bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repeated sexual intercourse as a coping strategy for men with premature ejaculation
Authors: Wang Chunlin , Colonnello Elena , Sansone Andrea , Zhang Hui , Jannini Emmanuele A , Zhang Yan
Published: April 2024

Background

Patients with premature ejaculation (PE) are often concerned and distressed about their sexual performance. Hence, they may be more willing to exploit their refractory period to employ sexual coping strategies in order to improve their unsatisfactory sexual intercourse compared with patients without PE.

Aim

The study sought to verify the sexual coping strategies of patients with PE in the daily sexual activities.

Methods

We included both patients with PE and individuals without PE and analyzed their sexual behaviors and attitudes by means of detailed interviews and questionnaires.

Outcomes

The main outcomes were perceived intravaginal ejaculatory latency time recording, Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool score, and sexual frequency, attitudes, and behavior log.

Results

A total of 182 young patients with PE (age 31.2 ± 6.2 years) and 92 individuals without PE (age 30.7 ± 5.1 years) were included in the study. A total of 53.3% of patients with PE vs 17.4% of individuals without PE reported engaging in multiple sexual intercourse sessions within a single day in the past 4 weeks. PE patients who engaged in multiple intercourse sessions displayed better performance during the second attempt but performed poorly compared with individuals without PE. Scores for the first attempt in PE vs second attempt in individuals with PE vs without PE were the following: intravaginal ejaculatory latency time, 2.4 ± 1.6 vs 4.8 ± 5.7 vs 9.9 ± 9.4 (P < .001); Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool, 14.9 ± 3.1 vs 12.7 ± 4.8 vs 5.2 ± 2.5 (P < .001); satisfaction, 2.9 ± 1.0 vs 3.1 ± 0.8 vs 3.7 ± 1.4 (P < .001). A total of 57.1% of patients held a negative attitude toward precoital masturbation, for reasons such as a reduced sexual desire (21.2%), the belief that masturbation is harmful (17.6%), concerns about erectile function (15.7%), fatigue (9.8%), and other mixed reasons (35.3%).

Clinical Implications

Engaging in multiple intercourse sessions within a day is more common among the young PE population, and using precoital masturbation as a coping strategy is not universally applicable among patients with PE.

Strengths and Limitations

This is the first study to explore symptom-coping strategies in patients with PE compared with individuals without PE. However, the conclusions cannot be generalized to the entire male population.

Conclusion

Patients with PE, compared with individuals without PE, are more inclined to engage in multiple sexual intercourse sessions within a single sexual session, likely in an attempt to compensate for their first unsatisfactory sexual encounter. Moreover, the majority of patients with PE here studied hold a negative attitude toward using precoital masturbation as a coping strategy for symptoms.
Realization of a quadrupole topological insulator phase in a gyromagnetic photonic crystal
Authors: Zhou Peiheng , Liu Gui-Geng , Wang Zihao , Li Shuwei , Xie Qindong , Zhang Yunpeng , Mandal Subhaskar , Xi Xiang , Gao Zhen , Deng Longjiang , Zhang Baile
Published: April 2024

The field of topological photonics was initiated with the realization of a Chern insulator phase in a gyromagnetic photonic crystal (PhC) with broken time-reversal symmetry (T), hosting chiral edge states that are topologically protected propagating modes. Along a separate line of research, a quadrupole topological insulator was the first higher-order topological phase supporting localized corner states, but has been so far limited to T-invariant systems, as T is a key ingredient in early models. Here we report the realization of a quadrupole topological insulator phase in a gyromagnetic PhC, as a consequence of topological phase transition from the previously demonstrated Chern insulator phase. The phase transition has been demonstrated with microwave measurements, which characterize the evolution from propagating chiral edge states to localized corner states. We also demonstrate the migration of topological boundary states into the continuum, when the gyromagnetic PhC is magnetically tuned. These results extend the quadrupole topological insulator phase into T-broken systems, and integrate topologically protected propagating and localized modes in a magnetically tunable photonic crystal platform.
Earth-abundant Zn–dipyrrin chromophores for efficient CO2 photoreduction
Authors: Guo Song , Zeng Fu-Gui , Li Xiao-Di , Chen Kai-Kai , Wang Ping , Lu Tong-Bu , Zhang Zhi-Ming
Published: April 2024

The development of strong sensitizing and Earth-abundant antenna molecules is highly desirable for CO2 reduction through artificial photosynthesis. Herein, a library of Zn–dipyrrin complexes (Z-1−Z-6) are rationally designed via precisely controlling their molecular configuration to optimize strong sensitizing Earth-abundant photosensitizers. Upon visible-light excitation, their special geometry enables intramolecular charge transfer to induce a charge-transfer state, which was first demonstrated to accept electrons from electron donors. The resulting long-lived reduced photosensitizer was confirmed to trigger consecutive intermolecular electron transfers for boosting CO2-to-CO conversion. Remarkably, the Earth-abundant catalytic system with Z-6 and Fe-catalyst exhibits outstanding performance with a turnover number of >20 000 and 29.7% quantum yield, representing excellent catalytic performance among the molecular catalytic systems and highly superior to that of noble-metal photosensitizer Ir(ppy)2(bpy)+ under similar conditions. Experimental and theoretical investigations comprehensively unveil the structure–activity relationship, opening up a new horizon for the development of Earth-abundant strong sensitizing chromophores for boosting artificial photosynthesis.
Factors Influencing Adherence to the Risk Management Program for Women With a Genetic Predisposition to Breast Cancer: Real-World Data from a French Multicenter Program
Authors: Zhou Ke , Bellanger Martine , Crivelli Louise , Laham Sandy , Huet Charlotte , Abadie Caroline
Published: April 2024

