bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and comparison of the effects of a new paste containing 8% L-Arginine and CaCO3 plus KNO3 on dentinal tubules occlusion and dental sensitivity: a randomized, triple blinded clinical trial study
Authors: Mohammadipour Hamideh Sadat , Bagheri Hossein , Babazadeh Saber , Khorshid Mehrzad , Shooshtari Zahra , Shahri Arsalan
Published: April 2024

Background

Dentin hypersensitivity, often occurring after dental treatments or from erosive lesions, is a prevalent patient complaint. This study introduces a paste combining 8% L-arginine, calcium carbonate, and potassium nitrate to evaluate its impact on dentinal tubules occlusion, dentin permeability, and tooth sensitivity.

Methods

Dentin surfaces from 24 third molars (thickness: 2 mm) were divided into two groups of 12. One received the experimental paste, while the other received a placebo without desensitizer. Permeability and sealing ability were assessed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dentin permeability measurement. The pastes’ effects on hypersensitivity were then examined in a triple-blind, randomized parallel-armed clinical trial with 16 eligible patients. Sensitivity to cold, touch, and spontaneous stimuli was recorded using the VAS scale at various intervals post-treatment. Statistical analysis was conducted using Shapiro-Wilk, Mann-Whitney U, Friedman, and Wilcoxon tests (α = 0.05).

Results

The permeability test demonstrated a significant reduction in dentin permeability in the experimental group (P = 0.002) compared to the control (P = 0.178). SEM images revealed most dentinal tubules in the intervention samples to be occluded. Clinically, both groups showed a significant decrease in the three types of evaluated sensitivity throughout the study. However, no significant difference in sensitivities between the two groups was observed, with the exception of cold sensitivity at three months post-treatment (P = 0.054).

Conclusion

The innovative desensitizing paste featuring 8% L-arginine, calcium carbonate, and potassium nitrate effectively occluded dentinal tubules and reduced dentin permeability. It mitigated immediate and prolonged dentin hypersensitivity to various stimuli, supporting its potential role in managing dentin hypersensitivity.

Trial registration

http://irct.ir: IRCT20220829055822N1, September 9th, 2022.
The experiences and needs of older adults receiving voluntary services in Chinese nursing home organizations: a qualitative study
Authors: Li Lin , Shen Qin , Wu Junxian
Published: April 2024

Background

Older adults living in nursing home organizations are eager to get voluntary help, however, their past experiences with voluntary services are not satisfactory enough. To better carry out voluntary services and improve the effectiveness of services, it is necessary to have a deeper understanding of the experiences and needs of older adults for voluntary services.

Methods

The purposive sampling method was used to select 14 older adults from two nursing home organizations in Hangzhou and conduct semi-structured interviews, Collaizzi’s seven-step method was used to analyze the data.

Results

Older adults in nursing home organizations have both beneficial experiences and unpleasant service experiences in the process of receiving voluntary services; Beneficial experiences include solving problems meeting needs and feeling warmth and care, while unpleasant service experiences include the formality that makes it difficult to benefit truly, lack of organization, regularity, sustainability, and the mismatch between service provision and actual demands. The needs for voluntary services mainly focuses on emotional comfort, Cultural and recreational, and knowledge acquisition.

Conclusion

Older adults in nursing home organizations have varied voluntary experiences, and their voluntary service needs are diversified. Voluntary service needs of older adults should be accurately assessed, and voluntary service activities should be focused upon.
Modulation of the microhomology-mediated end joining pathway suppresses large deletions and enhances homology-directed repair following CRISPR-Cas9-induced DNA breaks
Authors: Yuan Baolei , Bi Chongwei , Tian Yeteng , Wang Jincheng , Jin Yiqing , Alsayegh Khaled , Tehseen Muhammad , Yi Gang , Zhou Xuan , Shao Yanjiao , Romero Fernanda Vargas , Fischle Wolfgang , Izpisua Belmonte Juan Carlos , Hamdan Samir , Huang Yanyi , Li Mo
Published: April 2024

Background

CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing often induces unintended, large genomic rearrangements, posing potential safety risks. However, there are no methods for mitigating these risks.

Results

Using long-read individual-molecule sequencing (IDMseq), we found the microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) DNA repair pathway plays a predominant role in Cas9-induced large deletions (LDs). We targeted MMEJ-associated genes genetically and/or pharmacologically and analyzed Cas9-induced LDs at multiple gene loci using flow cytometry and long-read sequencing. Reducing POLQ levels or activity significantly decreases LDs, while depleting or overexpressing RPA increases or reduces LD frequency, respectively. Interestingly, small-molecule inhibition of POLQ and delivery of recombinant RPA proteins also dramatically promote homology-directed repair (HDR) at multiple disease-relevant gene loci in human pluripotent stem cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal the contrasting roles of RPA and POLQ in Cas9-induced LD and HDR, suggesting new strategies for safer and more precise genome editing.
First-trimester fetal size, accelerated growth in utero, and child neurodevelopment in a cohort study
Authors: Chen Xinmei , Liu Hongxiu , Li Yuanyuan , Zhang Wenxin , Zhou Aifen , Xia Wei , Xu Shunqing
Published: April 2024

Background

Early pregnancy is a critical window for neural system programming; however, the association of first-trimester fetal size with children’s neurodevelopment remains to be assessed. This study aimed to explore the association between first-trimester fetal size and children’s neurodevelopment and to examine whether intrauterine accelerated growth could compensate for the detrimental effects of first-trimester restricted growth on childhood neurodevelopment.

