Search PubMedSearch

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “On-site setting”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

1,284 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Metabolomic differences in the Ophiura sarsii complex from the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass and Bering Sea Cold Pool.

Metabolomics provides a functional readout of cellular physiology and can reveal metabolite-level differences associated with environmental and evolutionary contexts. Here, we used GC-MS- and LC-MS-based metabolomics to characterize metabolic profiles of the Ophiura sarsii complex from the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass (YSCWM) and the Bering Sea Cold Pool (BSCP). This metabolomics analysis identified 398 LC-MS/MS and 87 GC-MS/MS differential metabolites (DEMs). Marked metabolic differences were observed between the two taxa, involving antioxidant-related metabolites, central carbon-related intermediates, osmolyte-associated compounds, and membrane lipid components. O. sarsii vadicola from the YSCWM showed higher levels of glutathione, glucose, citric acid, D-ribulose 5-phosphate, and unsaturated lipid-related metabolites, indicating differences in antioxidant-related and energy-associated metabolic profiles. By contrast, O. sarsii from the BSCP was characterized by higher levels of sugar alcohols, particularly myo-inositol, together with differences in membrane lipid-associated metabolites. These results provide metabolomics-based evidence for metabolite-level physiological differences between two members of the O. sarsii complex sampled from the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass and the Bering Sea Cold Pool, while the relative contributions of lineage divergence and site-specific environmental variation remain to be tested experimentally.

Metabolomics

A Qualitative Analysis of Cancer Survivors' Experience in a Time-Restricted Eating vs Control Clinical Trial to Address Cancer-Related Fatigue.

PURPOSE: To describe cancer survivors' lived experiences in a clinical trial that tested an individualized nutrition counseling with or without time-restricted eating to address cancer-related fatigue. METHODS: The Fatigue REDuction After cancer study was a two-arm, randomized controlled trial. Participants were adult cancer survivors who were 2 months to 2 years post-treatment. All participants received individualized nutrition counseling; those in the time-restricted eating group self-selected a consistent 10-hour eating window for 12 weeks. After the study, semi-structured exit interviews were conducted to gauge participants' experiences in the trial. Interviews were transcribed and two independent coders thematically analyzed the interviews using inductive and deductive coding. NVivo software was used for data organization and analysis. RESULTS: Participants (n = 24; TRE = 11; Control = 13) were 55 ± 13 years old, 75% were female, and they had a variety of cancer types. The majority of participants found that being in the study helped them to set and achieve lifestyle goals and would therefore recommend the study to others. Participants in the time-restricted eating group noted that time-restricted eating helped them set a better routine, providing a positive sense of control. However, some noted difficulty switching to a 14-hour fasting schedule, as it can interfere with their regular routine or employment schedules. Many participants noted they were happy that cancer-related fatigue was gaining more attention, hoping to find solutions for persistent cancer-related fatigue. CONCLUSION: The majority of participants found the study useful and, regardless of their group assignment or the intervention's impact on their fatigue, found the study helped them to gain better control of their dietary habits.

Humans

Molecular Determinants and Therapeutic Targeting of Stop Codon Readthrough in Eukaryotic Translation.

Accurate translation termination is essential for proteome integrity and in eukaryotes is primarily governed by the release factors eRF1 and eRF3, which ensure precise recognition of stop codons and efficient release of nascent polypeptides. However, proteome integrity is challenged by mutations that generate premature termination codons (PTCs), leading to truncated, nonfunctional proteins and degradation of the aberrant transcript via nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). Collectively, these events account for ∼1800 human genetic diseases. Translational readthrough, the process by which near-cognate tRNAs decode stop codons and allow ribosomes to continue elongation beyond the stop codon, represents a possibility to suppress PTCs and restore full-length protein synthesis. Initially discovered in viruses as a mechanism to expand coding capacity, readthrough is now recognized as a regulated feature of eukaryotic gene expression influenced by both cis-acting sequence elements and trans-acting factors. Recent evidence highlights the remarkable context dependence of readthrough, revealing variation across transcripts, tissues, and developmental stages. In this review, we examine the molecular determinants that define stop codon recognition and readthrough efficiency, with particular emphasis on nucleotide context. We further discuss the mechanisms and binding sites of small molecules that promote PTC readthrough, and summarize the clinical development landscape of readthrough-inducing compounds for the treatment of diseases caused by nonsense mutations.

