Comparative Functional Analysis Research Articles

Comparative analysis of left ventricle function and deformation imaging in short and long axis plane in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Advancements in cardiac imaging have revolutionized our understanding of ventricular contraction. While ejection fraction (EF) is still the gold standard parameter to assess left ventricle (LV) function, strain imaging (SI) has provided valuable insights into ventricular mechanics. The lack of an integrative method including SI parameters in a single, validated formula may limit its use. Our aim was to compare different methods for evaluating global circumferential strain (GCS) and their relationship with global longitudinal strain (GLS) and EF in CMR and how the different evaluations fit in the theoretical relationship between EF and global strain. Retrospective monocenter study. Inclusion of every patient who underwent a CMR during a 15 months period with various clinical indication (congenital heart defect, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy). A minimum of three LV long-axis planes and a stack of short-axis slices covering the LV using classical steady-state free precession cine sequences. A single assessment of GLS on long axis (LAX) slices and a double assessment of GCS and EF with both short axis (SAX) and LAX slices were made by a single experienced CMR investigator. GCS-SAX and GCS-LAX were correlated (r = 0.77, P < 0.001) without being interchangeable with a high reproducibility for GCS, GLS and EF. EF calculated from LAX images showed an overestimation compared to EF derived from SAX images of 7%. The correlation between calculated EF and theoretical EF derived from SI was high (r = 0.88 with EF-SAX, 0.95 with EF-LAX). This study highlights the need to integrate strain imaging techniques into clinical by incorporating strain parameters into EF calculations, because it gives a deeper understanding of cardiac mechanics.

Comparative executive function analysis: Cochlear implants and normal hearing in 7- to 11-year-old children from Iran

Objective This study compares executive functioning in deaf children with cochlear implants and those with normal hearing. Individuals who lacked auditory stimulation during their early years might experience cognitive challenges that extend beyond just speech and language abilities. Methods The executive functioning abilities of a group of 32 children who were born deaf and received cochlear implants before the age of 7 were contrasted with those of 30 children with normal hearing. Both sets of children underwent assessments using the Tower of London, BRIEF, and Stroop tests. Results The average score on the Tower of London task reveals that children who received cochlear implants (4.03 ± 2.53) achieved lower scores than typically hearing children (8.37 ± 2.79). This group also exhibited higher errors in the Stroop test and slightly longer response times Additionally, in terms of emotional control assessed by the BRIEF, a higher score was recorded. Notably, significant differences between the two groups were identified for organizing materials (t(62) = −4.204, p = 0.00). The tests measuring phonemic fluency, categorical fluency, and working memory also revealed significant differences. Conclusions The significant differences in data between both groups suggest the influence of cochlear implantation on cognitive functions. This emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to supporting the overall development of these children.

Comparative transcriptome and functional analyses provide insights into the key factors regulating shoot regeneration in highbush blueberry

Comparative transcriptome and functional analyses provide insights into the key factors regulating shoot regeneration in highbush blueberry

Assessment of Anxiety and Depression in the Perioperative Period in Women of Reproductive Age During Regional Anesthesia

