A total of nine Morchella cultivation experiments in four soil field types, forest, paddy, greenhouse, and orchard in Shanghai city were performed to determine the potential ecological relationship between Morchella growth and soil microbial ecology.

Results

Generally, significant variation was observed in the soil microbial diversity and composition between the different experimental field types. The niche width analysis indicated that the bacterial habitat niche breadth was significantly greater than the fungal community width, which was further confirmed by a null model that revealed that homogeneous selection could explain 46.26 and 53.64% of the variance in the bacterial and fungal assemblies, respectively. Moreover, the neutral community model revealed that stochastic processes dominate the bacterial community in forests and paddies and both the bacterial and fungal communities in orchard crops, whereas deterministic processes mostly govern the fungal community in forests and paddies and both the bacterial and the fungal communities in greenhouses. Furthermore, co-occurrence patterns were constructed, and the results demonstrated that the dynamics of the soil microbial community are related to fluctuations in soil physicochemical characteristics, especially soil potassium. Importantly, structural equation modeling further demonstrated that the experimental soil type significantly affects the potassium content of the soil, which can directly or indirectly promote Morchella yield by inhibiting soil fungal richness.

Discussion

This was the first study to predict morel yield through soil potassium fertilizer and soil fungal community richness, which provides new insights into deciphering the importance of microbial ecology in morel agroecosystems.
Cognitive telerehabilitation: an expert consensus paper on current evidence and future perspective
Authors: Maggio Maria Grazia , Baglio Francesca , Arcuri Francesco , Borgnis Francesca , Contrada Marianna , Diaz Marcos Daniel Maldonado , Leochico Carl Froilan , Neira Nicolas Jimenez , Laratta Stefania , Suchan Boris , Tonin Paolo , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore
Published: February 2024

The progressive improvement of the living conditions and medical care of the population in industrialized countries has led to improvement in healthcare interventions, including rehabilitation. From this perspective, Telerehabilitation (TR) plays an important role. TR consists of the application of telemedicine to rehabilitation to offer remote rehabilitation services to the population unable to reach healthcare. TR integrates therapy-recovery-assistance, with continuity of treatments, aimed at neurological and psychological recovery, involving the patient in a family environment, with an active role also of the caregivers. This leads to reduced healthcare costs and improves the continuity of specialist care, as well as showing efficacy for the treatment of cognitive disorders, and leading to advantages for patients and their families, such as avoiding travel, reducing associated costs, improving the frequency, continuity, and comfort of performing the rehabilitation in its own spaces, times and arrangements. The aim of this consensus paper is to investigate the current evidence on the use and effectiveness of TR in the cognitive field, trying to also suggest some recommendations and future perspectives. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first consensus paper among multiple expert researchers that comprehensively examines TR in different neurological diseases. Our results supported the efficacy and feasibility of TR with good adherence and no adverse events among patients. Our consensus summarizes the current evidence for the application of cognitive TR in neurological populations, highlighting the potential of this tool, but also the limitations that need to be explored further.
Influence of the Mediterranean diet on seminal quality—a systematic review
Authors: Piera-Jordan Clara Ángela , Prieto Huecas Laura , Serrano De La Cruz Delgado Verónica , Zaragoza Martí Ana , García Velert María Belén , Tordera Terrades Cristina , Sánchez-SanSegundo Miriam , Hurtado-Sánchez José Antonio , Tuells José , Martín Manchado Laura
Published: February 2024

