bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pancreatitis polygenic risk score is independently associated with all‐cause acute pancreatitis risk in the UK Biobank
Authors: Guay Simon‐Pierre , Gagnon Eloi , Paquette Martine , Thériault Sébastien , Arsenault Benoit J , Baass Alexis
Published: October 2024

Background and Aim

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a complex disease most commonly caused by gallstones, alcohol intake, or hypertriglyceridemia. Even in subjects with hypertriglyceridemia, the risk of AP is heterogeneous. Identifying individuals with a high genetic susceptibility to AP could contribute to a better risk stratification in the clinic. This study aimed to determine if a weighted polygenic risk score (PRS) of common variants in pancreatitis susceptibility genes can independently predict all‐cause AP incidence in the general population.

Methods

A weighted PRS was calculated for 484 932 individuals from the UK Biobank, including 3346 individuals who developed AP during follow‐up. The PRS included eight single nucleotide polymorphisms in known pancreatitis susceptibility genes.

Results

Individuals with a pancreatitis PRS above the 90th percentile had a 1.21‐fold (1.03–1.43; P = 0.02) increased risk of AP compared with those with a pancreatitis PRS below the 90th percentile. When comparing individuals in the third tertile versus the first tertile, the risk of AP was 1.13‐fold (1.00–1.28; P = 0.06) higher. Individuals with both a high triglyceride (TG) level and a high pancreatitis PRS (third tertile) had a 2.31‐fold (1.83–2.93; P = 3.4 × 10−12) increased risk of AP compared with those with a low pancreatitis PRS and a low TG level (first tertile). Overall, the association between pancreatitis PRS and incident AP was independent of baseline TG level.

Conclusions

Results of this study suggest that the accumulation of common variants in pancreatitis susceptibility genes is associated with all‐cause AP incidence. Pancreatitis PRS could help clinicians identify patients who may be at higher risk of AP and who may benefit from more aggressive treatment.
Cost‐effective identification of Barrett's esophagus in the community: A first step towards screening
Authors: Aoki Tomonori , Watson David I. , Bulamu Norma B.
Published: October 2024

Background and Aim

The first step towards developing a screening strategy for Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the identification of individuals in the community. Currently available tools include endoscopy, less‐invasive non‐endoscopic devices, and non‐invasive risk stratification models. We evaluated the cost of potential strategies for identification of BE as a first step towards screening.

Methods

Two hypothetical cohorts of the general population aged ≥ 50 years with BE prevalence rates of 1.9% and 6.8% were modeled. Four potential screening tools were evaluated: (i) risk stratification based on non‐weighted clinical factors according to US/European guidelines, (ii) weighted risk stratification using algorithmic models, (iii) less‐invasive devices such as Cytosponge + trefoil factor 3 (TFF3), and (iv) endoscopy. Using a decision‐analytic model, the cost per BE case identified and the cost‐effectiveness were compared for six potential BE screening strategies based on combinations of the four screening tools; (i) + (iv), (ii) + (iv), (iii) + (iv), (i) + (iii) + (iv), (ii) + (iii) + (iv), and only (iv).

Results

The cost per BE case identified was lowest for the weighted risk stratification followed by Cytosponge‐TFF3 then endoscopy strategy at both 1.9% and 6.8% BE prevalences (US$9282 and US$3406, respectively) although it was sensitive to the cost of less‐invasive devices. This strategy was also most cost‐effective for a BE prevalence of 1.9%. At BE prevalence of 6.8%, the Cytosponge‐TFF3 followed by endoscopy strategy was most cost‐effective.

Conclusions

Incorporating weighted risk stratification and less‐invasive devices such as Cytosponge‐TFF3 into BE screening strategies has a potential to cost‐effectively identify BE in the community although device cost and the community prevalence of BE will impact the optimal strategy.
Estimating the carbon footprint of digital agriculture deployment: A parametric bottom‐up modeling approach
Authors: La Rocca Pierre , Guennebaud Gaël , Bugeau Aurélie , Ligozat Anne‐Laure
Published: October 2024

Digitalization appears as a lever to enhance agriculture sustainability. However, existing works on digital agriculture's own sustainability remain scarce, disregarding the environmental effects of deploying digital devices on a large scale. We propose a bottom‐up method to estimate the carbon footprint of digital agriculture scenarios considering deployment of devices over a diversity of farm sizes. It is applied to two use‐cases and demonstrates that digital agriculture encompasses a diversity of devices with heterogeneous carbon footprints and that more complex devices yield higher footprints not always compensated by better performances or scaling gains. By emphasizing the necessity of considering the multiplicity of devices, and the territorial distribution of farm sizes when modeling digital agriculture deployments, this study highlights the need for further exploration of the first‐order effects of digital technologies in agriculture.
Origins of obesity in the womb: Fetal adiposity and its determinants
Authors: Ikenoue Satoru , Tamai Junko , Akita Keisuke , Otani Toshimitsu , Kasuga Yoshifumi , Tanaka Mamoru
Published: October 2024

Birth weight is an important predictor of perinatal complications and long‐term health outcomes of offspring. Fetal programming influenced by maternal obesity, overnutrition, and hyperglycemia has been proposed as the fuel overload hypothesis. Recent investigations related with fetal body composition have revealed that neonatal adiposity can be predicted by fetal fat mass, and that maternal insulin resistance and serum leptin level are indicators of fetal adiposity. Based on the current evidence, the origins of obesity can partly be traced back into the fetal life. Further clarification of the determinants of fetal fat mass may lead to the clinical interventions and treatment strategies for fetal growth and development. This effort potentially leads to the elucidation of pathological conditions related with long‐term health outcomes and the primary prevention of childhood obesity and early onset metabolic syndrome.
Praxeological Status of Unintentional Speech Acts
Authors: Slutskiy Pavel
Published: October 2024