Introduction Perioperative cognitive impairment occurs in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Prediction, early detection and effective treatment of these disorders are important for the well-being of women and their offspring.Aim of study To evaluate the effect of anesthesia and surgery on the level of anxiety, depression, short-term memory, and concentration in pregnant and nonpregnant women.Material and methods The observational prospective study included 120 patients who were divided into two equal groups — pregnant (n=60) and nonpregnant (n=60) women. A comparative analysis of testing psychosomatic reactions and cognitive functions using the MoCa test, Benton and Wechsler tests, selfassessment questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was carried out. The relative risk and odds ratio of developing anxiety and depression were calculated.Results Anxiety indicators in pregnant women before surgery reached subclinical values of 7.5 (8.4; 6.6), and in non-pregnant women – the norm: 6.5 (7.3; 5.7) (p&lt;0.001); Results of depression in pregnant women after surgery were 7.3 (8.5; 6.1), in non-pregnant women — the norm: 6.3 (7; 5.5) (p&lt;0.001). The odds of developing short-term memory impairment in pregnant women before surgery was 3.1 times higher than in non-pregnant women, odds ratio 3.1 (95% CI [1.3–7.4]). In the pregnant group, short-term memory scores before surgery were 5 (5.8; 4.2), and after surgery they decreased to 3.8 (4.7; 2.9) (p&lt;0.001). There was a decrease in concentration of attention in pregnant women: before surgery 6.2 (6.8; 5.6), and after surgery — 5 (5.8; 4.2) (p&lt;0.001). The relative risk (RR) of developing depression in pregnant women after surgery was 6.1 times RR=6.1 (95% CI 2.4; 15.8), sensitivity Se (%)=0.9, specificity Sp (%)=0.5. The relative risk (RR) of developing short-term memory impairment after surgery was 1.1 times RR=1.1 (95% CI 1; 1.2), sensitivity Se (%)=0.5, specificity Sp (%)=0, 8. The relative risk (RR) of developing problems with concentration after surgery was 8.3 times RR=8.3 (95% CI 3.9; 18.3), sensitivity Se (%)=0.8, specificity Sp (%)=0.7.Conclusions The Results obtained allow us to conclude that before surgery, pregnant women experience a subclinical version of anxiety, against the background of which the chances of developing problems with short-term memory and concentration increase. After surgery, pregnant women experience a subclinical version of depression, along with it there is also impairment of intelligence, short-term memory and concentration. The initial impairment of memory and attention requires the selection of anesthesia in a group of pregnant women.

Comparative structural and functional analysis of the glycine-rich regions of Class A and B J-domain protein cochaperones of Hsp70.

J-domain proteins are critical Hsp70 co-chaperones. A and B types have a poorly understood glycine-rich region (Grich) adjacent to their N-terminal J-domain (Jdom). We analyzed the ability of Jdom/Grich segments of yeast Class B Sis1 and a suppressor variant of Class A, Ydj1, to rescue the inviability of sis1-∆. In each, we identified a cluster of Grich residues required for rescue. Both contain conserved hydrophobic and acidic residues and are predicted to form helices. While, as expected, the Sis1 segment docks on its J-domain, that of Ydj1 does not. However, data suggest both interact with Hsp70. We speculate that the Grich-Hsp70 interaction of Classes A and B J-domain proteins can fine tune the activity of Hsp70, thus being particularly important for the function of Class B.

Abstract 4186: Development of an orthotopic A549 lung carcinoma model in CD34+ humanized NCG mice and response to treatment with paclitaxel and pembrolizumab

Abstract Translational in vivo models are needed to expedite the discovery of new treatments for lung cancer. One such approach is the use of humanized mouse models that enable immunotherapies targeting human immune cells to be evaluated for efficacy and tolerability. We developed an orthotopic lung carcinoma model in humanized mice (HuCD34 NCG), utilizing serial bioluminescence imaging to evaluate the activity of paclitaxel and pembrolizumab as single and combination agents. Paclitaxel, which disrupts microtuble function, and pembrolizumab, a PD-1-targeting immunotherapy, are both approved for the treatment of certain types of lung cancer. Paclitaxel kills cancer cells directly, and may also promote anti-tumor responses through enhanced presentation of tumor antigens and activation of T cells. Immunodeficient NCG mice were humanized with cord blood-derived hCD34+ stem cells from 3 donors. High levels of human cell engraftment, with expected frequencies of hCD45+ cells and other immune subsets, was observed by 14 weeks post-injection. Luciferase expressing A549 cells were implanted orthotopically into the pulmonary space of the left lobe of the lung, and animals were subsequently flux sorted into treatment groups. Tumor burden, measured by luciferase expression, increased progressively in untreated animals, and moribundity was often associated with clinical indications of respiratory distress. Treatment with paclitaxel significantly decreased the tumor burden and extended survival. In contrast, pembrolizumab did not control tumor growth or extend survival. There was no synergistic effect with the combination therapy, in fact, the addition of pembrolizumab was associated with a modest increase in tumor burden and disease progression. Comparative analysis of immune cell composition, function and persistence in lung and other tissues provided insights into the distinct pharmacodynamic responses associated with the different treatment regimens. This model establishes a robust in vivo platform to identify novel therapies for the treatment of lung cancer. Citation Format: Anya Avrutskaya, Elizabeth Rainbolt, Bincy John, Cara Clouse, Murray Stackhouse, Christopher Currie, Sydney Scatigno, Steven Bronson, Jenny Rowe, Chassidy Hall, David P. Harris. Development of an orthotopic A549 lung carcinoma model in CD34+ humanized NCG mice and response to treatment with paclitaxel and pembrolizumab [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4186.

