bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An interpretable machine learning model for stroke recurrence in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic arterial stenosis
Authors: Gao Yu , Li Zi-ang , Zhai Xiao-yang , Han Lin , Zhang Ping , Cheng Si-jia , Yue Jun-yan , Cui Hong-kai
Published: January 2024

Background and objective

Symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (SICAS) is the most common etiology of ischemic stroke and one of the main causes of high stroke recurrence. The recurrence of stroke is closely related to the prognosis of ischemic stroke. This study aims to develop a machine learning model based on high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) to predict the risk of stroke recurrence in SICAS.

Methods

This study retrospectively collected data from 180 SICAS stroke patients treated at the hospital between 2020.01 and 2022.01. Relevant imaging and clinical data were collected, and follow-up was conducted. The dataset was divided into a training set and a validation set in a ratio of 7:3. We employed the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to perform a selection on the baseline data, laboratory tests, and neuroimaging data generated by HR-VWI scans collected from the training set. Finally, five machine learning techniques, including logistic regression model (LR), support vector machine (SVM), Gaussian naive Bayes (GNB), Complement naive Bayes (CNB), and k-nearest neighbors algorithm (kNN), were employed to develop a predictive model for stroke recurrence. Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) was used to provide visualization and interpretation for each patient. The model’s effectiveness was evaluated using average accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, f1 score, PR curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis.

Results

LASSO analysis revealed that “history of hypertension,” “homocysteine level,” “NWI value,” “stenosis rate,” “intracranial hemorrhage,” “positive remodeling,” and “enhancement grade” were independent risk factors for stroke recurrence in SICAS patients. In 10-fold cross-validation, the area under the curve (AUC) ranged from 0.813 to 0.912 in ROC curve analysis. The area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC) ranged from 0.655 to 0.833, with the Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB) model exhibiting the best ability to predict stroke recurrence in SICAS. SHAP analysis provided interpretability for the machine learning model and revealed essential factors related to the risk of stroke recurrence in SICAS.

Conclusion

A precise machine learning-based prediction model for stroke recurrence in SICAS has been established to assist clinical practitioners in making clinical decisions and implementing personalized treatment measures.
Folic acid supplements and perinatal mortality in China
Authors: Liu Xiaojing , Liu Xiaowen , An Hang , Li Zhiwen , Zhang Le , Zhang Yali , Liu Jianmeng , Ye Rongwei , Li Nan
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Periconceptional use of multivitamins containing folic acid prevents external major birth defects, especially neural tube defects. We aimed to explore the effects of maternal folic acid supplementation alone on perinatal mortality with or without external major birth defects plus neural tube defects.

Methods

From the China-US Collaborative Project for Neural Tube Defects Prevention, we identified 222, 303 singleton pregnancies with detailed information on periconceptional folic acid use, defined as folic acid supplementary before the last menstrual date until to the end of the first trimester. Perinatal mortality included stillbirths after 20 weeks’ gestation and early neonatal deaths within 7 days of delivery.

Results

Among the fetuses or infants of women who did not take folic acid, the rate of perinatal mortality was 2.99% and 1.62% at least 20 weeks’ gestation in the northern and southern regions. Among the fetuses or infants of the women with periconceptional use of folic acid, the rates were 1.85% and 1.39% in the northern and southern region. The estimated relative risk for perinatal mortality [adjusted risk ratio (RR), 0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.61- 0.85], stillbirth (adjusted RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.64-0.96), early neonatal mortality (adjusted RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.45-0.82), and neonatal death (adjusted RR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.49-0.83) in northern China was significantly decreased in association with periconceptional folic acid supplementation. Compared with northern, there was a lesser effect in southern China.

Conclusion

Periconceptional intake of 400μg folic acid daily reduces the overall risk perinatal mortality, as well as the risk from external major birth defects and neural tube defects, especially in northern China.
Extracellular vesicles in the Chronic Myeloid Leukemia scenario: an update about the shuttling of disease markers and therapeutic molecules
Authors: Bernardi Simona , Mulas Olga , Mutti Silvia , Costa Alessandro , Russo Domenico , La Nasa Giorgio
Published: January 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are various sets of cell-derived membranous structures containing lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins secreted by both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. It is now well recognized that EVs are key intercellular communication mediators, allowing the functional transfer of bioactive chemicals from one cell to another in both healthy and pathological pathways. It is evident that the condition of the producer cells heavily influences the composition of EVs. Hence, phenotypic changes in the parent cells are mirrored in the design of the secreted EVs. As a result, EVs have been investigated for a wide range of medicinal and diagnostic uses in different hematological diseases. EVs have only recently been studied in the context of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), a blood malignancy defined by the chromosomal rearrangement t(9;22) and the fusion gene BCR-ABL1. The findings range from the impact on pathogenesis to the possible use of EVs as medicinal chemical carriers. This review aims to provide for the first time an update on our understanding of EVs as carriers of CML biomarkers for minimal residual disease monitoring, therapy response, and its management, as well as the limited reports on the use of EVs as therapeutic shuttles for innovative treatment approaches.
Characterizing the secretome of EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Luu Jennifer K. , Johnson Fraser D. , Jajarmi Jana , Sihota Tianna , Shi Rocky , Lu Daniel , Farnsworth Dylan , Spencer Sandra E. , Negri Gian Luca , Morin Gregg B. , Lockwood William W.
Published: January 2024

