bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutant fate in spatially structured populations on graphs: Connecting models to experiments
Authors: Abbara Alia , Pagani Lisa , García-Pareja Celia , Bitbol Anne-Florence
Published: September 2024

In nature, most microbial populations have complex spatial structures that can affect their evolution. Evolutionary graph theory predicts that some spatial structures modelled by placing individuals on the nodes of a graph affect the probability that a mutant will fix. Evolution experiments are beginning to explicitly address the impact of graph structures on mutant fixation. However, the assumptions of evolutionary graph theory differ from the conditions of modern evolution experiments, making the comparison between theory and experiment challenging. Here, we aim to bridge this gap by using our new model of spatially structured populations. This model considers connected subpopulations that lie on the nodes of a graph, and allows asymmetric migrations. It can handle large populations, and explicitly models serial passage events with migrations, thus closely mimicking experimental conditions. We analyze recent experiments in light of this model. We suggest useful parameter regimes for future experiments, and we make quantitative predictions for these experiments. In particular, we propose experiments to directly test our recent prediction that the star graph with asymmetric migrations suppresses natural selection and can accelerate mutant fixation or extinction, compared to a well-mixed population.
MR-SPLIT: A novel method to address selection and weak instrument bias in one-sample Mendelian randomization studies
Authors: Shi Ruxin , Wang Ling , Burgess Stephen , Cui Yuehua
Published: September 2024

Mendelian Randomization (MR) is a widely embraced approach to assess causality in epidemiological studies. Two-stage least squares (2SLS) method is a predominant technique in MR analysis. However, it can lead to biased estimates when instrumental variables (IVs) are weak. Moreover, the issue of the winner’s curse could emerge when utilizing the same dataset for both IV selection and causal effect estimation, leading to biased estimates of causal effects and high false positives. Focusing on one-sample MR analysis, this paper introduces a novel method termed Mendelian Randomization with adaptive Sample-sPLitting with cross-fitting InstrumenTs (MR-SPLIT), designed to address bias issues due to IV selection and weak IVs, under the 2SLS IV regression framework. We show that the MR-SPLIT estimator is more efficient than its counterpart cross-fitting MR (CFMR) estimator. Additionally, we introduce a multiple sample-splitting technique to enhance the robustness of the method. We conduct extensive simulation studies to compare the performance of our method with its counterparts. The results underscored its superiority in bias reduction, effective type I error control, and increased power. We further demonstrate its utility through the application of a real-world dataset. Our study underscores the importance of addressing bias issues due to IV selection and weak IVs in one-sample MR analyses and provides a robust solution to the challenge.
Soil surveillance for monitoring soil-transmitted helminths: Method development and field testing in three countries
Authors: Manuel Malathi , Amato Heather K. , Pilotte Nils , Chieng Benard , Araka Sylvie B. , Siko Joël Edoux Eric , Harris Michael , Nadimpalli Maya L. , Janagaraj Venkateshprabhu , Houngbegnon Parfait , Rajendiran Rajeshkumar , Thamburaj Joel , Kaliappan Saravanakumar Puthupalayam , Sirois Allison R. , Walch Gretchen , Oswald William E. , Asbjornsdottir Kristjana H. , Galagan Sean R. , Walson Judd L. , Williams Steven A. , Luty Adrian J. F. , Njenga Sammy M. , Ibikounlé Moudachirou , Ajjampur Sitara S. R. , Pickering Amy J.
Published: September 2024

Background

One-fifth of the global population is infected with soil-transmitted helminths (STH). Mass drug administration (MDA) with deworming medication is widely implemented to control morbidity associated with STH infections. However, surveillance of human infection prevalence by collecting individual stool samples is time-consuming, costly, often stigmatized, and logistically challenging. Current methods of STH detection are poorly sensitive, particularly in low-intensity and low-prevalence populations.

Methodology/Principal findings

We aimed to develop a sensitive and specific molecular method for detecting STH DNA in large volumes of soil (20 g) by conducting laboratory and proof of concept studies across field sites in Kenya, Benin, and India. We collected human stool (n = 669) and soil (n = 478) from 322 households across the three study sites. We developed protocols for DNA extraction from 20 g of soil and qPCR to detect Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Necator americanus, and Ancylostoma duodenale. Agreement between detection of STH via qPCR, digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), and microscopy-based methods was assessed using the Cohen’s Kappa statistic. Finally, we estimated associations between soil characteristics and detection of STH in soil by qPCR, as well as between STH detected in soil and STH detected in stool from matched households, adjusting for soil characteristics. The overall prevalence of STH in soil by qPCR was 31% for A. lumbricoides, 3% for T. trichiura, and 13% for any hookworm species. ddPCR and qPCR performed similarly. However, there was poor agreement between STH detected in soil by qPCR versus light microscopy. Microscopy underestimated the prevalence of A. lumbricoides and N. americanus and overestimated T. trichiura. Detection of an STH species in household soil was strongly associated with increased odds of a household member being infected with that same species.

