bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple structural flavors of RNase P in precursor tRNA processing
Authors: Sridhara Sagar
Published: March 2024

The precursor transfer RNAs (pre‐tRNAs) require extensive processing to generate mature tRNAs possessing proper fold, structural stability, and functionality required to sustain cellular viability. The road to tRNA maturation follows an ordered process: 5′‐processing, 3′‐processing, modifications at specific sites, if any, and 3′‐CCA addition before aminoacylation and recruitment to the cellular protein synthesis machinery. Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is a universally conserved endonuclease in all domains of life, performing the hydrolysis of pre‐tRNA sequences at the 5′ end by the removal of phosphodiester linkages between nucleotides at position −1 and +1. Except for an archaeal species: Nanoarchaeum equitans where tRNAs are transcribed from leaderless‐position +1, RNase P is indispensable for life and displays fundamental variations in terms of enzyme subunit composition, mechanism of substrate recognition and active site architecture, utilizing in all cases a two metal ion‐mediated conserved catalytic reaction. While the canonical RNA‐based ribonucleoprotein RNase P has been well‐known to occur in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes, the occurrence of RNA‐free protein‐only RNase P in eukaryotes and RNA‐free homologs of Aquifex RNase P in prokaryotes has been discovered more recently. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of structural diversity displayed by various RNA‐based and RNA‐free RNase P holoenzymes towards harnessing critical RNA–protein and protein–protein interactions in achieving conserved pre‐tRNA processing functionality. Furthermore, alternate roles and functional interchangeability of RNase P are discussed in the context of its employability in several clinical and biotechnological applications.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > tRNA Processing

RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA‐Protein Complexes
Analyse II: „Just Follow the Science“ – Die plurale epistemische Autorität der Wissenschaft in der Corona-Krise
Authors: Hauswald Rico
Published: March 2024

Ich möchte noch ein weiteres Beispiel betrachten, das mir aus mehreren Gründen besonders interessant und instruktiv zu sein scheint, um Funktionsweise und Leistungsfähigkeit des in dieser Untersuchung entwickelten Ansatzes zu demonstrieren. Einer dieser Gründe ist die überragende gesamtgesellschaftliche Relevanz des betrachteten Themas. Corona ist weltweit – oder zumindest in den meisten westlich geprägten Ländern – über zwei bis drei Jahre hinweg eine Art „totales Thema“ gewesen, d. h. ein Thema, das den öffentlichen Diskurs und das öffentliche Leben in sehr starkem Maße geprägt und zeitweilig sogar nahezu vollständig beherrscht hat.
Introduction and Motivation
Authors: Coad Alex , Bornhäll Anders , Daunfeldt Sven-Olov , McKelvie Alexander
Published: March 2024

The book begins with an introduction to research on High-Growth Firms and scale-ups, focusing on the development of the literature, and observing that early work on scale-ups focused on anecdotal evidence and case studies. In contrast, this book seeks to develop a rigorous and general definition of scale-ups that is amenable to being applied to datasets of firm populations from different countries and time periods.
Firm Growth, and High-Growth Firms
Authors: Coad Alex , Bornhäll Anders , Daunfeldt Sven-Olov , McKelvie Alexander
Published: March 2024

This chapter discusses previous research into firm growth. In particular, Eurostat and the OECD proposed an indicator of High-Growth Firms in 2007 that has helped develop the field of HGF research, because having a standardized HGF definition fostered comparisons of research findings and cumulativeness of knowledge.
Lamin B1 curtails early human papillomavirus infection by safeguarding nuclear compartmentalization and autophagic capacity
Authors: Molenberghs Freya , Verschuuren Marlies , Vandeweyer Lauran , Peeters Sarah , Bogers Johannes J. , Novo Claudina Perez , Vanden Berghe Wim , De Reu Hans , Cools Nathalie , Schelhaas Mario , De Vos Winnok H.
Published: March 2024

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a primary cause of cervical and head-and-neck cancers. The HPV genome enters the nucleus during mitosis when the nuclear envelope disassembles. Given that lamins maintain nuclear integrity during interphase, we asked to what extent their loss would affect early HPV infection. To address this question, we infected human cervical cancer cells and keratinocytes lacking the major lamins with a HPV16 pseudovirus (HP-PsV) encoding an EGFP reporter. We found that a sustained reduction or complete loss of lamin B1 significantly increased HP-PsV infection rate. A corresponding greater nuclear HP-PsV load in LMNB1 knockout cells was directly related to their prolonged mitotic window and extensive nuclear rupture propensity. Despite the increased HP-PsV presence, EGFP transcript levels remained virtually unchanged, indicating an additional defect in protein turnover. Further investigation revealed that LMNB1 knockout led to a substantial decrease in autophagic capacity, possibly linked to the persistent activation of cGAS by cytoplasmic chromatin exposure. Thus, the attrition of lamin B1 increases nuclear perviousness and attenuates autophagic capacity, creating an environment conducive to unrestrained accumulation of HPV capsids. Our identification of lower lamin B1 levels and nuclear BAF foci in the basal epithelial layer of several human cervix samples suggests that this pathway may contribute to an increased individual susceptibility to HPV infection.

