bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RADIOCARBON DATING AND FRESHWATER RESERVOIR EFFECTS OF AQUATIC MOLLUSKS WITHIN FLUVIAL CHANNEL DEPOSITS IN THE MIDWESTERN UNITED STATES
Authors: Rech Jason A , Tenison Christina N , Baldasare Alexander , Currie Brian S
Published: November 2023

Late Quaternary fluvial channel deposits are notoriously difficult to date. In the midwestern United States, shells of aquatic mollusks can be found within many fluvial channel sediments and therefore can be radiocarbon (14C) dated to determine the age of the deposits. However, carbonate platform rocks are abundant in this region, potentially causing freshwater 14C reservoir effects (FRE) in mollusk shells. We 14C dated 11 aquatic gastropod and bivalve shell samples from specimens collected live from a stream in southwestern Ohio during three different years to assess the modern 14C reservoir effect. Modern samples yielded an average 14C FREmodern of 518 ± 65 14C yrs for 2020 (n=5), 640 ± 34 14C yrs for 2021 (n=2), and 707 ± 76 14C yrs for 2022 (n=4). We also 14C dated matched pairs of organic wood or charcoal and aquatic mollusk shells from late Pleistocene and Holocene deposits in the Four Mile Creek floodplain to determine the FREfossil. These samples, free of any potential influence from nuclear bomb testing, yielded an overall weighted mean FREfossil of 1029 ± 345 14C yrs. We then assess the advantages and limitations of both the FREmodern and FREfossil methods for determining freshwater reservoir effects. Finally, we apply the FREfossil correction to a series of shell ages from fluvial terrace deposits as a case study. The results indicate that although there is a 14C FRE in streams from the midwestern United States, aquatic shells can provide robust age control on fluvial channel deposits. More research is needed to understand the spatial and temporal variability of FREs, as well as any species effects, among various watersheds across the midwestern United States.
It is time: free meals at schools for all
Authors: Bandoni Daniel Henrique , Ottoni Isabela Cicaroni , Amorim Ana Laura Benevenuto , Canella Daniela Silva
Published: November 2023

The link between school feeding programmes (SFP) and the promotion of healthy eating and health is being explored in studies performed in different countries. The coronavirus disease-19 pandemic has revealed flaws and weaknesses in contemporary food systems, with many school-age children experiencing food insecurity and hunger. There is intense debate among policymakers regarding whether government SFP should be universal or targeted. Countries such as Brazil and India, which have two of the most comprehensive universal free-of-charge programmes, have shown the benefits of SFP, including improved nutritional status, support for more sustainable food systems, attendance and academic performance. Evidence shows and supports actions advocating that it is time to offer healthy and free school meals for all students.
Prevalence of cystic echinococcosis among livestock in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas in Uganda
Authors: Omadang Leonard , Chamai Martin , Ejobi Francis , Erume Joseph , Oba Peter , Ocaido Michael
Published: November 2023

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) remains a significant challenge in Uganda with precise status largely undocumented in most communities. To determine CE prevalence, post-mortem examination was done on 14 937 livestock (5873 goats, 1377 sheep, 3726 zebu cattle and 3054 Ankole cattle) slaughtered in abattoirs in the districts of Moroto in Karamoja region, Kumi in Teso region and Nakasongola and Luwero in Buganda region. The overall CE prevalence was 21.9% in sheep, 15.2% in zebu cattle, 5.5% in goats and 2.1% in Ankole cattle. Moroto district had a higher prevalence of CE than other districts with 31.3% in zebu cattle, sheep 28%, goats 29.1% and (0%) in Ankole cattle. On organ locations, the lungs were the most affected in all livestock in all the study areas. Considering cyst fertility, 33.9, 1.7 and 6.4% of Ankole cattle, sheep and zebu cattle respectively had fertile cysts in the liver while 4.5% of goats and 4% Ankole cattle had fertile cysts in the lungs. In conclusion, CE is widespread and occurs among cattle, sheep and goats in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas in Uganda. Therefore, there is an urgent need to create awareness among the communities on role of livestock in CE epidemiology and transmission.
Alzheimer disease biomarkers are associated with decline in subjective memory, attention, and spatial navigation ability in clinically normal adults
Authors: Levine Taylor F. , Dessenberger Steven J. , Allison Samantha L. , Head Denise ,   the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2023

Objective:

Subtle changes in memory, attention, and spatial navigation abilities have been associated with preclinical Alzheimer disease (AD). The current study examined whether baseline AD biomarkers are associated with self- and informant-reported decline in memory, attention, and spatial navigation.