Humans

MARK1 suppresses infectious bursal disease virus replication via phosphorylating VP3.

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) of the Birnaviridae family is a non-envelope, double-stranded RNA virus that encodes a VP3 protein with multiple functions, which controls viral genome replication, IFN-β production, and virus traffic in infected cells. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs), such as ubiquitination, of VP3 have been demonstrated for affecting its function and stability. To clarify the mechanism by which VP3 is regulated in IBDV infected cells, we focused on the phosphorylation of VP3. Mass spectrometry analysis identified that microtubule-affinity regulating kinases 1 (MARK1) was a kinase interacting protein of VP3. Inhibitory function of MARK1 in affecting viral replication was validated. We describe the phosphorylation event at the serine 130 (S130) and serine 163 (S163) residues of VP3 mediated by MARK1 via mass spectrometry analysis. Alanine replacement of the phosphorylation sites in VP3 significantly enhanced its RNA-binding activity. Additionally, the mutation of two serine residues led to remarkably improved in its polymerase-enhancing function. We then incorporated the two mutations to rescue recombinant IBDV. Viral growth curve analysis revealed that replication of mutant IBDV was significantly enhanced relative to wild type (WT) virus. In conclusion, we found that VP3 functions are specifically regulated by MARK1 mediated phosphorylation at S130 and S163 and that this regulation suppresses IBDV replication ultimately.

Infectious bursal disease virus

Assessing the accuracy and efficiency of an electronic platform for managing childhood illnesses in rural China: A cluster randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) faces challenges in capacity building and quality control. This trial aims to assess an electronic IMCI (eIMCI) platform in improving the effectiveness and efficiency in disease classification and management by community health workers (CHWs). DESIGN: Cluster randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Rural western China. PARTICIPANTS: 24 CHWs and 72 ill children aged 2 months to 5 years (3 children per CHW). CHWs were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention CHWs received online training and performed disease management using the eIMCI platform featuring integrated training modules and decision-support tools. The control group received traditional face-to-face training and used paper-based IMCI protocols. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportion of children correctly diagnosed or classified by CHWs, as determined by a pediatric specialist. Relative risk (RR) between groups was estimated using Poisson Generalized Linear Mixed Models incorporating a random intercept for CHW to account for clustering of children within individual CHWs and adjusting for key covariates at both the CHW and child levels. RESULTS: The intervention group (13 CHWs, 39 children) had a higher rate of correct classification (64.1%) compared to the control group (11 CHWs, 33 children) (39.4%, P&#x2009;=&#x2009;.056). Multivariable regression analysis confirmed this (RR&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.1, 95% CI: 1.5-3.1; P&#x2009;<&#x2009;.001). No significant difference was found in correct treatment rates (38.5% vs. 27.3%, P&#x2009;=&#x2009;.316). Online training reduced time and costs by approximately 80%, though with a slight decrease in post-training evaluation scores. CONCLUSIONS: The eIMCI platform shows potential in enhancing IMCI implementation and significantly reducing the training burden in resource-limited settings. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2100042533, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=119995.

Humans

Retrosigmoid craniotomy surgical guide: The way forward for precise exposure of the transverse-sigmoid sinuses.