Graphical abstract
Wie die Umsetzung einer Schule für Menschen mit Parkinson-Krankheit gelingen kann – Ergebnisse eines Konsensusverfahrens und einer formativen Evaluation
Authors: Gerschel Tanita , Prokop Scally , Schulze Lara , Feige Tim , Zschieschang Anja , Barbe Michael Thomas , Bitterlich Robert , Caffier Julian , Csoti Ilona , Eggers Carsten , Gaßner Heiko , Gülke Eileen , Hähnel Tom , Herbst Heinz , Jochim Angela , Kiparski Anni , Klietz Martin , von Liel Alexa , Lingor Paul , Loewenbrück Kai , Maetzler Walter , Pürner Dominik , van Riesen Christoph , Schmitz-Pfeiffer Henning , Süß Thorsten , Tönges Lars , Weiß Daniel , Wolz Martin , Falkenburger Björn
Published: March 2024

Hintergrund

Die Parkinson-Krankheit ist als weltweit am schnellsten zunehmende neurodegenerative Erkrankung gesellschaftlich hoch relevant. Für eine erfolgreiche Behandlung ist die aktive Beteiligung der Patient*innen erforderlich. Patientenschulen werden bei vielen chronischen Erkrankungen wie Diabetes erfolgreich eingesetzt und könnten auch Menschen mit der Parkinson-Krankheit Fähigkeiten vermitteln, besser mit der Krankheit umzugehen und an Therapieentscheidungen teilzunehmen.

Material und Methoden

Um die Implementierung eines Konzepts für eine Patientenschule für Menschen mit der Parkinson-Krankheit vorzubereiten, wurde ein strukturiertes Konsensusverfahren durchgeführt und ein Pilotprojekt formativ evaluiert. Das strukturierte Konsensusverfahren mit deutschlandweit rekrutierten Expert*innen gliederte sich in eine 1. und 2. Onlinebefragung sowie eine abschließende Konsensuskonferenz. Die formative Evaluation erfolgte durch drei Fokusgruppen. Die Transkripte dieser Gruppeninterviews wurden computergestützt mittels inhaltlich-strukturierender qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

In dem Konsensusverfahren konnten 59 Aussagen konsentiert werden, insbesondere zu den Inhalten einer Patientenschule und zu einer Gruppengröße von 6 bis 8 Personen. Lediglich zwei Aussagen wurden nicht konsentiert. Aus der formativen Evaluation waren eine tendenziell positive Haltung gegenüber einem digitalen Schulungsformat und eine sehr positive Bewertung der Inhalte ableitbar.

Diskussion

Insgesamt konnten wichtige Empfehlungen für eine Patientenschule formuliert werden. Zu den Themen Format, Einschlusskriterien, Gruppenzusammensetzung und Einbeziehung von Angehörigen ist dagegen eine weitere Betrachtung erforderlich.
Testing a syndemics perspective on the effects of multiple adversities on depression and anxiety symptoms in a representative population sample
Authors: Batterham Philip J. , Dawel Amy , Murray Kristen , Shou Yiyun , Gulliver Amelia , Cherbuin Nicolas , Farrer Louise M.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Considerable empirical evidence indicates that stressful life experiences may have a negative impact on mental health. However, it is unclear how multiple adverse experiences may intersect to influence symptoms of depression and anxiety. Using a syndemics approach to identify potential synergistic effects between major stressors, we aimed to quantify the roles of multiple recent adverse life experiences on depression and anxiety symptoms.

Methods

A population-representative sample of 1090 Australian adults (53% women, Mage 47 years) completed a cross-sectional survey in 2022 that assessed mental health and retrospective reports of nine specific stressful life experiences in the past year.

Results

The most common adverse life experiences in the past year were financial problems (64%), loneliness (63%), or a major health problem (51%). In multivariate logistic regression analyses, financial problems, personal health problems, health problems in a close contact, relationship problems and loneliness were significantly associated with both depression and anxiety symptoms (p < 0.05). There was just one synergistic interaction and one buffering interaction of combined adversities on anxiety, and no synergistic interactions of adverse experiences on depression. The perceived impact of combined adversities was associated with both depression (b = 0.59, p < 0.001) and anxiety (b = 0.48, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Adversity was strongly associated with depression and anxiety. Inconsistent with a syndemics framework, there were very few synergistic relationships between different types of adversities, suggesting that different adverse experiences may independently influence mental health. The findings indicate important opportunities for early intervention to prevent depression and anxiety during difficult times.
Combined use of multiparametric high-content-screening and in vitro circadian reporter assays in neurotoxicity evaluation
Authors: Park Youngil , Kang Hwan-Goo , Kang Seok-Jin , Ku Hyun-Ok , Zarbl Helmut , Fang Ming-Zhu , Park Jae-Hak
Published: March 2024

