OBJECTIVES: This study is performed in the frame of a bigger study dedicated to genomics and transcriptomics of parthenogenesis in vertebrates. Among vertebrates, obligate parthenogenesis was first described in the lizards of the genus Darevskia. In this genus, all found parthenogenetic species originated via interspecific hybridization. It remains unknown which genetic or genomic factors play a key role in the generation of parthenogenetic organisms. Comparative genomic and transcriptomic analysis of parthenogens and their parental species may elucidate this problem. Darevskia valentini is a paternal species for four (of seven) parthenogens of this genus, which we promote as a particularly important species for the generation of parthenogenetic forms. DATA DESCRIPTION: Total cellular RNA was isolated from kidney and liver tissues using the standard Trizol Tissue RNA Extraction protocol. Sequencing of transcriptome libraries prepared by random fragmentation of cDNA samples was performed on an Illumina HiSeq2500. Obtained raw sequences contained 117,6 million reads with the GC content of 47%. After preprocessing, raw data was assembled by Trinity and produced 491,482 contigs.

OBJECTIVE: Gaps in sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing can lead to poor health outcomes due to untreated illness among youth living with HIV (YLHIV). Thus, the objective of this study is to examine STI testing behavior and outcomes among a sample of YLHIV in the southern United States. Clinical records of 139 YLHIV who received HIV care in Alabama (2017-2020) were evaluated for receipt of STI testing (gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis), prevalence of positive test results, and factors associated with testing outcomes (933 clinical visits). RESULTS: Nearly 80% of our sample identified as African American, most were 20-24 years, and about 60% reported detectable viral load at first visit during the study period. Just under 60% of cisgender male and transgender female clients reported receipt of at least one STI test, compared to less than 40% of cisgender females. Identifying as a cisgender male and having been diagnosed with HIV related to sex with men were associated with greater likelihood receiving STI testing. Cisgender males reported higher rates of positive syphilis test results than cisgender females; the highest rates of positive STI tests were among transgender females. Results underscore need for providers to promote routine STI testing to YLHIV.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, the decellularization technique is introduced as one of the tissue engineering procedures for the treatment of various deficiencies. Here, we aimed to assess the dynamic activity of CCs and HUVECs within decellularized bovine ovarian tissue transplanted subcutaneously in rats. Ovarian tissue was decellularized using a cocktail consisting of different chemicals, and the efficiency of decellularization was assessed using hematoxylin-eosin and DAPI staining. The cell survival was evaluated using an LDH leakage assay. Thereafter, decellularized samples were recellularized using HUVECs and CCs, encapsulated inside alginate (1.2%)-gelatin, (1%) hydrogel, and transplanted subcutaneously to rats. The existence of CD31- and estrogen-positive cells was assessed using immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS: Bright-field imaging and DAPI staining revealed the lack of nuclei with naive matrix structure in ovarian tissue subjected to decellularization protocol. SEM imaging revealed a normal matrix in decellularized ovaries. LDH assay showed a lack of cytotoxicity for CCs after 7-days compared to the control group. Immunohistochemistry staining showed both CD31- and estrogen-positive cells in CCs + HUVECs compared to the CCs group. CD31 cells appeared with flattened morphology aligned with matrix fibers. The existence of estrogen and CD31 positive cells showed the efficiency of decellularized ovarian tissue to restore cellular function and activity.

OBJECTIVE: In the field of graph theory, maple is a technical computation form that is used for solving problems. In this article, we apply maple to find the strong fuzzy chromatic polynomial of fuzzy graphs and related. Moreover, we apply maple to obtain strong fuzzy chromatic numbers of fuzzy graphs using their strong fuzzy chromatic polynomials. RESULTS: The strong fuzzy chromatic polynomials for fuzzy graphs, strong fuzzy graphs and complete fuzzy graphs are determined using maple. Furthermore, the strong fuzzy chromatic numbers for the fuzzy graphs are obtained.

