Browse Articles

Microstructural and statistical analysis on mechanical performance of novel flattened end nylon fibre reinforced concrete

Bespoke Activity-Based Probes Reveal that the <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> Endoglycosidase, PslG, Is an Endo-β-glucanase

Research and analysis of differential gene expression in CD34 hematopoietic stem cells in myelodysplastic syndromes

Objective This study aims to investigate and analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CD34 + hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) through bioinformatics analysis, with the ultimate goal of uncovering the potential molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of MDS. The findings of this study are expected to provide novel insights into clinical treatment strategies for MDS. Methods Initially, we downloaded three datasets, GSE81173, GSE4619, and GSE58831, from the public Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database as our training sets, and selected the GSE19429 dataset as the validation set. To ensure data consistency and comparability, we standardized the training sets and removed batch effects using the ComBat algorithm, thereby integrating them into a unified gene expression dataset. Subsequently, we conducted differential expression analysis to identify genes with significant changes in expression levels across different disease states. In order to enhance prediction accuracy, we incorporated six common predictive models and trained them based on the filtered differential gene expression dataset. After comprehensive evaluation, we ultimately selected three algorithms—Lasso regression, random forest, and support vector machine (SVM)—as our core predictive models. To more precisely pinpoint genes closely related to disease characteristics, we utilized the aforementioned three machine learning methods for prediction and took the intersection of these prediction results, yielding a more robust list of genes associated with disease features. Following this, we conducted in-depth analysis of these key genes in the training set and validated the results independently using the GSE19429 dataset. Furthermore, we performed differential analysis of gene groups, co-expression analysis, and enrichment analysis to delve deeper into the mechanisms underlying the roles of these genes in disease initiation and progression. Through these analyses, we aim to provide new insights and foundations for disease diagnosis and treatment. Figure illustrates the data preprocessing and analysis workflow of this study. Results Our analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) revealed significant differences in gene expression patterns compared to the control group (individuals without MDS). Specifically, the expression levels of two key genes, IRF4 and ELANE, were notably downregulated in CD34+ HSCs of MDS patients, indicating their downregulatory roles in the pathological process of MDS Conclusion This study sheds light on the potential molecular mechanisms underlying MDS, with a particular focus on the pivotal roles of IRF4 and ELANE as key pathogenic genes. Our findings provide a novel perspective for understanding the complexity of MDS and exploring therapeutic strategies. They may also guide the development of precise and effective treatments, such as targeted interventions directed against these genes

Female reproductive health trends and autism spectrum disorder prevalence between 2000 and 2024

Precision Synthesis and Antiliver Fibrosis Activity of a Highly Branched Acidic 63-Mer Pectin Polysaccharide

Virulence profile of pathogenic yeasts from snakes: Alternative ways for antifungal strategies

Reptiles may act as reservoirs or spreaders of potential pathogenic microorganisms including Candida yeasts. While the epidemiology of yeast species has been thoroughly studied, the virulence profile of isolated species is not well investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the haemolytic, phospholipase, lipase activities and biofilm formation of yeasts isolated from the cloacal swabs of venomous snakes from Marrakech, Morocco (Group I, n = 40) and from non-venomous snakes from Cocullo, Italy (Group II, n = 32). All the isolated yeasts from Group 1 showed low production of lipase (Lz ≥  0.90) and haemolysin (Hz ≥ 0.90), and only 35% of them were low phospholipase (Pz) producers (Pz &gt; 0.90). In contrast, all the yeasts from Group 2 produced enzymes and more than 62% produced high amounts of enzymes (Pz ≤  0.64; Lz ≤  0.69; Hz ≤ 0.69). Data show that yeasts from snakes were able to produce virulence factors, which vary according to the yeast species and the hosts or their origin, thus suggesting the potential role of snakes in harboring and spreading pathogenic yeasts in the environment. Since the virulence profile was lower in venomous snakes than that in non-venomous ones, we discussed that it may be affected by the venom composition. This will pave the way for fungal infection control, alternative to antifungal drugs in order to overcome resistance phenomena.

