bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic analysis of thermotolerant Artemia franciscana populations shows that thermal adaptation affects expression and regulation of metabolism-, stress-, and immune-related genes
Authors: Junprung Wisarut , Nanakorn Zittipong , Norouzitallab Parisa , Supungul Premruethai , Vanrompay Daisy , Bossier Peter , Tassanakajon Anchalee
Published: May 2024

Brine shrimp Artemia franciscana is a commercially important species in aquaculture and is well adapted to harsh environmental conditions. In this study, an A. franciscana population selectively bred for induced thermotolerance over 12 generations (TF12) was subjected to transcriptomic analysis relative to the non-selective population (CF12) to determine the effect of selective breeding for induced thermotolerance (SITT). The transcriptomic response of CF12 to non-lethal heat stress (NLHS) from ITT within one generation was also investigated. A total of 232 and 218 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated and downregulated in TF12, respectively, whereas fewer DEGs were upregulated (114) and downregulated (180) in CF12 exposed to NLHS, suggesting a more complex mechanism of thermal adaptation in SITT than in ITT. The TF12 population exhibited a reduction in immune processes as indicated by the downregulation of several pattern-recognition receptors. Conversely, stress protein genes such as those of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and of antioxidant enzymes and genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, were highly upregulated. ITT downregulated immune-related and growth-related genes, whereas genes involved in energy production and electron carrier activity were upregulated. Our findings suggest possible immunological and physiological mechanisms and molecular pathways involved in adaptation of A. franciscana to thermal stress.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Activation of Redox Stress Pathways and Detoxification Mechanisms in Smoke-exposed Merlot Grape (Vitis Vinifera) Berries
Authors: Hewitt Seanna , Aragon Mackenzie , Layton P. , Collins Thomas S , Dhingra Amit
Published: May 2024

A significant consequence of climate change is the rising incidence of wildfires. When wildfires occur close to wine grape (Vitis vinifera) production areas, smoke-derived volatile phenolic compounds make their way into the grape berries, negatively affecting the flavor and aroma profile of the resulting wine and compromising the production value of entire vineyards. Evidence for the permeation of smoke-associated compounds into grape berries has been provided through metabolomics; however, the basis for grapevines’ response to smoke at the gene expression level has not been investigated in detail. To address this knowledge gap, we employed time-course RNA sequencing to observe gene expression-level changes in grape berries in response to smoke exposure. Significant increases in gene expression (and enrichment of gene ontologies) associated with detoxification of reactive compounds, cell wall fortification, and vacuolar activity was observed in response to smoke. These findings suggest that the accumulation of volatile phenols from smoke exposure activates redox stress pathways and detoxification mechanisms that render smoke-derived compounds less reactive. The results of this work lend a better understanding of the molecular basis for grapevines’ response to smoke and provide insight into the origins of smoke-taint-associated flavor and aroma attributes in wine produced from smoke-exposed grapes.
Availability, Perceived Need and Satisfaction for School Nurses in Spain: A Cross-Sectional Study Involving the School Community
Authors: Zafra-Agea José Antonio , Pérez Tamara Domingo , Lima-Serrano Marta , Vargas-Martinez Ana Magdalena , Soler-Pardo Engracia , Torralbas-Ortega Jordi , Cillero Itziar Hoyos
Published: May 2024

Background: School nursing in Spain faces crucial challenges that require immediate attention. This is the first national study developed by the School Nursing Observatory Research Group of the General Council of Nursing (GCN) in Spain on the school nurse (SN) professional profile and their availability at schools. The objective is to understand the social-labor situation, as well as the availability, perceived need, and satisfaction of the school community with the SN, as well as the factors related to these variables.
Methods: Cross-sectional study using three ad hoc designed and validated questionnaires through a digital platform. Participants included 376 SNs, 1193 teachers and school principals, and 582 mothers, fathers, and representatives of parents’ associations (PAs). Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS v.28.
Results: Most SNs work in a single school in exclusive, mainly employed by the education department or privately funded special education schools, in urban areas and schools with a high number of students. Both school staff and PAs perceive a high need of and satisfaction with SNs. According to school staff, SNs are more in private and subsidized schools and, according to PAs, in schools where a child has a disease. In schools where there are children with certain diseases, according to PAs, a greater need for a SN was perceived. And the schools staff also found SNs especially necessary in schools located in disadvantage areas.
Conclusions: Despite the high degree of satisfaction with the SN, there are significant deficiencies in its distribution in Spain that prevent reaching international quality standards. It is necessary to increase the availability of this professional, especially under exclusivity, with special attention to rural, publicly funded, and disadvantage areas. This would help address inequities in school health and meet the perceived need of the school community, thus contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Gait Recognition with Global-Local Feature Fusion Based on Swin Transformer-3DCNN
Authors: Wang Ting , Zhou Guanghang , Pu Yanfeng , Moreno Ramón , Yang Guoping
Published: May 2024

