bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
„Übe dich im Genuss!“
Authors: Hartmann Anna , Kammholz Marco , Zengler Yannick
Published: June 2024

Der Beitrag arbeitet am Beispiel des Webportals lilli.ch spezifische Tendenzen gegenwärtiger sexualpädagogischer Angebote und Konzepte heraus. Anliegen ist es, diese vor dem Hintergrund übergeordneter gesellschaftlicher Entwicklungen verstehbar zu machen. Dabei werden die Verwobenheit mit Selbstoptimierungstendenzen, das zugrundeliegende Generationenverhältnis, das Sexualitäts- und Subjektverständnis kritisch befragt. Grundlage der Analyse bildet die Bildungs- und Beratungsplattform lilli.ch, die sich mit Zielen der Gesundheitsförderung und Gewaltprävention an junge Adressat*innen richtet. Das Material (insb. Artikel zur Selbstbefriedigung) werden einer gesellschaftskritischen Analyse unterzogen. Dabei wird sich auf theoretische Konzepte aus kritischer Sozialer Arbeit, Sexualforschung und (strukturaler) Psychoanalyse gestützt. Die Analyse zeigt, dass sich durch das Ziel der sexuellen Gesundheitsförderung therapeutisierende Herangehensweisen entgrenzen, die Optimierungsanforderungen zuarbeiten und auf neue Bereiche des persönlichen Sexuallebens ausweiten. Zugleich lässt sich ein veränderter Zugriff auf Jugendsexualität und eine Neujustierung des Generationenverhältnisses erkennen. Darin erscheinen vormalige autoritäre pädagogische Maßnahmen ersetzt durch sexualitätsbezogene Übungsanleitungen unter den Prämissen der Selbstbestimmung und Selbstfürsorge. Den Adressat*innen, die als nutzenoptimierende Individuen angesprochen werden, wird ein Verständnis von Sexualität vermittelt, das Handhabbarkeit verspricht und die konstitutive Fremdheit sich selbst und anderen gegenüber aufhebt.
Acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of WE-SURF™: a virtual supervised group-based fall prevention exercise program among older adults
Authors: Ing Janet Bong May , Tan Maw Pin , Whitney Julie , Tiong Ing Khieng , Singh Devinder Kaur Ajit
Published: June 2024

Conducted physically, supervised group-based falls prevention exercise programs have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the risk of falls among older adults. In this study, we aimed to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of a virtual supervised group-based falls prevention exercise program (WE-SURF™) for community-dwelling older adults at risk of falls.

Method

A preliminary study utilizing virtual discussions was conducted to assess the acceptability of the program among six older adults. Effectiveness was evaluated in a randomized controlled feasibility study design, comprising 52 participants (mean age: 66.54; SD: 5.16), divided into experimental (n = 26) and control (n = 26) groups. The experimental group engaged in a 6-month WE-SURF™ program, while the control group received standard care along with a fall’s prevention education session. Feasibility of the intervention was measured using attendance records, engagement rates from recorded videos, dropouts, attrition reasons, and adverse events.

Results

Preliminary findings suggested that WE-SURF™ was acceptable, with further refinements. The study revealed significant intervention effects on timed up and go (TUG) (η2p:0.08; p < 0.05), single leg stance (SLS) (η2p:0.10; p < 0.05), and lower limb muscle strength (η2p:0.09; p < 0.05) tests. No adverse events occurred during the program sessions, and both attendance and engagement rates were high (> 80% and 8/10, respectively) with minimal dropouts (4%). The WE-SURF™ program demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the risk of falls while enhancing muscle strength and balance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, WE-SURF™ was demonstrated to be an acceptable, feasible, and effective virtual supervised group-based exercise program for fall prevention in community-dwelling older adults at risk of falls. With positive outcomes and favourable participant engagement, WE-SURF™ holds the potential for wider implementation. Further research and scaling-up efforts are recommended to explore its broader applicability.

(Registration number: ACTRN 12621001620819).
Rare case of postherpetic abdominal pseudohernia in a patient on peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Przygocka Agnieszka , Magnoni Giacomo , Picotti Matilde , Rapanà Renato , La Manna Gaetano
Published: June 2024

Patients affected by chronic kidney disease, especially those requiring maintenance dialysis therapy, are particularly susceptible to infections, including reactivation of herpes zoster and are also at increased risk of herpes zoster complications. Postherpetic abdominal pseudohernia is a rare sequela of the infection, caused by motor neuropathy with muscle paresis, that manifests as an abdominal protrusion. In patients receiving peritoneal dialysis who may often present slight abdominal distension, the diagnosis of this complication may be challenging. We present a case of this rare neurological complication in a patient on peritoneal dialysis and discuss its etiology and management. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of postherpetic abdominal pseudohernia in a patient receiving kidney replacement therapy.
Periodicity and pure periodicity in alternate base systems
Authors: Masáková Zuzana , Pelantová Edita
Published: June 2024

We study the Cantor real base numeration system which is a common generalization of two positional systems, namely the Cantor system with a sequence of integer bases and the Rényi system with one real base. We focus on the case of an alternate base $$\varvec{\mathcal {B}}$$

B

given by a purely periodic sequence $$(\beta _n)_{n\ge 1}$$

(

β
n

)

n
≥
1

of real numbers greater than 1. We answer an open question of Charlier et al. (J Number Theory 254:184–198, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnt.2023.07.008) on the set of numbers with eventually periodic $$\varvec{\mathcal {B}}$$