Background

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death worldwide, mainly due to the late stage of disease at the time of diagnosis. Non-invasive biomarkers are needed to supplement existing screening methods to enable earlier detection and increased patient survival. This is critical to EGFR-driven lung adenocarcinoma as it commonly occurs in individuals who have never smoked and do not qualify for current screening protocols.

Methods

In this study, we performed mass spectrometry analysis of the secretome of cultured lung cells representing different stages of mutant EGFR driven transformation, from normal to fully malignant. Identified secreted proteins specific to the malignant state were validated using orthogonal methods and their clinical activity assessed in lung adenocarcinoma patient cohorts.

Results

We quantified 1020 secreted proteins, which were compared for differential expression between stages of transformation. We validated differentially expressed proteins at the transcriptional level in clinical tumor specimens, association with patient survival, and absolute concentration to yield three biomarker candidates: MDK, GDF15, and SPINT2. These candidates were validated using ELISA and increased levels were associated with poor patient survival specifically in EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinoma patients.

Conclusions

Our study provides insight into changes in secreted proteins during EGFR driven lung adenocarcinoma transformation that may play a role in the processes that promote tumor progression. The specific candidates identified can harnessed for biomarker use to identify high risk individuals for early detection screening programs and disease management for this molecular subgroup of lung adenocarcinoma patients.
Quality of life and associated factors among patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, North-East Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bayked Ewunetie Mekashaw , Yimam Mekdes Getachew , Yalew Zemen Mengesha , Toleha Husien Nurahmed , Zewdie Segenet
Published: January 2024

Background

Cancer is a major public health problem around the world. Cancer by itself and its treatment modalities affect the quality of life (QoL) of patients with it. However, there were a paucity of studies about the QoL of patients receiving chemotherapeutic treatment in Ethiopia. This study was aimed at addressing such a gap. Accordingly, we investigated QoL and associated factors among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (DCSH), North East Ethiopia, in 2023.

Methods

We employed a cross-sectional study from April 1 to May 30, 2023. The data was collected using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core QoL Questionnaire, version 3.0 (EORTC QLQ-C30). The data was entered and cleaned using EpiData version 4.6 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 for analysis. The association between the dependent and independent variables was determined using Odds Ratios (ORs) at a p value < 0.05 with a 95% CI.

Results

Data was collected from 394 patients. Their mean summary QoL score was 36.3 ± 9.0. About 39.3% demonstrated a good QoL summary score, whereas 60.7% were impacted by symptoms. A good functional QoL score was observed in 42.6% of the participants. About 54.8% and 31.7% reported good overall health status and good overall QoL, respectively. The most impacted functional domain was social functioning, affecting 64.5% of participants. The most common symptom was diarrhea, affecting 65.5% of the participants. Secondary school education level (Adjusted Odds Ratio-AOR = 3.16, 95% CI: 1.14-8.81), diploma and above education level (AOR = 4.90, 95% CI: 1.29-18.62), and urban residency (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.07-2.82) had a significant positive association with QoL, while being a civil servant (AOR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.04-0.49), having stage III cancer (AOR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.05-0.39), and stage IV cancer (AOR = 0.16, 95% 0.06-0.44) had a significant negative association with it.

Conclusion

The QoL for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy was significantly low and associated with their level of education, occupational status, area of residence, and stage of cancer. Incorporating psychosocial support is thus crucial in their treatment plans.
Atypical presentations of UTUC: a case report of three patients
Authors: Guo Linfa , Bai Xiaojie , Tuoheti Kuerban , Wang Xiaolong , Liu Tongzu
Published: January 2024

Background

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare clinical condition primarily characterized by symptoms such as gross or microscopic hematuria, flank pain, and renal colic. Although computed tomography urography (CTU) is currently the most accurate imaging modality for diagnosis, atypical presentations and physical examination findings can sometimes obscure lesions, posing diagnostic challenges.

Case presentation

In this report, three patients exhibited atypical symptoms, sharing a common complaint of flank pain. Notably, the first patient, who had recently undergone laparoscopic right duplex nephrectomy, presented with microscopic hematuria, whereas the other two did not show any gross or microscopic hematuria. Computed tomography urography revealed hydronephrosis and infection without significant renal pelvic space-occupying lesions, with persistently elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts, but no fever. These atypical clinical presentations confounded clinicians, delaying the diagnosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma until postoperative pathological examination for the first two patients and resulting in advanced-stage diagnosis for the third patient. Postoperative pathology confirmed high-grade invasive upper tract urothelial carcinoma in all three patients.