Prognostic gene landscapes and therapeutic insights in sepsis-induced coagulopathy

BackgroundSepsis is a common and critical condition encountered in clinical practice that can lead to multi-organ dysfunction. Sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC) significantly affects patient outcomes. However, the precise mechanisms remain unclear, making the identification of effective prognostic and therapeutic targets imperative. MethodsThe analysis of transcriptome data from the whole blood of sepsis patients, facilitated the identification of key genes implicated in coagulation. Then we developed a prognostic model and a nomogram to predict patient survival. Consensus clustering classified sepsis patients into three subgroups for comparative analysis of immune function and immune cell infiltration. Single-cell sequencing elucidated alterations in intercellular communication between platelets and immune cells in sepsis, as well as the role of the coagulation-related gene FYN. Real-time quantitative PCR determined the mRNA levels of critical coagulation genes in septic rats' blood. Finally, administration of a FYN agonist to septic rats was observed for its effects on coagulation functions and survival. ResultsThis study identified four pivotal genes—CFD, FYN, ITGAM, and VSIG4—as significant predictors of survival in patients with sepsis. Among them, CFD, FYN, and ITGAM were underexpressed, while VSIG4 was upregulated in patients with sepsis. Moreover, a nomogram that incorporates the coagulation-related genes (CoRGs) risk score with clinical features of patients accurately predicted survival probabilities. Subgroup analysis of CoRGs expression delineated three molecular sepsis subtypes, each with distinct prognoses and immune profiles. Single-cell sequencing shed light on heightened communication between platelets and monocytes, T cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, alongside reduced interactions with neutrophils in sepsis. The collagen signaling pathway was found to be essential in this dynamic. FYN may affect platelet function by modulating factors such as ELF1, PTCRA, and RASGRP2. The administration of the FYN agonist can effectively improve coagulation dysfunction and survival in septic rats. ConclusionsThe research identifies CoRGs as crucial prognostic markers for sepsis, highlighting the FYN gene's central role in coagulation disorders associated with the condition and suggesting novel therapeutic intervention strategies.

Comparative Analysis of CNN Architectures and Loss Functions on Age Estimation of Archaeological Artifacts

Comparative Analysis of CNN Architectures and Loss Functions on Age Estimation of Archaeological Artifacts

Subjective and objective comparative analysis of nasal ventilation function before and after nasal septoplasty