This paper explores the praxeological status of unintentional speech acts within the framework of speech act theory, examining the role of intention in defining speech acts. It contributes to the debate between internalist and externalist perspectives on whether internal conditions, particularly intentions, are essential for the occurrence of speech acts. The paper draws on praxeology, a methodological approach to studying human action, to argue that speech acts are inherently intentional and purposeful behaviours. It challenges the notion that unintentional acts can be considered speech acts, emphasizing that without intention, there can be no action. The analysis includes a discussion of classical speech act theory, the praxeological concept of action, and the implications of unintentional acts on the theory of communication. The paper concludes that speech acts must be intentional to be considered genuine acts of communication, aligning with the praxeological understanding of human action.
Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices for Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Primary Healthcare Physicians in Georgia
Authors: Zakalashvili Mamuka , Surguladze Sophia , Baliashvili Davit , Zarkua Jaba , Avalishvili Tata , Tsirdava Elene , Tsodolishvili Mariam , Metreveli David , Shavgulidze Natia , Tskhomelidze Irina , Shadaker Shaun , Tsereteli Maia , Armstrong Paige A. , Handanagic Senad
Published: October 2024

A nationwide serosurvey among adults in 2021 showed a 2.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3%–3.4%) prevalence of hepatitis B. Our analysis evaluates knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among primary healthcare physicians (PHPs) in Georgia. We randomly selected 550 PHPs from medical facilities in Georgia's six largest cities. Using bivariate ordinal regression, we assessed the association of socio‐demographic factors with an ordinal knowledge score (low/middle/high). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% CI to determine associations between HBV knowledge score and practices. Of 550 selected PHPs, 506 (92.0%) agreed to participate. Among them, 62.8% scored in the medium or high knowledge tertiles, 72.7% were confident in diagnosing HBV infection, 37.3% were confident in managing patients with hepatitis B; 47.4% reported being screened for and 26.2% reported being vaccinated against HBV infection. Compared to those with low knowledge scores, PHPs with a high score were less likely to recommend activities not supported by evidence, such as: the use of ‘hepatoprotective’ medications (aOR 0.43, 95% CI 0.25–0.73), caesarean sections (aOR 0.47, 95% CI 0.27–0.82) and withholding breastfeeding (aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34–0.96) to prevent HBV transmission. The majority of PHPs were confident in diagnosing HBV infection, but only one in three were confident in managing patients with hepatitis B. PHPs with higher HBV knowledge were less likely to provide inaccurate instructions to their patients. These findings will help to develop awareness and education campaigns supporting HBV elimination in Georgia.
Hospital to community in Wales: What is the value of optometrists playing a greater role in managing neovascular AMD and glaucoma in primary care?
Authors: Ryan Barbara , Jones Mari , Anderson Pippa , Reynolds Rhiannon , Nicholls Rebecca E. M. , Cullen Katherine , Davies Mark , North Rachel , Molik Bablin , Wallace Carolyn
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the value of enhanced optometric services for managing neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) and glaucoma in primary care optometry services, instead of hospital eye services (HES).

Methods

Seven enhanced optometric service pathways in primary care in Wales were assessed with a mixed‐methods approach: three for nAMD and four for glaucoma. The methods were a patient‐related experience measure (PREM), a Realist Review and Evaluation involving both patients and staff, a discrete event simulation model estimating the economic impact of the pathways and a workforce survey of optometrists to gauge capability and capacity.

Results

Patient‐related experience measure responses (802) indicated that primary care experience was comparable to that of HES. Utilising enhanced optometric services in primary care resulted in reduced wait times compared with HES, with suspected nAMD shortened to 4–5 days and glaucoma monitoring to 5 days. Waiting lists were dramatically reduced with primary care‐based services to just three people waiting for nAMD and five for glaucoma, compared with 216 and 5691 people, respectively, in HES. Consultant ophthalmologist time was reduced from 57% to 15%–16% for nAMD services and from 48% to 22%–23% for glaucoma services. Integrating enhanced optometric services into primary care incurred a similar cost. The workforce survey confirms that optometrists possess the skills and qualifications and are willing to deliver these enhanced optometric services. The Realist Review and Evaluation revealed that clear patient communication, effective coordination and strong interprofessional communication between optometrists and ophthalmologists along with a shared electronic record are crucial to the success of this change.

