Browse Articles

Detecting glaucoma worsening using optical coherence tomography derived visual field estimates

Comparative genomic profiling of SLC26A4-expressing cells in the inner ear and other organs

Pendred syndrome and autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss, type 4 (DFNB4), are associated with mutations in SLC26A4 that encodes the anion transporter SLC26A4 (pendrin). SLC26A4 is expressed in mitochondria-rich cells of the endolymphatic sac, spindle and root cells in the cochlear lateral wall, transitional cells in the vestibular organs, follicular cells in the thyroid, and type B intercalated cells in the kidney. This study aimed to assess the gene profiles of murine Slc26a4-expressing cells to better understand the regulatory mechanisms and functions of SLC26A4. Publicly available murine single-cell or single-nucleus RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) datasets from the endolymphatic sac, cochlear lateral wall, utricle, kidney, airway, epididymis, and salivary glands were collected. After quality control, principal component analysis and clustering, distinct cell populations were identified, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed. The datasets were integrated for comparison across multiple tissues and organs. The results revealed no shared genetic profile among inner ear Slc26a4-expressing cells, with Slc26a4 being the only shared DEG, suggesting that regulatory genes may include low expression transcripts, splicing variants, or long non-coding RNAs undetectable by single-cell analysis. Comparative analysis within the ionocyte family identified distinct DEGs such as Insrr and Hmx2 in Slc26a4-expressing cells from the endolymphatic sac and kidneys, potentially significant in ion homeostasis and SLC26A4 regulation. This study highlights the specificity and complexity of SLC26A4 expression and highlights the challenges and limitations of single-cell analysis. Future research should address regulatory elements such as low-expression genes, splicing variants, and non-coding RNAs to enhance our understanding of SLC26A4 regulation across various cellular contexts.

Targeted cancer treatment using a novel EGFR-specific Fc-fusion peptide based on GE11 peptide

Effect of 433 MHz double-slot microwave antennas for double-zone ablation in ex vivo swine liver experiment

Purpose To evaluate the effects of axial length and slot-to-slot distance of double-slot microwave antenna (DSMA) with frequency of 433 MHz on the size and shape of ablation zones created under different input microwave powers. Materials and methods The design of double slot microwave antennas (DSMAs) with axial lengths (70 mm, 30 mm) and slot-to-slot distance (49 mm, 10 mm) were optimized by numerical simulation and ex vivo liver experiments. Finite-element method simulations and forty ablations of swine liver were employed to obtain the temperature distributions within liver tissue using DSMAs at the 433 MHz operating frequency in a range of heating powers (20, 30, 40 and 50W) for 600 s. The dependence of the effectiveness of MWA on the axial length and slot-to-slot distance of antenna as well as the input power was further evaluated by analyzing morphologic characteristics of ablated zone. Results Two-zone ablation was achieved by two types of double-slot antennas in our study with frequency of 433 MHz, and the observed shapes of ex vivo experimental ablation zones were in good agreement with patterns predicted by simulation models. The ablation zone exhibited a ‘gourd’ shape after the treatment using the antenna with longer axial length and slot-to-slot distance, while the short antenna caused a guitar-shape ablation in liver tissue after MWA. Conclusion The dedicated design of our DSMAs with a frequency of 433 MHz could enable new ablation shapes with controllable dimensions, which can be applied to the clinical treatment of MWA for gourd-shaped liver tumors and other long-shaped tumors. Furthermore, research can be conducted on how to design the antenna as flexible and use it for the treatment of pulmonary nodules or varicose veins.