Conclusion

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma can manifest atypically without hematuria and may be challenging to visualize on computed tomography urography, potentially leading to misdiagnosis. Therefore, clinicians should maintain a high level of suspicion for malignant tumors when patients exhibit hydronephrosis, infection on imaging, and persistently elevated white blood cell counts without fever, even in the absence of typical signs of upper urothelial carcinoma on computed tomography urography.
Glial cells as a promising therapeutic target of glaucoma: beyond the IOP
Authors: Shinozaki Youichi , Namekata Kazuhiko , Guo Xiaoli , Harada Takayuki
Published: January 2024

Glial cells, a type of non-neuronal cell found in the central nervous system (CNS), play a critical role in maintaining homeostasis and regulating CNS functions. Recent advancements in technology have paved the way for new therapeutic strategies in the fight against glaucoma. While intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most well-known modifiable risk factor, a significant number of glaucoma patients have normal IOP levels. Because glaucoma is a complex, multifactorial disease influenced by various factors that contribute to its onset and progression, it is imperative that we consider factors beyond IOP to effectively prevent or slow down the disease’s advancement. In the realm of CNS neurodegenerative diseases, glial cells have emerged as key players due to their pivotal roles in initiating and hastening disease progression. The inhibition of dysregulated glial function holds the potential to protect neurons and restore brain function. Consequently, glial cells represent an enticing therapeutic candidate for glaucoma, even though the majority of glaucoma research has historically concentrated solely on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). In addition to the neuroprotection of RGCs, the proper regulation of glial cell function can also facilitate structural and functional recovery in the retina. In this review, we offer an overview of recent advancements in understanding the non-cell-autonomous mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Furthermore, state-of-the-art technologies have opened up possibilities for regenerating the optic nerve, which was previously believed to be incapable of regeneration. We will also delve into the potential roles of glial cells in the regeneration of the optic nerve and the restoration of visual function.
“I want to be there. I have to be there.”: Parents’ perceived barriers and facilitators to bedside presence in the pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Poole Emily I. , Ryan Molly , Walls Martha , Slumkoski Corey , Curran Janet A. , Seabrook Jamie A. , Foster Jennifer R.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Parental presence at the bedside during a stressful pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission may improve child comfort, reduce parental anxiety, and enable family engagement. We performed this study to identify factors that parents perceive impact their capability, opportunity, and motivation to be at the bedside in PICU.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). We included parents of children admitted to the PICU for at least 24 h at IWK Health in Nova Scotia, Canada. Interviews were coded independently by two researchers using a directed content approach based on the TDF. We generated themes and subthemes, with the subthemes identified as factors impacting parental presence, and assigned TDF domains to each of the subthemes.

Results

Fourteen primary caregivers (8 mother figures, 6 father figures) participated in 11 interviews. The factors associated with parental presence were captured by 6 themes: Understanding the Medicalized Child; Maintaining the Parent Role; Life Beyond the Hospital; Parental Intrinsic Responses and Coping; Support Structures; and The PICU Environment. Fifty-two barriers and enablers were identified within 13 TDF domains; 10 TDF domains were determined to be relevant to parental presence, which may be used to guide design of future interventions. Participants emphasized the importance of self-care to enable them to remain physically at their child's bedside and to be engaged in their care.

Conclusions

Parents perceive multiple factors within 6 themes act as barriers or enablers to presence with their critically ill child in the PICU. Guided by relevant TDF domains, interventions may be designed to optimize presence, particularly engaged presence, which may improve health-related outcomes of children and their parents.
The neonatal adverse event severity scale: current status, a stakeholders' assessment, and future perspectives
Authors: Allegaert Karel , Salaets Thomas , Wade Kelly , Short Mary A. , Ward Robert , Singh Kanwaljit , Turner Mark A. , Davis Jonathan M. , Lewis Tamorah
Published: January 2024

To support informed decisions on drug registration and prescription, clinical trials need tools to assess the efficacy and safety signals related to a given therapeutic intervention. Standardized assessment facilitates reproducibility of results. Furthermore, it enables weighted comparison between different interventions, instrumental to facilitate shared decisions. When focused on adverse events in clinical trials, tools are needed to assess seriousness, causality and severity. As part of such a toolbox, the international Neonatal Consortium (INC) developed a first version of the neonatal adverse event severity scale (NAESS). This version underwent subsequent validation in retro-and prospective trials to assess its applicability and impact on the inter-observer variability. Regulators, sponsors and academic researchers also reported on the use of the NAESS in regulatory documents, trial protocols and study reports. In this paper, we aim to report on the trajectory, current status and impact of the NAESS score, on how stakeholders within INC assess its relevance, and on perspectives to further develop this tool.
Assessing the efficacy and safety of Yinqiao powder-maxing Ganshi decoction in the treatment of the major symptoms of mild and moderate COVID-19 by telemedicine–study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Sum Chi Him , Li Tong Wendy , Zhang Hongwei , Hung Hing Yu , Fong Ben Yuk Fai , Lin Wai Ling , Chow Tak Yee , Leung Ka Chun , Lo Cho Wing , Chia Chon Pin , Chan Kam Leung , Lin Zhi-xiu
Published: January 2024