Conclusion

Providing enhanced optometric services in primary care for nAMD and glaucoma brings substantial benefits for the UK National Health Service and patients, including reduced waiting times, waiting lists and released HES capacity. The success of this transition hinges on clear patient communication, administrative co‐ordination and effective interprofessional communication.
PAM‐relaxed and temperature‐tolerant CRISPR‐Mb3Cas12a single transcript unit systems for efficient singular and multiplexed genome editing in rice, maize, and tomato
Authors: Liu Shishi , He Yao , Fan Tingting , Zhu Meirui , Qi Caiyan , Ma Yanqin , Yang Mengqiao , Yang Liang , Tang Xu , Zhou Jianping , Zhong Zhaohui , An Xueli , Qi Yiping , Zhang Yong
Published: October 2024

Class 2 Type V‐A CRISPR‐Cas (Cas12a) nucleases are powerful genome editing tools, particularly effective in A/T‐rich genomic regions, complementing the widely used CRISPR‐Cas9 in plants. To enhance the utility of Cas12a, we investigate three Cas12a orthologs—Mb3Cas12a, PrCas12a, and HkCas12a—in plants. Protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) requirements, editing efficiencies, and editing profiles are compared in rice. Among these orthologs, Mb3Cas12a exhibits high editing efficiency at target sites with a simpler, relaxed TTV PAM which is less restrictive than the canonical TTTV PAM of LbCas12a and AsCas12a. To optimize Mb3Cas12a, we develop an efficient single transcription unit (STU) system by refining the linker between Mb3Cas12a and CRISPR RNA (crRNA), nuclear localization signal (NLS), and direct repeat (DR). This optimized system enables precise genome editing in rice, particularly for fine‐tuning target gene expression by editing promoter regions. Further, we introduced Arginine (R) substitutions at Aspartic acid (D) 172, Asparagine (N) 573, and Lysine (K) 579 of Mb3Cas12a, creating two temperature‐tolerant variants: Mb3Cas12a‐R (D172R) and Mb3Cas12a‐RRR (D172R/N573R/K579R). These variants demonstrate significantly improved editing efficiency at lower temperatures (22 °C and 28 °C) in rice cells, with Mb3Cas12a‐RRR showing the best performance. We extend this approach by developing efficient Mb3Cas12a‐RRR STU systems in maize and tomato, achieving biallelic mutants targeting single or multiple genes in T0 lines cultivated at 28 °C and 25 °C, respectively. This study significantly expands Cas12a's targeting capabilities in plant genome editing, providing valuable tools for future research and practical applications.
Revisiting Unaddressed Safety Concerns Regarding Intense Pulsed Light Treatment: Past and Present Perspectives
Authors: Lin Mao‐Ying , Wong Tak‐Wah , Lin Chrang‐Shi
Published: October 2024

Background

The light spectrum of intense pulsed light (IPL) comprises visible to near‐infrared light. It has been widely employed in the field of aesthetics for approximately 30 years. However, several studies have demonstrated the appearance of various undesirable biomarkers on the skin after IPL irradiation, which remain elucidated.

Methods

We reviewed the evolving concepts and explored the potentially harmful effects of IPL that may have been neglected in the past.

Results

Increased levels of reactive oxidative stress, p53, p16, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, interleukin‐6, C‐reactive protein, and cleaved caspase 3 and decreased albumin levels in human or mouse skin have been observed after IPL treatment. Visible and infrared light can exert harmful and beneficial effects on human skin.

Conclusion

If perform improperly, IPL treatment may lead to cellular senescence, photoaging, photocarcinogenesis, thermal aging, and inflammaging. Further studies are required to verify the significance of the changes in the relevant biomarkers. The selection of treatment candidates, optimal parameters, and standardized protocols for IPL therapy are necessary.
The Abraham Accord and the Middle Eastern QUAD: Pakistan's energy security eclipse and the way forward
Authors: Hussain Mehmood , Naqvi Syed Inam Ali , Hameed Shahid
Published: October 2024

This article traces the impacts of the Abraham Accord and Middle Eastern QUAD on Pakistan's energy security. It asks how and to what extent the Abraham Accord and Middle Eastern QUAD can potentially jeopardize Pakistan's energy security and evaluates the way forward for Pakistan to counter security threats. The study contends the Abraham Accord and Middle Eastern QUAD have extended the influence of India and Israel from the Middle East to the Indian Ocean, thereby increasing the risk to Pakistan's energy supplies. Meanwhile, expanded and intensified securitization of the Strait of Hormuz has likewise increased the vulnerability of energy supplies from the Middle East. Pakistan imports 72% of its energy from the Middle East via the Strait of Hormuz, and any disruption in energy supplies or blockade of maritime routes would severely undermine Pakistan's socioeconomic and political stability. Pakistan, we argue, must therefore diversify its energy imports from Russia, Central Asia, and Iran to safeguard its energy interests.

Related Articles

Hussain, Mehmood, Ahmed Bux Jamali, Rana Danish Nisar, and Abdulfattah Omar. 2024. “The China–Iran Strategic Deal and CPEC: Navigating the Influence of Pragmatic Balancing in China's Relations with Iran and Pakistan.” Politics & Policy 52(1): 227–44. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12573.

Lazin, Fred A. 2023. “President Donald Trump's Abraham Accords initiative: Prospects for Israel, the Arab states, and Palestinians.” Politics & Policy 51(3): 476–87. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12533.

Thornton, William H., and Songok Han Thornton. 2024. “Extended Commentary—U.S.‐Asian Policy in the Throes of McCarthyism, Old and New.” Politics & Policy 52(4): 854–73. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12604.
Elections, coalitions, and the politics of Brazil's macroeconomic stabilization
Authors: Alves Daniel H.
Published: October 2024

After several failed attempts in previous years, Brazil's Plano Real finally ended hyperinflation in 1993–1994, and a significant driver of inequality and poverty was eliminated as a result. By combining data from Congress and newspaper archives, 17 interviews, and secondary sources, this article takes a qualitative approach to explore the notion that increased electoral competition and effective coalition management enabled price stabilization. Fernando Henrique Cardoso (PSDB), the economy minister leading the plan and the winner of the 1994 presidential election, campaigned as the anti‐inflation candidate, promising newly enfranchised low‐income voters that reining in prices would boost their earnings. Meanwhile, the minoritarian executive took advantage of coalitional tools to cultivate legislative alliances and approve the plan's measures. For analytical generalization, a potential model is proposed for further investigations on the relationship between competitive elections, cross‐party cooperation, and price stability in nine other country cases within and outside Latin America.