Conclusions/Significance

Soil surveillance for STH has several benefits over stool-based surveillance, including lower cost and higher success rates for sample collection. Considering that delivery of MDA occurs at the community level, environmental surveillance using molecular methods could be a cost-effective alternate strategy for monitoring STH in these populations.
Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Benefit Finding Questionnaire for people with mental disorders
Authors: Cao Xinyu , Tian Xiaomeng , Wen Yan , Li Peijuan , Ge Ruyu , Li Xiaolin , Feng Mei
Published: September 2024

Background

Benefit finding (BF) is correlated with mental health and recovery, and its presence will contribute to the recovery of patients with mental disorders. Most of the current tools for assessing BF in patients with somatic disorders are not adequate for patients with mental disorders. The present study proposes to introduce the Benefit Finding Questionnaire for People with Mental Disorders and to validate its psychometric properties.

Methods

The Beaton translation model was used to translate and cross-culturally adjust the Japanese version of the Benefit Finding Questionnaire for People with Mental Disorders. A survey of 514 people with mental disorders was conducted from January 2022 to October 2022 using a general information questionnaire and a translated Chinese version of the Benefit Finding Questionnaire for People with Mental Disorders (BFQ-C) using a convenience sampling method. The quality of the questionnaire was examined in terms of item analysis, reliability, and validity.

Results

The results of the item analysis showed that all items met the requirements. The interrater agreement of the BFQ-C was good, with an interrater agreement = 0.714; the values of the item-level content validity index ranged from 0.75 to 1.00; and the average of all item-level content validity index on the scale = 0.958. Exploratory factor analysis extracted three main factors “change in relationship with others,” “change in spirituality,” and “change in values and thinking styles”—and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 57.70%. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis were χ2/df of 2.194, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation of 0.075, and comparative fit index of 0.919, indicating that the model fitted well. The questionnaire had a Cronbach’ alpha of 0.936, a split reliability of 0.956, and a retest reliability of 0.939.

Conclusion

The BFQ-C demonstrated good reliability and validity, and can be used to assess the BF level of people with mental disorders (e.g., anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorders) in China.
The effects of queen mandibular pheromone on nurse-aged honey bee (Apis mellifera) hypopharyngeal gland size and lipid metabolism
Authors: Oreshkova Angela , Scofield Sebastian , Amdam Gro V.
Published: September 2024

Queen honey bees (Apis mellifera) release Queen Mandibular Pheromone (QMP) to regulate traits in the caste of female helpers called workers. QMP signals the queen’s presence and suppresses worker reproduction. In the absence of reproduction, young workers take care of the queen and her larvae (nurse tasks), while older workers forage. In nurses, QMP increases lipid stores in abdominal fat tissue (fat body) and protein content in hypopharyngeal glands (HPG). HPG are worker-specific head glands that can synthesize proteinaceous jelly used in colony nourishment. Larger HPG signifies ability to secrete proteinaceous jelly, while shrunken glands characterize foragers that do not make jelly. While it is known that QMP increases abdominal lipid stores, the mechanism is unclear: Does QMP make workers consume more pollen which provides lipids, or does QMP increase lipogenic capacity? Here, we measure abdominal lipogenic capacity as fatty acid synthase (FAS) activity while monitoring abdominal protein content and HPG size in caged workers. Cages allow us to rigorously control worker age, pheromone exposure, and diet. In our 2-factorial design, 3- vs. 8-day-old workers (age factor) were exposed to synthetic QMP or not (pheromone factor) while consuming a lipid deficient diet. We found that QMP did not influence abdominal FAS activity or protein content, but QMP still increased HPG size in the absence of dietary lipids. Our data revealed a positive correlation between abdominal protein content and HPG size. Our findings show that QMP is not a strong modulator of lipogenic capacity in caged worker bees. However, our data may reflect that QMP mobilizes abdominal protein for production of jelly, in line with previous findings on effects of honey bee Brood Pheromone. Overall, our study expands the understanding of how QMP can affect honey bee workers. Such insights are important beyond regulatory biology, as QMP is used in various aspects of beekeeping.
A systematic review of non-clinician trauma-based interventions for school-age youth
Authors: Avery Flo , Kennedy Natasha , James Michaela , Jones Hope , Amos Rebekah , Bellis Mark , Hughes Karen , Brophy Sinead
Published: September 2024

Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is recognised globally as a risk factor for health problems in later life. Awareness of ACEs and associated trauma is increasing within schools and educational settings, as well as the demand for supportive services to address needs. However, there is a lack of clear evidence for effective interventions which can be delivered by non-clinicians (e.g., the school staff themselves). Thus, we undertook a systematic review to answer the question: What evidence exists for the efficacy of non-clinician delivered trauma-based interventions for improving mental health in school-age youth (4–18 years) who have experienced ACEs? The protocol for the review is registered in the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (ID: CRD42023417286). We conducted a search across five electronic databases for studies published between January 2013 and April 2023 that reported on interventions suitable for non-clinician delivery, were published in English in the last 10 years, and involved participants aged 4–18 years (school-age) that had exposure to ACEs. Of the 4097 studies identified through the search, 326 were retrieved for full text screening, and 25 were included in the final review. Data were extracted from included articles for analysis and selected studies were quality assessed using validated assessment tools. Data were analysed through narrative synthesis. There was considerable heterogeneity in study design, outcome measures, and the interventions being studied. Interventions included CBT, mindfulness and art-based programs. A key finding was that there is a lack of high-quality research evidence to inform non-clinician delivered trauma-informed interventions. Many included studies were weak quality due to convenience sampling of participants and potential bias. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-based approaches are tentatively suggested as a suitable target for future rigorous evaluations of interventions addressing ACE-related trauma recovery and mental health improvement in school-age youth.
Assessment of sociodemographic factors associated with time to self-reported COVID-19 infection among a large multi-center prospective cohort population in the southeastern United States
Authors: Beron Andrew J. , Yukich Joshua O. , Berry Andrea A. , Correa Adolfo , Keating Joseph , Bott Matthew , Wierzba Thomas F. , Weintraub William S. , Friedman-Klabanoff DeAnna J. , Mongraw-Chaffin Morgana , Gibbs Michael A. , Taylor Yhenneko J. , Kissinger Patricia J. , Hayes Devin V. , Schieffelin John S. , Burke Brian K. , Oberhelman Richard A.
Published: September 2024

Objective

We aimed to investigate sociodemographic factors associated with self-reported COVID-19 infection.

Methods

The study population was a prospective multicenter cohort of adult volunteers recruited from healthcare systems located in the mid-Atlantic and southern United States. Between April 2020 and October 2021, participants completed daily online questionnaires about symptoms, exposures, and risk behaviors related to COVID-19, including self-reports of positive SARS CoV-2 detection tests and COVID-19 vaccination. Analysis of time from study enrollment to self-reported COVID-19 infection used a time-varying mixed effects Cox-proportional hazards framework.

Results

Overall, 1,603 of 27,214 study participants (5.9%) reported a positive COVID-19 test during the study period. The adjusted hazard ratio demonstrated lower risk for women, those with a graduate level degree, and smokers. A higher risk was observed for healthcare workers, those aged 18–34, those in rural areas, those from households where a member attends school or interacts with the public, and those who visited a health provider in the last year.

Conclusions

We identified subgroups within healthcare network populations defined by age, occupational exposure, and rural location reporting higher than average rates of COVID-19 infection for our surveillance population. These subgroups should be monitored closely in future epidemics of respiratory viral diseases.
Assessment of the efficacy of field and laboratory methods for the detection of Tropilaelaps spp.
Authors: Gill Maggie C. , Chuttong Bajaree , Davies Paul , Etheridge Dan , Panyaraksa Lakkhika , Tomkies Victoria , Tonge George , Budge Giles E.
Published: September 2024

Tropilaelaps spp. are invasive mites that cause severe disease in Apis mellifera colonies. The UK has deployed an elaborate surveillance system that seeks to detect these mites early in any invasion to allow the best opportunity to eradicate any incursion. Effective field and laboratory protocols, capable of reliably detecting low numbers of mites, are key to the success of any intervention. Here we compared the efficacy of established field monitoring using brood removal with an uncapping fork, and brood ‘bump’ methods with novel methods for Tropilaelaps detection modified from Varroa monitoring schemes. In addition, we monitored the efficacy of the laboratory method for screening for mites in hive debris by floating mites in ethanol. Our results clearly indicated that novel methods such as uncapping infested brood with tweezers, catching mite drop using sticky traps and rolling adult bees in icing sugar were all significantly more likely to detect Tropilaelaps than existing methods such as using an uncapping fork on infested brood, or the brood ‘bump’ method. Existing laboratory protocols that sieved hive debris and then floated the mite containing layer failed to detect Tropilaelaps mites and new efficacious protocols were developed. Our results demonstrated that the national surveillance protocols for Tropilaelaps mite detection required modification to improve the early detection of this damaging invasive mite.
Determinants of rice production and market supply: A study of Bench Sheko zone in Ethiopia
Authors: Mulatu Ejigu
Published: September 2024

In Ethiopia rice crop is considered as a strategic food security crop which is expected to contribute to ensuring food security in the country. Bennch Sheko Zone is one of the major rice growing areas in the South Western Regional State. The study was conducted with specific objectives to investigate factors affecting smallholder farmers’ market supply of rice and identify constraints related to rice production in the study area. Two-stage sampling technique was employed to select 119 representative rice-producer households. Descriptive statistics and appropriate econometric models were used to analyze the collected data. Multiple linear regression model used to analyze factors affecting rice market supply. Descriptive result of the study showed, the average annual rice production at the household level was 2.8 tons, of which 70% was supplied to the market. Econometric result showed farm size owned, credit use, annual income, number of oxen owned, and quantity of rice produced were found to be significantly affecting the market supply of rice in a district. Major constraints related to rice production in the district were a lack of proper weed management practices, improved seed, proper method and time of fertilizer application, weak institutional support, disease, and post-harvest handling problems were also important. The research findings suggest that attention should be given to rice production constraints through generation and wide demonstration of demand-driven rice production and post-harvest handling technologies for increased production and productivity to have a better market supply of rice to the market and benefit smallholder farmers.
Evaluation of influencing factors of China university teaching quality based on fuzzy logic and deep learning technology
Authors: Yu Jie
Published: September 2024