Gait recognition is a biometric technology that can be used for identification over long distances and has great application prospects in the field of public security. Currently, the majority of gait recognition approaches rely on either global or local information from gait features for the representation. However, representing global information frequently leads to the loss of intricate details of gait features, while local information may neglect the interrelations among different local features. Therefore, in this paper, a novel Swin Transformer-Conventional Neural Network Gait framework is proposed to effectively integrate both global and local information of gait features for the recognition. Within the framework, the Swin transformer module is incorporated to extract global information. The Swin transformer employs shift windows for hierarchical feature extraction, facilitating improved capture of global features and long-range dependencies in images. Within local branches, feature maps are segmented for feature extraction by using multiple 3D Convolutional Neural Networks to enhance the capture of local information. Furthermore, attention module is introduced to boost the locally extracted information from Convolutional Neural Network. Through results of experiments, our approach has substantially enhanced performance in gait recognition, achieving optimal recognition across most conditions.
Identification and Low-Temperature Stress Expression Analysis of Wheat MIKC-Type MADS-box Gene Family
Authors: Zhang Junbao , Chen Yushu , Wang Xuesong , Cao Jiaang , Yang Sen , Shao Qingyi , Yu Mengdi , Jin Zhongmin , Liu Lijie
Published: May 2024

MIKC-type genes play crucial roles in the growth and development stages of plants. Identifying MIKC-type genes in wheat and exploring their expression patterns under low-temperature conditions lays a foundation for subsequent research on gene function. Bioinformatics websites and software were utilized to identify MIKC-type genes in the wheat transcriptome under low-temperature conditions, and the expression changes of these genes were verified using RT-qPCR methods. A total of 90 MIKC-type genes were identified, which could be classified into two major categories and nine subfamilies, distributed across 21 chromosomes. There were numerous inter-chromosomal duplications of MIKC-type genes in wheat. Transcriptome analysis revealed that under low-temperature conditions, the expression of 14 MIKC-type genes was altered, with seven genes significantly upregulated and three genes significantly downregulated. The validation results for TaMIKC30 and TaMIKC68 were consistent with the transcriptomic data, and the results also indicated that the expression of these two genes differs slightly between different tissues. These findings suggest that MIKC-type genes may be involved in the response of wheat to low-temperature stress.
A single strand-based library preparation method for unbiased virome characterization
Authors: Zhai Xichuan , Gobbi Alex , Kot Witold , Krych Lukasz , Nielsen Dennis Sandris , Deng Ling
Published: May 2024

Background
The gut virome is an integral component of the gut microbiome, playing a crucial role in maintaining gut health. However, accurately depicting the entire gut virome is challenging due to the inherent diversity of genome types (dsDNA, ssDNA, dsRNA, and ssRNA) and topologies (linear, circular, or fragments), with subsequently biases associated with current sequencing library preparation methods. To overcome these problems and improve reproducibility and comparability across studies, universal or standardized virome sequencing library construction methods are highly needed in the gut virome study.
Results
We repurposed the ligation-based single-stranded library (SSLR) preparation method for virome studies. We demonstrate that the SSLR method exhibits exceptional efficiency in quantifying viral DNA genomes (both dsDNA and ssDNA) and outperforms existing double-stranded (Nextera) and single-stranded (xGen, MDA + Nextera) library preparation approaches in terms of minimal amplification bias, evenness of coverage, and integrity of assembling viral genomes. The SSLR method can be utilized for the simultaneous library preparation of both DNA and RNA viral genomes. Furthermore, the SSLR method showed its ability to capture highly modified phage genomes, which were often lost using other library preparation approaches.
Conclusion
We introduce and improve a fast, simple and efficient ligation-based single-stranded DNA library preparation for gut virome study. This method is compatible with Illumina sequencing platforms and only requires ligation reagents within 3 h library preparation, which is similar or even better than the advanced library preparation method (xGen). We hope this method can be further optimized, validated and widely used to make gut virome study more comparable and reproducibly.
Evaluation of the zygomatic bone prior to the quad zygoma surgery: Virtual implant placement study on cone beam computed tomography
Authors: ŞAHİN Onur , ATALAY Denizcan , Koçyiğit İsmail Doruk , Hacılar Mustafa , Rzazade Fuad , Aytuğar Emre
Published: May 2024

Purpose
Quad zygoma surgery is challenging procedure that requires an accurate prosthetic and implant planning. The objective of our study was to evaluate zygomatic implants placed according to quad zygoma protocol in the severely absorbed maxilla on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans using an virtual implant placement program and to compare the variables according to gender.
Methods
56 zygomatic bones from 28 patients were examined using CBCT scans. A total of 112 zygomatic implants were evaluated to zygomatic bone-implant contact (BIC) lenght, the relationship zygomatic implants between the maxillary sinus and zygomaticofacial foramen were compared and analyzed by gender on the virtually placed anterior and posterior implants on the three-dimensional reconstruction images.
Results
The average zygomatic BICs length in males was found to be 11.77 ± 3.47 mm, in females 11.23 ± 2.61 mm. Among the anterior and posterior exit profile according to zygoma anatomy-guided approach (ZAGA) classification, respectively, 1.7% and 7.2% were classified as ZAGA 0, 7.2% and 7.2% as ZAGA 1, 16.1% and 21.4% as ZAGA 2, 55.3% and 14.2% as ZAGA 3, 19.7% and 50.0% as ZAGA 4. No statistically significance found between gender-related parameters that were investigated. However, it was found that the contact to zygomaticofacial foramen was significantly higher in implants with an anterior exit profile compared to implants placed posteriorly (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Examining the anatomy of the region with three-dimensional imaging techniques before quad zygoma surgery and conducting surgical rehearsals with programs that allow virtual surgery are crucial to prevent potential complications.
Modeling human retinal vascular pattern around foveal avascular zone.
Authors: Yoshimura Kotaro , Sugihara Kei , Maruko Ichiro , Iida Tomohiro , Miura Takashi
Published: May 2024

