Factor Profile Research Articles

The effect of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection on systemic immune responses in individuals with tuberculosis.

The impact of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection on the systemic immune response during tuberculosis (TB) disease has not been explored. An observational, cross-sectional cohort was established to evaluate the systemic immune response in persons with pulmonary tuberculosis with or without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Those participants were recruited in an outpatient referral clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. TB was defined as a positive Xpert-MTB/RIF Ultra and/or a positive culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum. Stored plasma was used to perform specific serology to identify previous SARS-CoV-2 infection (TB/Prex-SCoV-2 group) and confirm the non- infection of the tuberculosis group (TB group). Plasmatic cytokine/chemokine/growth factor profiling was performed using Luminex technology. Tuberculosis severity was assessed by clinical and laboratory parameters. Participants from TB group (4.55%) and TB/Prex-SCoV-2 (0.00%) received the complete COVID-19 vaccination. Among 35 participants with pulmonary TB, 22 were classified as TB/Prex-SCoV-2. The parameters associated with TB severity, together with hematologic and biochemical data were similar between the TB and TB/Prex-SCoV-2 groups. Among the signs and symptoms, fever and dyspnea were significantly more frequent in the TB group than the TB/Prex-SCoV-2 group (p < 0,05). A signature based on lower amount of plasma EGF, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-α2, IL-12(p70), IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-7, and TNF-β was observed in the TB/Prex-SCoV-2 group. In contrast, MIP-1β was significantly higher in the TB/Prex-SCoV-2 group than the TB group. TB patients previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 had an immunomodulation that was associated with lower plasma concentrations of soluble factors associated with systemic inflammation. This signature was associated with a lower frequency of symptoms such as fever and dyspnea but did not reflect significant differences in TB severity parameters observed at baseline.

Characterization analysis of particles emitted from aircraft using positive matrix factorization

In order to characterize particles emitted from aircraft, we analyzed the elemental composition information of particles collected from aircraft using positive matrix factorization (PMF). The factor profile and source contribution were deduced based on PMF analysis with five factors and 30 random starting points. Factor 1 contains particles derived from engine oil. Factor 2 contains particles originating from the friction between the runway surface and the tire. Factor 3 contains particles deposited on the runway surface, mainly composed of soil components. Factor 4 contains particles derived from the turbine blade. Factor 5 contains particles derived from plant combustion and particles scattered during landing. Engine reversers accounted for more than 85% of the element total value with factor 2, factor 4, and factor 5. The carbon disc brakes had different main factors depending on the sample. For the tire grooves, factor 2 and factor 3 accounted for the majority of the element total value. The PMF analysis revealed that the particles collected from aircraft contained elements with different modes of generation. In addition, it was found that particles derived from plant combustion, which are presumed to have little relevance to particles emitted from aircraft, were included in the particles collected from the engine reverser, carbon disc brakes, and tire grooves.

Data Measures Selection and Factor Profiling: An illustration of Data-Mining Screens

Context The selection of the data-measurement metric should be the initial decision in the current field of Data Analytics [DA]. We discussed with DA-students and -colleagues re: vetting of the Nature of the Data to be used in decision-making. Uniformly, they indicated that rarely are vetting-screening-tests used for the accrued-data to determine if the Nature of the Data is in sync with the expected veracity of the DA-inferential results. This reticence seems to create inferential-issues that may well compromise the acuity and relevance of the inferential-output of DAs. To address these inferential-issues, we have selected a typical DA-screening problématique. First, we will vet the Nature of the Data and then address the problématique. Additionally, we will assume that the problématique requires the cooperative tri-interaction of: The Chief Operating Officer, The Financial Analysis Group &amp; The Data Analytics Group. To illustrate these interactions, we suggest that Data Analytics Group is configured as “Internal Consultants” thus avoiding outsourcing elections. In this proposed Data Analytics Group-context, the Data Analytics Group elects to use a Factor Model [FM] as the Screening platform to “deconstruct” the Pearson Product Moment association profiles for the Data-Panels pursuant to addressing the problématique. Features: We will detail: (i) A Data-Panel Screening protocol, (ii) A Factor pedagogic illustration, (iii) The Carvalho-script re: electing the Geometric-data-context, and (iv) The demonstration of these cooperative tri-cooperative interactions using the Microsoft™, Inc. [MSFT] Data-Panel. The overall goal is to offer illustrations, the intention of which, is to assist the pedagogical needs for instructors, and to populate the panoply for researchers and practitioners with effective and efficient inferential tools. Results We found that the Geometric-context was likely for our sample of market-traded organizations. Thus, we used the ln-transformation for the Panel of Data for our sampled firms. Additionally, we used a Factor Model as the screening tool for addressing the selected the problématique. The Data Analytics Group was cast as an “InSource” as this seems to be current institutional configuration adopted by many MNCs.