INTRODUCTION: The retrosigmoid craniotomy is the workhorse approach to the cerebellopontine angle. Accurate localisation of the transverse-sigmoid junction (TSJ) is key for optimised exposure and cerebellar retraction. Various methods, both anatomical and navigational, have been used but with suboptimal results. We utilised a 3D-printed retrosigmoid surgical guide in an attempt to overcome this and report our early outcomes and experiences in the design, production and utilisation of the guide. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study of the patients with retrosigmoid craniotomies performed using the surgical guides. Patient demographics and diagnoses, along with the accuracy of the planned burrhole and craniotomy, need for craniotomy extension, presence of venous sinus injury, set-up time, and cost were reported. RESULTS: There were ten cerebellopontine angle cases in which the surgical guides were utilised, three petrous meningiomas, two trigeminal neuralgias, two metastasis, and three other tumours. The planned burrhole and craniotomy were precise in all cases with accurate exposure of the TSJ and no requirement for craniotomy extension. The mean set up time was 3.9&#xa0;min, and the mean cost of the surgical guides was USD 470.90. One elderly patient had an intraoperative transverse sinus injury related to adherent dura that was planned for exposure. CONCLUSION: The 3D-printed surgical guide is a potential solution to the rapid, precise and consistent identification of the TSJ when performing a retrosigmoid craniotomy. We present our early experience and discuss nuances in the designing, production, and intraoperative phases to optimise the precision of this guide. We suggest two methods to avoid sinus injury in elderly patients: either to plan the craniotomy to the edge of the sinus, or to plan sinus exposure but to use burr drills rather than the osteotome, as in our case, to expose the sinus.

Humans

Synergistic transcriptional modules in Trichoderma asperellum enhance glutathione detoxification to counteract fungal pathogen toxins.

Trichoderma fungi are potent biocontrol agents. However, their defence mechanisms against pathogen-derived toxins remain poorly understood. We identified two synergistic transcription factor modules in T. asperellum that orchestrate the detoxification of cytotoxic secondary metabolites from the poplar blight pathogen Alternaria alternata. Overexpression of the central regulator TasMYB46 reduced disease lesion area by approximately 22% and was associated with decreased pathogen-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Mechanistically, TasMYB46 directly activates the glutathione S-transferases TasGST61.1 and TasGST56.1 through distinct promoter binding sites (G-box/as-1/MBS), forming dedicated detoxification modules. Crucially, we identified urolithin C as the most abundant phytotoxin in A. alternata metabolites, which is efficiently detoxified through the TasMYB46-TasGST61.1 module. The transcription enhancer TasbHLH53.8 amplifies this system by binding to TasMYB46, boosting TasGST expression and enhancing glutathione-dependent detoxification capacity. This coordinated response elevates glutathione pools and antioxidant enzyme activities (GST/GPx), conferring increased oxidative stress resistance. This study reveals a novel defence mechanism in Trichoderma in which MYB-bHLH-GST modules enable biocontrol agents to neutralise pathogen-derived toxins. Given that Alternaria toxins threaten crops globally (tomatoes, potatoes, citrus), the discovered regulatory synergy represents a strategic advance in developing next-generation biocontrol solutions against toxin-producing plant pathogens.

Alternaria

Molecular Landscape and Advanced Diagnostic Technologies for BRAF Mutations in Cancer: From Quantitative PCR and ddPCR to CRISPR-Based Platforms.

BRAF mutations are key oncogenic alterations across multiple malignancies, including melanoma, thyroid carcinoma, colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, glioma, and hairy cell leukemia. The most prevalent variant, BRAF-V600E, induces constitutive activation of the MAPK signaling pathway, promoting tumor progression and influencing therapeutic responsiveness. Accurate detection of BRAF alterations is therefore essential for molecular classification, prognostic assessment, treatment selection, and resistance surveillance. This review summarizes the molecular heterogeneity of BRAF mutations and critically evaluates current diagnostic methodologies. Conventional approaches such as allele-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing are compared with advanced quantitative platforms, including high-resolution melting analysis, droplet digital PCR, and next-generation sequencing, with emphasis on analytical sensitivity, mutation coverage, and clinical applicability. Emerging technologies such as CRISPR-based assays, rolling circle amplification systems, and nanoparticle-based biosensors and point-of-care diagnostic platforms are also discussed for their potential to enhance ultra-sensitive detection, particularly in liquid biopsy settings. These emerging tools are highlighted for their potential to enable ultra-sensitive, rapid, and decentralized mutation detection, particularly in liquid biopsy settings. Key challenges, including intratumoral heterogeneity, low allele-frequency variants, FFPE-associated artifacts, and clonal evolution under therapeutic pressure, are examined within a translational framework. In addition, we examine critical barriers to clinical implementation, including standardization, cost, and global accessibility of molecular diagnostics, and outline potential solutions through scalable technologies and decentralized testing strategies. We propose that optimal BRAF testing requires a mutation subclass-informed and clinically integrated strategy combining comprehensive baseline profiling with longitudinal molecular monitoring. Future diagnostic paradigms will likely integrate multi-omics data and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted interpretation to refine precision oncology implementation. Looking forward, we propose that optimal BRAF testing will require integration of multi-omics profiling with AI-assisted interpretation, enabling automated variant classification, real-time clinical decision support, and improved prediction of therapeutic response and resistance.

