bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and Expression Analysis of the Nucleotidyl Transferase Protein (NTP) Family in Soybean (Glycine max) under Various Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Kang Liqing , Li Changgen , Qin Aokang , Liu Zehui , Li Xuanyue , Zeng Liming , Yu Hongyang , Wang Yihua , Song Jianbo , Chen Rongrong
Published: January 2024

Nucleotidyl transferases (NTPs) are common transferases in eukaryotes and play a crucial role in nucleotide modifications at the 3’ end of RNA. In plants, NTPs can regulate RNA stability by influencing 3’ end modifications, which in turn affect plant growth, development, stress responses, and disease resistance. Although the functions of NTP family members have been extensively studied in Arabidopsis, rice, and maize, there is limited knowledge about NTP genes in soybeans. In this study, we identified 16 members of the NTP family in soybeans, including two subfamilies (G1 and G2) with distinct secondary structures, conserved motifs, and domain distributions at the protein level. Evolutionary analysis of genes in the NTP family across multiple species and gene collinearity analysis revealed a relatively conserved evolutionary pattern. Analysis of the tertiary structure of the proteins showed that NTPs have three conserved aspartic acids that bind together to form a possible active site. Tissue-specific expression analysis indicated that some NTP genes exhibit tissue-specific expression, likely due to their specific functions. Stress expression analysis showed significant differences in the expression levels of NTP genes under high salt, drought, and cold stress. Additionally, RNA-seq analysis of soybean plants subjected to salt and drought stress further confirmed the association of soybean NTP genes with abiotic stress responses. Subcellular localization experiments revealed that GmNTP2 and GmNTP14, which likely have similar functions to HESO1 and URT1, are located in the nucleus. These research findings provide a foundation for further investigations into the functions of NTP family genes in soybeans.
Molecular Signature of Monocytes Shaped by the Shigella sonnei 1790-Generalized Modules for Membrane Antigens Vaccine
Authors: Tondi Serena , Siena Emilio , Essaghir Ahmed , Bozzetti Benoît , Bechtold Viviane , Scaillet Aline , Clemente Bruna , Marrocco Mariateresa , Sammicheli Chiara , Tavarini Simona , Micoli Francesca , Oldrini Davide , Pezzicoli Alfredo , Di Fede Martina , Brazzoli Michela , Ulivieri Cristina , Schiavetti Francesca
Published: January 2024

Shigellosis, an acute gastroenteritis infection caused by Shigella species, remains a public health burden in developing countries. Recently, many outbreaks due to Shigella sonnei multidrug-resistant strains have been reported in high-income countries, and the lack of an effective vaccine represents a major hurdle to counteract this bacterial pathogen. Vaccine candidates against Shigella sonnei are under clinical development, including a Generalized Modules for Membrane Antigens (GMMA)-based vaccine. The mechanisms by which GMMA-based vaccines interact and activate human immune cells remain elusive. Our previous study provided the first evidence that both adaptive and innate immune cells are targeted and functionally shaped by the GMMA-based vaccine. Here, flow cytometry and confocal microscopy analysis allowed us to identify monocytes as the main target population interacting with the S. sonnei 1790-GMMA vaccine on human peripheral blood. In addition, transcriptomic analysis of this cell population revealed a molecular signature induced by 1790-GMMA mostly correlated with the inflammatory response and cytokine-induced processes. This also impacts the expression of genes associated with macrophages’ differentiation and T cell regulation, suggesting a dual function for this vaccine platform both as an antigen carrier and as a regulator of immune cell activation and differentiation.
Focusing on Ischemic Reperfusion Injury in the New Era of Dynamic Machine Perfusion in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Chullo Gabriela , Panisello-Rosello Arnau , Marquez Noel , Colmenero Jordi , Brunet Merce , Pera Miguel , Rosello-Catafau Joan , Bataller Ramon , García-Valdecasas Juan , Fundora Yiliam
Published: January 2024

Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for end-stage liver disease. Transplant indications have been progressively increasing, with a huge discrepancy between the supply and demand of optimal organs. In this context, the use of extended criteria donor grafts has gained importance, even though these grafts are more susceptible to ischemic reperfusion injury (IRI). Hepatic IRI is an inherent and inevitable consequence of all liver transplants; it involves ischemia-mediated cellular damage exacerbated upon reperfusion and its severity directly affects graft function and post-transplant complications. Strategies for organ preservation have been constantly improving since they first emerged. The current gold standard for preservation is perfusion solutions and static cold storage. However, novel approaches that allow extended preservation times, organ evaluation, and their treatment, which could increase the number of viable organs for transplantation, are currently under investigation. This review discusses the mechanisms associated with IRI, describes existing strategies for liver preservation, and emphasizes novel developments and challenges for effective organ preservation and optimization.
Contribution of Autophagy to Cellular Iron Homeostasis and Stress Adaptation in Alternaria alternata
Authors: Wu Pei-Ching , Choo Yen-Ling , Wei Sian-Yong , Yago Jonar I. , Chung Kuang-Ren
Published: January 2024