Evolution of pathogenic Escherichia coli harboring the transmissible locus of stress tolerance: from food sources to clinical environments

The layering construction of the three-dimensional (3D) geological model for Wudalianchi volcanic area, Northeast China

Establishment of geological model in volcanic area is challenging owing to lack of borehole data and the effect of volcanic activity on rock distribution. Taking full advantage of the existing complete volcanic landforms and recognized for seven eruptive cycles in Wudalianchi volcanic area, here we apply a layered approach to build geological models for meeting rapid development of agriculture and understanding the evolution of regional geological structure. Based on the volcanic eruption cycle, the stratas in Wudalianchi volcanic area are divided into four layers. UGrid (unstructured grid in GMS) is used combining with DEM data to hierarchically build 3D geological structure model of volcanic area, which realize the visualization of regional stratigraphic distribution, and the reliability of the model is verified by the formation mechanisms of different types springs. The stratified modeling provides a scientific and effective mean for the reconstruction of geological structure in volcanic areas where the data are short and the stratigraphic distribution is complex. The 3D geological structure model established can lay a foundation for the prediction, evaluation and sustainable use of regional groundwater, geothermy, mineral water and mineral mud resources.

The impact of flatfeet on the correlation between functional movement scores, balance, agility, and core muscle strength in young females: a cross-sectional study

A study of high-speed train delays and relevant propagation influence characteristics

Faced with the complex and diversified disturbances of abnormal events in high-speed railway, studying the characteristics of delay scenario parameters and related propagation influence laws plays a fundamental role in analyzing the applicability of operation plans, formulating train operation adjustments, and evaluating the operation decision plans, as well as providing practical data support for the establishment of theoretical models. Based on the mechanical analysis of the primary and knock-on delays, this paper combines the daily safety information data and timetable data, and takes into account the modified primary delays upon speed loss, by taking the high-speed railway network in the Yangtze River Delta region as an example. On this basis, this paper further studies the statistical distribution of primary delay duration, event location distribution, emergent measures distribution, occurrence time and event cause distribution, and other characteristics. Based on this research, the distribution characteristics of the influenced train number and the cumulative delay under kinds of disturbances have been discussed, where the effects of running redundancy, propagation rate, and related parameters on delay propagation have got quantitative analysis. Research shows that the number of abnormal event samples distributed in the sections is 1.53 times that of stations. Based on the Fuzzy C-Means clustering results, abnormal events in the section are more likely to propagate than abnormal events at stations. For trains experiencing primary delay, the relationship between the maximum cumulative train delay and primary delay mostly obey a power-law distribution and the values of R2 are all greater than 0.65, indicating a high correlation at the theoretical level.

Retraction Note: Chitosan hydrogel/silk fibroin/Mg(OH)2 nanobiocomposite as a novel scaffold with antimicrobial activity and improved mechanical properties

Drosophila Topoisomerase 3β binds to mRNAs in vivo, contributes to their localization and stability, and counteracts premature aging

Topoisomerase 3β (Top3β) works not only on DNA but also on RNA. We isolated and identified the naturally cross-linked RNA targets of Drosophila Top3β from an early embryonic stage that contains almost exclusively maternal mRNAs. Favorite targets were long RNAs, particularly with long 3’UTRs, and RNAs that become localized in large cells. Top3β lacking only the hydroxyl group that makes the covalent bond to the RNA, did not allow normal expression and localization of Top3β mRNA targets or their protein products, demonstrating the importance of the enzymatic activity of Top3 β for optimized gene expression. Top3β is not essential for development to the adult stage but to maintain the morphology of the adult neuromuscular junction and to prevent premature loss of coordinated movement and aging. Alterations in human Top3β have been associated with several neurological diseases and cancers. The homologs of genes and (pre)mRNAs mis-expressed in these conditions show the same characteristics identified in the Drosophila Top3β targets, suggesting that Drosophila could model human Top3β. An in vivo test of this model showed that the enzymatic activity of Top3β reduces the neurodegeneration caused by the cytotoxic human (G4C2)49 RNA. Top3β supports normal gene expression, particularly of long and complex transcripts that must be transported and translationally controlled. These RNAs encode large cytoskeletal, cortical, and membrane proteins that are particularly important in large and long cells like motoneurons. Their reduced expression in the mutant seems to stress the cells, increasing the chances of developing neurodegenerative diseases.