Currently, there is a growing interest in the study of fertility because fertility-related problems affect up to 15% of the world’s population. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the Mediterranean diet on seminal quality in men of reproductive age. For this purpose, a systematic review of the literature was carried out following the PRISMA method. Electronic searches were carried out in the international databases PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. In total, 10 articles with 2032 men were included. As inclusion criteria, articles published between 2012 and 2022 were selected, including those that included men aged between 18 and 55 years. Nutritional status was assessed through weight, height, and BMI. Dietary habits were evaluated through different indexes and food frequency questionnaires, and finally, semen quality was evaluated by measuring sperm concentration and motility (progressive and non-progressive). In six (60%) of the included articles, a positive relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and semen quality was demonstrated; in two (20%) of the articles, no association was found; and finally, in two (20%) of the included articles, the relationship between dietary patterns typical of DM and semen quality was evaluated. Dietary habits influence semen quality. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet can improve male reproductive health, as it is a diet with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This is the first systematic review about the influence of the Mediterranean diet on semen quality, and the results are positive. These findings may allow us to provide better advice to our patients and to establish interventions with the aim of improving the results of assisted reproduction techniques.
Intuitive eating has reduced the chances of being overweight in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Souto Caroline Rodrigues , Salaroli Luciane Bresciani , da Silva Gabriela Grillo , Cattafesta Monica , Silva Yasmin Franco Rodrigues , Soares Fabíola Lacerda Pires
Published: February 2024

Introduction

University students have been particularly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, and several sociodemographic and behavioral factors may be associated with the risk of overweight in this population. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the pandemic on the eating behavior and nutritional status of university students, and the factors associated with these changes, especially the role of intuitive eating in this process.

Methods

This is a repeated measures observational study with data collected in the first and third year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, from students over the age of 18 in the undergraduate programs of a federal university in southeastern Brazil. The survey was conducted using an online form. Eating behavior was assessed using the “Intuitive Eating Scale–2”.

Results

251 university students took part, most of them female with a median age of 22. There was an increase in body mass index (BMI) and intuitive eating score between the two periods. In the first year of the pandemic, being female and using tobacco reduced the chances of students being overweight. Living in a marital relationship, worrying about weight gain and body dissatisfaction increased the chances of this outcome. In the third year of the pandemic, it was observed that practicing restrictive diets, having inadequate body perception, worrying about weight gain and living in a marital relationship increased the chances of students being overweight. Being female and eating more intuitively, in line with bodily needs, reduced these odds, demonstrating a protective role in this scenario.

Conclusion

There was an increase in BMI and intuitive eating score during the pandemic. Sociodemographic, lifestyle and behavioral variables had both a positive and negative influence on nutritional status. Intuitive eating was shown to be a protective factor during this period, reducing the chances of being overweight in this population. Thus, more intuitive eating may favor greater weight stability, and may, therefore, have helped to reduce the impact of the pandemic on weight gain. In this way, people who ate more intuitively partially resisted the context that favored weight gain (stress, changes in diet and physical inactivity).
Machine learning algorithms to uncover risk factors of breast cancer: insights from a large case-control study
Authors: Dianati-Nasab Mostafa , Salimifard Khodakaram , Mohammadi Reza , Saadatmand Sara , Fararouei Mohammad , Hosseini Kosar S. , Jiavid-Sharifi Behshid , Chaussalet Thierry , Dehdar Samira
Published: February 2024

Introduction

This large case-control study explored the application of machine learning models to identify risk factors for primary invasive incident breast cancer (BC) in the Iranian population. This study serves as a bridge toward improved BC prevention, early detection, and management through the identification of modifiable and unmodifiable risk factors.

Methods

The dataset includes 1,009 cases and 1,009 controls, with comprehensive data on lifestyle, health-behavior, reproductive and sociodemographic factors. Different machine learning models, namely Random Forest (RF), Neural Networks (NN), Bootstrap Aggregating Classification and Regression Trees (Bagged CART), and Extreme Gradient Boosting Tree (XGBoost), were employed to analyze the data.

Results

The findings highlight the significance of a chest X-ray history, deliberate weight loss, abortion history, and post-menopausal status as predictors. Factors such as second-hand smoking, lower education, menarche age (>14), occupation (employed), first delivery age (18-23), and breastfeeding duration (>42 months) were also identified as important predictors in multiple models. The RF model exhibited the highest Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.9, as indicated by the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. Following closely was the Bagged CART model with an AUC of 0.89, while the XGBoost model achieved a slightly lower AUC of 0.78. In contrast, the NN model demonstrated the lowest AUC of 0.74. On the other hand, the RF model achieved an accuracy of 83.9% and a Kappa coefficient of 67.8% and the XGBoost, achieved a lower accuracy of 82.5% and a lower Kappa coefficient of 0.6.

