bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translation of zinc finger domains induces ribosome collision and Znf598-dependent mRNA decay in zebrafish
Authors: Ishibashi Kota , Shichino Yuichi , Han Peixun , Wakabayashi Kimi , Mito Mari , Inada Toshifumi , Kimura Seisuke , Iwasaki Shintaro , Mishima Yuichiro
Published: December 2024

Quality control of translation is crucial for maintaining cellular and organismal homeostasis. Obstacles in translation elongation induce ribosome collision, which is monitored by multiple sensor mechanisms in eukaryotes. The E3 ubiquitin ligase Znf598 recognizes collided ribosomes, triggering ribosome-associated quality control (RQC) to rescue stalled ribosomes and no-go decay (NGD) to degrade stall-prone mRNAs. However, the impact of RQC and NGD on maintaining the translational homeostasis of endogenous mRNAs has remained unclear. In this study, we investigated the endogenous substrate mRNAs of NGD during the maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) of zebrafish development. RNA-Seq analysis of zebrafish znf598 mutant embryos revealed that Znf598 down-regulates mRNAs encoding the C2H2-type zinc finger domain (C2H2-ZF) during the MZT. Reporter assays and disome profiling indicated that ribosomes stall and collide while translating tandem C2H2-ZFs, leading to mRNA degradation by Znf598. Our results suggest that NGD maintains the quality of the translatome by mitigating the risk of ribosome collision at the abundantly present C2H2-ZF sequences in the vertebrate genome.
Copy number variants underlie major selective sweeps in insecticide resistance genes in Anopheles arabiensis
Authors: Lucas Eric R. , Nagi Sanjay C. , Kabula Bilali , Batengana Bernard , Kisinza William , Egyir-Yawson Alexander , Essandoh John , Dadzie Sam , Chabi Joseph , Van’t Hof Arjen E. , Rippon Emily J. , Pipini Dimitra , Harding Nicholas J. , Dyer Naomi A. , Clarkson Chris S. , Miles Alistair , Weetman David , Donnelly Martin J.
Published: December 2024

To keep ahead of the evolution of resistance to insecticides in mosquitoes, national malaria control programmes must make use of a range of insecticides, both old and new, while monitoring resistance mechanisms. The outdoor-biting malaria vector Anopheles arabiensis is of increasing concern for malaria transmission because it is apparently less susceptible to many indoor control interventions, yet knowledge of its mechanisms of resistance remains limited. Furthermore, comparatively little is known in general about resistance to non-pyrethroid insecticides such as pirimiphos-methyl (PM), which are crucial for effective control in the context of globally high resistance to pyrethroids. We performed a genome-wide association study to determine the molecular mechanisms of resistance to the pyrethroid deltamethrin (commonly used in bednets) and PM (widespread use for indoor spraying), in An. arabiensis from 2 regions in Tanzania. Genomic regions of positive selection in these populations were largely driven by copy number variants (CNVs) in gene families involved in metabolic resistance. We found evidence of a new gene cluster involved in resistance to PM, identifying a strong selective sweep tied to a CNV in the carboxylesterase genes Coeae2g - Coeae6g. Using complementary data from another malaria vector, An. coluzzii, in Ghana, we show that copy number at this locus is significantly associated with PM resistance. Similarly, for deltamethrin, resistance was strongly associated with a novel CNV allele in the Cyp6aa / Cyp6p cluster (Cyp6aap_Dup33). Against this background of metabolic resistance, resistance caused by mutations in the insecticide target sites was very rare or absent. Mutations in the pyrethroid target site Vgsc were at very low frequency in Tanzania, yet combining these samples with 3 An. arabiensis individuals from West Africa revealed a startling evolutionary diversity, with up to 5 independent origins of Vgsc-995 mutations found within just 8 haplotypes. Thus, despite having been first recorded over 10 years ago, Vgsc resistance mutations in Tanzanian An. arabiensis have remained at stable low frequencies. Overall, our results provide a new copy number marker for monitoring resistance to PM in malaria mosquitoes, and reveal the complex picture of resistance patterns in An. arabiensis.
Maternal and neonatal IgG against Klebsiella pneumoniae are associated with lower risk of neonatal sepsis: A case-control study of hospitalized neonates in Botswana
Authors: Zhang Siqi Linsey , McGann Carolyn M. , Duranova Tereza , Strysko Jonathan , Steenhoff Andrew P. , Gezmu Alemayehu , Nakstad Britt , Arscott-Mills Tonya , Bayani One , Moorad Banno , Tlhako Nametso , Richard-Greenblatt Melissa , Hu Weiming , Planet Paul J. , Coffin Susan E. , Silverman Michael A.
Published: December 2024