Accumulating evidence indicates that chronic circadian rhythm disruption is associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases induced by exposure to neurotoxic chemicals. Herein, we examined the relationship between cellular circadian rhythm disruption and cytotoxicity in neural cells. Moreover, we evaluated the potential application of an in vitro cellular circadian rhythm assay in determining circadian rhythm disruption as a sensitive and early marker of neurotoxicant-induced adverse effects. To explore these objectives, we established an in vitro cellular circadian rhythm assay using human glioblastoma (U87 MG) cells stably transfected with a circadian reporter vector (PER2-dLuc) and determined the lowest-observed-adverse-effect levels (LOAELs) of several common neurotoxicants. Additionally, we determined the LOAEL of each compound on multiple cytotoxicity endpoints (nuclear size [NC], mitochondrial membrane potential [MMP], calcium ions, or lipid peroxidation) using a multiparametric high-content screening (HCS) assay using transfected U87 MG cells treated with the same neurotoxicants for 24 and 72 h. Based on our findings, the LOAEL for cellular circadian rhythm disruption for most chemicals was slightly higher than that for most cytotoxicity indicators detected using HCS, and the LOAEL for MMP in the first 24 h was the closest to that for cellular circadian rhythm disruption. Dietary antioxidants (methylselenocysteine and N-acetyl-l-cysteine) prevented or restored neurotoxicant-induced cellular circadian rhythm disruption. Our results suggest that cellular circadian rhythm disruption is as sensitive as cytotoxicity indicators and occurs early as much as cytotoxic events during disease development. Moreover, the in vitro cellular circadian rhythm assay warrants further evaluation as an early screening tool for neurotoxicants.
Toxicokinetics of homosalate in humans after dermal application: applicability of oral-route data for exposure assessment by human biomonitoring
Authors: Ebert Katharina E. , Griem Peter , Weiss Tobias , Brüning Thomas , Hayen Heiko , Koch Holger M. , Bury Daniel
Published: March 2024

Homosalate (HMS) is a UV filter used in sunscreens and personal care products as a mixture of cis- and trans-isomers. Systemic absorption after sunscreen use has been demonstrated in humans, and concerns have been raised about possible endocrine activity of HMS, making a general population exposure assessment desirable. In a previous study, it was shown that the oral bioavailability of cis-HMS (cHMS) is lower than that of trans-HMS (tHMS) by a factor of 10, calling for a separate evaluation of both isomers in exposure and risk assessment. The aim of the current study is the investigation of HMS toxicokinetics after dermal exposure. Four volunteers applied a commercial sunscreen containing 10% HMS to their whole body under regular-use conditions (18–40 mg HMS (kg bw)−1). Parent HMS isomers and hydroxylated and carboxylic acid metabolites were quantified using authentic standards and isotope dilution analysis. Further metabolites were investigated semi-quantitatively. Elimination was delayed and slower compared to the oral route, and terminal elimination half-times were around 24 h. After dermal exposure, the bioavailability of cHMS was a factor of 2 lower than that of tHMS. However, metabolite ratios in relation to the respective parent isomer were very similar to the oral route, supporting the applicability of the oral-route urinary excretion fractions for dermal-route exposure assessments. Exemplary calculations of intake doses showed margins of safety between 11 and 92 (depending on the approach) after single whole-body sunscreen application. Human biomonitoring can reliably quantify oral and dermal HMS exposures and support the monitoring of exposure reduction measures.
Cohomology and geometry of Deligne–Lusztig varieties for $$\textrm{GL}_n$$
Authors: Wang Yingying
Published: March 2024

We give a description of the cohomology groups of the structure sheaf on smooth compactifications $$\overline{X}(w)$$

X
¯

(
w
)

of Deligne–Lusztig varieties X(w) for $$\textrm{GL}_n$$

GL
n

, for all elements w in the Weyl group. As a consequence, we obtain the $$\textrm{mod}\ p^m$$

mod

p
m

and integral p-adic étale cohomology of $$\overline{X}(w)$$

X
¯

(
w
)

. Moreover, using our result for $$\overline{X}(w)$$

X
¯

(
w
)

and a spectral sequence associated to a stratification of $$\overline{X}(w)$$

X
¯

(
w
)

, we deduce the $$\textrm{mod}\ p^m$$

mod

p
m

and integral p-adic étale cohomology with compact support of X(w). In our proof of the main theorem, in addition to considering the Demazure–Hansen smooth compactifications of X(w), we show that a similar class of constructions provide smooth compactifications of X(w) in the case of $$\textrm{GL}_n$$

GL
n

. Furthermore, we show in the appendix that the Zariski closure of X(w), for any connected reductive group G and any w, has pseudo-rational singularities.
Analysis of selected deep features with CNN-SVM-based for bread wheat seed classification
Authors: Yasar Ali
Published: March 2024

The main ingredient of flour is processed wheat. Wheat is an agricultural product that is harvested once a year. It may be necessary to choose the variety of wheat for growing wheat and efficient harvesting. The variety of wheat is important for its economic value, taste, and crop yield. Although there are many varieties of wheat, they are very similar in colour, size, and shape, and it requires expertise to distinguish them by eye. This is very time consuming and can lead to human error. Using computer vision and artificial intelligence, such problems can be solved more quickly and objectively. In this study, an attempt was made to classify five bread wheat varieties belonging to different cultivars using Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models. Three approaches have been proposed for classification. First, pre-trained CNN models (ResNet18, ResNet50, and ResNet101) were trained for bread wheat cultivars. Second, the features extracted from the fc1000 layer of the pre-trained CNN models ResNet18, ResNet50, and ResNet101 were classified using a support vector machine (SVM) classifier with different kernel features from machine learning techniques for classification with different variants. Finally, SVM methods were used in the second stage to classify the features obtained from the fc1000 layer of the pre-trained CNN models with an optimal set of features that can represent all features using the minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) feature selection algorithm.The accuracies obtained in the first, second, and last phases are as follows. In the first phase, the most successful method in classifying wheat grains was the ResNet18 model with 97.57%. In the second phase, the ResNet18 + ResNet50 + ResNet101 + Quadratic SVM model was the most successful model in classification using the features obtained from the ResNet CNN models with 94.08%.The accuracy for classification with the 1000 most effective features selected by the feature selection algorithm was 94.51%. Although the classification with features is slightly lower than deep learning, the classification time is much shorter and is 93%. This result confirms the great effectiveness of CNN models for wheat grain classification.
Single-Shot Decoding of Good Quantum LDPC Codes
Authors: Gu Shouzhen , Tang Eugene , Caha Libor , Choe Shin Ho , He Zhiyang , Kubica Aleksander
Published: March 2024