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the largest global epidemic in recent time. Chinese medicine has been recognized by the World Health Organization as an effective treatment for COVID-19, but there is still a lack of high-quality randomized, double-blind trials using placebo as the control to support its application, which may hinder its further promotion locally and internationally.

Objectives: This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of Yinqiao Powder-Maxing Ganshi Decoction with variation in relieving major symptoms of mild and moderate COVID-19 by telemedicine.

Methods and design: This clinical study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that applies telemedicine to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Yinqiao Powder-Maxing Ganshi Decoction in the treatment of mild and moderate COVID-19. Eligible subjects will be randomly divided into either treatment or placebo groups for up to 14 days after stratification according to age (A:18–49, B:50–65) and the number of vaccinations (a: ≥3 doses, b: ≤2 doses). The treatment group will receive Yinqiao Powder-Maxing Ganshi Decoction granules along with certain variation based on their symptoms, and the placebo group will receive the same amount of placebo granules. Subjects will be prescribed different additions based on their symptoms and pathogenesis at the inclusion. The oral temperature, oximeter, result of rapid antigen test and symptom score will be recorded by subjects until they have stopped the medication. Subjects are required to have follow-up assessment by video-conference on days 7, 14 and 35. The time for the body temperature returning to normal will be used as the primary outcome.

Discussion: This trial will provide scientific evidence on the use of Yinqiao Powder-Maxing Ganshi Decoction for the treatment of COVID-19, and the results would help raise the awareness in Hong Kong and the international community on the use of Chinese herbal medicine for treating COVID-19.

Clinical Trial Registration:clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05787327.
The pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of heat stroke-induced myocardial injury
Authors: Xia Rui , Sun Meng , Li Yuling , Yin Jing , Liu Huan , Yang Jun , Liu Jing , He Yanyu , Wu Bing , Yang Guixiang , Li Jianhua
Published: January 2024

Heat stroke (HS) is a febrile illness characterized by an elevation in the core body temperature to over 40°C, accompanied by central nervous system impairment and subsequent multi-organ dysfunction syndrome. In recent years, the mortality rate from HS has been increasing as ambient temperatures continue to rise each year. The cardiovascular system plays an important role in the pathogenesis process of HS, as it functions as one of the key system for thermoregulation and its stability is associated with the severity of HS. Systemic inflammatory response and endothelial cell damage constitute pivotal attributes of HS, other factors such as ferroptosis, disturbances in myocardial metabolism and heat shock protein dysregulation are also involved in the damage to myocardial tissue in HS. In this review, a comprehensively detailed description of the pathogenesis of HS-induced myocardial injury is provided. The current treatment strategies and the promising therapeutic targets for HS are also discussed.
Supporting clinical research professionals through educational innovations
Authors: Lee-Chavarria Diana , Loucks Tammy L. , Paranal Rechelle , Sampson Royce , Feghali-Bostwick Carol
Published: January 2024

Clinical Research Professionals (CRPs) are essential members of the Clinical and Translational Research Workforce. Many academic medical institutions struggle to recruit and retain these vital team members. One strategy to increase job satisfaction and promote the retention of CRPs is through educational initiatives that provide training and professional development. The South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research (SCTR) Institute Workforce Development (WD) team at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) developed several trainings as part of our larger educational portfolio for CRPs. In 2022 WD implemented a digital badge micro-credential for SCTR’s Core Clinical Research Training (CCRT) course in collaboration with institution-wide education and technology offices. Beginning in January 2023, individuals were able to earn the CCRT Certified Digital Badge upon successful completion of the CCRT course.
Up-regulation of ABCG1 is associated with methotrexate resistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells
Authors: Chen Yao , Fang Houshun , Sun Huiying , Wu Xiaoyu , Xu Yan , Zhou Bin-Bing S. , Li Hui
Published: January 2024

