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Whole exome sequencing of multi-regions reveals tumor heterogeneity in Opisthorchis viverrini-associated cholangiocarcinoma

A texture guided transmission line image enhancement method

A new design technique and realization of gysel power dividers in substrate integrated waveguide for Ku-band applications

Effects of metal oxide catalysts on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons emissions from large scale biomass pyrolysis

UVB-induced HaCat cell damage and Myricaria Paniculata’s molecular effects

Shifts in sex-specific immune gene expression in a beetle with parental care

Abstract Males and females generally differ in resource investment strategies in order to maximise reproductive output. These strategies involve the control of important systemic processes such as self-maintenance and immune activity, which in turn could be traded-off against aspects of reproduction in a sex-specific manner. While some aspects of this immunomodulation have been previously shown in domestic animals, sex-specific immune modulation using repeated sampling over the breeding period has rarely been tested in the wild. Here we used Lethrus apterus, a sexually dimorphic beetle with parental care, to investigate the association between sex roles (e.g. offspring provisioning) and sex-specific immune gene expression. By determining the immune gene activation of males and females at five successive moments within the active season, we found that their sex-specific immune gene expression varies substantially across the active season, alternating between male bias to female bias and vice versa. Though, when pooling all sampling dates together, there was no overall difference in the number of up-regulated immune genes between the sexes. Sex roles in this beetle are associated with energetically demanding behaviours that could potentially explain our results. We highlight the importance of successive sampling protocols to understand ecological dynamics in the wild.

Race course characteristics are the most important predictors in 48 h ultramarathon running

Short-term cone beam CT study on bone mass changes post touch-controlled minimally invasive mandibular molar implant

Crack evolution and energy conversion characteristics of coal under acid corrosion conditions

Characteristics of cell adhesion molecules expression and environmental adaptation in yak lung tissue

Abstract Cell Adhesion Molecules (CAMs) play a crucial role in regulating immune responses and repairing damage caused by hypoxia. However, the relationship between the expression characteristics of CAMs in yak lung tissues and their adaptation to the plateau environment remains unclear. To address this question, we compared lung tissues from yaks and cattle at the same altitude. After digesting the lung tissues with trypsin or Type I collagenase for varying durations, we observed that fewer cells were isolated from yak tissues compared to cattle. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis revealed that the Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) in lung tissues of yaks and cattle were significantly enriched in cell adhesion-related pathways. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) further identified changes in the expression levels of five distinct types of CAMs. Among these, the cadherin family (CDH1, CDH2, CDH11, PCDH12, CD34) exhibited significantly higher expression in yaks than in cattle. These cadherins play a critical role in regulating lung inflammation and maintaining the alveolar-capillary barrier, thereby ensuring the structural stability of the lungs. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that the expression patterns of cell adhesion-related proteins (CDH1, CDH11, ITGB6, SELP, CD44) were largely consistent with the qRT-PCR results. In conclusion, compared to cattle, the enhanced cell adhesion capacity of yak lung tissues contributes to their superior adaptation to the harsh plateau environment.

Identification of UBA7 expression downregulation in myelodysplastic neoplasm with SF3B1 mutations

Abstract SF3B1 gene mutations are prevalent in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and define a distinct disease subtype. These mutations are associated with dysregulated genes and pathways, offering potential for novel therapeutic approaches. However, the aberrant mRNA alternative splicing landscape in SF3B1-deficient MDS cells remains underexplored. In this study, we investigated the influence of SF3B1 gene alterations on the pre-mRNA splicing landscape in MDS cells using transcriptomic data from two independent MDS cohorts. we identified over 5000 significant differential alternative splicing events associated with SF3B1 mutation. This work corroborates previous studies, showing significant enrichment of MYC activity and heme metabolism in SF3B1 mutant cells. A key novel finding of this study is the identification of a gene expression signature driven by SF3B1 mutations, centered on protein post-translational modifications. Notably, we discovered aberrant alternative splicing of the tumor suppressor gene UBA7, leading to significantly reduced gene expression. This dysregulation implicates UBA7 as a critical player in MDS pathogenesis. Importantly, the clinical relevance of this finding is underscored by the observation that low UBA7 gene expression was associated with poor overall survival in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), another hematological malignancy with frequent SF3B1 mutations. Furthermore, a similar association between low UBA7 gene expression and poor survival outcomes was observed across multiple tumor types in the TCGA database, highlighting the broader implications of UBA7 dysregulation in cancer biology. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms by which SF3B1 mutations reshape the pre-mRNA splicing landscape and drive disease pathogenesis in MDS. Furthermore, they underscore the potential of UBA7 as a biomarker to stratify SF3B1-mutant MDS and CLL patients, offering a refined approach for risk assessment and highlighting opportunities for targeted therapeutic interventions.