Method:

Clinically normal (Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR®) = 0) adults aged 56–93 (N = 320) and their informants completed the memory, divided attention, and visuospatial abilities (which assesses spatial navigation) subsections of the Everyday Cognition Scale (ECog) annually for an average of 4 years. Biomarker data was collected within (±) 2 years of baseline (i.e., cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) p-tau181/Aβ42 ratio and hippocampal volume). Clinical progression was defined as CDR > 0 at time of final available ECog.

Results:

Self- and informant-reported memory, attention, and spatial navigation significantly declined over time (ps < .001). Baseline AD biomarkers were significantly associated with self- and informant-reported decline in cognitive ability (ps < .030), with the exception of p-tau181/Aβ42 ratio and self-reported attention (p = .364). Clinical progression did not significantly moderate the relationship between AD biomarkers and decline in self- or informant-reported cognitive ability (ps > .062). Post-hoc analyses indicated that biomarker burden was also associated with self- and informant-reported decline in total ECog (ps < .002), and again clinical progression did not significantly moderate these relationships (ps > .299).

Conclusions:

AD biomarkers at baseline may indicate risk of decline in self- and informant-reported change in memory, attention, and spatial navigation ability. As such, subjectively reported decline in these domains may have clinical utility in tracking the subtle cognitive changes associated with the earliest stages of AD.
Importance of validity testing in psychiatric assessment: evidence from a sample of multimorbid post-9/11 veterans
Authors: Kim Sahra , Currao Alyssa , Brown Emma , Milberg William P. , Fortier Catherine B.
Published: November 2023

Objective:

Performance validity (PVTs) and symptom validity tests (SVTs) are necessary components of neuropsychological testing to identify suboptimal performances and response bias that may impact diagnosis and treatment. The current study examined the clinical and functional characteristics of veterans who failed PVTs and the relationship between PVT and SVT failures.

Method:

Five hundred and sixteen post-9/11 veterans participated in clinical interviews, neuropsychological testing, and several validity measures.

Results:

Veterans who failed 2+ PVTs performed significantly worse than veterans who failed one PVT in verbal memory (Cohen’s d = .60–.69), processing speed (Cohen’s d = .68), working memory (Cohen’s d = .98), and visual memory (Cohen’s d = .88–1.10). Individuals with 2+ PVT failures had greater posttraumatic stress (PTS; β = 0.16; p = .0002), and worse self-reported depression (β = 0.17; p = .0001), anxiety (β = 0.15; p = .0007), sleep (β = 0.10; p = .0233), and functional outcomes (β = 0.15; p = .0009) compared to veterans who passed PVTs. 7.8% veterans failed the SVT (Validity-10; ≥19 cutoff); Multiple PVT failures were significantly associated with Validity-10 failure at the ≥19 and ≥23 cutoffs (p’s < .0012). The Validity-10 had moderate correspondence in predicting 2+ PVTs failures (AUC = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.76, 0.91).

Conclusion:

PVT failures are associated with psychiatric factors, but not traumatic brain injury (TBI). PVT failures predict SVT failure and vice versa. Standard care should include SVTs and PVTs in all clinical assessments, not just neuropsychological assessments, particularly in clinically complex populations.
LOGICS FROM ULTRAFILTERS
Authors: MUNDICI DANIELE
Published: November 2023

Ultrafilters play a significant role in model theory to characterize logics having various compactness and interpolation properties. They also provide a general method to construct extensions of first-order logic having these properties. A main result of this paper is that every class

$\Omega $

of uniform ultrafilters generates a

$\Delta $

-closed logic

${\mathcal {L}}_\Omega $

.

${\mathcal {L}}_\Omega $

is

$\omega $

-relatively compact iff some

$D\in \Omega $

fails to be

$\omega _1$

-complete iff

${\mathcal {L}}_\Omega $

does not contain the quantifier “there are uncountably many.” If

$\Omega $

is a set, or if it contains a countably incomplete ultrafilter, then

${\mathcal {L}}_\Omega $

is not generated by Mostowski cardinality quantifiers. Assuming

$\neg 0^\sharp $

or

$\neg L^{\mu }$

, if

$D\in \Omega $

is a uniform ultrafilter over a regular cardinal

$\nu $

, then every family

$\Psi $

of formulas in

${\mathcal {L}}_\Omega $

with

$|\Phi |\leq \nu $

satisfies the compactness theorem. In particular, if

$\Omega $

is a proper class of uniform ultrafilters over regular cardinals,

${\mathcal {L}}_\Omega $

is compact.
Religiosity and electoral turnout among Muslims in Western Europe
Authors: Kollar Rachel , Geurts Nella , Spierings Niels
Published: November 2023

Investigating the relationship between Islamic religiosity and electoral participation amongst Muslim citizens in Western Europe, this study combines insights from the sociology of religion and Islamic studies with political behavior literature thus creating an improved theoretical framework and a richer empirical understanding surrounding the electoral participation of religious minorities. First, we theorize about three underlying dimensions of Islamic religiosity: frequency of mosque attendance, religious identification, and frequency of prayer. Subsequently, we consider how the religiosity–voting relationship is bolstered or hindered by hostile national environments such as more exclusionary policies and practices (e.g., veil banning or exclusionary citizenship laws).