Identification of possible sources for potentially toxic elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their spatially varying relationships in urban soils of Dublin, Ireland

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) harm the ecosystem and human health, especially in urban areas. Identifying and understanding their potential sources and underlying interactions in urban soils are critical for informed management and risk assessment. This study investigated the potential sources and the spatially varying relationships between 9 PTEs and PAHs in the topsoil of Dublin by combining positive matrix factorisation (PMF) and geographically weighted regression (GWR). The PMF model allocated four possible sources based on species concentrations and uncertainties. The factor profiles indicated the associations with high-temperature combustion (PAHs), natural lithologic factors (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni), mineralisation and mining (Zn), as well as anthropogenic inputs (Cu, Hg, Pb), respectively. In addition, selected representative elements Cr, Zn, and Pb showed distinct spatial interactions with PAHs in the GWR model. Negative relationships between PAHs and Cr were observed in all samples, suggesting the control of Cr concentrations by natural factors. Negative relationships between PAHs and Zn in the eastern and north-eastern regions were related to mineralisation and anthropogenic Zn–Pb mining. In contrast, the surrounding regions exhibited a natural relationship between these two variables with positive coefficients. Increasing positive coefficients from west to east were observed between PAHs and Pb in the study area. This special pattern was consistent with prevailing south-westerly wind direction in Dublin, highlighting the predominant influences on PAHs and Pb concentrations from vehicle and coal combustion through atmospheric deposition. Our results provided a better understanding of geochemical features for PTEs and PAHs in the topsoil of Dublin, demonstrating the efficiency of combined approaches of receptor models and spatial analysis in environmental studies.

Nighttime–daytime PM10 source apportionment and toxicity in a remoteness inland city of the Iberian Peninsula

The distribution of daytime and nighttime sources of PM10 collected from January to March 2021 at an urban background site in the city of Bragança, Portugal, was performed using positive matrix factorisation (PMF). Additional data of PM2.5, NOx and meteorological variables were collected to support the interpretations. A solution with 5 factor profiles was found: traffic (33%), dust (24%), biomass burning (21%), secondary inorganic aerosol (SIA) (12%) and sea salt (10%). Mean daytime and nighttime PM10 concentrations were 43.1 μg m−3 and 46.1 μg m−3, respectively. Nighttime concentrations were dominated by residential biomass combustion. Vehicle traffic and dust factors showed significantly greater contributions during the day (+12% and +4%, respectively), suggesting that exhaust and non-exhaust emissions and long-range transport are important contributors to daytime PM10 levels. In contrast, there were no significant differences between day and night for SIA and sea salt. Exceedances of the daily limit to PM10 (50 μg m−3) and PM2.5 (15 μg m−3) were observed in 22 (33%) and 27 (40%) days of the campaign, respectively, mostly associated with biomass burning for residential heating, but also with Saharan dust outbreaks. The application of the Aliivibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition assay for ecotoxicity assessment allowed classifying 70% of the samples as toxic, especially those from the nocturnal period, indicating that biomass burning is one of the main sources responsible for PM10 toxicity. Both the contributions from biomass burning estimated by the PMF and multiple tracers of this source showed statistically significant correlations with the toxicity units.

Differentially Expressed Transcription Factors during Male and Female Cone Development in Pinus halepensis

The molecular regulation of induction and development of reproductive organs is well established in angiosperms, while it is slowly accumulating in gymnosperms. Here, we conducted comparative transcriptomic profiles at different stages of male and female cone development in Pinus halepensis. Our aim was to reveal transcription factor encoding genes involved in reproductive induction and development. For accurate developmental stage identification, histological analysis preceded the molecular analysis. The flowering induction genes FT/TFL were expressed mainly at the late developmental stages of the male cone, suggesting involvement in vegetative bud dormancy instead of flowering induction. The male cone development was associated with the expression of the C-class PhMADS2, and the B-class genes PhDAL11 and PhDAL13, while the female cone development was associated with the expression of the C-class MADS1 and DAL14 genes. This study adds valuable knowledge to the profile of transcription factors and MADS-box genes regulating cone development in gymnosperms.