Related Articles

Adegboye, Alex, Kofo Adegboye, Uwalomwa Uwuigbe, Stephen Ojeka, and Eyitemi Fasanu. 2023. “Taxation, Democracy, and Inequality in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Relevant Linkages for Sustainable Development Goals.” Politics & Policy 51(4): 696–722. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12547.

Segatto, Catarina Ianni, and Daniel Béland. 2018. “The Limits of Partisanship: Federalism, the Role of Bureaucrats, and the Path to Universal Health Care Coverage in Brazil.” Politics & Policy 46(3): 416–41. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12252.

Zimerman, Artur, and Flávio Pinheiro. 2020. “Appearances Can be Deceptive: Political Polarisation, Agrarian Policy, and Coalitional Presidentialism in Brazil.” Politics & Policy 48(2): 339–71. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12345.
Mnemonic labor and the construction of civil service at the National Mall and Memorial Parks
Authors: Gray Dylan
Published: October 2024

Despite long‐standing recognition in collective memory scholarship that commemorative sites are places of deep cultural meaning, fieldwork evidence collected at the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, DC, suggests that visitors primarily engaged with mnemonic resources in a superficial fashion. This paper explores how interpretive park rangers, who are tasked with engaging the public to discuss the nation's history, nevertheless strived to deliver informational, interpretive services to the visiting public. Findings show that rangers, conceptualized in this paper as street‐level bureaucrats, developed roles and routine lines of action that hinged on how they imagined and constructed their audiences. This paper demonstrates how street‐level bureaucrats variably conceive of their clients at the pre‐interactional stage, thus identifying an underexplored dimension of discretion in frontline service work. Additionally, this paper contributes to collective memory research by contextualizing mnemonic deliberation within contexts of mnemonic agents' workplace dynamics, showing how organizational expectations shape discourses of difficult, contentious histories.
Acyl‐turnover of acylplastoquinol enhances recovery of photodamaged PSII in Synechocystis
Authors: Jimbo Haruhiko , Torii Mana , Fujino Yuichiro , Tanase Yoshiki , Kurima Kazuki , Sato Naoki , Wada Hajime
Published: October 2024

Photosynthetic electron transport is carried out by the electron carrier, plastoquinone (PQ). Recently, another form of PQ, acylplastoquinol (APQ), was discovered in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (Synechocystis), but its physiological function in photosynthesis is unclear. In the present study, we identified a lipase encoded in sll0482 gene in Synechocystis that deacylates APQ and releases a free fatty acid and a reduced PQ (plastoquinol, PQH2), which we named acylplastoquinol lipase (APL). Disruption of apl gene increased APQ content, and recovery of photodamaged PSII under low light (LL) after the exposure to very high light (vHL) at 2500 μmol photons m−2 sec−1 without aeration (vHL) for 60 min, was suppressed in the Δapl cells. Δapl cells also show the slow rate of de novo synthesis of D1, a reaction center of PSII under such condition. Under high light, the cellular growth of Δapl was inhibited; however, disruption of apl gene did not affect the photosynthetic activity or photoinhibition of PSII. In wild‐type cells, APQ content increased under vHL condition. Also, APQ was converted to PQH2 after transfer to LL with aeration by ambient air. Such striking changes in APQ were not observed in Δapl cells. The deacylation of APQ by APL may help repair PSII when PSII cannot drive photosynthetic electron transport efficiently.
Calabi–Yau structures on Rabinowitz Fukaya categories
Authors: Bae Hanwool , Jeong Wonbo , Kim Jongmyeong
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we prove that the derived Rabinowitz Fukaya category of a Liouville domain of dimension is ‐Calabi–Yau, assuming that the wrapped Fukaya category of admits an at most countable set of Lagrangians that generate it and satisfy some finiteness condition on morphism spaces between them.
Short QT intervals in African lions
Authors: Scharling Frederik S. , Sandgreen Ditte‐Mari , Stagegaard Julia , Elbrønd Vibeke S. , Vincenti Stefano , Isaksen Jonas L. , Wang Tobias , Wilson Rory P. , Gunner Richard , Marks Nikki , Bell Stephen H. , van Rooyen Martin C. , Bennett Nigel C. , Hart Daniel W. , Daly Angela C. , Bertelsen Mads F. , Scantlebury D. Michael , Calloe Kirstine , Thomsen Morten B.
Published: October 2024

