bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic variability and trait associations in bread wheat (
Triticum aestivum
L.) genotypes under drought-stressed and well-watered conditions
Authors: Sewore Birhanu Mecha , Abe Ayodeji 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Drought is one of the most important yield-limiting abiotic stresses threatening wheat production and productivity. Development of wheat genotypes with enhanced grain yield under drought-stressed conditions depend on the extent of genetic variation present for drought tolerance-related traits. This study was carried out to determine the level of genetic variation and associations of yield and yield attributing traits among 196 bread wheat genotypes under drought-stressed and well-watered conditions. The genotypes were evaluated under greenhouse and field conditions and phenotyped for yield and yield-related traits. The genotypes varied significantly for the traits under both conditions. Grain yield ranged from 2.13 to 3.74 t ha
−1
and from 2.52 to 5.06 t ha
−1
under drought-stressed and well-watered conditions, respectively. Under both conditions, variances due to genotype were higher than environment and genotype × environment interaction variances for all the traits. Estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits under both conditions, with both PCV and GCV being highest for kernel weight spike
−1
and lowest for spike fertility. Under both conditions, broad-sense heritability estimates ranged from moderately high to very high, accompanied with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean. Fertile spikelets spike
−1
, one thousand kernel weight, kernel weight spike
−1
, biomass yield and harvest index manifested high positive genotypic and phenotypic correlations and positive direct effects on grain yield under both conditions. The first five principal components accounted for 78.4% (well-watered) and 76.0% (drought-stressed) of the variation among the genotypes. The 196 genotypes were delineated into six major clusters under both water conditions, with clusters 3 (well-watered) and cluster 5 (drought-stressed) containing genotypes with the highest ability to tolerate drought stress. Genotypes Alidoro, Bolo, Dinknesh, ETBW8491 and ETBW172938 had high stable yields under both conditions. The identified traits and genotypes were drought tolerant and could be exploited to develop novel genotypes for drought stress tolerance.
An ‘activator-repressor’ loop controls the anthocyanin biosynthesis in red-skinned pear
Authors: Yang Guangyan , Xue Zhaolong , Lin-Wang Kui , Chen Guosong , Zhao Yongqi , Chang Yaojun , Xu Shaozhuo , Sun Manyi , Xue Cheng , Li Jiaming , Allan Andrew C. , Espley Richard V. , Wu Jun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe color of red-skinned pear (Pyrus spp.) is primarily attributed to accumulation of anthocyanins, which provide nutritional benefits for human health and are closely associated with the commercial value of fruits. Here, we reported the functional characterization of a R2R3-MYB repressor PyMYB107, which forms an ‘activator-repressor’ loop to control anthocyanin accumulation in the red-skinned pear. PyMYB107 overexpression inhibited anthocyanin biosynthesis in both pear calli and fruits, while virus-induced gene silencing of PyMYB107 increased anthocyanin accumulation in pear fruits. Furthermore, ectopic expression of PyMYB107 decreased anthocyanin accumulation in tomato, strawberry and tobacco. PyMYB107 can competitively bind to PybHLH3 with PyMYB10/MYB114, thereby suppressing the transcriptional activation of key anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, PyANS and PyUFGT. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that mutations within the R3 domain and EAR motif of PyMYB107 eliminated its repressive activity. Additionally, PyMYB107 exhibited a comparable expression pattern to PyMYB10/MYB114 and was transcriptionally activated by them. Our finding advanced comprehension of the repression mechanism underlying anthocyanin accumulation, providing valuable molecular insights into improving quality of pear fruits.
Stigma and discrimination faced by adolescents living with HIV and experiencing depression in Malawi
Authors: Faidas Maria , Stockton Melissa A. , Mphonda Steven M. , Sansbury Griffin , Hedrick Haley , Devadas Jackson , Phanga Twambilile , Ruegsegger Laura , Kramer Jack , Mortensen Hillary , Kulisewa Kazione , Pence Brian W. , Bhushan Nivedita L. , Gaynes Bradley N. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
In Malawi, approximately 25% of adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) also suffer from depression. Not only is HIV stigma a major contributor to depression but it also adversely impacts HIV care engagement. ALWH can experience HIV stigma as stereotyping, social exclusion, low social support, and abuse, and these experiences are associated with poor mental health. Despite recognition of the deleterious effects of HIV stigma, we have limited knowledge of how stigma is experienced by ALWH with comorbid depression. Guided by the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework, we describe stigma faced by ALWH and comorbid depression in Malawi and its implications for future interventions.