Sepsis is the leading postnatal cause of neonatal mortality worldwide. Globally Klebsiella pneumoniae is the leading cause of sepsis in hospitalized neonates. This study reports the development and evaluation of an ELISA for anti-Klebsiella IgG using dried blood spot (DBS) samples and evaluates the association of anti-Klebsiella IgG (anti-Kleb IgG) antibodies in maternal and neonatal samples with the risk of neonatal sepsis. Neonates and their mothers were enrolled at 0–96 hours of life in the neonatal unit of a tertiary referral hospital in Gaborone, Botswana and followed until death or discharge to assess for episodes of blood culture-confirmed neonatal sepsis. Neonates with sepsis had significantly lower levels of Kleb-IgG compared to neonates who did not develop sepsis (Mann-Whitney U, p = 0.012). Similarly, samples from mothers of neonates who developed sepsis tended to have less Kleb-IgG compared to mothers of controls. The inverse correlation between Kleb-IgG levels and all-cause bacteremia suggests that maternal Kleb-IgG may be protective through cross-reactivity with common bacterial epitopes. These data support the continued use of immunoglobulin assays using DBS samples to explore the role of passive immunity on neonatal sepsis risk and reaffirm the critical need for research supporting the development of maternal vaccines for neonatal sepsis.
Technology transfer, intellectual property, and the fight for the soul of WHO
Authors: Barber Melissa
Published: December 2024

Debates over the scope, terms, and governance of technology transfer–the sharing of essential technical information, know-how, and materials needed to manufacture a health product–are prominent and controversial in international health diplomacy. These debates have become focal points in recent contentious negotiations to amend the International Health Regulations (IHR) and draft a global Pandemic Agreement. While some countries advocate for automatic or compulsory mechanisms to facilitate access to health technologies, especially in times of crisis, others oppose legal frameworks that mandate non-voluntary participation by the pharmaceutical industry. Also at stake are questions of institutional mandate: the United States has amplified calls by industry that pandemic technology transfer policy should be the domain of the World Trade Organization (WTO) instead of the World Health Organization (WHO). This essay offers a counternarrative to claims that WHO is overstepping its historic role in global governance. Far from being a contemporary development, technology transfer was at the heart of WHO’s work at its founding. WHO’s early failure to secure antibiotic technology transfer in the face of US opposition led to its first major crisis, prompting the withdrawal of several member states. In response, WHO embarked in the 1950s on a visionary programme to establish a global network of non-profit, state-run drug manufacturers and scientists committed to the free exchange of knowledge. This ambitious initiative has been largely forgotten, excluded even from WHO’s self-published accounts of historical technology transfer work. In the context of ongoing pandemic governance negotiations and the nascent mRNA hub program, remembering the lost vision of global solidarity embodied in WHO’s midcentury technology transfer program offers a glimpse into an alternate path we might still chart, one where access to medicines is not bound by the logic of enforcing scarcity to maximize profit, and the right to health is a global responsibility.
“I can’t make it safe, so I don’t do it”: Exploring obstetricians’ views on barriers and enablers to promoting vaginal birth after caesarean section in Bangladesh
Authors: Hairon Aimee , Halim Abdul , Abdullah Abu Sayeed Md. , Atina Sumaiya Afroze Khan , Kana Terry
Published: December 2024

The rise in the number of facility-based births in Bangladesh has been accompanied by a caesarean section (CS) epidemic. The current CS rate is 45% and while many are performed when medically unnecessary, there is still maternal mortality due to lack of access to CS. A significant contributor to the rising CS rates in Bangladesh is repeat CS. Evidence from high-income settings has shown that vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) is safe and should be recommended for women with one previous CS, however, its practice in Bangladesh is low. VBAC has the potential to help reduce unnecessary CS in Bangladesh. As obstetricians play a significant role in birth decision-making, their opinions, and perspectives on barriers to VBAC need to be explored. This study will address a gap in the literature exploring barriers and enablers to promoting VBAC from the level of the obstetric decision-maker. This qualitative study was conducted in the Dhaka Division of Bangladesh in July 2023. Criterion sampling was used to select obstetricians for in-depth semi-structured interviews. Seven interviews were conducted in a private hospital in Dhaka city and five interviews were conducted in a non-governmental organisation (NGO) hospital outside Dhaka city. Ethical approval was received from the relevant organisations in both Liverpool and Bangladesh. The thematic analysis gave rise to three main themes: “policy awareness and national situation”, “reasons for practice decisions” and “ways to improve service delivery”. Despite good awareness of VBAC policies and appreciation of its benefits, obstetricians expressed a preference for repeat CS. From the perspective of obstetricians, the main barriers to VBAC practice are related to the structure and function of the health system. To create an environment that will enable safe practice of VBAC, health system improvement and community awareness of the benefits of normal vaginal birth are required.
Food and nutrient intake among non-pregnant, non-lactating women of reproductive age of Mbeya in Tanzania: A repeated 24-hour dietary recall
Authors: Ngassa Nyamizi J. , Masumo Ray M. , Hancy Adam , Kabula Esther J. , Killel Erick , Nusurupia Jackline , Munuo Adeline , Mshida Hoyce , Mpembeni Rose , Lyimo Elizabeth , Msaki Rose V. , Jumbe Theresia , Leyna Germana H.
Published: December 2024