Human retinas have unique anatomical structures called the macula and an associated characteristic vascular pattern. Despite its clinical importance, the mechanism of the unique vascular pattern formation in humans remains unknown because there are limitations in experimental approaches using primate samples. In this study, we developed a mathematical model of human retinal vascular development by considering endothelial cells and astrocytes. We assumed that retinal vessels are formed in angiogenesis according to the gradient of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and that astrocytes dynamically expand while avoiding the fovea, providing scaffolds for angiogenesis. Our model recapitulated various features of human retinal vascular pattern such as a radially outward vascular pattern from the optic disc, inferior and superior temporal arcades, foveal avascular zone (FAZ) formation, a radially inward vascular pattern around FAZ, and vertically facing pattern toward the horizontal vascular raphe. These results also suggest the importance of astrocyte dynamics in human retinal vascular pattern formation. Our modeling framework can be extended to abnormal vascular patterns observed in diseases, including retinopathy of prematurity.
Screening effect of phase angle and calf circumference in different stages of sarcopenia in patients with maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Zeng Ying , Chen Yang , Yang Yujie , Qiu Ying , Yuan Huaihong
Published: May 2024

Objective
To compare the screening ability of the phase angle (Pha) and the calf circumference (CC) alone and combined detection in the diferent stages of sarcopenia in patients with maintenance hemodialysis.
Methods
Data were retrospectively collected from outpatient under going MHD at Wenjiang Hemodialysis Center in the Departmalet of Nephrology in West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China. AWGS 2019 and EWGSOP 2010 were used to define the diferent stages of sarcopenia. Pha was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Muscle strength was evaluated using handgrip strength (HGS), and physical function was assessed by short physical performance battery (SPPB), and skeletal muscle index (SMI) was assessed by the BIA, and CC was measured at the widest part of the calf with a retractable tape measure when the foot is pressed against a hard surface.
Results
The AUC of Pha in the screening of possible sarcopenia was 0.680, the sensitivity was 64.29%, the specifcity was 66.17%, and the cut-of value was 5.6°. The AUC of the combined Pha and CC for possible sarcopenia was 0.618, the sensitivity was 42.86%, and the specifcity was 76.69%. The AUC of CC for the screening of sarcopenia was 0.771, the sensitivity was 66.67%, the specifcity was 81.36%, and the cut-of value was 29 cm. The AUC of the combined Pha and CC for sarcopenia was 0.767, the sensitivity was 66.67%, and the specifcity was 86.02%. The AUC of Pha in the screening of severe sarcopenia was 0.865, the sensitivity was 86.67%, the specifcity was 78.26%, and the cut-of value was 4.9°. The AUC of CC in the screening of severe sarcopenia was 0.880, the sensitivity was 93.33%, the specifcity was 73.04%, and the cut-of value was 30 cm. The AUC of the combined Pha and CC for severe sarcopenia was 0.922, the sensitivity was 93.33%, and the specifcity was 81.30%.
Conclusions
The screening ability of Pha alone or in combination was higher than that of CC in the screening of possible sarcopenia. The screening ability of CC alone or in combination was higher than that of Pha in the screening of sarcopenia.Their combined assay performed better in screening for the severe sarcopenia stage compared with CC and Pha alone, which provided references for clinical identification of different stages of sarcopenia in MHD patients.
History Matters: Evolutionary and Demographic Reconstruction of the Southwest Atlantic Loggerheads (Testudinata: Cheloniidae)
Authors: Ludwig Sandra , Amorim Laís , Xavier Alberty , Guimarães Paula Rodrigues , Vargas Sarah Maria
Published: May 2024

The Southwest Atlantic (SWA) is an important region for the Caretta caretta characterized by unique genetic lineages; however, their life history is still misunderstood. In this study, we evaluated the demographic patterns of four SWA rookeries using D-loop and microsatellites data looking for expansion and bottlenecks signals. Then, we simulated several colonization scenarios for the SWA using Approximate Bayesian Computation. The best-supported scenario indicated that loggerheads might have colonized the SWA region once by the ancient lineage of ES/k4 that signals a sharing ancestry history, and from it originated the other lineages by divergence and introgression processes, explaining the high admixture levels between their rookeries and genetic clusters. The D-loop recovered population stability in the past, but microsatellites identified sharp recent bottleneck events, which may have been triggered by the Last Glacial Maximum, El Niño Southern Oscillation, and anthropogenic actions. Thus, we provide, for the first time, a complete assessment of the life history and colonization of loggerhead into the SWA, demonstrating differences between markers (matrilinear and biparental) that may bias our understanding of their genetic and demographic patterns, and which should be considered for conservation programs at a global scale.
Stage -Specific Antimalarial Activity of Alkaloidal Fractions of the Avicennia africana P. Beauv. (Avicenniaceae) Leaf Extract
Authors: Ahmed Mustapha A. , Ackah-Armah Francis , Ghartey-Kwansah George , Fynn Patrick M. , Zoiku Felix K. , Ofori-Attah Ebenezer , Adokoh Christian K.
Published: May 2024