Predictors of Crosscutting Patterns of Psychological Health and Family Maltreatment.

Psychological problems and family maltreatment are significant public health problems. Although research focuses almost exclusively on either individual psychological problems or family maltreatment, there is substantial co-occurrence of these problems. Similarly, intervention services are often "siloed": individuals with mental health needs are referred for mental health services, individuals with family conflict are referred for family-based treatment, etc. These treatment "silos" may miss the larger picture of the co-occurrence of risk, promotion, and the problems themselves. In a previous paper, we used latent class analysis to identify subgroups of individuals with crosscutting patterns (i.e., classes) of psychological and family maltreatment problems. In this study, we explored the predictors of these latent classes. Participants consisted of two large population samples of U.S. Air Force active duty members (ns = 27,895 and 30,841) who were married or cohabiting and had one or more children living in their household. Participants completed an anonymous community assessment survey, which included questionnaire items tapping personal, family, and community problems and well-being. Assessments were conducted in 2008 and 2011. All study procedures were approved by the authors' Institutional Review Board. We used exploratory factor analysis and latent class analysis to (1) identify higher-order factors of risk and promotive variables and (2) examine them as predictors of our previously identified latent classes. Findings indicated that individuals who reported better physical well-being as well as personal and family coping, relationship satisfaction, and support were more likely to be in the lowest-risk subgroup. Notably, individuals in the subgroup most at risk for serious violence and suicide, evidencing disinhibitory psychopathology, endorsed lower risk and higher promotive factors than those individuals in other high-risk subgroups who fell along the internalizing/externalizing continuum. These findings reinforce the need for integrated prevention and treatment of psychological and family maltreatment problems. Not only do these problems often co-occur, but their risk and promotive factors also tend to be intertwined. The unique (i.e., not on the continuum of the other five classes) problem profile of participants evidencing disinhibitory psychopathology is matched by a unique risk/promotive factor profile, and they will thus likely require a unique intervention approach.

Molecular cloning and expression profiling of insulin-like growth factor 2 and IGF-binding protein 6 in Clarias magur (Hamilton 1822)

Growth is an important trait in aquaculture and the major genes that regulate it are Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs). In this study, the full-length coding sequences of IGF2 and IGFBP6 genes in the Indian catfish Clarias magur were cloned and characterized. The full-length cDNA sequences of IGF2 and IGFBP6 were 885 bp (ORF 642 bp) and 928 bp (ORF 600 bp), encoding 213 and 199 amino acids, respectively. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that the magur IGF2 and IGFBP6 proteins are hydrophilic and secretory in nature. Sequence alignment with other teleosts and mammalian orthologues shows conservation of the functional domains. Gene expression analysis in 6 individuals each of high (298 ± 5.0 g) and low (210 ± 6.0 g) growth performing families showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher expression (2.5–3 fold) of IGF2, and lower expression (∼2.5 fold) of IGFBP6 in liver and muscle of fast-growing fish. This study suggests that IGF2 could be playing a major role in the growth regulation of magur. These genes and their expression patterns could be developed into growth-associated markers for magur and other catfishes.

Abstract 3676: Race-specific methylation profiles and epigenetic age acceleration differentiates estrogen receptor status breast cancer