Methods

The participants were from a birth cohort enrolled from March 2014 to March 2019 in Wuhan, China. A total of 2058 fetuses with crown to rump length (CRL) (a proxy of first-trimester fetal size) measurements in the first trimester and neurodevelopmental assessment at age 2 years were included. We measured the first-trimester CRL and defined three fetal growth patterns based on the growth rate of estimated fetal weight from mid to late pregnancy. The neurodevelopment was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development of China Revision at 2 years.

Results

Each unit (a Z score) increase of first-trimester CRL was associated with increased scores in mental developmental index (MDI) (adjusted beta estimate = 1.19, (95% CI: 0.42, 1.95), P = 0.03) and psychomotor developmental index (PDI) (adjusted beta estimate = 1.36, (95% CI: 0.46, 2.26), P < 0.01) at age 2 years, respectively. No significant association was observed between fetal growth rate and PDI. For children with restricted first-trimester fetal size (the lowest tertile of first-trimester CRL), those with “intrauterine accelerated growth” pattern (higher growth rates) had significantly higher MDI (adjusted beta estimate = 6.14, (95% CI: 3.80, 8.49), P < 0.001) but indistinguishable PDI compared to those with “intrauterine faltering growth” pattern (lower growth rates). Main limitations of this study included potential misclassification of gestational age due to recall bias of the last menstrual period and residual confounding.

Conclusions

The current study suggests that restricted first-trimester fetal size is associated with mental and psychomotor developmental delay in childhood. However, in children with restricted first-trimester fetal size, intrauterine accelerated growth was associated with improved mental development but had little effect on psychomotor development. Additional studies are needed to validate the results in diverse populations.
Investigation of the interaction between genetic risk score (GRS) and fatty acid quality indices on metabolic syndrome among overweight and obese women
Authors: Rasaei Niloufar , Daneshzad Elnaz , Khadem Alireza , Gholami Fatemeh , Samadi Mahsa , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: April 2024

Background and aim

Metabolic syndrome is one of the major public-health challenges, affecting one-quarter of the world population. Fatty acid quality indices are novel determinants of this disease and their interactions with genetic factors may have an impact on metabolic syndrome risk. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the interaction between genetic risk score (GRS) and fatty acid quality indices with metabolic syndrome (MetS) among overweight and obese women.

Methods

In the present cross-sectional study, 279 overweight and obese women (18–48 years old) were included. Several anthropometric measurements such as weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and body fat percent (BF%) were measured. Also, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were measured. Biochemical determination was performed for fasting blood glucose (FBS), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). MetS was determined according to National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP ATP III) criteria. Dietary intake was evaluated by a validated and reliable 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Cholesterol-saturated fat index (CSI) and the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 (ω-6/ω-3) essential fatty acids were considered as fat quality indices. The salting-out method was used to extract the total DNA. The unweighted GRS was calculated using the risk alleles of the three single nucleotide polymorphisms. The total average GRS value was 2 and the sum of the risk alleles of the 3 polymorphisms was 6.

Result

The results of our analysis showed that after controlling for age, energy intake, BMI, and physical activity, there was a positive interaction between T2 of GRS and T2 of N6/N3 ratio on WC (β = 7.95, 95%CI = 0.83,15.08, P = 0.029), T3 of GRS and T2 of N6/N3 ratio on DBP (β = 5.93, 95%CI= -0.76,12.63, P = 0.083), and FBS (β = 6.47, 95%CI = 0.59,13.53, P = 0.073), T3 of GRS and T3 of N6/N3 ratio on TG (β = 54.42, 95%CI = 1.76,107.08, P = 0.043), and T3 of GRS and T3 of CSI on BF% (β = 3.55, 95%CI= -0.35,7.45, P = 0.075). Also T2 of GRS in the interaction with T3 of CSI leads to an decrease − 8.35 mg/dl in HDL level after adjustment in (β= -8.35, 95%CI= -17.34,0.62, P = 0.068).