Background
The global call for malaria eradication rested on finding drugs that not only act against asexual but also sexual forms of the parasite. The drawbacks in disease control and prevention due to drug-resistant clones of the parasite piqued our interest in exploring for alternative antimalarial drugs from the mangrove resources.
Aims
This study evaluates the stage-specific anti-malarial and cytotoxic activities of the fractions of crude alkaloidal extracts from Avicennia africana leaves.
Methods
The crude and alkaloidal extracts (AAA and AAQ) from A. africana were fractionated using column chromatography and further analysed using GC-mass spectroscopy. The fractions were then tested for antimalarial activity against the trophozoites, schizonts, and gametocyte stages of chloroquine-sensitive strains of 3D7 P. falciparum using the SYBR Green 1 assay. The cytotoxic effects of the fractions were evaluated using the MTT-based assay.
Results
The fractions AAA1-AAA5 and AAQ1-AAQ5 produced promising trophozoitocidal activities with an IC50 value range of 0.399–45.690 µg/mL, with the artesunate (ref drug) yielding 0.09x103 µg/mL. The schizonticidal and gametocytocidal activities of selected fractions demonstrated high potency with IC50s of 0.622–18.820 µg/mL against artesunate (ref drugs) with 1.800x10-3 and 5.100x10-3 µg/mL, respectively. The cytotoxic effect of fractions produced CC50 that was higher than 100 µg/mL with negligible cytotoxicity on erythrocytes and SI that ranged from 2.189 to 280.899. The major compounds identified in fractions AAA1, AAQ1, and AAQ2 were 8-carbomoylquinoline, razoxane, and dexrazoxane, respectively.
Conclusion
The fractions exhibited promising trophozoitocidal, schizonticidal, and gametocytocidal effects with no significant cytotoxic effects on RBCs. Quinoline-based alkaloids and iron chelators in this plant are implicated as possible lead-compound transmission blockers of the parasite.
Companion basil plants prime the tomato wound response through volatile signaling in a mixed planting system.
Authors: Yoshida Riichiro , Taguchi Shoma , Wakita Chihiro , Serikawa Shinichiro , Miyaji Hiroyuki
Published: May 2024

Within mixed planting systems, companion plants can promote growth or enhance stress responses in target plants. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain poorly understood. To gain insight into the molecular nature of the effects of companion plants, we investigated the effects of basil plants (Ocimum basilicum var. minimum) on the wound response in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum cv. ‘Micro Tom’) within a mixed planting system. The results showed that the expression of Pin2, which specifically responds to mechanical wounding, was induced more rapidly and more strongly in the leaves of tomato plants cultivated with companion basil plants. This wound response priming effect was replicated through the exposure of tomato plants to an essential oil (EO) prepared from basil leaves. Tomato leaves pre-exposed to basil EO showed enhanced expression of genes related to jasmonic acid, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling after wounding stress. Basil EO also enhanced ROS accumulation in wounded tomato leaves. The wound response priming effect of basil EO was confirmed in wounded Arabidopsis plants. Loss-of-function analysis of target genes revealed that MAPK genes play pivotal roles in controlling the observed priming effects. Spodoptera litura larvae fed tomato leaves pre-exposed to basil EO showed reduced growth compared with larvae fed control leaves. Thus, mixed planting with basil may enhance defense priming in both tomato and Arabidopsis plants through the activation of volatile signaling.
Soil salinization trend from 2003 to 2022 across the globe response to climate change
Authors: Shi Zhou , Wang Nan , Chen Songchao , Huang Jingyi , Taghizadeh Ruhollah , Peng Jie , Wigneron Jean-Pierre , Frappart Frédéric
Published: May 2024

Climate change affects soil salinization and is responsible for food production threats and unsustainable development. However, global salinization trend and its temporal response to climate remains unclear. Here we show global soil salinization changes from 2003 to 2022 at 500 m resolution estimated by a machine learning approach, remote sensing, climate, and geographical data. Globally, soil showed a stable trend with an average trend slope value of -0.00002 ± 0.000024 dS m-1. The trend shows a large variability across the globe depending on local water regimes, and soil salinization has intensified in semi-arid and humid areas. Soil salinization trends are influenced by soil hydro-thermal conditions. Reduced terrestrial water reserves intensify salinization, and soil moisture patterns drive salinization through a three-year lag time and a three-year accumulation effect. A soil salinity change equation was proposed describing vegetation, soil moisture, climate, and topography which can be used for guiding salinization trend evaluation. Our findings reveal the global soil salinization trend and its response to climate change, providing detailed guidance for improving soil quality under different climate and hydrological conditions.
Assessment of implementation of the clinical practice guidelines among family medicine doctors at primary health care facilities in Khartoum and Gezira states/ Sudan
Authors: Abdelgadir Hiba Salah , Bajouri Sahar , Abdelgadir Hind Salah
Published: May 2024