Background

Risk management programs targeting women with genetic predispositions to breast cancer (BC), eg, BRCA1 and BRCA2, are effective assuming full adherence with the program protocol. However, high risk to BC in women and equal access to care may not result in high and uniform adherence with the program.

Objective

To elucidate factors influencing adherence with screening program in women with genetic predispositions to BC.

Material and Methods

We retrieved data from a multicenter pathogenic-related BC surveillance program across 4 French regions. We used multilevel logistic modeling to analyze factors of adherence with the program, with “on-time” or postponed screening as the dependent variable.

Results

Seven hundred and seventy-eight participants were followed for a 4.7-year median. We observed 2796 annual screening rounds and 5.4% postponed rounds with a 6-month margin. Women with prevalent BC and carriers of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations did not have on-time annual screenings any more than women low cancer risk. Better adherence was observed with screenings after the 2nd round, with higher total number of rounds. Having one or more recalls was significantly associated with worse adherence. No contextual factors affected adherence. Furthermore, postponed rounds increased between 2018 and 2020 compared to 2015 and 2017.

Conclusion

Having a higher BC risk status does not result in better adherence to the risk management program. However, factors directly related to screening rounds reduced postponements. Future research should address the benefits of screening-related organizational factors that contribute to adherence improvement.
Percutaneous fixation versus open reduction and internal fixation in treatment of medial malleolus fracture
Authors: Elsayed Ali Abdelrazek Mahmoud , Hegazy Mohammed Osama , Zakaria Ahmed Ramy
Published: April 2024

Background:

Medial malleolus fractures are common orthopedic injuries that require prompt and effective treatment. This study aimed to compare two treatment approaches, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and closed reduction and percutaneous fixation (CRPF), for isolated medial malleolus fractures in adults.

Methods:

This randomized controlled trial included 30 patients with isolated medial malleolus fracture who were assigned to either the ORIF or CRPF group using a simple randomization method. Surgical procedures were performed as described in the study, and post-operative management included splinting and regular clinical assessments.

Results:

Intraoperatively, CRPF demonstrated significantly lower operative time (33±5 min vs. 50±11 min, P < 0.001) but higher X-ray exposure (33±9 vs. 25±7, P=0.014) compared to ORIF. Post-operatively, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of delayed union, pain with movement, soft tissue infection, or time to full union.

Conclusions:

Both ORIF and CRPF are viable treatment options for isolated medial malleolus fractures in adults. CRPF offers advantages in terms of shorter operative time but requires increased fluoroscopy usage.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.
Acceptability of hepatitis C screening and treatment during pregnancy in pregnant women in Egypt, Pakistan, and Ukraine: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Scott Karen , Chappell Elizabeth , Mostafa Aya , Volokha Alla , Najmi Nida , Ebeid Fatma , Posokhova Svitlana , Sikandar Raheel , Vasylyev Marta , Zulfiqar Saima , Kaminskyi Viacheslav , Pett Sarah , Malyuta Ruslan , Karpus Ruslana , Ayman Yomna , Ahmed Rania H. M. , Hamid Saeed , El-Sayed Manal H. , Gibb Diana , Judd Ali , Collins Intira Jeannie
Published: April 2024

Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) in women of childbearing age is a major public health concern with ∼15 million women aged 15–49 years living with HCV globally in 2019. Evidence suggests HCV in pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes. This includes ∼6% risk of infants acquiring HCV vertically, and this is the leading cause of HCV in children globally. However, few countries offer routine universal antenatal HCV screening, and direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are not approved for pregnant or breastfeeding women although small clinical trials are ongoing. We conducted a survey of pregnant and postpartum women in 3 high HCV burden lower-middle-income countries to assess the acceptability of universal antenatal HCV screening and DAA treatment in the scenario that DAAs are approved for use in pregnancy. Pregnant and postpartum women attending antenatal clinics in Egypt, Pakistan, and Ukraine were invited to complete a survey and provide demographic and clinical data on their HCV status. Among the 630 women included (n=210 per country), 73% were pregnant and 27% postpartum, 27% were ever HCV antibody or PCR positive. Overall, 586 (93%) reported acceptability of universal antenatal HCV screening and 544 (88%) would take DAAs in pregnancy (92%, 98%, and 73% in Egypt, Pakistan, and Ukraine, respectively). Most said they would take DAAs in pregnancy to prevent vertical acquisition and other risks for the baby, and a smaller proportion would take DAAs for maternal cure. Our findings suggest that should DAAs be approved for use in pregnancy, the uptake of both HCV screening and DAA treatment may be high in women living in lower-middle–income countries.
What do we know about the role of menopause in cardiovascular autonomic regulation in hypertensive women?
Authors: Philbois Stella V. , Facioli Tabata P. , De Lucca Izabella , Veiga Ana C. , Chinellato Naiara , Simões Marcus V. , Tank Jens , Souza Hugo C.D.
Published: April 2024

Objective

We investigated the systemic arterial hypertension effects on cardiovascular autonomic modulation and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in women with or without preserved ovarian function.