The cardiac conduction system in large carnivores, such as the African lion (Panthera leo), represents a significant knowledge gap in both veterinary science and in cardiac electrophysiology. Short QT intervals have been reported from zoo‐kept, anaesthetized lions, and our goal was to record the first ECGs from wild, conscious lions roaming freely, and compare them to zoo‐kept lions under the hypothesis that short QT is unique to zoo‐kept lions. Macroscopic and histological examinations were performed on heart tissue removed from nine healthy zoo lions. ECGs were recorded from the nine anaesthetized zoo‐kept lions, and from 15 anaesthetized and conscious wild lions in Africa. Our histological and topographical description of the lion's heart matched what has previously been published. In conscious lions, the ECG recordings revealed a mean heart rate of 70 ± 4 beats/min, with faster heart rates during the night. PQ and QT intervals were heart rate dependent in the conscious lions. Interestingly, QT intervals recorded in wild lions were markedly longer than QT intervals from zoo lions (398 ± 40 vs. 297 ± 9 ms, respectively; P < 0.0001). Anaesthesia or heart rate did not account for this difference. We provide a comprehensive description of the cardiac anatomy and electrophysiology of wild and zoo‐kept lions. QT intervals were significantly shorter in zoo lions, suggesting functional disparities in cardiac electrophysiology between wild and zoo‐kept lions, potentially related to physical fitness. These findings underscore the plasticity of cardiac electrophysiology and may be of value when reintroducing endangered species into the wild and when managing lions in human care.
A simulation study on the role of mitochondria‐sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ interaction in cardiomyocyte energetics during exercise
Authors: Takeuchi Ayako , Matsuoka Satoshi
Published: October 2024

Previous studies demonstrated that the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter MCU and the Na+‐Ca2+ exchanger NCLX exist in proximity to the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) ryanodine receptor RyR and the Ca2+ pump SERCA, respectively, creating a mitochondria‐SR Ca2+ interaction. However, the physiological relevance of the mitochondria‐SR Ca2+ interaction has remained unsolved. Furthermore, although mitochondrial Ca2+ has been proposed to be an important factor regulating mitochondrial energy metabolism, by activating NADH‐producing dehydrogenases, the contribution of the Ca2+‐dependent regulatory mechanisms to cellular functions under physiological conditions has been controversial. In this study, we constructed a new integrated model of human ventricular myocyte with excitation‐contraction‐energetics coupling and investigated systematically the contribution of mitochondria‐SR Ca2+ interaction, especially focusing on cardiac energetics during dynamic workload transitions in exercise. Simulation analyses revealed that the spatial coupling of mitochondria and SR, particularly via mitochondrial Ca2+ uniport activity‐RyR, was the primary determinant of mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration, and that the Ca2+‐dependent regulatory mechanism facilitated mitochondrial NADH recovery during exercise and contributed to the stability of NADH in the workload transition by about 40%, while oxygen consumption rate and cytoplasmic ATP level were not influenced. We concluded that the mitochondria‐SR Ca2+ interaction, created via the uneven distribution of Ca2+ handling proteins, optimizes the contribution of the mitochondrial Ca2+‐dependent regulatory mechanism to stabilizing NADH during exercise.

image

Key points

The mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter protein MCU and the Na+‐Ca2+ exchanger protein NCLX are reported to exist in proximity to the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) ryanodine receptor RyR and the Ca2+ pump SERCA, respectively, creating a mitochondria‐SR Ca2+ interaction in cardiomyocytes.

Mitochondrial Ca2+ (Ca2+mit) has been proposed to be an important factor regulating mitochondrial energy metabolism, by activating NADH‐producing dehydrogenases.

Here we constructed an integrated model of a human ventricular myocyte with excitation‐contraction‐energetics coupling and investigated the role of the mitochondria‐SR Ca2+ interaction in cardiac energetics during exercise.

Simulation analyses revealed that the spatial coupling particularly via mitochondrial Ca2+ uniport activity‐RyR is the primary determinant of Ca2+mit concentration, and that the activation of NADH‐producing dehydrogenases by Ca2+mit contributes to NADH stability during exercise.

The mitochondria‐SR Ca2+ interaction optimizes the contribution of Ca2+mit to the activation of NADH‐producing dehydrogenases.
Resistance artery vasodilator pathways involved in the antihypertensive effects of cocoa shell extract in rats exposed to fetal undernutrition
Authors: Ruvira Santiago , Rodríguez‐Rodríguez Pilar , Abderrahim Fatima , Morales Dolores , Cañas Silvia , Valdivieso Alberto , Ramiro‐Cortijo David , Arribas Silvia M.
Published: October 2024

Fetal undernutrition establishes the foundations for hypertension development, with oxidative stress being a key hallmark. A growing interest in nutraceuticals for treating hypertension and environmental waste concerns prompted the present study aiming to evaluate whether supplementation with a polyphenol enriched extract from cocoa shell (CSE), a by‐product from the chocolate industry with antioxidant properties, reduces hypertension of developmental origin, thus improving mesenteric resistance artery (MRA) vasodilatation. Adult male and female offspring from rats exposed to 50% food restriction from mid‐gestation (maternal undernutrition, MUN) and controls were used. Supplementation was given through a gelatine (vehicle, VEH) or containing CSE (250 mg kg−1 day−1) 5 days week−1for 3 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was assessed by tail‐cuff plethysmography. MRA function was studied by wire myography, and superoxide anion and nitric oxide were investigated by fluorescent indicators and confocal microscopy. Compared to control‐VEH, MUN‐VEH males showed significantly higher SBP, reduced MRA as well as relaxation to ACh, sodium nitroprusside and the AMPK agonist 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide riboside, but not to isoproterenol. In MUN males, endothelial endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor and nitric oxide were unaltered, but MRA released a vasoconstrictor prostanoid and produced higher levels of superoxide anion. CSE normalized blood pressure and improved all above‐mentioned MRA alterations in MUN males without an effect on control counterparts, except the reduction of superoxide anion. MUN‐VEH females were normotensive and only showed a tendency towards larger superoxide anion production, which was abolished by CSE. CSE supplementation reduces SBP improving endothelium‐dependent and independent MRA vasodilatation, related to local superoxide anion reduction, being a potential nutraceutical ingredient to counteract hypertension, in addition to contributing to the circular economy.

image

Key points

Fetal undernutrition induces hypertension in males associated with deficient resistance artery vasodilatation, being normalized by cocoa shell extract (CSE).