Introduction:
The health system in Sudan faces several challenges, including increasing numbers of patients, shortages of health supplies, and disparities in the distribution of health services. Guidelines implementation improves patients’ outcomes and ensures efficient use of the resources in such a resources limited country. The study aimed to assess the implementation of the clinical practice guidelines among family medicine doctors working in the primary health care centers in Khartoum and Gezira states to provide baseline data about the current practice in Sudan.
Methods:
Descriptive cross-sectional facility-based survey, conducted from April to December 2021, on 373 of the practicing family-medicine doctors. A total of 101 Primary health care centers were surveyed (77 centers in Khartoum state and 24 in Gezira state). The questionnaire was pilot tested on a small group of physicians to improve clarity and reduce response bias. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data and analyzed by frequency tables. Chi square and logistic regression tests were used to determine the association between categorized variables. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
Most of the practicing family-medicine doctors (98.4%) reported implementation of the guidelines. Moreover, (68.6%) of them received training programs which were organized and funded by the Sudan Ministry of Health. The local Sudanese guidelines were difficult to access and not regularly updated. Services unavailability and inaccessibility (87.1%), health insurance factors (83.9%), and patient factors (81.2%) were the most frequent barriers to guidelines implementation. Service cost (79.9%), lack of regular training programs (79.9%), absence of local guidelines (77.2%), lack of continuity in the comprehensive care process (63.0%), and lack of time (57.1%) were also reported as barriers to guidelines implementation.
Conclusion:
Guidelines implementation is limited by unavailability and inaccessibility of the health services and the health insurance limited coverage. Expansion of the health insurance coverage, organization of continuous training programs, encouragement of regular auditing and issuing regulations to ensure the use of updated guidelines, dissemination of the updated national guidelines along with establishing clinical governance in Sudan are highly recommended.
Regulated Expression of Interleukin-17 System at the Endometrial-Myometrial Interface: Implications for Adenomyosis
Authors: Hsu Le-Tien , Lu Pei-Chen , Wang Yi-Wen , Wu Hsien-Ming , Chen I-Ju , Huang Hong-Yuan
Published: May 2024

Background
Adenomyosis involves the infiltration of endometrial glands and stroma deep into the uterine tissue, causing disruption to the interface between the endometrium and myometrium. The role of interleukin-17 (IL-17), a cytokine associated with immune responses, has been extensively studied in endometriosis, but its involvement in adenomyosis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the expression of IL-17 in ectopic and eutopic endometrium of individuals with adenomyosis, comparing its levels between these two types of endometrium.
Methods
Paired tissues of eutopic endometrium and adenomyoma were collected from 16 premenopausal women undergoing hysterectomy due to clinical symptoms related to adenomyosis. IL-17 system was demonstrated in paired tissue samples by the immunochemistry study. Gene expression levels of IL-17A and IL-17 receptor (IL-17R) were assessed through quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Comparative gene transcript amounts were calculated using the delta-delta Ct method.
Results
By immunohistochemical staining, CD4, IL-17R, and IL-17A proteins were detected in both endometrium and adenomyosis, with higher expression in epithelial cells. DAB staining revealed greater IL-17A expression in adenomyosis compared to endometrium. Quantitative RT-PCR showed significantly higher fold change levels of IL-17A and IL-17R in adenomyosis (IL-17A: p = 0.047, IL-17R: p = 0.027) versus endometrium.
Conclusions
We found significantly higher IL-17 levels in adenomyosis compared to endometrium, suggesting immune system involvement in adenomyosis pathogenesis.
Leveraging Deep Learning for Breast Cancer Detection : An Comprehensive study
Authors: Theja A S Girish , M Revathi
Published: May 2024

Breast cancer is a significant health concern globally, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnostic tools for early detection and treatment. In this research, we propose a novel methodology leveraging deep learning techniques for classifying breast histopathology images as benign or malignant. We employ state of the art convolutional neural networks (CNNs), including VGG16, VGG19, ResNet50, ResNet101, and a custom CNN architecture, to extract discriminative features from histopathology images. One of the key contributions of this work is the incorporation of class weights into the training process, aiming to address class imbalance in the da-taset and enhance model performance. We evaluate the efficacy of our approach using various performance metrics, including accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, on the publicly available BreaKHis dataset.
Nail Changes in Patients Receiving Systemic Isotretinoin Therapy
Authors: Yigit Dilek , Karaosmanoglu Nermin
Published: May 2024