Methods

A total of 120 women were allocated into two groups: middle-aged premenopausal women (42 ± 3 y old; n = 60) and postmenopausal women (57 ± 4 y old; n = 60). Each group was also divided into two smaller groups (n = 30): normotensive and hypertensive. We evaluated hemodynamic and anthropometric parameters, cardiorespiratory fitness, BRS, heart rate variability (HRV), and blood pressure variability. The effects of hypertension and menopause were assessed using a two-way analysis of variance. Post hoc comparisons were performed using the Student-Newman-Keuls test.

Results

Comparing premenopausal groups, women with systemic arterial hypertension showed lower BRS (9.1 ± 4.4 vs 13.4 ± 4.2 ms/mm Hg, P < 0.001) and HRV total variance (1,451 ± 955 vs 2,483 ± 1,959 ms2, P = 0.005) values than normotensive; however, the vagal predominance still remained. On the other hand, both postmenopausal groups showed an expressive reduction in BRS (8.3 ± 4.2 vs 11.3 ± 4.8 ms/mm Hg, P < 0.001) and HRV characterized by sympathetic modulation predominance (low-frequency oscillations; 56% ± 17 vs 44% ± 17, P < 0.001), in addition to a significant increase in blood pressure variability variance (28.4 ± 14.9 vs 22.4 ± 12.5 mm Hg2, P = 0.015) compared with premenopausal groups. Comparing both postmenopausal groups, the hypertensive group had significantly lower values ​​of HRV total variance (635 ± 449 vs 2,053 ± 1,720 ms2, P < 0.001) and BRS (5.3 ± 2.8 vs 11.3 ± 3.2 ms/mm Hg) than the normotensive.

Conclusions

Hypertensive middle-aged premenopausal women present HRV autonomic modulation impairment, but they still maintain a vagal predominance. After menopause, even normotensive women show sympathetic autonomic predominance, which may also be associated with aging. Furthermore, postmenopausal women with hypertension present even worse cardiac autonomic modulation.
Redesigning nurse practitioner clinical education with a Dyad/POD model: A feasibility study
Authors: Burns Dana , Breckenridge Leigh Ann , Gregory Allison , Nye Carla
Published: April 2024

Clinical education for nurse practitioner (NP) students is increasingly challenging. With fewer preceptors, lack of resources and time burden, finding clinical placements is a burdensome responsibility. Also, when students have multiple preceptors, there may be inconsistencies when evaluating students. With the change to competency-based education, consistency is crucial when evaluating NP students. Typical preceptorship with students is a 1:1:1 ratio: one student with one preceptor for one semester. The Dyad/Precepting to Optimize Development (POD) model has potential to improve clinical precepting. Precepting to optimize development refers to a consistent team of students, preceptors, and faculty over the course of the students' education. Dyad refers to two students with one preceptor. Students rotate in dyad pairs every 4–8 weeks with a consistent group of preceptors, and see these same preceptors again over the course of their educational journey. Preceptors met monthly to collaborate, discuss, and learn. This article reports on the outcomes of a mixed-methods feasibility study that occurred over a year. The students, preceptors, and faculty report satisfaction with the model. Several themes arose during analysis of focus group sessions. Those themes were as follows: safe learning environment; everyone teaches, everyone learns; growth mindset; teaming culture and the POD structure is essential to the dyad. In conclusion, developing a different approach to precepting is essential to meet national provider needs. The Dyad/POD model provides consistency for development and evaluation of the NP student.
Increased Incidence of Vestibular Disorders in Patients With SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Lee Lawrance , French Evan , Coelho Daniel H. , Manzoor Nauman F. ,   on behalf of the N3C consortium.
Published: April 2024

Objective:

Determine the incidence of vestibular disorders in patients with SARS-CoV-2 compared to the control population.

Study Design:

Retrospective.

Setting:

Clinical data in the National COVID Cohort Collaborative database (N3C).

Methods:

Deidentified patient data from the National COVID Cohort Collaborative database (N3C) were queried based on variant peak prevalence (untyped, alpha, delta, omicron 21K, and omicron 23A) from covariants.org to retrospectively analyze the incidence of vestibular disorders in patients with SARS-CoV-2 compared to control population, consisting of patients without documented evidence of COVID infection during the same period.