Quantum Tanner codes constitute a family of quantum low-density parity-check codes with good parameters, i.e., constant encoding rate and relative distance. In this article, we prove that quantum Tanner codes also facilitate single-shot quantum error correction (QEC) of adversarial noise, where one measurement round (consisting of constant-weight parity checks) suffices to perform reliable QEC even in the presence of measurement errors. We establish this result for both the sequential and parallel decoding algorithms introduced by Leverrier and Zémor. Furthermore, we show that in order to suppress errors over multiple repeated rounds of QEC, it suffices to run the parallel decoding algorithm for constant time in each round. Combined with good code parameters, the resulting constant-time overhead of QEC and robustness to (possibly time-correlated) adversarial noise make quantum Tanner codes alluring from the perspective of quantum fault-tolerant protocols.
Monodromy of the Casimir connection of a symmetrisable Kac–Moody algebra
Authors: Appel Andrea , Toledano Laredo Valerio
Published: March 2024

Let $\mathfrak {g}$
g
be a symmetrisable Kac–Moody algebra and $V$
V
an integrable $\mathfrak {g}$
g
–module in category $\mathcal {O}$
O
. We show that the monodromy of the (normally ordered) rational Casimir connection on $V$
V
can be made equivariant with respect to the Weyl group $W$
W
of $\mathfrak {g}$
g
, and therefore defines an action of the braid group $\mathcal {B}_{W}$

B
W

on $V$
V
. We then prove that this action is canonically equivalent to the quantum Weyl group action of $\mathcal {B}_{W}$

B
W

on a quantum deformation of $V$
V
, that is an integrable, category $\mathcal {O}$
O
module $\mathcal {V}$
V
over the quantum group $U_{\hbar }\mathfrak {g}$

U
ħ

g
such that $\mathcal {V}/\hbar \mathcal {V}$
V
/
ħ
V
is isomorphic to $V$
V
. This extends a result of the second author which is valid for $\mathfrak {g}$
g
semisimple.
Hold it close: male octopus hold their hectocotylus closer to their body
Authors: Weertman Willem Lee , Scheel David
Published: March 2024

The right third arm of the male octopus is the hectocotylized arm. This arm is modified by anatomy specialized to hold and transfer sperm packets to the female, and lacks suckers at the distal end. Male octopus may be distinguished by the skilled eye from their habit of holding their hectocotylus closer to their body in a protective manner, although this observation has never been described quantitatively. We utilized a three-step process of data annotation, pose estimation model training, and model inference to show that this common observation is true of Octopus rubescens. In 2338 images, the eyes, mantle tip, and arm tips of two male (n = 1152) and three female (n = 1085) octopuses were annotated by an experimenter. These images were then used to train a DeepLabCut pose estimation model which achieved a RMSE of 1.78 cm. This model was then used to annotate 11.4 h (n = 408,985 images) of four female and eight male octopuses moving across the middle of a large aquarium. We then compared the human annotated data, and the model inference data separately. In both datasets we compared the arm-tip-to-eye centered point distances, as well as the octopus centric arm tip 90% kernel density estimation area. In both the training dataset and the model inference datasets we found common results. Male O. rubescens hold their third to the right arm closer to their body than all seven other arms while the females do not. Further, in both males and females, the rear arm pairs operate closer to the body than the front arm pairs. Despite their anatomical similarity and potential redundancy, these results indicates functional differences in arm use by octopuses.
Partial regularity for minimizers of a class of discontinuous Lagrangians
Authors: Colombo Roberto
Published: March 2024

We study a one-dimensional Lagrangian problem including the variational reformulation, derived in a recent work of Ambrosio–Baradat–Brenier, of the discrete Monge–Ampère gravitational model, which describes the motion of interacting particles whose dynamics is ruled by the optimal transport problem. The more general action-type functional we consider contains a discontinuous potential term related to the descending slope of the opposite squared distance function from a generic discrete set in $$\mathbb {R}^{d}$$

R

d

. We exploit the underlying geometrical structure provided by the associated Voronoi decomposition of the space to obtain $$C^{1,1}$$

C

1
,
1

-regularity for local minimizers out of a finite number of shock times.
Seasonal and Ecological Determinants of Wild Boar Rooting on Priority Protected Grasslands
Authors: Calosi Martina , Gabbrielli Chiara , Lazzeri Lorenzo , Fattorini Niccolò , Cesaretti Gloria , Burrini Lucia , Petrillo Ottavio , Ferretti Francesco
Published: March 2024

