Browse Articles

Identification of housekeeping gene for future studies exploring effects of cryopreservation on gene expression in shrimp

Abstract Few studies have investigated the subcellular effects of low temperature on gene expression in shrimp and most other crustaceans. Before gene expression analysis is conducted, suitable housekeeping genes (HKGs) must be confirmed to account for differences in reverse transcription process efficiency among samples. Thus, this study aimed to verify five frequently used HKGs, namely 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA), ATPase, histone 3, β-actin, and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gapdh) for use in experiments for assessing the molecular-scale effects of cryopreservation on coral banded shrimp (Stenopus hispidus) embryos. To conduct chilling studies, we subjected S. hispidus embryos to incubation at either 26 °C (control) or 5 °C for 0, 4, 8, 16, or 32 h. The software tools GeNorm, NormFinder, and Bestkeeper were employed to identify the most suitable HKG. GeNorm identified histone 3 and 18S rRNA as the most stable genes. By contrast, NormFinder determined that 18S rRNA is a stable gene for eye-formation and pre-hatch stage samples. Finally, Bestkeeper determined that gapdh and β-actin are the most suitable genes. This study is the first to identify suitable HKGs for studying shrimp embryos at low temperatures. Its findings can aid future research on evaluating the effects of cryopreservation on gene expression in crustaceans.

A genotype-first approach identifies high incidence of NF1 pathogenic variants with distinct disease associations

Employee informal coaching and job performance in higher education: The role of perceived organizational support and transformational leadership

The existing literature has not adequately explored the connection between informal coaching and employees’ job performance, particularly in higher education institutions (HEIs). Anchored in the social exchange theory, this study aims to investigate the impact of informal coaching practices on job performance, as well as the mediating and moderating roles of perceived organizational support and transformational leadership. Results from a time-lagged study of 768 participants in HEIs in Vietnam indicate that informal coaching from supervisors and peers is crucial in directly enhancing employee performance. Furthermore, the research indicates that perceived support from the organization plays a vital role in mediating the impact of informal coaching on individual job performance. Interestingly, the study suggests that high levels of transformational leadership strengthen the relationships between informal coaching from supervisors and employees’ job performance, as well as informal coaching from supervisors and perceived organizational support. However, contrary to expectations, transformational leadership does not moderate the influence of informal coaching from peers on job performance and perceived organizational support.

Associations and mediators between vitiligo and cardiovascular diseases: a Mendelian randomization study

Abstract Previous studies yielded conflicting results on the associations between vitiligo and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This MR study aims to elucidate the underlying causal association between vitiligo and the risk of CVD, as well as the potential mediator. Using summary statistics from genome-wide association study (GWAS), we conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and mediation analysis to investigate the causal association between vitiligo and 13 CVD outcomes and potential mediators. The IVW method was the main MR analysis method, supplemented by MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode methods. Multiple sensitivity analyses were applied to enhance the robustness of the results. Bioinformatics analysis involved Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network, Gene Ontology (GO) and GeneMANIA functional analysis analysis. MR analysis indicated that genetically predicted vitiligo was significantly associated with higher risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) (OR = 1.0199, 95% CI = 1.0024–1.0377, p = 0.026). There was no significant causal association between vitiligo and 12 other cardiovascular diseases. And reverse MR analysis found no causal effect of CVD on vitiligo. CCL11 was identified to partially mediate the association between vitiligo and CHD. GO and GeneMANIA suggested that CCL11 may mediate the association between vitiligo and CHD through chemokine-related functions and pathways. Our study revealed the potential causal association between vitiligo and CHD, with CCL11 as a potential mediator. Further studies are necessitated to elucidate the exact association and the mechanisms.