Release of a cyclooxygenase‐derived contractile factor is the main endothelial alteration, which is abolished by CSE.

AMPK and soluble guanylyl cyclase‐mediated relaxation are also reduced in smooth muscle cells from maternal undernutrition resistance arteries, being improved by CSE.

Vascular oxidative damage caused by excess superoxide anion generation can account for impaired vasodilatation, which is improved by CSE.

The capacity of CSE to improve relaxation is probably related to its antioxidant bioactive factors, and thus cocoa shell is a potential food by‐product to treat hypertension.
Addressing atmospheric absorption in adaptive rectangular decomposition
Authors: Cicalese Gerardo , Ciaramella Gabriele , Mazzieri Ilario
Published: October 2024

This paper focuses on the adaptive rectangular decomposition (ARD) scheme, a wave-based method employed for acoustic simulations. ARD holds promise for diverse applications. In architectural design, it can forecast acoustical parameters, facilitating the creation of spaces with superior sound quality. Moreover, in the domain of acoustic virtual reality, ARD can offer users a more immersive and lifelike acoustic environment. This enhancement proves advantageous for all of these applications, enabling the simulation of larger environments with heightened precision. Despite its notable efficiency, ARD faces a significant drawback: the absence of atmospheric absorption modeling. The principal aim of this study is to rectify this limitation, thereby augmenting the capabilities of the ARD algorithm.
Rheology of nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC) gels: Thixotropy, yielding, wall slip, and shear banding
Authors: Jia Xiaohan , Piette Jourdain H. , Malmir Amir , Hatzikiriakos Savvas G.
Published: October 2024

This study focuses on the rheological behavior of a cellulose nanocrystal gel. This system [5 wt. % cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) + 20 mM NaCl] is proved to be thixotropic, and the detected shear force tightly depends on the growth and break-up of the aggregates of CNC rods. From strain-controlled experiments, a nonmonotonic steady-state flow curve with a minimum stress value of ≈33 Pa is found, and the negative slope of stress versus shear rate suggests the existence of shear bands. From stress-controlled experiments (creep), the “static yield stress” is determined to be 67.5 ± 2.5 Pa. This difference proves that the local minimum stress of the flow curve does not coincide with the “static yield stress” determined by creep tests. However, this minimum stress can maintain flow provided that the material is already in a yielded state. At nominal shear rates below about 100 s−1, shearing is suggested to be localized in a shear band rather than over the whole material. The “dynamic yield stress” is found as “the minimum stress to maintain flow,” or the onset of shear banding. Moreover, wall slip also occurs at low nominal shear rates which is related to the interaction between the dynamic microstructure of the CNC gel and the wall: it is hypothesized that the low shear rates allow the CNC aggregates to extensively grow and, thus, the oversized CNC aggregates detach from the asperities of the wall. Our finding of the robust connection between yielding, thixotropy, wall slip, and shear banding shall shed new light on the nature of the nonmonotonic flow curves of yield stress and thixotropic materials.
Understanding the Relationships Between Physical Activity and Climate Change: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Franco Silva Milena , Favarão Leão Ana Luiza , O’Connor Áine , Hallal Pedro C , Ding Ding , Hinckson Erica , Benmarhnia Tarik , Siqueira Reis Rodrigo
Published: October 2024

Background: Physical activity is crucial for maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases. However, climate conditions can impact physical activity patterns, and conversely, physical activity can impact climate change. This umbrella review aims to summarize the existing evidence regarding the relationships between physical activity and climate change, as revealed in previous reviews. Methods: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were analyzed. Searches were conducted across GreenFILE, PubMed, and Web of Science databases for peer-reviewed articles published in English. A 2-stage independent screening process was conducted, and methodological quality was assessed using the JBI framework. Standardized data extraction methods were then applied. Results: Out of 1292 articles retrieved, 7 met all eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Three articles examined physical activity as a primary exposure, 3 focused on the impacts of climate change, and one considered both physical activity and climate change as primary exposures. Conclusions: Findings reveal an interplay between climate change and physical activity. While rising temperatures may prompt outdoor activities up to a certain temperature threshold, air pollution and extreme heat can have harmful effects. Active transportation and improved logistics around large-scale sporting events can mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but transportation systems linked to sports venues may increase emissions. Research on the reciprocal relationship between climate change and physical activity domains, and integrating the community into climate discussions, is crucial for equity, especially for marginalized communities. Incorporating climate adaptation and mitigation strategies in physical activity infrastructure to minimize environmental impacts is critical.
Coming of age
Authors: Peplow Mark
Published: October 2024

Twenty years after the ballyhooed discovery of graphene, the atom-thin carbon sheets are finding their footing
Assessment of the quality and content of clinical practice guidelines for vitamin D and for immigrants using the AGREE II instrument: global systematic review
Authors: Yousef Said , Hayawi Lamia , Hossain Alomgir , Nahar Nazmun , Manuel Doug , Colman Ian , Papadimitropoulos Emmanuel , Faris MoezAlIslam E , Abdelrazeq Leenah , Wells George A
Published: October 2024

Background

Worldwide, more immigrants experience vitamin D (vitD) deficiency than non-immigrants. Recommendations in current clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) concerning vitD are inadequate to address vitD deficiency among immigrants, and there are concerns regarding the quality of guidance in these CPGs.