Empirically, we use a unique dataset that harmonizes five European surveys, resulting in a sample size of just under 8,000 European Muslims. Using multi-level techniques, we find, contrary to research on majority religiosity, that communal religiosity is unrelated to electoral participation. However, individual religiosity bolsters voting in particular among the second generation. Opposite to our expectation, we find that hostile environments do not seem to lead to different impacts of Islamic religiosity within Western Europe. Our results support the taking of a more fine-grained approach when measuring religiosity and also highlight how the impact varies across genders and generations.
Sensitivity of Subsurface Permeability in Coastal Deltas to Their Morphodynamic and Geomorphic Characteristics
Authors: Anderson A. M. , Allen D. M. , Venditti J. G.
Published: November 2023

The amount of fresh water moving through coastal deltas worldwide is controlled by the complex subsurface structures within a delta. Morphodynamic influences produced by the feeding river, waves, and tides, in addition to sea level transgressions and regressions, have resulted in deltaic aquifers that are highly heterogeneous. We use 171 unique two‐dimensional morphodynamic models to explore the range of subsurface permeability, hydraulic gradient, and groundwater flux within three end‐member delta types (fluvial, wave, and tidal). We quantify the connectiveness of the subsurface permeability and estimate the horizontal heterogeneity and anisotropy of the permeability. A distance‐based generalized sensitivity analysis is used to investigate the impact morphodynamic influences (fluvial, wave, and tidal), basin conditions (sediment concentration and bathymetric gradient), and geomorphic characteristics (number of channels, shape of the delta plain, and shoreline rugosity) have on the subsurface permeability, hydraulic gradient, and connectivity. We find that the median permeability in deltaic landforms is 4.0 × 10−12 m2 (relating to a hydraulic conductivity of 2.1 × 10−5 m/s), the average hydraulic gradient is 3.9 × 10−4, and the mean specific discharge is 1.3 × 10−8 m/s. High permeability bodies are highly connected and are associated with channelization. Subsurface permeability, hydraulic gradient, and the connectiveness of high permeability areas are sensitive to morphodynamic influences (fluvial, wave, and tidal) and the geomorphic characteristics (number of channels and shoreline rugosity) within a delta. Since morphodynamic influences and geomorphic characteristics are easily identified by looking at the surface of the delta, we suggest that the deltaic subsurface can be characterized by identifying features on the delta surface.
Characteristics and Attribution of Spatiotemporal Changes in Qilian Mountains' Runoff Over the Past Six Decades
Authors: Liu Zhe , Wang Ninglian , Cuo Lan , Liang Liqiao
Published: November 2023

Tibet's Qilian Mountains (QM) include critical water conservation areas and important ecological barriers, which help maintain downstream inland river oasis stability. For decades, contemporaneous climatic and cryospheric variation has severely impacted QM's hydrological processes, challenging local water resource management and sustainable development. However, due to prevalent data and methodological limitations, QM research has primarily focused on runoff change at a basin scale. Spatial distributions and temporal changes in runoff subsequently remain unclear. Based on multi‐source data and the literature, we estimated that QM's mountain outlets generate approximately 15.671 km3 in total annual runoff, exhibiting a spatially decreasing pattern from northeast to southwest. Moreover, runoff distribution and trend variation at seasonal and annual scales depend upon the river replenishment source type. Beginning in the 1950s and 1960s, eastern rain‐fed rivers experienced a downward trend while those dominated by meltwater or simultaneously fed by multiple sources in its central and western regions experienced an upward trend. As an integrated product of mixed multi‐factor effects, runoff is regulated by temperature, precipitation, and cryospheric meltwater. Moreover, the main controlling runoff factors varied seasonally under different water source concentrations. Annually, precipitation was the main driver for runoff change in the eastern region while, correspondingly, temperature was in the western region where glaciers and the snow line boundary predominant. Besides, this study highlighted that the existing literature has significant limitations in understanding interactions among different cryospheric components and hydrologic process mechanisms when exploring the reasons for runoff variations, which needs further exploration in the future.
Google Earth Engine‐Based Estimation of the Spatio‐Temporal Distribution of Suspended Sediment Concentrations in a Multi‐Channel River System of the Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Zhao Yang , Huang Mingyan , Li Zhiwei , Li Dongfeng , Li Jiaguang
Published: November 2023

