bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The regulatory role of non-coding RNAs and their interactions with phytochemicals in neurodegenerative diseases: a systematic review
Authors: Fakhri Sajad , Darvish Ebrahim , Narimani Fatemeh , Moradi Seyed Zachariah , Abbaszadeh Fatemeh , Khan Haroon
Published: February 2023

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are on the rise in the world. Therefore, it is a critical issue to reveal the precise pathophysiological mechanisms and novel therapeutic strategies to deal with such conditions. Passing through different mechanisms, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a pivotal role in NDDs through various mechanisms, by changing the expression of some genes, interference with protein translation and alterations in some signaling pathways. It urges the need to introduce novel strategies and therapeutic agents with multi-targeting potentials. Phytochemicals are hopeful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents with promising modulatory roles on dysregulated signaling pathways and protein translation during NDDs. In this study, the role of ncRNAs (e.g. lncRNAs, miRNA, siRNAs and piRNAs) was highlighted in NDDs. This study also aimed to investigate the role of phytochemicals (phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenoids and sulfur compounds) in the modulation of ncRNAs during NDDs such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, depression and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
IntLIM 2.0: identifying multi-omic relationships dependent on discrete or continuous phenotypic measurements
Authors: Eicher Tara , Spencer Kyle D , Siddiqui Jalal K , Machiraju Raghu , Mathé Ewy A
Published: February 2023

Motivation

IntLIM uncovers phenotype-dependent linear associations between two types of analytes (e.g. genes and metabolites) in a multi-omic dataset, which may reflect chemically or biologically relevant relationships.

Results

The new IntLIM R package includes newly added support for generalized data types, covariate correction, continuous phenotypic measurements, model validation and unit testing. IntLIM analysis uncovered biologically relevant gene–metabolite associations in two separate datasets, and the run time is improved over baseline R functions by multiple orders of magnitude.

Availability and implementation

IntLIM is available as an R package with a detailed vignette (https://github.com/ncats/IntLIM) and as an R Shiny app (see Supplementary Figs S1–S6) (https://intlim.ncats.io/).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics Advances online.
Less confident, successful and happy: patients with post-acne hyperpigmentation are stigmatized
Authors: Schuster Barbara , Gallinger Julia , Philipp-Dormston Wolfgang G , Vasel Matthäus , Layton Alison M
Published: February 2023

Stigmatization is a major issue for individuals with acne. Using a simple but expressive study design and a large sample representative of the German general population, this study showed that individuals with residual post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are stigmatized by the general population even in the absence of active lesions, prolonging the mental burden of acne. Considering that PIH can take years to fade, the results of this study underline the importance of preventing and treating PIH to reduce the mental burden for the affected individuals.
Cancer meets neuroscience: the association between glioma occurrence and intrinsic brain features
Authors: Douw Linda , Breedt Lucas C , Zimmermann Mona L M
Published: February 2023

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Transcriptomic and connectomic correlates of differential spatial patterning among gliomas’ by Romero-Garcia et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awac378)
Epidemiology of Invasive Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae Disease—United States, 2008–2019
Authors: Oliver Sara E , Rubis Amy B , Soeters Heidi M , Reingold Arthur , Barnes Meghan , Petit Susan , Farley Monica M , Harrison Lee H , Como-Sabetti Kathy , Khanlian Sarah A , Wester Rachel , Thomas Ann , Schaffner William , Marjuki Henju , Wang Xin , Hariri Susan
Published: February 2023

Background

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is the most common cause of invasive H. influenzae disease in the United States (US). We evaluated the epidemiology of invasive NTHi disease in the US, including among pregnant women, infants, and people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH).

Methods

We used data from population- and laboratory-based surveillance for invasive H. influenzae disease conducted in 10 sites to estimate national incidence of NTHi, and to describe epidemiology in women of childbearing age, infants aged ≤30 days (neonates), and PWH living in the surveillance catchment areas. H. influenzae isolates were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for species confirmation, serotyping, and whole genome sequencing of select isolates.

Results

During 2008–⁠2019, average annual NTHi incidence in the US was 1.3/100 000 population overall, 5.8/100 000 among children aged <1 year, and 10.2/100 000 among adults aged ≥80 years. Among 225 reported neonates with NTHi, 92% had a positive culture within the first week of life and 72% were preterm. NTHi risk was 23 times higher among preterm compared to term neonates, and 5.6 times higher in pregnant/postpartum compared to nonpregnant women. More than half of pregnant women with invasive NTHi had loss of pregnancy postinfection. Incidence among PWH aged ≥13 years was 9.5 cases per 100 000, compared to 1.1 cases per 100 000 for non-PWH (rate ratio, 8.3 [95% confidence interval, 7.1–9.7]; P < .0001).