Unveiling the drivers of environmental performance by investigating the Nexus of energy, economic complexity and institutional quality in G7 nations

Fine analysis of the effect of NH3 on the microstructure of mixed KCl and NH4Cl aqueous solutions

In this study, a solution system of KCl–NH4Cl–NH3–H2O with different mass fractions was prepared at room temperature using x-ray scattering, Raman spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations. From x-ray scattering, it was obtained that the peak near Q = 2.50 Å−1 in the F(Q) function changed from a flat-topped blunt peak to a bimodal peak as the concentration of ammonia increased. This change indicated that increased ammonia altered the hydrogen bonding network within the mixed solution. In the G(r) function, the peak near 3.25 Å enhances with the increase in ammonia concentration, suggesting a higher occurrence of N(NH4+)–N(NH3) interactions. Raman spectroscopy findings demonstrated that in the KCl–NH4Cl aqueous mixture, the area of DDAA-type hydrogen bonds increased as KCl concentration decreased and NH4Cl concentration increased. This suggests that KCl disrupts DDAA-type hydrogen bonds more significantly than NH4Cl. The situation was reversed when ammonia was added to the system, implying that KCl damages the DDAA-type hydrogen bonding structure less than NH4Cl when NH3 is present in the solution. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the coordination number of K–Cl increases with ammonia concentration, as ammonia’s lone pair of electrons can bind to NH4+ to stabilize the [NH4(H2O)m−n(NH3)n]+ complex. This study elucidates the underlying microscopic mechanisms behind the decrease in KCl solubility and the increase in NH4Cl solubility upon increased ammonia.

Correction: Development and validation of a cardiovascular risk prediction model for Sri Lankans using machine learning

Excited-state structural characterization of a series of nanosecond-lived [Fe(terpy)2]2+ derivatives using x-ray solution scattering

[ F e ( t e r p y ) 2 ] 2 + (terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) is a transition metal complex where the spin state is photoswitchable and where the properties of the metal-centered quintet excited state (5MC) can be tuned by substituting different electron withdrawing or electron donating groups on the 4′ position of the terpyridine. To better understand the physics determining the photoswitching performance, a deeper insight into the positions of the relevant potential energy surfaces and the molecular structure of the 5MC state is needed. We present a structural investigation based on Time Resolved x-ray Solution Scattering (TR-XSS) by which we determine the average dFe–N bond-length elongation following population of the 5MC state as well as the lifetime of this state in a series of seven modified [Fe(terpy)2]2+ systems in aqueous solution following photo-excitation. The analysis of the TR-XSS data is supported by Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Molecular Dynamics calculations. The quintet state lifetime is determined to vary by more than a factor of 10 (from 1.5 to 16 ns) based on the electron withdrawing/donating properties of the substituting group. Both the DFT calculations and the structural analysis of the experimental data show that the main photo-induced change in metal–ligand bond lengths ΔdFe–N is ∼0.2 Å for all systems.

Modeling spatial and temporal variability in educational development index of Bangladesh using socio-economic, and demographic data, 2001–2021: A Bayesian approach

Background The Educational Development Index (EDI) is a critical tool for assessing and tracking the progress of education systems from local to national, and even global scales and needs to be chosen for every layer of the subnational boundaries to secure the basic human rights of the people. In reality, there are significant variations within the consecutive time breaks and the geographical boundaries that need to be examined. The authors aim to examine how the EDI relates to various spatiotemporal variables. Methods and Materials This research is based on secondary data on literacy rates (EDI) from 64 districts of Bangladesh and 6 relevant variables over the period 2001 to 2021. The optimal model for the data was identified from Bayesian spatial-temporal modeling (Linear, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Autoregressive (AR1), and AR2) and the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method used to generate data about the prior and posterior realizations. To select the best model different model selection and validation criteria such as the Deviance Information Criterion (DIC), Watanabe-Akaike information criterion (WAIC), and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) were employed in this study. Results The ‘AR1’ model is a ‘temporal model’ performed better than others. Significant spatial (ρS=0.994) and temporal (ρT=0.347) variations were identified for the suited model. Of the factors considered for model fitting, the health index, income index, expected years of schooling, population density, and dependency ratio are found to be important components of educational development in Bangladesh. Conclusion The variation in the spatial domain can be used to identify the districts to improve the educational index controlling responsible factors by the policymakers.