Conclusion

It seems the interaction of GRS and fatty acid quality indices is positively associated with several components of metabolic syndrome such as WC, TG and BF%. Our findings are of importance to public health, considering the high consumption of foods that are high on fatty acids. Conflicting evidence of many previous studies regarding the effect of fat intake and obesity and cardiovascular diseases could be because of the gene-diet interactions and genetic heterogeneity across various ethnic groups. Hence, the synergism effect of genetic and dietay intakes should be considered in future studies.
Identification of Novel NSD1 variations in four Pediatric cases with sotos Syndrome
Authors: Ren Zhuo , Yue Ling , Hu Hua-ying , Hou Xiao-lin , Chen Wen-qi , Tan Ya , Dong Zhe , Zhang Jing
Published: April 2024

Objective

Sotos syndrome (SOTOS) is an uncommon genetic condition that manifests itself with the following distinctive features: prenatal overgrowth, facial abnormalities, and intellectual disability. This disorder is often associated with haploinsufficiency of the nuclear receptor-binding SET domain protein 1 (NSD1)gene. We investigated four pediatric cases characterized by early-onset overgrowth and developmental delay. The primary objective of this study was to achieve accurate genetic diagnoses.

Design&Methods

A sequential analysis approach comprising chromosomal karyotyping, whole exome sequencing, and microarray analysis was conducted.

Results

All four cases exhibited variations in the NSD1 gene, with the identification of four previously unreported de novo variants, each specific to one case.Specifically, Case 1 carried the NSD1 (NM_022455): c.2686 C > T(p.Q896X) variant, Case 2 had the NSD1 (NM_022455): c.2858_2859delCT(p.S953X) variant, Case 3 displayed a chromosomal aberration, chr5: 5q35.2q35.3(176,516,604–176,639,249)×1, which encompassed the 5′-untranslated region of NSD1, and Case 4 harbored the NSD1 (NM_022455): c.6397T > G(p.C2133G) variant.

Conclusion

This study not only provided precise diagnoses for these cases but also supplied significant evidence to facilitate informed consultations. Furthermore, our findings expanded the spectrum of mutations associated with SOTOS.
Bone-derived PDGF-BB enhances hippocampal non-specific transcytosis through microglia-endothelial crosstalk in HFD-induced metabolic syndrome
Authors: Liu Guanqiao , Shu Wen , Chen Yingqi , Fu Yong , Fang Shuai , Zheng Haonan , Cheng Weike , Lin Qingrong , Hu Yanjun , Jiang Nan , Yu Bin
Published: April 2024

Background

It is well known that high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic syndrome plays a crucial role in cognitive decline and brain-blood barrier (BBB) breakdown. However, whether the bone-brain axis participates in this pathological process remains unknown. Here, we report that platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) secretion by preosteoclasts in the bone accelerates neuroinflammation. The expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), a nonspecific transcytosis marker, was upregulated during HFD challenge.

Main body

Preosteoclast-specific Pdgfb transgenic mice with high PDGF-BB concentrations in the circulation recapitulated the HFD-induced neuroinflammation and transcytosis shift. Preosteoclast-specific Pdgfb knockout mice were partially rescued from hippocampal neuroinflammation and transcytosis shifts in HFD-challenged mice. HFD-induced PDGF-BB elevation aggravated microglia-associated neuroinflammation and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) secretion, which increased ALPL expression and transcytosis shift through enhancing protein 1 (SP1) translocation in endothelial cells.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm the role of bone-secreted PDGF-BB in neuroinflammation and the transcytosis shift in the hippocampal region during HFD challenge and identify a novel mechanism of microglia-endothelial crosstalk in HFD-induced metabolic syndrome.
Curriculum-based sexual and reproductive health education: revealing its relevance for risky sexual behaviors among secondary school students in Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: Ngissa Ng’wamba Sitta , Sanga Erica , Nsanya Mussa Kelvin , Kweka Belinda , Malindisa Evangelista , Mwaipopo Rosemarie
Published: April 2024

Background

Secondary school students are vulnerable to risky sexual behaviors (RSBs) which may lead to adverse health consequences, such as teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS. In Tanzania, the burden of teenage pregnancy was reported to be 27% in 2016. The integration of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education into the school curriculum is one of the proven crucial interventions. However, there is limited information on the extent to which curriculum-based SRH education is relevant for fostering good practices for coping with RSBs. This study sought to describe students’ and teachers’ perceptions of the relevance of curriculum-based SRH education.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted from May to June 2020 (involving 5 secondary schools in Ilemela district, Mwanza, Tanzania). In-depth interviews (30) were conducted among secondary school students and 10 interviews for teachers. The data were collected in Swahili and then transcribed and translated into English after which thematic content analysis was performed.

Results

The majority (56%) of secondary school students were revealed to have a limited understanding of curriculum-based SRH education, which was limited to a few aspects of health that involved married people and pregnant women. Teachers of different subjects had different perceptions about the relevance of curriculum-based SRH education. Civics teachers had the perception that it was relevant and enough, while Biology teachers thought that it was not enough. Students reported utilizing the information taught in class to manage and navigate RSBs. Moreover, they expressed a need for additional delivery strategies to be used for a comprehensive understanding of sexual and reproductive health.

