Occurrence Of Disease Research Articles

Abstract B012: Prioritization of ancestry-specific variations in disease data helps to alleviate bias in genomic data

Abstract 95% of sequencing data is from individuals of European descent. Underrepresentation of non- European individuals in genomic resources has limited our understanding of the effects of population-specific variants on complex traits and disease. Human populations have undergone selection for variants beneficial to survival in their environment, resulting in individuals with genetic variants unique to their ancestral populations. While these variants can impact disease occurrence and treatment outcome, genetic ancestry is often unaccounted for in disease modeling. Lack of ancestral population representation in data has led to disparate disease outcomes and treatment. While the primary proposed solution to this problem is more diverse sequencing of patients, these efforts will take years of effort and continual work to maintain the diversity balance. Additionally, they will not solve the issue; clinical trials cannot expect to capture human global diversity at every stage. Here we show we can mitigate data bias by utilizing readily available genomic population databases to target genes with ancestrally relevant variations. Our AI model, PhyloFrame, creates equitable gene signatures from transcriptomic input data. PhyloFrame corrects for ancestral bias in data by utilizing genomic population databases and functional interaction networks to identify genes both relevant to disease and associated with a variant unique to a single ancestry. PhyloFrame uses gnomAD data to quantify genome-wide ancestry-specific allele frequencies from a large cohort of healthy individuals, which PhyloFrame uses to create ancestry-agnostic signatures when modeling disease data. Our model demonstrates the utility of including readily available population-level data from healthy individuals in AI methods to overcome existing genomic data bias. PhyloFrame serves also as a demonstration of how equitable AI methods create gene signatures applicable across ancestries without requiring sample-specific ancestry information. Our model demonstrates how AI can be used to help mitigate ancestral bias in genomic data using preexisting data and contribute to equitable representation in medical research. Citation Format: Leslie A. Smith, Kiley Graim, James A. Cahill. Prioritization of ancestry-specific variations in disease data helps to alleviate bias in genomic data [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B012.

The regulatory effect and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine on the renal inflammatory signal transduction pathways in diabetic kidney disease: A review.

Inflammatory injury is a critical factor in the occurrence and development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Signal transduction pathways such as the nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), NOD-like receptor protein 3, and Smads are important mechanisms of inflammatory kidney injury in DKD, and the NF-κB pathway plays a key role. The inflammatory factor network formed after activation of the NF-κB pathway connects different signaling pathways and exacerbates renal inflammatory damage. Many traditional Chinese medicine compounds, single agents, effective components and active ingredients can regulate the expression of key molecules in the signaling pathways associated with inflammatory injury, such as transforming growth factor-β activated kinase 1, NF-κB, p38MAPK, NOD-like receptor protein 3, and Smad7. These treatments have the characteristics of multiple targets and have multiple and overlapping effects, which can treat DKD kidney inflammation and injury through multiple mechanisms and apply the "holistic concept" of traditional Chinese medicine.

Molecular characterization, genetic divergence, expression of encapsidiation and synergism by a bipartite begomovirus; Tomato leaf curl Palampur virus (ToLCPMV) infecting bitter gourd (Momordica charantia)