Abstract Breast cancer (BrCa) is the second most common cancer among women in the U.S.. Black women with BrCa, on average, have an earlier age of onset, more aggressive subtypes and experience higher mortality compared with White women. Although the underlying causes remain unknown, genetic and lifetime exposures are hypothesized. Here, we utilize blood-based whole-genome methylation arrays to: (1) discover CpG probes related to BrCa receptor status, (2) identify biological pathways driving BrCa subtype disparities, and (3) quantify epigenetic age acceleration differences by race and receptor status. DNA methylation levels were generated for 95 blood samples from women diagnosed with BrCa using the Illumina EPIC array. After quality control, M-values for 91 samples and 808,329 methylation probes were evaluated using a modified Student t-test. BrCa estrogen receptor (ER) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status were collected from health records. Stratified analyses by race adjusting for age were applied. We calculated the association of age acceleration, based on Horvath’s epigenetic clock, by race and receptor status. Statistical significance, corrected for multiple testing, was defined as a p-valueadj &amp;lt;0.05. Among the 91 BrCa samples, nearly half were Black women (40.7%) and the overall mean age at diagnosis was 56.5 years ±11.3. The majority of BrCa tumors were ER-, 60.4% (N=55), and HER2-, 76.9% (N=70). Overall, two methylation probes significantly differentiated ER+/- BrCa. The most significant methylated gene was FOXK2 (p-valueadj=0.03, logFC=0.63). The race-stratified analysis identified 188,398 probes for ER+/- and five probes for HER2+/- among White women as marginally significant (p&amp;lt;0.05). Two genes (FAM107B, PRKCZ) for ER+/- BrCa and four genes (ZNF430, TTC27, SEC1 and NOS1AP) for HER2+/- BrCa remained statistically significant after correcting for multiple comparisons (p-valueadj &amp;lt; 0.05; |logFC| &amp;gt;1). The mean age acceleration is estimated as 3.7 years greater for Black women compared to White women. Among White women, the mean age acceleration was 1.9 years greater for ER+ than ER- subtypes, and those HER2- were 2.2 years older than HER2+. Similarly, among Black women the mean age acceleration difference for ER- was 3.2 years greater than ER+, and HER2- was 3.8 years older than HER2+. Our study confirmed (e.g. FOXK2) and identified several novel methylation sites associated with BrCa subtypes. Furthermore, we demonstrated in our study that epigenetic age acceleration of BrCa varies by race, with Black women biologically aging faster than White women. Although this is a limited sample size, stratified analyses revealed biological age differences by race and receptor status. In-depth pathway analyses and measuring additional samples are underway. Lastly, differential methylation profiles for known risk factors of aggressive tumors will be evaluated. Citation Format: Yanning Wu, Cheryl L. Thompson, Fredrick R. Schumacher. Race-specific methylation profiles and epigenetic age acceleration differentiates estrogen receptor status breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 3676.

Abstract 2770: Microbiota, mutational landscape and tumor sidedness of colorrectal cancer

Abstract Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in the world, and it is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. New biomarker candidates have emerged as an important prognostic and predictive factor and genetic profile approach has been used in the choice of targeted therapies and in the prediction of drug response. The aim of this study was performed a comprehensive genomic profile and intestinal microbiota characterization in peruvian CRC patients to define biomarkers for decision making. Methods: Patients with CRC diagnosed in 2019 and treated at INEN were included. Tumor samples were collected to assessed the presence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Bar virus (EBV) by qPCR, microsatellite instability (MSI) by IHC and somatic genomic alterations by next generation sequencing (NGS) using Ampliseq FOCUS panel (Illumina). Fecal samples were self-collected to performed V3-V4 region 16S ribosomal RNA metagenomics sequencing (Illumina). Results: The study included 40 CRC patients with a mean age at diagnosis of 56 (28-90) years, 59.2% were men. Clinical stages were distributed, in I-II (16.5%), III (37.5%), IV (27.5%). The remaining 12.5% had an unknown tumor stage at diagnosis. The 62.5% of patients underwent tumor surgical treatment. Most tumors (85%) were adenocarcinoma NOS and moderately differentiated (65%). Tumor location was rectum (RC; 27.5%), right side colon (RCC; 42.5%) and left side colon (LCC; 30%). Chemotherapy was administered in 30%. The median follow-up period was 11.1 months (2-28). MSI was high (20%), low (10%) and stable (70%). HPV and EBV DNA was detected in 42.5% and 82.5% of CRC patients respectively. The prevalence of genomic alterations was 77.5%. KRAS alterations were found in 47.5% patients. BRAF (5%), NRAS (2.5%), PIK3CA (12.5%), APC (2.5%), and AKT1 (2.5%). All PIK3CA and BRAF variants were found in RCC. No variants were found in the NTRK or HER2 amplifications. Patients with BRAF variant had a median survival rate only 5 months (3-7). MSI-high/low was present only in colon, showing dominance on the RCC (66.7%). Verrucomicrobia, Staphylococcus, Peptostreptococcus and Clostridium were present in both RCC and LCC. Clostridium and Peptostreptococcus were highly enriched in the LCC. Campylobacter and Spirochaeta were found only in the LCC. Surprisingly, Fusobacterium was found in RCC except one patient in LCC. Bifidobacterium and Acinetobacter were present only in LCC and RC. Elusimicrobia, Shigella and WPS-2 were found only in RC. Conclusion: The current pressure to select the best treatment has generated intense interest in the evaluation of CRC molecular alterations characteristic to define prognostic and predictive biomarkers of disease and treatment in our population. This study constitutes the first integrative biomarkers research in peruvian CRC patients showing a diferent molecular signatures between RCC, LCC and RC patients. Citation Format: Bruno A. Muñante Luna, Jhoysi Casas Goñas, Manuel Chumpitaz, Juan Pablo Cerapio, Marcos Santos Chavez, Mariela Huerta-Rosario, Franco Doimi Garcia, Juan F. Olivos Gonzales, Claudia Jiménez Orosco, Daniel Valdivia Leonardo, Luis F. Barreda Bolaños, Silvia Neciosup Delgado, Victor Castro Oliden, Paola Montenegro Beltran, Luis Mas Lopez, Eduardo Payet Meza, Carolina Belmar-López. Microbiota, mutational landscape and tumor sidedness of colorrectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 2770.