Micronutrient deficiencies can hurt the health of women of reproductive age (WRA), their pregnancy outcomes, and the growth and development of their offspring in sub-Saharan African countries. The present study aimed to estimate the dietary intake of non-pregnant and non-lactating (NPNL) WRA, residing in seven districts of the Mbeya region in Tanzania using a 24-hour dietary recall. A cross sectional study was conducted among 500 NPNL WRA. A two-stage sampling method was used, three enumeration areas (EAs) were chosen for each district using the probability proportional to size and, 24 eligible households were randomly selected from each chosen EA.The SAS macros (version 9.4) were used to analyse the quantities consumed and explore the usual intakes of three fortified food vehicles. The median intake of oil, wheat flour, and calories was 36.47g, 110.53g, and 2,169.9 kcal, respectively. The median protein intake was 63.5g, higher than the recommended value of 56.0g. Among the micronutrients, zinc had the highest prevalence of inadequate intake (91.2%), followed by iron (82.2%), and vitamin B12 (80.0%). Vitamin E had the highest nutrient gap (50.7%), while the nutrient gap in Q1 was relatively low (9.8%). There was a moderate prevalence of inadequate intake of vitamin C (46.5%) and riboflavin (54.8%), with a nutrient gap in Q1 (42%). Inadequate intake of vitamin A, thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6, and folate was moderate, ranging from 32.6% to 44.4%, with a nutrient gap at Q1 ranging from 16.2% to 34%. Our study has revealed a prevalent inadequate intake of micronutrients among NPNL WRA. Furthermore, our findings suggest that fortifying oil represents a promising intervention. However, fortified wheat flour had limited reach among NPNL WRA in the Mbeya region of Tanzania.
Is more psychotherapy a dead horse? An essay on the (in)effectiveness of individual treatment for mental suffering
Authors: Batstra Laura , Timimi Sami
Published: December 2024

In the past decades, psychological and pharmacological treatment access has improved, but the prevalence of mental health conditions has nevertheless increased across all age groups, and particularly in young people. Recent reviews, taking biases and quality of included studies into account, confirm the relative ineffectiveness of individual psychotherapies for alleviating mental suffering. Many new forms of individual therapy have been developed since the 1970s, without resulting in improved rates of recovery from treatment. Various stakeholders keep advocating for more psychotherapy, but instead, we propose that more primary prevention strategies may be our best hope for reducing the burden of mental disorders.
Disentangling the effects of intermittent faecal shedding and imperfect test sensitivity on the microscopy-based detection of gut parasites in stool samples
Authors: Ferreira-Sá Lana C. E. , Machado Eleuza R. , Gurgel-Gonçalves Rodrigo , Abad-Franch Fernando
Published: December 2024

Background

Gut-parasite transmission often involves faecal shedding, and detecting parasites in stool samples remains the cornerstone of diagnosis. However, not all samples drawn from infected hosts contain parasites (because of intermittent shedding), and no test can detect the target parasites in 100% of parasite-bearing samples (because of imperfect sensitivity). Disentangling the effects of intermittent shedding and imperfect sensitivity on pathogen detection would help us better understand transmission dynamics, disease epidemiology, and diagnostic-test performance. Using paediatric Giardia infections as a case-study, here we illustrate a hierarchical-modelling approach to separately estimating the probabilities of host-level infection (Ψ); stool-sample–level shedding, given infection (θ); and test-level detection, given infection and shedding (p).

Methods/Findings

We collected 1–3 stool samples, in consecutive weeks, from 276 children. Samples (413 overall) were independently examined, via standard sedimentation/optical microscopy, by a senior parasitologist and a junior, trained student (826 tests overall). Using replicate test results and multilevel hierarchical models, we estimated per-sample Giardia shedding probability at θ^≈0.440±0.116SE and observer-specific test sensitivities at p^Senior≈0.639±0.080SE and p^Junior≈0.460±0.071SE. Gender-specific infection-frequency estimates were Ψ^Girls≈0.540±0.137SE and Ψ^Boys≈0.337±0.098SE. Had we used a (hypothetical) Perfect Test with 100% narrow-sense sensitivity (pPT_≡1.0), the average probability of detecting Giardia in a sample drawn from an infected child (Ψ≡1.0) would have been Pr(d|i,PT_)=Ψ×θ×pPT_≈1.0×0.44×1.0≈0.44. Because no test can be >100% sensitive, Pr(d|i) (which measures clinical sensitivity) can only be brought above ~ 0.44 by tinkering with the availability of Giardia in stool samples (i.e., θ); for example, drawing-and-pooling 3 replicate samples would yield θ^3s≈1−(1−0.44)3≈0.82.