Nowadays, colleges and universities focus on the assessment model for considering educational offers, suitable environments, and circumstances for students’ growth, as well as the influence of Teaching Quality (TQ) and the applicability of the skills promoted by teaching to life. Teaching excellence is an important evaluation metric at the university level, but it is challenging to determine it accurately due to its wide range of influencing factors. Fuzzy and Deep Learning (DL) approaches must be could to build an assessment model that can precisely measure the teaching qualities to enhance accuracy. Combining fuzzy logic and DL can provide a powerful approach for assessing the influencing factors of college and university teaching effects by implementing the Sequential Intuitionistic Fuzzy (SIF) assisted Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model proposed. Sequential Intuitionistic Fuzzy (SIF) can be used sets to assess factors that affect teaching quality to enhance teaching methods and raise the standard of education. LSTM model to create a predictive model that can pinpoint the primary factors that influence teaching quality and forecast outcomes in the future using those influencing factors for academic growth. The enhancement of the SIF-LSTM model for assessing the influencing factors of teaching quality is proved by the accuracy of 98.4%, Mean Square Error (MSE) of 0.028%, Tucker Lewis Index (TLI) measure for all influencing factors and entropy measure of non-membership and membership degree correlation of factors related to quality in teaching by various dimensional measures. The effectiveness of the proposed model is validated by implementing data sources with a set of 60+ teachers’ and students’ open-ended questionnaire surveys from a university.
Rare genomic copy number variants implicate new candidate genes for bicuspid aortic valve
Authors: Carlisle Steven G. , Albasha Hasan , Michelena Hector I. , Sabate-Rotes Anna , Bianco Lisa , De Backer Julie , Mosquera Laura Muiño , Yetman Anji T. , Bissell Malenka M. , Andreassi Maria Grazia , Foffa Ilenia , Hui Dawn S. , Caffarelli Anthony , Kim Yuli Y. , Guo Dongchuan , Citro Rodolfo , De Marco Margot , Tretter Justin T. , McBride Kim L. , Milewicz Dianna M. , Body Simon C. , Prakash Siddharth K. ,   EBAV Investigators,   BAVCon Investigators
Published: September 2024

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), the most common congenital heart defect, is a major cause of aortic valve disease requiring valve interventions and thoracic aortic aneurysms predisposing to acute aortic dissections. The spectrum of BAV ranges from early onset valve and aortic complications (EBAV) to sporadic late onset disease. Rare genomic copy number variants (CNVs) have previously been implicated in the development of BAV and thoracic aortic aneurysms. We determined the frequency and gene content of rare CNVs in EBAV probands (n = 272) using genome-wide SNP microarray analysis and three complementary CNV detection algorithms (cnvPartition, PennCNV, and QuantiSNP). Unselected control genotypes from the Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes were analyzed using identical methods. We filtered the data to select large genic CNVs that were detected by multiple algorithms. Findings were replicated in a BAV cohort with late onset sporadic disease (n = 5040). We identified 3 large and rare (< 1,1000 in controls) CNVs in EBAV probands. The burden of CNVs intersecting with genes known to cause BAV when mutated was increased in case-control analysis. CNVs intersecting with GATA4 and DSCAM were enriched in cases, recurrent in other datasets, and segregated with disease in families. In total, we identified potentially pathogenic CNVs in 9% of EBAV cases, implicating alterations of candidate genes at these loci in the pathogenesis of BAV.
Offense and defense between streamers and customers in live commerce marketing: Protection motivation and information overload
Authors: Cao Junwei , Zhong Lingling , Liu Dong , Zhang Guihua , Shang Meng
Published: September 2024

While live commerce provides consumers with a new shopping experience, it also leads them to experience shopping failures and to develop a self-protection mechanism to prevent wrong purchases. To address this issue, merchants have attempted to explore new marketing methods for live commerce, giving rise to an offense and defense game between streamers and consumers. In this study, we sought to confirm the effectiveness of consumer protection mechanisms and the impact of streamers’ information overload marketing strategy in live commerce. Accordingly, we constructed a hypothetical model based on protection motive theory and information overload theory. In addition, we analyzed the data from the simulated live streaming marketing on seven hundred people through partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results indicate that product utilitarian value uncertainty, consumers’ experiential efficacy, and response costs, which are the main factors in the formation of consumer protection mechanisms, influence consumers’ intention to stop their purchases. Streamers can circumvent consumer self-protection mechanisms through information overload marketing by reducing utilitarian value uncertainty and consumers’ experiential efficacy and increasing consumers’ response costs. However, consumers would be able to rebuild their self-protection mechanism through consumer resilience, which moderates the effects of information overload. This study’s results provide important theoretical perspectives and new ideas for formulating marketing strategies for live commerce.
Decomposition and decoupling analysis between economic growth and carbon emissions at the regional level: Evidence from six central provinces, China
Authors: Wang Wensheng , Zhu Xuanyi , Kao Xiaoxuan , Wei Hui
Published: September 2024