Intention to Transfer and Transfer Following eLearning in Spain

Understanding vocational learning and transfer is vital to European citizens. We need to understand how transfer works, which factors influence it, and how these factors affect employee behaviour. Research in online training specific to Southern Europe is needed to move the field forward. The Unified Model of Motivation for Training Transfer (MTT) was proposed to understand behaviour change after training. It conceives three phases: (1) forming transfer intentions, (2) actualizing implementation intentions for transfer, and (3) strengthening transfer commitment. We analysed initial transfer intention and transfer following online training in three Spanish organisations. We used an ex post facto prospective design with one group (n = 204). We applied the online version of the Initial Transfer Intention questionnaire (ITI) three days before the training, and the Transfer Questionnaire (TrQ) three to four months after the training. Training consisted of 22 online courses offered by the three participating organisations. A cluster analysis and post hoc analysis were performed. We identified three groups (k = 3), indicating that there were significant differences in the means between employees with low and high intention to transfer. Results showed a greater difference in the factor profile between participants with LowPT and HighPT. We identified common characteristics among people with low levels of transfer; this information can help understand what type of employee will transfer less and provide cues on how to prevent this from happening in future training activities. Limitations and recommendations for research and practice are discussed.

Immunologic Biomarkers in Peripheral Blood of Persons With Tuberculosis and Advanced HIV.

IntroductionTuberculosis (TB) is a common opportunistic infection among people living with HIV. Diagnostic tests such as culture, Xpert-MTB-RIF, and ULTRA have low sensitivity in paucibacillary TB disease; a blood biomarker could improve TB diagnostic capabilities. We assessed soluble factors to identify biomarkers associated with TB among persons with advanced HIV.MethodsA case-control (1:1) study was conducted, with participants from Rio de Janeiro and Manaus, Brazil. People living with HIV presenting with CD4 count ≤100 cells/mm3 were eligible to participate. Cases had culture-confirmed TB (N=15) (positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis [Mtb]); controls had HIV-infection only (N=15). Study visits included baseline, month 2 and end of TB therapy, during which samples of peripheral blood were obtained. A panel containing 29 biomarkers including cytokines, chemokines and growth factors was utilized to assess candidate biomarkers using Luminex technology in cryopreserved EDTA plasma samples. We used neural network analysis, based on machine learning, to identify biomarkers (single or in combination) that best distinguished cases from controls. Additional multi-dimensional analyses provided detailed profiling of the systemic inflammatory environment in cases and controls.ResultsMedian CD4 count and HIV-1 RNA load values were similar between groups at all timepoints. Persons with TB had lower body mass index (BMI) (median=19.6, Interquartile Range [IQR]=18.6-22.3) than controls (23.7; IQR: 21.8 = 25.5, p=0.004). TB coinfection was also associated with increased frequency of other comorbidities. The overall profile of plasma cytokines, chemokines and growth factors were distinct between the study groups at all timepoints. Plasma concentrations of IL-15 and IL-10 were on average lower in TB cases than in controls. When used in combination, such markers were able to discriminate between TB cases and controls with the highest degree of accuracy at each study timepoint.ConclusionAmong persons with advanced HIV, plasma concentrations of IL-15 and IL-10 can be used in combination to identify TB disease regardless of time on anti-TB treatment.

Transcriptome Profiling Provides New Insights into the Molecular Mechanism Underlying the Sensitivity of Cotton Varieties to Mepiquat Chloride.