B

-expansions. We also investigate for which bases all sufficiently small rationals have a purely periodic $$\varvec{\mathcal {B}}$$

B

-expansion. We show that a necessary condition for this phenomenon is that $$\delta =\prod _{n=1}^{p}\beta _n$$

δ
=

∏

n
=
1

p

β
n

(where p is the period-length of $$\varvec{\mathcal {B}}$$

B

) is a Pisot or a Salem unit. We also provide a sufficient condition. We thus generalize the results known for the Rényi numeration system, i.e. for the case when $$p=1$$

p
=
1

. We provide a class of alternate bases in which all rational numbers in the interval [0, 1) have a purely periodic $$\varvec{\mathcal {B}}$$

B

-expansion.
Ratios conjecture for quadratic twists of modular L-functions
Authors: Gao Peng , Zhao Liangyi
Published: June 2024

We develop the L-functions ratios conjecture with one shift in the numerator and denominator in certain ranges for the family of quadratic twist of modular L-functions using multiple Dirichlet series under the generalized Riemann hypothesis.
Spatial and temporal patterns of disease burden attributable to high BMI in Belt and Road Initiative countries, 1990–2019
Authors: Xu Yaxin , Wang Qizhe , Yu Tao , Han Yan , Dai Wei , Jiang Sunfang , Li Xiaopan
Published: June 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to analyse the spatial and temporal patterns of disease burden attributed to high BMI (DB-hBMI) from 1990 to 2019 in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries, in light of increasing hBMI prevalence worldwide.

Design:

The study was a secondary analysis of Global Burden of Disease 2019 (GBD 2019) that analysed (using Joinpoint regression analysis) numbers and the age-standardised rate of mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) of hBMI-induced diseases and their trends from 1990 to 2019 and in the final decade.

Setting:

GBD 2019 study data for BRI countries were categorised by country, age, gender and disease.

Participants:

GBD 2019 data were used to analyse DB-hBMI in BRI countries.

Results:

In 2019, China, India and Russia reported the highest mortality and DALY among BRI countries. From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardised DALY increased in Southeast Asia and South Asia, whereas many European countries saw declines. Notably, Bangladesh, Nepal and Vietnam showed the steepest increases, with average annual percentage change (AAPC) values of 4·42 %, 4·19 % and 4·28 %, respectively (all P < 0·05). In contrast, Israel, Slovenia and Poland experienced significant reductions, with AAPC values of –1·70 %, –1·63 % and –1·58 %, respectively (all P < 0·05). The most rapid increases among males were seen in Vietnam, Nepal and Bangladesh, while Jordan, Poland and Slovenia recorded the fastest declines among females. Across most BRI countries, the burden of diabetes and kidney diseases related to hBMI showed a significant uptrend.

Conclusion:

DB-hBMI varies significantly by region, age, gender and disease type across BRI countries. It can pose a substantial threat to public health.
Was there an enthusiasm gap? Examining support for Donald Trump among evangelicals and nonevangelicals
Authors: Pagán Márquez Alondra S. , Djupe Paul A. , Mettler Matthew , Mondak Jeffery J.
Published: June 2024

Evangelicals arguably constitute an unexpected base of support for Donald Trump. One plausible account holds that evangelicals supported Trump reluctantly, backing him not because they strongly favored him, but rather because they viewed him as the least objectionable candidate. This perspective suggests a possible enthusiasm gap: among Donald Trump's supporters, nonevangelicals were more zealous while evangelicals were more tepid. We examine this account using data from March 2019, just past the midpoint of Trump's presidency, a period when any lack of enthusiasm with Trump among portions of his base should have been discernible. Our expansive analytical strategy, using OLS and matching, explores whether evangelicals offered Donald Trump more lukewarm support than did nonevangelicals, with support operationalized in six ways. Across 36 tests, no evidence of an enthusiasm gap between evangelicals and nonevangelicals is detected. Seen both in absolute terms and relative to nonevangelicals, evangelicals offered Donald Trump fervent support.
Breaking Internal Waves and Ocean Diapycnal Diffusivity in a High‐Resolution Regional Ocean Model: Evidence of a Wave‐Turbulence Cascade
Authors: Momeni Kayhan , Ma Yuchen , Peltier William R. , Menemenlis Dimitris , Thakur Ritabrata , Pan Yulin , Arbic Brian K. , Skitka Joseph , Alford Matthew H.
Published: June 2024

It is generally understood that the origin of ocean diapycnal diffusivity is primarily associated with the stratified turbulence produced by breaking internal (gravity) waves (IW). However, it requires significant effort to verify diffusivity values in ocean general circulation models in any particular geographical region of the ocean due to the scarcity of microstructure measurements. Recent analyses of downscaled IW fields from an internal‐wave‐admitting global ocean simulation into higher‐resolution regional configurations northwest of Hawaii have demonstrated a much‐improved fit of the simulated IW spectra to the in‐situ profiler measurements such as the Garrett‐Munk (GM) spectrum. Here, we employ this dynamically downscaled ocean simulation to directly analyze the nature of the IW‐breaking and the wave‐turbulence cascade in this region. We employ a modified version of the Kappa Profile Parameterization (KPP) to infer what the horizontally averaged vertical profile of diapycnal diffusivity should be, and compare this to the background profile that would be employed in the ocean component of a low‐resolution coupled climate model such as the Community Earth System Model (CESM) of the US National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). In pursuing this goal, we also demonstrate that the wavefield in the high‐resolution regional domain is dominated by a well‐resolved spectrum of low‐mode IWs that are predictable by solving an appropriate eigenvalue problem for stratified flow. We finally suggest a new tentative approach to improve the KPP parameterization.
MicroRNA expression in JAG1/Notch-activated periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Kulthanaamondhita Promphakkon , Kornsuthisopon Chatvadee , Chansaenroj Ajjima , Trachoo Vorapat , Manokawinchoke Jeeranan , Samaranayake Lakshman , Srithanyarat Supreda Suphanantachat , Osathanon Thanaphum
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The study explored the expression profile of miRNAs in Notch-activated periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and examined their potential cellular targets.