Association between oxidative balance score and risk of postpartum depression in Iranian women: a prospective cohort study

Nickel-Catalyzed Branched Hydroalkylation of Alkenes with Diazo Compounds

Stable isotopes as a predictor for organic or conventional classification of berries and vegetables

Organic agriculture is expanding worldwide, driven by expectations of improving food quality and soil health. However, while organic certification by regulatory bodies such as the United States Department of Agriculture and the European Union confirms compliance with organic standards that prohibit synthetic chemical inputs, there is limited oversight to verify that organic practices, such as the use of authentic organic fertilizer sources, are consistently applied at the field level. This study investigated the elemental content of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) and their stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) in seven different crops grown under organic or conventional practices to assess their applicability as a screening tool to verify the authenticity of organic labeled produce. Holm corrected Welch t-tests and a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) were used to assess the potential of stable isotope or crop elemental content to differentiate organic vs. conventional production systems. Total C and N content or C/N ratio was not significantly different between production systems or among geographic origins for most crops. However, the average N stable isotope (δ15N) content differed, with conventional crops at 1.8 ±  2.2‰ and organic at 6.0 ±  3.4‰. A mixed model incorporating elemental contents and stable isotopes identified δ15N as the primary predictor in discriminating organic and conventional production systems. A δ15N threshold is suggested to differentiate conventional from organic grown raspberries (δ15N &lt;  2.17‰) and strawberries (δ15N &lt;  3.22‰), for an estimated false negative rate of 1%. Although further evaluation is needed, our extensive dataset (n = 791) captures key predictors of agricultural production systems and holds potential as a benchmark for future organic production verification.

Adaptive digital twin integration with multilevel inverter control for energy efficient smart rehabilitation systems

Comparative analysis of protein expression between oesophageal adenocarcinoma and normal adjacent tissue

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) is the 7th most common cancer in the United Kingdom (UK) and remains a significant health challenge. This study presents a proteomic analysis of seven OAC donors complementing our previous neoantigen identification study of their human leukocyte antigen (HLA) immunopeptidomes. Our small UK cohort were selected from donors undergoing treatment for OAC. We used label-free mass spectrometry proteomics to compare OAC tumour tissue to matched normal adjacent tissue (NAT) to quantify expression of 3552 proteins. We identified differential expression of a number of proteins previously linked to OAC and other cancers including common markers of tumourigenesis and immunohistological markers, as well as enrichment of processes and pathways relating to RNA processing and the immune system. Our findings also offer insight into the role of the protein stability in the generation of an OAC neoantigen we previously identified. These results provide independent corroboration of existing oesophageal adenocarcinoma biomarker studies that may inform future diagnostic and therapeutic research.

Discovery and validation of SSR marker-based QTL governing fresh pod yield in dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet)

What is the value of testing for tick-borne diseases in cattle in endemic areas? A case study of bovine anaplasmosis

Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease (TBDs) caused by Anaplasma spp. In areas where TBDs are endemic, it is crucial to consider the animals’ immunological status in relation to these diseases. The true prevalence of bovine anaplasmosis, the percentage of animals with protective antibodies against this TBD, and the diagnostic characteristics of three tests (multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR), competitive-inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA), and blood smear (BS)) were estimated using a Bayesian approach. A total of 620 samples were collected in two subtropical areas of Ecuador. A significant finding of this study is that approximately 70% of cattle in those endemic areas harbored protective antibodies against Anaplasma marginale. This elevated percentage may stem from persistent exposure with a high pathogen prevalence in ticks. The decline in cELISA specificity must be attributed to cross-reactivity with protective antibodies against Anaplasma spp. It is crucial to interpret this test outcome alongside exposure history and clinical manifestations. The elevated apparent prevalence detected by cELISA and BS should be contextualized with mPCR results. The high seroprevalence and infrequent clinical outbreaks suggest that the pathogen has achieved endemic stability. This study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of anaplasmosis in endemic areas and may serve as a foundation for devising TBDs control strategies in these areas.

Machine learning based estimation of density of binary blends of cyclohexanes in normal alkanes

Cancer awareness among adolescents in Irish schools: A cross-sectional study

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess adolescents’ awareness of cancer signs and symptoms, cancer risk factors, cancer screening programmes, and perceived barriers to seeking medical advice. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an adapted version of the adolescent cancer awareness tool which was originally modified from the Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) (Version 2.1). The sample included 474 adolescents aged 15 to 18 years recruited from nine Irish schools between November 2021 and May 2022. Results Awareness of cancer warning signs and symptoms was low when open-ended (recall) questions were used and relatively high for closed (recognition) questions. Unexplained lump or swelling was the most frequently identified cancer symptom. The least reported were difficulty swallowing and a sore that does not heal. Smoking was the most reported cancer risk factor. The least reported were not eating enough fruit and vegetables, a diet high in fat, and infection with viruses. Generally, females had greater awareness than males. The greatest barrier to seeking help was “worry about what the doctor might find” and the least reported barrier was “I don’t feel respected by the doctor.” Conclusions Overall recognition of symptoms or risk factors of cancer was higher than recall. Several modifiable barriers to medical help-seeking were identified. Findings from this study suggest further exploration using a qualitative approach to investigate the factors influencing adolescents’ cancer awareness and barriers to help-seeking.