OBJECTIVE: A beta version (2018) of International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision for MMS (ICD-11), needed testing. Field-testing involves real-world application of the new codes to examine usability. We describe creating a dataset and characterizing the usability of ICD-11 code set by coders. We compare ICD-11 against ICD-10-CA (Canadian modification) and a reference standard dataset of diagnoses. Real-world usability encompasses code selection and time to code a complete inpatient chart using ICD-11 compared with ICD-10-CA. METHODS AND RESULTS: A random sample of inpatient records previously coded using ICD-10-CA was selected from hospitals in Calgary, Alberta (N = 2896). Nurses examined these charts for conditions and healthcare-related harms. Clinical coders re-coded the same charts using ICD-11 codes. Inter-rater reliability (IRR) and coding time improved with ICD-11 coding experience (23.6 to 9.9 min average per chart). Code structure comparisons and challenges encountered are described. Overall, 86.3% of main condition codes matched. Coder comments regarding duplicate codes, missing codes, code finding issues enabled improvements to the ICD-11 Browser, Coding Tool, and Reference Guide. Training is essential for solid IRR with 17,000 diagnostic categories in the new ICD-11. As countries transition to ICD-11, our coding experiences and methods can inform users for implementation or field testing.

OBJECTIVE: Preprints have had a prominent role in the swift scientific response to COVID-19. Two years into the pandemic, we investigated how much preprints had contributed to timely data sharing by analyzing the lag time from preprint posting to journal publication. RESULTS: To estimate the median number of days between the date a manuscript was posted as a preprint and the date of its publication in a scientific journal, we analyzed preprints posted from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021 in the NIH iSearch COVID-19 Portfolio database and performed a Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival analysis using a non-mixture parametric cure model. Of the 39,243 preprints in our analysis, 7712 (20%) were published in a journal, after a median lag of 178 days (95% CI: 175-181). Most of the published preprints were posted on the bioRxiv (29%) or medRxiv (65%) servers, which allow authors to choose a subject category when posting. Of the 20,698 preprints posted on these two servers, 7358 (36%) were published, including approximately half of those categorized as biochemistry, biophysics, and genomics, which became published articles within the study interval, compared with 29% categorized as epidemiology and 26% as bioinformatics.

OBJECTIVE: As low-dose atropine eye-drops for myopia progression control prepared in-house by diluting the commercial 0.1% atropine eye-drop with sterile water or normal saline has been a common practice whereas atropine injection is readily available and could be a more feasible alternative, this study aimed to assess the properties of the in-house low-dose atropine eye-drops prepared by diluting the atropine injection in two solvents and tested in two temperature conditions. RESULTS: The 0.01% atropine eye-drops contains no bacteria, fungi, or particulate matter. The levels of atropine sulfate on all samples were comparable to the freshly prepared samples at the 12th week, regardless of the solvents used or storage conditions. The low-dose atropine eye-drops prepared from readily available atropine sulfate injection at healthcare facilities could be an alternative to commercial products.