Methods
As part of a larger formative study to adapt a mental health counseling intervention, we conducted in-depth interviews, social support mapping sessions, and focus-group discussions with 25 ALWH, 4 caregivers of ALWH, 3 HIV providers, and 5 participants and 5 staff of a prior mental health counseling intervention. After analyzing the stigma codes, we used the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework to organize the data into four key domains: drivers, manifestations, outcomes, and health and social impacts.

Results
Major drivers of HIV stigma included fear of HIV transmission, negative effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART), association with death, inaccurate knowledge, and negative attitudes towards ALWH. The most common manifestations of HIV stigma were gossip, insults and mocking, and physical and social distancing. Decreased ART adherence and missed HIV appointments were commonly cited outcomes of HIV stigma. Broader health impacts of HIV stigma were notable for mental health comorbidities including depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicidality. Identified resilience strategies included support for HIV care engagement and psychosocial support from family and friends.

Conclusions
This study systematically describes the stigmatization process faced by ALWH and experiencing depressive symptoms in Malawi. Notably, HIV stigma continues to disrupt HIV care and detrimentally impacts mental health during adolescent development. Further studies focused specifically on stigma are needed to better characterize this process and identify additional resilience factors. Investment in stigma-reduction interventions for ALWH is needed to avert poor mental health and HIV outcomes.
Confirming size-exclusion chromatography as a clinically relevant extracellular vesicles separation method from 1mL plasma through a comprehensive comparison of methods
Authors: Robinson Stephen David , Samuels Mark , Jones William , Stewart Nicolas , Eravci Murat , Mazarakis Nektarios K , Gilbert Duncan , Critchley Giles , Giamas Georgios 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are amongst the most promising candidates for developing blood-based biomarkers. However, patient sample availability is a key barrier to translational research whilst most biobanks store samples of 1.5mL volume or less. To date, there is no consensus on the most suitable method of EV separation and current techniques frequently require large volumes of biofluids, complicated technology, technical expertise, or significant operating costs, which prevents their widespread adoption by less EV-focussed laboratories. Therefore, there is a need for an easy and reproducible method that separates representative EVs from clinically relevant 1mL volumes of plasma prior to subsequent biomarker identification.

Methods
In this study, EVs were separated from a clinically relevant 1mL volume of human plasma using four different separation techniques: size exclusion chromatography (SEC), differential ultracentrifugation, precipitation, and immunoaffinity magnetic bead capture. The EVs were characterised using several orthogonal techniques (protein quantification, nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, Western blot, single particle interferometric reflectance imaging sensing, and mass spectrometry-based proteomics) to comprehensively compare the separated samples.

Results
We provide examples of anticipated results highlighting that SEC-processed samples have greater protein quantification yield, greater particle yield of the expected size for EVs, and sufficient EV purity, which facilitates effective EV cargo assessment by proteomics. Moreover, we confirm significant overlap with known EV-related proteins within the Vesiclepedia database. Additionally, using single particle interferometric reflectance imaging sensing (Leprechaun®), we identify that SEC has the most representative surface tetraspanin distribution of the separated EV population compared to unprocessed plasma.

Discussion
Given that SEC requires minimal expertise, no complicated technology and can separate EVs within 90 min, this comparison reinforces SEC as a clinically relevant EV separation method from 1mL of plasma making it suitable for widespread implementation.
Dementia in-patient units in psychiatric hospitals: research priority setting
Authors: Crowther George , Dunning Rebecca , Russell Gregor , Wolverson Emma , Underwood Benjamin R. 
Published: July 2024

Aims and method
Dementia in-patient units (DIU) are mental health wards that care for people living with dementia (PLWD) whose symptoms are causing severe distress or potential risk. DIUs look after some of the most vulnerable and unwell people in society, yet they are environments that are underresearched: a recent systematic review revealed only 36 articles worldwide relating to DIUs. To better understand research priorities in DIUs, we undertook a two-round online Delphi survey of PLWD with experience of DIUs, their carers and professionals who work in DIUs.

Results
Ten research priorities were described and ranked. The top three were how to use non-pharmacological techniques to manage non-cognitive symptoms of dementia, supporting families and better understanding of how to discharge PLWD safely and healthily.