Humans

Reprogrammed Komagataella phaffii for enhanced secretory expression of human lactoferrin.

Human lactoferrin (hLF) is a multifunctional glycoprotein of the transferrin family derived from milk and mucosal secretions, which exhibits antibacterial, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory functions, and is an important component of infant formula. Conventional methods for lactoferrin expression are often inefficient, primarily due to inadequate protein synthesis capabilities and poor stability within microbial hosts. Herein, a Komagataella phaffii yeast strain capable of high-level secretory expression of hLF was constructed by reprogramming the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and vacuole using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. A dual-expression cassette containing the AOX1 promoter, an &#x3b1;-secretion signal peptide, the hLF gene, and a terminator was integrated into three different sites of the K. phaffii genome. The stepwise strategy combining expansion of the ER membrane involved in protein synthesis with knockout of vacuolar proteases further enhanced hLF production. Subsequently, 0.1&#x202f;g/L FeCl&#x2083; was added to the medium to reduce the toxicity of hLF and improve its stability. After high-density cultivation of K. phaffii through optimization of cultivation conditions in shake flasks and a 5&#x202f;L bioreactor, the secretory intact hLF titer reached 2214&#x202f;mg/L, representing a 76.3-fold increase achieved through these engineering strategies. In addition, antibacterial experiments demonstrated that this secretory hLF had a significant inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and yeast. Overall, the developed K. phaffii protein expression platform enabled efficient production of lactoferrin, demonstrating its potential for expressing other lactoproteins.

Lactoferrin

ChIP-seq profiling identifies diapause-regulated H3K27me3 targets in the fat body of Culex pipiens.

Culex pipiens, a principal vector of significant arboviruses, survives winter through diapause, a hormonally controlled inactive phase that enhances endurance under severe cold circumstances. Recent data suggests that epigenetic processes, namely histone post-translational modifications (hPTMs), play a crucial role in regulating seasonal dormancy. Prior studies from our laboratory indicated a decrease in the methylation of Histone 3 (H3K27me3) in diapausing fat body tissue, associated with elevated expression of the histone demethylase UTX. Nonetheless, the precise genomic areas impacted by these chromatin alterations remained unidentified. We used chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) to delineate the genome-wide distribution of H3K27me3 across fat body chromatin in diapausing (D) and non-diapausing (ND) female Cx. pipiens. Notably, the higher signal at transcription start sites (TSSs) reflects localized redistribution rather than a global decrease, as diapausing fat bodies retain less H3K27me3 overall but concentrate it at promoters. To investigate the functional significance of these chromatin alterations, we confirmed a number of target loci via ChIP-qPCR and assessed gene expression with qRT-PCR. We identified many critical genes that were markedly increased in diapausing mosquitoes, exhibiting an inverse relation to H3K27me3 enrichment. Our data demonstrates different H3K27me3 chromatin landscapes between diapausing and non-diapausing Cx. pipiens, corroborating a hypothesis of selective, locus-specific repression in the non-diapause state and its targeted removal during diapause to permit activation of dormancy-associated genes. These results suggest that chromatin remodeling is a core driver of the diapause switch.