Methods

PDLSCs were cultured and treated with indirect immobilized Jagged1. The miRNA expression profile was examined using NanoString analysis. Bioinformatic analysis was performed together with enrichment, and miRNA expression was evaluated and validated using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results

A total of 26 miRNAs were differentially expressed in Jagged1 treated PDLSCs compared with the controls. Pathway analysis revealed that altered miRNAs were significantly associated with the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathway. Target prediction analysis demonstrated that 11,170 genes as predictable targets of these altered miRNAs. Enrichment of predicted target genes revealed that they were related to ErbB, Ras and MAPK signaling pathways and small GTPase transduction.

Conclusions

The research concludes that several miRNAs are differentially expressed in jagged-1 treated PDLSCs. In translational terms the differential functionality of these miRNAs offer promise for the development of targeted regenerative materials that are necessary for managing lost tissue replacement in periodontal diseases.
Quality assurance for next-generation sequencing diagnostics of rare neurological diseases in the European Reference Network
Authors: Maver Aleš , Lohmann Katja , Borovečki Fran , Wolstenholme Nicola , Taylor Rachel L. , Spielmann Malte , Haack Tobias B. , Gerberding Matthias , Peterlin Borut , Graessner Holm
Published: June 2024

In the past decade, next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionised genetic diagnostics for rare neurological disorders (RND). However, the lack of standardised technical, interpretative, and reporting standards poses a challenge for ensuring consistent and high-quality diagnostics globally. To address this, the European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND) collaborated with the European Molecular Genetics Quality Network (EMQN) to establish an external quality assessment scheme for NGS-based diagnostics in RNDs. The scheme, initiated in 2021 with a pilot involving 29 labs and followed by a second round in 2022 with 42 labs, aimed to evaluate the performance of laboratories in genetic testing for RNDs. Each participating lab analysed genetic data from three hypothetical cases, assessing genotyping, interpretation, and clerical accuracy. Despite a majority of labs using exome or genome sequencing, there was considerable variability in gene content, sequencing quality, adherence to standards, and clinical guidance provision. Results showed that while most labs provided correct molecular diagnoses, there was significant variability in reporting technical quality, adherence to interpretation standards, reporting strategies, and clinical commentary. Notably, some labs returned results with the potential for adverse medical outcomes. This underscores the need for further harmonisation, guideline development, and external quality assessment in the evolving landscape of genomic diagnostics for RNDs. Overall, the experience with the scheme highlighted the generally good quality of participating labs but emphasised the imperative for ongoing improvement in data analysis, interpretation, and reporting to enhance patient safety.
Microbiota regulates the TET1-mediated DNA hydroxymethylation program in innate lymphoid cell differentiation
Authors: Zhang Xusheng , Gao Xintong , Liu Zhen , Shao Fei , Yu Dou , Zhao Min , Qin Xiwen , Wang Shuo
Published: June 2024

Innate lymphoid cell precursors (ILCPs) develop into distinct subsets of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) with specific functions. The epigenetic program underlying the differentiation of ILCPs into ILC subsets remains poorly understood. Here, we reveal the genome-wide distribution and dynamics of the DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation in ILC subsets and their respective precursors. Additionally, we find that the DNA hydroxymethyltransferase TET1 suppresses ILC1 but not ILC2 or ILC3 differentiation. TET1 deficiency promotes ILC1 differentiation by inhibiting TGF-β signaling. Throughout ILCP differentiation at postnatal stage, gut microbiota contributes to the downregulation of TET1 level. Microbiota decreases the level of cholic acid in the gut, impairs TET1 expression and suppresses DNA hydroxymethylation, ultimately resulting in an expansion of ILC1s. In adult mice, TET1 suppresses the hyperactivation of ILC1s to maintain intestinal homeostasis. Our findings provide insights into the microbiota-mediated epigenetic programming of ILCs, which links microbiota-DNA methylation crosstalk to ILC differentiation.
A candidate sex determination locus in amphibians which evolved by structural variation between X- and Y-chromosomes
Authors: Kuhl Heiner , Tan Wen Hui , Klopp Christophe , Kleiner Wibke , Koyun Baturalp , Ciorpac Mitica , Feron Romain , Knytl Martin , Kloas Werner , Schartl Manfred , Winkler Christoph , Stöck Matthias
Published: June 2024