Conclusion

This study could be beneficial for targeted preventive measures according to the main risk factors for BC among high-risk women.
Case report: A rare case of triple negative breast cancer with development of acute pancreatitis due to dexamethasone during adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Ohmura Hirofumi , Tobo Taro , Ando Yuki , Masuda Takaaki , Mimori Koshi , Akashi Koichi , Baba Eishi
Published: February 2024

Here, we present the case of a 42-year-old female who developed acute pancreatitis due to dexamethasone during adjuvant chemotherapy for early triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). The patient received partial mastectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy for early TNBC (cT1N0M0, cStage I) of the left breast. Dose-dense doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide (ddAC) was administered as the adjuvant-chemotherapy; however, epigastralgia appeared on the fifth day of the first administration. A blood test showed a remarkable increase of serum pancreatic enzyme levels and computed tomography (CT) showed the swelling of pancreas and surrounding effusion, and she was diagnosed with moderate acute pancreatitis. As she had no history of excessive alcohol consumption or complication of cholelithiasis, dyslipidemia, or pancreatic neoplasm, drug-induced pancreatitis was suspected. Dexamethasone, which was administered as an antiemetic, was the suspected drug based on the drug administration history and previous report, and dexamethasone was discontinued from the second administration of ddAC. There was subsequently no recurrence of pancreatitis with no increase in serum pancreatic enzyme levels, and it was possible to complete adjuvant-chemotherapy. Alcohol, gallstones, dyslipidemia, and drugs have been reported as causes of pancreatitis; however, steroid-induced acute pancreatitis is extremely rare. We present the first case of acute pancreatitis induced by dexamethasone as the antiemetic.
Electrochemotherapy for head and neck cancers: possibilities and limitations
Authors: Morozas Arnoldas , Malyško-Ptašinskė Veronika , Kulbacka Julita , Ivaška Justinas , Ivaškienė Tatjana , Novickij Vitalij
Published: February 2024

Head and neck cancer continues to be among the most prevalent types of cancer globally, yet it can be managed with appropriate treatment approaches. Presently, chemotherapy and radiotherapy stand as the primary treatment modalities for various groups and regions affected by head and neck cancer. Nonetheless, these treatments are linked to adverse side effects in patients. Moreover, due to tumor resistance to multiple drugs (both intrinsic and extrinsic) and radiotherapy, along with numerous other factors, recurrences or metastases often occur. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) emerges as a clinically proven alternative that offers high efficacy, localized effect, and diminished negative factors. Electrochemotherapy involves the treatment of solid tumors by combining a non-permeable cytotoxic drug, such as bleomycin, with a locally administered pulsed electric field (PEF). It is crucial to employ this method effectively by utilizing optimal PEF protocols and drugs at concentrations that do not possess inherent cytotoxic properties. This review emphasizes an examination of diverse clinical practices of ECT concerning head and neck cancer. It specifically delves into the treatment procedure, the choice of anti-cancer drugs, pre-treatment planning, PEF protocols, and electroporation electrodes as well as the efficacy of tumor response to the treatment and encountered obstacles. We have also highlighted the significance of assessing the spatial electric field distribution in both tumor and adjacent tissues prior to treatment as it plays a pivotal role in determining treatment success. Finally, we compare the ECT methodology to conventional treatments to highlight the potential for improvement and to facilitate popularization of the technique in the area of head and neck cancers where it is not widespread yet while it is not the case with other cancer types.
Intravenous metastasis of unexpected uterine sarcoma in the context of uterine fibroids: case report and literature review
Authors: Huang Wenying , Zhang Tianwei , Wang Hui , Liu Zhengchun , Zhai Peiling , Wang Xinbo , Wang Shuai
Published: February 2024

Objective

Endometrial stromal tumors are rare and complex mesenchymal tumors that often present with clinical symptoms similar to uterine leiomyomas. Due to their atypical nature, they are prone to be misdiagnosed or overlooked by healthcare professionals. This study presents a case report of an incidentally discovered endometrial stromal sarcoma with venous metastasis, which was initially misdiagnosed as a uterine leiomyoma. In addition, this study reviews previously documented cases of similar tumors.