Wild ungulates can influence various trophic levels, regulating carnivore abundance and affecting habitat structure. Conservation problems can arise when high ungulate densities threaten species or habitats with conservation concern. Assessing factors influencing the intensity of their impact is important to identify appropriate measures enhancing habitat conservation. We assessed factors influencing wild boarSus scrofapressure on EU protected grasslands in three protected areas of central Italy, by modelling the effects of environmental variables and wild boar density on rooting activity. We seasonally estimated rooting in 126 sampling plots from spring 2019 to spring 2021, and we used faeces counts to estimate summer wild boar densities. Estimates of density and rooting varied from 3.5 to 22.2 individuals/km2and from 1.1 to 19.2%, respectively. We detected a clear seasonal trend in rooting activity, that peaked in autumn and winter. We also found a strongly positive correlation between spring-summer rooting and summer density, across sites. Rooting intensity was negatively related to the local extent of rock cover and increased with the 1 month-cumulative rainfall, the perimeter of the grassland patch, and the forest cover around plots. These results emphasise the tendency of wild boar to exploit feeding sites in ecotonal areas, i.e., at the interface between forest and meadows, which maximises security and ease of finding food resources. Actions aiming at the protection of focal plants in grassland habitats, as well as reducing wild boar presence, are supported (e.g. fencing and/or targeting population control at vulnerable patches).
Pulse modulation in En-Bloc HoLEP: does it really matter? A propensity score matched analysis
Authors: Hartung Friedrich Otto , Egen Luisa , Gruene Britta , Wenk Maren Juliane , Kowalewski Karl-Friedrich , Patroi Paul , Rassweiler-Seyfried Marie-Claire , Michel Maurice Stephan , Herrmann Jonas
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is an established option in the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Pulse modulation, such as MOSES® technology, has recently been introduced and may offer potential advantages in HoLEP.

Methods

Perioperative data from 117 patients who underwent MOSES® laser enucleation of the prostate (MoLEP) were collected. Propensity score matching using prostate volume, age, body mass index (BMI), and anticoagulant intake was performed using a database of 237 patients treated with HoLEP. In total, 234 patients were included in the analysis.

Results

Prostate volume (104 vs. 102 ml), age (70 vs. 71 years), BMI (27 vs. 27), and anticoagulant intake (34 vs. 35%) did not differ significantly between the groups. There were no significant differences in operation time (61.5 vs. 58.1 min, p = 0.42), enucleation efficiency (2.5 vs. 2.6 g/min, p = 0.74), hemostasis time (7.8 vs. 8 min, p = 0.75) and hemoglobin drop (0.9 vs. 0.7 mg/dl, p = 0.48). The complication rates were low in both groups (16.2% for HoLEP and 17.1% for MoLEP). No differences were noted in the Clavien-Dindo Classification (p = 0.63) and the Comprehensive Complication Index (p = 0.24). The rate of complications > CDC IIIa was 0.9% for HoLEP (endoscopic coagulation) and 1.7% for MoLEP (2 cases of endoscopic coagulation). No transfusions were administered.

Conclusion

Overall, the enucleation efficiency was high in both groups and the procedure time was short. HoLEP is an efficient and safe treatment option in experienced hands, regardless of the use of pulse modulation technology.
Mechanoecology: biomechanical aspects of insect-plant interactions
Authors: Salerno Gianandrea , Rebora Manuela , Gorb Elena , Gorb Stanislav
Published: March 2024

Plants and herbivorous insects as well as their natural enemies, such as predatory and parasitoid insects, are united by intricate relationships. During the long period of co-evolution with insects, plants developed a wide diversity of features to defence against herbivores and to attract pollinators and herbivores’ natural enemies. The chemical basis of insect-plant interactions is established and many examples are studied, where feeding and oviposition site selection of phytophagous insects are dependent on the plant’s secondary chemistry. However, often overlooked mechanical interactions between insects and plants can be rather crucial. In the context of mechanoecology, the evolution of plant surfaces and insect adhesive pads is an interesting example of competition between insect attachment systems and plant anti-attachment surfaces. The present review is focused on mechanical insect-plant interactions of some important pest species, such as the polyphagous Southern Green Stinkbug Nezara viridula and two frugivorous pest species, the polyphagous Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata and the monophagous olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae. Their ability to attach to plant surfaces characterised by different features such as waxes and trichomes is discussed. Some attention is paid also to Coccinellidae, whose interaction with plant leaf surfaces is substantial across all developmental stages in both phytophagous and predatory species that feed on herbivorous insects. Finally, the role of different kinds of anti-adhesive nanomaterials is discussed. They can reduce the attachment ability of insect pests to natural and artificial surfaces, potentially representing environmental friendly alternative methods to reduce insect pest impact in agriculture.
Modulation of intracortical circuits in primary motor cortex during automatic action tendencies
Authors: Xia Xue , Li Yansong , Song Yuyu , Dong Yuanjun , Chen Robert , Zhang Jian , Tan Xiaoying
Published: March 2024