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a prevalent hematologic malignancy in children, and methotrexate (MTX) is a widely employed curative treatment. Despite its common use, clinical resistance to MTX is frequently encountered. In this study, an MTX-resistant cell line (Reh-MTXR) was established through a stepwise selection process from the ALL cell line Reh. Comparative analysis revealed that Reh-MTXR cells exhibited resistance to MTX in contrast to the parental Reh cells. RNA-seq analysis identified an upregulation of ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) in Reh-MTXR cells. Knockdown of ABCG1 in Reh-MTXR cells reversed the MTX-resistant phenotype, while overexpression of ABCG1 in Reh cells conferred resistance to MTX. Mechanistically, the heightened expression of ABCG1 accelerated MTX efflux, leading to a reduced accumulation of MTX polyglutamated metabolites. Notably, the ABCG1 inhibitor benzamil effectively sensitized Reh-MTXR cells to MTX treatment. Moreover, the observed upregulation of ABCG1 in Reh-MTXR cells was not induced by alterations in DNA methylation or histone acetylation. This study provides insight into the mechanistic basis of MTX resistance in ALL and also suggests a potential therapeutic approach for MTX-resistant ALL in the future.
Enlarged colony housing promotes linear progression of subchondral bone remodeling in joint instability rat models
Authors: Menges Stephanie , Kleinschmidt-Dörr Kerstin , Brenneis Christian
Published: January 2024

Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease with high prevalence and an unmet medical need for disease modifying treatments. In rat models, OA-like subchondral bone and cartilage changes can be induced by instability surgery with different severity levels. Factors which determine structural changes additionally comprise the study duration and activity-impacted joint loading.

Methods: A medial meniscal tear (MMT) or anterior cruciate ligament transection with partial meniscectomy (ACLT+pMx) was induced unilaterally in rats housed in a rat colony cage (RCC), allowing high activity levels including jumping and stair climbing. In parallel, ACLT+pMx rats were housed in Type IV cages. The time course of OA-related changes was investigated at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after surgery by micro-CT, gait analysis and joint diameter measurements.

Results: Gait disturbance was observed after 2 weeks and to a similar extend in all models. The increase in ipsilateral joint diameters peaked after 2 weeks and were more pronounced after ACLT+pMx compared to MMT-surgery, but independent of housing. Micro-CT analysis revealed that increases in osseous tibial width were most distinct after ACLT+pMx in RCC and progressed continuously until week sixteen. In contrast, osseous tibial width of ipsilateral joints in MMT RCC and ACLT+pMx Type IV groups did not increase further after week twelve. In contralateral joints, this parameter was not affected, regardless of the model or caging. However, a significant increase in bone volume fraction and trabecular thickness was observed over time in the femur and tibia of both ipsilateral and contralateral knees. Here, the medial tibial compartment of the operated joint was most affected and linear changes were most pronounced in the ACLT+pMx RCC group.

Conclusion: Increased movement of animals in colony cages leads to robust structural changes in subchondral bone after surgically induced joint instability over time, while in regular Type IV housing maximal changes are reached in week twelve. The new insights into the differentiation of the models, particularly with respect to the linear progression of bone changes in ACLT+pMx in the RCC, may be useful for the design of chronic OA-studies within a longer lifespan and therefore supporting the development of novel therapies.
Investigating G-protein coupled receptor signalling with light-emitting biosensors
Authors: Demby Alexander , Zaccolo Manuela
Published: January 2024

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the most frequent target of currently approved drugs and play a central role in both physiological and pathophysiological processes. Beyond the canonical understanding of GPCR signal transduction, the importance of receptor conformation, beta-arrestin (β-arr) biased signalling, and signalling from intracellular locations other than the plasma membrane is becoming more apparent, along with the tight spatiotemporal compartmentalisation of downstream signals. Fluorescent and bioluminescent biosensors have played a pivotal role in elucidating GPCR signalling events in live cells. To understand the mechanisms of action of the GPCR-targeted drugs currently available, and to develop new and better GPCR-targeted therapeutics, understanding these novel aspects of GPCR signalling is critical. In this review, we present some of the tools available to interrogate each of these features of GPCR signalling, we illustrate some of the key findings which have been made possible by these tools and we discuss their limitations and possible developments.
Genome-wide characterization and expression analysis of MADS-box transcription factor gene family in Perilla frutescens
Authors: Liang Mengjing , Du Zhongyang , Yang Ze , Luo Tao , Ji Chunli , Cui Hongli , Li Runzhi
Published: January 2024