Objectives

This study aimed to identify and evaluate the quality of published CPGs addressing vitD and immigrants’ health using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation-II (AGREE II) tool and clarify the recommendations pertaining to vitD and immigrant populations in these CPGs.

Methods

We performed a systematic search to identify the most recent CPGs across various databases (Ovid MEDLINE ALL, Embase and Turning Research Into Practice), guideline repositories and grey literature. Two reviewers independently conducted study selection and data abstraction and evaluated the quality of the included guidelines using the AGREE II tool.

Results

We identified 25 relevant CPGs; 21 focused on vitD and 4 covered immigrants’ health. Around one-quarter of the included CPGs were high quality (≥60% in at least four of the six domains, including ‘rigour of development’). The highest mean scores among the six AGREE II domains were for ‘clarity of presentation’ and ‘scope and purpose’. About 4.8% (1/21) of the CPGs on vitD had immigrant-related recommendations. VitD recommendations were emphasised in one out of the four immigrant health CPGs (25%). CPGs covering immigrants’ health and vitD were inadequately systematically appraised. Moreover, recommendations regarding vitD were insufficient to address the growing epidemic of vitD deficiency among immigrant populations.

Conclusion

The insufficient recommendations for vitD fail to address the rising vitD deficiency among immigrants, highlighting a critical gap in healthcare provisions. Urgent national and international efforts are needed to develop comprehensive CPGs, bridging research, policy and practice disparities. Future guidelines must prioritise routine vitD screening, supplementation protocols for vulnerable immigrant groups, and culturally appropriate interventions to improve health outcomes for immigrants globally.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021240562.
Masses of transuranium nuclides measured with the PI-ICR technique at TRIGA-Trap
Authors: Chenmarev S. , Blaum K. , Block M. , Cakirli R. B. , Düllmann Ch. E. , Gutiérrez M. J. , Nagy Sz. , Renisch D.
Published: October 2024

We have revisited the region of the actinides in the vicinity of the neutron number N=152 and conducted high-precision mass measurements using the newly implemented Phase-Imaging Ion-Cyclotron-Resonance (PI-ICR) technique. The masses of $$^{244}$$

244

Pu and $$^{249}$$

249

Cf were found to deviate by 5.4 and 2.9 combined sigmas, respectively, from our previous results published in 2014. This indicates the presence of systematic errors in the earlier measurements. Consequently, we decided to remeasure all the nuclides from our 2014 study, along with $$^{248}$$

248

Cm, to ensure accuracy and reliability. With our greatly improved apparatus, we have measured the masses of $$^{244}$$

244

Pu, $$^{241}$$

241

Am, $$^{243}$$

243

Am, $$^{248}$$

248

Cm, and $$^{249}$$

249

Cf, using $$^{208}$$

208

Pb and $$^{238}$$

238

U as mass references. The masses of these reference ions were recently determined with ultra-high precision at Pentatrap. Our results were implemented in the latest Atomic Mass Evaluation (AME), showing good consistency. The region related to the masses measured in this study, especially for isotopes near the N=152 deformed shell gap, is discussed in terms of two-neutron separation energies, first excited 2$$^+$$

+

energy levels and their differentials, as well as $$\delta V_{pn}$$

δ

V

pn

values, the average proton-neutron interaction of the most loosely bound two nucleons.
Effects of gravity rainbow on scalar bosonic and oscillator fields in Bonnor–Melvin space-time with a cosmological constant
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin , Bouzenada Abdelmalek
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we explore the relativistic quantum motion of spin-zero scalar charge-free particles influenced by rainbow gravity’s (RG’s) in Bonnor–Melvin magnetic space-time, a four-dimensional solution featuring a positive cosmological constant. We solve the Klein–Gordon equation in this scenario by using two sets of rainbow function: (i) $$f(\chi )=\frac{1}{(1-\beta \,\chi )}$$

f

(
χ
)

=

1

(
1
-
β

χ
)

,   $$h(\chi )=1$$

h
(
χ
)
=
1

and (ii) $$f(\chi )=\frac{1}{(1-\beta \,\chi )}=h(\chi )$$

f

(
χ
)

=

1

(
1
-
β

χ
)

=
h

(
χ
)

, where $$0 < \chi \left( =\frac{|E|}{E_p}\right) \le 1$$

0
<
χ

=

|
E
|

E
p

≤
1

with $$E_p$$

E
p

being the Planck’s energy, E is the particle’s energy, and $$\beta $$
β
is the rainbow parameter. Furthermore, we study the relativistic quantum oscillator through the Klein–Gordon oscillator equation in the same Bonnor–Melvin magnetic space-time under RG effects. Employing the first pair of rainbow function, we obtain an approximate eigenvalue solution of the quantum oscillator fields. Notably, we demonstrate that the relativistic energy profile of scalar and oscillator particles are influenced by the topology of the geometry and the cosmological constant which is related with the magnetic field strength lies along the symmetry axis. Additionally, we see the impact of rainbow parameter on these approximate relativistic energy profiles in both quantum systems.
A simple model of magnetic universe without singularity associated with a quadratic equation of state
Authors: Chavanis Pierre-Henri
Published: October 2024