As the six central provinces account for 23% of total national carbon emissions (CE), research into the decoupling status of their economic growth (EG) and carbon emissions is critical to achieving the Dual Carbon Goals and the Rise of Central China Plan. This research initially examines the decoupling status between CE and EG using the Tapio decoupling model, based on energy consumption (EC) dataset from six central provinces in China between 2000 and 2019. The decoupling index (DI) is then divided into five decoupling drivers using the LMDI method. Finally, an enhanced STIRPAT model is used to examine the decoupling status of CE and EG in the six central provinces from 2020 to 2040. The research findings are: (1) The six central provinces exhibited a stable decoupling status between 2000 and 2019. The DI of the six central provinces ranged from -1.2 to 3.4. (2) The decoupling performance is influenced mainly by the inhibitory effect of economic development (GI) and the promoting effect of energy intensity (EI). The GI consistently maintains an impact value of around 0.9. EI performance varies widely across provinces. (3) From 2020 to 2040, Anhui, Hubei, Henan, and Hunan show significantly strong decoupling indices distributed between -2.21 and -0.07 in all three scenarios. It is important to note that Shanxi and Jiangxi provinces will experience a Reverse Decoupling phenomenon. These findings are helpful in developing regionally coordinated development policies and strategies for reducing CE.
A perturbation approach for refining Boolean models of cell cycle regulation
Authors: Banerjee Anand , Rahaman Asif Iqbal , Mehandale Alok , Kraikivski Pavel
Published: September 2024

Considerable effort is required to build mathematical models of large protein regulatory networks. Utilizing computational algorithms that guide model development can significantly streamline the process and enhance the reliability of the resulting models. In this article, we present a perturbation approach for developing data-centric Boolean models of cell cycle regulation. To evaluate networks, we assign a score based on their steady states and the dynamical trajectories corresponding to the initial conditions. Then, perturbation analysis is used to find new networks with lower scores, in which dynamical trajectories traverse through the correct cell cycle path with high frequency. We apply this method to refine Boolean models of cell cycle regulation in budding yeast and mammalian cells.
Sex differences in outcomes of patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery
Authors: Ferreira Débora Klein , Petzold Aline Petracco , Zawislak Rafael Braccio , Oliveira Jarbas Rodrigues de , Wagner Mario Bernardes , Piantá Ricardo Medeiros , Kalil Renato Abdala Karam , Guaragna Joao Carlos Vieira da Costa , Bodanese Luiz Carlos
Published: September 2024

There are controversies regarding the impact of sex on mortality and postoperative complications in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), although some studies demonstrate comparable outcomes. This study sought to evaluate sex differences regarding risk factors associated with hospital mortality and postoperative clinical outcomes among patients undergoing isolated on-pump CABG. We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of patients who underwent isolated on-pump CABG from January 1996 to January 2020. Patients were divided into two groups (male and female) and compared regarding preoperative characteristics, surgical technical variables, and in-hospital outcomes. All-cause mortality between groups was compared using logistic regression. Risk factors for mortality, along with their respective odds ratios (OR), were separately assessed using a logistic regression model with p-values for interaction. We analyzed 4,882 patients, of whom 31.6% were female. Women exhibited a higher prevalence of age >75 years (12.2% vs 8.3%, p<0.001), obesity (22.6% vs 11.5%, p<0.001), diabetes (41.6% vs 32.2%, p<0.001), hypertension (85.2% vs 73.5%, p<0.001), and NYHA functional classes 3 and 4 (16.2% vs 11.2%, p<0.001) compared to men. Use of the mammary artery for revascularization was less frequent among women (73.8% vs 79.9%, p<0.001), who also received fewer saphenous vein grafts (2.17 vs 2.27, p = 0.002). A history of previous or recent myocardial infarction (MI) had an impact on women’s mortality, unlike in men (OR 1.61 vs 0.94, p = 0.014; OR 1.86 vs 0.99, p = 0.015, respectively). After adjusting for several risk factors, mortality was found to be comparable between men and women, with an OR of 1.20 (95% CI 0.94–1.53, p = 0.129). In conclusion, female patients undergoing isolated on-pump CABG presented with a higher number of comorbidities. Previous and recent MI were associated with higher mortality only in women. In this cohort analysis, female gender was not identified as an independent risk factor for outcome after CABG.
Genome-wide association studies on periodontitis: A systematic review
Authors: Gao Chenyi , Iles Mark , Larvin Harriet , Bishop David Timothy , Bunce David , Ide Mark , Sun Fanyiwen , Pavitt Susan , Wu Jianhua , Kang Jing
Published: September 2024