Animals

Genetic regulation of CPEB3-mediated alternative polyadenylation associated with survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is a key post-transcriptional mechanism that regulates gene expression by modulating 3'UTR length, its dysregulation has been implicated in carcinogenesis. How genetic variants influence APA to affect hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis remains unclear. METHODS: Prognosis-APA quantitative trait loci (apaQTL) were performed using genotype and APA profiling from TCGA data. A two-stage survival analysis in 848 Chinese and 369 TCGA LIHC patients and functional validation were used to identify prognostic apaQTL in HCC progression. RESULTS: A total of 2,025 and 817 significant APA events were identified in Chinese and TCGA cohort, respectively. Besides, 859 events were associated with poor prognosis in HCC and enriched in RNA splicing / metabolism pathways. We detected 32,034 significant apaQTLs, predominantly enriched in 3'UTRs and RBP-binding regions. CPEB3 was prioritized as a key APA regulator RBP; its low expression correlated with poor patient survival and promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion in HCC cells. Notably, a functional apaQTL variant rs2037547, located in GSK3B and mediated by CPEB3, demonstrated a poor survival of HCC patients in both cohort (pooled HR=1.29, p=0.016). Mechanistically, rs2037547 promoted aberrant APA at proximal poly(A) sites of GSK3B through CPEB3, leading to increased expression of short 3'UTR isoform. This regulatory alteration enhanced HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, and contributed to HCC progression. CONCLUSION: These findings elucidated the distinct role of apaQTL-mediated APA dysregulation in HCC prognosis, providing insights for prognostic stratification and potential targets for personalized therapy in HCC.

RNA-binding proteins

Comprehensive source-risk assessment of organophosphate esters in surface water of the Dianchi Lake Basin, Yunnan, China.

Organophosphate esters (OPEs), widely used as flame retardants and plasticizers, have been increasingly detected in aquatic environments. However, investigations of their distribution in high-altitude plateau lakes remain scarce. Identifying and quantifying the sources and associated risks of OPEs are crucial for subsequent water environment management. In this study, an integrated source-risk analysis approach was employed by combining the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model, the Geodetector (GD) model, and risk quotient (RQ). Analysis of 14 OPEs in surface waters of the Dianchi Lake Basin (DLB) revealed 12 detectable compounds, with total OPEs concentrations (&#x3a3;OPEs) ranging from not detected (ND)-64.6 ng/L during the wet season and ND-35.8 ng/L during the dry season. Elevated &#x3a3;OPEs were primarily observed at inflow sites in the northern part of the lake and in urban rivers. Source apportionment indicated four major contributing sources: agricultural films containing flame-retardant and plasticizer additives, traffic-related particulate emissions, releases from household and personal care products, and industrial production and applications of flame retardants in plastics, electronics, and related products (the predominant source). The ecological impact caused by OPEs ranges from no risk to low risk, with tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate emitted from industrial source being the primary driver of potential environmental risk. These findings highlight the necessity of prioritizing industrial sources in future management strategies. Overall, this study provides a methodological framework for source apportionment and risk assessment of OPEs and offers scientific evidence to support environmental management of OPEs in the DLB.

Environmental Monitoring

Evolution of Precision Oncology, Personalized Medicine, and Molecular Tumor Boards.

With multiple molecular targeted therapies available for patients with cancer that correspond to a specific genetic alteration, the selection of the best treatment is essential to ensure therapeutic efficacy. Molecular tumor boards (MTBs) play a key role in this process to deliver personalized medicine to patients with cancer in a multidisciplinary manner. Historically, personalized medicine has been offered to patients with advanced cancer, but the incorporation of molecular targeted therapies and immunotherapy into the perioperative setting requires clinicians to understand the role of the MTB. Evidence is accumulating to support feasibility and survival benefit in patients treated with matched therapy.

Humans

Validated UPLC-MS/MS quantification and intracellular PK-PD Modeling of periplocin-related cardiac glycosides in H/R-injured H9c2 cells.