The Tomato leaf curl Palampur virus (ToLCPMV) is a bipartite begomovirus that poses a substantial risk to agriculture by infecting a variety of crops, including cucurbitaceous group. This study examines the manifestation of encapsidation and synergism by ToLCPMV in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) and focuses on its epidemiological approaches and implications of managing this virus in tomatoes growing areas. Through the utilization of molecular and biological techniques, we have successfully ascertained the epidemiology of this highly destructive virus, highlighting the vital roles played by its two genetic components. An analysis was conducted to identify the mechanism by which the virus clusters its DNA into virions, known as the encapsidation process. Additionally, the impact of synergism with other viral or environmental factors over the degree of infection was examined. The evolutionary rate differences among sites were modeled deploying a discrete Gamma distribution with 5 categories and a [+G] parameter. The results of this study provide important and unique information about synergism, encapsidiation and host-virus interactions. Sequencing study revealed that the bipartite ToLCPMV is linked to the occurrence of leaf curl disease in bitter gourd. The DNA-A and DNA-B of the ToLCPMV isolates infecting bitter gourd (SP1-4) showed 89 %, 93 %, 95 %, and 98 % similarity respectively. Mean evolutionary rates in these categories were 0.19, 0.47, 0.79, 1.24, 2.31 substitutions per site. Unexpectedly, the DNA-A sequences of ToLCPMV that infect this particular host seemed to be an amalgamation of sequences that are closely associated with tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV). Additionally, reiterate cropping of tomatoes with vegetables expanded the virus's host geographic region. This understanding will create some specific ways to regulate the dissemination of ToLCPMV and minimize its adverse impacts in tomato growing regions. Through the implementation of these strategies, the ability of crops to withstand and recover from adverse conditions can be enhanced, so encouraging the adoption of sustainable farming practices in affected regions.

Rice Varieties Intercropping Induced Soil Metabolic and Microbial Recruiting to Enhance the Rice Blast (Magnaporthe Oryzae) Resistance.

[Background] Intercropping is considered an effective approach to defending rice disease. [Objectives/Methods] This study aimed to explore the resistance mechanism of rice intraspecific intercropping by investigating soil metabolites and their regulation on the rhizosphere soil microbial community using metabolomic and microbiome analyses. [Results] The results showed that the panicle blast disease occurrence of the resistant variety Shanyou63 (SY63) and the susceptible variety Huangkenuo (HKN) were both decreased in the intercropping compared to monoculture. Notably, HKN in the intercropping system exhibited significantly decreased disease incidence and increased disease resistance-related enzyme protease activity. KEGG annotation from soil metabolomics analysis revealed that phenylalanine metabolic pathway, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis pathway, and fructose and mannose metabolic pathway were the key pathways related to rice disease resistance. Soil microbiome analysis indicated that the bacterial genera Nocardioides, Marmoricola, Luedemannella, and Desulfomonile were significantly enriched in HKN after intercropping, while SY63 experienced a substantial accumulation of Ruminiclostridium and Cellulomonas. Omics-based correlation analysis highlighted that the community assembly of Cellulomonas and Desulfomonile significantly affected the content of the metabolites D-sorbitol, D-mannitol, quinic acid, which further proved that quinic acid had a significantly inhibitory effect on the mycelium growth of Magnaporthe oryzae, and these three metabolites had a significant blast control effect. The optimal rice blast-control efficiency on HKN was 51.72%, and Lijiangxintuanheigu (LTH) was 64.57%. [Conclusions] These findings provide a theoretical basis for rice varieties intercropping and sustainable rice production, emphasizing the novelty of the study in elucidating the underlying mechanisms of intercropping-mediated disease resistance.

The Impact of Electronic Device Use on Dry Eye Disease Symptoms based on Age and Gender: A Cross-sectional Study in Health Science University Students

Background Individuals with dry eye disease (DED) may experience ocular symptoms, affecting their quality of life. DED is multifactorial and is related to age, gender, and other factors. While a study may contain examination results of DED symptoms in elderly populations, where electronic device use has contributed to DED, disease occurrence in younger populations, such as university students, remains unclear. Purpose We evaluated DED frequency and risk factors for health science university students using electronic devices during online courses. Methods This study is a cross-sectional study using a previously validated DED questionnaire [Computer Vision Syndrome questionnaire (CVSQ)], which contains three parts: student demographics, electronic device information, and DED symptoms. We conducted an observational cross-sectional study of 359 health science students (aged 18 and above) at King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between October 2022 and January 2023. We collected data on electronic device variables and DED symptoms in this cohort. Results We recruited 359 male (29.2%) and female (70.8%) health science students. Participant ages ranged from 18–20 (62.4%) to 21–27 (37.6%) years old. Participants were asked 24 questions, which gathered information on electronic device type, screen time in online classes, occupational characteristics (smoking status), and associated eye symptoms, such as pain, redness, itchiness, dryness, and heavy eyelids. Based on most responses, the Tablet was the most used and preferred device (85%), with continuous use of the device during university courses/ activities (85.8%). The correlation of the survey parameters was only significantly related to gender and study years with DED symptoms. The highest eye symptom intensity levels (always to severe) indicated burning (6.7%) and dryness (8.6%) sensations. Lastly, a significant association was identified between DED symptoms and screen time, gender, and smoking status. Conclusion DED symptoms were commonly reported in university students who used electronic devices. Our study provides valuable insights into electronic device usage duration impacted the ocular health of females and younger students, aiding in preventing dry eye disease risks and maintaining good eye health.