The tangerine pathotype of Alternaria alternata produces the Alternaria citri toxin (ACT), which elicits a host immune response characterized by the increase in harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. ROS detoxification in A. alternata relies on the degradation of peroxisomes through autophagy and iron acquisition using siderophores. In this study, we investigated the role of autophagy in regulating siderophore and iron homeostasis in A. alternata. Our results showed that autophagy positively influences siderophore production and iron uptake. The A. alternata strains deficient in autophagy-related genes 1 and 8 (ΔAaatg1 and ΔAaatg8) could not thrive without iron, and their adaptability to high-iron environments was also reduced. Furthermore, the ability of autophagy-deficient strains to withstand ROS was compromised. Notably, autophagy deficiency significantly reduced the production of dimerumic acid (DMA), a siderophore in A. alternata, which may contribute to ROS detoxification. Compared to the wild-type strain, ΔAaatg8 was defective in cellular iron balances. We also observed iron-induced autophagy and lipid peroxidation in A. alternata. To summarize, our study indicates that autophagy and maintaining iron homeostasis are interconnected and contribute to the stress resistance and the virulence of A. alternata. These results provide new insights into the complex interplay connecting autophagy, iron metabolism, and fungal pathogenesis in A. alternata.
Poly(vinyl chloride)/Nanocarbon Composites for Advanced Potentiometric Membrane Sensor Design
Authors: Zhizhin Konstantin Yu. , Turyshev Evgeniy S. , Shpigun Liliya K. , Gorobtsov Philipp Yu. , Simonenko Nikolay P. , Simonenko Tatiana L. , Kuznetsov Nikolay T.
Published: January 2024

Polymer nanocomposites filled with carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) are a hot topic in materials science. This article discusses the current research on the use of these materials as interfacial electron transfer films for solid contact potentiometric membrane sensors (SC-PMSs). The results of a comparative study of plasticized poly (vinyl chloride) (pPVC) matrices modified with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), fullerenes-C60, and their hybrid ensemble (SWCNTs-C60) are reported. The morphological characteristics and electrical conductivity of the prepared nanostructured composite films are reported. It was found that the specific electrical conductivity of the pPVC/SWCNTs-C60 polymer film was higher than that of pPVC filled with individual nanocomponents. The effectiveness of this composite material as an electron transfer film in a new potentiometric membrane sensor for detecting phenylpyruvic acid (in anionic form) was demonstrated. Screening for this metabolic product of phenylalanine in body fluids is of significant diagnostic interest in phenylketonuria (dementia), viral hepatitis, and alcoholism. The developed sensor showed a stable and fast Nernstian response for phenylpyruvate ions in aqueous solutions over the wide linear concentration range of 5 × 10−7–1 × 10−3 M, with a detection limit of 10−7.2 M.
The Role of Sensory Nerves in Dental Pulp Homeostasis: Histological Changes and Cellular Consequences after Sensory Denervation
Authors: Wang Chunmeng , Liu Xiaochen , Zhou Jiani , Zhang Qi
Published: January 2024

Homeostatic maintenance is essential for pulp function. Disrupting pulp homeostasis may lead to pulp degeneration, such as fibrosis and calcifications. Sensory nerves constitute a crucial component of the dental pulp. However, the precise involvement of sensory nerves in pulp homeostasis remains uncertain. In this study, we observed the short-term and long-term histological changes in the dental pulp after inferior alveolar nerve transection. Additionally, we cultured primary dental pulp cells (DPCs) from the innervated and denervated groups and compared indicators of cellular senescence and cellular function. The results revealed that pulp fibrosis occurred at 2 w after the operation. Furthermore, the pulp area, as well as the height and width of the pulp cavity, showed accelerated reductions after sensory denervation. Notably, the pulp area at 16 w after the operation was comparable to that of 56 w old rats. Sensory denervation induced excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and increased predisposition to mineralization. Furthermore, sensory denervation promoted the senescence of DPCs. Denervated DPCs exhibited decelerated cell proliferation, arrest in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, imbalance in the synthesis and degradation of ECM, and enhanced mineralization. These findings indicate that sensory nerves play an essential role in pulp homeostasis maintenance and dental pulp cell fate decisions, which may provide novel insights into the prevention of pulp degeneration.
Gestational Caloric Restriction Alters Adipose Tissue Methylome and Offspring’s Metabolic Profile in a Swine Model
Authors: Mas-Parés Berta , Xargay-Torrent Sílvia , Carreras-Badosa Gemma , Gómez-Vilarrubla Ariadna , Niubó-Pallàs Maria , Tibau Joan , Reixach Josep , Prats-Puig Anna , de Zegher Francis , Ibañez Lourdes , Bassols Judit , López-Bermejo Abel
Published: January 2024