Clinical implications
This is the first Delphi consensus to describe DIU research priorities. This paper will help researchers focus on the areas that matter most to people who use DIUs.
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with nivolumab (NIVO) subcutaneous (SC) or intravenous (IV) in patients (pts) with advanced or metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) who have received prior therapy in the phase 3 CheckMate 67T trial.
Authors: George Saby , Bourlon Maria T. , Dixon Matthew , Lord-Bessen Jennifer , Worthy Gill , Frampton Katie , Yip Christine , Lawrance Rachael , Taylor Fiona , Albiges Laurence 
Published: July 2024

4535 Background: NIVO IV has improved outcomes in multiple tumor types. Evolving treatment paradigms have created a need for administration options that address treatment burden and improve efficiencies of healthcare systems. In a phase 1/2 study (CheckMate 8KX), pts were highly satisfied with NIVO SC and preferred it over NIVO IV [Lonardi et al, ESMO 2022; Lonardi et al, SITC 2023]. CheckMate 67T (NCT04810078) is a multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase 3 study that demonstrated pharmacokinetic and objective response rate noninferiority of NIVO SC vs IV in pts with locally advanced or metastatic ccRCC [George et al, ASCO-GU 2024]. This exploratory analysis assessed non-inferiority of HRQoL between pts randomized to NIVO SC (n=248) vs NIVO IV (n=247) in CheckMate 67T. Methods: HRQoL was measured using patient-reported outcomes (PROs), FKSI-19 (kidney cancer-related HRQoL) and the EQ-5D-5L (pt’s health status). FKSI-19 total score (range 0-76, higher score better HRQoL)and EQ-5D-5L visual analogue scale (VAS) (range 0-100, higher score better health HRQoL) scores were evaluated longitudinally on-treatment visits with ≥10 pts per arm included in model [week 57]) using linear mixed models (constrained longitudinal data analysis), with least squares (LS) mean changes from baseline and differences in the LS mean between NIVO SC and NIVO IV assessed; non-inferiority of NIVO SC vs NIVO IV was evaluated by examining overall treatment differences for on-treatment visits relative to prespecified thresholds. Results: PRO data were available for 247 pts (99.6%) for NIVO SC and 245 pts (99.2%) for NIVO IV, with completion rates >87% across instruments up to week 57 for both treatment arms. HRQoL was maintained over time for both NIVO arms for FKSI-19 total score and subscales and EQ-5D-5L VAS. NIVO SC was non-inferior to NIVO IV across FKSI-19 total score and subscales and EQ-5D-5L VAS (Table). Conclusions: These results demonstrate maintenance of HRQoL for pts with advanced or metastatic ccRCC while on treatment with NIVO, regardless of the mode of administration (SC or IV), supporting the use of NIVO SC as a new option to align with patient preferences. Clinical trial information: NCT04810078 . [Table: see text]
Anlotinib combined with sintilimab as first-line treatment in patients with advanced non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRR): Preliminary results from an exploratory prospective multicentre clinical study.
Authors: Dong Pei , Wei Wensu , Jiang Lijuan , Zhang Zhiling , Wang Deling , Peng Yulu , Huang Tingxuan , Zhong Xi , Guo Shengjie , Han Hui , Cai Xiuyu , Zhou Fangjian 
Published: July 2024

4544 Background: Non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC) accounts for approximately 25% of all kidney cancers, however, the effect of systemic chemotherapy is limited. We report the first results of a single-arm, phase 2 study (NCT05220267) evaluating the efficacy and safety of anlotinib (a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor) combined with sintilimab (a monoclonal antibody against programmed cell death protein 1) as first-line treatment in patients with advanced nccRCC. Methods: Patients with histologically confirmed advanced nccRCC and measurable disease per RECIST v1.1 who had not previously received systemic therapy were received anlotinib (12 mg qd, d1-14, repeated every 21 days) plus sintilimab (200 mg IV Q3W) till disease progression or intolerant toxicity. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS); secondary endpoints include objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS) and safety. Results: From April 2022 to December 2023, 43 patients were enrolled with a median age of 43 years (range: 18-79), 10 (23.3%) had papillary histology, 10 (23.3%) had FH-RCC histology, 8 (18.6%) had TFE3-RCC histology and 15 (34.9%) were unclassified. Among these participants, 34 patients were evaluable. 62.8% were IMDC intermediate- or poor-risk, 74.4% had prior nephrectomy and 100% had synchronous metastatic disease. ORR and DCR were 52.9%(95%CI 0.35-0.70)and 94.1%(95%CI 0.80-0.99), respectively.≥1 and <1 Combined Positive Score of PD-L1 expression were observed in 50.0% (17/34) and 32.4% (11/34) patients respectively, and the ORR was 52.9% (95%CI: 0.278-0.770) and 45.5% (95%CI: 0.167-0.766) in the two groups. The median time of the first response was 3.7 months (range, 3.3-9.5). As of January 7, 2024, median follow-up time was 8.5m (95%CI 4.8-12.3). The median PFS was 15.1m (95%CI 13.2-15.9). Treatment-related grade 3/4 adverse events were observed in 20.9% (9/43) of the patients, encompassed hyponatremia (3 patients, 7%), proteinuria (1 patients, 2%), anemia (1 patients, 2%), Hand-foot syndrome (4 patients, 9.1%). Neither unexpected safety signals nor treatment-related death occurred. Conclusions: Our results showed promising efficacy and acceptable toxicity of anlotinib plus sintilimab for patients with advanced nccRCC. Complete results are awaited in 2024 after follow-up completion of the entire cohort. Clinical trial information: NCT05220267 .
Temporal coherences of atomic chaotic light sources: The Siegert relation and its generalisation to higher-order correlation functions
Authors: Morisse M. , Joshi S. , Mika J. , Capella J. C. C. , Kaiser R. , Bachelard R. , Slodička L. , Hugbart M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Light is characterized by its electric field, yet quantum optics has revealed the importance of monitoring photon-photon correlations at all orders. We here present a comparative study of two experimental setups, composed of cold and warm rubidium atoms, respectively, which allow us to probe and compare photon correlations. The former operates in the quantum regime where spontaneous emission dominates, whereas the latter exhibits a temperature-limited coherence time. We demonstrate our capability to measure photon correlations up to the fourth order which could be useful to better characterize light scattered by cold atoms beyond the chaotic statistics.
Decadal Trends in the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Economically Developed Regions in China
Authors: Feng Tianxing , Zheng Jiali , Wang Xiaoxiao , Wang Yilei , Shen Ping , Zhu Beili , Zhao Huiyan , Zhao Li , Xu Yaqing 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
To estimate decadal trends in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in economically developed regions in China and its association with city economic levels.