Conclusions

NTHi causes substantial invasive disease, especially among older adults, pregnant/postpartum women, and neonates. Enhanced surveillance and evaluation of targeted interventions to prevent perinatal NTHi infections may be warranted.
Inhibition of phosphoglycerate kinase 1 attenuates autoimmune myocarditis by reprogramming CD4+ T cell metabolism
Authors: Lu Yang , Zhao Ning , Wu Yuwei , Yang Shuaitao , Wu Qiongfeng , Dong Qian , Du Yimei
Published: February 2023

Aims

CD4+ T cells are the major drivers of cardiac-specific autoimmunity in myocarditis, specifically Th1, Treg, and most significant Th17 cells. But the molecular mechanisms of their activation remain unclear. We aimed to elucidate the regulatory role of phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) in CD4+ T cells and experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM).

Methods and results

EAM was induced in BALB/c mice by subcutaneous injections with alpha myosin heavy chain peptide emulsified in complete Freund’s adjuvant. Single-cell sequencing analysis found that glycolysis and PGK1 expression were elevated in cardiac CD4+ T and Th17 cells from myocarditis mice. Mice treated with PGK1 inhibitor NG52 showed less cardiac inflammation and fibrosis and better contractile function, as well as reduced cardiac infiltrating Th17 and Th1 cells and increased proportion of Treg. NG52 suppressed CD4+ T cell activation and differentiation of mice and myocarditis patients in vitro. Mechanistically, inhibition of PGK1 suppressed glycolytic activity and decreased pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDHK1) phosphorylation, thereby increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in mitochondria and thus preventing Th17 cell differentiation.

Conclusion

PGK1 may act as a key metabolic regulator of CD4+ T cell differentiation and regulates Th17 cell differentiation by regulating glycolysis and the PDHK1-ROS axis. Targeting PGK1 might be a promising strategy for the treatment of myocarditis.
Testing for parameter change epochs in GARCH time series
Authors: Richter Stefan , Wang Weining , Wu Wei Biao
Published: February 2023

We develop a uniform test for detecting and dating the integrated or mildly explosive behaviour of a strictly stationary generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) process. Namely, we test the null hypothesis of a globally stable GARCH process with constant parameters against the alternative that there is an ‘abnormal’ period with changed parameter values. During this period, the parameter-value change may lead to an integrated or mildly explosive behaviour of the volatility process. It is assumed that both the magnitude and the timing of the breaks are unknown. We develop a double-supreme test for the existence of breaks, and then provide an algorithm to identify the periods of changes. Our theoretical results hold under mild moment assumptions on the innovations of the GARCH process. Technically, the existing properties for the quasi-maximum likelihood estimation in the GARCH model need to be reinvestigated to hold uniformly over all possible periods of change. The key results involve a uniform weak Bahadur representation for the estimated parameters, which leads to weak convergence of the test statistic to the supreme of a Gaussian process. Simulations in the Appendix show that the test has good size and power for reasonably long time series. We apply the test to the conventional early-warning indicators of both the financial market and a representative of the emerging Fintech market, i.e., the Bitcoin returns.
Postoperative atrial fibrillation: from mechanisms to treatment
Authors: Gaudino Mario , Di Franco Antonino , Rong Lisa Q , Piccini Jonathan , Mack Michael
Published: February 2023

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common type of secondary atrial fibrillation (AF) and despite progress in prevention and treatment, remains an important clinical problem for patients undergoing a variety of surgical procedures, and in particular cardiac surgery.

POAF significantly increases the duration of postoperative hospital stay, hospital costs, and the risk of recurrent AF in the years after surgery; moreover, POAF has been associated with a variety of adverse cardiovascular events (including stroke, heart failure, and mortality), although it is still unclear if this is due to causal relation or simple association.

New data have recently emerged on the pathophysiology of POAF, and new preventive and therapeutic strategies have been proposed and tested in randomized trials.

This review summarizes the current evidence on the pathogenesis, incidence, prevention, and treatment of POAF and highlights future directions for clinical research.
Purine synthesis suppression reduces the development and progression of pulmonary hypertension in rodent models
Authors: Ma Qian , Yang Qiuhua , Xu Jiean , Sellers Hunter G , Brown Zach L , Liu Zhiping , Bordan Zsuzsanna , Shi Xiaofan , Zhao Dingwei , Cai Yongfeng , Pareek Vidhi , Zhang Chunxiang , Wu Guangyu , Dong Zheng , Verin Alexander D , Gan Lin , Du Quansheng , Benkovic Stephen J , Xu Suowen , Asara John M , Ben-Sahra Issam , Barman Scott , Su Yunchao , Fulton David J R , Huo Yuqing
Published: February 2023

Aims

Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a hallmark of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Proliferative cells utilize purine bases from the de novo purine synthesis (DNPS) pathways for nucleotide synthesis; however, it is unclear whether DNPS plays a critical role in VSMC proliferation during development of PH. The last two steps of DNPS are catalysed by the enzyme 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase/inosine monophosphate cyclohydrolase (ATIC). This study investigated whether ATIC-driven DNPS affects the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and the development of PH.

