A document by Elif Güzide Emirza. Click on the document to view its contents.

Flavored oils are increasingly in demand in the market, whereas rice bran oil (RBO) offers a plain sensory experience. The present study introduced a novel method for preparing rice aroma RBO and explored its flavor characteristics compared to the pressed and refined RBOs. Both sensory and instrumental assessments identified rice aroma RBO as having the most favorable flavor profile. Comprehensive analyses using GC×GC-TOF-MS and GC-O techniques revealed that 14 key aroma compounds predominantly contributed to the distinct flavor, closely mirroring the characteristic volatiles found in aromatic rice. In particular, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) and vanillin emerged as the predominant flavor contributors. This research not only elucidates the aromatic composition of rice aroma RBO but also holds significant implications for future studies and industrial applications aimed at enhancing the flavor of RBO.

Background：Clinical laboratory data, indicative of tumor cell growth and metabolic activity, warrants investigation for its potential in predicting lung cancer metastasis. Aims: The purpose is to develop a predictive model for regional lymph node involvement and skip metastasis in lung cancer using machine learning methods and integrating clinical laboratory information and patient characteristics. Methods: Data from lung cancer patients at Chongqing University Fuling Hospital between January 2020 and December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into N (regional lymph node involvement prediction) and M (skip metastasis prediction) groups based on TNM staging criteria. Prognostic factors were determined through univariate analysis and LASSO regression, and machine learning algorithms were used to develop predictive models. Results: Out of a total of 1629 cases analyzed, 861 were in the N group and 519 were in the M group. Univariate analysis revealed 40 parameters that were significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05) and 27 parameters, respectively. LASSO regression identified 13 characteristic factors for the N group and 12 for the M group. In the N group, these factors included tumor size, prothrombin time (PT), mean platelet volume, fibrinogen, platelet count, procalcitonin, carbohydrate antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), adenosine deaminase, red blood cell distribution width, thrombin time, smoking and drinking history. In the M group, the factors were cytokeratin 19 fragment, tumor size, CEA, CA 15-3, squamous cell carcinoma-related antigen, alkaline phosphatase, fibrinogen, hemoglobin, calcium, albumin, PT, and absolute monocyte value. The test set results indicated that the Logistic regression model was optimal for both groups, achieving AUCs of 0.888 and 0.875, respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential of using machine learning algorithms alongside clinical characteristics and laboratory data to predict regional lymph node involvement and skip metastasis in lung cancer.

This paper studies the tracking problem for a class of nonlinearly parameterized multi-agent systems with the powers being unknown time-varying functions. The essence of the multi-agent systems and the serious uncertainties distinguish the question in this paper from the existing works. By combing the algebraic graph theory, adding a power integrator method and adaptive technique, a new distributed adaptive tracking controller is presented with a dynamic estimating the unknown parameters, which guarantees that both the system state and the control input are globally bounded and meanwhile, the tracking error can be adjusted to arbitrarily small. Finally, we offer a simulation to interpret the validity of the control scheme design.

background：Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome has been considered as a childhood syndrome. Its etiopathogeny is unknown however, currently considered as auto-immune inflammatory disease. Recently, a few cases of adult-onset of PFAPA syndrome have been reported. However, there is no report about the adult-onset of PFAPA case with a novel TNFAIP3 Mutation. Objective and Method: Followed by detailed clinical inquiry, related laboratory tests, genetic sequencing and treatment, we reported a case with the adult-onset of PFAPA syndrome with a novel TNFAIP3 Mutation. Results：we have found a novel mutation in the gene TNFAIP3 in an adult patient with periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis—the PFAPA syndrome, under the environmental factor-COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusion：This case demonstrated adult-onset of PFAPA symptoms, including periodic fever of unknown origin, which can occur in adult patients with the familial hereditary TNFAIP3 mutation and environmental factors. And the therapeutic measures provide some reference and practical significance for the treatment of PFAPA syndrome. Keywords: adult-onset of PFAPA, TNF alpha induced protein 3, periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, adenitis, case report

Background and Purpose: Many structurally and therapeutically diverse drugs block the human ether-à-go-go related gene (HERG) potassium channel, predisposing patients to an increased risk of arrythmias and sudden cardiac death. Many drugs show state-dependence of block, exhibiting a greater preference for block of the inactivated state. Five key residues within the central pore cavity of HERG have been implicated in drug binding. However, whether drugs bind differently to these key residues to dictate preference for the inactivated over the open state is not known. Experimental Approach: We used the SyncroPatch 384PE, automated patch clamp platform to measure how drug block was impacted by point mutations at residues T623, S624, Y652, and F656 when introduced into wild-type HERG (preferentially occupies the inactivated state) and N588K-HERG (preferentially occupies the open state) channels at depolarised potentials. Key Results: Mutations to Y652 and F656, that abolished aromatic and hydrophobic characteristics respectively, reduced drug binding in both WT and N588K backgrounds. The S624A mutation attenuated block by cisapride, astemizole, and quinidine in the WT background but not in the N588K background. Conclusion and Implications: We suggest that relative movements between the polar S624 sidechain and the aromatic Y652 and F656 sidechains in WT (inactivated) compared to N588K (open) channels can explain preferential binding to the inactivated state. An improved understanding of the structural basis of where and how drugs bind to HERG channels should facilitate efforts to reduce inadvertent HERG drug block during the drug development process.