MADS-box transcription factors are widely involved in the regulation of plant growth, developmental processes, and response to abiotic stresses. Perilla frutescens, a versatile plant, is not only used for food and medicine but also serves as an economical oil crop. However, the MADS-box transcription factor family in P. frutescens is still largely unexplored. In this study, a total of 93 PfMADS genes were identified in P. frutescens genome. These genes, including 37 Type I and 56 Type II members, were randomly distributed across 20 chromosomes and 2 scaffold regions. Type II PfMADS proteins were found to contain a greater number of motifs, indicating more complex structures and diverse functions. Expression analysis revealed that most PfMADS genes (more than 76 members) exhibited widely expression model in almost all tissues. The further analysis indicated that there was strong correlation between some MIKCC-type PfMADS genes and key genes involved in lipid synthesis and flavonoid metabolism, which implied that these PfMADS genes might play important regulatory role in the above two pathways. It was further verified that PfMADS47 can effectively mediate the regulation of lipid synthesis in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii transformants. Using cis-acting element analysis and qRT-PCR technology, the potential functions of six MIKCC-type PfMADS genes in response to abiotic stresses, especially cold and drought, were studied. Altogether, this study is the first genome-wide analysis of PfMADS. This result further supports functional and evolutionary studies of PfMADS gene family and serves as a benchmark for related P. frutescens breeding studies.
Energy transfer from phycobilisomes to photosystem I at room temperature
Authors: Biswas Avratanu , Akhtar Parveen , Lambrev Petar H. , van Stokkum Ivo H.M.
Published: January 2024

The phycobilisomes function as the primary light-harvesting antennae in cyanobacteria and red algae, effectively harvesting and transferring excitation energy to both photosystems. Here we investigate the direct energy transfer route from the phycobilisomes to photosystem I at room temperature in a mutant of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 that lacks photosystem II. The excitation dynamics are studied by picosecond time-resolved fluorescence measurements in combination with global and target analysis. Global analysis revealed several fast equilibration time scales and a decay of the equilibrated system with a time constant of ≈220 ps. From simultaneous target analysis of measurements with two different excitations of 400 nm (chlorophyll a) and 580 nm (phycobilisomes) a transfer rate of 42 ns-1 from the terminal emitter of the phycobilisome to photosystem I was estimated.
Genetic dissection of major QTL for grain number per spike on chromosomes 5A and 6A in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Jiang Cheng , Xu Zhibin , Fan Xiaoli , Zhou Qiang , Ji Guangsi , Liao Simin , Wang Yanlin , Ma Fang , Zhao Yun , Wang Tao , Feng Bo
Published: January 2024

Grain number per spike (GNS) is a crucial component of grain yield and plays a significant role in improving wheat yield. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with GNS, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross of Zhongkemai 13F10 and Chuanmai 42 was employed to conduct QTL mapping across eight environments. Based on the bulked segregant exome sequencing (BSE-Seq), genomic regions associated with GNS were detected on chromosomes 5A and 6A. According to the constructed genetic maps, two major QTL QGns.cib-5A (LOD = 4.35–8.16, PVE = 8.46–14.43%) and QGns.cib-6A (LOD = 3.82–30.80, PVE = 5.44–12.38%) were detected in five and four environments, respectively. QGns.cib-6A is a QTL cluster for other seven yield-related traits. QGns.cib-5A and QGns.cib-6A were further validated using linked Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) markers in different genetic backgrounds. QGns.cib-5A exhibited pleiotropic effects on productive tiller number (PTN), spike length (SL), fertile spikelet number per spike (FSN), and ratio of grain length to grain width (GL/GW) but did not significantly affect thousand grain weight (TGW). Haplotype analysis revealed that QGns.cib-5A and QGns.cib-6A were the targets of artificial selection during wheat improvement. Candidate genes for QGns.cib-5A and QGns.cib-6A were predicted by analyzing gene annotation, spatiotemporal expression patterns, and orthologous and sequence differences. These findings will be valuable for fine mapping and map-based cloning of genes underlying QGns.cib-5A and QGns.cib-6A.
Uncovering the wide protective responses in Coffea spp. leaves to single and superimposed exposure of warming and severe water deficit
Authors: Rodrigues Ana P. , Pais Isabel P. , Leitão António E. , Dubberstein Danielly , Lidon Fernando C. , Marques Isabel , Semedo José N. , Rakocevic Miroslava , Scotti-Campos Paula , Campostrini Eliemar , Rodrigues Weverton P. , Simões-Costa Maria Cristina , Reboredo Fernando H. , Partelli Fábio L. , DaMatta Fábio M. , Ribeiro-Barros Ana I. , Ramalho José C.
Published: January 2024