Integration of GWAS, QTLs and keratinocyte functional assays reveals molecular mechanisms of atopic dermatitis

Change in D3Cr muscle mass in oldest old men and its association with changes in grip strength and walking speed

Background The use of lean soft tissue (LST) mass as a surrogate measurement of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) has led to the conclusion that muscle loss is poorly related to functional decline. We hypothesized that when using a more accurate measure of SMM determined by D3-creatine dilution (D3Cr), longitudinal changes in SMM will be similar in magnitude to changes in strength and physical performance and that skeletal muscle mass will partially mediate the relationship of age with these outcomes. Methods We measured change in D3Cr muscle mass (kg), handgrip strength (kg), and 6m walk speed (m/s) in 208 men from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (85.2 ± 4.3 years) over an average of 6.1 years follow-up. Mixed linear effects models adjusted for potential confounders were used to examine the relationship of changes in D3Cr muscle mass with changes in grip strength and walking speed. Results Annual losses of D3Cr muscle mass, grip strength, and walking speed were 2.1%, 2.2%, and 2.6%, respectively (p < 0.001). Each additional kg loss in D3Cr muscle mass was associated with a 0.55 kg loss in grip strength and a 0.01 m/s loss in walking speed independent of changes in age (p < 0.001). 41.3% and 22.4% of the relationship between age and loss of grip strength and walking speed, respectively, was attributed to loss of D3Cr muscle mass (p < 0.001). Conclusion Skeletal muscle mass may have a more important role than previously considered and should not be overlooked as a potentially modifiable determinant in the loss of strength and performance in older age.

Climate variability and warming in Coastal Odisha: assessing interannual temperature trends and impacts

Targeting CCNE1 amplified ovarian and endometrial cancers by combined inhibition of PKMYT1 and ATR

Abstract Ovarian cancers (OVCAs) and endometrial cancers (EMCAs) with CCNE1- amplification are often resistant to standard treatment and represent an unmet clinical need. Synthetic-lethal screening identified loss of the CDK1 regulator, PKMYT1, as synthetically lethal with CCNE1 -amplification. We hypothesize that CCNE1 -amplification associated replication stress will be more effectively targeted by combining PKMYT1 inhibitor lunresertib (RP-6306), with ATR inhibitor camonsertib (RP-3500/RG6526). Low dose combination RP-6306 with RP-3500 synergistically increases cytotoxicity more so in CCNE1 -amplified compared to non-amplified cells. Combination treatment produces durable antitumor activity, reduces metastasis and increases survival in CCNE1 -amplified patient-derived OVCA and EMCA xenografts. Mechanistically, low doses of RP-6306 with RP-3500 increase CDK1 activation more so than monotherapy, triggering rapid and robust induction of premature mitosis, DNA damage, and apoptosis in a CCNE1 -dependent manner. These findings suggest that targeting CDK1 activity by combining RP-6306 with RP-3500 is an effective therapeutic approach to treat CCNE1 -amplifed OVCAs and EMCAs.

Purple potato extract modulates fat metabolizing genes expression, prevents oxidative stress, hepatic steatosis, and attenuates high-fat diet-induced obesity in male rats

Objective In this investigation, the significance of purple potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) extract treatment was assessed against oxidative stress and fat metabolizing transcription factors in the liver of high-fat (HF) diet-fed rats. Methods Wistar (male) rats were arranged into several groups and provided with a control and HF diet along with the purple potato extract. Body weights, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin, plasma lipids, and oxidative stress-related indicators were analyzed in plasma and tissue samples. Additionally, real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the gene expression for oxidative stress and fat metabolism in the liver. Histological staining was also performed on pancreatic and hepatic tissues. Results Purple potato extract lowered body weights and improved glucose utilization in the OGTT test in HF diet-fed rats. Purple potato extract also suppressed HF-diet-induced oxidative stress in plasma and hepatic tissues. Purple potato extract also restored the Nrf-2 expression in the liver, followed by the improved expression of HO-1, HO-2, and other antioxidant genes in HF diet-fed rats. In addition, genes involved in lipid metabolism were also positively modulated due to purple potato extract treatment. Furthermore, histological examination revealed the reduction of lipid accumulation and amelioration of inflammation due to the consumption of purple potato extract. Conclusion This investigation revealed that antioxidant-rich purple potato extract can modulate the antioxidant and fat metabolizing genes expression, ameliorated oxidative stress and glucose intolerance as well as lowered blood lipids in male rats.