Results:

Patients testing positive for COVID-19 were significantly more likely to have a vestibular disorder compared to the control population. Compared to control patients, the odds ratio of vestibular disorders was significantly elevated in patients with untyped (odds ratio [OR], 2.39; confidence intervals [CI], 2.29–2.50; P < 0.001), alpha (OR, 3.63; CI, 3.48–3.78; P < 0.001), delta (OR, 3.03; CI, 2.94–3.12; P < 0.001), omicron 21K variant (OR, 2.97; CI, 2.90–3.04; P < 0.001), and omicron 23A variant (OR, 8.80; CI, 8.35–9.27; P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The incidence of vestibular disorders differed between COVID-19 variants and was significantly elevated in COVID-19-positive patients compared to the control population. These findings have implications for patient counseling and further research is needed to discern the long-term effects of these findings.
Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Mentoring
Authors: Bechtel Kirsten , Langhan Melissa L. , Levine Deborah , Hanson Janice
Published: April 2024

Background

Women in medicine have reported gender-specific obstacles to career success, such as a dearth of mentors and role models. Pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) is a female-dominated subspecialty of pediatrics yet is still impacted by gender inequality in many areas. No previous study has explored mentoring experiences of women PEM physicians and the impact on their career trajectory. We sought to explore the experiences of female PEM physicians with mentorship to determine aspects of mentoring that were successful or unsuccessful.

Methods

This was a qualitative study with criterion sampling of female PEM physicians. Members of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section of Emergency Medicine completed semistructured interviews in 2022, recorded and transcribed verbatim. Our research team consisted of 3 PEM physicians. Using the constant comparative method, we analyzed transcripts by inductively developing codes, grouping codes into categories, and refining codes, descriptions, and group assignments to identify themes. Interpretations of and relationships among themes were iteratively discussed and revised by the team.

Results

Twenty-two participants were interviewed via telephone. The mean age of participants was 44 years old, and the majority (73%) identified as White, non-Hispanic, and at the rank of assistant professor (45%). Four themes were identified: (1) benefits of mentorship (recognition of need for mentorship and finding professional success), (2) finding mentors (processes to find mentors and mentor roles), (3) characteristics of successful mentors (personal and professional), and (4) impact of mentorship (career advancement or career sabotage).

Conclusions

We identified 4 themes that could be incorporated into mentoring programs and are associated with successful experiences for women PEM physicians. The detail and descriptions in our data provide guidance for mentoring programs that specifically address the needs of women in PEM.
Genes linked to obesity-related infertility: bridging the knowledge gap
Authors: Chandra Sekar Praveen Kumar , Veerabathiran Ramakrishnan
Published: April 2024

Genetic factors play a pivotal role in the complex relationship between obesity and infertility. This article delves into the genetics of obesity-related infertility, focusing on the essential genes and mechanisms in both sexes. We explored infertility factors in obese females, focusing on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the influence of genes like insulin receptor (INSR), androgen receptor (AR), and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR). Epigenetic changes are believed to contribute to PCOS-related infertility. The impact of adipokines and inflammation on obesity-related infertility has been discussed, with genes such as fat mass and obesity (FTO) and melanocortin-4-receptor (MC4R) playing significant roles. Genetic factors affecting sperm quality and function, including nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 1 (NR3C1) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), have been investigated in obesity-related infertility in males. Hormonal dysregulation influenced by genetic markers, such as leptin receptor (LEPR), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), was also examined. Genetic factors play a vital role in obesity-related infertility in both sexes. Genes involved in metabolism, hormonal regulation, and inflammation contribute to the complex association between obesity and infertility. Epigenetic changes further complicate the relationship. Understanding these genetic mechanisms is essential to address obesity-related infertility and develop personalized interventions.
First-sight recognition of touched objects shows that chicks can solve Molyneux's problem
Authors: Versace Elisabetta , Freeland Laura , Emmerson Michael G.
Published: April 2024

If a congenitally blind person learns to distinguish between a cube and a sphere by touch, would they immediately recognize these objects by sight once their vision is restored? This question, posed by Molyneux in 1688, has puzzled philosophers and scientists since then. To overcome ethical and practical difficulties in the investigation of cross-modal recognition, we studied inexperienced poultry chicks, which can be reared in darkness until the moment of a visual test with no detrimental consequences. After hatching chicks in darkness, we exposed them to either tactile smooth or tactile bumpy stimuli for 24 h. Immediately after the tactile exposure, chicks were tested in a visual recognition task, during their first experience with light. At first sight, chicks that had been exposed in the tactile modality to smooth stimuli approached the visual smooth stimulus significantly more than those exposed to the tactile bumpy stimuli. These results show that visually inexperienced chicks can solve Molyneux's problem, indicating cross-modal recognition does not require previous multimodal experience. At least in this precocial species, supra-modal brain areas appear functional already at birth. This discovery paves the way for the investigation of predisposed cross-modal cognition that does not depend on visual experience.
Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of ESBL Enterobacteriaceae clinical isolates in a Moroccan hospital
Authors: Eddair Yassine , Belouad Elmehdi , Benaissa Elmostafa , Abassor Tilila , Bsaibiss Fatna , Maleb Adil , Elouennass Mostafa
Published: April 2024