Case report

During a routine medical examination in 2016, a 50-year-old woman was diagnosed with uterine fibroids. In June 2020, she began experiencing moderate, irregular vaginal bleeding. Nevertheless, a histopathological examination indicated an endometrial stromal sarcoma with a striking amalgamation of both low-grade and high-grade features. Molecular analysis identified a rare MED12 gene mutation. The patient underwent total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingectomy, and resection of the metastatic lesions. Postoperative management included radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. After completion of chemotherapy, the patient was followed up for 27 months with no evidence of tumor recurrence.

Conclusion

This case report highlights the importance of pathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular aspects of this rare tumor involving the inferior vena cava and showing the presence of atypical gene mutations. The successful treatment outcome further emphasizes the importance of advances in diagnostic modalities for managing rare tumors like this.
Biomarkers for assessing pain and pain relief in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: ten Barge Judith A. , Baudat Mathilde , Meesters Naomi J. , Kindt Alida , Joosten Elbert A. , Reiss Irwin K.M. , Simons Sinno H.P. , van den Bosch Gerbrich E.
Published: February 2024

Newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) regularly undergo painful procedures and may face various painful conditions such as postoperative pain. Optimal management of pain in these vulnerable preterm and term born neonates is crucial to ensure their comfort and prevent negative consequences of neonatal pain. This entails accurate and timely identification of pain, non-pharmacological pain treatment and if needed administration of analgesic therapy, evaluation of treatment effectiveness, and monitoring of adverse effects. Despite the widely recognized importance of pain management, pain assessment in neonates has thus far proven to be a challenge. As self-report, the gold standard for pain assessment, is not possible in neonates, other methods are needed. Several observational pain scales have been developed, but these often rely on snapshot and largely subjective observations and may fail to capture pain in certain conditions. Incorporation of biomarkers alongside observational pain scores holds promise in enhancing pain assessment and, by extension, optimizing pain treatment and neonatal outcomes. This review explores the possibilities of integrating biomarkers in pain assessment in the NICU.
Hematological profile, inflammatory markers and serum liver enzymes in COVID 19 positive children vs. COVID 19 negative ones—a comparative study
Authors: Pavelescu Mirela Luminița , Dinulescu Alexandru , Păsărică Alexandru-Sorin , Dijmărescu Irina , Păcurar Daniela
Published: February 2024

Background

Complete blood count, C-reactive protein and transaminases are routine laboratory parameters investigated in children with infections, including COVID 19. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these parameters in children diagnosed with COVID 19.

Methods

At the time of admission, children with COVID 19 suggestive symptoms were tested RT-PCR for SARS CoV-2 and were allocated to either the study group (RT-PCR SARS CoV-2 positive) or control group (RT-PCR SARS CoV-2 negative). All children were evaluated by complete blood count, CRP, and transaminases.

Results

When comparing the two groups, we identified significantly lower values for leukocytes (p < 0.001), neutrophils (p < 0.001), lymphocytes (p < 0.001) and thrombocytes (p = 0.014), but no significantly different values for CRP (p = 0.916) and monocytes (p = 0.082). A diagnostic score for COVID-19 was compiled using the abovementioned parameters—presence of fever, number of lymphocytes and aspartate-aminotransferase. Performance was tested, showing a positive discrimination value (AUC of 0.703)—81.5% sensitivity, 50.6% specificity.

Conclusions

The leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes have significantly lower values in COVID-19 children. The proposed score based on the presence of fever the values of lymphocytes and AST has a good sensitivity in predicting COVID-19 infection.
Network pharmacology, molecular simulation, and binding free energy calculation-based investigation of Neosetophomone B revealed key targets for the treatment of cancer
Authors: Khan Abbas , Waheed Yasir , Kuttikrishnan Shilpa , Prabhu Kirti S. , El-Elimat Tamam , Uddin Shahab , Alali Feras Q. , Agouni Abdelali
Published: February 2024