A symmetry-based mechanism for perceptual grouping in preverbal infants

Single-unit activity in the anterior claustrum during memory retrieval after trace fear conditioning

We have recently identified a group of claustral neurons that continuously maintain information associated with a fear-conditioned stimulus (CS) for at least tens of seconds, even after the CS has ceased. This “online state” refers to the persistent maintenance of threat-associated information, enabling it to be actively processed even after the threat has terminated. This state may involve reciprocal interactions of the claustral neurons with brain regions involved in decision-making, motor preparation, and adaptive behavioral responses. If these claustral neurons truly encode the online state, their function should remain independent of the modality of the threat stimulus or the specific defensive behavior exhibited. In this study, we used a tone cue and monitored freezing behavior in trace conditioning, in contrast to the light cue and escape behavior used in our recent study. During the retrieval test of trace conditioning, a subset of rostral-to-striatum claustrum (rsCla) neurons exhibited sustained activity in response to the CS, particularly during the trace interval. Importantly, we found a positive correlation between the activity of rsCla neurons and the magnitude of freezing during the trace interval, when intervals without freezing were excluded. Thus, this subset of rsCla neurons appears to exhibit the characteristics of ‘online neurons’ during memory retrieval following trace conditioning.

Chemometrics based analysis of the essential oil composition, phenolic compounds and antibacterial potency of aerial parts of Grammosciadium platycarpum populations

Comparing statistical learning methods for complex trait prediction from gene expression

Accurate prediction of complex traits is an important task in quantitative genetics. Genotypes have been used for trait prediction using a variety of methods such as mixed models, Bayesian methods, penalized regression methods, dimension reduction methods, and machine learning methods. Recent studies have shown that gene expression levels can produce higher prediction accuracy than genotypes. However, only a few prediction methods were tested in these studies. Thus, a comprehensive assessment of methods is needed to fully evaluate the potential of gene expression as a predictor of complex trait phenotypes. Here, we used data from the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) to compare the ability of several existing statistical learning methods to predict starvation resistance and startle response from gene expression in the two sexes separately. The methods considered differ in assumptions about the distribution of gene effects—ranging from models that assume that every gene affects the trait to more sparse models—and their ability to capture gene-gene interactions. We also used functional annotation (i.e., Gene Ontology (GO)) as a source of biological information to inform prediction models. The results show that differences in prediction accuracy exist. For example, methods performing variable selection achieved higher prediction accuracy for starvation resistance in females, while they generally had lower accuracy for startle response in both sexes. Incorporating GO annotations further improved prediction accuracy for a few GO terms of biological significance. Biological significance extended to the genes underlying highly predictive GO terms. Notably, the Insulin-like Receptor (InR) was prevalent across methods and sexes for starvation resistance. For startle response, crumbs (crb) and imaginal disc growth factor 2 (Idgf2) were found for females and males, respectively. Our results confirmed the potential of transcriptomic prediction and highlighted the importance of selecting appropriate methods and strategies in order to achieve accurate predictions.

Comparison of oxycodone hydrochloride and flurbiprofen axetil on analgesia in mechanically ventilated patients with respiratory failure in a multicenter study

Prevalence and associated factors of depression among adult refugees in East Africa: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction Depression is a common mental health problem among adult refugees in East Africa. Refugees in this region face numerous challenges, including mental health issues, with depression being one of the most common and debilitating conditions. However, there is a lack of systematic reviews and meta-analyses that have been conducted to determine the pooled prevalence and associated factors of depression among adult refugees in East Africa. This study aims to assess the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among adult refugees in East Africa through an analysis of pooled data. Materials and methods A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, and African Journals Online (AJOL) will be conducted to identify studies that have reported the prevalence and associated factors of depression among adult refugees in East Africa. A checklist from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) will be used to assess the methodological quality. The search will be limited to studies published in English. Data extraction, critical appraisal, and screening of all the retrieved articles will be conducted by two independent researchers. Statistical analysis will be performed using STATA-17 software packages. The meta-analysis will be conducted using a random-effects model. The heterogeneity of the studies will be assessed using the I2 statistic. The publication bias will be assessed using the funnel plot and Egger’s test. For determinants of depression, an effect size with a 95% confidence interval will be reported. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval and informed consent are not required as this is a systematic review of existing publications. The final results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at national and international conferences. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024496728