Methods and results

Metabolites of DNPS in proliferative PASMCs were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. ATIC expression was assessed in platelet-derived growth factor-treated PASMCs and in the lungs of PH rodents and patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Mice with global and VSMC-specific knockout of Atic were utilized to investigate the role of ATIC in both hypoxia- and lung interleukin-6/hypoxia-induced murine PH. ATIC-mediated DNPS at the mRNA, protein, and enzymatic activity levels were increased in platelet-derived growth factor-treated PASMCs or PASMCs from PH rodents and patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. In cultured PASMCs, ATIC knockdown decreased DNPS and nucleic acid DNA/RNA synthesis, and reduced cell proliferation. Global or VSMC-specific knockout of Atic attenuated vascular remodelling and inhibited the development and progression of both hypoxia- and lung IL-6/hypoxia-induced PH in mice.

Conclusion

Targeting ATIC-mediated DNPS compromises the availability of purine nucleotides for incorporation into DNA/RNA, reducing PASMC proliferation and pulmonary vascular remodelling and ameliorating the development and progression of PH.
First report of canker caused by Chrysoporthe austroafricana on the plantation-grown eucalypt Corymbia henryi in South Africa
Authors: Suzuki Hiroyuki , Marincowitz Seonju , Roux Jolanda , Wingfield Brenda D , Wingfield Michael J
Published: February 2023

Species of Corymbia are increasingly being tested for plantation establishment in South Africa. During disease surveys in KwaZulu-Natal plantations in 2020, a serious canker disease was found on Corymbia henryi. The cankers were seemingly caused by a fungus belonging to the family Cryphonectriaceae. The aims of the study were to identify the fungus causing the disease, to test its pathogenicity and to determine the genetic diversity of a population of isolates from infected trees. Phylogenetic analyses using sequence data for the internal transcribed spacer, β-tubulin 1 and β-tubulin 2 gene regions showed that the causal agent of the cankers was Chrysoporthe austroafricana. This is the first record of C. austroafricana causing cankers on a Corymbia species. A pathogenicity trial demonstrated that the fungus could infect C. henryi and cause cankers. Fifteen isolates of C. austroafricana were subjected to population genetic analyses using microsatellite markers. Eleven multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were detected. Mating-type distribution was approximately equal (MAT1-1:MAT1-2 = 8:7). The results indicate that a wide diversity of genotypes of C. austroafricana have undergone a host shift to infect C. henryi. This is a similar situation to that observed for Eucalyptus in South Africa and suggests that research efforts will be required to reduce the risk of Cryphonectria canker limiting afforestation using Corymbia species in the future.
An expandable FLP-ON::TIR1 system for precise spatiotemporal protein degradation in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Xiao Yutong , Yee Callista , Zhao Chris Z , Martinez Michael A Q , Zhang Wan , Shen Kang , Matus David Q , Hammell Christopher
Published: February 2023

The auxin-inducible degradation system has been widely adopted in the Caenorhabditis elegans research community for its ability to empirically control the spatiotemporal expression of target proteins. This system can efficiently degrade auxin-inducible degron (AID)-tagged proteins via the expression of a ligand-activatable AtTIR1 protein derived from A. thaliana that adapts target proteins to the endogenous C. elegans proteasome. While broad expression of AtTIR1 using strong, ubiquitous promoters can lead to rapid degradation of AID-tagged proteins, cell type-specific expression of AtTIR1 using spatially restricted promoters often results in less efficient target protein degradation. To circumvent this limitation, we have developed an FLP/FRT3-based system that functions to reanimate a dormant, high-powered promoter that can drive sufficient AtTIR1 expression in a cell type-specific manner. We benchmark the utility of this system by generating a number of tissue-specific FLP-ON::TIR1 drivers to reveal genetically separable cell type-specific phenotypes for several target proteins. We also demonstrate that the FLP-ON::TIR1 system is compatible with enhanced degron epitopes. Finally, we provide an expandable toolkit utilizing the basic FLP-ON::TIR1 system that can be adapted to drive optimized AtTIR1 expression in any tissue or cell type of interest.
Characteristics of Atypical Sleep Durations Among Older Compared to Younger Adults: Evidence from the New Zealand Health Survey
Authors: Gibson Rosemary , Akter Tasnima , Jones Courtney , Towers Andy
Published: February 2023

Background

Understanding and supporting sleep is important across the life span. Disparities in sleep status are well documented in mid-life but under-explored among older populations.

Methods

Data from 40,659 adults pooled from the New Zealand Health Surveys were used; 24.2% were “older adults” (aged ≥65 years), 57% were female, and 20.5% of Māori ethnicity. “Long,” “short,” or “typical” sleep categories were based on age-related National Sleep Foundation guidelines. Multinomial logistic regression examined predictors of atypical sleep, including sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and health status.

Results

Prevalence of short and long sleep among older adults was 296 (3.0%) and 723 (7.4%), respectively. Correspondingly, prevalence among younger adults was 2 521 (8.2%) and 364 (1.2%). Atypical sleep was more significantly associated with indicators of reduced socioeconomic status and ethnicity among younger rather than older adults. Within both age groups, lower physical activity was associated with long sleep status. Higher physical activity and smoking were related to short sleep status among younger adults only. Within both age groups, atypical sleep was associated with SF-12 scores indicating poorer physical and mental health. Having ≥3 health conditions was related to short sleep among the older adults, while for young adults, it was related to both atypical durations.