Objective:To investigate the changes of nasal ventilation before and after septoplasty by using NOSE scoring scale and nasal function examination, and to explore the correlation between subjective nasal obstruction and nasal function examination and its clinical application value. Methods:A total of 129 cases of nasal septum deviation from December 2021 to April 2023 in our hospital were selected for study. All patients underwent septoplasty. Nasal obstruction symptom evaluation（NOSE） was performed in all patients before surgery and 3 months after surgery. nasal minimal cross-sectional area（MCA） and nasal cavity volume（NCV） were recorded by nasal acoustic reflex, nasal resistance meter and nasal respiration apparatus, nasal resistance（NR）, distance between the nostril to minimum cross-sectional area,（the distance between the nostril to minimum cross-sectional area, MD）, nasal inspiratory volume（IV）, nasal expiratory volume（EV）, the nasal partitioning ratio, NPR includes objective indicators such as inspiratory volume difference ratio（NPRi） and expiratory volume difference ratio（NPRe）. Paired test was used to compare and analyze the changes of various indicators before and after surgery, and the difference（P<0.05） was statistically significant, and Pearson correlation linear analysis was used to analyze the correlation between subjective and objective indicators. Results:There were statistically significant differences in NOSE score, NCV, NR, MD, EV, IV, NPRe and NPRi of 129 patients before and after surgery（P<0.05）, while there was no statistically significant difference between MCA before and after surgery（P>0.05）. Preoperative NOSE score was correlated with NR, NCV, EV, IV, NPRe and NPRi（P<0.05）, but not with MD and MCA（P>0.05）. There was correlation between NOSE score and NR, MCA, NCV, EV, IV, NPRe and NPRi（P<0.05）, but no correlation between nose score and MD（P>0.05）. Conclusion:The subjective NOSE scale combined with nasal function test has certain clinical reference value in evaluating the surgical effect of patients with deviated nasal septum.

ANTHROPOCENTRIC CHARACTER OF PHRASEOLOGICAL EUPHEMISMS IN THE SLAVIC LANGUAGES

The article is devoted to the consideration of euphemistic phraseological units used to nominate topics significant for native speakers of Slavic languages such as birth and death, the human body, age, physiology, diseases, and human vices, as well as their dynamics, semantic and functional characteristics. The studied phraseological units related to non-linguistic phenomena are part of an anthropocentric paradigm and represent a public ban on pronouncing certain nominations in a particular language group. The object of this study are verbal and nominal phraseological units in the system of Slavic languages denoting concepts, phenomena and actions replacing words prohibited for extra-linguistic reasons and having a pronounced anthropocentric character. The purpose of the work is a comparative semantic-functional analysis of phraseological euphemisms in Slavic languages. It is emphasized that phraseological euphemisms replace words denoting concepts, phenomena and actions that are considered taboo for the Slavs, whose history dates back to the distant past of the Slavic peoples. They were originally associated with religious faith, fear of the gods, supernatural beings, nature, magical thinking and the deep conviction about the interdependence between the thing and the name. Comparative semantic and functional analysis of euphemistic phraseological units reveals coincident nominations in different Slavic languages and differences in phraseological units containing standards that replace certain words and expressions denoting objects and phenomena that nowadays replace not taboo entities, but linguistic units perceived in the language collective as non-tactful, rude or vulgar.

Land surface temperature prediction with dual satellites and BPNN: a comparative transfer function analysis

ABSTRACT Driven by global sustainability goals, understanding land surface temperature (LST) in urban thermal environments (UTE) is crucial. This study analyses remotely sensed LST data from Aqua and Terra satellites in a rapidly growing non-tier Indian city. It uniquely integrates remote sensing and soft computational analysis to predict daytime LST using artificial neural networks (ANN). The study is categorized based on transfer functions and hyper-parameters to enhance the comprehension of LST prediction and simulation scenarios by employing Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) model. Results indicate that the tansig transfer function yields the best performance overall in Aqua and Terra LST prediction, while purelin performs the least effectively. This study provides evidence that soft computing techniques effectively estimate LST data, offering a valuable solution for data scarcity issues. However, the findings are specific to the study area and may vary elsewhere. Exploring alternative methods and incorporating data from other areas could potentially improve accuracy and overall performance. Future research could focus on investigating the mechanisms behind different methods and their interactions with various factors. Additionally, integrating other variables like vegetation index, soil moisture, and others could contribute to a more holistic understanding of LST dynamics and enhance predictive capabilities.

Comparative analyses of gut microbiota reveal ammonia detoxification and nitrogen assimilation in Cyprinus carpio var. specularis.