Conclusion

Despite the identified gaps in providing a comprehensive knowledge that builds on the appropriate attitudes and skills, the existing curriculum-based SRH education in secondary schools was utilized to help students in addressing and managing RSBs. However, there is a need for more comprehensive information and an improved delivery approach for SRH to equip students with the necessary skills when faced with RSBs.
Breast density knowledge and willingness to delay treatment for pre-operative breast cancer imaging among women with a personal history of breast cancer
Authors: Smith Rebecca E. , Sprague Brian L. , Henderson Louise M. , Kerlikowske Karla , Miglioretti Diana L. , Wernli Karen J. , Onega Tracy , diFlorio-Alexander Roberta M. , Tosteson Anna N.A.
Published: April 2024

Background

Following a breast cancer diagnosis, it is uncertain whether women’s breast density knowledge influences their willingness to undergo pre-operative imaging to detect additional cancer in their breasts. We evaluated women’s breast density knowledge and their willingness to delay treatment for pre-operative testing.

Methods

We surveyed women identified in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium aged ≥ 18 years, with first breast cancer diagnosed within the prior 6–18 months, who had at least one breast density measurement within the 5 years prior to their diagnosis. We assessed women’s breast density knowledge and correlates of willingness to delay treatment for 6 or more weeks for pre-operative imaging via logistic regression.

Results

Survey participation was 28.3% (969/3,430). Seventy-two percent (469/647) of women with dense and 11% (34/322) with non-dense breasts correctly knew their density (p < 0.001); 69% (665/969) of all women knew dense breasts make it harder to detect cancers on a mammogram; and 29% (285/969) were willing to delay treatment ≥ 6 weeks to undergo pre-operative imaging. Willingness to delay treatment did not differ by self-reported density (OR:0.99 for non-dense vs. dense; 95%CI: 0.50–1.96). Treatment with chemotherapy was associated with less willingness to delay treatment (OR:0.67; 95%CI: 0.46–0.96). Having previously delayed breast cancer treatment more than 3 months was associated with an increased willingness to delay treatment for pre-operative imaging (OR:2.18; 95%CI: 1.26–3.77).

Conclusions

Understanding of personal breast density was not associated with willingness to delay treatment 6 or more weeks for pre-operative imaging, but aspects of a woman’s treatment experience were.

ClinicalTrials.gov

NCT02980848 registered December 2, 2016.
Miracle friends and miracle money in California: a mixed-methods experiment of social support and guaranteed income for people experiencing homelessness
Authors: Henwood Benjamin F. , Kim Bo-Kyung Elizabeth , Stein Amy , Corletto Gisele , Suthar Himal , Adler Kevin F. , Mazzocchi Madeline , Ip Julia , Padgett Deborah K.
Published: April 2024

Background

This paper describes the protocols for a randomized controlled trial using a parallel-group trial design that includes an intervention designed to address social isolation and loneliness among people experiencing homelessness known as Miracle Friends and an intervention that combines Miracles Friends with an economic poverty-reduction intervention known as Miracle Money. Miracle Friends pairs an unhoused person with a volunteer “phone buddy.” Miracle Money provides guaranteed basic income of $750 per month for 1 year to Miracle Friends participants. The study will examine whether either intervention reduces social isolation or homelessness compared to a waitlist control group.

Methods

Unhoused individuals who expressed interest in the Miracle Friends program were randomized to either receive the intervention or be placed on a waitlist for Miracle Friends. Among those randomized to receive the Miracle Friends intervention, randomization also determined whether they would be offered Miracle Money. The possibility of receiving basic income was only disclosed to study participants if they were randomly selected and participated in the Miracle Friends program. All study participants, regardless of assignment, were surveyed every 3 months for 15 months.

Results

Of 760 unhoused individuals enrolled in the study, 256 were randomized to receive Miracle Friends, 267 were randomized to receive Miracle Money, and 237 were randomized to the waitlist control group. In the two intervention groups, 360 of 523 unhoused individuals were initially matched to a phone buddy. Of the 191 study participants in the Miracle Money group who had been initially matched to a volunteer phone buddy, 103 were deemed to be participating in the program and began receiving monthly income.

Discussion

This randomized controlled trial will determine whether innovative interventions involving volunteer phone support and basic income reduce social isolation and improve housing outcomes for people experiencing homelessness. Although we enrolled unhoused individuals who initially expressed interest in the Miracle Friends program, the study team could not reach approximately 30% of individuals referred to the study. This may reflect the general lack of stability in the lives of people who are unhoused or limitations in the appeal of such a program to some portion of the unhoused population.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05408884 (first submitted on May 26, 2022).
Efficacy of monthly treatment with oral fluralaner (Bravecto® 1-Month) against Tunga penetrans in dogs in Brazil: a randomized, double-blind, controlled field study
Authors: dos Santos Katharine Costa , Guedes Paula Elisa Brandão , Albuquerque George Rêgo , de Jesus Anderson Vieira , da Paixão Sevá Anaiá , de Oliveira Joana Thaisa Santos , de Carvalho Teixeira Jamille Bispo , Bitar Thammy Vieira , Harvey Tatiani Vitor , Ramos Sofia Nadir Sanches , Barufi Francisco Bonomi , de Almeida Borges Fernando , Carlos Renata Santiago Alberto
Published: April 2024

Background

Tungiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the adult female sand flea (Tunga penetrans). Dogs are considered important reservoirs of T. penetrans in Brazil. The aim of this study was to determine the monthly insecticidal efficacy of a single oral administration of fluralaner at a dose of 10–18 mg/kg (Bravecto® 1-Month, also registered as Defenza® in some countries; MSD Animal Health) in dogs naturally infested with T. penetrans.