Conclusions

By allowing separate estimation (and modelling) of pathogen-shedding probabilities, the approach we illustrate provides a means to study pathogen transmission cycles and dynamics in unprecedented detail. Separate estimation (and modelling) of true test sensitivity, moreover, may cast new light on the performance of diagnostic tests and procedures, whether novel or routine-practice.
Generation Healthy Kids: Protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial of a multi-component and multi-setting intervention to promote healthy weight and wellbeing in 6–11-year-old children in Denmark
Authors: Thomsen Louise T. , Schmidt-Persson Jesper , Damsgaard Camilla Trab , Krustrup Peter , Grøntved Anders , Krølner Rikke Fredenslund , Nielsen Glen , Lundbye-Jensen Jesper , Skovgaard Thomas , Mølgaard Christian , Hansen Anders Blædel Gottlieb , Hoeeg Didde , Larsen Malte Nejst , Lund Line , Melby Paulina Sander , Pedersen Natascha Holbæk , Troelsen Jens , Nordsborg Nikolai Baastrup , Toft Ulla
Published: December 2024

Background

Childhood obesity can have significant negative consequences for children’s wellbeing and long-term health. Prior school-based interventions to prevent child overweight and obesity have shown limited effects, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive approaches addressing complex drivers of childhood obesity. “Generation Healthy Kids” (GHK) is a multi-setting, multi-component intervention to promote healthy weight development, health and wellbeing in Danish children aged 6–11 years. This protocol describes the GHK main trial, which is a cluster-randomized trial evaluating effectiveness and implementation of the GHK intervention.

Methods

Twenty-four schools from the Capital, Zealand and Southern Denmark Regions are randomly allocated 1:1 to intervention or control. The intervention will run for two school years (18–20 months) from October 2023 to June 2025 and will include children in 1st–3rd grade (approx. n = 1,600). The intervention targets multiple settings, including families, schools, after-school clubs, and local communities. Within four focus areas–diet, physical activity, screen media use, and sleep habits–the intervention incorporates several fixed elements, including a school lunch program and three weekly sessions of physical activity at school. Furthermore, building on whole-systems thinking, the intervention encompasses co-created elements developed in collaboration with local stakeholders, e.g. municipalities, sports clubs and supermarkets. This part of the intervention emphasizes building local capacity and engagement to promote child health. Effectiveness data will be collected from participating children and families at baseline, and at the end of school year one (after 6–8 months) and school year two (after 18–20 months). The primary outcome is the change in fat mass, measured by air-displacement plethysmography, from baseline to end-of-study in the intervention group compared to the control group. This is supplemented with numerous secondary outcomes and other prespecified outcomes related to child health and wellbeing. Furthermore, thorough process evaluation will be performed.

Discussion

GHK combines evidence-based intervention elements targeting multiple settings with a whole-systems approach focusing on capacity building and stakeholder involvement. This novel approach holds promise as an innovative way to promote child health and wellbeing and prevent childhood obesity.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05940675 (registered on 4 July 2023).
Measuring the rate of NADPH consumption by glutathione reductase in the cytosol and mitochondria
Authors: Ting Kenneth K. Y. , Floro Eric , Dow Riley , Jongstra-Bilen Jenny , Cybulsky Myron I. , Rocheleau Jonathan V.
Published: December 2024

Background

NADPH is an essential co-factor supporting the function of enzymes that participate in both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways in myeloid cells, particularly macrophages. Although individual NADPH-dependent pathways are well characterized, how these opposing pathways are co-regulated to orchestrate an optimized inflammatory response is not well understood. To investigate this, techniques to track the consumption of NADPH need to be applied. Deuterium tracing of NADPH remains the gold standard in the field, yet this setup of mass-spectrometry is technically challenging and not readily available to most research groups. Furthermore, NADPH pools are compartmentalized in various organelles with no known membrane transporters, suggesting that NADPH-dependent pathways are regulated in an organelle-specific manner. Conventional methods such as commercial kits are limited to quantifying NADPH in whole cells and not at the resolution of specific organelles. These limitations reflect the need for a novel assay that can readily measure the consumption rate of NADPH in different organelles.

Methods

We devised an assay that measures the consumption rate of NADPH by glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR) in the mitochondria and the cytosol of RAW264.7 macrophage cell lines. RAW264.7 cells were transfected with Apollo-NADP+ sensors targeted to the mitochondria or the cytosol, followed by the treatment of 2-deoxyglucose and diamide. Intravital imaging over time then determined GSR-dependent NADPH consumption in an organelle-specific manner.

Discussion

In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, cytosolic and mitochondrial NADPH was consumed by GSR in a time-dependent manner. This finding was cross validated with a commercially available NADPH kit that detects NADPH in whole cells. Loading of RAW264.7 cells with oxidized low-density lipoprotein followed by LPS stimulation elevated GSR expression, and this correlated with a more rapid drop in cytosolic and mitochondrial NADPH in our assay. The current limitation of our assay is applicability to transfectable cell lines, and higher expression of plasmid-encoded sensors relative to endogenous glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.
Effects of three types of resistance training on knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Yutao , Tan Yajun , Cheng Liang , Wang Jintao
Published: December 2024

Background

Resistance training (RT) is recognized in clinical guidelines as a beneficial treatment for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), but the efficacy of different RT types is not well-established.