Low-temperature nucleation rate calculations using the N-Fold way

We present a numerical study to determine nucleation rates for magnetization reversal within the Ising model (lattice gas model) in the low-temperature regime, a domain less explored in previous research. To achieve this, we implemented the N-Fold way algorithm, a well-established method for low-temperature simulations, alongside a novel, highly efficient cluster identification algorithm. Our method can access nucleation rates up to 50 orders of magnitude lower than previously reported results. We examine three cases: homogeneous pure system, system with static impurities, and system with mobile impurities, where impurities are defined as sites with zero interactions with neighboring spins (the spin value of impurities is set to 0). Classical nucleation theory holds across the entire temperature range studied in the paper, for both the homogeneous system and the static impurity case. However, in the case of mobile impurities, the umbrella sampling technique appears ineffective at low mobility values. These findings provide valuable insights into nucleation phenomena at low temperatures, contributing to theoretical and experimental understanding.

PLANES: Plausibility analysis of epidemiological signals

Methods for reviewing epidemiological signals are necessary to building and maintaining data-driven public health capabilities. We have developed a novel approach for assessing the plausibility of infectious disease forecasts and surveillance data. The PLANES ( PL ausibility AN alysis of E pidemiological S ignals) methodology is designed to be multi-dimensional and flexible, yielding an overall score based on individual component assessments that can be applied at various temporal and spatial granularities. Here we describe PLANES, provide a demonstration analysis, and discuss how to use the open-source rplanes R package. PLANES aims to enable modelers and public health end-users to evaluate forecast plausibility and surveillance data integrity, ultimately improving early warning systems and informing evidence-based decision-making.

Construction of high-performance sodium ion hybrid capacitors based on MXene surface modulation and electrolyte matching

Sodium-ion hybrid capacitors have garnered significant attention due to their high power and energy densities, as well as the abundance of sodium reserves. However, the mismatch between anode and cathode dynamics is the biggest barrier to improving their performance. To address this issue, we propose a strategy for the preparation of porous MXene by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-controlled etching to solve the capacity degradation and ion diffusion limitation, which are caused by van der Waals forces between MXene nanosheets. This approach facilitates the realization of three-dimensional ion channels with both vertical and horizontal pathways, significantly enhancing the availability of active sites and improving the ion diffusion rate. By adjusting the amount of oxidant, porous MXene (P-MXene-2) with an optimal pore size range was obtained. The assembled half-cell has a capacity of 180 mAh g−1 at a rate of 0.05 A g−1. Furthermore, by combining a porous carbon cathode with porous MXene and electrolyte screening, a SIHC with a high energy density of 110.6 Wh kg−1 at 1000 W kg−1 and 71.1 Wh kg−1 at 20 kW kg−1 was successfully constructed. This study provides useful insights into the design and preparation of porous MXene electrodes and their energy storage applications.

Immunosuppressive drugs and diet interact to modify the gut microbiota and cardiovascular risk factors, and to trigger diabetes

Background Kidney transplant recipients are prescribed an immunosuppressive therapy (IST) and some of them follow a high fat diet (HFD) despite medical recommendations. Both are frequently associated with gut microbiota changes and metabolic disorders. We aimed at precisely identifying the effect of the IST and the HFD on metabolic parameters and the gut microbiota in mice, and at establishing correlations between the latters. Methods 8-week-old male mice were treated with IST (a combination of prednisone, mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus) or not and were fed HFD or standard chow. Metabolic parameters were measured, and the gut microbiota was explored by the quantification of specific bacterial groups by qPCR and by 16S rDNA sequencing. Results The HFD increased insulinemia and decreased the fecal proportion of Bacteroidetes and of Bacteroides. The IST increased systolic blood pressure and the fecal proportion of Escherichia coli. The HFD and the IST administered together resulted in an additive effect on glucose intolerance, high fasting blood glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), percentage of fat mass, blood triglyceride, blood cholesterol, and endotoxemia. On the opposite, the HFD and the IST had antagonistic effects on body weight, the proportion of Firmicutes, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, and the proportion of Clostridium leptum, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus in the feces. Finally, we found that the correlations between gut bacterial communities and metabolic consequences of the HFD were altered by the IST. Conclusion The IST and the HFD have specific consequences on the gut microbiota and metabolism. We hypothesize that the metabolic consequences are at least partially mediated by IST/HFD-induced dysbiosis.