Objectives

This study aims to systematically review the existing literature and critically appraise the evidence of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on periodontitis. This study also aims to synthesise the findings of genetic risk variants of periodontitis from included GWAS.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, GWAS Catalog, MEDLINE, GLOBAL HEALTH and EMBASE via Ovid for GWAS on periodontitis. Only studies exploring single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) associated with periodontitis were eligible for inclusion. The quality of the GWAS was assessed using the Q-genie tool. Information such as study population, ethnicity, genomic data source, phenotypic characteristics(definition of periodontitis), and GWAS methods(quality control, analysis stages) were extracted. SNPs that reached conventional or suggestive GWAS significance level(5e-8 or 5e-06) were extracted and synthesized.

Results

A total of 15 good-quality GWAS on periodontitis were included (Q-genie scores ranged from 38–50). There were huge heterogeneities among studies. There were 11 identified risk SNPs (rs242016, rs242014, rs10491972, rs242002, rs2978951, rs2738058, rs4284742, rs729876, rs149133391, rs1537415, rs12461706) at conventional GWAS significant level (p<5x10-8), and 41 at suggestive level (p<5x10-6), but no common SNPs were found between studies. Three SNPs (rs4284742 [G], rs11084095 [A], rs12461706 [T]) from three large studies were from the same gene region–SIGLEC5.

Conclusion

GWAS of periodontitis showed high heterogeneity of methodology used and provided limited SNPs statistics, making identifying reliable risk SNPs challenging. A clear guidance in dental research with requirement of expectation to make GWAS statistics available to other investigators are needed.
Fibronectin and Hand2 influence tubulogenesis during pronephros development and mesonephros regeneration in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Uribe-Montes Lucia Carolina , Sanabria-Camargo Camilo Alfonso , Piñeros-Romero Cristian Camilo , Otálora-Tarazona Sebastián , Ávila-Jiménez Estefanía , Acosta-Virgüez Edwin , Garavito-Aguilar Zayra Viviana
Published: September 2024

Worldwide incidence of kidney diseases has been rising. Thus, recent research has focused on zebrafish, whose fast development and innate regeneration capacity allow identifying factors influencing renal processes. Among these poorly studied factors are extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins like Fibronectin (Fn) essential in various tissues but not yet evaluated in a renal context. We utilized early nat and han zebrafish mutant embryos and carrier adults to investigate Fn’s role during kidney development and regeneration. The locus natter (nat) encodes Fn and the locus han encodes Hand2, which results in increased Fn deposition. Our results show that Fn impacts identity maintenance and morphogenesis during development and influences conditions for neonephrogenic cluster formation during regeneration. Histological analysis revealed disrupted pronephric structures and increased blood cell accumulation in Fn mutants. Despite normal expression of specification markers (pax2, ATPα1a.1), structural abnormalities were evident. Differences between wild-type and mutation-carriers suggest a haploinsufficiency scenario. These findings reveal a novel function for ECM in renal development and regeneration, with potential implications for understanding and treating kidney diseases.
Climate change and Land Use/Land Cover Change (LUCC) leading to spatial shifts in net primary productivity in Anhui Province, China
Authors: Tang Huan , Fang Jiawei , Yuan Jing
Published: September 2024