In the current study, Neosetophomone B (NSP–B) was investigated for its anti-cancerous potential using network pharmacology, quantum polarized ligand docking, molecular simulation, and binding free energy calculation. Using SwissTarget prediction, and Superpred, the molecular targets for NSP-B were predicted while cancer-associated genes were obtained from DisGeNet. Among the total predicted proteins, only 25 were reported to overlap with the disease-associated genes. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed by using Cytoscape and STRING databases. MCODE was used to detect the densely connected subnetworks which revealed three sub-clusters. Cytohubba predicted four targets, i.e., fibroblast growth factor , FGF20, FGF22, and FGF23 as hub genes. Molecular docking of NSP-B based on a quantum-polarized docking approach with FGF6, FGF20, FGF22, and FGF23 revealed stronger interactions with the key hotspot residues. Moreover, molecular simulation revealed a stable dynamic behavior, good structural packing, and residues’ flexibility of each complex. Hydrogen bonding in each complex was also observed to be above the minimum. In addition, the binding free energy was calculated using the MM/GBSA (Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area) and MM/PBSA (Molecular Mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area) approaches. The total binding free energy calculated using the MM/GBSA approach revealed values of −36.85 kcal/mol for the FGF6-NSP-B complex, −43.87 kcal/mol for the FGF20-NSP-B complex, and −37.42 kcal/mol for the FGF22-NSP-B complex, and −41.91 kcal/mol for the FGF23-NSP-B complex. The total binding free energy calculated using the MM/PBSA approach showed values of −30.05 kcal/mol for the FGF6-NSP-B complex, −39.62 kcal/mol for the FGF20-NSP-B complex, −34.89 kcal/mol for the FGF22-NSP-B complex, and −37.18 kcal/mol for the FGF23-NSP-B complex. These findings underscore the promising potential of NSP-B against FGF6, FGF20, FGF22, and FGF23, which are reported to be essential for cancer signaling. These results significantly bolster the potential of NSP-B as a promising candidate for cancer therapy.
Alteration in the number, morphology, function, and metabolism of erythrocytes in high-altitude polycythemia
Authors: Yu Song , Ye Yi , Wuren Tana , Yi Hai
Published: February 2024

Introduction: High-altitude polycythemia (HAPC) is a common chronic high-altitude disease characterized by significantly increased erythrocyte, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit values and decreased arterial oxygen saturation. The mechanisms underlying HAPC development are unclear; we aimed to investigate this in an HAPC rat model.

Methods: Twelve Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into control and HAPC groups. The HAPC group was exposed to hypobaric hypoxia. This HAPC model was assessed using routine blood tests and blood gas analyses. Bone marrow, peripheral blood reticulocytes (RETs), and peripheral blood erythrocyte apoptosis were measured using flow cytometry. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) tests were conducted. Abnormal erythrocytes were counted using electron microscopy. Plasma-free hemoglobin, 5′-nucleotidase (CD73), adenosine, erythrocyte cytosolic adenosine, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (BPG) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Erythrocyte metabolic pathway-related protein [adenosine A2B receptor (ADORA2B), erythrocyte equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (eENT1), sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1), phospho-SPHK1, bisphosphoglycerate mutase (BPGM), and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH)] levels were assessed by Western blotting.

Results: The HAPC rat model was successfully established (Hb > 210 g/L). Indices of bone marrow and peripheral blood RET proportions were significantly higher in the HAPC than the control group (p = 0.04 and p < 0.001, respectively). The proportion of peripheral blood erythrocytes in early apoptosis was significantly lower in the HAPC than the control group (p < 0.001). Vesicular erythrocyte and acanthocyte proportions were significantly higher in the HAPC than the control group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.019, respectively). The EOF tests revealed that 50% erythrocyte hemolysis occurred at 4.0–4.5 and 4.5–5.0 g/L NaCl in the control and HAPC groups, respectively. Plasma-free hemoglobin, CD73, adenosine, erythrocyte cytosolic adenosine, S1P, and 2,3-BPG levels and ADORA2B, eENT1, phospho-SPHK1, S1P, BPGM, and GAPDH erythrocyte expression levels (all p ≤ 0.02) were significantly higher in the HAPC than the control group.