Conclusions

Indicators of negative lifestyle and health factors remain consistent predictors of atypical sleep with aging. However, demographic disparities are less apparent among older atypical sleepers. This study highlights individual and contextual factors associated with atypical sleep patterns which may be important for age-appropriate recognition and management of sleep problems.
Sexual Satisfaction Among Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Buczak-Stec Elżbieta W , König Hans-Helmut , Hajek André
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives

Sexual satisfaction is an important part of sexual health and overall well-being. A large number of older people continue to be sexually active, and many are satisfied with their sex life. However, little is known about whether sexual satisfaction differs according to sexual orientation. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate whether sexual satisfaction differs according to sexual orientation in later life.

Research Design and Methods

The German Ageing Survey is a nationally representative study of the German population aged 40+. In the third wave (2008), data on both sexual orientation (heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, other) and sexual satisfaction (1—very dissatisfied to 5—very satisfied) were collected. Multiple regression analyses with sampling weights were performed (stratified by age: 40–64; 65+).

Results

We included 4,856 individuals in our analysis (mean age 57.6 ± 11.6; 40–85 years, 50.4% were women, 92.3% (n = 4,483) were heterosexual, and 7.7% (n = 373) were sexual minority adults). In sum, 55.9% of heterosexual individuals and 52.3% of sexual minority adults were satisfied or very satisfied with their sex life. Multiple regression analysis showed that sexual orientation was not significantly associated with sexual satisfaction among both middle-aged (β = 0.07; p = .45) and older adults (β = 0.01; p = .87). Higher sexual satisfaction was associated with lower loneliness scores, partnership satisfaction, importance of sexuality and intimacy, and better health status.

Discussion and Implications

Our analysis showed that sexual orientation was not significantly associated with sexual satisfaction among both middle-aged and older adults. Lower loneliness, better health status, and partnership satisfaction significantly contributed to higher sexual satisfaction. Approximately 45% of older individuals (aged 65 years and older), regardless of their sexual orientation, were still satisfied with their sex life.
Transient core surface dynamics from ground and satellite geomagnetic data
Authors: Istas M , Gillet N , Finlay C C , Hammer M D , Huder L
Published: February 2023

We present an update of the geomagnetic data assimilation tool pygeodyn, use it to analyse ground and satellite-based geomagnetic data sets, and report new findings on the dynamics of the Earth’s outer core on interannual to decadal timescales. Our results support the idea that quasi-geostrophic Magneto-Coriolis waves, recently discovered at a period of 7 yr, also operate on both shorter and longer timescales, specifically in period bands centred around 3.5 and 15 yr. We revisit the source of interannual variations in the length of day and argue that both geostrophic torsional Alfvén waves and quasi-geostrophic Magneto-Coriolis waves can possibly contribute to spectral lines that have been isolated around 8.5 and 6 yr. A significant improvement to our ensemble Kalman filter algorithm comes from accounting for cross-correlations between variables of the state vector forecast, using the ‘Graphical lasso’ method to help stabilize the correlation matrices. This allows us to avoid spurious shrinkage of the model uncertainties while (i) conserving important information contained in off-diagonal elements of the forecast covariance matrix, and (ii) considering a limited number of realizations, thus reducing the computational cost. Our updated scheme also permits us to use observations either in the form of Gauss coefficient data or more directly as ground-based and satellite-based virtual observatory series. It is thanks to these advances that we are able to place global constraints on core dynamics even at short periods.
Effective Access to Laboratory Test Results: A Health Equity Issue that Enhances Diagnostic Excellence
Authors: Madison Bereneice M , Lazaro Gerardo R , Scott Marranda S , Greene Dina N , Lorey Thomas S , De Jesús Víctor R
Published: February 2023

Access to laboratory test results through patient portals is a health equity issue for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP), particularly for Spanish-speaking patients, the largest minority group in the USA. Gaps ranging from linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic disparities to lack of systematic approaches (e.g., implementation of specific support protocols, policies) are among the identified factors that limit LEP patients’ access to patient portals. This paper summarizes initiatives healthcare providers, laboratory professionals, and portal developers can use to address disparities that affect >26 million LEPs while improving their health equity.
Right upper lobe pulmonary sequestration masquerading clinically and radiologically as malignancy: a case report
Authors: Gupta Ankit , Chetty Gavin , Hopkinson David , Rao Jagan , Chetty Govind
Published: February 2023