Climate changes boosted the frequency and severity of drought and heat events, with aggravated when these stresses occur simultaneously, turning crucial to unveil the plant response mechanisms to such harsh conditions. Therefore, plant responses/resilience to single and combined exposure to severe water deficit (SWD) and heat were assessed in two cultivars of the main coffee-producing species: Coffea arabica cv. Icatu and C. canephora cv. Conilon Clone 153 (CL153). Well-watered plants (WW) were exposed to SWD under an adequate temperature of 25/20°C (day/night), and thereafter submitted to a gradual increase up to 42/30°C, and a 14-d recovery period (Rec14). Greater protective response was found to single SWD than to single 37/28°C and/or 42/30°C (except for HSP70) in both cultivars, but CL153-SWD plants showed the larger variations of leaf thermal imaging crop water stress index (CWSI, 85% rise at 37/28°C) and stomatal conductance index (IG, 66% decline at 25/20°C). Both cultivars revealed great resilience to SWD and/or 37/28°C, but a tolerance limit was surpassed at 42/30°C. Under stress combination, Icatu usually displayed lower impacts on membrane permeability, and PSII function, likely associated with various responses, usually mostly driven by drought (but often kept or even strengthened under SWD and 42/30°C). These included the photoprotective zeaxanthin and lutein, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, Cu,Zn-SOD; ascorbate peroxidase, APX), HSP70, arabinose and mannitol (involving de novo sugar synthesis), contributing to constrain lipoperoxidation. Also, only Icatu showed a strong reinforcement of glutathione reductase activity under stress combination. In general, the activities of antioxidative enzymes declined at 42/30°C (except Cu,Zn-SOD in Icatu and CAT in CL153), but HSP70 and raffinose were maintained higher in Icatu, whereas mannitol and arabinose markedly increased in CL153. Overall, a great leaf plasticity was found, especially in Icatu that revealed greater responsiveness of coordinated protection under all experimental conditions, justifying low PIChr and absence of lipoperoxidation increase at 42/30°C. Despite a clear recovery by Rec14, some aftereffects persisted especially in SWD plants (e.g., membranes), relevant in terms of repeated stress exposure and full plant recovery to stresses.
Minority bonding to political self-efficacy: a case study on bonding and bridging social capital and political self-efficacy among adolescents in Finland
Authors: Hannuksela Venla , Tiihonen Aino
Published: January 2024

While social capital is claimed to predict, for example, a higher level of trust, better health, and higher voter turnout, its uneven distribution causes concern in society. In this study, we examine which aspects of social capital are connected to political self-efficacy, which is an important predictor of political participation and associated with for example political interest. According to our knowledge, there is a research gap both in terms of studies focusing on analyzing the effect of minority status on political self-efficacy via social capital and studies analyzing these patterns among adolescents living their formative years. In this article we test this mediating effect of social capital among majority and minority adolescents since minorities can be expected to have relatively more bonding social capital and less bridging social capital. In the Finnish context, this is particularly interesting since the Swedish-speaking minority is praised for its high level of social capital that is suggested to explain a lot of its success ranging from better health to a higher turnout compared with the majority. Analyzing a nationwide dataset of 15–16-year-old students (N = 5,189) completing their final year of comprehensive education in Finland in a multilevel structural equation model, we discover that belonging to the Swedish-speaking minority seems to strengthen bonding social capital (social networks, and community). The civic participation, community, and social networks aspects of social capital are positively connected to the level of political self-efficacy, while generalized trust has no connection to it. All these findings indicate that societies should take measures to strengthen bridging and bonding social capital among both adolescents and minorities.
Effect of emotional freedom technique on the fear of childbirth in Iranian primiparous women: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Emadi Seyedeh Fatemeh , Hekmat Khadijeh , Abedi Parvin , Maraghi Elham
Published: January 2024

Background

Fear of childbirth is one of the main causes of women’s emotional difficulty experienced in the perinatal period, especially those having their first child.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of emotional freedom technique (EFT) on the fear of childbirth among primiparous women in Ahvaz, Iran.

Materials and methods

This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 116 primiparous women. The participants were randomly divided into intervention (n = 58) or control (n = 58) groups. The intervention group received daily stimulation of certain points in their body for 12 weeks using EFT. The fear of childbirth was measured at the beginning of the study and 12 weeks after the intervention using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (WDEQ-A) and at the first postpartum visit with WDEQ-B. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, paired t-test, Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).

Results

After intervention, the mean score of fear of childbirth in the intervention group decreased from 49.39 ± 8.21 to 40.42 ± 13.43 (p < 0.0001), while the same rate in the control group increased from 49.47 ± 9.06 to 52.09 ± 7.73 (p = 0.002). The mean score of fear of childbirth after delivery in the control group (45.88 ± 7.10) was higher than that in the intervention group (27.13 ± 5.08) (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Based on the findings of this study, EFT can be considered as an effective method to reduce the fear of childbirth score in primiparous women.
Digital participation of brain tumour patients in the assessment and treatment of communication disorders
Authors: Weiss Lucas Carolin , Kochs Sophia , Jost Johanna , Loução Ricardo , Kocher Martin , Goldbrunner Roland , Wiewrodt Dorothee , Jonas Kristina
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Communication deficits have a severe impact on our social interactions and health-related quality of life. Subtle communication deficits are frequently overlooked or neglected in brain tumour patients, due to insufficient diagnostics. Digital tools may represent a valuable adjunct to the conventional assessment or therapy setting but might not be readily suitable for every patient.