OBJECTIVE: Pregnancy is characterized by well-defined immunological adaptions within the maternal immune cell compartment allowing the survival of a genetically disparate individual in the maternal womb. Phenotype and function of immune cells are largely determined by intracellular processing of external stimuli. Ubiquitinating and deubiquitinating enzymes are known to critically regulate immune signaling either by modulating the stability or the interaction of the signaling molecules. Accordingly, if absent, critical physiological processes may be perturbed such as fetal tolerance induction. Based on previous findings that mice hemizygous for the deubiquitinating enzyme otubain 1 (OTUB1) do not give rise to homozygous progeny, here, we investigated whether partial OTUB1 deficiency influences fetal-wellbeing in a syngeneic or an allogeneic pregnancy context accompanied by changes in the dendritic cell (DC) and T cell compartment. RESULTS: We observed increased fetal rejection rates in allogeneic pregnant OTUB1 heterozygous dams but not syngeneic pregnant OTUB1 heterozygous dams when compared to OTUB1 wildtype dams. Fetal demise in allogeneic pregnancies was not associated with major changes in maternal peripheral and local DC and T cell frequencies. Thus, our results suggest that OTUB1 confers fetal protection, however, this phenotype is independent of immune responses involving DC and T cells.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple myeloma is a haematological malignancy characterized by proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow. Development of resistance and minimal residual disease remain challenging in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Transforming growth factor-β activated kinase 1 (TAK1) has recently gained attention as a potential drug target in multiple myeloma. This study aimed at determining the in vivo effects of TAK1-inhibitors in a Vκ*MYC multiple myeloma mouse model. RESULTS: We treated mice carrying Vκ*MYC multiple myeloma cells with the TAK1-inhibitors 5Z-7-oxozeaenol and NG25. There were tendencies towards increased survival for both inhibitors, but only NG25 prolonged survival significantly. However, this effect was limited, and no differences in disease burden were observed for any of the treatments. In conclusion, although TAK1-inhibitors might prolong survival somewhat, they do not prevent disease in the Vκ*MYC mouse model of multiple myeloma.

OBJECTIVES: Fluctuations of physical performance and biological responses during a repetitive daily 24-h cycle are known as circadian rhythms. These circadian rhythms can influence the optimal time of day for endurance performance and related parameters which can be crucial in a variety of sports disciplines. The current study aimed to evaluate the daytime variations in endurance running performance in a 3.000-m field run and endurance running performance, blood lactate levels, and heart rate in an incremental treadmill test in adolescent soccer players. RESULTS: In this study, 15 adolescent male soccer players (age: 18.0 ± 0.6 years) performed a 3.000-m run and an incremental treadmill test at 7:00-8:00 a.m. and 7:00-8:00 p.m. in a randomized cross-over manner. No significant variations after a Bonferroni correction were evident in endurance running performance, perceived exertion, blood lactate levels, and heart rates between the morning and the evening. Here, the largest effect size was observed for maximal blood lactate concentration (9.15 ± 2.18 mmol/l vs. 10.64 ± 2.30 mmol/l, p = .110, ES = 0.67). Therefore, endurance running performance and physiological responses during a field-based 3.000-m run and a laboratory-based test in young male soccer players indicated no evidence for daytime variations.

OBJECTIVE: The serrated pathway is a distinct genetic/epigenetic mechanism of the adenoma-carcinoma sequence in colorectal carcinogenesis. Although many groups have reported the genetic-phenotypic correlation of serrated lesions (SLs), previous studies regarding the serrated pathway were conducted on patients with SLs that have different germline and environmental genetic backgrounds. We aimed to compare pure somatic genetic profiles among SLs within identical patient with SPS. RESULTS: We analyzed SLs from one patient with SPS (Case #1) and compared DNA variant profiles using targeted DNA multigene panels via NGS among the patient's hyperplastic polyp (HP), three sessile serrated lesions (SSLs), and one traditional serrated adenoma (TSA), and separately analyzed three SSLs and one tubular adenoma (TA) within another patient with SPS (Case #2). In two patients, known pathogenic variant of BRAF (c.1799 T > A, p.Val600Glu) was observed in one TSA and one SSL in Case #1, and in three SSLs within Case #2. The pure somatic pathogenic variant BRAF (c.1799 T > A, p.Val600Glu) among SLs with identical germline genetic background supports its importance as a strong contributor for SLs.