The application and clinical translation of the self-evolving machine learning methods in predicting diabetic retinopathy and visualizing clinical transformation.

This study aims to analyze the application and clinical translation value of the self-evolving machine learning methods in predicting diabetic retinopathy and visualizing clinical outcomes. A retrospective study was conducted on 300 diabetic patients admitted to our hospital between January 2022 and October 2023. The patients were divided into a diabetic retinopathy group (n=150) and a non-diabetic retinopathy group (n=150). The improved Beetle Antennae Search (IBAS) was used for hyperparameter optimization in machine learning, and a self-evolving machine learning model based on XGBoost was developed. Value analysis was performed on the predictive features for diabetic retinopathy selected through multifactor logistic regression analysis, followed by the construction of a visualization system to calculate the risk of diabetic retinopathy occurrence. Multifactor logistic regression analysis revealed that being male, having a longer disease duration, higher systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio were risk factors for the development of diabetic retinopathy, while non-pharmacological treatment was a protective factor. The self-evolving machine learning model demonstrated significant performance advantages in early diagnosis and prediction of diabetic retinopathy occurrence. The application of the self-evolving machine learning models can assist in identifying features associated with diabetic retinopathy in clinical settings, enabling early prediction of disease occurrence and aiding in the formulation of treatment plans to improve patient prognosis.

The increased tendency for anemia in traditional Chinese medicine deficient body constitution is associated with the gut microbiome.

Constitution is a valuable part of traditional Chinese medicine theory; it is defined as the internal foundation for the occurrence, development, transformation and outcome of diseases, and has its characteristic gut microbiota. Previous study showed that deficiency constitution was related to lower Hb counts. However, no research has examined how alterations in the gut microbiome induced by deficiency constitution may increase the tendency for anemia. We used a multiomics strategy to identify and quantify taxonomies and compounds found under deficient constitution individuals and further explore the possible pathological factors that affect red blood cell indices. ① People with deficient constitution showed lower hemoglobin (Hb), more Firmicutes, less Bacteroidetes, and higher α diversity. ② We identified Escherichia coli, Clostridium bolteae, Ruminococcus gnavus, Streptococcus parasanguinis and Flavonifractor plautii as potential biomarkers of deficient constitution. ③ Slackia piriformis, Clostridium_sp_L2_50 and Bacteroides plebeius were enriched in balanced-constitution individuals, and Parabacteroides goldsteinii was the key bacterial marker of balanced constitution. ④ Flavonifractor plautii may be a protective factor against the tendency for anemia among deficient individuals. ⑤ Ruminococcus gnavus may be the shared microbe base of deficiency constitution-related the tendency for anemia. ⑥ The microorganism abundance of the anaerobic phenotype was lower in deficient constitution group. ⑦ Alterations in the microbiome of deficient-constitution individuals were associated with worse health status and a greater risk of anemia, involving intestinal barrier function, metabolism and immune responses, regulated by short-chain fatty acids and bile acid production. The composition of the gut microbiome was altered in people with deficient constitution, which may explain their poor health status and tendency toward anemia.