Humans display automatic action tendencies toward emotional stimuli, showing faster automatic behavior (i.e., approaching a positive stimulus and avoiding a negative stimulus) than regulated behavior (i.e., avoiding a positive stimulus and approaching a negative stimulus). Previous studies have shown that the primary motor cortex is involved in the processing of automatic actions, with higher motor evoked potential amplitudes during automatic behavior elicited by single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation. However, it is unknown how intracortical circuits are involved with automatic action tendencies. Here, we measured short-interval intracortical inhibition and intracortical facilitation within the primary motor cortex by using paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation protocols during a manikin task, which has been widely used to explore approaching and avoiding behavior. Results showed that intracortical facilitation was stronger during automatic behavior than during regulated behavior. Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation between reaction times and intracortical facilitation effect during automatic behavior: individuals with short reaction times had stronger faciliatory activity, as shown by higher intracortical facilitation. By contrast, no significant difference was found for short-interval intracortical inhibition between automatic behavior and regulated behavior. The results indicated that the intracortical facilitation circuit, mediated by excitatory glutamatergic neurons, in the primary motor cortex, plays an important role in mediating automatic action tendencies. This finding further supports the link between emotional perception and the action system.
Socioeconomic position, family context, and child cognitive development
Authors: González Llúcia , Popovic Maja , Rebagliato Marisa , Estarlich Marisa , Moirano Giovenale , Barreto-Zarza Florencia , Richiardi Lorenzo , Arranz Enrique , Santa-Marina Loreto , Zugna Daniela , Ibarluzea Jesús , Pizzi Costanza
Published: March 2024

Socioeconomic position (SEP) may have different effects on cognitive development and family context could play a role in this association. This work aimed to analyse the role of socioeconomic positions, measured via various indicators collected longitudinally, in cognitive development at 7–11 years of age, evaluating the role of family context as a potential mediator. The study sample included 394 and 382 children from the INMA Gipuzkoa and Valencia cohorts, respectively. SEP indicators were assessed during pregnancy (family social class, parental education, employment, and disposable income) and at 7 (Gipuzkoa) and 11 (Valencia) years of age (At Risk of Poverty or Social Exclusion (AROPE)). Family context and cognitive development were measured with the Haezi-Etxadi Family Assessment Scale 7–11 (HEFAS 7–11) and Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices (Raven’s CPM), respectively. Linear regression models were developed to assess the relationships between (a) SEP-family context, (b) SEP-cognitive development, and (c) family context-cognitive development, adjusting for a priori-selected confounders. Simple and multiple mediation analyses were performed to explore the role of family context in the SEP-cognitive development relationship. Lower SEP was related with a lower cognitive score, this association being particularly robust for family social class. SEP indicators were related to subscales of family context, in particular those regarding cognitive stimulation, parental stress, and parenting. A relationship was also found between these three subscales and child cognitive development, mediating the effect of family social class on child cognition by 5.2, 5.5, and 10.8%, respectively, and 12.0% jointly.

    Conclusion: Both family SEP and context contribute to a child’s cognitive development. Equalising policies and positive parenting programmes could contribute to improving cognitive development in children.

What is Known:• Parental social class, education, and employment status have been widely employed to measure socioeconomic position.

What is New:• This work focuses on standard measurements of socioeconomic position but also other economic indicators such as the EHII and AROPE, and their effect on child cognitive development and family context.• Promotion of cognitive and linguistic development, parental stress and conflict, and parental profile fostering child development mediated the effect of family social class on cognitive development.
Nutritional status as a predictive factor for paediatric tuberous sclerosis complex-associated kidney angiomyolipomas: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Limavady Andrew , Marlais Matko
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study is to determine the predictive factors of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated kidney disease and its progression in children. Retrospective review of children with TSC in a tertiary children’s hospital was performed. Relevant data were extracted, and Cox proportional hazards regression was used to establish predictors of kidney lesions. Logistic regression was conducted to identify factors predicting chronic kidney disease (CKD) and high-risk angiomyolipomas (above 3 cm). Kidney imaging data were available in 145 children with TSC; of these, 79% (114/145) had abnormal findings. The only significant predictive factor for cyst development was being female (HR = 0.503, 95% CI 0.264–0.956). Being female (HR = 0.505, 95% CI 0.272–0.937) and underweight (HR = 0.092, 95% CI 0.011–0.800) both lowers the risk of having angiomyolipomas, but TSC2 mutations (HR = 2.568, 95% CI 1.101–5.989) and being obese (HR = 2.555, 95%CI 1.243–5.255) increases risks. Ten (12%) of 81 children with kidney function tested demonstrate CKD stages II–V, and only angiomyolipomas above 3 cm predict CKD. Additionally, 13/145 (9%) children had high-risk angiomyolipomas, whereby current age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.015, 95% CI 1.004–1.026) and being overweight/obese (aOR 7.129, 95% CI 1.940–26.202) were significantly associated with angiomyolipomas above 3 cm.

Conclusions: While gender and genotype are known predictors, this study includes the novel finding of nutritional status as a predictor of TSC-associated kidney disease. This study sheds light on a possible complex interplay of hormonal influences, obesity, and kidney angiomyolipomas growth, and further investigations focusing on the impact of nutritional status on TSC-associated kidney disease are warranted.

What is Known:• Gender and genotype are well-studied predictive factors in TSC kidney disease.