In this study, we aimed to describe isotretinoin-induced nail changes and to increase patients' compliance with treatment. A total of 200 patients diagnosed with acne vulgaris were included in the study, including 100 patients who started systemic isotretinoin treatment and 100 control patients who received topical acne treatment. The patients age, gender, treatment duration, total doses per month, type of nail changes were recorded. Patients with persistent nail changes were followed at 3rd and 6th month after treatment. A total of 34 patients had nail changes in the isotretinoin group. These changes included onychoschizia (55.9%), leukonychia (11.8%), onychorexis (8.8%), median nail dystrophy (5.9%), pyogenic granulomas (5.9%), chronic paronychia and granulation tissue (5.9%), onycholysis (2.9%) and Beau's line (2.9%). The rate of nail changes in the isotretinoin group was significantly higher than the topical treatment group (34% vs 11%, p:0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of treatment duration between the patients with and without nail changes in the isotretinoin group. The total cumulative dose was significantly higher in patients with nail changes in isotretinoin group (p:0.043). Also, the regression of nail changes was slower in patients receiving higher cumulative doses (p:0.049). Isotretinoin increases the risk of nail changes, the most common being onychoschizia. The risk of developing nail changes have no association with treatment duration; however, it is associated with the total cumulative dose. Nail findings inducedby isotretinoin are completely reversible.
Relationship between gene expressions and retrotransposons
Authors: Yavas Cuneyd , Hussein Abdirizak , Tuten Cagla Nur , Alhalees Reem , Arvas Yunus Emre
Published: May 2024

Background
Transposable elements (TEs) are both a boon and a bane to eukaryotic organisms, depending on where they integrate into the genome and how their sequences function once integrated. TEs: long interspersed elements (LINEs) and short interspersed elements (SINEs). LINEs and SINEs are retrotransposons, meaning they transpose via an RNA intermediate. Transposons are DNA sequences capable of moving in genomes. Early evidence showed their accumulation in many species and suggested their continued activity in at least isolated organisms. With the development of various genomic technologies over the past decade, it has become abundantly clear that ongoing activity is the rule rather than the exception.
Results
Active transposons of various classes occur in plants and animals, including humans. They continue to create new insertions, have an enormous variety of structural and functional impacts on genes and genomes, and play important roles in genome evolution. Researchers have identified and measured transposon activities by employing various strategies. RNA interference (RNAi) refers to a mechanism in which cells control gene expression, protect the genome against mobile repetitive DNA sequences, retroelements, and transposons, and defend themselves against viruses. Two core components, the dicer and the Argonaut, are central to the RNAi machinery.
Conclusions
In this article, we aimed to understand how transposons are associated with neurological and cancer diseases. Studies have shown that transposons have a close relationship with these diseases. We summarize evidence of current transposon activity in various plant and animal genomes.
The relationship between post-traumatic stress in children and adolescents who underwent liver transplantation and post-traumatic stress in their mothers
Authors: çoban özge gizli , Aras Arzu , Önder Arif , Tek Sema Öznur , Adanır Aslı Sürer , Artan Reha
Published: May 2024

Background
Liver transplantation(LT) has become the standard treatment protocol for end-stage liver disease, metabolic disorders and, some types of liver tumors. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the quality of life and post-traumatic stress disorder in pediatric LT recipients and in their mothers.
Methods
Sixty-one children and adolescents who had undergone LT aged 1–18 years took part in this study. The control group consisted of 25 healthy children and adolescents. Participants fulfilled the Child Depression Inventory, Child Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder-Reaction Index, The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Mothers fulfilled the Family Assessment Device and PTSD Checklist-Civilian.
Results
The physical, psychosocial, and total health scores in the patient group were significantly lower than in the control group. Child-traumatic stress scores were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group. However, there were no significant differences between groups in terms of child depression scores and maternal traumatic stress scores. There was a negative correlation between maternal traumatic stress scores and child-psychosocial health scores. Maternal traumatic stress scores also correlated positively with child traumatic stress scores.
Conclusion
Mothers of the LT recipients can benefit from psychoeducation about the symptoms of post-transplant traumatic stress and providing psychological support to caregivers may help with the stress of caring for a child with LT.
Feline Hyperkalemia: Unveiling the Role of Insulin Therapy in Treatment
Authors: Kachave Omkarsing , Shisode Shilpa
Published: May 2024

This study presents a case report of a 6-month-old feral cat with symptoms of weakness, inappetence, and vomiting, diagnosed with acute kidney failure and hyperkalemia. Clinical examination revealed elevated serum levels of creatinine, BUN, and potassium. Treatment involved fluid therapy, antibiotics, antiemetics, and diuretics, alongside insulin and dextrose for hyperkalemia management. Following three days of treatment, significant improvement was observed in biochemical parameters. The discussion explores various treatment options for hyperkalemia, focusing on the mechanism of action of insulin and dextrose in promoting intracellular potassium transport while addressing the risk of hypoglycemia. This case underscores the importance of timely intervention and appropriate management strategies in addressing hyperkalemia in veterinary practice.
Visceral adipose tissue area and proportion provide distinct reflections of cardiometabolic outcomes in weight loss; Pooled analysis of MRI-assessed CENTRAL and DIRECT PLUS dietary randomized controlled trials
Authors: Klein Hadar , Zelicha Hila , Meir Anat Yaskolka , Rinott Ehud , Tsaban Gal , Kaplan Alon , Chassidim Yoash , Gepner Yftach , Blüher Matthias , Ceglarek Uta , Isermann Berend , Stumvoll Michael , Shelef Ilan , Qi Lu , Li Jun , Hu Frank B , Stampfer Meir J , Shai Iris
Published: May 2024