Chronic stress induces insulin resistance and enhances cognitive impairment in AD

BackgroundChronic stress can induce the cognitive impairment, and even promote the occurrence and development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Evidence has suggested that chronic stress impacts on glucose metabolism, and both of these have been implicated in AD. Here we focused on the effect of insulin resistance in glucose metabolism, and further evaluated the changes in cognition and pathology. MethodsMale 9-month-old wild-type and APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups. Mice in the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) groups were exposed for 4 weeks. Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA) was utilized to evaluate insulin sensitivity. A total of eighty-four genes related to the insulin signaling pathway were examined for rapid screening. Additionally, the phosphorylated protein expressions of insulin receptors (IR), IR substrate 1 (IRS1), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and amyloid were detected in the hippocampus. Cognitive function was assessed through ethological methods. Cognitive function was assessed using both the Morris water maze (MWM) and the Passive avoidance test (PAT). ResultsFour weeks of CUMS exposure significantly increased the HOMA value, indicating reduced insulin sensitivity. The gene expressions of Insr and Lipe were downregulated. Additionally, the analysis revealed a significant interaction between the genotype (wild-type vs. APP/PS1) and CUMS treatment on the phosphorylated protein expressions of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1). Specifically, CUMS exposure increased the inhibitory phosphorylation site (IRS1-pSer636) and decreased the excitatory phosphorylation site (IRS1-pTyr465) in the post-insulin receptor signaling pathway within the hippocampus of both wild-type and APP/PS1 mice. Moreover, CUMS exposure induced and exacerbated cognitive impairments in both wild-type and APP/PS1 mice, as assessed by the Morris water maze (MWM) and Passive avoidance test (PAT). However, there was no significant effect of CUMS on senile plaque deposition or levels of Aβ42 and Aβ40 in wild-type mice. ConclusionsChronic stress significantly affects hippocampal cognitive function through insulin resistance and exacerbates AD pathology. This study reveals the complex relationship between chronic stress, insulin resistance, and AD, providing new insights for developing interventions targeting chronic stress and insulin resistance.

Use of belimumab in treating patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a single-center, real-world retrospective study

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of belimumab in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a real-world setting and provide a valuable reference for clinical treatment.MethodsIn this retrospective study, 101 patients with SLE who came to our hospital from March 2020 to September 2022, 56 of whom with lupus nephritis (LN), were selected. All patients received belimumab in combination with standard of care(SoC)therapy regimen for more than 52 weeks and their clinical/laboratory data, assessment of disease activity, glucocorticoids dosage and occurrence of adverse events were recorded. Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) and DORIS remission as a primary goal in the treatment of SLE. The groups were classified according to the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2 K): SLEDAI-2 K < 6 was categorized as the mild group (mild activity) and SLEDAI-2 K ≥ 6 was categorized as the active group (moderate-severe activity). The disease of the two groups mentioned above were assessed using the SELENA-SLEDAI Flare Index (SFI) and the SLE Responder Index-4 (SRI-4), respectively. Furthermore, we used complete remission (CR) and partial remission (PR) in the kidney as the standard for efficacy evaluation for LN patients.ResultsAfter 52 weeks of treatment with belimumab, patients’ complement levels increased significantly (p < 0.05); Other indicators such as 24-hour urine protein quantification and daily glucocorticoids dose decreased compared to pretreatment (p < 0.05). At 52 weeks, (i) after evaluation, the whole group of patients showed significant improvement in their condition; (ii) 55.4% of patients achieved LLDAS and 23.8% achieved DORIS remission; (iii) 73.2% of patients with LN achieved CR, 16.1% achieved PR. Adverse reactions were observed in 15 patients (14.9%), all of which normalized after symptomatic treatment.ConclusionsIn general, during treatment with belimumab, immunological and biochemical indices improved in SLE patients, urinary protein levels were reduced in LN patients, and the rate of renal function remission was effectively increased; At the same time, the use of belimumab is associated with a low frequency of side effects, good overall tolerability and a favorable safety profile.

Clonostachys rosea, a Pathogen of Brown Rot in Gastrodia elata in China.