Mepiquat chloride (MC) is a plant growth regulator widely used in cotton production to control vegetative overgrowth of cotton plants to achieve ideal plant architecture required for high yielding. Cotton varieties respond differently to MC application, but there is little information about the molecular mechanisms underlying the varietal difference. In this study, comparative transcriptome analysis was conducted by using two Upland cotton varieties with different sensitivity (XLZ74, insensitive; SD1068, sensitive) to MC treatment, aiming to understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for varietal difference of MC sensitivity. RNA-seq data were generated from the two varieties treated with MC or water at three time points, 1, 3 and 6 days post-spray (dps). Genes differentially expressed between the MC and mock treatments of XLZ74 (6252) and SD1068 (6163) were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses to compare the enriched GO terms and KEGG pathways between the two varieties. Signal transduction of phytohormones, biosynthesis of gibberellins (GAs) and brassinosteroids (BRs) and profiles of transcription factors (TFs) seemed to be differentially affected by MC in the two varieties. The transcriptomic results were further consolidated with the content changes of phytohormones in young stem. Several GA catabolic genes, GA2ox, were highly induced by MC in both varieties especially in SD1068, consistent with a more significant decrease in GA4 in SD1068. Several AUX/IAA and SAUR genes and CKX genes were induced by MC in both varieties, but with a more profound effect observed in SD1068 that showed a significant reduction in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and a significant increase in cytokinin (CTK) at 6 days post-spray (dps). BR biosynthesis-related genes were downregulated in SD1068, but not in XLZ74. Additionally, more downregulated TFs were observed in MC-treated SD1068 than in MC-treated XLZ74, and the two varieties had very different profiles of genes involved in starch and sucrose metabolism, with those of SD1068 and XLZ74 being downregulated and upregulated by MC treatment, respectively. Together, these results indicate that although the same or similar biological pathways are affected by MC treatment in cotton varieties showing different MC sensitivity, the extent of effect is variable, leading to their different phenotypic outcomes. How the quantitative effect of MC on the biological processes associated with growth retardation is regulated is still an open question.

Profiles of substance use related protective and risk factors and their associations with alcohol and tobacco use initiation among black adolescents

Insufficient attention to protective and risk factors of particular salience for Black youth (e.g., racial identity and racial discrimination) in population-based substance use studies has left gaps in our understanding of alcohol and tobacco use development in Black adolescents. The current study aimed to capture the clustering of such understudied factors and their collective influence on alcohol and tobacco use initiation among Black adolescents. Data were drawn from The National Survey of American Life (n = 1,170; age range = 13-17; 6.9% Afro Caribbean, 93.1% African American; 50.0% female). Latent profile analysis applied to 11 indicators representing family, community, and individual level protective and risk factors revealed (1) High Vulnerability (high risk, low protective factors; 17.5%), (2) Moderate Vulnerability (moderate on both; 63.2%), and (3) Low Vulnerability (high protective, low risk factors; 19.3%) classes. Classes differed significantly by religious community support, school bonding, quality of relationship with mother, religious involvement, and interpersonal trauma. Relative to Class 2, Class 1 had higher odds of alcohol (OR = 1.518, CI:1.092-2.109) and tobacco use (OR = 1.998, CI:1.401-2.848); Class 3 had lower odds of alcohol (OR = 0.659, CI:0.449-0.968) but not tobacco use (OR = 0.965, CI:0.611-1.523). Findings suggest that alcohol and tobacco use initiation among Black adolescents is shaped by the collective influence of community and family level support, with commonly experienced risk factors such as non-interpersonal trauma distinguishing liability to a lesser degree. The equally modest prevalence of tobacco use among low and moderate vulnerability classes further indicates that fostering these connections may be especially effective in reducing tobacco use risk.

Value of estimated pulse wave velocity to identify left ventricular hypertrophy prevalence: insights from a general population