Background
Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is well established as a pathogenic fat depot, while superficial subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) is associated with an improved or no association with the cardiovascular state. However, it is unclear to what extent VAT area (VATcm2) and its proportion of total abdominal adipose tissue (VAT%) are distinguished in predicting cardiometabolic status and clinical outcomes during weight loss.
Methods
We integrated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of VAT, deep-SAT, and superficial-SAT from two 18-month lifestyle weight loss clinical trials, CENTRAL and DIRECT-PLUS (n = 572).
Results
At baseline, the mean VATcm2 was 134.8cm2 and VAT%=28.2%; over 18-months, participants lost 28cm2 VATcm2 (-22.5%), and 1.3 VAT% units. Baseline VATcm2 and VAT% were similarly associated with metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and diabetes status, while VAT% better classified hypertriglyceridemia. Conversely, higher VATcm2 was associated with elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), while VAT% was not. After 18 months of lifestyle intervention, both VATcm2 and VAT% loss were significantly associated with decreased triglycerides, HbA1c, chemerin, ferritin, and liver enzymes, and increased HDL-c levels beyond weight loss (FDR < 0.05). Only VATcm2 loss was correlated with decreased HOMA-IR and leptin levels.
Conclusions
Although increased VATcm2 and VAT% exhibit similar clinical manifestations, it might be preferable to examine VAT% when exploring lipid status, while VATcm2 may better reflect inflammatory and glycemic states.
Trial registration:
CENTRAL (Clinical-trials-identifier: NCT01530724); DIRECT-PLUS (Clinical-trials-identifier: NCT03020186)
Identification of Potential Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Using Machine Learning, Molecular Docking and MD Simulation
Authors: Nayarisseri Anuraj , Bhrdwaj Anushka , Khan Arshiya , Sharma Khushboo , Shaheen Uzma , Panwar Umesh , V. Natchimuthu , Dey Taniya , Kumar Abhishek , Panicker Aravind , Prajapati Leena , Junior Francisco Jaime Bezerra Mendonça , Singh Sanjeev Kumar
Published: May 2024

The advent of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has promoted physical and mental health worldwide. Due to the unavailability of effective antiviral drugs, there is an unmet demand for a robust therapeutic approach for the development of anti-COVID-19 drugs. Multiple investigations have established that ACE2 is the primary receptor for the causal virus of COVID-19, and this amalgamation of ACE2 with the spike protein of the coronavirus is essential for viral entry into host cells and inducing infection. As a result, limiting or restricting the accessibility of the virus to ACE2 offers a different tactical approach to averting this illness. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the most effective inhibitors with an augmented affinity for the ACE2 protein and evaluate their pharmacological efficacy. The pre-established repurposed viral compounds, Birinapant, Remdesivir, etc., and the ACE2-inhibiting compounds, Quninaprill, Moexipril, etc., were taken as test datasets, and machine learning algorithms were employed to govern the novel compounds. Furthermore, comparative analyses were also performed for both the new machine-learning compounds and pre-established compounds via the MD simulation approach to confirm the structural stability. The study concluded that the machine learning compound (CID: 23658468) could be a potential drug for the treatment of COVID-19.
Implementation of a shared decision making process for severe stroke-a mixed methods study
Authors: Visvanathan Akila , Morton Sarah , MacRaild Allan , Black Polly , Gilbert Sophie , Barber Mark , Dennis Martin , O'Brien Richard , Mead Gillian
Published: May 2024

Purpose
Clinical decisions made early after stroke can make the difference between survival with disability or death. We aimed to develop, implement and evaluate a new Shared decision making (SDM) process for severe stroke into a regional 36 bedded stroke unit.
Methods
We developed the process through four coproduction workshops, attempted its implementation then evaluated its impact on death, discharge to institutional care (care home or NHS continuing care) and tube feeding at 6 months. We also explored patients,’ families’ and staff views about SDM.
Results
Eleven people (staff and people with lived experience of stroke) attended the first co-production workshop, eight the second, seven the third and six the fourth. The new SDM process incorporated Tailored Talks (a digital platform with information about stroke) and an implementation plan.We implemented this process on 1st August 2022. Only eight out of 1020 patients received Tailored Talks (four before and four after implementation). For the entire group there was no change in tube feeding, discharge to institutional care or death. The proportion of people with severe strokes dead at six months was lower after implementation (p=0.04), though the significance of this is uncertain. Staff interviews suggested that insufficient time, lack of a ‘human touch’ and inadequate leadership explained the lack of implementation.
Conclusion
Our co-produced SDM process was not effectively implemented into a stroke unit and there was no impact on the use of tube feeding, discharge to institutional care or death at six months.
Mental fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome in clinical practice
Authors: Pizova N. V. , Pizov A. V.
Published: May 2024