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) are a major public health problem in hospitals and in the community. The objective of this work was to describe the epidemiology of ESBL enterobacteria, to study their resistance profile and to determine the genes encoding the ESBL phenotype.
This is a retrospective study conducted in the bacteriology laboratory of the Military Hospital of Instruction Mohamed V of Rabat, and covering all isolates of Enterobacteriaceae from 01/01/2018 to 31/12/2020. The molecular study of ESBL genes involved a representative sample of all ESBL isolates.
The overall prevalence of ESBLs in isolated Enterobacteriaceae (1402/10268) is 13.65%. The urinary tract was the main site of isolation of ESBL (61%). The bacterial species most concerned are essentially Escherichia coli (41,9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (42,2%) and Enterobacter cloacae (11,9%). The study of antibiotic susceptibility showed a resistant profile marked mainly by 100% resistance to C1G and C3G, 55% to piperacillin-tazobactam, 16% to imipenem, 87% to fluoroquinolones. Molecular typing of ESBL strains showed a prevalence of CTX-M (95%), SHV (50%) and TEM (56%). The CTX-M-1 and the CTX-M-9 groups were the most common (96,19% and 7,62 % respectively), and CTX-M15 was found in 78,10% CTX-M-1 ESBL positive isolates. Most strains had more than two coexisting resistance genes.
The prevalence rate of ESBL-E is critical, and preventive action at different levels (prescriber, biologist, hospital, patient, etc.) is necessary in order to limit their spread and to manage a better therapeutic strategy.
Random adversarial threshold search enables automated DNA screening
Authors: Gretton Dana , Wang Brian , Edison Rey , Foner Leonard , Berlips Jens , Vogel Theia , Kysel Martin , Chen Walther , Sage-Ling Francesca , Van Hauwe Lynn , Wooster Stephen , Weinstein-Raun Benjamin , DeBenedictis Erika A. , Liu Andrew B. , Chory Emma , Cui Hongrui , Li Xiang , Dong Jiangbin , Fabrega Andres , Dennison Christianne , Don Otilia , Ye Cassandra Tong , Uberoy Kaveri , Rivest Ronald L. , Gao Mingyu , Yu Yu , Baum Carsten , Damgard Ivan , Yao Andrew C. , Esvelt Kevin M.
Published: April 2024

Custom DNA synthesis underpins modern biology, but hazardous genes in the wrong hands could threaten many lives and public trust in science. In 1992, a virology-trained mass murderer tried and failed to obtain physical samples of Ebola; today, viruses can be assembled from synthetic DNA fragments. Screening orders for hazards is unreliable and expensive because similarity search algorithms yield false alarms requiring expert human review. Here we develop “random adversarial threshold” (RAT) search, which looks for exact matches to short nucleic acid and peptide subsequence windows from hazards and predicted functional variants that aren’t found in any known innocuous genes. To experimentally assess sensitivity, we used RAT search to protect nine windows from the M13 bacteriophage virus, then invited a “red team” to launch up to 21,000 attacks at each window and measure the fitness of their designed mutants. We identified defensible windows from regulated pathogens, built a curated test database that our M13 experiments indicate will block 99.999% of functional attacks, and verified its sensitivity against orders designed to evade detection. RAT search offers a way to safeguard biotechnology by securely automating DNA synthesis screening.

Searching for exact matches to pre-computed functional variants unique to hazardous genes enables sensitive, secure, and automated DNA synthesis screening.
Conservation and diversification of genes regulating brassinosteroid biosynthesis and signaling
Authors: Zebosi Brian , Vollbrecht Erik B , Best Norman B
Published: April 2024

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are important regulators that control myriad aspects of plant growth and development including biotic and abiotic stress responses, such that modulating BR homeostasis and signaling presents enormous opportunities for plant breeding and crop improvement. Enzymes and proteins involved in the biosynthesis and signaling of BRs are well understood from molecular genetics and phenotypic analysis in Arabidopsis thaliana; however, knowledge of molecular function of these genes in other plant species, especially cereal crop plants, is highly limited. In this manuscript, we comprehensively review functional studies of BR genes in Arabidopsis, maize, rice, Setaria, Brachypodium, and soybean to identify conserved and diversified functions across plant species, and to highlight cases where additional research is in order. We performed phylogenetic analysis of gene families known to be involved in biosynthesis and signaling of BRs and re-analyzed publicly available transcriptomic data. Gene trees coupled to expression data provide a useful guide to supplement future research on BRs in these important crop species, such as to allow researchers to identify genes to target through gene editing techniques to perform BR-related functional studies.
T-cell development and activation in humanized mice lacking mouse major histocompatibility complexes
Authors: Darguzyte Milita , Antczak Philipp , Bachurski Daniel , Hoelker Patrick , Abedpour Nima , Gholamipoorfard Rahil , Schlößer Hans A. , Wennhold Kerstin , Thelen Martin , Garcia-Marquez Maria , König Johannes , Schneider Andreas , Braun Tobias , Klawonn Frank , Damrat Michael , Rahman Masudur , Kleid Jan-Malte , Theobald Sebastian J. , Bauer Eugen , von Kaisenberg Constantin , Talbot Steven , Shultz Leonard , Soper Brian , Stripecke Renata
Published: April 2024