Bronchopulmonary sequestration is a rare disease in which a non-functional region of pulmonary tissue receives an aberrant vascular supply and lacks normal communication with the tracheobronchial tree. We present the case of a 30-year-old female with a primary complaint of unexplained weight loss and no other additional signs or symptoms. In view of this, computed tomography imaging was ordered, showing a 33HU mass in the right upper lobe. A specialist radiologist reviewed the images and concluded that the most likely differentials were mediastinal lymphoma or thymic malignancy. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed, when it was seen that no malignancy was present, but rather a bronchopulmonary sequestration. Histology confirmed the diagnosis; the patient fared well post-operatively. Bronchopulmonary sequestration is a rare pathology, with most cases occurring in the lower lung lobes. This case is highly atypical, due to the lack of clinical features and the lesion radiologically mimicking the appearance of malignancy.
Domain organization, expression, subcellular localization, and biological roles of ARGONAUTE proteins in Arabidopsis
Authors: Martín-Merchán Andrea , Moro Belen , Bouet Antoine , Bologna Nicolas G
Published: February 2023

ARGONAUTE (AGO) proteins are the final effectors of small RNA-mediated transcriptional and post-transcriptional silencing pathways. Plant AGO proteins are essential for preserving genome integrity, regulating developmental processes, and in stress responses and pathogen defense. Since the discovery of the first eukaryotic AGO in Arabidopsis, our understanding of these proteins has grown exponentially throughout all the eukaryotes. However, many aspects of AGO proteins’ modes of action and how they are influenced by their subcellular localization are still to be elucidated. Here, we provide an updated and comprehensive view of the evolution, domain architecture and roles, expression pattern, subcellular localization, and biological functions of the 10 AGO proteins in Arabidopsis.
Why stars inflate to and deflate from red giant dimensions – II. Replies to critics
Authors: Renzini Alvio
Published: February 2023

In a 1992 paper of ours, the role of opacity-driven thermal instabilities in shaping the course of stellar evolution was amply illustrated. This included the classical issue of ‘why stars become red giants’ as well as the subsequent formation of extended ‘Cepheids’ blue loops during the helium-burning phases. Our explanation of these evolutionary phenomena has occasionally been dismissed with just a few words in refereed or non-refereed publications. In a recent case, the fact that over the years I have not replied to these criticisms was interpreted as evidence that they were well founded. In this paper, it is made clear that this is not at all the case: the leading role of such instabilities is instead reaffirmed and the criticisms are shown to be insubstantial.
A spectral classification system for hydrogen-deficient carbon stars
Authors: Crawford Courtney L , Tisserand Patrick , Clayton Geoffrey C , Soon Jamie , Bessell Mike , Wood Peter , García-Hernández D A , Ruiter Ashley J , Seitenzahl Ivo R
Published: February 2023

Stellar spectral classification has been highly useful in the study of stars. While there is a currently accepted spectral classification system for carbon stars, the subset of hydrogen-deficient carbon (HdC) stars has not been well described by such a system, due predominantly to their rarity and their variability. Here we present the first system for the classification of HdCs based on their spectra, which is made wholly on their observable appearance. We use a combination of dimensionality reduction and clustering algorithms with human classification to create such a system with eight total classes corresponding to temperature, and an additional second axis corresponding to the carbon molecular band strength. We classify over half of the known sample of HdC stars using this, and roughly calibrate the temperatures of each class using their colours. Additionally, we express trends in the occurrence of certain spectral peculiarities such as the presence of hydrogen and lithium lines. We also present three previously unpublished spectra, report the discovery of two new Galactic dustless HdC stars, and additionally discuss one especially unique star that appears to border between the hottest HdCs and the coolest extreme helium stars.
Multiwavelength study of NGC 1365: The obscured active nucleus and off-nuclear compact X-ray sources
Authors: Swain Subhashree , Dewangan Gulab Chand , Shalima P , Tripathi Prakash , Latha K V P
Published: February 2023

We present a multiwavelength study of the active nucleus and the off-nuclear X-ray sources in the nearby spiral galaxy, NGC 1365 using three simultaneous UV/X-ray observations by AstroSat over a two months period and archival IR observations performed with Spitzer and Herschel. Utilizing the data from the Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) onboard AstroSat, we find spectral variability mainly caused by the variation in the X-ray column density, (NH ∼ 1022–1023 cm−2). With the accurate spatial resolution of the UVIT onboard AstroSat, we separate the intrinsic AGN flux from the host galaxy emission and then correct for the Galactic and the internal reddening. We detect no significant variation in the NUV emission over the observation period. The AGN in FUV band is undetectable due to heavy intrinsic extinction. Further, the multiwavelength IR/UV/X-ray AGN SED reveals that the AGN is in a low-luminosity phase with accretion rate ∼0.01 LEdd. The steady UV emission and strong X-ray absorption variability suggest that the obscuring clouds are likely compact and affect the compact X-ray source only and do not possibly cover the extended UV emitting region. In addition, the UVIT is able to resolve two bright spots at a radius of 7 arcsec (∼6.3 Kpc) from the central nucleus in the South-West (SW) direction. In the UVIT image of the entire galaxy, we identify UV counterparts to four Chandra identified bright X-ray sources. One well-known ultra-luminous X-ray source (ULX) NGC 1365 X2 is identified with its UV counterpart at 86 arcsec from the nucleus in the North-East (NE) direction from the active nucleus.
Nelsonia goldmani(Rodentia: Cricetidae)
Authors: León-Tapia M Ángel
Published: February 2023