OBJECTIVE: Glaucoma is a chronic neurological disease that is associated with high intraocular pressure (IOP), causes gradual damage to retinal ganglion cells, and often culminates in vision loss. Recent research suggests that glaucoma is a complex multifactorial disease in which multiple interlinked genes and pathways play a role during onset and development. Also, differential availability of trace elements seems to play a role in glaucoma pathophysiology, although their mechanism of action is unknown. The aim of this work is to disseminate a web-based repository on interactions between trace elements and protein-coding genes linked to glaucoma pathophysiology. RESULTS: In this study, we present Glaucoma-TrEl, a web database containing information about interactions between trace elements and protein-coding genes that are linked to glaucoma. In the database, we include interactions between 437 unique genes and eight trace elements. Our analysis found a large number of interactions between trace elements and protein-coding genes mutated or linked to the pathophysiology of glaucoma. We associated genes interacting with multiple trace elements to pathways known to play a role in glaucoma. The web-based platform provides an easy-to-use and interactive tool, which serves as an information hub facilitating future research work on trace elements in glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: There is a research gap regarding the way managers and employee representatives respond to Labour Authority interventions targeting work-related psychosocial and ergonomic risk factors. The present study aimed to determine if (I) labour inspections and (II) guidance-through-workshops led by inspectors were perceived by the target audience as equally useful and educational; and to determine if utility and enhanced knowledge were associated with the implementation of measures to prevent work-related risk factors. Finally, it aimed to determine if the managers in the intervention groups to a greater extent than the controls reported implementing such measures. RESULTS: Managers and employee representatives in both intervention groups reported a high level of perceived utility as well as a high level of enhanced knowledge. Both utility (p < 0.05) and enhanced knowledge (p < 0.05) were significantly associated with the implementation of, or plans to soon implement, measures to improve working conditions. When compared to controls, implemented measures, or plans to implement measures, were reported significantly more frequently by managers in the inspection group (p < 0.05). Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03855163 Registered on February 26, 2019.

OBJECTIVE: Esophageal cancer is a common malignancy globally. Most patients in sub-Saharan Africa present at advanced stage not amenable to curative therapy. Stenting provides palliation for these patients. In Uganda, many endoscopy units can perform diagnostic endoscopy but only a handful routinely perform endoscopic interventions like stenting. We describe esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophageal stenting intending to highlight its importance in a resource-limited setting. Endoscopy reports were reviewed for patients who underwent evaluation for esophageal cancer at Lubaga Hospital from December 2014 to March 2022. RESULTS: 315 records of patients with esophageal cancer were reviewed. Male to female ratio was 2:1. 188(60%) patients were 60 years and above. 268 (85%) esophageal lesions were described as fungating, friable or polypoid. 249 (79%) tumors were in mid or distal esophagus. 66% esophageal lesions caused severe luminal obstruction not traversable by the scope. 164 (52%) patients did not opt for stenting due to personal and other reasons. Stenting wasn't successful in 7 out of the 148 patients who underwent either primary or tandem stenting. Despite 207 (66%) of patients with advanced esophageal cancer presenting with endoscopically non-traversable tumors, endoscopic stenting was still possible with a technical success rate of 95.3%.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relations of total meat intake and its subtypes, including red and processed meat, white meat, poultry, fish, and organ meat to the risk of general/central obesity. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included a total of 7312 Iranian adults with the age range of 35-70 years from the Shahedieh cohort study, Yazd, Iran. Dietary intake of subjects was evaluated using a validated 120-item Food Frequency Questionnaire. General obesity was defined as body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 and central obesity as waist circumference ≥ 102 cm in men and ≥ 88 cm in women. RESULTS: After controlling for potential covariates including energy intake, age, marital status, gender, physical activity, supplement use, house possession, education, family size, current smoking, night shift working, history of thyroid disease and depression, and intakes of vegetables, legumes, nuts, fruits, whole grains, and dairy, a significant direct association was found between the higher consumption of white meat (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.06-1.61) and poultry (OR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.04-1.45) with odds of general obesity. Processed meat was a significant predictor for central obesity in the fully adjusted model, so that individuals in the fourth quartile of processed meat intake, compared with those in the first quartile, had a 22% (OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.04-1.43) increased risk to be centrally obese. CONCLUSION: This study reveals that higher intakes of white meat and poultry are associated with increased risk of general obesity, while, processed meat consumption was associated with central obesity.