A document by Kunal Chakma. Click on the document to view its contents.

Purpose. The Therapeutic Alliance (TA) can be conceptualised in terms of three interrelated elements: (a) agreement between therapist and client about the goals of the treatment, (b) agreement between therapist and client about the necessary tasks to achieve the goals, and (c) a bond between therapist and client (Bordin, 1979, 1994). The aim of this review was to systematically identify and review relevant studies that have explored the association between client-therapist personality similarity on the Therapeutic Alliance. Method. We systematically searched the PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, COPAC, CINAHL, and Science Direct databases from 1960 to 2013. Of the 105 articles identified, 6 met inclusion criteria for the review. Of the 6 studies, four were conducted in the USA, one in Israel and one in the Netherlands. Results. One study found that clients reported a better-quality bond with the therapist when client-therapist personality similarity was greater. Five out of the 6 studies reviewed found support for the role of dissimilarity whereby differences between client and therapist were beneficial. Findings appear to differ depending on the characteristic examined, the specific component of TA, gender and whether the measure of TA is client or therapist reported Conclusions. This review has highlighted an under researched area of inquiry. Initial findings suggest that Therapist-Client Personality (dis)similarity is linked to therapeutic alliance. Key methodological and analytical differences across studies were also identified along with key challenges for future research. Practitioner Points: 1) Measurement of client and therapist Therapeutic Alliance is important 2) The differential effects of therapist-client personality (dis)similarity on the various components of TA (e.g., bond, task and goal setting) is important 3) The effect of therapist-client (dis)similarity varies depending on the personality trait being measured

Purpose. The study aimed to investigate how parental history of corporal punishment was related to offspring’s depression symptoms and to examine the role of dissatisfaction with intimate partner relationship . Methods. Data from 2666 dyads of children and parents were retrived from the Taiwan Youth Project, which is a longitudinal project consisting of 9 waves with a 1-year interval between waves. Parents reported their history of corporal punishment at the first wave, and reported their dissatisfaction with intimate partner relationship at the eighth wave. Offspring reported their dissatisfaction with intimate partner relationship and depression symptoms at the nineth wave . Results. Parental history of corporal punishment did not directly predict offspring’s depression symptoms. Parent’s dissatisfaction with intimate partner relationship predicted offspring’s dissatisfaction with intimate parnter relationship. Parental history of corporal punishment negatively and indirectly affected offspring’s depression symptoms through the mediating effect of the continuity of intimate partner relationship dissatisfaction between parents and offspring. Conclusions. The results have important implications for the potential of increased resilience after exposure to corporal punishment in terms of its effect on intimate partner relationship and depression symptoms.

Background: Limited data are available regarding the infection status, clinical characteristics, treatments and outcomes of lung transplant recipients (LTRs) afflicted with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant in China. Methods: We conducted a study on LTRs with COVID-19 caused by the Omicron Variant from November 17, 2022, to May 1, 2023. Clinical information was gathered retrospectively through electronic medical records, questionnaires, or follow-up telephone calls. Results: 178 LTRs with COVID-19 were included, with 50% (89/178) requiring hospitalization for an average stay of 16 days (IQR: 9.5-25.5 days). The most common symptoms were fever (79.8%), dry cough (75.3%) and fatigue (61.8%). Ultimately, 17 recipients succumbed to COVID-19-related respiratory failure or secondary multiple organ dysfunction, resulting in an overall mortality rate of 9.6%. Of the 89 hospitalized patients, 41.6% (37/89) eventually progressed to severe or critical disease, forming the Severe/Critical Group (S/C group), while the remaining 58.4% (52/89) had mild to moderate disease (M/M group). In comparison to the M/M group, the S/C group had higher CRP (59.6 vs. 16.8 mg/L, P＜0.01), ESR (45.5 vs. 22.5mm/h, P＜0.01) and D-dimer (1.09 vs. 0.65 mg/L, P＜0.05), but lower CD3 + T lymphocytes (577 vs. 962 cells/ul, P＜0.01) and CD4 + T lymphocytes (217 vs. 427 cells/ul, P＜0.01). The S/C group had significantly higher rates of combined pulmonary bacterial infection (67.6% vs. 38.5%, P＜0.01) and pulmonary fungal infection (73.0% vs. 38.5%, P＜0.01) during the course of COVID-19, nearly double that of the M/M group. In a multivariate logistic analysis, elevated CRP (>41.8mg/L), combined pulmonary fungal infection, and interstitial lung disease(ILD) as primary disease emerged as high-risk factors for developing the severe disease phenotype following Omicron variant infection in LTRs, with respective OR values of 4.23 (95% CI: 1.68-11.23), 4.76 (95% CI: 1.59-15.64), and 5.13 (95% CI: 1.19-29.17). Conclusions: LTRs displayed an increased vulnerability to combined lung bacterial or fungal infections following Omicron infection. CRP> 41.8mg/L, ILD as primary disease, and combined pulmonary fungal infection are high-risk factors for developing severe disease.