Nelsonia goldmani Merriam, 1903 is a cricetid rodent commonly called Goldman’s diminutive woodrat. It is a woodrat of medium size with grayish dorsal pelage; the characteristic long tail is covered with long hairs and ends with a black tip. Nelsonia goldmani is one of two species in the genus Nelsonia. It is endemic to the central-west highlands of Mexico, recorded in a few localities of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt at elevations from 2,000 to 3,100 m. It inhabits areas near rocky ravines, cliffs, and hillsides with coniferous, pine–oak, and cloud forests. Nelsonia goldmani is listed as “Endangered” (EN) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources due to its fragmented distribution and the decrease in the quality and extent of its habitat.
MicroRNA-145 and microRNA-486 are potential serum biomarkers for vascular calcification
Authors: Fernández-Villabrille Sara , Martín-Carro Beatriz , Martín-Vírgala Julia , Alonso-Montes Cristina , Palomo-Antequera Carmen , García-Castro Raúl , López-Ongil Susana , Dusso Adriana S , Fernández-Martín José Luis , Naves-Díaz Manuel , Cannata-Andía Jorge B , Carrillo-López Natalia , Panizo Sara
Published: February 2023

Introduction

MicroRNAs (miRs) regulate vascular calcification (VC), and their quantification may contribute to suspicion of the presence of VC.

Methods

The study was performed in four phases. Phase 1: miRs sequencing of rat calcified and non-calcified aortas. Phase 2: miRs with the highest rate of change, plus miR-145 [the most abundant miR in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs)], were validated in aortas and serum from rats with and without VC. Phase 3: the selected miRs were analyzed in epigastric arteries from kidney donors and recipients, and serum samples from general population. Phase 4: VSMCs were exposed to different phosphorus concentrations, and miR-145 and miR-486 were overexpressed to investigate their role in VC.

Results

miR-145, miR-122-5p, miR-486 and miR-598-3p decreased in the rat calcified aortas, but only miR-145 and miR-486 were detected in serum. In human epigastric arteries, miR-145 and miR-486 were lower in kidney transplant recipients compared with donors. Both miRs inversely correlated with arterial calcium content and with VC (Kauppila index). In the general population, the severe VC was associated with the lowest serum levels of both miRs. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that serum miR-145 was a good biomarker of VC. In VSMCs exposed to high phosphorus, calcium content, osteogenic markers (Runx2 and Osterix) increased, and the contractile marker (α-actin), miR-145 and miR-486 decreased. Overexpression of miR-145, and to a lesser extent miR-486, prevented the increase in calcium content induced by high phosphorus, the osteogenic differentiation and the loss of the contractile phenotype.

Conclusion

miR-145 and miR-486 regulate the osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs, and their quantification in serum could serve as a marker of VC.
Nutritional markers accompanying acquired chylothorax in infants: a systematic review
Authors: Marzotto Kevin N , Choudhary Tuhin , Wright Laura A , Howell Meghan P , Kimball Thomas R , Pigula Frank A , Piggott Kurt D
Published: February 2023

Context

Chylothorax is a well-established acquired complication of thoracic surgery in infants. Current data suggest acquired chylothorax may affect infant growth and nutrition because of a loss of essential nutrients via chylous effusion.

Objective

The 3 objectives for this study were: (1) identify nutritional markers affected by the development of acquired chylothorax in infants; (2) highlight the variability in methods used to assess nutritional status and growth in this patient population; and (3) highlight nutritional deficits that can serve as treatment targets during postoperative feeding protocols.

Data Sources

A systematic literature search was conducted between May 31, 2021, and June 21, 2022, using the PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases. Search terms included, but were not limited to, “chylothorax,” “infants,” and “nutrition.”

Data Extraction

Inclusion criteria required studies that measured quantitative markers of nutrition in ≥10 participants aged <1 year with acquired chylothorax. A total of 575 studies were screened and all but 4 were eliminated. Nutritional markers were categorized into 4 different groups: total serum protein level, triglyceride levels, growth velocity, and weight for length.

Data Analysis

The variation in methods, time points, interventional groups, and nutritional markers did not facilitate a meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies assessment tool.