Gastrodia elata, commonly known as Tian Ma, is a perennial mycoheterotrophic orchid. Qianyang Tian Ma (QTM), a geographical indication agricultural product from Hongjiang City, Hunan Province, China, is primarily characterized by the red variety, G. elata f. elata. A severe outbreak of tuber brown rot disease was documented in QTM during the harvesting season in Hunan. The fungal pathogen associated with the disease was isolated on potato saccharose agar (PSA) and identified through morphological and phylogenetic analyses. Pathogenicity tests were performed on healthy tubers of G. elata f. elata. The results showed that the representative isolate, named TMB, produced white hyphal colonies with a ring structure, broom-like phialides, partially curved ellipsoidal conidia, and orange-yellow spherical ascocarps on PSA. Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS, LSU, rpb2 and tub2 sequences using Bayesian and maximum-likelihood methods identified the isolate TMB as Clonostachys rosea, based on morphological and phylogenetic data. Pathogenicity tests revealed typical disease symptoms on healthy G. elata tubers 15 days post-inoculation with the isolate TMB. C. rosea is known to cause diseases in economically important crops, but there are no reports of its occurrence on G. elata f. elata in China. This study provides valuable insights into the occurrence, prevention, and control of brown rot disease in G. elata f. elata.

ETS Transcription Factors in Immune Cells and Immune-Related Diseases.

The development, differentiation, and function of immune cells are precisely regulated by transcription factors. The E26 transformation-specific (ETS) transcription factor family is involved in various physiological and pathological processes by regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Emerging evidence has suggested that ETS family proteins are intimately involved in the development and function of immune cells. This review summarizes the role of the ETS family in immune cells and immune-related disorders. Seven transcription factors within the ETS family, including PU.1, ETV5, ETV6, ETS1/2, ELK3, and ELF1, play essential roles in the development and function of T cells, B cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. Furthermore, they are involved in the occurrence and development of immune-related diseases, including tumors, allergies, autoimmune diseases, and arteriosclerosis. This review is conducive to a comprehensive overview of the role of the ETS family in immune cells, and thus is informative for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting the ETS family for immune-related diseases.

Evaluation of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Symptomatic Young Infants Using Multichannel Intraluminal pH-Impedance Testing: A large Cohort Study from a Single Center.

This study aimed to assess the use of combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH studies (MII-pH) in a large group of symptomatic young infants, to characterize the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and to establish temporal association of the reflux behaviors with gastroesophageal reflux using symptom indices. This is a retrospective cohort study on 181 infants who underwent MII-pH studies for clinical behaviors that were suggestive of GERD. Symptom index (SI) and symptom association probability (SAP) were used to establish symptom association with reflux. More than 100 GER episodes in 24 hours or acid reflux index > 10% was considered pathological reflux. A total of 181 infants (median age: 60 days, interquartile range [IQR]: 34-108) underwent MII-pH studies with median study duration of 22.41 hours (IQR: 21.5-23.32). A total of 4,070 hours of data were analyzed, with 8,480 reflux events (2,996 [35%] acidic, 5,484 [65%] nonacidic). A total of 2,541 symptoms were noted, 894 (35%) were temporally related to reflux events. A total of 113 infants (62.4%) had positive symptom association with SI > 50% and/or SAP > 95% for at least one symptom. There was modest symptom association for choking and gagging, but apnea, bradycardia, and desaturations had poor symptom association. Only 29 infants (16%) had pathological reflux, and only 18 infants (10%) had both pathological reflux and positive symptom association. MII-pH can be used to characterize GERD in young infants, along with establishing temporal association with symptoms. Pathological reflux in symptomatic young infants is not common, but symptom association may occur without frequent or acidic reflux. · Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) disease can be studied in young infants using MII-pH, to characterize the frequency and nature of GER events.. · The probability of GER events being associated temporally with GER symptoms can also be determined using MII-pH in this population.. · Using frequency of GER events, reflux indices, and symptom association indices with MII-pH, infants having true GER disease can be identified, thereby reducing unnecessary therapy.. · Symptom association may occur even without frequent or severe acidic reflux..