Most vertebrates develop distinct females and males, where sex is determined by repeatedly evolved environmental or genetic triggers. Undifferentiated sex chromosomes and large genomes have caused major knowledge gaps in amphibians. Only a single master sex-determining gene, the dmrt1-paralogue (dm-w) of female-heterogametic clawed frogs (Xenopus; ZW♀/ZZ♂), is known across >8740 species of amphibians. In this study, by combining chromosome-scale female and male genomes of a non-model amphibian, the European green toad, Bufo(tes) viridis, with ddRAD- and whole genome pool-sequencing, we reveal a candidate master locus, governing a male-heterogametic system (XX♀/XY♂). Targeted sequencing across multiple taxa uncovered structural X/Y-variation in the 5′-regulatory region of the gene bod1l, where a Y-specific non-coding RNA (ncRNA-Y), only expressed in males, suggests that this locus initiates sex-specific differentiation. Developmental transcriptomes and RNA in-situ hybridization show timely and spatially relevant sex-specific ncRNA-Y and bod1l-gene expression in primordial gonads. This coincided with differential H3K4me-methylation in pre-granulosa/pre-Sertoli cells, pointing to a specific mechanism of amphibian sex determination.
The manganese transporter SLC39A8 links alkaline ceramidase 1 to inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Choi Eun-Kyung , Rajendiran Thekkelnaycke M. , Soni Tanu , Park Jin-Ho , Aring Luisa , Muraleedharan Chithra K. , Garcia-Hernandez Vicky , Kamada Nobuhiko , Samuelson Linda C. , Nusrat Asma , Iwase Shigeki , Seo Young Ah
Published: June 2024

The metal ion transporter SLC39A8 is associated with physiological traits and diseases, including blood manganese (Mn) levels and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The mechanisms by which SLC39A8 controls Mn homeostasis and epithelial integrity remain elusive. Here, we generate Slc39a8 intestinal epithelial cell-specific-knockout (Slc39a8-IEC KO) mice, which display markedly decreased Mn levels in blood and most organs. Radiotracer studies reveal impaired intestinal absorption of dietary Mn in Slc39a8-IEC KO mice. SLC39A8 is localized to the apical membrane and mediates 54Mn uptake in intestinal organoid monolayer cultures. Unbiased transcriptomic analysis identifies alkaline ceramidase 1 (ACER1), a key enzyme in sphingolipid metabolism, as a potential therapeutic target for SLC39A8-associated IBDs. Importantly, treatment with an ACER1 inhibitor attenuates colitis in Slc39a8-IEC KO mice by remedying barrier dysfunction. Our results highlight the essential roles of SLC39A8 in intestinal Mn absorption and epithelial integrity and offer a therapeutic target for IBD associated with impaired Mn homeostasis.
Bactericidal effect of tetracycline in E. coli strain ED1a may be associated with ribosome dysfunction
Authors: Khusainov Iskander , Romanov Natalie , Goemans Camille , Turoňová Beata , Zimmerli Christian E. , Welsch Sonja , Langer Julian D. , Typas Athanasios , Beck Martin
Published: June 2024

Ribosomes translate the genetic code into proteins. Recent technical advances have facilitated in situ structural analyses of ribosome functional states inside eukaryotic cells and the minimal bacterium Mycoplasma. However, such analyses of Gram-negative bacteria are lacking, despite their ribosomes being major antimicrobial drug targets. Here we compare two E. coli strains, a lab E. coli K-12 and human gut isolate E. coli ED1a, for which tetracycline exhibits bacteriostatic and bactericidal action, respectively. Using our approach for close-to-native E. coli sample preparation, we assess the two strains by cryo-ET and visualize their ribosomes at high resolution in situ. Upon tetracycline treatment, these exhibit virtually identical drug binding sites, yet the conformation distribution of ribosomal complexes differs. While K-12 retains ribosomes in a translation-competent state, tRNAs are lost in the vast majority of ED1a ribosomes. These structural findings together with the proteome-wide abundance and thermal stability assessments indicate that antibiotic responses are complex in cells and can differ between different strains of a single species, thus arguing that all relevant bacterial strains should be analyzed in situ when addressing antibiotic mode of action.
MFSD1 with its accessory subunit GLMP functions as a general dipeptide uniporter in lysosomes
Authors: Jungnickel Katharina Esther Julia , Guelle Océane , Iguchi Miharu , Dong Wentao , Kotov Vadim , Gabriel Florian , Debacker Cécile , Dairou Julien , McCort-Tranchepain Isabelle , Laqtom Nouf N. , Chan Sze Ham , Ejima Akika , Sato Kenji , Massa López David , Saftig Paul , Mehdipour Ahmad Reza , Abu-Remaileh Monther , Gasnier Bruno , Löw Christian , Damme Markus
Published: June 2024

The lysosomal degradation of macromolecules produces diverse small metabolites exported by specific transporters for reuse in biosynthetic pathways. Here we deorphanized the major facilitator superfamily domain containing 1 (MFSD1) protein, which forms a tight complex with the glycosylated lysosomal membrane protein (GLMP) in the lysosomal membrane. Untargeted metabolomics analysis of MFSD1-deficient mouse lysosomes revealed an increase in cationic dipeptides. Purified MFSD1 selectively bound diverse dipeptides, while electrophysiological, isotope tracer and fluorescence-based studies in Xenopus oocytes and proteoliposomes showed that MFSD1–GLMP acts as a uniporter for cationic, neutral and anionic dipeptides. Cryoelectron microscopy structure of the dipeptide-bound MFSD1–GLMP complex in outward-open conformation characterized the heterodimer interface and, in combination with molecular dynamics simulations, provided a structural basis for its selectivity towards diverse dipeptides. Together, our data identify MFSD1 as a general lysosomal dipeptide uniporter, providing an alternative route to recycle lysosomal proteolysis products when lysosomal amino acid exporters are overloaded.
Fine-scale contemporary recombination variation and its fitness consequences in adaptively diverging stickleback fish
Authors: Venu Vrinda , Harjunmaa Enni , Dreau Andreea , Brady Shannon , Absher Devin , Kingsley David M. , Jones Felicity C.
Published: June 2024