Humanized mice transplanted with CD34+hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) are used to study human immune responsesin vivo. However, the mismatch between the mouse major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs) and the human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) is not optimal for T-cell development and can trigger xenograft reactivity. We evaluated human T-cell development in NOD.Scid.Gamma mice lacking expression of MHC class I and II (NSG-DKO). Human leukocyte engraftment was detectable at 8 weeks post-transplantation. Human CD4+and CD8+T-cells were detectable in blood, thymus, bone marrow and spleen of humanized NSG-DKO mice for up to 20 weeks post-transplantation. Further, we evaluated the effects of lentiviral vector (LV) systemic delivery of HLA-A*02:01, HLA-DRB1*04:01, human GM-CSF/IFN-α and the human cytomegalovirus gB antigen. LV delivery promoted development and activation of human central memory, αβ and γδ T-cells with amplifications of the T-cell repertoire. LV administration unleashed multiple reactome pathways such as type-I interferon responses, cell cycle and metabolic processes. In summary, development of human T-cells in humanized mice does not rely on mouse MHCs and can be boosted systemically via LV administration.
A Hierarchical Model for eDNA Fate and Transport Dynamics Accommodating Low Concentration Samples
Authors: Augustine Ben C. , Hutchins Patrick R. , Jones Devin N. , Williams Jacob R. , Leinonen Eric , Sepulveda Adam J.
Published: April 2024

Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling is an increasingly important tool for answering ecological questions and informing aquatic species management; however, several factors currently limit the reliability of ecological inference from eDNA sampling. Two particular challenges are 1) determining species source location(s) and 2) accurately and precisely measuring low concentration eDNA samples in the presence of multiple sources of ecological and measurement variability. The recently introduced eDNA Integrating Transport and Hydrology (eDITH) model provides a framework for relating eDNA measurements to source locations in riverine networks, but little empirical work has been done to test and refine model assumptions or accommodate low concentration samples, that can be systematically undermeasured. To better understand eDNA fate and transport dynamics and our ability to reliably quantify low concentration samples, we developed a hierarchical model and used it to evaluate a fate and transport experiment. Our model addresses several low concentration challenges by modeling the number of copies in each PCR replicate as a latent variable with a count distribution and conditioning detection and quantification on replicate copy number. We provide evidence that the eDNA removal rate declined through time, estimating that over 80% of eDNA was removed over the first 10 meters, traversed in 41 seconds. After this initial period of rapid decay, eDNA decayed slowly with consistent detection through our farthest site 1km from the release location, traversed in 250 seconds. Our model further allowed us to detect extra-Poisson variation in the allocation of copies to replicates. We extended our hierarchical model to accommodate a continuous effect of inhibitors and used our model to provide evidence for the inhibitor hypothesis and explore the potential implications. While our model is not a panacea for all challenges faced when quantifying low-concentration eDNA samples, it provides a framework for a more complete accounting of uncertainty.
Learning from Machine Learning: advancing from static to dynamic facial function quantification
Authors: Kalavacherla Sandhya , Mills Morgan Davis , Greene Jacqueline J.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

We assess an open-source Python machine learning algorithm’s efficacy in image and video analysis of facial palsy (FP) patients.

Methods

Images and videos of 60 patients with varying FP severities performing standard movements were obtained from MEEI Facial Palsy database. Landmarks generated on images by the open-source algorithm (adapted from OpenCV and Dlib libraries) and Emotrics (standard for two-dimensional FP analysis) were compared. Considering the human eye as the standard for accuracy, three raters marked perceived errors in each algorithm’s tracking of five facial features. Cumulative error distributions between both algorithms were compared via normalized root mean square error. FP severity and facial feature-specific error rates were compared using ANOVA tests. Raters also analyzed open-source algorithm-generated video landmarks; similar statistical comparisons between open-source algorithms’ image and video-based analyses were performed.

Results

Cumulative error distribution between both algorithms’ image analyses was most robust for normal function; significant discrepancies were observed in mild/moderate flaccidity and nearly-normal/complete synkinesis. Both algorithms had similar error rates across all facial features (p=0.76) and FP severities (p=0.37). In the open-source algorithm’s video analysis, mild synkinesis (24.7%) and severe flaccidity (19.7%) had the highest error rates. Comparing image and video analyses generated by the open-source algorithm, video analyses had lower error rates across all FP severities (p<0.001).