Limited nutrient supply to the fetus results in physiologic and metabolic adaptations that have unfavorable consequences in the offspring. In a swine animal model, we aimed to study the effects of gestational caloric restriction and early postnatal metformin administration on offspring’s adipose tissue epigenetics and their association with morphometric and metabolic variables. Sows were either underfed (30% restriction of total food) or kept under standard diet during gestation, and piglets were randomly assigned at birth to receive metformin (n = 16 per group) or vehicle treatment (n = 16 per group) throughout lactation. DNA methylation and gene expression were assessed in the retroperitoneal adipose tissue of piglets at weaning. Results showed that gestational caloric restriction had a negative effect on the metabolic profile of the piglets, increased the expression of inflammatory markers in the adipose tissue, and changed the methylation of several genes related to metabolism. Metformin treatment resulted in positive changes in the adipocyte morphology and regulated the methylation of several genes related to atherosclerosis, insulin, and fatty acids signaling pathways. The methylation and gene expression of the differentially methylated FASN, SLC5A10, COL5A1, and PRKCZ genes in adipose tissue associated with the metabolic profile in the piglets born to underfed sows. In conclusion, our swine model showed that caloric restriction during pregnancy was associated with impaired inflammatory and DNA methylation markers in the offspring’s adipose tissue that could predispose the offspring to later metabolic abnormalities. Early metformin administration could modulate the size of adipocytes and the DNA methylation changes.
Dopamine Signaling in Substantia Nigra and Its Impact on Locomotor Function—Not a New Concept, but Neglected Reality
Authors: Salvatore Michael F.
Published: January 2024

The mechanistic influences of dopamine (DA) signaling and impact on motor function are nearly always interpreted from changes in nigrostriatal neuron terminals in striatum. This is a standard practice in studies of human Parkinson’s disease (PD) and aging and related animal models of PD and aging-related parkinsonism. However, despite dozens of studies indicating an ambiguous relationship between changes in striatal DA signaling and motor phenotype, this perseverating focus on striatum continues. Although DA release in substantia nigra (SN) was first reported almost 50 years ago, assessment of nigral DA signaling changes in relation to motor function is rarely considered. Whereas DA signaling has been well-characterized in striatum at all five steps of neurotransmission (biosynthesis and turnover, storage, release, reuptake, and post-synaptic binding) in the nigrostriatal pathway, the depth of such interrogations in the SN, outside of cell counts, is sparse. However, there is sufficient evidence that these steps in DA neurotransmission in the SN are operational and regulated autonomously from striatum and are present in human PD and aging and related animal models. To complete our understanding of how nigrostriatal DA signaling affects motor function, it is past time to include interrogation of nigral DA signaling. This brief review highlights evidence that changes in nigral DA signaling at each step in DA neurotransmission are autonomous from those in striatum and changes in the SN alone can influence locomotor function. Accordingly, for full characterization of how nigrostriatal DA signaling affects locomotor activity, interrogation of DA signaling in SN is essential.
Modulation of miR-29a and miR-29b Expression and Their Target Genes Related to Inflammation and Renal Fibrosis by an Oral Nutritional Supplement with Probiotics in Malnourished Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Sasso Corina Verónica , Lhamyani Said , Hevilla Francisco , Padial Marina , Blanca María , Barril Guillermina , Jiménez-Salcedo Tamara , Martínez Enrique Sanz , Nogueira Ángel , Lago-Sampedro Ana María , Olveira Gabriel
Published: January 2024

Malnutrition is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those on hemodialysis. Recently, our group described that a new oral nutritional supplement (ONS), specifically designed for malnourished (or at risk) hemodialysis patients with a “similar to the Mediterranean diet” pattern, improved caloric-protein intake, nutritional status and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidation. Our aim in this study was to evaluate whether the new ONS, associated with probiotics or not, may produce changes in miRNA’s expression and its target genes in malnourished hemodialysis patients, compared to individualized diet recommendations. We performed a randomized, multicenter, parallel-group trial in malnourished hemodialysis patients with three groups (1: control (C) individualized diet (n = 11); 2: oral nutritional supplement (ONS) + placebo (ONS-PL) (n = 10); and 3: ONS + probiotics (ONS-PR) (n = 10)); the trial was open regarding the intake of ONS or individualized diet recommendations but double-blinded for the intake of probiotics. MiRNAs and gene expression levels were analyzed by RT-qPCR at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. We observed that the expression of miR-29a and miR-29b increased significantly in patients with ONS-PR at 3 months in comparison with baseline, stabilizing at the sixth month. Moreover, we observed differences between studied groups, where miR-29b expression levels were elevated in patients receiving ONS-PR compared to the control group in the third month. Regarding the gene expression levels, we observed a decrease in the ONS-PR group compared to the control group in the third month for RUNX2 and TNFα. TGFB1 expression was decreased in the ONS-PR group compared to baseline in the third month. PTEN gene expression was significantly elevated in the ONS-PR group at 3 months in comparison with baseline. LEPTIN expression was significantly increased in the ONS-PL group at the 3-month intervention compared to baseline. The new oral nutritional supplement associated with probiotics increases the expression levels of miR-29a and miR-29b after 3 months of intervention, modifying the expression of target genes with anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic actions. This study highlights the potential benefit of this oral nutritional supplement, especially associated with probiotics, in malnourished patients with chronic renal disease on hemodialysis.
Green Synthesized Polymeric Iodophors with Thyme as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Edis Zehra , Bloukh Samir Haj , Sara Hamed Abu , Bloukh Iman Haj
Published: January 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern for the future of mankind. Common antibiotics fail in the treatment of microbial infections at an alarming rate. Morbidity and mortality rates increase, especially among immune-compromised populations. Medicinal plants and their essential oils, as well as iodine could be potential solutions against resistant pathogens. These natural antimicrobials abate microbial proliferation, especially in synergistic combinations. We performed a simple, one-pot synthesis to prepare our formulation with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-complexed iodine (I2), Thymus Vulgaris L. (Thyme), and Aloe Barbadensis Miller (AV). SEM/EDS, UV-vis, Raman, FTIR, and XRD analyses verified the purity, composition, and morphology of AV-PVP-Thyme-I2. We investigated the inhibitory action of the bio-formulation AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 against 10 selected reference pathogens on impregnated sterile discs, surgical sutures, cotton gauze bandages, surgical face masks, and KN95 masks. The antimicrobial properties of AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 were studied by disc diffusion methods and compared with those of the antibiotics gentamycin and nystatin. The results confirm AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 as a strong antifungal and antibacterial agent against the majority of the tested microorganisms with excellent results on cotton bandages and face masks. After storing AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 for 18 months, the inhibitory action was augmented compared to the fresh formulation. Consequently, we suggest AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 as an antimicrobial agent against wound infections and a spray-on contact killing agent.
Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers for Parkinson’s Disease: How Far from Clinical Translation?
Authors: Gualerzi Alice , Picciolini Silvia , Bedoni Marzia , Guerini Franca Rosa , Clerici Mario , Agliardi Cristina
Published: January 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting about 10 million people worldwide with a prevalence of about 2% in the over-80 population. The disease brings in also a huge annual economic burden, recently estimated by the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research to be USD 52 billion in the United States alone. Currently, no effective cure exists, but available PD medical treatments are based on symptomatic prescriptions that include drugs, surgical approaches and rehabilitation treatment. Due to the complex biology of a PD brain, the design of clinical trials and the personalization of treatment strategies require the identification of accessible and measurable biomarkers to monitor the events induced by treatment and disease progression and to predict patients’ responsiveness. In the present review, we strive to briefly summarize current knowledge about PD biomarkers, focusing on the role of extracellular vesicles as active or involuntary carriers of disease-associated proteins, with particular attention to those research works that envision possible clinical applications.
Advancements in Reference Gene Selection for Fruit Trees: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Peng Shujun , Ali Sabir Irfan , Hu Xinglong , Chen Jiayi , Qin Yonghua
Published: January 2024

Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) has been widely used in gene expression analyses due to its advantages of sensitivity, accuracy and high throughput. The stability of internal reference genes has progressively emerged as a major factor affecting the precision of qRT-PCR results. However, the stability of the expression of the reference genes needs to be determined further in different cells or organs, physiological and experimental conditions. Methods for evaluating these candidate internal reference genes have also evolved from simple single software evaluation to more reliable and accurate internal reference gene evaluation by combining different software tools in a comprehensive analysis. This study intends to provide a definitive reference for upcoming research that will be conducted on fruit trees. The primary focus of this review is to summarize the research progress in recent years regarding the selection and stability analysis of candidate reference genes for different fruit trees.
The Role of Key Amino Acids of the Human Fe(II)/2OG-Dependent Dioxygenase ALKBH3 in Structural Dynamics and Repair Activity toward Methylated DNA
Authors: Kanazhevskaya Lyubov Yu. , Gorbunov Alexey A. , Lukina Maria V. , Smyshliaev Denis A. , Zhdanova Polina V. , Lomzov Alexander A. , Koval Vladimir V.
Published: January 2024

Non-heme dioxygenases of the AlkB family hold a unique position among enzymes that repair alkyl lesions in nucleic acids. These enzymes activate the Fe(II) ion and molecular oxygen through the coupled decarboxylation of the 2-oxoglutarate co-substrate to subsequently oxidize the substrate. ALKBH3 is a human homolog of E. coli AlkB, which displays a specific activity toward N1-methyladenine and N3-methylcytosine bases in single-stranded DNA. Due to the lack of a DNA-bound structure of ALKBH3, the basis of its substrate specificity and structure–function relationships requires further exploration. Here we have combined biochemical and biophysical approaches with site-directed mutational analysis to elucidate the role of key amino acids in maintaining the secondary structure and catalytic activity of ALKBH3. Using stopped-flow fluorescence spectroscopy we have shown that conformational dynamics play a crucial role in the catalytic repair process catalyzed by ALKBH3. A transient kinetic mechanism, which comprises the steps of the specific substrate binding, eversion, and anchoring within the DNA-binding cleft, has been described quantitatively by rate and equilibrium constants. Through CD spectroscopy, we demonstrated that replacing side chains of Tyr143, Leu177, and His191 with alanine results in significant alterations in the secondary structure content of ALKBH3 and decreases the stability of mutant proteins. The bulky side chain of Tyr143 is critical for binding the methylated base and stabilizing its flipped-out conformation, while its hydroxyl group is likely involved in facilitating the product release. The removal of the Leu177 and His191 side chains substantially affects the secondary structure content and conformational flexibility, leading to the complete inactivation of the protein. The mutants lacking enzymatic activity exhibit a marked decrease in antiparallel β-strands, offset by an increase in the helical component.
A Case of DNAJC12-Deficient Hyperphenylalaninemia Detected on Newborn Screening: Clinical Outcomes from Early Detection
Authors: Donnelly Colleen , Estrella Lissette , Ginevic Ilona , Ganesh Jaya
Published: January 2024