As an important part of terrestrial carbon cycle research, net primary productivity is an important parameter to evaluate the quality of terrestrial ecosystem and plays an important role in the analysis of global climate change and carbon balance. Anhui Province is in the Yangtze River Delta region in eastern China. Based on the theoretical basis of CASA model, this paper uses MODIS NDVI, vegetation type data, meteorological data, and LUCC to estimate the NPP of Anhui Province during 2001–2020 and analyzes its spatial-temporal pattern. The results showed that the average NPP in Anhui province was 508.95 gC· (m2 ·a) -1, and the spatial heterogeneity of NPP was strong, and the high value areas were mainly distributed in the Jiangnan Mountains and Dabie Mountains. NPP increased in most areas of Anhui Province, but decreased significantly in 17.60% of the area, mainly in the central area affected by urban and rural expansion and the transformation of the Yangtze River. The dynamic change of NPP in Anhui province is the result of climate change and land use change. Meteorological data are positively correlated with NPP. Among them, the correlation between temperature and solar radiation is higher, and the correlation between NPP and precipitation is the lowest among the three. The NPP of all land cover types was more affected by temperature than precipitation, especially forest land and grassland. The decrease of cultivated land and the increase of Artificial Surfaces (AS) may have contributed to the decrease of NPP in Anhui Province. Human activities have weakened the increase in NPP caused by climate change. In conclusion, this study refined the drivers of spatial heterogeneity of NPP changes in Anhui province, which is conducive to rational planning of terrestrial ecosystems and carbon balance measures.
Energy regeneration: A study on dynamic capacitance adjustment technology in piezoelectric shock absorbers for electric vehicles under varied road conditions
Authors: Lin Shih-Lin
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the performance of dynamic capacitance regulation technology in electric vehicle piezoelectric shock absorbers for energy recovery under varying road conditions. By simulating a quarter-vehicle suspension system, this paper comprehensively analyzes the energy recovery efficiency of piezoelectric shock absorbers on gravel, speed bumps, and bumpy road conditions, comparing the performance differences between traditional fixed capacitance and dynamic capacitance. The results demonstrate that dynamic capacitance regulation technology can automatically adjust the capacitance value in response to instantaneous voltage changes, thereby enhancing energy recovery efficiency under various road conditions. This technology not only improves the energy conversion efficiency of piezoelectric shock absorbers but also strengthens the system’s adaptability to different vibration frequencies and amplitudes. Further simulation evidence confirms that piezoelectric shock absorbers, under dynamic capacitance regulation, achieve better energy recovery performance across diverse road conditions, offering new insights into improving the energy efficiency and sustainability of electric vehicles. The novelty of this research lies in the first application of dynamic capacitance regulation technology to the energy recovery system of electric vehicle piezoelectric shock absorbers, providing a new theoretical foundation and technical reference for optimizing electric vehicle energy recovery systems.
The time-dependent changes in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury with motor dysfunction
Authors: Kim Dohee , Hwang Jinsu , Yoo Jin , Choi Jiyun , Ramalingam Mahesh , Kim Seongryul , Cho Hyong-Ho , Kim Byeong C. , Jeong Han-Seong , Jang Sujeong
Published: September 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from sudden accidents, leading to brain damage, subsequent organ dysfunction, and potentially death. Despite extensive studies on rodent TBI models, there is still high variability in terms of target points, and this results in significantly different symptoms between models. In this study, we established a more concise and effective TBI mouse model, which included locomotor dysfunctions with increased apoptosis, based on the controlled cortical impact method. Behavioral tests, such as elevated body swing, rotarod, and cylinder tests were performed to assess the validity of our model. To investigate the underlying mechanisms of injury, we analyzed the expression of proteins associated with immune response and the apoptosis signaling pathway via western blotting analysis and immunohistochemistry. Upon TBI induction, the mouse subjects showed motor dysfunctions and asymmetric behavioral assessment. The expression of Bax gradually increased over time and reached its maximum 3 days post-surgery, and then declined. The expression of Mcl-1 showed a similar trend to Bax. Furthermore, the expression of caspase-3, ROCK1, and p53 were highly elevated by 3 days post-surgery and then declined by 7 days post-surgery. Importantly, immunohistochemistry revealed an immediate increase in the level of Bcl-2 at the lesion site upon TBI induction. Also, we found that the expression of neuronal markers, such as NeuN and MAP2, decreased after the surgery. Interestingly, the increase in NFH level was in line with the symptoms of TBI in humans. Collectively, our study demonstrated that the established TBI model induces motor dysfunction, hemorrhaging, infarctions, and apoptosis, closely resembling TBI in humans. Therefore, we predict that our model may be useful for developing effective treatment option for TBI.
Noninvasive vs invasive respiratory support for patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure
Authors: Mosier Jarrod M. , Subbian Vignesh , Pungitore Sarah , Prabhudesai Devashri , Essay Patrick , Bedrick Edward J. , Stocking Jacqueline C. , Fisher Julia M.
Published: September 2024

Background

Noninvasive respiratory support modalities are common alternatives to mechanical ventilation in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. However, studies historically compare noninvasive respiratory support to conventional oxygen rather than mechanical ventilation. In this study, we compared outcomes in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure treated initially with noninvasive respiratory support to patients treated initially with invasive mechanical ventilation.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational cohort study between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2019 at a large healthcare network in the United States. We used a validated phenotyping algorithm to classify adult patients (≥18 years) with eligible International Classification of Diseases codes into two cohorts: those treated initially with noninvasive respiratory support or those treated invasive mechanical ventilation only. The primary outcome was time-to-in-hospital death analyzed using an inverse probability of treatment weighted Cox model adjusted for potential confounders. Secondary outcomes included time-to-hospital discharge alive. A secondary analysis was conducted to examine potential differences between noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and nasal high flow.

Results

During the study period, 3177 patients met inclusion criteria (40% invasive mechanical ventilation, 60% noninvasive respiratory support). Initial noninvasive respiratory support was not associated with a decreased hazard of in-hospital death (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.35–1.2), but was associated with an increased hazard of discharge alive (HR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.92–2.67). In-hospital death varied between the nasal high flow (HR 3.27, 95% CI: 1.43–7.45) and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.25–1.07), but both were associated with increased likelihood of discharge alive (nasal high flow HR 2.12, 95 CI: 1.25–3.57; noninvasive positive pressure ventilation HR 2.29, 95% CI: 1.92–2.74).