Despite deep evolutionary conservation, recombination rates vary greatly across the genome and among individuals, sexes and populations. Yet the impact of this variation on adaptively diverging populations is not well understood. Here we characterized fine-scale recombination landscapes in an adaptively divergent pair of marine and freshwater populations of threespine stickleback from River Tyne, Scotland. Through whole-genome sequencing of large nuclear families, we identified the genomic locations of almost 50,000 crossovers and built recombination maps for marine, freshwater and hybrid individuals at a resolution of 3.8 kb. We used these maps to quantify the factors driving variation in recombination rates. We found strong heterochiasmy between sexes but also differences in recombination rates among ecotypes. Hybrids showed evidence of significant recombination suppression in overall map length and in individual loci. Recombination rates were lower not only within individual marine–freshwater-adaptive loci, but also between loci on the same chromosome, suggesting selection on linked gene ‘cassettes’. Through temporal sampling along a natural hybrid zone, we found that recombinants showed traits associated with reduced fitness. Our results support predictions that divergence in cis-acting recombination modifiers, whose functions are disrupted in hybrids, may play an important role in maintaining differences among adaptively diverging populations.
Thromboembolic events and vascular dementia in patients with atrial fibrillation and low apparent stroke risk
Authors: Mobley Alastair R. , Subramanian Anuradhaa , Champsi Asgher , Wang Xiaoxia , Myles Puja , McGreavy Paul , Bunting Karina V. , Shukla David , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Kotecha Dipak
Published: June 2024

The prevention of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation (AF) is typically restricted to patients with specific risk factors and ignores outcomes such as vascular dementia. This population-based cohort study used electronic healthcare records from 5,199,994 primary care patients (UK; 2005–2020). A total of 290,525 (5.6%) had a diagnosis of AF and were aged 40–75 years, of which 36,340 had no history of stroke, a low perceived risk of stroke based on clinical risk factors and no oral anticoagulant prescription. Matching was performed for age, sex and region to 117,298 controls without AF. During 5 years median follow-up (831,005 person-years), incident stroke occurred in 3.8% with AF versus 1.5% control (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 2.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.91–2.21; P < 0.001), arterial thromboembolism 0.3% versus 0.1% (HR 2.39, 95% CI 1.83–3.11; P < 0.001), and all-cause mortality 8.9% versus 5.0% (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.38–1.50; P < 0.001). AF was associated with all-cause dementia (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.04–1.32; P = 0.010), driven by vascular dementia (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.33–2.12; P < 0.001) rather than Alzheimer’s disease (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.70–1.03; P = 0.09). Death and thromboembolic outcomes, including vascular dementia, are substantially increased in patients with AF despite a lack of conventional stroke risk factors.
Whole genome sequences of 70 indigenous Ethiopian cattle
Authors: Ayalew Wondossen , Xiaoyun Wu , Tarekegn Getinet Mekuriaw , Naboulsi Rakan , Sisay Tessema Tesfaye , Van Damme Renaud , Bongcam-Rudloff Erik , Chu Min , Liang Chunnian , Edea Zewdu , Enquahone Solomon , Ping Yan
Published: June 2024

Indigenous animal genetic resources play a crucial role in preserving global genetic diversity and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people. In Ethiopia, the majority of the cattle population consists of indigenous breeds. Understanding the genetic architecture of these cattle breeds is essential for effective management and conservation efforts. In this study, we sequenced DNA samples from 70 animals from seven indigenous cattle breeds, generating about two terabytes of pair-end reads with an average coverage of 14X. The sequencing data were pre-processed and mapped to the cattle reference genome (ARS-UCD1.2) with an alignment rate of 99.2%. Finally, the variant calling process produced approximately 35 million high-quality SNPs. These data provide a deeper understanding of the genetic landscape, facilitate the identification of causal mutations, and enable the exploration of evolutionary patterns to assist cattle improvement and sustainable utilization, particularly in the face of unpredictable climate changes.
Haplotype-resolved chromosome-level genome assembly of Ehretia macrophylla
Authors: Cheng Shiping , Zhang Qikun , Geng Xining , Xie Lihua , Chen Minghui , Jiao Siqian , Qi Shuaizheng , Yao Pengqiang , Lu Mailin , Zhang Mengren , Zhai Wenshan , Yun Quanzheng , Feng Shangguo
Published: June 2024

Ehretia macrophylla Wall, known as wild loquat, is an ecologically, economically, and medicinally significant tree species widely grown in China, Japan, Vietnam, and Nepal. In this study, we have successfully generated a haplotype-resolved chromosome-scale genome assembly of E. macrophylla by integrating PacBio HiFi long-reads, Illumina short-reads, and Hi-C data. The genome assembly consists of two haplotypes, with sizes of 1.82 Gb and 1.58 Gb respectively, and contig N50 lengths of 28.11 Mb and 21.57 Mb correspondingly. Additionally, 99.41% of the assembly was successfully anchored into 40 pseudo-chromosomes. We predicted 58,886 protein-coding genes, of which 99.60% were functionally annotated from databases. We furthermore detected 2.65 Gb repeat sequences, 659,290 rRNAs, 4,931 tRNAs and 4,688 other ncRNAs. The high-quality assembly of the genome offers a solid basis for furthering the fields of molecular breeding and functional genomics of E. macrophylla.
A cell atlas of the adult female Aedes aegypti midgut revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Wang Shunlong , Huang Ying , Wang Fei , Han Qian , Ren Nanjie , Wang Xiaoyu , Cui Yingjun , Yuan Zhiming , Xia Han
Published: June 2024