Reliable intracellular quantification is essential for characterizing the target-site disposition and exposure-response relationships of bioactive natural products. In this study, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of periplocin and four related cardiac glycoside metabolites in H9c2 cell lysates. Acceptable linearity, precision, recovery, and stability were achieved for intracellular quantification. Cells were treated with each compound at 50&#xa0;&#x3bc;M, and intracellular concentrations and cell viability were monitored over 48&#xa0;h. In hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) -injured cells, the time to maximum intracellular concentration was shortened for all five compounds, indicating altered cellular disposition under injury conditions. Cell viability was improved by all compounds during the observation period. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) integration was performed using a sigmoid Emax model, and acceptable model fits were obtained, with Akaike information criterion (AIC) values ranging from 79.22 to 130.46. Low apparent EC50 values were estimated under this single-dose design, whereas the estimated Ke0 values suggested delayed equilibration with the effect compartment. These findings indicate that sustained cytoprotective responses can be produced by periplocin and related metabolic markers in injured cardiomyocytes. This intracellular bioanalytical strategy provides a quantitative approach for linking cellular exposure to pharmacodynamic response and may support further evaluation of periplocin-related cardiac glycosides.

Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Effect of demographic characteristics on the outcome of prostate cancer salvage radiotherapy: Analysis from a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the impact of advanced molecular imaging, race, socioeconomic status, and metabolic dysregulation on the outcome of salvage radiotherapy (sRT) for prostate cancer recurrence in a clinical trial setting. METHODS: The authors randomized post-prostatectomy men with detectable prostate-specific antigen to sRT guided by conventional imaging (arm A) or 18F-fluciclovine-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (arm B) and followed them up for up to 48 months to determine failure-free survival (FFS). The authors computed socioeconomic status (SES) and allostatic load (AL) scores to quantify socioeconomic status and level of metabolic dysregulation. They stratified patients by race as African American men (AAM) versus men of other races (MOR) and compared FFS between them using the z-test. RESULTS: Eighty-one (AAM&#xa0;=&#xa0;29, MOR&#xa0;=&#xa0;52) and 76 (AAM&#xa0;=&#xa0;26, MOR&#xa0;=&#xa0;50) men completed per-protocol sRT in arms A and B, respectively. Across study arms, AAM showed a higher FFS rate than MOR (72.8% [95% CI, 53.8%-85.0%] vs. 58.7% [95% CI, 46.6%-68.9%]; p&#xa0;=&#xa0;.002). In arm A, FFS rate was better for AAM than MOR, (64.0% [95% CI, 34.4%-82.9%] vs. 45.3% [95% CI, 28.8%-60.4%]; p&#xa0;=&#xa0;.008). In arm B, FFS improved for both groups but less so for AAM, (81.5% [95% CI, 57.2%-92.7%] vs. 73.0% [95% CI, 56.3%-84.1%]; p&#xa0;=&#xa0;.131). The authors found lower SES scores and higher AL scores for AAM in both study arms than MOR. CONCLUSION: Despite lower socioeconomic status and higher burden of metabolic dysregulation, in a clinical trial setting that controls for disparities in health care access, AAM have a more favorable sRT outcome than MOR.