Methods

This clinical trial was conducted in a rural community located in Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil. A total of 64 dogs were selected and distributed in a completely randomized design between a treated group (TG) that received one single dose of Bravecto® 1-Month (Defenza®) and a negative control group (CG) that received no treatment. Each group was composed of 32 dogs. The evaluations took place on days 0, 7 ± 2, 14 ± 2, 21 ± 2, 28 ± 2, 35 ± 2, and 42 ± 2 post treatment, in which the dogs were inspected to evaluate the infestation stage and classify lesions associated with tungiasis. The primary efficacy was determined from the percentage of treated dogs free of fleas (stage II and III lesions) after administration of the formulation at each evaluation time. Secondary efficacy was based on the number of active lesions (stages II and III) in each group at each evaluation time. The clinical condition of the animals was defined based on the Severity Score for Acute Dog Tungiasis (SCADT), which is related to the number and severity of lesions.

Results

The primary efficacy of the product was greater than 95.0% from days 7 to 21 and reached 100.0% between days 28 and 42, with a significant association between treatment and infestation decline (P < 0.025) between days 7 and 42. Secondary drug efficacy was greater than 99.9% from days 7 to 21, reaching 100.0% between days 28 and 42 (P < 0.05). The treated dogs also scored lower on the SCADT than the control animals did during the entire clinical evaluation period (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

A single administration of Bravecto® 1-Month (Defenza®) was effective in eliminating Tunga penetrans infestations, as well as in preventing parasitism for at least 42 days after treatment.

Graphical Abstract
Prediction of half-marathon performance of male recreational marathon runners using nomogram
Authors: Shu Dingbo , Wang Jianping , Zhou Tong , Chen Feng , Meng Fanjing , Wu Xiaoyin , Zhao Zhenhua , Dai Siyu
Published: April 2024

Background

Long-distance running is a popular competitive sport. We performed the current research as to develop an easily accessible and applicable model to predict half-marathon performance in male recreational half-marathon runners by nomogram.

Methods

Male recreational half-marathon runners in Zhejiang Province, China were recruited. A set of literature-based and panel-reviewed questionnaires were used to assess the epidemiological conditions of the recruited runners. Descriptive and binary regression analyses were done for the profiling and identification of predictors related to higher half-marathon performance (completing time ≤ 105 min). Participants were assigned to the training set (n = 141) and the testing set (n = 61) randomly. A nomogram was used to visually predict the half-marathon performance, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used to evaluate the predictive ability of the nomogram.

Results

A total of 202 participants (median age: 49 years; higher half-marathon performance: 33.7%) were included. After multivariate analysis, three variables remained as significant predictors: longer monthly running distance [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.992, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.988 to 0.996, p < 0.001], faster mean training pace (AOR = 2.151, 95% CI: 1.275 to 3.630, p < 0.001), and better sleep quality [the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), AOR = 2.390, 95% CI: 1.164 to 4.907, p = 0.018]. The AUC of the training and testing sets in nomogram were 0.750 and 0.743, respectively. Further ternary and linear regression analyses corroborated the primary findings.

Conclusions

This study developed a nomogram with good potential to predict the half-marathon performance of recreational runners. Our results suggest that longer monthly running distance, faster mean training pace and better sleep quality notably contribute to better half-marathon performance.
Inclusion of the severe and enduring anorexia nervosa phenotype in genetics research: a scoping review
Authors: Ramsay Sarah , Allison Kendra , Temples Heide S. , Boccuto Luigi , Sarasua Sara M.
Published: April 2024

Background

Anorexia nervosa has one of the highest mortality rates of all mental illnesses. For those who survive, less than 70% fully recover, with many going on to develop a more severe and enduring phenotype. Research now suggests that genetics plays a role in the development and persistence of anorexia nervosa. Inclusion of participants with more severe and enduring illness in genetics studies of anorexia nervosa is critical.

Objective

The primary goal of this review was to assess the inclusion of participants meeting the criteria for the severe enduring anorexia nervosa phenotype in genetics research by (1) identifying the most widely used defining criteria for severe enduring anorexia nervosa and (2) performing a review of the genetics literature to assess the inclusion of participants meeting the identified criteria.

Methods

Searches of the genetics literature from 2012 to 2023 were performed in the PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases. Publications were selected per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The criteria used to define the severe and enduring anorexia nervosa phenotype were derived by how often they were used in the literature since 2017. The publications identified through the literature search were then assessed for inclusion of participants meeting these criteria.