DNAJC12-deficient hyperphenylalaninemia is a recently described inborn error of metabolism associated with hyperphenylalaninemia, neurotransmitter deficiency, and developmental delay caused by biallelic pathogenic variants of the DNAJC12 gene. The loss of the DNAJC12-encoded chaperone results in the destabilization of the biopterin-dependent aromatic amino acid hydroxylases, resulting in deficiencies in dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. We present the case of a patient who screened positive for hyperphenylalaninemia on newborn screening and was discovered to be homozygous for a likely pathogenic variant of DNAJC12. Here, we review the management of DNAJC12-related hyperphenylalaninemia and compare our patient to other reported cases in the literature to investigate how early detection and management may impact clinical outcomes.
From Cybercrime to Digital Balance: How Human Development Shapes Digital Risk Cultures
Authors: Rughiniș Răzvan , Bran Emanuela , Stăiculescu Ana Rodica , Radovici Alexandru
Published: January 2024

This article examines configurations of digital concerns within the European Union (EU27), a leading hub of innovation and policy development. The core objective is to uncover the social forces shaping technology acceptance and risk awareness, which are essential for fostering a resilient digital society in the EU. The study draws upon Bourdieu’s concept of capital to discuss technological capital and digital habitus and Beck’s risk society theory to frame the analysis of individual and national attitudes towards digital risks. Utilizing Eurobarometer data, the research operationalizes technological capital through proxy indicators of individual socioeconomic status and internet use, while country-level development indicators are used to predict aggregated national risk perception. Article contributions rely on individual- and country-level statistical analysis. Specifically, the study reveals that digital concerns are better predicted at a national level rather than individual level, being shaped by infrastructure, policy, and narrative rather than by personal technological capital. Key findings highlight a positive and a negative correlation between digital advancement with cybersecurity fears and digital literacy, respectively. HDI and DESI are relevant country-level predictors of public concerns, while CGI values are not. Using cluster analysis, we identify and interpret four digital risk cultures within the EU, each with varying foci and levels of concern, which correspond to economic, political, and cultural influences at the national level.
Self-Bilinear Map from One Way Encoding System and i𝒪
Authors: Zhang Huang , Huang Ting , Zhang Fangguo , Wei Baodian , Du Yusong
Published: January 2024

A bilinear map whose domain and target sets are identical is called a self-bilinear map. Original self-bilinear maps are defined over cyclic groups. Since the map itself reveals information about the underlying cyclic group, the Decisional Diffie–Hellman Problem (DDH) and the computational Diffie–Hellman (CDH) problem may be solved easily in some specific groups. This brings a lot of limitations to constructing secure self-bilinear schemes. As a compromise, a self-bilinear map with auxiliary information was proposed in CRYPTO’2014. In this paper, we construct this weak variant of a self-bilinear map from generic sets and indistinguishable obfuscation. These sets should own several properties. A new notion, One Way Encoding System (OWES), is proposed to summarize these properties. The new Encoding Division Problem (EDP) is defined to complete the security proof. The OWES can be built by making use of one level of graded encoding systems (GES). To construct a concrete self-bilinear map scheme, Garg, Gentry, and Halvei(GGH13) GES is adopted in our work. Even though the security of GGH13 was recently broken by Hu et al., their algorithm does not threaten our applications. At the end of this paper, some further considerations for the EDP for concrete construction are given to improve the confidence that EDP is indeed hard.
IT Risk Management: Towards a System for Enhancing Objectivity in Asset Valuation That Engenders a Security Culture
Authors: Metin Bilgin , Duran Sefa , Telli Eda , Mutlutürk Meltem , Wynn Martin
Published: January 2024

In today’s technology-centric business environment, where organizations encounter numerous cyber threats, effective IT risk management is crucial. An objective risk assessment—based on information relating to business requirements, human elements, and the security culture within an organisation—can provide a sound basis for informed decision making, effective risk prioritisation, and the implementation of suitable security measures. This paper focuses on asset valuation, supply chain risk, and enhanced objectivity—via a “segregation of duties” approach—to extend and apply the capabilities of an established security culture framework. The resultant system design aims at mitigating subjectivity in IT risk assessments, thereby diminishing personal biases and presumptions to provide a more transparent and accurate understanding of the real risks involved. Survey responses from 16 practitioners working in the private and public sectors confirmed the validity of the approach but suggest it may be more workable in larger organisations where resources allow dedicated risk professionals to operate. This research contributes to the literature on IT and cyber risk management and provides new perspectives on the need to improve objectivity in asset valuation and risk assessment.
SFS-AGGL: Semi-Supervised Feature Selection Integrating Adaptive Graph with Global and Local Information
Authors: Yi Yugen , Zhang Haoming , Zhang Ningyi , Zhou Wei , Huang Xiaomei , Xie Gengsheng , Zheng Caixia
Published: January 2024