Aedes aegypti is a primary vector for transmitting various arboviruses, including Yellow fever, dengue and Zika virus. The mosquito midgut is the principal organ for blood meal digestion, nutrient absorption and the initial site of arbovirus infection. Although a previous study delineated midgut’s transcriptome of Ae. aegypti at the single-nucleus resolution, there still lacks an established protocol for isolating and RNA sequencing of single cells of Ae. aegypti midgut, which is required for investigating arbovirus-midgut interaction at the single-cell level. Here, we established an atlas of the midgut cells for Ae. aegypti by single-cell RNA sequencing. We annotated the cell clusters including intestinal stem cells/enteroblasts (ISC/EB), cardia cells (Cardia), enterocytes (EC, EC-like), enteroendocrine cells (EE), visceral muscle (VM), fat body cells (FBC) and hemocyte cells (HC). This study will provide a foundation for further studies of arbovirus infection in mosquito midgut at the single-cell level.
Design and application of virtual simulation teaching platform for intelligent manufacturing
Authors: Zheng Pengfei , Yang Junkai , Lou Jingjing , Wang Bo
Published: June 2024

Aiming at the practical teaching of intelligent manufacturing majors faced with lack of equipment, tense teachers and other problems such as high equipment investment, high material loss, high teaching risk, difficult to implement internship, difficult to observe production, difficult to reproduce the results, and so on, we take the electrical automation technology, mechatronics technology and industrial robotics technology majors of intelligent manufacturing majors as an example, and design and establish a virtual simulation teaching platform for intelligent manufacturing majors by using the cloud computing platform, edge computing technology, and terminal equipment synergy. The platform includes six major virtual simulation modules, including virtual simulation of electrician electronics and PLC control, virtual and real combination of typical production lines of intelligent manufacturing, dual-axis collaborative robotics workstation, digital twin simulation, virtual disassembly of industrial robots, virtual simulation of magnetic yoke axis flexible production line. The platform covers the virtual simulation teaching content of basic principle experiments, advanced application experiments, and advanced integration experiments in intelligent manufacturing majors. In order to test the effectiveness of this virtual simulation platform for practical teaching in engineering, this paper organizes a teaching practice activity involving 246 students from two parallel classes of three different majors. Through a one-year teaching application, we analyzed the data on the grades of 7 core courses involved in three majors in one academic year, the proportion of participation in competitions and innovative activities, the number of awards and certificates of professional qualifications, and the subjective questionnaires of the testers. The analysis shows that the learners who adopt the virtual simulation teaching platform proposed in this paper for practical teaching are better than the learners under the traditional teaching method in terms of academic performance, proportion of participation in competitions and innovative activities, and proportion of awards and certificates by more than 13%, 37%, 36%, 27% and 22%, respectively. Therefore, the virtual simulation teaching platform of intelligent manufacturing established in this paper has obvious superiority in solving the problem of "three highs and three difficulties" existing in the practical teaching of engineering, and according to the questionnaire feedback from the testers, the platform can effectively alleviate the shortage of practical training equipment, stimulate the interest in learning, and help to broaden and improve the knowledge system of the learners.
Optimization of glass scrap recovery and reuse in road construction for promising physicochemical stabilization
Authors: Ouslimane Noureddine , Bensalah Jaouad , Barebita Hanane , Ebntouhami Mohamed , Z. Gaafar Abdel-Rhman , Nafidi Hiba-Allah , Younous Youssouf Ali , Bourhia Mohammed , Belfaquir Mustapha
Published: June 2024

Waste glass is hugely present in Morocco, and can be recycled for many geotechnical purposes, including road construction. In contrast, earthworks often produce significant amounts of clay waste that lack the necessary technical criteria for use as barriers. The present work aimed to study the influence of the addition of glass waste on the evolution of the mechanical characteristics of clays stabilized with crushed glass (particles less than 63 μm). The work consists of carrying out CBR, Proctor, and shear tests on natural clay taken as a reference and mixtures (clay-crushed glass) at different percentages. Results showed that the addition of glass to clay decreases the swelling and compaction indices along with modifying the intrinsic characteristics of the clay.
Effects of remote ischemic preconditioning on early markers of intestinal injury in experimental hemorrhage in rats
Authors: Hof Stefan , Untiedt Hendrik , Hübner Anne , Marcus Carsten , Kuebart Anne , Herminghaus Anna , Vollmer Christian , Bauer Inge , Picker Olaf , Truse Richard
Published: June 2024

The maintenance of intestinal integrity and barrier function under conditions of restricted oxygen availability is crucial to avoid bacterial translocation and local inflammation. Both lead to secondary diseases after hemorrhagic shock and might increase morbidity and mortality after surviving the initial event. Monitoring of the intestinal integrity especially in the early course of critical illness remains challenging. Since microcirculation and mitochondrial respiration are main components of the terminal stretch of tissue oxygenation, the evaluation of microcirculatory and mitochondrial variables could identify tissues at risk during hypoxic challenges, indicate an increase of intestinal injury, and improve our understanding of regional pathophysiology during acute hemorrhage. Furthermore, improving intestinal microcirculation or mitochondrial respiration, e.g. by remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) that was reported to exert a sufficient tissue protection in various tissues and was linked to mediators with vasoactive properties could maintain intestinal integrity. In this study, postcapillary oxygen saturation (µHbO2), microvascular flow index (MFI) and plasmatic d-lactate concentration revealed to be early markers of intestinal injury in a rodent model of experimental hemorrhagic shock. Mitochondrial function was not impaired in this experimental model of acute hemorrhage. Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) failed to improve intestinal microcirculation and intestinal damage during hemorrhagic shock.
Adaptive RAO ensembled dichotomy technique for the accurate parameters extraction of solar PV system
Authors: Ashwini Kumari P. , Basha C. H. Hussaian , Fathima Fini , Dhanamjayulu C. , Kotb Hossam , ELrashidi Ali
Published: June 2024