Humans

Patient and hospital factors associated with disparities in acute stroke treatment in community and academic hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Systemic barriers may affect identification, emergency transportation (EMS), and care coordination for people with stroke. We assessed patient- and hospital-level factors for associations with pre-hospital and emergency department care. We compared trends for patients presenting to an academic medical center (AMC) versus community hospitals (CHs). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at an AMC (Tufts Medical Center) with 542 patients aged &#x2265;18&#xa0;years hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack between 1/1/2018-12/31/2020 who presented directly to AMC or presented to AMC as a transfer from initial contact CHs. Primary outcomes were EMS use, stroke code activation, door-to-CT time, and door-to-needle time. RESULTS: AMC patients identifying as non-Hispanic Asian (odds ratio (OR)&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.25; 95% confidence interval (CI)&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.13-0.47) and Hispanic (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.19; 95% CI&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.05-0.72) and CH non-Hispanic Black/African-American patients (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.17; 95% CI&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.05-0.62) were less likely to use EMS compared to non-Hispanic white patients. Patients with non-English primary language were less likely to use EMS (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.38; 95% CI&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.23-0.63) compared to English-speaking patients in both hospital settings. CH Hispanic patients were less likely to have stroke code activation (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.24; 95% CI&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.05-0.86) compared to non-Hispanic white patients. CH patients were less likely to have stroke code activation (OR&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.12; 95% CI&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.07-0.19), had 31% shorter door-to-CT time (95% CI&#xa0;=&#xa0;15-43% shorter), and had 29% longer door-to-needle time (95% CI&#xa0;=&#xa0;5-58% longer). CONCLUSION: Patient-level factors and hospital setting were associated with differences in acute care suggesting opportunities for community outreach on EMS use, interventions to alleviate language barriers, and a need to address systemic biases.

Humans

Nitrogen sources and concentrations shape algal odor compounds: Key drivers of &#x3b2;-cyclocitral and &#x3b2;-ionone in water bodies of the lower Yangtze River.

Taste and odor (T&O) compounds derived from cyanobacterial blooms pose escalating threats to freshwater security worldwide, yet the drivers of specific T&O metabolites remain poorly constrained. Here, we investigated the dual effects of nitrogen (N) sources and concentrations on the production of &#x3b2;-cyclocitral and &#x3b2;-ionone, two algal-derived T&O compounds, through integrated field surveys (54 sites across lakes and rivers) in the eutrophic lower Yangtze River, China, and laboratory cultivation of typical cyanobacteria (Microcystis aeruginosa and Pseudanabaena cinerea). Our field data revealed that the concentrations of &#x3b2;-cyclocitral and &#x3b2;-ionone in lakes and rivers were not significantly different, but increased with the trophic level index. Redundancy analysis and Mantel analysis showed that Microcystis and Pseudanabaena were potentially dominant contributors to &#x3b2;-cyclocitral and &#x3b2;-ionone in the water column. Structural equation modeling and variation partitioning analysis showed that enhanced nitrate (NO3--N) significantly promoted the production of these compounds. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that inorganic N (NaNO&#x2083;) maximized total T&O yields by promoting algal biomass, whereas organic N (urea and glutamic acid) elevated the T&O production per unit biomass by 1.5- to 9.5-fold. Notably, Pseudanabaena exhibited a 2.3-fold higher &#x3b2;-ionone yield than Microcystis, with greater sensitivity to N concentrations. Our study highlights the critical role of nitrogen pollution, both source and concentration, in the production of T&O compounds by phytoplankton and provides reference data for managing T&O issues in rivers and shallow lakes.

Norisoprenoids

[Analysis of clinical phenotypes and pathogenicity of a c.4476+5G>T variant of SCN1A gene in a Chinese pedigree affected with Genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the pathogenicity and characteristics of a heterozygous splicing variant of SCN1A gene in a Chinese pedigree affected with Genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out on the clinical data and results of genetic testing of a GEFS+ pedigree consisting of 5 members who had visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University on July 1, 2024. Pathogenicity of the splicing variant of the SCN1A gene was validated with a minigene splicing assay. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Ethics No.: KS-2018-KY-36). RESULTS: The proband, a 24-year-old female, presented with FS in conjunct with focal seizures, and both of her younger brothers had Dravet syndrome. All of the three patients had carried a c.4476+5G>T variant of the SCN1A gene, which was unreported previously. Minigene experiment verified that the variant could cause loss of the first 7 bps of exon 24 and 138 bps from exon 23 of the SCN1A gene, resulting in alteration p.V1447_1495delfs*6 and affecting splicing. Based on the guidelines from American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the variant was predicted as likely pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_Supporting). CONCLUSION: The c.4476+5G>T variant at an intronic site of the SCN1A gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of GEFS+ in this pedigree.

Adult