Conclusion

This review highlights the need for reliable quantitative markers of nutrition that will enable providers to assess the nutritional needs of infants with chylothorax. Future studies must focus on measuring markers of nutrition at regular intervals in larger study populations.
Non-governmental organizations’ motivation to diversify: self-interest or operation-related? Evidence from Uganda
Authors: Dang Canh Thien , Owens Trudy
Published: February 2023

Understanding the mechanisms that guide non-governmental organizations’ (NGOs) managerial decisions is a key to effective development policies. One fundamentally strategic decision is the number of activities an NGO offers. We provide a conceptual framework based on the agency theory to study the motivations underlying strategic decisions of development NGOs in Uganda. We test whether diversifying into many activities is driven by operational reasons or by personal gains of NGO managers. Following a historic flood in 2007, NGOs that rely more on contractual income offer fewer activities than their counterparts in less affected areas. The results support theoretical explanations that operational motives such as risk-reduction or cost complementarity dominate personal and for-profit-like motives. Our article contributes to the debates around the ethical and governmental foundation of the non-profit sector, highlighting the different roles of personal and operational aspects in the decision-making process.
Introduction to Faraday tomography and its future prospects
Authors: Takahashi Keitaro
Published: February 2023

Faraday tomography is a new method of the study of cosmic magnetic fields enabled by broad-band low-frequency radio observations. Using Faraday tomography it is possible to obtain the Faraday dispersion function, which contains information on the line-of-sight distributions of magnetic fields, thermal electron density, and cosmic ray electron density by measuring the polarization spectrum from a source of synchrotron radiation over a wide band. Furthermore, by combining it with two-dimensional imaging, Faraday tomography allows us to explore the three-dimensional structure of polarization sources. Faraday tomography has been active over the last 20 years, since the broad-band observation has become technically feasible, and polarization sources such as interstellar space, supernova remnants, and galaxies have been investigated. However, the Faraday dispersion function is mathematically the Fourier transform of the polarization spectrum. And since the observable band is finite, it is impossible to obtain a complete Faraday dispersion function by performing a Fourier transform. For this purpose, various methods have been developed to accurately estimate the Faraday dispersion function from the observed polarization spectrum. In addition, the Faraday dispersion function does not directly reflect the distribution of magnetic field, thermal electron density, and cosmic ray electron density in the physical space, and its physical interpretation is not straightforward. Despite these two difficult problems, Faraday tomography is attracting much attention because it has great potential as a new method for studying cosmic magnetic fields and magnetized plasmas. In particular, the next-generation radio telescope SKA (Square Kilometre Array) is capable of polarization observation with unprecedented sensitivity and broad bands, and the application of Faraday tomography is expected to make dramatic progress in the field of cosmic magnetic fields. In this review, we explain the basics of Faraday tomography with simple and instructive examples. Representative algorithms to realize Faraday tomography are introduced, and some applications are shown.
Sucrose-induced auxin conjugate hydrolase restores symbiosis in aMedicagocytokinin perception mutant
Authors: Molla Firoz , Kundu Anindya , DasGupta Maitrayee
Published: February 2023

Rhizobia–legume interactions recruit cytokinin for the induction of nodule primordia in the cortex. Cytokinin signaling regulates auxin transport and biosynthesis, causing local auxin accumulation, which triggers cortical cell division. Since sugar signaling can trigger auxin responses, we explored whether sugar treatments could rescue symbiosis in the Medicago truncatula cytokinin response 1 (cre1) mutant. Herein, we demonstrate that sucrose and its nonmetabolizable isomer turanose can trigger auxin response and recover functional symbiosis in cre1, indicating sucrose signaling to be necessary for the restoration of symbiosis. In both M. truncatula A17 (wild type) and cre1, sucrose signaling significantly upregulated IAA-Ala Resistant 3 (IAR33), encoding an auxin conjugate hydrolase, in rhizobia-infected as well as in uninfected roots. Knockdown of IAR33 (IAR33-KD) significantly reduced nodulation in A17, highlighting the importance of deconjugation-mediated auxin accumulation during nodule inception. In cre1, IAR33-KD restricted the sucrose-mediated restoration of functional symbiosis, suggesting that deconjugation-mediated auxin accumulation plays a key role in the absence of CRE1-mediated auxin biosynthesis and transport control. Overexpression of IAR33 also restored functional symbiosis in cre1, further suggesting that IAR33 mediates auxin accumulation in response to sucrose signaling. Since all the observed sucrose-mediated responses were common to A17 and cre1, deconjugation-mediated auxin response appeared to be independent of CRE1, which normally governs local auxin accumulation in the presence of rhizobia. We propose that sucrose-dependent restoration of symbiosis in cre1 occurs by the activation of IAR33-mediated auxin deconjugation.
Manganese concentration affects chloroplast structure and the photosynthetic apparatus in Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Messant Marine , Hani Umama , Hennebelle Thaïs , Guérard Florence , Gakière Bertrand , Gall Andrew , Thomine Sébastien , Krieger-Liszkay Anja
Published: February 2023