As the feature dimension of data continues to expand, the task of selecting an optimal subset of features from a pool of limited labeled data and extensive unlabeled data becomes more and more challenging. In recent years, some semi-supervised feature selection methods (SSFS) have been proposed to select a subset of features, but they still have some drawbacks limiting their performance, for e.g., many SSFS methods underutilize the structural distribution information available within labeled and unlabeled data. To address this issue, we proposed a semi-supervised feature selection method based on an adaptive graph with global and local constraints (SFS-AGGL) in this paper. Specifically, we first designed an adaptive graph learning mechanism that can consider both the global and local information of samples to effectively learn and retain the geometric structural information of the original dataset. Secondly, we constructed a label propagation technique integrated with the adaptive graph learning in SFS-AGGL to fully utilize the structural distribution information of both labeled and unlabeled data. The proposed SFS-AGGL method is validated through classification and clustering tasks across various datasets. The experimental results demonstrate its superiority over existing benchmark methods, particularly in terms of clustering performance.
Evaluation of the Potential Effect of Postbiotics Obtained from Honey Bees against Varroa destructor and Their Combination with Other Organic Products
Authors: García-Vicente Eduardo José , Benito-Murcia María , Martín María , Rey-Casero Ismael , Pérez Ana , González María , Alonso Juan Manuel , Risco David
Published: January 2024

The Varroa destructor mite infests Apis mellifera colonies and causes significant harm. Traditional treatments have become less effective because of mite resistance development and can also generate residues inside beehives. This study aimed to gauge the efficacy of a beehive-derived postbiotic in reducing V. destructor viability and to explore its synergies with organic compounds. Four lactic acid bacteria (LAB) species, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillus helsingborgensis, Bacillus velezensis, and Apilactobacillus kunkeei, were isolated and tested in a postbiotic form (preparations of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components) via bioassays. L. mesenteroides, L. helsingborgensis, and B. velezensis notably reduced the mite viability compared to the control, and they were further tested together as a single postbiotic product (POS). Further bioassays were performed to assess the impact of the POS and its combinations with oxalic acid and oregano essential oil. The simple products and combinations (POS/Oregano, POS/Oxalic, Oregano/Oxalic, and POS/Oregano/Oxalic) decreased the mite viability. The most effective were the oxalic acid combinations (POS/Oregano/Oxalic, Oxalic/Oregano, POS/Oxalic), showing significant improvements compared to the individual products. These findings highlight the potential of combining organic products as a vital strategy for controlling V. destructor infection. This study suggests that these combinations could serve as essential tools for combating the impact of mites on bee colonies.
Outcomes after Perioperative Transient Ischemic Attack Following Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Jain Urvish , Jain Bhav , Brown James , Sultan Ibrahim B. , Thoma Floyd , Anetakis Katherine M. , Balzer Jeffrey R. , Subramaniam Kathirvel , Yousef Sarah , Wang Yisi , Nogueira Raul , Thirumala Parthasarathy D.
Published: January 2024

Perioperative transient ischemic attacks (PTIAs) are associated with significantly increased rates of postoperative complications such as low cardiac output, atrial fibrillation, and significantly higher mortality in cardiac procedures. The current literature on PTIAs is sparse and understudied. Therefore, we aim to understand the effects of PTIA on hospital utilization, readmission, and morbidity. Using data on all the cardiac procedures at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center from 2011 to 2019, fine and gray analysis was performed to identify whether PTIAs and covariables correlate with increased hospital utilization, stroke, all-cause readmission, Major Adverse Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Events (MACCE), MI, and all-cause mortality. Logistic regression for longer hospitalization showed that PTIA (HR: 2.199 [95% CI: 1.416–3.416] increased utilization rates. Fine and gray modeling indicated that PTIA (HR: 1.444 [95% CI: 1.096–1.902], p < 0.01) increased the rates of follow-up all-cause readmission. However, PTIA (HR: 1.643 [95% CI: 0.913–2.956] was not statistically significant for stroke readmission modeling. Multivariate modeling for MACCE events within 30 days of surgery (HR: 0.524 [95% CI: 0.171–1.605], p > 0.25) and anytime during the follow-up period (HR: 1.116 [95% CI: 0.825–1.509], p > 0.45) showed no significant correlation with PTIA. As a result of PTIA’s significant burden on the healthcare system due to increased utilization, it is critical to better define and recognize PTIA for timely management to improve perioperative outcomes.
A New Screening Tool (BAMSA) for Sleep Apnea in Male Professional Truck Drivers
Authors: Huhta Riikka , Sieminski Mariusz , Hirvonen Kari , Partinen Eemil , Partinen Markku
Published: January 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in professional truck drivers. It is important that OSA is recognized since undiagnosed and/or untreated sleep apnea is a risk factor for sleepiness-related traffic accidents. In this study, we developed a new simple tool to screen for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in this population. Altogether, 2066 professional truck drivers received a structured questionnaire. A total of 175 drivers had a clinical examination and were invited to participate in sleep laboratory studies, including cardiorespiratory polygraphy. We studied associations of different risk factors with the presence of sleep apnea. We established a new simple screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that was compared to other existing screening tools. A total of 1095 drivers completed the questionnaire. Successful cardiorespiratory polygraphy was obtained for 172 drivers. Full data were available for 160 male drivers included in the analyses. The following five risk factors for sleep apnea formed the BAMSA score (0 to 5): BMI > 30 kgm−2, age > 50 years, male gender, snoring at least one night per week, and the presence of apnea at least sometimes. BAMSA showed a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 78.8% in detecting AHI ≥ 15 when using a cut-off point of 4, and the ROC area was 0.823. BAMSA is a sensitive and easy-to-use tool in predicting obstructive sleep apnea in male professional drivers.
Prognostic Implications of Septal Hypertrophy in Patients with Heart Failure with Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Abel Noah , Schupp Tobias , Abumayyaleh Mohammad , Schmitt Alexander , Reinhardt Marielen , Lau Felix , Ayoub Mohamed , Mashayekhi Kambis , Akin Muharrem , Rusnak Jonas , Akin Ibrahim , Behnes Michael
Published: January 2024