Conclusion: In model rats, an HAPC-related erythrocyte increase was associated with enhanced bone marrow hematopoietic function and reduced erythrocyte apoptosis, whereas numerous abnormal erythrocytes, increased EOF, and reduced hemolysis resistance were associated with erythrocyte metabolism. CD73/adenosine/S1P/2,3-BPG and eENT1/adenosine/BPGM/2,3-BPG metabolic pathways in erythrocytes were activated in HAPC rats, facilitating oxygen release. These findings further reveal the intrinsic HAPC mechanism and forms a basis for future development of preventive and therapeutic strategies for HAPC.
Plant elicitor Peptides regulate root hair development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Jing Yanping , Zhao Fugeng , Lai Ke , Sun Fei , Sun Chenjie , Zou Xingyue , Xu Min , Fu Aigen , Sharifi Rouhallah , Chen Jian , Zheng Xiaojiang , Luan Sheng
Published: February 2024

Plant Elicitor Peptides (Peps) induce plant immune responses and inhibit root growth through their receptors PEPR1 and PEPR2, two receptor-like kinases. In our study, we found a previously unknown function of Peps that enhance root hair growth in a PEPRs-independent manner. When we characterized the expression patterns of PROPEP genes, we found several gene promoters of PROPEP gene family were particularly active in root hairs. Furthermore, we observed that PROPEP2 is vital for root hair development, as disruption of PROPEP2 gene led to a significant reduction in root hair density and length. We also discovered that PROPEP2 regulates root hair formation via the modulation of CPC and GL2 expression, thereby influencing the cell-fate determination of root hairs. Additionally, calcium signaling appeared to be involved in PROPEP2/Pep2-induced root hair growth. These findings shed light on the function of Peps in root hair development.
Emotionally intelligent school leadership predicts educator well-being before and during a crisis
Authors: Floman James L. , Ponnock Annette , Jain Jahnvi , Brackett Marc A.
Published: February 2024

We examined the role of educator perceptions of school leader emotion regulation (ER) and emotional support (ES) in educator well-being during a typical year and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on emotion contagion theory, leaders’ (in)ability to regulate their own emotions may trigger ripple effects of positive or negative emotions throughout their organizations, impacting staff well-being. Additionally, based on conservation of resources theory, when experiencing psychologically taxing events, skillful emotional support provided by leaders may help to replenish staff’s depleted psychological resources, promoting staff well-being. In two national studies, a cross-sectional (NStudy 1 = 4,847) and a two-wave study (NStudy 2 = 2,749), we tested the association between United States preK-12 educator perceptions of school leaders’ ER and ES with educator well-being before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, employing structural equation modeling and multilevel modeling. In Studies 1 and 2, educator reports of their leaders’ ER and ES skills predicted greater educator well-being, including higher positive affect and job satisfaction and lower emotional exhaustion and turnover intentions. In moderation analyses, perceived leader ER predicted well-being about equally among educators facing severe versus mild health impacts from COVID-19. In contrast, perceived leader ES was more strongly associated with educator well-being for some outcomes in those severely versus mildly impacted by COVID-19 illness and death. Leader ER played a role in the well-being of everyone, whereas leader ES was more predictive of well-being for those severely impacted by a crisis. Regarding implications for policy and practice, efforts to promote well-being among educators may be enhanced when combined with efforts to develop school leaders’ ER and ES skills, especially in times of crisis. Accordingly, school districts should consider the value of investing in systematic, evidence-based emotion skills training for their leaders.
The effect of wrongdoer’s status on observer punishment recommendations: the mediating role of envy and the moderating role of belief in a just world
Authors: Lin Zechuan , Cui Fengxiao , Wu Yue , Wei Qingwang
Published: February 2024