Conclusions

We report for the first time the feasibility and relative accuracy of a Python open-source algorithm for dynamic facial landmark tracking in FP videos. The demonstrated superiority of landmark tracking with videos over images can improve objective FP quantification.
SLIRP promotes autoimmune diseases by amplifying antiviral signaling via positive feedback regulation
Authors: Ku Doyeong , Yang Yewon , Park Youngran , Jang Daesong , Lee Namseok , Lee Yong-ki , Lee Keonyong , Lee Jaeseon , Han Yeon Bi , Jang Soojin , Choi Se Rim , Ha You-Jung , Choi Yong Seok , Jeong Woo-Jin , Lee Yun Jong , Lee Kyung Jin , Cha Seunghee , Kim Yoosik
Published: April 2024

The abnormal innate immune response is a prominent feature underlying autoimmune diseases. One emerging factor that can trigger dysregulated immune activation is cytosolic mitochondrial double-stranded RNAs (mt-dsRNAs). However, the mechanism by which mt-dsRNAs stimulate immune responses remains poorly understood. Here, we discover SRA stem-loop interacting RNA binding protein (SLIRP) as a key amplifier of mt-dsRNA-triggered antiviral signals. In autoimmune diseases, SLIRP is commonly upregulated, and targeted knockdown of SLIRP dampens the interferon response. We find that the activation of melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) by exogenous dsRNAs upregulates SLIRP, which then stabilizes mt-dsRNAs and promotes their cytosolic release to activate MDA5 further, augmenting the interferon response. Furthermore, the downregulation of SLIRP partially rescues the abnormal interferon-stimulated gene expression in autoimmune patients’ primary cells and makes cells vulnerable to certain viral infections. Our study unveils SLIRP as a pivotal mediator of interferon response through positive feedback amplification of antiviral signaling.
A method for recognizing motor imagery EEG signals based on high-quality lead selection
Authors: Du Xiuli , Wang Hanxing , Kong Meiya , Xi Meiling , Lv Yana
Published: April 2024

In the application of motor imagery brain-computer interface system, high-density leads bring redundant noise, which leads to time-consuming system operation and poor performance. A channel selection strategy based on brain function network is proposed. This method introduces Synchronization likelihood was used as a connection index to construct a motor imagery brain functional network, and the centrality analysis of the constructed network was used to select the combination of strong motor-related leads. Experiments were carried out on the EEG datasets dataset IVa of the 3rd International Brain-Computer Interface Competition and dataset I of the 4th International Brain-Computer Interface Competition, and 27 high-quality channels were selected from the 118 channels of dataset IVa, as well as 16 high-quality channels were selected from the 59 channels of dataset I. Finally, the CSP algorithm and support vector machine are used to extract features and classify. The experimental results show that the proposed channel selection strategy can greatly reduce the number of channels while obtaining higher recognition accuracy, which verifies the practicability and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Facilitators and barriers in the use of the electronic consultation register for Integrated Management of Childhood Illness in the health district of Toma, Burkina Faso: Perspectives of health care providers
Authors: Patrice Ngangue , Issaka Saouadogo , Safiata Kaboré Soutongnoma , Douglas Mbang Massom , Nestor Bationo , Seu Josiane , Ly Birama Apho
Published: April 2024

Background

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene (MHPH) of Burkina Faso (BF), the Foundation Terre des Hommes (Tdh) has developed the Integrated e-Diagnostic Approach (IeDA) project in BF since 2010 to strengthen the health system by digitalizing medical protocols, improving the quality of services and using data. We sought to identify and analyze the barriers and facilitators of using the electronic clinic registry (ECR) for the integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) by healthcare providers (HCPs) in the health district of Toma, BF.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive and exploratory qualitative study. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with thirty-five (35) HCPs in the health district of Toma, BF, from the 1stto the 30thof December 2021. Thematic analysis of qualitative data according to the Braun & Clarke model was performed using NVivo 12 software and arranged along a social-ecological model.

Results

Our findings revealed that HCPs play an essential role in using ECR for IMCI. Many key facilitating factors have emerged regarding the use of IMCIs in primary health care (PHC) facilities, such as positive perceptions of the ECR, firm commitment and the involvement of HCPs, stakeholder support, collaborative networks with implementing partners, convenience, privacy, confidentiality and client trust, experience and confidence in using the system, and the satisfaction, motivation and competency of staff. In addition, the easy diagnosis offered by the ECR and the training of HCPs increased the acceptance and use of the ECR. Regarding barriers, HCPs complained about the tablet’s slowness, recurrent breakdowns, and increased workload.

Conclusion

This study revealed that ECR has excellent potential to improve the quality of care and, in turn, reduce maternal and infant mortality. Although the satisfaction of the HCPs with the tool is positive, the actors of the Foundation Tdh, in collaboration with the MHPH, must work to optimize the application’s performance and reduce breakdowns and delays during consultations. This will allow the deployment of ECR in all BF health districts.
iGTP: Learning interpretable cellular embedding for inferring biological mechanisms underlying single-cell transcriptomics
Authors: Hsieh Kang-Lin , Zhang Kai , Chu Yan , Yu Lishan , Li Xiaoyang , Hu Nuo , Kawosa Isha , Pilié Patrick G. , Bhattacharya Pratip K. , Zhi Degui , Jiang Xiaoqian , Zhao Zhongming , Dai Yulin
Published: April 2024