BackgroundAortic stiffness shares a similar profile of risk factors with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and can also lead to LVH by itself. Published data have demonstrated the correlation between aortic stiffness and LVH. Recent data have revealed estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) to be a simple and cost-effective marker of the severity of aortic stiffness. Our analysis aimed to explore the association between ePWV and LVH prevalence, and to investigate the incremental value of ePWV for the identification of LVH prevalence.MethodsThe present analysis based on a cross-sectional survey which included 11,597 participants from rural areas of southeastern China between Sep 2020 and Feb 2021. ePWV was formulated based on mean blood pressure and age according to a published algorithm.ResultsThe prevalence of LVH was 14.56%. With the adjustment of age, sex, education, income and physical activity level, current drinking and smoking status, BMI, waist circumference, serum creatinine, total cholesterol, high density cholesterol, mean blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, anti-hypertensive therapy, anti-diabetic therapy, lipid-lowering therapy, and cardiovascular disease history, every standard deviation increment of ePWV associated with a 2.993 times risk of LVH prevalence. When dividing ePWV into quartiles, the top quartile had a 4.520 times risk of LVH prevalence when compared with the bottom quartile. Furthermore, smooth spline analysis displayed that the association was linear in the whole range of ePWV (p for non-linearity = 0.073). Additionally, subgroup analysis revealed the association was robust to sex, obesity and diabetes, and younger people and hypertensive population were more vulnerable to the increase of ePWV than their corresponding counterparts. Finally, ROC analysis showed a significant advancement when introducing ePWV into established risk factors (0.787 vs. 0.810, p for comparison < 0.001), and reclassification analysis also confirmed significant improvement from ePWV to identify LVH prevalence (category-free net reclassification analysis = 0.421, p < 0.001; integrated discrimination index = 0.023, p < 0.001).ConclusionOur analysis demonstrated a linear association between ePWV and LVH prevalence. Furthermore, our results suggest younger people and hypertensive population are more likely to have LVH prevalence with the increase of ePWV. More importantly, our findings implicate the incremental value of ePWV to optimize the identification of LVH prevalence in a general Chinese population.

Thyroid and endostyle development in cyclostomes provides new insights into the evolutionary history of vertebrates

BackgroundThe endostyle is an epithelial exocrine gland found in non-vertebrate chordates (amphioxi and tunicates) and the larvae of modern lampreys. It is generally considered to be an evolutionary precursor of the thyroid gland of vertebrates. Transformation of the endostyle into the thyroid gland during the metamorphosis of lampreys is thus deemed to be a recapitulation of a past event in vertebrate evolution. In 1906, Stockard reported that the thyroid gland in hagfish, the sister cyclostome group of lampreys, develops through an endostyle-like primordium, strongly supporting the plesiomorphy of the lamprey endostyle. However, the findings in hagfish thyroid development were solely based on this single study, and these have not been confirmed by modern molecular, genetic, and morphological data pertaining to hagfish thyroid development over the last century.ResultsHere, we showed that the thyroid gland of hagfish undergoes direct development from the ventrorostral pharyngeal endoderm, where the previously described endostyle-like primordium was not found. The developmental pattern of the hagfish thyroid, including histological features and regulatory gene expression profiles, closely resembles that found in modern jawed vertebrates (gnathostomes). Meanwhile, as opposed to gnathostomes but similar to non-vertebrate chordates, lamprey and hagfish share a broad expression domain of Nkx2-1/2-4, a key regulatory gene, in the pharyngeal epithelium during early developmental stages.ConclusionsBased on the direct development of the thyroid gland both in hagfish and gnathostomes, and the shared expression profile of thyroid-related transcription factors in the cyclostomes, we challenge the plesiomorphic status of the lamprey endostyle and propose an alternative hypothesis where the lamprey endostyle could be obtained secondarily in crown lampreys.

National survey of mental health and suicidal thoughts in people with spinal cord injury.

Retrospective cross-sectional epidemiological study. Previous studies have quantified longitudinal psychological morbidity in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) relative to uninjured individuals. However, there is limited information regarding how lifestyle and socioeconomic factors are associated with mental health conditions in individuals with SCI. This study aims to quantify and compare mental health and suicidal thoughts in people with and without SCI, and examine the associations between mental health, suicidal thoughts, sex, age, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors. Canada. The 2010 Canadian Community Health Survey (n > 40,000) was used, which includes several measures assessing mental health and suicidal thoughts. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed and odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of covariates on reported effect sizes. People with SCI had higher odds of having mood (3.6) and anxiety disorders (2.5), suicidal thoughts (2.3), self-perceived stress (1.9), and depression (4.4); in addition to lower odds of having good self-perceived mental health (0.24) and satisfaction with life (0.25). These differences persisted after adjusting for age, sex, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors. Lower household income, fruit and vegetable consumption, and physical activity levels, and increased smoking use were associated with poorer mental health in individuals with SCI. Mental health is poorer in those with SCI when compared with the general population. Those with SCI exhibit a unique profile of lifestyle and socioeconomic factors that are associated with poorer mental health and increased suicidal thoughts.