Oviposition behaviour of Rhagoletis completa on dead end host Cydonia oblonga

Abstract Host finding behaviour and host acceptance for oviposition is a rather complex process amongst insects; it is a major decision that will have a direct effect on the performance of offspring. It is not uncommon that herbivorous insects oviposit on unsuitable hosts. The level of insect-host specialisation correlates with the likelihood of mis-oviposition incidence; polyphagous herbivore insect species have a higher chance to lay eggs on unsuitable hosts compared to specialised monophagous ones. Over several seasons, large numbers of walnut husk fly adults were observed on the canopy and fruit of European quince. Males were engaging in behaviours like fighting, courting, mating, and guarding oviposition sites, while females copulated, oviposited, or rested. Oviposition marks were found on quince fruits, with unhatched eggs, chorions, and newly hatched maggots inside. Molecular identification confirmed the species as Rhagoletis completa. To investigate this unusual host interaction, electrophysiological recordings were conducted on the antennae and maxillary palpi of WHF adults using quince and walnut fruit and foliage volatiles. Behavioural experiments also explored any preference for quince. The results showed that WHF adults, especially females, exhibited a positive attraction to quince fruit volatiles, indicating that their peripheral detection of volatiles is not limited to host-specific compounds. Based on these findings, we conclude that WHF adults treated quince as a suitable host for oviposition in a natural condition.

A clinically accessible small multimodal radiology model and evaluation metric for chest X-ray findings

Genre-aware user profiling using duration count matrices: A novel approach to enhancing content recommendation systems

Recommender systems play a vital role in enhancing the user experience and facilitating content discovery on online platforms. However, conventional approaches often struggle to capture users’ evolving preferences over time, leading to suboptimal performance as recommended videos frequently do not align with users’ interests. To address this issue, this study introduces an innovative method that leverages watch-time duration to analyze long-term user behavior and generate personalized recommendations. The proposed Duration Count Matrix (DCM) technique includes two key components: User Profiling (DCM-UP) and User Similarity (DCM-US). DCM-UP constructs dynamic user profiles based on engagement with content, while DCM-US quantifies user similarity through collaborative filtering, enabling the system to predict user-to-user behavior and personalize recommendations. This innovative system, DCM-UP, utilizes matrix-based representations of users and items, dynamically updates profiles, and adapts to changing preferences over time, thus providing a more accurate reflection of user interests. Additionally, DCM-US facilitates the identification of user similarities by analyzing user-item generalizations. Moreover, the effectiveness of the proposed techniques was evaluated on a real-world dataset obtained from JAWWY, the Saudi Telecom Company. The study’s results clearly demonstrated that the DCM approach significantly outperformed existing state-of-the-art methods across various performance metrics, including precision, recall, F1-score, and accuracy. This highlights the superiority of the DCM technique in capturing and predicting long-term user behavior for more accurate and personalized recommendations.

Enhancing soil fertility through Biochar using slaughter-house waste as a feedstock

A robust and omnidirectional-sensitive electronic antenna for tactile-induced perception

Advantages evaluation of integrating administrative and functional zones based on Island political location potential theory: A case study of the Zhoushan Archipelago New Area in China

Administrative division adjustment is a new reform method and policy tool designed to align with local economic foundations and revitalize the development potential of administrative districts. However, it lacks systematic and quantifiable theories and methods. In response, we propose the Political Location Potential (PLP) model based on production functions, which is specifically applicable to islands. Using the Zhoushan Archipelago New Area as a case study, we analyze the efficiency and mechanisms behind the establishment of China’s first archipelago new area. The PLP model consists of two key components: horizontal production resource allocation capability and vertical administrative management authority. The PLP of Zhoushan City has increased from 0.007 in 2008 to 0.066 in 2022, with a relative potential energy of 2.853, 3.717 and 1.449 during the critical stages of 2010–2014, 2008–2013 and 2013–2018, respectively. Competitive comparative advantage and land-island connectivity capability have significant direct and indirect effects on the PLP of the island, but the impact effect shows a lag effect, with a lag period of 3–5 years. The theory and model of the PLP offer strong explanatory power for the effects of integrating administrative and functional zones, providing a fresh analytical perspective for local administrative division planning.

Effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on clinical parameters in atherosclerotic peripheral artery disease patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia

790,000 years of millennial-scale Cape Horn Current variability and interhemispheric linkages

Abstract Millennial-scale variations in the strength and position of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current exert considerable influence on the global meridional overturning circulation and the ocean carbon cycle. The mechanistic understanding of these variations is still incomplete, partly due to the scarcity of sediment records covering multiple glacial-interglacial cycles with millennial-scale resolution. Here, we present high-resolution current strength and sea surface temperature records covering the past 790,000 years from the Cape Horn Current as part of the subantarctic Antarctic Circumpolar Current system, flowing along the Chilean margin. Both temperature and current velocity data document persistent millennial-scale climate variability throughout the last eight glacial periods with stronger current flow and warmer sea surface temperatures coinciding with Antarctic warm intervals. These Southern Hemisphere changes are linked to North Atlantic millennial-scale climate fluctuations, plausibly involving changes in the Atlantic thermohaline circulation. The variations in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current system are associated with atmospheric CO2 changes, suggesting a mechanistic link through the Southern Ocean carbon cycle.

Psychometric validation of the Malay CMNI-30: A study among male healthcare professionals in Malaysia

Masculinity norms significantly influence men’s health behaviors and outcomes, yet existing instruments to measure these norms often lack cultural adaptability. This study addresses this gap by validating the Malay version of the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI-30) to assess masculinity norms among Malay men. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 438 male healthcare professionals in Malaysia. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) revealed that the final model, consisting of 26 items across multiple factors, demonstrated strong fit indices (χ²/df =  1.72, CFI =  0.931, TLI =  0.911, RMSEA =  0.042, SRMR =  0.052). However, certain factors, such as ‘self-reliance’ (Raykov’s rho =  0.270) and ‘violence’ (Raykov’s rho =  0.431), exhibited lower reliability, reflecting cultural nuances in their interpretation. The study concludes that the Malay CMNI-30 is a valid and culturally relevant tool for assessing masculinity norms in this context. Practical applications include using this tool to identify gender-related barriers to health-seeking behaviors and inform gender-sensitive public health interventions. Future research should validate this instrument across diverse populations to enhance its generalizability and utility.

Multiview stereo reconstruction of UAV remote sensing images based on adaptive propagation with multiregional refinement

Dynamic coding and sequential integration of multiple reward attributes by primate amygdala neurons

Abstract The value of visual stimuli guides learning, decision-making, and motivation. Although stimulus values often depend on multiple attributes, how neurons extract and integrate distinct value components from separate cues remains unclear. Here we recorded the activity of amygdala neurons while two male monkeys viewed sequential cues indicating the probability and magnitude of expected rewards. Amygdala neurons frequently signaled reward probability in an abstract, stimulus-independent code that generalized across cue formats. While some probability-coding neurons were insensitive to magnitude information, signaling ‘pure’ probability rather than value, many neurons showed biphasic responses that signaled probability and magnitude in a dynamic (temporally-patterned) and flexible (reversible) value code. Specific amygdala neurons integrated these reward attributes into risk signals that quantified the variance of expected rewards, distinct from value. Population codes were accurate, mutually transferable between value components, and expressed differently across amygdala nuclei. Our findings identify amygdala neurons as a substrate for the sequential integration of multiple reward attributes into value and risk.