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Comparative study of silica and silica-decorated ZnO and ag nanocomposites for antimicrobial and photocatalytic applications

Association of exercise and ADHD symptoms: Analysis within an adult general population sample

Given the limitations associated with existing treatments for Attention Deficit/Hyperactive disorder (ADHD), Physical Activity (PA) has been considered as an adjunct therapeutic option. Previous research has generally found that PA reduces ADHD symptoms in children. However, much less research has explored the same effects in adults, and especially females, with ADHD. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between PA and ADHD in adults, and whether any relationship was moderated by proxy diagnostic ADHD group, as well as exploring the roles of motivation and forms of exercise. 268 participants completed an online survey measuring proxy ADHD diagnosis; ADHD symptomatology; PA level; forms of exercise performed, and motivation for exercise. In contrast to previous research performed with child participants (which frequently found significant negative correlations), there was no significant relationship between PA level and total ADHD symptomatology in adults, but there was a significant negative correlation between PA level and inattentive ADHD symptomatology. The strength of relationship between PA level and ADHD symptomatology did not differ based on ADHD proxy diagnostic grouping; PA level based on motivation type; or PA level based on total forms of exercise performed. However, it may be that clear relationships between PA and ADHD symptomatology are not easily identifiable in adult populations when only broad, nonspecific variables/measures are used (e.g., only measuring ADHD symptoms as a continuous total score, rather than considering inattentive/hyperactive symptoms separately). Therefore, greater differentiation between ADHD symptoms and subject characteristics (such as gender) might be required to better establish potential relationships and effects in this area, and better inform any potential PA based treatments.

The effects of insulin–transferrin–selenium (ITS) and CHIR99021 on the development of pre-implantation human arrested embryos in vitro

The impact of different standing positions on gluteus medius activation and lumbar lordosis in LBP-developers during prolonged standing

Low back pain (LBP) development has been associated with increased hip muscle co-activation and lumbar lordosis during standing in previously asymptomatic individuals. It is commonly advised to use footrests to relieve LBP. The impact of adjusting arm position on lumbar biomechanics can also be impressive. This study aimed to compare the effects of normalized footrest height and changing arm position on Gluteus medius (GMed) muscle activity, lumbar lordosis, and pain intensity. Twenty-four female pain developers (PDs) were recruited, identified by a > 10 mm increase on the visual analog scale (VAS) during prolonged standing. Electromyography (EMG) recorded GMed activity, and photogrammetry measured lumbar lordosis at time points over one hour-standing. The first group (A) used the footrest intermittently, while the second group (B) additionally changed their arm positions. These variables were analyzed using repeated measures (between/within) ANOVA. No significant interaction was observed between the groups in right and left GMed co-contraction index (CCI) (p =  0.14). However, both groups exhibited a significant decrease in CCI during prolonged standing (time *  condition: p =  0.003). Additionally, Group B consistently demonstrated lower overall levels of co-contraction across time (p =  0.01). An approximate 6-degree reduction in lumbar lordosis was observed after prolonged standing with both interventions (group A and group B; p =  0.008 and p =  0.01, respectively), although no significant differences in lumbar lordosis were detected between the groups. Lumbar discomfort increased over time; however, the interventions significantly alleviated this discomfort after the intervention time point. Notably, group B reported lower pain intensity compared to group A (p =  0.007). Applying these interventions in the workplace could be beneficial to reduce discomfort for individuals who stand for long periods of time. Further research is needed to optimize these strategies and assess long-term benefits.