Deep-learning models like Variational AutoEncoder have enabled low dimensional cellular embedding representation for large-scale single-cell transcriptomes and shown great flexibility in downstream tasks. However, biologically meaningful latent space is usually missing if no specific structure is designed. Here, we engineered a novel interpretable generative transcriptional program (iGTP) framework that could model the importance of transcriptional program (TP) space and protein-protein interactions (PPI) between different biological states. We demonstrated the performance of iGTP in a diverse biological context using gene ontology, canonical pathway, and different PPI curation. iGTP not only elucidated the ground truth of cellular responses but also surpassed other deep learning models and traditional bioinformatics methods in functional enrichment tasks. By integrating the latent layer with a graph neural network framework, iGTP could effectively infer cellular responses to perturbations. Lastly, we applied iGTP TP embeddings with a latent diffusion model to accurately generate cell embeddings for specific cell types and states. We anticipate that iGTP will offer insights at both PPI and TP levels and holds promise for predicting responses to novel perturbations.
A deep generative model integrating single-cell time-frequency characteristics transformed from electrophysiological data with transcriptomic features
Authors: Furumichi Kazuki , Kojima Yasuhiro , Nomura Satoshi , Shimamura Teppei
Published: April 2024

Patch-seq yields multi-modal data (e.g., transcriptomic and electrophysiological data) from single cells. However, currently used analytical methods are based on a few global electrophysiological features predefined from chronological potential changes and overlook the importance of time-frequency domain. In this study, we present LincSpectr, a deep neural network model that integrates transcriptomic and electrophysiological features with the latent variables of various variational autoencoders. This model combines the two modalities according to the connection between the latent variables of different modalities calculated by attention-like mechanisms and achieves cross-modal predictions and an inverse analysis. We discovered that the predicted electrophysiological features changed continuously along with their transcriptional profiles and that the neighborhood relationships between the latent states of the transcriptional profiles were consistent with those of the electrophysiological features. Inverse analysis of our model enabled the extraction of gene sets affecting specific time-frequency domains; some genes were likely to be involved in neural activity. Our approach represents a potential avenue to facilitate the discovery of molecular mechanisms underlying time-frequency activities in various cell types, enhancing our understanding of their roles in neural function.
Water deficit response in nodulated soybean roots: a comprehensive transcriptome and translatome network analysis
Authors: Sainz María Martha , Filippi Carla V , Eastman Guillermo , Sotelo-Silveira Mariana , Zardo Sofía , Martínez-Moré Mauro , Sotelo-Silveira José , Borsani Omar
Published: April 2024

Soybean establishes a mutualistic interaction with nitrogen-fixing rhizobacteria, acquiring most of its nitrogen requirements through symbiotic nitrogen fixation. This crop is susceptible to water deficit; evidence suggests that its nodulation status—whether it is nodulated or not— can influence how it responds to water deficit. The translational control step of gene expression has proven relevant in plants subjected to water deficit. Here, we analyzed soybean roots’ differential responses to water deficit at transcriptional, translational, and mixed (transcriptional + translational) levels. Thus, the transcriptome and translatome of four combined-treated soybean roots were analyzed. We found hormone metabolism-related genes among the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at the translatome level in nodulated and water-restricted plants. Also, weighted gene co-expression network analysis followed by differential expression analysis identified gene modules associated with nodulation and water deficit conditions. Protein-protein interaction network analysis was performed for subsets of mixed DEGs of the modules associated with the plant responses to nodulation, water deficit, or their combination. Our research reveals that the stand-out processes and pathways in the before-mentioned plant responses partially differ; terms related to glutathione metabolism and hormone signal transduction (2C protein phosphatases) were associated with the response to water deficit, terms related to transmembrane transport, response to abscisic acid, pigment metabolic process were associated with the response to nodulation plus water deficit. Still, two processes were common: galactose metabolism and branched-chain amino acid catabolism. A comprehensive analysis of these processes could lead to identifying new sources of tolerance to drought in soybean.
Extracellular electron transfer drives efficient H2-independent methylotrophic methanogenesis byMethanomassiliicoccus,a seventh order methanogen
Authors: Li Lingyan , Tian Xuping , Wang Xuemeng , Chen Chuan , Zhou Qi , Qi Lei , Li Jie , Xue Kai , Zhao Fangjie , Wang Yanfen , Dong Xiuzhu
Published: April 2024

Methylotrophic methanogenesis is achieved via methyl group dismutation or H2reduction. This study reports extracellular electron droving efficient methylotrophic methanogenesis. The 7thorder methanogenMethanomassiliicoccus luminyensisexclusively implements H2-dependent methylotrophic methanogenesis, but strain CZDD1 isolated from paddy soil possessed a higher methane-producing rate in coculture withClostridium malenominatumCZB5 or the electrogenicGeobacter metallireducens.Chronoamperometry detected current production from CZB5, and current consumption accompanied CH4production in a methanol-containing electrochemical culture of CZDD1. This demonstrated thatM. luminyensiswas capable of both direct species electron transfer (DIET) and extracellular electron transfer (EET) in methylotrophic methanogenesis. EET and DIET also enabled CZDD1 to produce methane from dimethyl arsenate. Differential transcriptomic analysis on H2-versus EET- and DIET-cocultures suggested that a membrane-bound Fpo-like complex and archaella ofM. luminyensisCZDD1 could accept extracellular electrons. Given the ubiquitous environmental distribution ofMethanomassiliicoccusstrains, EET driven methylotrophic methanogenesis may contribute significantly to methane emission.