Methods

This article summarises results of three surveys on the readiness for telemedicine among (a) patients diagnosed with high-grade glioma, (b) matched controls, and (c) speech and language therapists. The respective surveys assessed the motivation for participation in telemedical assessments and supposed influencing factors, and the use potential of digital assessment and therapy technologies in daily routine, with a spotlight on brain tumour patients and the future prospects of respective telemedical interventions. Respondents included 56 high-grade glioma patients (age median: 59 years; 48% males), 73 propensity-score matched neurologically healthy controls who were instructed to imagine themselves with a severe disease, and 23 speech and language therapists (61% <35 years; all females).

Results and discussion

The vast majority of the interviewed high-grade glioma (HGG) patients was open to digitisation, felt well-equipped and sufficiently skilled. The factorial analysis showed that digital offers would be of particular interest for patients in reduced general health condition (p = 0.03) and those who live far from specialised treatment services (p = 0.03). The particular motivation of these subgroups seemed to outweigh the effects of age, equipment and internet skills, which were only significant in the control cohort. The therapists' survey demonstrated a broad consensus on the need for improving the therapy access of brain tumour patients (64%) and strengthening their respective digital participation (78%), although digitisation seems to have yet hardly entered the therapists' daily practise. In summary, the combined results of the surveys call for a joint effort to enhance the prerequisites for digital participation of patients with neurogenic communication disorders, particularly in the context of heavily burdened HGG patients with limited mobility.
Searching for diagnoses and subgroups: a suggestion for criteria
Authors: Steinert Tilman
Published: January 2024

New subgroups of psychiatric disorders are often claimed. In contrast, classification systems have repeatedly had to abandon established subgroups such as paranoid vs. disorganised and catatonic schizophrenia due to lack of empirical evidence. Four criteria are proposed that should be met to claim valid subgroups: 1. distinct distribution of the defining characteristic between groups; 2. significant differences in variables other than those defining the subgroups cross-sectionally and longitudinally; 3. long-term stability; 4. significant differences between groups in aetiology, pathophysiology, and evidence-based therapy. In contrast to examples from somatic medicine, such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes, few psychiatric disorders meet these requirements.
The recovery and resilience plan on the long-term care system. Towards a deinstitutionalization?
Authors: Bermejo-Patón Fernando , del Pozo-Rubio Raúl , Amo-Saus María Elisa , Moya-Martínez Pablo
Published: January 2024

Introduction

After the crisis caused by Covid-19, among other socioeconomic problems, the fragility of the organizations that make up the Spanish Long-Term Care System was revealed. These events prompted the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). The aim of this study is to estimate the socioeconomic impact on Long-Term Care (LTC) of the investment delivered by the RRP. In addition, to fulfil our main aim, a secondary and necessary aim was to calculate the most current social accounting matrix (SAM) of the Spanish economy.

Methods

We analyse the components of the demand linked to the RRP investment allocated to LTC, and subsequently, based on Input–Output methodology, we calculate a social accounting matrix (SAM) of the Spanish economy to estimate the overall economic return.

Results

The results obtained using the SAM model proposed herein evidence the multiplier effect of the RRP invested in LTC. Every euro allocated to the RRP generates 4 euros in income for Households, Firms and the External Sector, 3.4 euros in industrial output, and returns 0.6 euros in taxes and social contributions to the Government. This also entails creating 26,410 direct and indirect jobs as well as 10,059 induced ones.

Discussion

Given the severe recession scenario triggered by the consequences of COVID-19, the results of this study highlight the significant multiplier effect that RRP investment may generate to alleviate the downturn in the Spanish economy and, more specifically, in the Spanish LTC System.
The impact of nontransparent health communication during the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccine-hesitant people’s perception of vaccines
Authors: Wegwarth Odette , Hertwig Ralph , Giese Helge , Fineberg Harvey V.
Published: January 2024

Background

Although transparency is crucial for building public trust, public health communication during the COVID-19 pandemic was often nontransparent.

Methods

In a cross-sectional online study with COVID-19 vaccine-hesitant German residents (N = 763), we explored the impact of COVID-19 public health communication on the attitudes of vaccine-hesitant individuals toward vaccines as well as their perceptions of incomprehensible and incomplete information. We also investigated whether specific formats of public health messaging were perceived as more trustworthy.

Results

Of the 763 participants, 90 (11.8%) said they had become more open-minded toward vaccines in general, 408 (53.5%) reported no change, and 265 (34.7%) said they had become more skeptical as a result of public health communication on COVID-19 vaccines. These subgroups differed in how incomprehensible they found public health communication and whether they thought information had been missing. Participants’ ranking of trustworthy public health messaging did not provide clear-cut results: the fully transparent message, which reported the benefit and harms in terms of absolute risk, and the nontransparent message, which reported only the benefit in terms of relative risk were both considered equally trustworthy (p = 0.848).

Discussion

Increased skepticism about vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic may have partly been fueled by subpar public health communication. Given the importance of public trust for coping with future health crises, public health communicators should ensure that their messaging is clear and transparent.