The complex niche of fish gut is often characterized by the associated microorganisms that have implications in fish gut-health nexus. Although efforts to distinguish the microbial communities have highlighted their disparate structure along the gut length, remarkably little information is available about their distinct structural and functional profiles in different gut compartments in different fish species. Here, we performed comparative taxonomic and predictive functional analyses of the foregut and hindgut microbiota in an omnivorous freshwater fish species, Cyprinus carpio var. specularis, commonly known as mirror carp. Our analyses showed that the hindgut microbiota could be distinguished from foregut based on the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing, denitrifying, and nitrogen-fixing commensals of families such as Rhodospirillaceae, Oxalobacteraceae, Nitrosomonadaceae, and Nitrospiraceae. Functionally, unique metabolic pathways such as degradation of lignin, 2-nitrobenzoate, vanillin, vanillate, and toluene predicted within hindgut also hinted at the ability of hindgut microbiota for assimilation of nitrogen and detoxification of ammonia. The study highlights a major role of hindgut microbiota in assimilating nitrogen, which remains to be one of the limiting nutrients within the gut of mirror carp.

A comparative analysis of oropharyngeal functions in preterm and term children with cerebral palsy

This study aims to compare term and preterm children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in terms of their oropharyngeal functions. A total of 50 children with CP participated in the study, and were divided into two groups according to their birth history including preterm group (gestational age below 37 weeks; 60 % female; mean age = 6.86 ± 4.35 years) and term group (gestational age between 37 and 41 weeks; 60 % female; mean age = 6.48 ± 4.86 years). Chewing and swallowing functions were evaluated in terms of oropharyngeal functions. Chewing evaluation was performed by using the Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS) and the Turkish version of the Mastication Observation and Evaluation Instrument (T-MOE). The pediatric version of the Eating Assessment Tool (PEDI-EAT-10) was used to evaluate swallowing performance of children. In addition, the Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) was used to assess feeding behaviors of children. There were significant differences between groups in terms of KCPS (p = 0.03), T-MOE (p = 0.01), and PEDI-EAT-10 scores (p = 0.04). There was a significant difference between groups in terms of the parental frequency score from the BPFAS (p = 0.04). Oropharyngeal functions of preterm children with CP were more adversely affected than term children with CP. Clinicians working with children with CP should be aware of the risks of preterm birth on oropharyngeal functions, and take precautions for oropharyngeal dysfunction in the early period in preterm children with CP.

Enhancing peak prediction in residential load forecasting with soft dynamic time wrapping loss functions

Short-term residential load forecasting plays a crucial role in smart grids, ensuring an optimal match between energy demands and generation. With the inherent volatility of residential load patterns, deep learning has gained attention due to its ability to capture complex nonlinear relationships within hidden layers. However, most existing studies have relied on default loss functions such as mean squared error (MSE) or mean absolute error (MAE) for neural networks. These loss functions, while effective in overall prediction accuracy, lack specialized focus on accurately predicting load peaks. This article presents a comparative analysis of soft-DTW loss function, a smoothed formulation of Dynamic Time Wrapping (DTW), compared to other commonly used loss functions, in order to assess its effectiveness in improving peak prediction accuracy. To evaluate peak performance, we introduce a novel evaluation methodology using confusion matrix and propose new errors for peak position and peak load, tailored specifically for assessing peak performance in short-term load forecasting. Our results demonstrate the superiority of soft-DTW in capturing and predicting load peaks, surpassing other commonly used loss functions. Furthermore, the combination of soft-DTW with other loss functions, such as soft-DTW + MSE, soft-DTW + MAE, and soft-DTW + TDI (Time Distortion Index), also enhances peak prediction. However, the differences between these combined soft-DTW loss functions are not substantial. These findings highlight the significance of utilizing specialized loss functions, like soft-DTW, to improve peak prediction accuracy in short-term load forecasting.