Objective

This network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to compare the effects of different types of RT, namely, isometric muscle strengthening (IMMS), isokinetic muscle strengthening (IKMS) and isotonic muscle strengthening (ITMS), on pain, function and quadriceps muscle strength of patients with KOA.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted up to September 2023 on databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMbase, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The included studies comprised randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing RT with conventional rehabilitation and physiotherapy or other types of RT.

Results

Compared with the control group (CG) that received conventional physiotherapy, IKMS was optimal in terms of pain relief (MD = -1.33, 95% CI: -1.83 to -0.83), function (MD = -12.24, 95% CI: -17.29 to -7.19) and knee extension torque (SMD = -0.44, 95% CI: -0.74 to -0.14).

Conclusions

Compared with conventional rehabilitation therapy, all three types of RT can improve pain and knee-joint function in KOA patients. IKMS demonstrated the best results among the different RT modalities.

PROSPERO registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023448579.
University student perspectives on antimicrobial peptide use in farm animals
Authors: Urloiu Amalia , Shah Barsha , Hendricks Jillian , Koralesky Katherine E. , Weary Daniel M. , Shriver Adam
Published: December 2024

Growing awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock production has led to calls for the development of alternatives such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are also able to combat infectious diseases in farm animals. A critical step in the development of AMPs is to understand people’s perspectives towards this technology to avoid misalignment with societal expectations. The aim of this study was to investigate university student perspectives of AMP applications in farm animals as alternatives to antibiotic use. We interviewed 20 university students and, using thematic analysis, identified six themes: 1) Initial knowledge, including knowledge of antibiotics and initial impressions of AMPs; 2) Human wellbeing, including the effects of food and animal health on public health, the importance of addressing AMR, and cost for farmers; 3) Animal welfare, including animal health, welfare, and production, and continuation of contentious farm practices; 4) Perceived naturalness of AMPs, including biocompatibility and comparing same and different species transfer of biological material; 5) Unforeseen consequences of AMPs, and the importance of researching unintended consequences of novel technologies; and 6) Public acceptance of AMPs, including trust and lack of awareness. In summary, participants viewed AMPs positively as an alternative to antibiotic use in farm animals to address AMR. However, key concerns centered around unintended harmful effects for food systems, public health, and animal welfare, which may impact public acceptance of AMPs in animal agriculture.
Spatiotemporal patterns of gene expression during development of a complex colony morphology
Authors: Cromie Gareth A. , Tan Zhihao , Hays Michelle , Sirr Amy , Dudley Aimée M.
Published: December 2024

Clonal communities of single celled organisms, such as bacterial or fungal colonies and biofilms, are spatially structured, with subdomains of cells experiencing differing environmental conditions. In the development of such communities, cell specialization is not only important to respond and adapt to the local environment but has the potential to increase the fitness of the clonal community through division of labor. Here, we examine colony development in a yeast strain (F13) that produces colonies with a highly structured “ruffled” phenotype in the colony periphery and an unstructured “smooth” phenotype in the colony center. We demonstrate that in the F13 genetic background deletions of transcription factors can either increase (dig1D, sfl1D) or decrease (tec1D) the degree of colony structure. To investigate the development of colony structure, we carried out gene expression analysis on F13 and the three deletion strains using RNA-seq. Samples were taken early in colony growth (day2), which precedes ruffled phenotype development in F13, and from the peripheral and central regions of colonies later in development (day5), at which time these regions are structured and unstructured (respectively) in F13. We identify genes responding additively and non-additively to the genotype and spatiotemporal factors and cluster these genes into a number of different expression patterns. We identify clusters whose expression correlates closely with the degree of colony structure in each sample and include genes with known roles in the development of colony structure. Individual deletion of 26 genes sampled from different clusters identified 5 with strong effects on colony morphology (BUD8, CIS3, FLO11, MSB2 and SFG1), all of which eliminated or greatly reduced the structure of the F13 outer region.
Transcriptome comparison revealed the difference in subcutaneous fat metabolism of Qinghai yak under different feeding conditions
Authors: Ding Weiqin , Sun Yonggang , Han Yincang , Liu Yaqian , Jin Shengwei
Published: December 2024

In order to explore the differences in subcutaneous fat metabolism and pathway information in yaks under different feeding conditions, this experiment used Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology to sequence the transcriptome of subcutaneous fat tissues of yaks under different feeding conditions and analyzed them bioinformatically. 9 naturally grazed yaks at 18 months of age were randomly divided into 3 groups, one group (G18_SF) was slaughtered, one group (G24_SF) continued to graze until 24 months of age was slaughtered, and one group (F24_SF) was housed until 24 months of age was slaughtered, and subcutaneous fat tissue was collected from the back of the yaks. A total of 15,261 expressed genes were identified in the nine samples, with 13,959 coexpressed genes and 533 differential expressed genes (DEGs), G18_SF vs F24_SF 133 DEGs, G18_SF vs G24_SF 469 DEGs, F24_SF vs G24_SF 5 DEGs. GO functional annotation analysis found that DEGs were mainly annotated in BP and CC, which included biological regulation, metabolic processes and cellular processes. KEGG revealed that the DEGs are mainly enriched for PPAR signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway and other pathways related to lipid metabolism. This study provides a scientific basis for further research on the effects of mRNA on subcutaneous fat in yaks under different feeding conditions.
Digital boundaries: A study on WeChat parent-child relationships among Chinese college students and their association with family factors
Authors: Feng Zhao , Hu Chun-Mei , He Ling-Ling
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aims to investigate the current state of WeChat parent-child relationships among college students and their association with family factors.