Results

most prevalent criteria used to define severe enduring anorexia nervosa in the literature were an illness duration of ≥ 7 years, lack of positive response to at least two previous evidence-based treatments, a body mass index meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 for extreme anorexia nervosa, and an assessment of psychological and/or behavioral severity indicating a significant impact on quality of life. There was a lack of consistent identification and inclusion of those meeting the criteria for severe enduring anorexia nervosa in the genetics literature.

Discussion

This lack of consistent identification and inclusion of patients with severe enduring anorexia nervosa in genetics research has the potential to hamper the isolation of risk loci and the development of new, more effective treatment options for patients with anorexia nervosa.
Psychosocial resources and psychopathology among persons with neuromuscular disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sanzo’ Silvia , Tizzoni Federica , Previtali Stefano C. , Berardinelli Angela , Nobile Maria , Molteni Massimo , Manzoni Martina , Tarabelloni Arianna , Russo Annamaria , Delle Fave Antonella , D’Angelo Maria Grazia
Published: April 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic substantially affected the lives of persons with inherited neuromuscular disorders (INMD), causing disruption in clinical and support services. While several studies have investigated mental health, distress and psychosocial resources in the general population during the pandemic, little is known about the experience of persons with INMD.

Methods

This study was aimed to fill this gap by jointly investigating both psychopathological symptoms and psychosocial resources – specifically, resilience and perceived social support – among persons with INMD during the pandemic, taking into account demographic and clinical factors. Between April and December 2020, 59 participants with INMD (aged 15–59, 71.2% M) completed a questionnaire collecting demographic and clinical data, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Resilience Scale for Adults, and the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment.

Results

Overall, participants showed good levels of resilience and perceived social support. A minority of participants reported clinically relevant psychopathological symptoms, 28.81% for anxiety and depression. Most psychopathological symptoms were negatively correlated with resilience (-0.347 < r < − .420), but not significantly associated with social support. Consistent with previous studies, regression analyses highlighted that participants with Duchenne muscular dystrophy were more prone to report anxious and depressive symptoms (B = 1.748, p = .028, OR = 5.744), and participants with myotonic dystrophy, attention problems (B = 2.339, p = .006, OR = 10.376). Resilience emerged as a potential predictor of lower anxious-depressive symptoms (B=-1.264, p = .012, OR = 0.283).

Conclusions

The findings suggest the importance to investigate psychosocial resources in addition to psychopathology among persons with INMD, and to design interventions supporting resilience as a protective factor for mental health promotion.
Plasma ALS and Gal-3BP differentiate early from advanced liver fibrosis in MASLD patients
Authors: Pérez Compte David , Etourneau Lucas , Hesse Anne-Marie , Kraut Alexandra , Barthelon Justine , Sturm Nathalie , Borges Hélène , Biennier Salomé , Courçon Marie , de Saint Loup Marc , Mignot Victoria , Costentin Charlotte , Burger Thomas , Couté Yohann , Bruley Christophe , Decaens Thomas , Jaquinod Michel , Boursier Jérôme , Brun Virginie
Published: April 2024

Background

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is estimated to affect 30% of the world’s population, and its prevalence is increasing in line with obesity. Liver fibrosis is closely related to mortality, making it the most important clinical parameter for MASLD. It is currently assessed by liver biopsy – an invasive procedure that has some limitations. There is thus an urgent need for a reliable non-invasive means to diagnose earlier MASLD stages.

Methods

A discovery study was performed on 158 plasma samples from histologically-characterised MASLD patients using mass spectrometry (MS)-based quantitative proteomics. Differentially abundant proteins were selected for verification by ELISA in the same cohort. They were subsequently validated in an independent MASLD cohort (n = 200).

Results

From the 72 proteins differentially abundant between patients with early (F0-2) and advanced fibrosis (F3-4), we selected Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein complex acid labile subunit (ALS) and Galectin-3-binding protein (Gal-3BP) for further study. In our validation cohort, AUROCs with 95% CIs of 0.744 [0.673 – 0.816] and 0.735 [0.661 – 0.81] were obtained for ALS and Gal-3BP, respectively. Combining ALS and Gal-3BP improved the assessment of advanced liver fibrosis, giving an AUROC of 0.796 [0.731. 0.862]. The {ALS; Gal-3BP} model surpassed classic fibrosis panels in predicting advanced liver fibrosis.

Conclusions

Further investigations with complementary cohorts will be needed to confirm the usefulness of ALS and Gal-3BP individually and in combination with other biomarkers for diagnosis of liver fibrosis. With the availability of ELISA assays, these findings could be rapidly clinically translated, providing direct benefits for patients.