What is New:• Nutritional status may influence the development and the progression of kidney lesions in children with TSC and should not be overlooked.
• Management guidelines of TSC-associated kidney disease can address nutritional aspects.
Acupuncture in cancer care: recommendations for safe practice (peer-reviewed expert opinion)
Authors: de Valois Beverley , Young Teresa , Zollman Catherine , Appleyard Ian , Ben-Arye Eran , Cummings Mike , Green Ruth , Hoffman Caroline , Lacey Judith , Moir Felicity , Peckham Rachel , Stringer Jacqui , Veleber Susan , Weitzman Matthew , Wode Kathrin
Published: March 2024

Background

Up-to-date recommendations for the safe practice of acupuncture in integrative oncology are overdue with new cancer treatments and an increase in survivors with late effects of disease; 17 years have elapsed since Filshie and Hester’s 2006 guidelines. During 2022/2023 an expert panel assembled to produce updated recommendations aiming to facilitate safe and appropriate care by acupuncturists working with people with cancer.

Methods

A core development team comprising three integrative oncology professionals comprehensively updated pre-existing unpublished recommendations. Twelve invited international experts (senior acupuncturists with and without experience of working in oncology settings, oncologists, physicians and nurses trained in integrative oncology, researchers, academics, and professional body representatives) reviewed the recommendations. In multiple iterations, the core team harmonised comments for final ratification. To aid dissemination and uptake the panel represents national and international integrative oncology associations and major cancer treatment centres in Europe, USA, Australia, and the Middle East.

Results

These recommendations facilitate safe care by articulating contra-indications, cautions, and risks for patients both on and off treatment (surgery, SACT, radiotherapy). Situations where acupuncture may be contra-indicated or practices need adapting are identified. “Red and Amber Flags” highlight where urgent referral is essential.

Conclusion

These are the first international, multidisciplinary peer-reviewed recommendations for safe acupuncture practice in integrative oncology. Concerns about safety remain a significant barrier to appropriate referral from oncology teams, to use by acupuncturists and to uptake by patients. Disseminating trustworthy, widely accessible guidance should facilitate informed, confident practice of acupuncture in and outside of oncology healthcare settings.
Ectomycorrhizal fungal communities in natural and urban ecosystems: Quercus humboldtii as a study case in the tropical Andes
Authors: Sanchez-Tello Juan David , Corrales Adriana
Published: March 2024

Worldwide urban landscapes are expanding because of the growing human population. Urban ecosystems serve as habitats to highly diverse communities. However, studies focusing on the diversity and structure of ectomycorrhizal communities are uncommon in this habitat. In Colombia, Quercus humboldtii Bonpl. is an ectomycorrhizal tree thriving in tropical montane forests hosting a high diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi. Q. humboldtii is planted as an urban tree in Bogotá (Colombia). We studied how root-associated fungal communities of this tree change between natural and urban areas. Using Illumina sequencing, we amplified the ITS1 region and analyzed the resulting data using both OTUs and Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) bioinformatics pipelines. The results obtained using both pipelines showed no substantial differences between OTUs and ASVs for the community patterns of root-associated fungi, and only differences in species richness were observed. We found no significant differences in the species richness between urban and rural sites based on Fisher’s alpha or species-accumulation curves. However, we found significant differences in the community composition of fungi present in the roots of rural and urban trees with rural communities being dominated by Russula and Lactarius and urban communities by Scleroderma, Hydnangium, and Trechispora, suggesting a high impact of urban disturbances on ectomycorrhizal fungal communities. Our results highlight the importance of urban trees as reservoirs of fungal diversity and the potential impact of urban conditions on favoring fungal species adapted to more disturbed ecosystems.
Targeted metabolomic analysis of serum amino acids in heart failure patients
Authors: Yang Chunjing , Shi Zhengyuan , Bao Li , Xv Xiqiao , Jiang Dechun , You Longtai
Published: March 2024

Heart failure (HF) has been recognized as a global epidemic with high rates of morbidity, hospitalization, and mortality. The role of amino acids, which provide the body with energy, in the development of HF is still unclear. The aim of this study was to explore changes in serum amino acids in patients with HF and identify potential biomarkers. First, the serum amino acid metabolism profiles of 44 patients with HF and 30 healthy controls (Con) were quantitatively measured. Then, candidate markers were identified through the utilization of T test, multivariate statistical analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The results found that there were 11 amino acid levels that were significantly different between patients with HF and Con. Based on ROC curve analysis, the biomarkers of eight amino acids (Glutamic acid, Taurine, l-aspartic acid, l-ornithine, Ethanolamine, l-Serine, l-Sarcosine, and Cysteine) showed high sensitivity and specificity (AUC > 0.90), and binary logistic regression analysis was used in MetaboAnalyst 5.0. Among the amino acids examined, six exhibited notable alterations in accordance with the severity of HF. In conclusion, this study cannot only provide clinicians with an objective diagnostic approach for the early identification of HF, but also enhances comprehension of the underlying mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HF.
Assessment of bone regeneration after maxillary radicular cyst enucleation with or without bone grafting materials: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: La Rosa Giusy Rita Maria , Priolo Carlotta Ylenia , Abiad Roula S , Romeo Virginia Rosy , Ambu Emanuele , Pedullà Eugenio
Published: March 2024

Objective

The limitations of spontaneous bone healing underscore the necessity for exploring alternative strategies to enhance bone regeneration in maxillary radicular cyst cases. This retrospective study aimed to assess the impact of a bone substitute material (i.e., Bio-Oss) on bone volume regeneration following maxillary radicular cyst enucleation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and methods

Seventy-three patients with maxillary radicular cysts were divided into two groups: one undergoing guided bone regeneration (GBR) with Bio-Oss and absorbable collagen membrane (n = 35), and the other receiving cyst excision alone (n = 38). Volumetric measurements using Amira software on CBCT scans evaluated bone regeneration, with cystic lesion shrinkage rates calculated. Intergroup comparisons utilized independent sample t-tests (P < 0.05), and linear regression analysis assessed the influence of preoperative cyst volume and group on bone healing.