Methods

Using convenient sampling, 6159 students,age from 18 to 25,the participants were selected from colleges of Chengdu to complete a questionnaire survey on response and attitudes towards parents’ WeChat friend requests, Family APGAR Index,Parental Management Scale,Family Conflict Scale,were used as measurement tools.

Results

Responses to parental WeChat friend requests showed significant positive correlations with higher levels of family function satisfaction (r = 0.10, P<0.01) and parental management (r = 0.11, P<0.01), and a significant negative correlation with family conflict (r = -0.03, P<0.05).

Conclusion

This study reveals that Chinese college students generally accept their parents’ WeChat friend requests, influenced by family dynamics and traditional values. Positive parental management, family harmony, and good marital relationships enhance students’ willingness to connect with their parents on WeChat, indicating the complex interplay between digital interactions and traditional family concepts.This underscores the importance for parents to adopt modern and scientific parenting approaches, fostering a harmonious and nurturing family atmosphere rooted in trust and mutual respect for their children.
Health care providers’ decision-making and early adoption of tenofovir alafenamide for HIV preexposure prophylaxis: An inductive qualitative study
Authors: Merchant Elisabeth , Solleveld Patricia , Gibas Kevin , Krakower Douglas
Published: December 2024

Background

Over the past several years, there have been several changes affecting the available options for oral HIV preexposure prophylaxis, including approvals for tenofovir alafenamide with emtricitabine in 2019 and a generic formulation of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate with emtricitabine in 2020.

Methods

In order to better understand providers’ decision-making processes when deciding between these two drugs for pre-exposure prophylaxis, we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with resident, fellow and attending physicians in internal medicine and infectious diseases between May 2020 and March 2021. These interviews were analyzed to identify emergent codes, which were utilized in an inductive thematic analysis to identify major themes pertinent to pre-exposure prophylaxis decision-making.

Results

Of 21 participants, 18 expressed a general preference for prescribing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate with emtricitabine, 2 preferred tenofovir alafenamide with emtricitabine and 1 had no specific preference. Providers perceived similar efficacy of the two formulations, and their clinical decisions were influenced primarily by whether HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis users belonged to a population with an indication for each of the two drugs (e.g. gender-related restrictions for tenofovir alafenamide), the medications’ differing side effect profiles, cost and insurance considerations, prior personal and collective experience with each of these medications, and personal preferences. Respondents also noted that both providers and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis users were influenced by external factors, including institutional prescribing guidance, advertising, and social influences, including from peers and colleagues.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that unbiased educational campaigns for both prescribers and users of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis will be important to support evidence-based prescribing practices and cost-effective decisions among oral pre-exposure prophylaxis options.
Orientia, Rickettsia, and the microbiome in rodent attached chiggers in North Carolina, USA
Authors: Richardson Elise A. , Garshong Reuben , Chen Kaiying , Crossley Dac , Mclean Bryan S. , Wasserberg Gideon , Apperson Charles S. , Roe R. Michael , Ponnusamy Loganathan
Published: December 2024

Chiggers are larval mites that pose a significant health risk globally via the spread of scrub typhus. However, fundamental studies into the bacterial microbiome in North America have never been considered. In this investigation, chiggers were collected in the wild from two locally common rodent host species (i.e., Sigmodon hispidus and Peromyscus leucopus) in three different ecoregions of North Carolina (NC), United States to investigate the composition of their bacterial communities, including potential pathogens. DNA was extracted from the chiggers, and the V3-V4 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene were sequenced using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Alpha diversity metrics revealed significant differences in bacterial diversity among different collection counties. Beta diversity metrics also revealed that bacterial communities across counties were significantly different, suggesting changes in the microbiome as the environment changed. Specifically, we saw that the two western NC collection counties had similar bacterial composition as did the two eastern collection counties. In addition, we found that the chigger microbiome bacterial diversity and composition differed between rodent host species. The 16S rRNA sequence reads were assigned to 64 phyla, 106 orders, 199 families, and 359 genera. The major bacterial phylum was Actinobacteria. The most abundant species were in the genera Corynebacterium, Propionibacterium, class ZB2, and Methylobacterium. Sequences derived from potential pathogens within the genera Orientia and Rickettsia were also detected. Our findings provide the first insights into the ecology of chigger microbiomes in the US. Further research is required to determine if the potential pathogens found detected in chiggers are a threat to humans and wildlife.
The impact of income inequality on the fertility intention: A micro perspective based on relative deprivation
Authors: Li Jun , Li Tiantian , Wang Wei
Published: December 2024