Evolution, characterization, and expression profile of Egl-9 family hypoxia-inducible factor (egln) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) under hypoxia stress

Egl-9 family hypoxia-inducible factor (egln), an oxygen-sensing enzyme family, has been thoroughly characterized in mammals and certain fishes, but there is few research on its involvement in reproductive development and hypoxic stress in rainbow trout. In this study, we investigated the gene structure, physicochemical properties, and evolutionary connection of the egln gene family. The expression profile of egln gene family and their regulatory mechanism were explored using bioinformatics analysis and hypoxia treatment experiments. Five egln genes were discovered in the rainbow trout genome in this investigation (egln1, egln2a, egln2b, egln3a, and egln3b). Domain prediction revealed that all egln proteins have p4hc conserved domains, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that rainbow trout egln2 and egln3 were closely related to Atlantic salmon. The results of real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) showed that egln genes were generally expressed in all detected tissues, and higher in the ovary, testis, and brain in normoxia. Under hypoxia, the expression level of eglns was significantly down-regulated in most tissues except the liver. Our research contributes to future research on the functional properties of egln genes, as well as the evolution of teleosts and the impact of hypoxia on biological immunity.

Abstract MP02: Association Of Socioeconomic Status With Stroke In Non-elderly Adults

Background: Stroke is increasing among the non-elderly adults (&lt;65 years of age) in the United States (US). We investigated the combined effects of socioeconomic status (SES), race/ethnicity, and traditional risk factors on stroke in this population. Methods: Using the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) database from 2012 to 2018, we examined the association of traditional risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, obesity, and insufficient physical activity), sociodemographic, cardiovascular risk factor (CRF) profile (CRF range: Optimal (0-1 cardiovascular risk factors) to Poor (≥ 4 cardiovascular risk factors)), family income (high to low based on income as percentage of poverty limit), and educational attainment (categorized as some college degree or higher vs high school (HS) degree/GED or less) with stroke in the young (18-44 years) and middle-aged (45-64 years) adults. Results: Among 168,862 non-elderly adults (55% in young adults) included in this study, the prevalence of stroke was 1.83% among the non-elderly which translates to roughly 3.1 million adults. Of these, 598 and 2,509 were young- and middle-aged adults, translating to 624,000 and 2.5 million US adults, respectively. Adults with low family income, lesser education, and who were black were more likely to have stroke. The majority of young adults without stroke had an optimal CRF profile (65%) with only 3.5% having a poor profile. In contrast, 17.7% of middle-aged adults had a poor CRF profile. Lower income status coupled with a poor CRF profile increased the odds of stroke in both young (adjusted [a]OR: 3.12 [2.12-4.59]) and middle-aged (aOR: 2.31 [1.97-2.72]) adults when compared to those with average or optimal CRF profiles. Conclusions: This national survey of non-elderly US adults showed that poor CRF profiles led to higher odds of stroke compared to optimal profiles. Additionally, low income and education, factors contributing to SES, and race/ethnicity contributed to worsening stroke odds.

Comprehensive analysis of expression profile and prognostic significance of interferon regulatory factors in pancreatic cancer

BackgroundPancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly lethal disease and an increasing cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) play vital roles in immune response and tumor cellular biological processes. However, the specific functions of IRFs in PC and tumor immune response are far from systematically clarified. This study aimed to explorer the expression profile, prognostic significance, and biological function of IRFs in PC.ResultsWe observed that the levels of IRF2, 6, 7, 8, and 9 were elevated in tumor compared to normal tissues in PC. IRF7 expression was significantly associated with patients’ pathology stage in PC. PC patients with high IRF2, low IRF3, and high IRF6 levels had significantly poorer overall survival. High mRNA expression, amplification and, deep deletion were the three most common types of genetic alterations of IRFs in PC. Low expression of IRF2, 4, 5, and 8 was resistant to most of the drugs or small molecules from Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer. Moreover, IRFs were positively correlated with the abundance of tumor infiltrating immune cells in PC, including B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, Neutrophil, and Dendritic cells. Functional analysis indicated that IRFs were involved in T cell receptor signaling pathway, immune response, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway.ConclusionsOur results indicated that certain IRFs could serve as potential therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for PC patients. Further basic and clinical studies are needed to validate our findings and generalize the clinical application of IRFs in PC.