Results

Both groups showed similar success rates in bone formation at the 12-month follow-up, with no significant differences between them (mean (SD), control: 75.16 (19.17) vs. GBR: 82 (20.22),P > 0.05). Linear regression analysis revealed a negative correlation between preoperative cyst volume and bone regeneration in both groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Bio-Oss may not significantly enhance bone augmentation in maxillary radicular cysts. In addition, preoperative cyst volume negatively affected the shrinkage rate of cystic lesions.

Clinical relevance

Clinicians should consider patient-specific factors such as anatomy and lesion size when determining the need for bone substitute materials. Future research could focus on optimizing treatment protocols and alternative regenerative strategies to improve patient outcomes in maxillary cyst cases.
The EORTC QLU-C10D is a valid cancer-specific preference-based measure for cost-utility and health technology assessment in the Netherlands
Authors: Pilz Micha J. , Seyringer Simon , Hallsson Lára R. , Bottomley Andrew , Jansen Femke , King Madeleine T. , Norman Richard , Rutten Marianne J. , Verdonck-de Leeuw Irma M. , Siersema Peter D. , Gamper Eva Maria
Published: March 2024

Background

Cost-utility analysis typically relies on preference-based measures (PBMs). While generic PBMs are widely used, disease-specific PBMs can capture aspects relevant for certain patient populations. Here the EORTC QLU-C10D, a cancer-specific PBM based on the QLQ-C30, is validated using Dutch trial data with the EQ-5D-3L as a generic comparator measure.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed data from four Dutch randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comprising the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the EQ-5D-3L. Respective Dutch value sets were applied. Correlations between the instruments were calculated for domains and index scores. Bland–Altman plots and intra-class correlations (ICC) displayed agreement between the measures. Independent and paired t-tests, effect sizes and relative validity indices were used to determine the instruments’ performance in detecting clinically known-group differences and health changes over time.

Results

We analysed data from 602 cancer patients from four different trials. In overall, the EORTC QLU-C10D showed good relative validity with the EQ-5D-3L as a comparator (correlations of index scores r = 0.53–0.75, ICCs 0.686–0.808, conceptually similar domains showed higher correlations than dissimilar domains). Most importantly, it detected 63% of expected clinical group differences and 50% of changes over time in patients undergoing treatment. Both instruments showed poor performance in survivors. Detection rate and measurement efficiency were clearly higher for the QLU-C10D than for the EQ-5D-3L.

Conclusions

The Dutch EORTC QLU-C10D showed good comparative validity in patients undergoing treatment. Our results underline the benefit that can be achieved by using a cancer-specific PBM for generating health utilities for cancer patients from a measurement perspective.
On the obstacle problem associated to the Kolmogorov–Fokker–Planck operator with rough coefficients
Authors: Anceschi Francesca , Rebucci Annalaura
Published: March 2024

This work is devoted to the study of the obstacle problem associated to the Kolmogorov–Fokker–Planck operator with rough coefficients through a variational approach. In particular, after the introduction of a proper anisotropic Sobolev space and related properties, we prove the existence and uniqueness of a weak solution for the obstacle problem by adapting a classical perturbation argument to the convex functional associated to the case of our interest. Finally, we conclude this work by providing a one-sided associated variational inequality, alongside with an overview on related open problems.
Relevance of diet diversification in the coexistence between Orius laevigatus and Amblyseius swirskii: prey switching and intraguild predation
Authors: Mendoza José Enrique , Balanza Virginia , Rodríguez-Gómez Amador , Cifuentes Dina , Bielza Pablo
Published: March 2024

Omnivores obtain resources from more than one trophic level, choosing food based on quantity and quality. They usually engage in intraguild predation (IGP) when prey is scarce. Orius laevigatus is an example of omnivore that becomes superior predator of the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii when released in a combined system under low levels of the preferred prey, the thrips Frankliniella occidentalis. Here, we test two genetically enhanced O. laevigatus strains for bigger size and better fitness feeding on pollen (BIG30 and 2POL-11, respectively), hence with a wider dietary diversification, to elucidate the potential effects on prey preference and IGP on the predatory mite, in comparison with a commercial population of O. laevigatus. To do that, predation rates were registered on adult phytoseiids solely or in a choice situation at different availability ratios of adult thrips under laboratory conditions. The effect of pollen as supplemental food on IGP and prey preference was examined, too. We found that our two enhanced lines killed up to 9% less predatory mites and fed preferably on adult thrips, compared to the commercial population. While BIG30 showed a significantly higher total predation rate, killing up to 150% more adult thrips, 2POL-11 is defined as an efficient user of resources, switching between different prey and pollen showing low IGP. Pollen supplementation had a significant effect on reducing IGP, but only for 2POL-11 the influence on prey preference was significant. The theory of intraguild predation and the impact of prey switching on food webs and biological control strategies are also discussed.