Assessment of Clavicular Shortening in Displaced Midshaft Clavicular Fractures Treated by Nonoperative Method, Plating, and Elastic Nailing: Comparative Functional Analysis\'A Case Series

Assessment of Clavicular Shortening in Displaced Midshaft Clavicular Fractures Treated by Nonoperative Method, Plating, and Elastic Nailing: Comparative Functional Analysis\'A Case Series

A comparative analysis of gastrointestinal tract barrier function and immune markers in gilt vs. sow progeny at birth and weaning.

Progeny born to primiparous sows (gilt progeny; GP) have lower birth, weaning and slaughter weights than sow progeny (SP). GP also have reduced gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development, as evidenced by lower organ weights. Therefore, the aim of this experiment was to quantify changes in GIT barrier function that occur in birth and weaning, representing two major challenges to the young piglet. The effects of parity (GP vs. SP) in GIT barrier integrity function were quantified at four timepoints: birth (~0h), 24h after birth (24h), 1-d preweaning (PrW), and 1-d postweaning (PoW) in commercially reared piglets. Due to inherent differences between newborn and weanling pigs, the results were analyzed in two cohorts, birth (0 vs. 24h, n = 31) and weaning (PrW vs. PoW, n = 40). Samples of the stomach, jejunum, ileum, and colon were excised after euthanasia and barrier integrity was quantified by measuring transepithelial resistance (TER), macromolecular permeability, the abundance of inflammatory proteins (IL-8, IL-1β, and TNF-α) and tight junction proteins (claudin-2 and -3). Papp was characterized using a dual tracer approach comprising 4 KDa fluorescein isothiocyanate (FD4) and 150kDa tetramethyl rhodamine isothiocyanate (T150)-labeled dextrans. Characteristic effects of the initiation of feeding and weaning were observed on the GIT with the initiation of feeding, such as increasing TER and reducing Papp at 24h, consistent with mucosal growth (P = 0.058) This was accompanied by increased cytokine abundance as evidenced by elevations in TNF-α and IL-1β. However, GP had increased IL-8 abundance (P = 0.011 and 0.063 for jejunum and ileum respectively) at birth than 24h overall. In the weaning cohort, jejunal and ileal permeability to FD4 was higher in GP (P = 0.05 and 0.022, respectively) while only higher ileal T150 was observed in GP (P = 0.032). Ileal claudin-2 abundance tended to be higher in SP overall (P = 0.063), but GP ileal claudin-2 expression was upregulated weaning while no change was observed in SP (P = 0.043). Finally, other than a higher jejunal TNF-α abundance observed in SP (P = 0.016), no other effect of parity was observed on inflammatory markers in the weaning cohort. The results from this study indicate that the GIT of GP have poorer adaptation to early life events, with the response to weaning, being more challenging which is likely to contribute to poorer postweaning growth.

In silico comparative structural and functional analysis of dengue virus (Serotypes 1 to 4) envelope protein

In silico comparative structural and functional analysis of dengue virus (Serotypes 1 to 4) envelope protein

Comparative functional analyses of PHR1, PHL1, and PHL4 transcription factors in regulating Arabidopsis responses to phosphate starvation.