The relative deprivation index can reflect the income inequality faced by different individuals, which is helpful to understand the relationship between income inequality and the variability of fertility intentions. But previous studies have almost focused on the macro indicators of income inequality, ignoring individual heterogeneity in income inequality. In this study, we explore the causal relationship and potential mechanisms between income inequality and fertility intentions from the perspective of relative deprivation in income. The findings are as follows: (1) An increase in income inequality boosts individuals’ fertility intentions, and the results are still robust after using the instrumental variables two-stage least squares (2SLS) model to deal with endogeneity. (2) Mechanism analysis reveals that income inequality improves individuals’ fertility intentions through the channels of “Build hopes on children”, “Allocate more time to families” and “Put less value on children’s education”. (3) Heterogeneity analysis indicates that income inequality has a more pronounced positive impact on fertility intentions of individuals with poor education, low household assets and without pension insurance. (4) Further analysis reveals that an increase in income inequality at macro level also promote individuals’ fertility intentions. Our findings hold significant policy implications for promoting a rebound in fertility rates. When developing policies to adjust income distribution, it is necessary to consider the response of individuals’ fertility decisions to income inequality. Policymakers should ensure that efforts to improve income distribution do not inadvertently reduce the willingness of individuals to have more children.
Genomic assessment of targets implicated in Rhipicephalus microplus acaricide resistance
Authors: Meiring Christina , Labuschagne Michel
Published: December 2024

Globally, the prevalence of Rhipicephalus microplus resistance to various acaricides has increased, and there is a need for the identification of molecular markers that can predict phenotypic resistance. These markers could serve as alternatives to the larval packet test (LPT), enabling rapid and accurate monitoring of resistance in these ticks against multiple acaricides. However, many of the historically identified markers are present in isolates from specific countries and their role in acaricide resistance remains unclear. This study aimed to assess these mutations by sequencing genomic regions encoding proteins historically associated with acaricide target site insensitivity and increased acaricide detoxification and comparing resistant and susceptible isolates from eight different countries. Employing a novel multiplex PCR setup developed during the study, the coding regions of 11 acaricide-resistant targets were amplified and sequenced across 37 R. microplus isolates from different locations. The identified mutations, both previously reported and novel, were compared between acaricide-susceptible and acaricide-resistant isolates, phenotypically characterized using the larval packet test or larval immersion test across five acaricide classes. Genotypes were then correlated with available phenotypes, and protein modelling of novel nonsynonymous mutations was conducted to assess their potential impact on acaricide resistance. Previously reported resistance-associated mutations were detected, some of which were present in both resistant and susceptible isolates. Novel mutations emerged from the 11 targets, but distinctions between susceptible and resistant isolates were not evident, except for the prevalent kdr mutation in synthetic pyrethroid-resistant isolates. The quest for predictive molecular markers for monitoring acaricide resistance remains challenging. Nevertheless, by utilizing a representative group of isolates, we determined that several historical mutations were present in both resistant and susceptible isolates. Additionally, the study provides valuable genetic data on acaricide-resistant and susceptible isolates from different geographical regions, focusing on genomic regions implicated in resistance. This baseline data offers a critical foundation for further research and the identification of more reliable molecular markers.
Relationship between hospitalization from cannabis usage and pulmonary tuberculosis in Thailand from 2017 to 2022
Authors: Chumchuen Kemmapon , Wichaidit Wit , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi
Published: December 2024

In June 2022, Thailand legalized recreational cannabis. Currently, cannabis is now the most consumed drug. Cannabis usage can increase inflammatory responses in the respiratory tract. Sharing of cannabis waterpipes has been linked to increased tuberculosis risks. Using a national in-patient databank, we aimed to 1) describe the spatiotemporal correlation between cannabis-related and tuberculosis hospital admissions, and 2) compare the rate of subsequent pulmonary tuberculosis admission between those with prior admissions for cannabis-related causes and those without. Both admission types were aggregated to the number of admissions in monthly and provincial units. Temporal and spatial patterns were visualized using line plots and choropleth maps, respectively. A matched cohort analysis was conducted to compare the incidence density rate of subsequent tuberculosis admission and the hazard ratio. Throughout 2017–2022, we observed a gradual decline in tuberculosis admissions, in contrast to the increase in cannabis-related admissions. Both admissions shared a hotspot in Northeastern Thailand. Between matched cohorts of 6,773 in-patients, the incidence density rate per 100,000 person–years of subsequent tuberculosis admissions was 267.6 and 165.9 in in-patients with and without past cannabis-admission, respectively. After adjusting for covariates, we found that a cannabis-related admission history was associated with a hazard ratio of 1.48 (P = 0.268) for subsequent tuberculosis admission. Our findings failed to support the evidence that cannabis consumption increased pulmonary tuberculosis risk. Other study types are needed to further assess the association between cannabis consumption and pulmonary tuberculosis.
The power of ESG in shaping dividend policy: Illuminating the role of financial sustainability in an emerging market
Authors: Almulhim Abdulateif A. , Aljughaiman Abdullah A. , Al Barrak Thamir , Chebbi Kaouther , Amin Nagwa
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) scores on dividend policy, while taking into account the moderating effect of financial sustainability. It examines data from companies listed on the Saudi Exchange, during the period spanning the years from 2013 to 2022. According to the findings of panel regression analysis, there is a strong positive correlation between ESG performance and dividend payments. In essence, businesses that exhibit strong ESG practices continuously maintain dividend payments as a way of demonstrating their dedication to both stakeholders and shareholders. Furthermore, financial sustainability exerts an enhancing influence on the ESG–dividend relationship, indicating that the positive effect of ESG on dividend yields is significant in financially sustainable companies compared to their peers. It is noteworthy that these conclusions hold up well even when put through sensitivity studies using different estimating methods. The implications of these results extend to a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including investors, management, analysts, and policymakers. They provide valuable insights for companies and markets seeking to expand their ESG initiatives.
Performance analysis of PPP models in rural tourism projects of Shandong Province based on DEA and super-DEA
Authors: Dai Ruimin , Zhang Changli
Published: December 2024