Fatigue is an extremely disabling symptom both in healthy people and in various diseases. Physical fatigue is characterized by limitations in physical functioning, while mental/cognitive fatigue involves difficulties in concentrating and performing cognitive tasks. Mental and physical fatigue exist in both pathological and physiological fatigue. Fatigue is primarily an adaptive physiological process. It is a signal to have a rest and helps conserve energy to prevent injury, which can be useful after intense work, or when the body’s defenses need to be redistributed, for example, during infectious disease. It is important to distinguish between fatigue or tiredness and chronic fatigue syndrome in clinical practice. Chronic fatigue syndrome has multisystem manifestations and affects millions of people globally. Although the exact aetiology of chronic fatigue syndrome is uncertain, the studies point to neurological, immunological, autonomic and energy disorders. The main sings of chronic fatigue syndrome are debilitating fatigue that is worsened by activity, poor exercise tolerance, unrefreshing sleep and cognitive impairment. Reduced information processing speed is the most common cognitive impairment in chronic fatigue syndrome. Other manifestations include decreased reaction time, working memory, and attention. These symptoms must persist for at least 3–6 months for a diagnosis to be made. As there are no specific tests for chronic fatigue syndrome, a diagnosis can be established on the basis of a medical history and physical examination.

Although there are no standards-based methods specific to chronic fatigue syndrome, clinicians can reduce the severity of symptoms using pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment approaches that have proved their efficacy in clinical practice. In particular, nootropics are widely used in asthenic conditions and chronic fatigue syndrome. Fonturacetam is a nootropic drug that directly activates brain integration activities, promotes memory consolidation, and improves concentration and mental activity.
Erratum in the article “Possible prospects for the combined administration of antidepressants and antioxidants in neurological patients”
Authors: Putilina M. V. , Teplova N. V.
Published: May 2024

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Probiotics for Inflammatory Bowel Disease; A Deep Dive into their Impact
on Disease Course and Associated Health Risks
Authors: Hassan Wassan Nori Mohammed , Al-kaabi Methaq Mueen , Akram Nabeeha Najatee , Kassim Mustafa Ali Kassim , Pantazi Alexandru Cosmin
Published: May 2024

:

To date, the underlying pathology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is undetermined.
Disturbance of intestinal gut microbiota was implicated in many health diseases,
including IBD. Increasing evidence suggests that probiotics play a beneficial role
in restoring the balance of the gut ecosystem. This review searched multiple databases
for relevant works that examined probiotics' possible benefits in adults with IBD. Probiotic
mode of action in ulcerative colitis patients and Crohn's disease were examined
with respect to probiotic strain, their benefits, and their advantages in adult cases. Eligible
studies for inclusion were assessed and analyzed. They were effective in reducing
IBD disease course, inducing and maintaining remission, particularly for ulcerative colitis
patients, with good efficacy and safety profile. However, the evidence for Crohn's disease
was lacking. Probiotics positively affect IBD-related risks, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal
malignancy and optimizing treating them. Additionally, they improved reduced
fertility odds for both genders. The osteoporosis risk among IBD patients was also
reduced, although the duration of use and dose were still not established. There was
an encouraging role for them in reducing IBD -cardiovascular risks among cases with
acute myocardial infarction and those with chronic heart failure. Finally, they had novel
use in reducing IBD-related depression and improved overall mental health. In conclusion,
we recommend probiotics as an adjuvant therapeutic option for IBD therapy for ulcerative
colitis; however, their role in Crohn's disease needs further research.
Association between Dietary Vitamin E Intake and the Risk of Hypertension in US Adults
Authors: Liu Chang , Liang Dan
Published: May 2024

Background:

Many studies have shown that Vitamin E (VitE) intake has beneficial effects
on human health, but the relationship between VitE intake and Blood Pressure (BP) is not
well understood. Thus, our present study aimed to assess the relationship between VitE intake and
hypertension, systolic and diastolic BP in US (United States) adults.

Method:

We used data from the 2003-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
Weighted multivariate regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and Restricted Cubic Splines
(RCS) were used to explore the independent associations between VitE intake and hypertension,
systolic and diastolic BP. A total of 32,371 participants were included in this study. The
mean VitE intake of participants was 8.50 ± 0.08 mg/d. The prevalence of hypertension in subjects
was 37.76% and it decreased with increasing VitE intake quartiles (quartile 1: 40.97%, quartile
2: 37.60%, quartile 3: 37.47%, quartile 4: 35.66%). A significant negative correlation was
found between VitE intake and hypertension.

Result:

We also observed a significant negative association between VitE intake and systolic BP
(model 1: β = -0.11, 95% CI: -0.15 ~ -0.07; model 2: β = -0.09, 95% CI: -0.12 ~ -0.05; and model
3: β = -0.05, 95% CI: -0.10 ~ -0.01). Quartile 2 of dietary VitE intake significantly correlated to a
lower diastolic BP compared to the lowest quartile of VitE intake (model 3: β = -0.72, 95%CI:
-1.26~-0.18).

Conclusion:

In US adults, VitE intake has not been significantly found to be associated with hypertension,
but it has been found to exhibit a negative association with both systolic and diastolic
BP in US adults.