Methods
Using a comprehensive Chinese healthcare database, repeated cross-sectional studies were conducted on adults who had annual health check-ups from 2012 to 2021 in 4 economically developed cities. MetS was defined by the criteria of the Chinese Diabetes Society in 2013. The crude prevalence of MetS adjusted for sex and age was reported. The association between prevalence, calendar year, and city gross domestic product (GDP) per capita was analyzed by regression model.

Results
158 274 participants aged 18 years and older were included. The unadjusted prevalence of MetS increased from 15.5% (95% CI: 14.2%-16.8%) to 20.0% (95% CI: 19.5%-20.5%) from 2012 to 2021. The adjusted overall prevalence has increased steadily from 12.8% to 20.8% after controlling age and sex (P &lt; .001). Male and older age groups had a higher MetS prevalence. In the regression model of the association between the MetS prevalence, calendar year, and city GDP per capita, calendar year had a positive association with the prevalence (P &lt; .001, 95% CI: 0.648-1.954) and city GDP per capita had a negative association (P = .030, 95% CI: −0.136 to −0.007).

Conclusion
The MetS prevalence increased steadily in the economically developed regions in China among the health check-up population during 2012-2021. The MetS prevalence is shown to be negatively associated with GDP per capita in the study population.
Predictive factors for critical care dependency after posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Patel Mohammed S. , Shah Siddharth , Elkazaz Mohamed K. , Shafafy Masood , Grevitt Michael P. 
Published: July 2024

AimsHistorically, patients undergoing surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) have been nursed postoperatively in a critical care (CC) setting because of the challenges posed by prone positioning, extensive exposures, prolonged operating times, significant blood loss, major intraoperative fluid shifts, cardiopulmonary complications, and difficulty in postoperative pain management. The primary aim of this paper was to determine whether a scoring system, which uses Cobb angle, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and number of levels to be fused, is a valid method of predicting the need for postoperative critical care in AIS patients who are to undergo scoliosis correction with posterior spinal fusion (PSF).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all AIS patients who had undergone PSF between January 2018 and January 2020 in a specialist tertiary spinal referral centre. All patients were assessed preoperatively in an anaesthetic clinic. Postoperative care was defined as ward-based (WB) or critical care (CC), based on the preoperative FEV1, FVC, major curve Cobb angle, and the planned number of instrumented levels.ResultsOverall, 105 patients were enrolled. Their mean age was 15.5 years (11 to 25) with a mean weight of 55 kg (35 to 103). The mean Cobb angle was 68° (38° to 122°). Of these, 38 patients were preoperatively scored to receive postoperative CC. However, only 19% of the cohort (20/105) actually needed CC-level support. Based on these figures, and an average paediatric intensive care unit stay of one day before stepdown to ward-based care, the potential cost-saving on the first postoperative night for this cohort was over £20,000. There was no statistically significant difference between the Total Pathway Score (TPS), the numerical representation of the four factors being assessed, and the actual level of care received (p = 0.052) or the American Society of Anesthesiologists grade (p = 0.187). Binary logistic regression analysis of the TPS variables showed that the preoperative Cobb angle was the only variable which significantly predicted the need for critical care.ConclusionMost patients undergoing posterior fusion surgery for AIS do not need critical care. Of the readily available preoperative measures, the Cobb angle is the only predictor of the need for higher levels of care, and has a threshold value of 74.5°.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):713–719.