The parameter extraction process for PV models poses a complex nonlinear and multi-model optimization challenge. Accurately estimating these parameters is crucial for optimizing the efficiency of PV systems. To address this, the paper introduces the Adaptive Rao Dichotomy Method (ARDM) which leverages the adaptive characteristics of the Rao algorithm and the Dichotomy Technique. ARDM is compared with the several recent optimization techniques, including the tuna swarm optimizer, African vulture’s optimizer, and teaching–learning-based optimizer. Statistical analyses and experimental results demonstrate the ARDM's superior performance in the parameter extraction for the various PV models, such as RTC France and PWP 201 polycrystalline, utilizing manufacturer-provided datasheets. Comparisons with competing techniques further underscore ARDM dominance. Simulation results highlight ARDM quick processing time, steady convergence, and consistently high accuracy in delivering optimal solutions.
Cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature as a prognostic tool and therapeutic target in diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Bai Xiaoran , Lu Fei , Li Shuying , Zhao Zhe , Wang Nana , Zhao Yanan , Ma Guangxin , Zhang Fan , Su Xiuhua , Wang Dongmei , Ye Jingjing , Li Peng , Ji Chunyan
Published: June 2024

Cuproptosis is a newly defined form of programmed cell death that relies on mitochondria respiration. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis. However, whether cuproptosis-related lncRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains unclear. This study aimed to identify the prognostic signatures of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs in DLBCL and investigate their potential molecular functions. RNA-Seq data and clinical information for DLBCL were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Cuproptosis-related lncRNAs were screened out through Pearson correlation analysis. Utilizing univariate Cox, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) and multivariate Cox regression analysis, we identified seven cuproptosis-related lncRNAs and developed a risk prediction model to evaluate its prognostic value across multiple groups. GO and KEGG functional analyses, single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA), and the ESTIMATE algorithm were used to analyze the mechanisms and immune status between the different risk groups. Additionally, drug sensitivity analysis identified drugs with potential efficacy in DLBCL. Finally, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed based on the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). We identified a set of seven cuproptosis-related lncRNAs including LINC00294, RNF139-AS1, LINC00654, WWC2-AS2, LINC00661, LINC01165 and LINC01398, based on which we constructed a risk model for DLBCL. The high-risk group was associated with shorter survival time than the low-risk group, and the signature-based risk score demonstrated superior prognostic ability for DLBCL patients compared to traditional clinical features. By analyzing the immune landscapes between two groups, we found that immunosuppressive cell types were significantly increased in high-risk DLBCL group. Moreover, functional enrichment analysis highlighted the association of differentially expressed genes with metabolic, inflammatory and immune-related pathways in DLBCL patients. We also found that the high-risk group showed more sensitivity to vinorelbine and pyrimethamine. A cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature was established to predict the prognosis and provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies for DLBCL patients.
The prescription of beta-blockers in older patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: an observational study in Vietnam
Authors: Van Nguyen Tan , Nguyen Hoa T. K. , Wong Wei Jin , Ahmad Fahed , Nguyen Tu Ngoc
Published: June 2024

This study in older hospitalized patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) aimed to examine the prevalence of beta-blocker prescription and its associated factors. A total of 190 participants were recruited from July 2019 to July 2020. The inclusion criteria included: (1) aged ≥ 60 years, (2) having a diagnosis of chronic HFrEF in the medical records, (3) hospitalized for at least 48 h. The participants had a mean age of 75.5 ± 9.1, and 46.8% were female. Of these, 55.3% were prescribed beta-blockers during admission. To explore the factors associated with beta-blocker prescription, multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied and the results were presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). On multivariate logistic regression models, higher NYHA classes (OR 0.49, 95%CI 0.26–0.94), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04–0.85), chronic kidney disease (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.19–0.83), and heart rate under 65 (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.12–0.98) were associated with a reduced likelihood of prescription. In this study, we found a low rate of beta-blocker prescriptions, with only around half of the participants being prescribed beta-blockers. Further studies are needed to examine the reasons for the under-prescription of beta-blockers, and to evaluate the long-term benefits of beta-blockers in elderly patients with HFrEF in this population.
Mental health competencies are stronger determinants of well-being than mental disorder symptoms in both psychiatric and non-clinical samples
Authors: Zábó Virág , Erát Dávid , Vargha András , Vincze Ágnes , Harangozó Judit , Iváncsics Máté , Farkas Judit , Balogh Gábor , Pongrácz Fanni , Bognár Judit , Nagy Enikő , Gonda Xenia , Purebl György
Published: June 2024