To cope with phosphate (Pi) starvation, plants trigger an array of adaptive responses to sustain their growth and development. These responses are largely controlled at transcriptional levels. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), PHOSPHATE RESPONSE 1 (PHR1) is a key regulator of plant physiological and transcriptional responses to Pi starvation. PHR1 belongs to a MYB-CC-type transcription factor family which contains 15 members. In this PHR1 family, PHR1/PHR1-like 1(PHL1) and PHL2/PHL3 form two distinct modules in regulating plant development and transcriptional responses to Pi starvation. PHL4 is the most closely related member to PHR1. Previously, using the phr1phl4 mutant, we showed that PHL4 is also involved in regulating plant Pi responses. However, the precise roles of PHL1 and PHL4 in regulating plant Pi responses and their functional relationships with PHR1 have not been clearly defined. In this work, we further used the phl1phl4 and phr1phl1phl4 mutants to perform comparative phenotypic and transcriptomic analyses with phr1, phr1phl1, and phr1phl4. The results showed that both PHL1 and PHL4 act redundantly and equally with PHR1 to regulate leaf senescence, Pi starvation induced-inhibition of primary root growth, and accumulation of anthocyanins in shoots. Unlike PHR1 and PHL1, however, the role of PHL4 in maintaining Pi homeostasis is negligible. In regulating transcriptional responses to Pi starvation at genomic levels, both PHL1 and PHL4 play minor roles when acts alone, however, they act synergistically with PHR1. In regulating Pi starvation-responsive genes, PHL4 also function less than PHL1 in terms of the number of the genes it regulates and the magnitude of gene transcription it affects. Furthermore, no synergistic interaction was found between PHL1 and PHL4 in regulating plant response to Pi starvation. Therefore, our results clarified the roles of PHL1 and PHL4 in regulating plant responses to Pi starvation. In addition, this work revealed a new function of these three transcription factors in regulating flowering time.

Exploring the Regulation and Function of Rpl3l in the Development of Early-Onset Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Congestive Heart Failure Using Systems Genetics Approach.

Cardiomyopathies, diseases affecting the myocardium, are common causes of congestive heart failure (CHF) and sudden cardiac death. Recently, biallelic variants in ribosomal protein L3-like (RPL3L) have been reported to be associated with severe neonatal dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and CHF. This study employs a systems genetics approach to gain understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying the role of RPL3L in DCM. Genetic correlation, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) mapping, differential expression analysis and comparative functional analysis were performed using cardiac gene expression data from the patients and murine genetic reference populations (GRPs) of BXD mice (recombinant inbred strains from a cross of C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice). Additionally, immune infiltration analysis was performed to understand the relationship between DCM, immune cells and RPL3L expression. Systems genetics analysis identified high expression of Rpl3l mRNA, which ranged from 11.31 to 12.16 across murine GRPs of BXD mice, with an ~1.8-fold difference. Pathways such as "diabetic cardiomyopathy", "focal adhesion", "oxidative phosphorylation" and "DCM" were significantly associated with Rpl3l. eQTL mapping suggested Myl4 (Chr 11) and Sdha (Chr 13) as the upstream regulators of Rpl3l. The mRNA expression of Rpl3l, Myl4 and Sdha was significantly correlated with multiple echocardiography traits in BXD mice. Immune infiltration analysis revealed a significant association of RPL3L and SDHA with seven immune cells (CD4, CD8-naive T cell, CD8 T cell, macrophages, cytotoxic T cell, gamma delta T cell and exhausted T cell) that were also differentially infiltrated between heart samples obtained from DCM patients and normal individuals. RPL3L is highly expressed in the heart tissue of humans and mice. Expression of Rpl3l and its upstream regulators, Myl4 and Sdha, correlate with multiple cardiac function traits in murine GRPs of BXD mice, while RPL3L and SDHA correlate with immune cell infiltration in DCM patient hearts, suggesting important roles for RPL3L in DCM and CHF pathogenesis via immune inflammation, necessitating experimental validations of Myl4 and Sdha in Rpl3l regulation.

Raman study of the spin–lattice excitations of the layered antiferromagnets MPSe3 (M = Fe, Mn)

Magnetism in van der Waals (vdW) materials has recently garnered significant attention due to their potential for advanced applications. In this study, we investigate the magnetic transition in layered MPSe3 (M = Fe, Mn) bulk flakes utilizing temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy. Our findings reveal unique features in the Raman spectrum that are strongly correlated with the antiferromagnetic ordering in MPSe3. We analyze the spin-dependent Raman scattering modes in MPSe3 by applying the Suzuki–Kamimura formalism. Consequently, our comparative analyses of the spin correlation function and the reduced magnetization provide compelling evidence of the 2D Ising characteristic especially in FePSe3. Our results clearly show the potential of MPSe3 as a prominent platform for exploring fundamental aspects of low-dimensional magnetism.