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown Emberiza buntings (Aves: Emberizidae) exhibit extensive diversity and rapid diversification within the Old World, particularly in the eastern Palearctic, making them valuable models for studying rapid radiation among sympatric species. Despite their ecological and morphological diversity, there remains a significant gap in understanding the genomic underpinnings driving their rapid speciation. To address this gap, we assembled high-quality chromosome-level genomes of five representative Emberiza species (E. aureola, E. pusilla, E. rustica, E. rutila, and E. spodocephala). Comparative genomic analysis revealed distinct migration-related evolutionary adaptations in their genomes, including variations in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress response, locomotor ability, and circadian regulation. These changes may facilitate the rapid occupation of emerging ecological niches and provide opportunities for species diversification. Additionally, these five species exhibited abnormal abundances of long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTRs), comprising over 20% of their genomes, with insertion times corresponding to their divergence (~2.5 million years ago). The presence of LTRs influenced genome size, chromosomal structure, and single-gene expression, suggesting their role in promoting the rapid diversification of Emberiza species. These findings offer valuable insights into the adaptive radiation of Emberiza and establish a robust theoretical foundation for further exploration of the patterns and mechanisms underlying their diversification.

Kombucha is one of the most popular fermented beverages, made from sweetened tea that is fermented by bacteria, and yeast. These microorganisms produce a variety of bioactive compounds. Researchers continue to look for new base drinks for making kombucha. In this study, we tested herbs characterized by a high content of health-promoting substances: field horsetail, linden, chamomile, nettle, St. John’s wort and rockrose. The aim of study was to analyze the qualitative and quantitative composition as well as the antioxidant and antibiotic properties of kombucha prepared on the basis of herbs. The analyzed herbs turned out to be a good substrate for the production of a fermented beverage containing a number of both antibacterial and antioxidant compounds. Particularly noteworthy was the rockrose kombucha, which had the best ability to scavenge the free hydroxyl radicals, showed high antioxidant and antibiotic activity. Moreover, this drink had the highest concentration of succinic acid.

BACKGROUND: 5-10% of patients with asthma have severe disease. Many patients experience persistent symptoms despite being T2-low. Obesity is associated with increased asthma symptoms. Eicosanoids have well-described roles in the pathophysiology of asthma and may contribute to persistent symptoms in T2-low severe asthma. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between urinary eicosanoids, asthma symptoms, obesity and T2-biomarkers in severe asthma. METHODS: Urine samples were collected during a randomized controlled trial assessing corticosteroid optimization using T2-biomarker directed care at scheduled study visits (n=728) and at exacerbation (n=103). Eicosanoid concentrations were quantified from urine samples using mass-spectrometry. Metabolite concentrations were log 2-transformed, z-scored and concentrated by pathway to generate 6 pathway scores. Results were stratified by T2-biomarker status (T2-Low: fractional-exhaled nitric-oxide [FeNO]<20ppb AND blood eosinophil count [BEC]<0.15x10 9cells/L) vs T2-high: (FeNO≥20ppb AND BEC≥0.15x10 9cells/L), symptoms (symptom-low: Asthma control Questionnaire-7 (ACQ-7)<1.5)] vs symptom-high [ACQ-7≥1.5]), and obesity. RESULTS: The cysteinyl-leukotriene (CysLT) pathway score was elevated in T2-high versus T2-low participants (P=0.0007), regardless of symptom burden. The isoprostane pathway score was higher in symptom-high versus symptom-low participants, regardless of T2-status (P=0.01). Higher isoprostane (P=0.02) and thromboxane (P=0.04) pathway scores were associated with increased symptoms in T2-low participants. Corticosteroid exposure, obesity and exacerbations were not associated with raised pathway scores (P≥0.05). CONCLUSION: Thromboxane pathway metabolites were elevated in symptom-high/T2-low participants whereas isoprostane pathway metabolites were associated with increased symptoms, regardless of T2-status. These pathways are not affected by CS exposure. Further research is needed to define the role of eicosanoids in T2-low severe asthma using interventions to perturb these pathways.