Synergistic suppression of grey mold on cut rose flower by combined application of methyl jasmonate and lipopeptides from Bacillus altitudinis

Roses are the most popular cut flowers that are widely used in various occasions and celebrations, yet can also be easily infected by grey mold caused by Botrytis cinerea; a notorious pathogen in the cut flower industry. A wide range of methods, including fungicides, have been used to control B. cinerea. Environmentally benign methods are increasingly sought after to minimize disease incidence. In this study, we evaluated 10 strains of Bacillus across eight species for their action against B. cinerea. Strains TM22A (Bacillus altitudinis) and S2 (Bacillus subtilis) were identified to be effective in disease suppression. Lipopeptides (LPs) were isolated from two strains, and their activity for inhibiting the growth of B. cinerea was tested. Additionally, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), a natural growth regulator, was evaluated for disease suppression using a in planta assay. Subsequently, LPs from TM22A and MeJA, alone or in combination, were evaluated for disease occurrence in cut rose flowers. Results showed that either LPs or MeJA at concentrations of 250 μmol/L significantly reduced lesion size and disease incidence. The combined application of LPs from TM22A with MeJA further reduced the disease occurrence in cut rose flowers. Furthermore, the activities of POD, PPO, PAL, CAT, and SOD enzymes were much higher in flowers treated with combined application of LPs from TM22A with MeJA. The enhanced suppression of B. cinerea is attributed to the antifungal effects of LPs and MeJA and activation of antioxidant enzymes. This study suggests that the combined application of LPs from TM22A with MeJA could be an environmentally friendly approach for control of grey mold disease in cut roses.

Influence of ethnicity and deprivation on occurrence of paget's disease in greater manchester, uk (population 2.85 million)

Influence of ethnicity and deprivation on occurrence of paget's disease in greater manchester, uk (population 2.85 million)

Cross-Disciplinary Rapid Scoping Review of Structural Racial and Caste Discrimination Associated with Population Health Disparities in the 21st Century

A cross-disciplinary rapid scoping review was carried out, generally following the PRISMA-SCR protocol to examine historical racial and caste-based discrimination as structural determinants of health disparities in the 21st century. We selected 48 peer-reviewed full-text articles available from the University of Memphis Libraries database search, focusing on three selected case-study countries: the United States (US), Canada, and Nepal. The authors read each article, extracted highlights, and tabulated the thematic contents on structural health disparities attributed to racism or casteism. The results link historical racism/casteism to health disparities occurring in Black and African American, Native American, and other ethnic groups in the US; in Indigenous peoples and other visible minorities in Canada; and in the Dalits of Nepal, a population racialized by caste, grounded on at least four foundational theories explaining structural determinants of health disparities. The evidence from the literature indicates that genetic variations and biological differences (e.g., disease prevalence) occur within and between races/castes for various reasons (e.g., random gene mutations, geographic isolation, and endogamy). However, historical races/castes as socio-cultural constructs have no inherently exclusive basis of biological differences. Disregarding genetic discrimination based on pseudo-scientific theories, genetic testing is a valuable scientific means to achieve the better health of the populations. Epigenetic changes (e.g., weathering—the early aging of racialized women) due to the DNA methylation of genes among racialized populations are markers of intergenerational trauma due to racial/caste discrimination. Likewise, chronic stresses resulting from intergenerational racial/caste discrimination cause an “allostatic load”, characterized by an imbalance of neuronal and hormonal dysfunction, leading to occurrences of chronic diseases (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, and mental health) at disproportionate rates among racialized populations. Major areas identified for reparative policy changes and interventions for eliminating the health impacts of racism/casteism include areas of issues on health disparity research, organizational structures, programs and processes, racial justice in population health, cultural trauma, equitable healthcare system, and genetic discrimination.

The role of pyroptosis in the occurrence and development of pregnancy-related diseases.

Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is crucial in the development of various diseases, including autoimmune diseases, atherosclerotic diseases, cancer, and pregnancy complications. In recent years, it has gained significant attention in national and international research due to its association with inflammatory immune overactivation and its involvement in pregnancy complications such as miscarriage and preeclampsia (PE). The mechanisms discussed include the canonical pyroptosis pathway of gasdermin activation and pore formation (caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis) and the non-canonical pyroptosis pathway (cysteoaspartic enzymes other than caspase-1). These pathways work on various cellular and factorial levels to influence normal pregnancy. This review aims to summarize and analyze the pyroptosis pathways associated with abnormal pregnancies and pregnancy complications. The objective is to enhance pregnancy outcomes by identifying various targets to prevent the onset of pyroptosis.

Quantitative detection of &lt;i&gt;Pythium porphyrae&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Pythium chondricola&lt;/i&gt; (Oomycota), the causative agents of red rot disease in &lt;i&gt;Pyropia farms&lt;/i&gt; in China

Red rot disease is one of the notorious algal diseases that threaten the cultivation of &lt;i&gt;Pyropia&lt;/i&gt; in China, and two &lt;i&gt;Pythium pathogens&lt;/i&gt;, i.e., &lt;i&gt;Pythium porphyrae&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;P. chondricola&lt;/i&gt;, have been reported as causative agents. To monitor the pathogens, a fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was developed to quantitatively detect their abundance. Using overlapping PCR and pathogen-specific primer pairs, two pathogen-specific fragments were concatenated to construct an internal standard plasmid, which was used for quantification. For zoospores of known numbers, the results showed that this method can detect as less as 100 and 10 zoospores mL&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; in a 200 mL solution for &lt;i&gt;P. porphyrae&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;P. chondricola&lt;/i&gt;, respectively. Using monthly collected seawater at 10 sites in Haizhou Bay, a typical aquaculture farm in China, a significantly higher temperature and a significantly lower salinity were determined in December 2021. &lt;i&gt;P. porphyrae&lt;/i&gt; was determined to be more abundant than &lt;i&gt;P. chondricola&lt;/i&gt;, though with similar temporal distribution patterns from December 2021 to February 2022. When a red rot disease occurred in December 2021, the two pathogens were significantly more abundant at two infected sub-sites than the uninfected sub-site within both seawater and sediment, though they were all significantly more enriched in sediment than in seawater. The present method provides the capability to quantify and compare the abundance of two pathogens and also has the potential to forecast the occurrence of red rot disease, which is of much significance in managing and controlling the disease.

Occurrence and Distribution of Major Cassava Pests and Diseases in Cultivated Cassava Varieties in Western Kenya.

Cassava is an important food crop in western Kenya, yet its production is challenged by pests and diseases that require routine monitoring to guide development and deployment of control strategies. Field surveys were conducted in 2022 and 2023 to determine the prevalence, incidence and severity of cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), whitefly numbers and incidence of cassava green mite (CGM) in six counties of western Kenya. Details of the encountered cassava varieties were carefully recorded to determine the adoption of improved varieties. A total of 29 varieties were recorded, out of which 13 were improved, although the improved varieties were predominant in 60% of fields and the most widely grown variety was MM96/4271. The CMD incidence was higher in 2022 (26.4%) compared to 2023 (10.1%), although the proportion of CMD attributable to whitefly infection was greater (50.6%) in 2023 than in 2022 (18.0%). The CBSD incidence in 2022 was 6.4%, while in 2023 it was 4.1%. The CMD incidence was significantly lower (5.9%) for the improved varieties than it was for the local varieties (35.9%), although the CBSD incidence did not differ significantly between the improved (2.3%) and local varieties (9.7%). Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus (UCBSV) were both detected. Most infections were single CBSV infections (82.9%), followed by single UCBSV (34.3%) and coinfection with both viruses (16.7%). Whiteflies were more abundant in 2023, in which 28% of the fields had super-abundant populations of >100/plant, compared to 5% in 2022. KASP SNP genotyping designated 92.8% of the specimens as SSA-ECA for 2022, while it was 94.4% for 2023. The cassava green mite incidence was 65.4% in 2022 compared to 79.9% in 2023. This study demonstrates that cassava viruses, whiteflies and cassava green mites continue to be important constraints to cassava production in western Kenya, although the widespread cultivation of improved varieties is reducing the impact of cassava viruses. The more widespread application of high-quality seed delivery mechanisms could further enhance the management of these pests/diseases, coupled with wider application of IPM measures for whiteflies and mites.