Cardiac remodeling is frequently observed in patients with heart failure (HF) and serves as an indicator of disease progression and severity. Septal hypertrophy represents an aspect of remodeling that can be easily assessed via an echocardiographic measurement of the interventricular septal end diastole (IVSd), but it has not been evaluated for its prognostic value, particularly in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF). We retrospectively included 1881 consecutive patients hospitalized with HFmrEF (i.e., a left ventricular ejection fraction of 41–49% and signs and/or symptoms of HF) at one institution during a study period from 2016 to 2022. Septal hypertrophy, defined as an IVSd > 12 mm, was prevalent in 34% of the HFmrEF patients. Although septal hypertrophy was not associated with all-cause mortality at 30 months (median follow-up) (HR = 1.067; 95% CI: 0.898–1.267; p = 0.460), it was associated with an increased risk of hospitalization due to worsening HF at 30 months (HR = 1.303; 95% CI: 1.008–1.685; p = 0.044), which was confirmed even after multivariable adjustment (HR = 1.340; 95% CI: 1.002–1.792; p = 0.049) and propensity score matching (HR = 1.399; 95% CI: 1.002–1.951; p = 0.048). Although septal hypertrophy was not associated with the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with HFmrEF, it was identified as an independent predictor of long-term HF-related rehospitalization.
Asthma Inflammatory Phenotypes: How Can We Distinguish Them?
Authors: Plavsic Aleksandra , Nikolic Branka Bonaci , Milenkovic Branislava , Miskovic Rada , Kusic Natasa , Dimitrijevic Milan , Arandjelovic Snezana , Milosevic Katarina , Buha Ivana , Spiric Vesna Tomic
Published: January 2024

Background and objectives: induced sputum is used to assess different inflammatory phenotypes in asthma, but is not used routinely. We aimed to determine the proportion of inflammatory asthma phenotypes based on induced sputum, to find biomarkers that can discriminate between phenotypes, and to evaluate biomarkers in patients with and without biological therapy in different inflammatory asthma phenotypes. Materials and Methods: this cross-sectional study investigated clinical characteristics, asthma control tests, skin prick test, impulse oscillometry (IOS), spirometry, induced sputum, biomarkers (IgE, eosinophils, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), serum periostin, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-33) in 80 asthmatics. A total of 17/80 patients were treated with biologics (10 with omalizumab, 7 with benralizumab). Results: a total of 31% of patients had eosinophilic asthma (EA), 30% had mixed granulocytic asthma (MGA), 24% had paucigranulocytic asthma (PGA), and 15% had neutrophilic asthma (NA). The difference was found in blood eosinophils (p = 0.002), the highest observed in EA. The cut-off ≥ 240/μL eosinophils, with 64% sensitivity and 72.7% specificity, identified EA (AUC = 0.743, p = 0.001). A higher IL-8 level was associated with NA (p = 0.025). In 63 non-biologic asthma group, eosinophils were higher in EA than in NA, MGA, and PGA (p = 0.012, p = 0.028, and p = 0.049, respectively). A higher IL-17A was associated with EA without biologics (p = 0.004). A significantly higher IL-5 was found in EA treated with biologics, in comparison with EA without biologics (p = 0.043). The number of leucocytes and neutrophils was higher in MGA without biologics (p = 0.049, p = 0.019), while IL-5, IL-6, and IL-8 levels were higher in MGA treated with biologics (p = 0.012, p = 0.032, p = 0.038, respectively). Conclusions: EA and MGA were the most prevalent asthma phenotypes. Blood eosinophils can identify EA, both in patients with and without biologics. Apart from the clinical profile, a broad spectrum of biomarkers for assessing inflammatory phenotypes is necessary for an adequate therapy approach to patients with asthma.
Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 in a Non-Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Mackiewicz-Milewska Magdalena , Cisowska-Adamiak Małgorzata , Pyskir Jerzy , Świątkiewicz Iwona
Published: January 2024