A model of magnetic universe based on nonlinear electrodynamics has been introduced by Kruglov (Phys Rev D 92:123523, 2015). This model describes an early inflation era followed by a radiation era. We show that this model is related to the model of universe based on a quadratic equation of state introduced in our previous paper (Chavanis in Universe 1:357, 2015). This correspondence may provide a more fundamental justification of our equation of state. It may arise from quantum corrections to linear electrodynamics when the electromagnetic field becomes very high. We discuss two quantitatively different models of early universe. In Model I, the primordial density of the universe is identified with the Planck density. At $$t=0$$

t
=
0

, the universe had the characteristics of a Planck black hole (“planckion” particle). During the inflation, which takes place on a Planck timescale, the size of the universe evolves from the Planck length to a size comparable to the Compton wavelength of the neutrino. If we interpret the radius of the universe at the end of the inflation (neutrino’s Compton wavelength) as a minimum length related to quantum gravity and use Zeldovich’s first formula of the vacuum energy, we obtain the correct value of the cosmological constant. In Model II, the primordial density of the universe is identified with the electron density as a consequence of nonlinear electrodynamics. At $$t=0$$

t
=
0

, the universe had the characteristics of an electron. This can be viewed as a refinement of the “primeval atom” of Lemaître. During the inflation, which takes place on a gravitoelectronic timescale, the size of the universe evolves from the electron’s classical radius to a size comparable to the size of a dark energy star of the stellar mass. If we interpret the radius of the universe at the beginning of the inflation (electron’s classical radius) as a minimum length related to quantum gravity and use Zeldovich’s second formula of the vacuum energy, we obtain the correct value of the cosmological constant. This provides an accurate form of Eddington’s relation between the cosmological constant and the mass of the electron. We use these arguments to show that the present universe contains about $$10^{80}$$

10
80

protons (Eddington’s number). We also introduce a nonlinear electromagnetic Lagrangian that describes simultaneously the early inflation, the radiation era, and the dark energy era. It may account for a form of “generalized radiation” that is present from the beginning to the end of the cosmic evolution. Baryonic and dark matter are treated as independent noninteracting species. The dark energy era is due to the electromagnetic vacuum energy (zero-point radiation). In this approach, both the early inflation and the late acceleration of the universe (dark energy) arise as a consequence of nonlinear electrodynamics. This leads to a simple model of magnetic universe without singularity (aioniotic universe).
On the thermodynamic limit of two-time measurement entropy production
Authors: Benoist T. , Bruneau L. , Jakšić V. , Panati A. , Pillet C.-A.
Published: October 2024

We provide a justification, via the thermodynamic limit, of the modular formula for entropy production in two-time measurement proposed in [T. Benoist, L. Bruneau, V. Jakšić, A. Panati and C.-A. Pillet, A note on two-times measurement entropy production and modular theory, Lett. Math. Phys. 114:32 (2023), doi:10.1007/s11005-024-01777-0]. We consider the cases of open quantum systems in which all thermal reservoirs are either (discrete) quantum spin systems or free Fermi gases.
Exact solutions of the (3+1)-dimensional DKP oscillator in doubly special relativity
Authors: Seffai D. , Hamil B. , Merad M.
Published: October 2024

Doubly Special Relativity (DSR) is a promising candidate for understanding quantum gravity, by introducing two fundamental invariant scales — the speed of light and the Planck energy. Recently, another such theory has been proposed by Magueijo and Smolin (MS), and it can be extended to the whole class of DSRs. These models have structural similarity with different realizations of [Formula: see text]-Poincaré algebras. Given the significant implications of this theory, we explore the three-dimensional Duffin–Kemmer–Petiau (DKP) oscillator within this framework. By using the vector spherical harmonics technique in the momentum space, the three-dimensional DKP oscillator equation for spins 1 and 0 is reformulated from the viewpoint of the generalized algebra of the MS model. In order to recognize the influence of this reformulation, the energy eigenvalues contain an additional correction which depends on the deformation parameter, and eigenfunctions are determined in terms of the associated Laguerre polynomials.
A hypergraph on modules and singularity condition
Authors: Abbas Muntaha Khudhair , Hamzekolaee Ali Reza Moniri
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we will introduce a hypergraph associated with a given module. The module, denoted as [Formula: see text], is defined over a ring [Formula: see text]. The hypergraph consists of vertices that represent nontrivial submodules of [Formula: see text], which we denote as [Formula: see text]. A set [Formula: see text] of vertices forms a hyperedge if the intersection of any two distinct elements in [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-small submodule of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is maximal with respect to this property. The connectivity of [Formula: see text] is discussed, as well as the diameter and girth for a connected hypergraph. Various examples are provided to illustrate the concepts presented.
Properties of hybrid ideals of rings
Authors: Porselvi K. , Subiksha I. , Elavarasan B. , Jun Y. B.
Published: October 2024

The nature of universe problems is pretty ambiguous in almost all disciplines. To overcome the uncertainties, fuzzy set theory was developed. Later, mathematicians developed new concept, hybrid structures. The main aim of this paper is to study about hybrid structures in rings. The ideas of hybrid ideals, hybrid duo and hybrid prime ideals of rings are presented in this paper and investigate its properties. We found an equivalent claims for a ring to be regular and intra-regular. Further, we prove that hybrid product of hybrid right ideal and hybrid left ideal will coincide with hybrid intersection of hybrid right ideal and hybrid left ideal under certain condition. Moreover, we examine results related to hybrid prime ideals in rings.