Glaucoma in general population and steroid users

In recent years, several surveys have reported on the prevalence of glaucoma worldwide. One study has shown that financial stability in population has affected glaucoma. However, there have been differences in the reported prevalence rates due to methodological variations. In the Eastern part of the world, 7.8 million people had primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) with prevalence of about 2.51%. To estimate the number of people with glaucoma or at risk of the disease, they age and gender occurrence estimates have been used, along with population estimates. East Asians have more chances to have PACG than POAG compared to western people. Their analysis shows that about 11.2 million people of the age 40 years and older with glaucoma in South East Asia, with POAG in 6.48 million people and PACG affecting 2.54 million. Additionally, any primary angle-closure disease could affect around 27.6 million people. The majority of glaucoma patients in South East Asia go undiagnosed, which makes it difficult to discover and treat the condition. We consider different strategies to raise case detection rates across the nation while taking into account the limited resources and personnel at our disposal. Aim of this study was to understand prevalence of glaucoma in general populations and steroid users.

346 Investigating the potential of incorporating indirect genetic effects into genetic evaluations of dairy calf disease traits

Abstract The goal of infectious disease control is often local eradication, but this is theoretically impossible to achieve based on classical quantitative genetic theory. Current methods focus on the susceptibility of individuals to disease and assume that exposure to a pathogen is 1) constant over time, 2) equal among individuals, and (3) due entirely to the environment. For this reason, it is likely that conventional genetic methods are capturing only a fraction of genetic variation in disease occurrence. The incorporation of epidemiological theory into quantitative genetics provides an opportunity to better determine the level of genetic variation in infectious disease traits. This stems from the ability to include the positive feed-back dynamics of infectious disease transmission. From an epidemiolocal perspective, both susceptibility and infectivity also have indirect genetic effects (IGE), because the genotype of one individual impacts the risk of infection of other individuals, and this can drastically affect the rate and direction of response to selection. Epidemiological models unravel the genetic heterogeneity in both susceptibility and infectivity traits, and account for the impact each animal has on its contemporaries compared with conventional quantitative genetic approaches. From a calf health perspective, there is a shift towards group housing dairy calves, primarily due to welfare and social acceptability. In turn, this will lead to increased animal interactions from a young age. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential of incorporating IGE into current quantitative approaches to determine its impact on selection potential. Our study looked at two common infectious diseases in calves on dairy farms: respiratory problems (RESP) and diarrhea (DIAR). Producer-recorded data comprised of 19,445 records collected on 34 herds that group housed calves between 2007 and 2020. Calves were allocated into pen groups based on birth dates and herd specific housing practices. Original phenotypes were split into 10 records, each representing a week of life, to determine when exactly calves became sick and infective. Several scenarios were investigated with respect to the time an animal was infective for following a disease case (1 or 2 wk), and the maximum difference in weeks between animal birth dates to be included within the same pen (2 to 5 wk). Variance components were estimated using a generalized linear mixed model fitting a complementary-log-log link function with offset for exposure. Initial heritability estimates for susceptibility on the observed scale for DIAR ranged from 0.03 to 0.07, and from 0.02 to 0.03 for RESP across scenarios. While heritability estimates for infectivity are currently being investigated, the results for susceptibility highlight the potential for incorporating IGE into genetic evaluation of disease traits and provide an introduction towards incorporating epidemiological theory into classical quantitative approaches to better respect the transmission dynamics of infections.