Rural tourism development has made positive contributions to promoting an increase in farmers’ income, coordinated urban-rural development, rural civilization, and industrial transformation & upgrading. However, it also faces problems such as immature development and unsound planning. This paper focuses on the development status of the public-private partnership (PPP) models in rural tourism projects of Shandong Province in China, as well as their operations and cooperation models. Then, this paper assesses the impacts of PPP models on the rural tourism industry of Shandong Province, and appraises their performance by combining standard data envelopment analysis (DEA) and super-DEA models. The main findings are (1) The overall efficiency of PPP models in rural tourism projects of Shandong Province is moderate, and resource utilization is disproportionate to output, leaving great room for improvement. (2) PPP models in Larger projects with more complexity, are more easily tending to a lower overall efficiency. (3) The optimal development PPP model for rural tourism projects of Shandong Province is “Stock Project + Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model”. In response to these findings, this paper gives some targeted opinions and suggestions, including strengthening government supervision, controlling project scale, incentivizing enterprises to play intermediary roles, and innovating PPP models. In this way, it provides strong academic support and useful policy suggestions for the sustainable development of PPP models in worldwide rural tourism.
Steroidogenic pathway in girls diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Jansakova Katarina , Hill Martin , Celusakova Hana , Repiska Gabriela , Bicikova Marie , Macova Ludmila , Polonyiova Katarína , Kopcikova Mária , Ostatnikova Daniela
Published: December 2024

The diagnostic prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) shows boys to be more affected than girls. Due to this reason, there is a lack of research including and observing ASD girls. Present study was aimed to detect hormones of steroidogenesis pathway in prepubertal girls (n = 16) diagnosed with ASD and sex and age matched neurotypical controls (CTRL, n = 16). Collected plasma served for detection of conjugated and unconjugated steroids using gas chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry. We observed higher levels of steroids modulating ionotropic receptors, especially, GABAergic steroids and pregnenolone sulfate in ASD group. Concentration of many steroids throughout the pathway tend to be higher in ASD girls compared to CTRL. Pregnenolone and its isomers together with polar progestins and androstanes, i.e. sulfated steroids, were found to be higher in ASD group in comparison with CTRL group. Based on steroid product to precursor ratios, ASD group showed higher levels of sulfated/conjugated steroids suggesting higher sulfotransferase or lower steroid sulfatase activity and we also obtained data indicating lower activity of steroid 11β-hydroxylase compared to CTRL group despite higher corticosterone level observed in ASD. These findings need to be generalized in future studies to examine both genders and other age groups.
Enhancing land cover object classification in hyperspectral imagery through an efficient spectral-spatial feature learning approach
Authors: Afjal Masud Ibn , Mondal Md. Nazrul Islam , Mamun Md. Al
Published: December 2024

The classification of land cover objects in hyperspectral imagery (HSI) has significantly advanced due to the development of convolutional neural networks (CNNs). However, challenges such as limited training data and high dimensionality negatively impact classification performance. Traditional CNN-based methods predominantly utilize 2D CNNs for feature extraction, which inadequately exploit the inter-band correlations in HSIs. While 3D CNNs can capture joint spectral-spatial information, they often encounter issues related to network depth and complexity. To address these issues, we propose an innovative land cover object classification approach in HSIs that integrates segmented principal component analysis (Seg-PCA) with hybrid 3D-2D CNNs. Our approach leverages Seg-PCA for effective feature extraction and employs the minimum-redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) criterion for feature selection. By combining the strengths of both 3D and 2D CNNs, our method efficiently extracts spectral-spatial features. These features are then processed through fully connected dense layers and a softmax layer for classification. Extensive experiments on three widely used HSI datasets demonstrate that our method consistently outperforms existing state-of-the-art techniques in classification performance. These results highlight the efficacy of our approach and its potential to significantly enhance the classification of land cover objects in hyperspectral imagery.