The present study aimed to investigate whether the strength of mental health competencies and the severity of mental disorder symptoms, and their interaction, differ in the strength of their associations with several dimensions of well-being in Hungarian adult psychiatric and non-clinical samples. All respondent in the psychiatric sample (129 patients (44 male, 85 female)) and in the non-clinical community sample (253 adults (43 male, 210 female)) completed the Mental Health Test, six measures of well-being and mental health, and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. Including both mental health competencies and mental disorder symptoms in a regression model in both samples can predict patients’ well-being even more accurately. Mental health competencies were positively related; mental disorder symptoms were negatively related to subjective well-being. In all models and in both samples, mental health competencies were found to be stronger determinants of well-being than mental disorder symptoms. The interaction of mental health competencies and mental disorder symptoms is no more predictive of well-being in either psychiatric or non-clinical samples than when the effects of each are considered separately. The assessment of mental health competencies has an important predictive value for well-being in the presence of psychopathological symptoms and/or mental disorders.
Higher exposure to 1,3-butadiene is associated with more severe hearing loss
Authors: Han Sang-Yoon , Lee Sang-Yeon , Suh Myung-Whan , Lee Jun Ho , Park Moo Kyun
Published: June 2024

While volatile organic compounds (VOCs) impair various organs, their influence on hearing loss (HL) has not been extensively researched. We aimed to identify the association between VOCs and HL or high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL). We extracted data on age, sex, pure tone audiometry, hypertension, occupational noise exposure, and creatinine-corrected urine VOC metabolite concentrations from the eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey. Among the VOC metabolites, N-acetyl-S-(benzyl)-L-cysteine (BMA, P = 0.004), N-acetyl-S-(phenyl)-l-cysteine (SPMA, P = 0.027), and N-acetyl-S-(3,4-dihydroxybutyl)-l-cysteine (DHBMA, P < 0.001) showed associations with HL. Additionally, HFHL exhibited significant associations with BMA (P = 0.005), 3- and 4-methylhippuric acid (3, 4 MHA, P = 0.049), mandelic acid (MA, P = 0.015), SPMA (P < 0.001), N-acetyl-S-(3-hydroxypropyl)-l-cysteine (3-HPMA, P < 0.001), and DHBMA (P < 0.001). After controlling other factors, DHBMA were associated with HL (P = 0.021) and HFHL (P = 0.014) and exhibited a linear association with the mean hearing level (β = 0.054, P = 0.024) and high-frequency hearing level (β = 0.045, P = 0.037). Since 1,3-butadiene may act as an ototoxic material, early screening for workers exposed to 1,3-butadiene and reducing exposure to 1,3-butadiene in everyday life may be helpful to prevent further HL.
Random forest differentiation of Escherichia coli in elderly sepsis using biomarkers and infectious sites
Authors: Li Bu-Ren , Zhuo Ying , Jiang Ying-Ying , Zhang Shi-Yan
Published: June 2024

This study addresses the challenge of accurately diagnosing sepsis subtypes in elderly patients, particularly distinguishing between Escherichia coli (E. coli) and non-E. coli infections. Utilizing machine learning, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 119 elderly sepsis patients, employing a random forest model to evaluate clinical biomarkers and infection sites. The model demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy, with an overall accuracy of 87.5%, and impressive precision and recall rates of 93.3% and 87.5%, respectively. It identified infection sites, platelet distribution width, reduced platelet count, and procalcitonin levels as key predictors. The model achieved an F1 Score of 90.3% and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 88.0%, effectively differentiating between sepsis subtypes. Similarly, logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis underscored the significance of infectious sites. This methodology shows promise for enhancing elderly sepsis diagnosis and contributing to the advancement of precision medicine in the field of infectious diseases.
Multi-step control of homologous recombination via Mec1/ATR suppresses chromosomal rearrangements
Authors: Xie Bokun , Sanford Ethan James , Hung Shih-Hsun , Wagner Mateusz , Heyer Wolf-Dietrich , Smolka Marcus B
Published: June 2024

The Mec1/ATR kinase is crucial for genome stability, yet the mechanism by which it prevents gross chromosomal rearrangements (GCRs) remains unknown. Here we find that in cells with deficient Mec1 signaling, GCRs accumulate due to the deregulation of multiple steps in homologous recombination (HR). Mec1 primarily suppresses GCRs through its role in activating the canonical checkpoint kinase Rad53, which ensures the proper control of DNA end resection. Upon loss of Rad53 signaling and resection control, Mec1 becomes hyperactivated and triggers a salvage pathway in which the Sgs1 helicase is recruited to sites of DNA lesions via the 911-Dpb11 scaffolds and phosphorylated by Mec1 to favor heteroduplex rejection and limit HR-driven GCR accumulation. Fusing an ssDNA recognition domain to Sgs1 bypasses the requirement of Mec1 signaling for GCR suppression and nearly eliminates D-loop formation, thus preventing non-allelic recombination events. We propose that Mec1 regulates multiple steps of HR to prevent GCRs while ensuring balanced HR usage when needed for promoting tolerance to replication stress.
Recent development and applications of differential electrochemical mass spectrometry in emerging energy conversion and storage solutions
Authors: Zhao Kai , Jiang Xiaoyi , Wu Xiaoyu , Feng Haozhou , Wang Xiude , Wan Yuyan , Wang Zhiping , Yan Ning
Published: June 2024

Differential electrochemical mass spectrometry becomes increasingly important in understanding emerging energy conversion and storage processes.
Bottom-up synthesis of ion-pair-bridged metal–organic framework for H+ conduction
Authors: Maegawa Keiichiro , Okamoto Hayata , Hikima Kazuhiro , Kawamura Go , Nagai Atsushi , Matsuda Atsunori
Published: June 2024

As a novel conceptual synthesis of a metal–organic framework (MOF)-based proton conductor, UiO-66 based on a pyridinedicarboxylic acid phosphate (PyDC-PA) ion pair linker has been developed.