Our proposition postulates that the correlation between the wrongdoer’s status and the punishment suggestions of onlookers is primarily influenced by group-oriented envy rather than the ascription of intentionality and is moderated by the belief in a just world. In three separate studies, 389 university students were asked to read scenarios describing a hit-and-run crime committed by either a rich or a poor individual and then report their opinions on intentionality attribution (Study 1 and Study 2), envy emotions (Study 2), punishment recommendations (all three studies), and belief in a just world (Study 3). Consistently, the findings indicated that those observing recommended harsher penalties to be imposed upon high-status perpetrators engaging in the same wrongdoing (such as hit-and-run) as their low-status equivalents. The effect of the rich receiving more severe punishment was predicted more strongly by envious emotions than by intentionality attributions to high-status wrongdoers and was only present for those observers who endorsed a lower belief in a just world.
A 30-year trend of dairy consumption and its determinants among income groups in Iranian households
Authors: Roustaee Roshanak , Eini-Zinab Hassan , Ghodsi Delaram , Mehrparvar Hosseini Elham , Omidvar Nasrin , Hosseini Hedayat , Hosseini Mousavi Seyed Omid , Rafiee Hamed
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Milk and dairy products provide essential nutrients and have the potential to prevent chronic diseases, thus reducing healthcare costs. However, there is a lack of consistent and updated data on dairy consumption trends in Iran. This study aims to analyze the trends in dairy consumption among Iranian households from 1991 to 2021, focusing on household-level determinants across different expense groups.

Methods

The study uses data from the Iranian Household Expenditure and Income Survey conducted annually from 1991 to 2021 to analyze households’ dairy consumption. The data includes values and expenses of food and non-food items purchased in the previous month, as well as demographic characteristics of household members. The households were categorized into 10 deciles based on their gross expense. The econometric model used weighted mean per capita milk, yogurt, cheese, and total dairy consumption based on milk equivalent for each decile. The model takes into account changes in income, prices, household composition, education level, occupation, and residency area using panel data. Data preparation and model estimation were performed using RStudio and STATA17 software.

Results

Based on the findings, in 1991, per capita milk, yogurt, and cheese consumption were 26.77 kg, 16.63 kg, and 2.42 kg, respectively. By 2021, these figures changed to 22.68 kg, 11.06 kg, and 3.79 kg, reflecting a decrease in milk and yogurt consumption but an increase in cheese consumption. Family size was positively correlated with yogurt consumption and head of the household spouse’s job score were positively correlated with milk, yogurt and cheese consumption. Also, the presence of under five-year-old children and older adults members (over the age of 60) in the household was inversely related with yogurt and cheese consumption. Female-headed households tended to purchase more cheese, while their milk purchase level was significantly lower. Residing in urban areas was negatively related to milk, while cheese and total dairy consumption was higher in urban areas.

Discussion

The findings highlight the importance of targeted dairy subsidy interventions and educational programs to improve dairy consumption in Iranian households, especially among vulnerable groups. This will require urging policymakers and food system stakeholders for effective strategies that address macro-level factors to promote dairy consumption.
The single and mixed impacts of cadmium, cobalt, lead, and PAHs on systemic immunity inflammation index in male and female
Authors: Nie Junfeng , Hu Zhumin , Xian Cuiyao , He Minxing , Lu Dengqiu , Zhang Weipeng
Published: February 2024

Background

Studies on the association between mixed exposure to common pollutants such as cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with Systemic Immune Inflammatory Index (SII), a novel hemocyte-based inflammatory marker, have not been reported. This study explored the relationship between co-exposure to Cd, Co, Pb, PAHs, and SII.

Methods

In this study, we used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and enrolled adults with complete information on Cd, Co, Pb, PAHs, and SII. The linear regression was used to analyze the association of single pollutants with SII. Furthermore, a Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression analysis and a generalized weighted quantile sum regression analysis were used to analyze the association between mixed exposure to Cd, Co, Pb, and six PAHs and SII. We also separated males and females and analyzed the different effects of pollutants on SII, respectively.

Results

5,176 participants were included in the study. After adjusting for age, gender, race, education, smoking, drinking, physical activity, and sedentary, Cd, Co, 1-OHN, 2-OHN and 2-OHF were positive with SII in the total population. Compared with the 50th percentile, the joint effect of pollutants on SII was positive. In the total population, males, and females, the top contaminant with the highest effect weights on SII were Co, Cd, and 1-OHN, respectively. The result of interaction analysis showed that the low concentrations of Cd had an elevation effect on SII in males.