Manganese (Mn) is an essential metal for plant growth. The most important Mn-containing enzyme is the Mn4CaO5 cluster that catalyzes water oxidation in photosystem II (PSII). Mn deficiency primarily affects photosynthesis, whereas Mn excess is generally toxic. Here, we studied Mn excess and deficiency in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha, an emerging model ideally suited for analysis of metal stress since it accumulates rapidly toxic substances due to the absence of well-developed vascular and radicular systems and a reduced cuticle. We established growth conditions for Mn excess and deficiency and analyzed the metal content in thalli and isolated chloroplasts. In vivo super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed changes in the organization of the thylakoid membrane under Mn excess and deficiency. Both Mn excess and Mn deficiency increased the stacking of the thylakoid membrane. We investigated photosynthetic performance by measuring chlorophyll fluorescence at room temperature and 77 K, measuring P700 absorbance, and studying the susceptibility of thalli to photoinhibition. Nonoptimal Mn concentrations changed the ratio of PSI to PSII. Upon Mn deficiency, higher non-photochemical quenching was observed, electron donation to PSI was favored, and PSII was less susceptible to photoinhibition. Mn deficiency seemed to favor cyclic electron flow around PSI, thereby protecting PSII in high light. The results presented here suggest an important role of Mn in the organization of the thylakoid membrane and photosynthetic electron transport.
Tetratricopeptide-containing SMALL KERNEL 11 is essential for the assembly of cytochrome c oxidase in maize mitochondria
Authors: Ren Zhenjing , Fan Kaijian , Zhen Sihan , Zhang Jie , Liu Yan , Fu Junjie , Qi Chunlai , Wei Qianhan , Du Yao , Tatar Wurinile , Zhang Xiaofeng , Wang Guoying , Rasmusson Allan G , Wang Jianhua , Liu Yunjun
Published: February 2023

Assembly of the functional complexes of the mitochondrial respiratory chain requires sophisticated and efficient regulatory mechanisms. In plants, the subunit composition and assembly factors involved in the biogenesis of cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV) are substantially less defined than in mammals and yeast. In this study, we cloned maize (Zea mays) Small kernel 11 (Smk11) via map-based cloning. Smk11 encodes a mitochondria-localized tetratricopeptide repeat protein. Disruption of Smk11 severely affected the assembly and activity of mitochondrial complex IV, leading to delayed plant growth and seed development. Protein interactions studies revealed that SMK11 might interact with four putative complex IV assembly factors, Inner membrane peptidase 1A (ZmIMP1A), MYB domain protein 3R3 (ZmMYB3R-3), cytochrome c oxidase 23 (ZmCOX23), and mitochondrial ferredoxin 1 (ZmMFDX1), among which ZmMFDX1 might interact with subunits ZmCOX6a and ZmCOX-X1; ZmMYB3R-3 might also interact with ZmCOX6a. The mutation of SMK11 perturbed the normal assembly of these subunits, leading to the inactivation of complex IV. The results of this study revealed that SMK11 serves as an accessory assembly factor required for the normal assembly of subunits into complex IV, which will accelerate the elucidation of the assembly of complex IV in plant mitochondria.
Estimating the Between-Issue Variation in Party Elite Cue Effects
Authors: Tappin Ben M
Published: February 2023

Party elite cues are among the most well-established influences on citizens’ political opinions. Yet, there is substantial variation in effect sizes across studies, constraining the generalizability and theoretical development of party elite cues research. Understanding the causes of variation in party elite cue effects is thus a priority for advancing the field. In this paper, I estimate the variation in party elite cue effects that is caused simply by heterogeneity in the policy issues being examined, through a reanalysis of data from existing research combined with an original survey experiment comprising 34 contemporary American policy issues. My estimate of the between-issue variation in effects is substantively large, plausibly equal to somewhere between one-third and two-thirds the size of the between-study variation observed in the existing literature. This result has important implications for our understanding of party elite influence on public opinion and for the methodological practices of party elite cues research.
Updating amidst Disagreement: New Experimental Evidence on Partisan Cues
Authors: Fowler Anthony , Howell William G
Published: February 2023

In this era of hyper-polarization and partisan animosity, do people incorporate the viewpoints of their political opponents? Perhaps not. An important body of research, in fact, finds that the provision of information about opponents’ policy views leads survey respondents to reflexively adopt the opposite position. In this paper, we demonstrate that such findings arise from incomplete experimental designs and a particular measurement strategy. In a series of experiments that vary information about both parties’ positions simultaneously and that solicit continuous, rather than discrete, policy positions, we find that partisans update their beliefs in accordance with the positions of Republican and Democratic leaders alike. Partisans are not perennially determined to disagree. Rather, they are often willing to incorporate opposing viewpoints about a wide range of policy issues.
WHO should accelerate, not stall, rectal artesunate deployment for pre-referral treatment of severe malaria
Authors: Peto Thomas J , Watson James A , White Nicholas J , Dondorp Arjen M
Published: February 2023

The recent World Health Organization moratorium on rectal artesunate (RAS) for pre-referral treatment of severe childhood malaria is costing young lives. The decision was based on disappointing findings from a large observational study that provided RAS to community health workers with little training and supervision. This non-randomized, operational research has provided useful information to guide the implementation of RAS but is subject to bias and confounding and cannot be used to assess treatment effects. Parenteral artesunate reduces severe malaria mortality and a large body of evidence also shows RAS has lifesaving efficacy. There is now more than a decade of delay in conducting the necessary engagement and training required for successful deployment of RAS. Further delays will result in more preventable deaths.