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may contribute to venous thromboembolism (VTE) with adverse effects on the course of COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to investigate an incidence and risk factors for VTE in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a non-intensive care unit (non-ICU). Consecutive adult patients with COVID-19 hospitalized from November 2021 to March 2022 in the isolation non-ICU at our center were included in the study. Incidence of VTE including pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), clinical characteristics, and D-dimer plasma levels during the hospitalization were retrospectively evaluated. Among the 181 patients (aged 68.8 ± 16.2 years, 44% females, 39% Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant, 61% Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant), VTE occurred in 29 patients (VTE group, 16% of the entire cohort). Of them, PE and DVT were diagnosed in 15 (8.3% of the entire cohort) and 14 (7.7%) patients, respectively. No significant differences in clinical characteristics were observed between the VTE and non-VTE groups. On admission, median D-dimer was elevated in both groups, more for VTE group (1549 ng/mL in VTE vs. 1111 ng/mL in non-VTE, p = 0.09). Median maximum D-dimer was higher in the VTE than in the non-VTE group (5724 ng/mL vs. 2200 ng/mL, p < 0.005). In the univariate analysis, systemic arterial hypertension and the need for oxygen therapy were predictors of VTE during hospitalization for COVID-19 (odds ratio 2.59 and 2.43, respectively, p < 0.05). No significant associations were found between VTE risk and other analyzed factors; however, VTE was more likely to occur in patients with a history of VTE, neurological disorders, chronic pulmonary or kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, obesity, and Delta variant infection. Thromboprophylaxis (83.4% of the entire cohort) and anticoagulant treatment (16.6%) were not associated with a decreased VTE risk. The incidence of VTE in patients hospitalized in non-ICU for COVID-19 was high despite the common use of thromboprophylaxis or anticoagulant treatment. A diagnosis of arterial hypertension and the need for oxygen therapy were associated with an increased VTE risk. Continuous D-dimer monitoring is required for the early detection of VTE.
Impact of Pregnancy on Self-Efficacy and Personal Competence in the Context of Risk of Depression, Mental Health Status, and Satisfaction with Life
Authors: Kułak-Bejda Agnieszka , Avci Aydin Ilknur , Çelik Eren Dilek , Kourkouta Lambrini , Tsaloglidou Areti , Koukourikos Konstantinos , Szpakow Andriej , Khvoryk Natallia , Hutsikava Liudmila , Waszkiewicz Napoleon
Published: January 2024

For many women, pregnancy and childbirth are often accompanied by strong emotions related to fear, stress, and anxiety about the health of the woman and her child. This study aimed to assess the effect of pregnancy on the risk of depression, mental health status, and satisfaction with life in women in Poland, Greece, Turkey, Belarus, and Russia. Material and methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 2017 women surveyed, including 584 pregnant women, 528 postpartum women, and 906 women who had never been pregnant (the comparative group) from Poland, Greece, Turkey, Belarus, and Russia. The sample selection was purposive. Surveys were collected between November 2021 and December 2022. The study used the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), the GHQ-28 (General Health Questionnaire), the Schwarzer Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the KompOs Personal Competence Scale. Results: A significantly lower risk of depression was observed in postpartum women in Poland and amongst pregnant women in Turkey. Pregnant women in Turkey (28.9 points) presented the highest satisfaction with life, while the lowest satisfaction was found amongst pregnant women in Poland and Greece (25.2 and 25.1 points, respectively). In Poland and Belarus, a higher risk of depression was noticed in women who had undergone an artificial abortion. In Turkey, a positive correlation was found in pregnant women concerning the number of children they had with a measure of depression and a negative correlation with life satisfaction. In Greece, non-pregnant women showed no correlation between mental status and scores on the GSES. Scores on satisfaction with SWLS were positively correlated with a sense of power, and the strength of the correlation was similar to results on the BDI and GHQ measures. Postpartum depression, according to the EPDS, was also the most severe in Turkish women. Conclusions: The highest risk of depression was shown in the control group and amongst pregnant and postpartum women in Turkey and Greece, and the lowest such risk was in Poland. Pregnant and postpartum women showed by far the highest satisfaction with life in Turkey and the lowest in women from Greece. The risk of depression, the level of satisfaction with life, and the mental health of pregnant women were not influenced by the type of last delivery. However, the duration of the last delivery influenced the group from Belarus, and having children affected the mental health of women in the group from Turkey.
Development of Artificial Intelligence for Determining Major Depressive Disorder Based on Resting-State EEG and Single-Pulse Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation-Evoked EEG Indices
Authors: Noda Yoshihiro , Sakaue Kento , Wada Masataka , Takano Mayuko , Nakajima Shinichiro
Published: January 2024

Depression is the disorder with the greatest socioeconomic burdens. Its diagnosis is still based on an operational diagnosis derived from symptoms, and no objective diagnostic indicators exist. Thus, the present study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model to aid in the diagnosis of depression from electroencephalography (EEG) data by applying machine learning to resting-state EEG and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-evoked EEG acquired from patients with depression and healthy controls. Resting-state EEG and single-pulse TMS-EEG were acquired from 60 patients and 60 healthy controls. Power spectrum analysis, phase synchronization analysis, and phase-amplitude coupling analysis were conducted on EEG data to extract feature candidates to apply different types of machine learning algorithms. Furthermore, to address the limitation of the sample size, dimensionality reduction was performed in a manner to increase the quality of information by featuring robust neurophysiological metrics that showed significant differences between the two groups. Then, nine different machine learning models were applied to the data. For the EEG data, we created models combining four modalities, including (1) resting-state EEG, (2) pre-stimulus TMS-EEG, (3) post-stimulus TMS-EEG, and (4) differences between pre- and post-stimulus TMS-EEG, and evaluated their performance. We found that the best estimation performance (a mean area under the curve of 0.922) was obtained using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis when linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was applied to the combination of the four feature sets. This study showed that by using TMS-EEG neurophysiological indices as features, it is possible to develop a depression decision-support AI algorithm that exhibits high discrimination accuracy.