Background Cancer-associated depression is a multifaceted condition that arises from the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in individuals diagnosed with cancer. Understanding the background of this condition involves exploring how cancer and its treatments can precipitate depressive symptoms and the mechanisms behind this association. Objective To describe and synthesize information on the complicated interactions between chronic stress, inflammation, immunological responses, and cancer development. To review the existing evidence regarding mechanisms that may include neurotransmitter imbalances, structural brain changes, and genetic predispositions as key contributors to depression in cancer. Methods Literature searches on Cancer-associated Depression were conducted in electronic databases like APA PsycINFO, Medline, Google Scholar, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to understand the potential relationship between stress-induced depression and cancer. Research on the neurochemical, anatomical, immunological, genetic, and psychological changes that support cancer-related depression was collected, together with study features and findings, and the impact of depression on cancer was extracted. Results The literature search revealed a compilation of quantitative and qualitative studies about depression in cancer patients. Findings suggested the possibility of a link between cancer-induced stress and depression. Increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines (like IL-6) and dysregulation of the neurotransmitters including serotonin had shown links to the onset of depression in cancer patients. Lastly, antidepressants along with psychological interventions were found to be effective in treating depression in cancer patients. Conclusions This Narrative review contributes insights into the need for integrating oncology and mental health services to address the psychosocial needs of cancer patients. Future research should focus on the bidirectional interactions between stress and cancer, aiming to improve cancer care by incorporating mental health support, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.

Animals disperse the seeds of 60-90% of trees in tropical rainforests, which are among the most structurally complex ecosystems on Earth. Here, we investigated how 3D rainforest structure influences the movements of large, frugivorous birds and resulting spatial patterns of seed dispersal. We GPS-tracked white-thighed (Bycanistes albotibialis) and black-casqued hornbills (Ceratogymna atrata) in southern Cameroon and found that both species preferred areas of greater canopy height, and white-thighed hornbill preferred areas of greater vertical complexity. In addition, 33% of the hornbills preferred areas close to canopy gaps, while 16.7% and 27.8% avoided large and small gaps, respectively. White-thighed hornbills avoided swamp habitats, while black-casqued preferred them during the hottest temperatures. We mapped spatial probabilities of seed dispersal by hornbills, showing that 3D structural attributes shape this ecological process by influencing hornbill behavior. These results provide evidence of a possible feedback loop between rainforest vegetation structure and seed dispersal by animals.

The vertebrate skull is a complex structure, and studies of skull shape have yielded considerable insight into the evolutionary forces shaping specialized phenotypes in organisms as diverse as bats, frogs, and fossorial animals. Here, we used phylogenetic comparative analyses of CT scans of male skulls from 57 species of Sceloporus lizards to explore patterns of skull evolution in a group of generalist species. We found that most interspecific variation is in terms of skull and snout elongation such that some species have long, narrow snouts, whereas others exhibit more compact snouts and wide jaws. We also found strong links to overall body size, with evolutionary shifts to larger bodies being associated with more compact skulls and slower evolutionary rates. This is the opposite of the pattern in mammals in which larger-bodied species have longer snouts (likely reflecting developmental processes), and more like the pattern in frogs in which function has played a more important evolutionary role. Also, unlike other vertebrates, the jaw, anterior, and posterior parts of the Sceloporus skull are largely integrated, having evolved independently of each other only to a limited, albeit significant, degree. Our results emphasize the importance of body size in evolutionary shaping of the skull and suggest that additional studies of behavioral function in a generalist group are warranted.

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown Drought is a critical risk factor that impacts rice growth and yields. Previous studies have focused on the regulatory roles of individual transcription factors in response to drought stress. However, there is limited understanding of multi-factor stresses gene regulatory networks and their mechanisms of action. In this study, we utilized data from the jaspar database to compile a comprehensive dataset of transcription factors and their binding sites in rice, Arabidopsis, and barley genomes. We employed the pytorch framework for machine learning to develop a 9-layer convolutional deep neural network TFBind; its accuracy was 90% through literature review and dual-luciferase assay validation. Subsequently, we obtained rice RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data related to abiotic stress from the public database. Utilizing integrative analysis of WGCNA and ATAC-seq, we effectively identified transcription factors associated with open chromatin regions in response to drought. Interestingly, only 81% of the transcription factors directly bound to the opened genes by testing with TFBind model. By this approach we identified 15 drought-responsive transcription factors corresponding to open chromatin regions of targets, which enriched in the terms related to protein transport, protein allocation, nitrogen compound transport. This approach provides a valuable tool for predicting TF-TAG modules during biological processes.

A document by Ikesinachi Osuorah. Click on the document to view its contents.