Conclusion

This study found a positive association of mixed exposure to Cd, Co, Pb, and six PAHs with SII, which occurred mainly in females.
Research and clinical updates on IRAK4 and its roles in inflammation and malignancy: themes and highlights from the 1st symposium on IRAK4 in cancer
Authors: Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Platzbecker Uwe , Lim Kian-Huat , Nowakowski Grzegorz , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Kantarjian Hagop , Verma Amit , Starczynowski Daniel T.
Published: February 2024

The intracellular serine/threonine interleukin 1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) is necessary for most signaling by activated Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Activation of IRAK4 drives activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and so promotes cell survival, inflammation, and other aspects of the adaptive immune response. However, the IRAK4 pathway can be coopted by cancers and lead to the survival and proliferation of malignant cells. Inappropriate IRAK4 activity has been linked with the progression of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), other hematologic malignancies, and some solid tumors, and preclinical cancer models indicate that IRAK4 inhibition has anti-tumor effects. As such, inhibition of IRAK4 is an emerging and attractive target for tumor suppression. The growing interest in IRAK4 motivated the 1st Symposium on IRAK4 in Cancer held in October 2022 to bring together IRAK4 researchers and clinicians to discuss new insights into the biology of IRAK4 and development of IRAK4 inhibitors. Presentations and discussions at the meeting provided updates on the biology of IRAK4 and its links with mutations in the spliceosome, new outcomes from preclinical models that indicate synergy between inhibitors of IRAK4 and FLT3 and BTK inhibitors, and an update on the clinical development of the investigational IRAK4 inhibitor emavusertib, currently being assessed in ongoing phase 1/2 clinical studies in hematologic cancers and several solid tumors.
The Contribution of the Underlying Factors to Socioeconomic Inequalities in Obesity: A Life Course Perspective
Authors: Dang Yusong , Duan Xinyu , Zhao Yaling , Zhou Jing , Ye Lu , Wang Duolao , Pei Leilei
Published: February 2024

Objectives: Socioeconomic disparities in obesity have been observed in both childhood and adulthood. However, it remains unclear how the role of risk factors influencing these inequalities has evolved over time.

Methods: Longitudinal data on 2,866 children and adolescents (6–17 years old) from the China Health and Nutrition Survey were used to track their BMI during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Concentration Index was utilized to measure socioeconomic inequalities in obesity, while Oaxaca decomposition was employed to determine the share of different determinants of inequality.

Results: The concentration index for obesity during childhood and adulthood were 0.107 (95% CI: 0.023, 0.211) and 0.279 (95% CI: 0.203, 0.355), respectively. Changes in baseline BMI (24.6%), parental BMI (10.4%) and socioeconomic factors (6.7%) were found to be largely responsible for the increasing inequality in obesity between childhood and adulthood. Additionally, mother’s education (−7.4%) was found to contribute the most to reducing these inequalities.

Conclusion: Inequalities in obesity during childhood and adulthood are significant and growing. Interventions targeting individuals with higher BMI, especially those who are wealthy, can significantly reduce the gap.
Dengue Cases Presenting to the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Late 2021: A Cross-Sectional Study in Karachi
Authors: Mushtaq Saima , Abro Muhammad Tarish , Hussain Hassan ul
Published: February 2024

Objectives: Dengue Fever (DF) is an arboviral disease caused by the Dengue virus (DENV). This study aims to assess the association of dengue prevalence with patients’ residential areas and hematological laboratory findings (Total platelet count, immunoglobulins, and dengue antigens) during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the Emergency department of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi from October to December 2021. All the patients irrespective of their ages presenting to the ED with either of the following complaints: fever; GIT problems; vomiting; body ache; bleeding were included in our study.

Results: Our study comprised 189 patients in total in which the females (n = 172) outnumbered the males (n = 17). Out of all, 84.7% of the patients were febrile having a low-grade fever on average. Korangi district had the most dengue cases, while Keamari had the fewest. There was no significant association reported between mean platelet count, mean TLC, and mean hemoglobin levels with dengue positivity.

Conclusion: There is a concerning rise in DF cases in Karachi, particularly in the Korangi district. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, DF demands urgent attention.