An investigation into the mechanism for Kaempferol improving melanocyte death based on network Pharmacology and experimental verification

Abstract Melanocyte (MC) death represents the basic pathological change of vitiligo. Kaempferol (Kae) is one of the main active ingredients of Tribulus terrestris, which is a commonly used Chinese medicine in the treatment of vitiligo. However, it remains unclear whether Kae can improve MC death, and hence relevant mechanisms need to be further explored. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of Kae on MC death and relevant mechanisms. The targets of Kae and the differential genes of vitiligo were screened based on different databases. Besides, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the common target of Kae and vitiligo was constructed to further identify the “keycluster” genes of the drug-disease interaction (DDI) network. In addition, the enrichment analysis based on Gene Ontology (GO), Disease Ontology (DO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) was performed on the “keycluster” genes. Based on the network pharmacological results, it was found that Kae may ameliorate MC death through the ferroptosis pathway. Hence, the ferroptosis model of human primary epidermal melanocyte 1 (HEM-1) was induced by RAS-selective lethal 3 (RSL3) and then co-cultured with Kae. Moreover, the role of Kae in MC ferroptosis was investigated by detecting the changes in mitochondrial morphology and functions, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iron ions, the protein expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and antioxidant activities. Finally, si-GPX4 was used to silence the ferroptosis core protein GPX4 to re-examine the above indicators, thus verifying relevant mechanisms. The network pharmacology results showed that Kae was responsive to oxidative stress and ROS. The treatment of vitiligo by Kae mainly involved pigmentation, melanin metabolic processes, and such signaling pathways as melanogenesis, ferroptosis, and tyrosine metabolism. The in vitro experiment results indicated that Kae can effectively improve RSL3-induced HEM-1 ferroptosis, including alleviating mitochondrial damage, decreasing the level of ROS and iron ions, and up-regulating the expression of GPX4 and antioxidants. After silencing GPX4, the protective effect of Kae against HEM-1 ferroptosis was attenuated. Our study concluded that Kae can reduce RSL3-induced ferroptosis in HEM-1, and its mechanism is related to the regulation of the expression of the ferroptosis pathway protein GPX4. These findings are expected to provide novel insights into the treatment of vitiligo.

Correction: The association of mental health with physical activity and its dimensions in Chinese adults: A cross-sectional study

Social and individual factors mediate chimpanzee vocal ontogeny

Abstract Human language develops in social interactions. In other ape species, the role of social learning in vocal ontogeny can be typically underappreciated, mainly because it has received little empirical attention. Here, we examine the development of pant hoot vocalisations during vocal exchanges in immature wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) of the Sonso community of the Budongo Forest, Uganda. We investigated how maternal gregariousness, age, sex, and social context are associated with behavioural and vocal responses to other group members’ calls. We show that the older sons of gregarious mothers are more likely to orient their attention, respond vocally to the calls of others, and are overall more exposed to others’ calls compared to other immature individuals. This effect is strongest in the presence of adult males and when their mothers also respond vocally, suggesting that chimpanzee vocal development is enhanced by social and vocal exposure. Our findings are consistent with a more flexible and socially mediated chimpanzee vocal ontogeny than previously assumed and show some parallels with animal vocal learners and children language acquisition.

Extreme Defect Tolerance for Electrochemical Intercalation in Wadsley–Roth Structures Demonstrated by Metastable NaNb ₇ O ₁₈

Ocular motor cranial neuropathy and risk of thyroid cancer: A Korean population-based study

This study investigates whether ocular motor cranial neuropathy (OMCN) can predict the onset of thyroid cancer given its association with common cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and dyslipidemia. We conducted a retrospective, nationwide, population-based cohort study utilizing data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service. Individuals comprised those aged ≥ 20 years diagnosed with OMCN between 2010 and 2017. Exclusions were based on pre-existing conditions, inability to match controls, or incomplete data. The study involved 118,686 participants, with 19,781 in the OMCN group and 98,905 controls, matched for age and sex. Patients with OMCN showed a significantly higher risk of developing thyroid cancer (hazard ratio [HR] =  1.392 [95% confidence interval, 1.075–1.802]) compared to controls after adjusting for potential confounding factors. This association was more pronounced in participants with DM and women (HR =  2.288 in DM vs. HR =  1.209 in non-DM, p =  0.0450; HR =  1.677 in females vs. HR =  0.824 in males, p =  0.0246). The findings suggest OMCN as a potential early predictor of thyroid cancer risk, particularly in diabetic and female patients. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms linking cardiovascular risk factors to the relationship between OMCN and thyroid cancer. Proactive management of these risk factors in OMCN patients may contribute to thyroid cancer prevention.