Conclusions

These data show that noninvasive respiratory support is not associated with reduced hazards of in-hospital death but is associated with hospital discharge alive.
“Pictures helped me understand it in a way words couldn’t”: Youth reflections participating in a youth-led photovoice study
Authors: Mckee Shelby , Halsall Tanya , Sheikhan Natasha Y. , Knight Rodney , Henderson Jo , Hawke Lisa D.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

People with lived experience of a health issue can be engaged in research to address issues related to social justice, informing change through partnerships and an understanding of community perspectives and needs. Although photovoice has been applied to various disciplines and topics across the health sciences, the concrete design of the photovoice process and participants’ experience of engaging in photovoice is not always well documented or understood.

Objective

This paper describes youth participants’ experiences and perspectives with a youth-led photovoice design process on a study regarding COVID-19 vaccine confidence.

Method

The sample consisted of 27 youth aged 14–24 who reported experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges [MHSU] during the COVID-19 pandemic and some degree of COVID-19 vaccine confidence. Youth participated in a series of photography workshops, then each attended one of the six focus groups about both the topic and experience of the photovoice project.

Results

Four themes were constructed from the data: 1) Participating in a photovoice project was an enjoyable experience that had a positive effect on participants; 2) Shared group experiences contributed to building a safe space for participants; 3) Photography and the photovoice process served as a catalyst for reflection; 4) Photovoice shifted participants’ perspectives on both the COVID-19 vaccine and photography.

Conclusions

This project, a youth-engaged and youth-led photovoice study, describes how the photovoice methodology can be applied in a public health context to meaningfully involve young people and impact their lives. By involving youth in the co-construction of the study design and implementation, photovoice research can represent positive and empowering experiences for participants. Bringing together a diverse and multifaceted lived experience engagement research team structure strengthened the design, delivery, analysis, and interpretation of the project.
Multifunctional aggregation network of cell nuclei segmentation aiming histopathological diagnosis assistance: A new MA-Net construction
Authors: Pu Qiumei , Tian Jinglong , Wei Donghao , Shu Qingming , Sun Minghui , Zhao Lina
Published: September 2024

Automated diagnostic systems can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of pathological diagnoses, nuclear segmentation plays a crucial role in computer-aided diagnosis systems for histopathology. However, achieving accurate nuclear segmentation is challenging due to the complex background tissue structures and significant variations in cell morphology and size in pathological images. In this study, we have proposed a U-Net based deep learning model, called MA-Net(Multifunctional Aggregation Network), to accurately segmenting nuclei from H&E stained images. In contrast to previous studies that focused on improving a single module of the network, we applied feature fusion modules, attention gate units, and atrous spatial pyramid pooling to the encoder and decoder, skip connections, and bottleneck of U-Net, respectively, to enhance the network’s performance in nuclear segmentation. The dice coefficient loss was used during model training to enhance the network’s ability to segment small objects. We applied the proposed MA-Net to multiple public datasets, and comprehensive results showed that this method outperforms the original U-Net method and other state-of-the-art methods in nuclei segmentation tasks. The source code of our work can be found in https://github.com/LinaZhaoAIGroup/MA-Net.
Endoscopic treatment of obesity: A protocol of updated systematic review with network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gong Eun Jeong , Bang Chang Seok , Baik Gwang Ho
Published: September 2024

Background

Obesity, characterized by excessive fat accumulation, poses a significant public health challenge globally. Recent advancements in medical technology have heralded the emergence of endoscopic bariatric treatments (EBTs) as innovative alternatives to conventional obesity interventions. Despite previous systematic reviews and network meta-analyses, they also highlighted discrepancies in outcomes and efficacy among different EBTs. Here, we will update a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on EBTs and presents a protocol for the reproducibility and transparency.

Methods

The core protocol of this study was registered at PROSPERO database (CRD42024514249) on Jan 2024. Core databases including MEDLINE through PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library will be searched relevant studies, and a systematic review with network meta-analysis will be performed. Two evaluators (EJ Gong and CS Bang) will independently screen the titles and abstracts following the eligibility criteria; (1) RCTs investigated the compared the efficacy of EBTs and controls; (2) studies published in English; and (3) studies in full-text format. We will exclude studies meeting the following criteria; (1) studies that did not report the treatment outcomes, such as percent excess weight loss or percent total body weight loss; (2) case reports and review articles; (3) ineligible research objects, for example, animals or children; and (4) insufficient data regarding treatment outcome. The primary outcomes will be the common efficacy metric found after systematic review of relevant studies, such as percent excess weight loss or percent total body weight loss with a follow-up of at least 6 months. Narrative (descriptive) synthesis is planned and quantitative synthesis will be used if the included studies are sufficiently homogenous. The quality of the identified studies will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool version 2.0 (ROB 2.0). All the systematic review and network meta-analysis process will be undertaken keeping the principles of the Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis for systematic review protocols (PRISMA-P) and PRISMA Extension Statement for Reporting of Systematic Reviews Incorporating Network Meta-analyses of Health Care Interventions (PRISMA-NMA).

Discussion

This updated systematic review and network meta-analysis will provide information about comparative efficacy of various EBTs and this will help physicians in the decision-making process for the selection of treatment modalities in the clinical practice.