Graphical Abstract
Classification of geologic materials used in the Sukhothai Historical Park of Thailand using a portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer and petrographic analysis
Authors: Singtuen Vimoltip , Jansamut Supaporn , Pongsaisri Nucharee , Phajuy Burapha
Published: April 2024

The Sukhothai Historical Park, designated as a world heritage site in Thailand, encompasses the remnants of the Sukhothai Kingdom and serves as a valuable locus for geological and geoarchaeological investigations. Situated in the Sukhothai province, the region is characterized by diverse lithologies, including slate, phyllite, and laterite, as well as red bricks (synthetic materials), utilized in the construction of various ancient structures. Petrographic analysis using polarized light microscopy reveals the phyllites as the primary dimension stones, exhibiting foliated and mylonitic textures with small quartz augen. A portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer was employed for geochemical analysis and the analysis of major oxides and trace elements. The resulting data facilitated the classification of protoliths and comparison with rocks from an abandoned quarry near Saritphong Dam in the western part of the historical park. Notably, phyllites utilized in several prominent structures within the park; Wat Saphan Hin, Wat Pa Daeng 2, Wat Thap Sakae, Wat Chetuphon, Wat Sri Chum, and Wat Mangkorn Temples, exhibited similar characteristics to those in the Wat Khao Noi old quarry, as confirmed by Rubidium (Rb) and Strontium (Sr) values. The SiO2/Al2O3 and FeO/K2O ratios were pivotal in identifying the protoliths of the studied phyllites as shales. In summary, the primary dimension stones for Sukhothai Historical Park originated from the western mountain within the park, with laterites sourced from foothill areas. The presence of quartz pebbles in red bricks suggests local sediment utilization, and quartz additions were employed to enhance structural strength. This comprehensive geoarchaeological study sheds light on the geological composition of the Sukhothai Historical Park, providing valuable insights into the selection and utilization of construction materials in this historically significant site.
Ultra-Cycling– Past, Present, Future: A Narrative Review
Authors: Tiemeier Lucas , Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Chlíbková Daniela , Wilhelm Matthias , Thuany Mabliny , Weiss Katja , Knechtle Beat
Published: April 2024

Background

Ultra-endurance events are gaining popularity in multiple exercise disciplines, including cycling. With increasing numbers of ultra-cycling events, aspects influencing participation and performance are of interest to the cycling community.

Main body

The aim of this narrative review was, therefore, to assess the types of races offered, the characteristics of the cyclists, the fluid and energy balance during the race, the body mass changes after the race, and the parameters that may enhance performance based on existing literature. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using the search terms ‘ultracycling’, ‘ultra cycling’, ‘ultra-cycling’, ‘ultra-endurance biking’, ‘ultra-bikers’ and ‘prolonged cycling’. The search yielded 948 results, of which 111 were relevant for this review. The studies were classified according to their research focus and the results were summarized. The results demonstrated changes in physiological parameters, immunological and oxidative processes, as well as in fluid and energy balance. While the individual race with the most published studies was the Race Across America, most races were conducted in Europe, and a trend for an increase in European participants in international races was observed. Performance seems to be affected by characteristics such as age and sex but not by anthropometric parameters such as skin fold thickness. The optimum age for the top performance was around 40 years. Most participants in ultra-cycling events were male, but the number of female athletes has been increasing over the past years. Female athletes are understudied due to their later entry and less prominent participation in ultra-cycling races. A post-race energy deficit after ultra-cycling events was observed.

Conclusion

Future studies need to investigate the causes for the observed optimum race age around 40 years of age as well as the optimum nutritional supply to close the observed energy gap under consideration of the individual race lengths and conditions. Another research gap to be filled by future studies is the development of strategies to tackle inflammatory processes during the race that may persist in the post-race period.
Reimagining and reinterpreting Cooper pairs, the Fermi sea, Pauli blocking and superfluidity: The Pauli principle in collective motion
Authors: Watson D. K.
Published: April 2024

Identifying possible microscopic mechanisms underlying superfluidity has been the goal of various studies since the introduction of the original BCS theory. Recently a series of papers have proposed microscopic dynamics based on normal modes to describe superfluidity without the use of real-space Cooper pairs. Multiple properties were determined with excellent agreement with experimental data. The group theoretic basis of this general N-body approach has allowed the microscopic behavior underlying these results to be analyzed in detail. This reimagination is now used to reinterpret several interrelated phenomena including Cooper pairs, the Fermi sea, and Pauli blocking. This approach adheres closely to the early tenets of superconductivity/superfluidity which assumed pairing only in momentum space, not in real space. The Pauli principle is used, in its recently revealed role in collective motion, to select the allowed normal modes. The expected properties of superfluidity including the rigidity of the wave function, interactions between the fermions in different pairs, convergence of the momentum and the gap in the excitation spectrum are discussed.
Structural and phonon anomalies in the superconducting
with varying doping level at high pressures
Authors: Xin Jie , Zhang Jian-Bo , Gu Gen-Da , Gavriliuk Alexander G. , Lyubutin Igor , Struzhkin Viktor V. , Chen Xiao-Jia
Published: April 2024

We examined the effect of the lattice compression on the crystal structure of the Bi2Sr2CaCu2

superconductor with nearly optimally doped and overdoped composition using X-ray diffraction technique. Our studies show that at high pressures (up to 30 GPa ) the doping level does not affect the crystal structure of this superconductor. Along with this, structural anomalies in

ratio appear at a pressure that corresponds to that at which T

c
begins to decrease. This fact indicates a close connection between the observed anomalies and superconductivity. We also studied the effect of doping and pressure on the T

c
(P) and on the Raman active lattice modes of the Bi2Sr2CaCu2

superconductors. We find universal suppression of the T

c
by the pressure starting from the critical pressure P

c
in the range from 9 to 16 GPa, depending on the doping level of the Bi2Sr2CaCu2

samples. Concomitantly, we observe phonon anomalies around 10 to 20 GPa, which indicate possible pressure-induced charge redistribution in BiO layers. These newly detected anomalies may be related to the changes in the electronic structure which compete with the superconductivity.
Glycoprotein-glycoprotein Receptor Binding Detection Using Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer
Authors: Adamczuk Kamila , Ngo Thu Ha , Czapiński Jakub , Rivero-Müller Adolfo
Published: April 2024

The glycoprotein receptors, members of the large G protein-coupled receptor family, are characterized by a large extracellular domains responsible for binding their glycoprotein hormones. Hormone-receptor interactions are traditionally analyzed by ligand-binding assays, most often using radiolabeling but also by thermal shift assays. Despite their high sensitivity, these assays require appropriate laboratory conditions and, often, purified plasma cell membranes, which do not provide information on receptor localization or activity because the assays typically focus on measuring binding only. Here, we apply bioluminescence resonance energy transfer in living cells to determine hormone-receptor interactions between a Gaussia luciferase (Gluc)-luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) fusion and its ligands (human chorionic gonadotropin or LH) fused to the enhanced green fluorescent protein. The Gluc-LHCGR, as well as other Gluc-G protein-coupled receptors such as the somatostatin and the C-X-C motif chemokine receptors, is expressed on the plasma membrane, where luminescence activity is equal to membrane receptor expression, and is fully functional. The chimeric enhanced green fluorescent protein-ligands are properly secreted from cells and able to bind and activate the wild-type LHCGR as well as the Gluc-LHCGR. Finally, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer was used to determine the interactions between clinically relevant mutations of the hormones and the LHCGR that show that this bioassay provides a fast and effective, safe, and cost-efficient tool to assist the molecular characterization of mutations in either the receptor or ligand and that it is compatible with downstream cellular assays to determine receptor activation/function.
Insects and the American Farmer: Crèvecœur's Response to Buffon's and Raynal's Theories of American Nature
Authors: Sayre Gordon M.
Published: April 2024

J. Hector St. John de Crèvecœur's Letters from an American Farmer includes memorable scenes in which the farmer revives bees he has rescued from the craw of a king bird, and welcomes a hornet's nest inside his house. As I will argue, the book represented insects in a sentimental manner, as a retort to theories advanced by Guillaume-Thomas Raynal, and Georges-Louis Leclerc, comte de Buffon, that insects were noxious and overabundant in America. Insects played a key role in the late eighteenth-century controversy Antonio Gerbi called “the Dispute of the New World,” in which Crèvecœur's book weighed in to promote the North American colonies. In the collection of manuscript essays Crèvecœur presented to London publisher Davis and Davies in 1781, some described plagues ruining crops, or swarms biting colonists, but these texts were passed over, and not published until the 1920s. The article traces Crèvecœur's interactions with Buffon and with Raynal, who were variously rivals and mentors to him, as well as examining how the French-American soldier, farmer, author, and diplomat survived two revolutions and laid down principles today associated with sustainable agriculture.
The spatiotemporal richness of hummingbird wing deformations
Authors: Skandalis Dimitri A. , Baliga Vikram B. , Goller Benjamin , Altshuler Douglas L.
Published: April 2024

Animals exhibit an abundant diversity of forms, and this diversity is even more evident when considering animals that can change shape on demand. The evolution of flexibility contributes to aspects of performance from propulsive efficiency to environmental navigation. It is, however, challenging to quantify and compare body parts that, by their nature, dynamically vary in shape over many time scales. Commonly, body configurations are tracked by labelled markers and quantified parametrically through conventional measures of size and shape (descriptor approach) or non-parametrically through data-driven analyses that broadly capture spatiotemporal deformation patterns (shape variable approach). We developed a weightless marker tracking technique and combined these analytic approaches to study wing morphological flexibility in hoverfeeding Anna's hummingbirds (Calypte anna). Four shape variables explained >95% of typical stroke cycle wing shape variation and were broadly correlated with specific conventional descriptors such as wing twist and area. Moreover, shape variables decomposed wing deformations into pairs of in-plane and out-of-plane components at integer multiples of the stroke frequency. This property allowed us to identify spatiotemporal deformation profiles characteristic of hoverfeeding with experimentally imposed kinematic constraints, including through shape variables explaining <10% of typical shape variation. Hoverfeeding in front of a visual barrier restricted stroke amplitude and elicited increased stroke frequencies together with in-plane and out-of-plane deformations throughout the stroke cycle. Lifting submaximal loads increased stroke amplitudes at similar stroke frequencies together with prominent in-plane deformations during the upstroke and pronation. Our study highlights how spatially and temporally distinct changes in wing shape can contribute to agile fluidic locomotion.