Lowland multi‐channel alluvial river systems are highly variable in frequency and magnitude of floodplain inundation and are vulnerable to human activities such as damming. In the Yangtze River Basin, the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) has trapped >80% of upstream sediment supply, causing downstream scouring and rapid geomorphic changes in river and its floodplain lakes. Suspended sediment concentration (SSC) is widely used to monitor river morphodynamics, but traditional measurements of SSC are time consuming, costly and difficult to quantify SSC in a large spatial scale. Using Google Earth Engine and in situ observed hydrological data, we created a multiple linear regression model to map SSC in the multi‐channel system Songzi River of the Yangtze. The new SSC predictive model achieved high accuracy (R2: 0.87) and showed opposite downstream trends in SSC during peak flood years and normal flood years. For the first time, we found that in the peak flood year of 1998 the study rivers exhibit a downstream increase trend of SSC with an abrupt increase in their middle reach, while SSC in normal flood years experiences a downstream decline with minimal changes. A prominent difference in SSC is also revealed after the TGD with a reduction of 60%. Furthermore, SSC in the closely hydrologically connected lakes is more dynamic than the less connected lakes. Our study demonstrates that the proposed method enables to rapidly quantify the spatio‐temporal SSC distribution in the multi‐channel systems on the floodplain of large alluvial rivers and highlights the importance of connectivity in regulating SSC dynamics.
Effect of exercise training on the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system: a meta–analysis
Authors: Baffour-Awuah Biggie , Man Melody , Goessler Karla F. , Cornelissen Véronique A. , Dieberg Gudrun , Smart Neil A. , Pearson Melissa J.
Published: November 2023

Blood pressure (BP) management reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) plays an important role in regulating and maintaining blood volume and pressure. This analysis aimed to investigate the effect of exercise training on plasma renin, angiotensin-II and aldosterone, epinephrine, norepinephrine, urinary sodium and potassium, BP and heart rate (HR). We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library of Controlled Trials until 30 November 2022. The search strategy included RAAS key words in combination with exercise training terms and medical subject headings. Manual searching of reference lists from systematic reviews and eligible studies completed the search. A random effects meta-analysis model was used. Eighteen trials with a total of 803 participants were included. After exercise training, plasma angiotensin-II (SMD −0.71; 95% CI −1.24, −0.19; p = 0.008; n = 9 trials), aldosterone (SMD −0.37; 95% CI −0.65, −0.09; p = 0.009; n = 8 trials) and norepinephrine (SMD −0.82; 95% CI −1.18, −0.46; p < 0.001; n = 8 trials) were reduced. However, plasma renin activity, epinephrine, and 24-h urinary sodium and potassium excretion remained unchanged with exercise training. Systolic BP was reduced (MD −6.2 mmHg; 95% CI −9.9, −2.6; p = 0.001) as was diastolic BP (MD −4.5 mmHg; 95% CI −6.9, −2.1; p < 0.001) but not HR (MD −3.0 bpm; 95% CI −6.0, 0.4; p = 0.053). Exercise training may reduce some aspects of RAAS and sympathetic nervous system activity, and this explains some of the anti-hypertensive response.
Lipid overload-induced RTN3 activation leads to cardiac dysfunction by promoting lipid droplet biogenesis
Authors: Guo Dong , Zhang Mingming , Qi Bingchao , Peng Tingwei , Liu Mingchuan , Li Zhelong , Fu Feng , Guo Yanjie , Li Congye , Wang Ying , Hu Lang , Li Yan
Published: November 2023

Lipid droplet (LD) accumulation is a notable feature of obesity-induced cardiomyopathy, while underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Here we show that mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD) exhibited significantly increase in cardiac LD and RTN3 expression, accompanied by cardiac function impairment. Multiple loss- and gain-of function experiments indicate that RTN3 is critical to HFD-induced cardiac LD accumulation. Mechanistically, RTN3 directly bonds with fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5) to facilitate the directed transport of fatty acids to endoplasmic reticulum, thereby promoting LD biogenesis in a diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 dependent way. Moreover, lipid overload-induced RTN3 upregulation is due to increased expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), which positively regulates RTN3 transcription by binding to its promoter region. Notably, above findings were verified in the myocardium of obese patients. Our findings suggest that manipulating LD biogenesis by modulating RTN3 may be a potential strategy for treating cardiac dysfunction in obese patients.
Dbh+ catecholaminergic cardiomyocytes contribute to the structure and function of the cardiac conduction system in murine heart
Authors: Sun Tianyi , Grassam-Rowe Alexander , Pu Zhaoli , Li Yangpeng , Ren Huiying , An Yanru , Guo Xinyu , Hu Wei , Liu Ying , Zheng Yuqing , Liu Zhu , Kou Kun , Ou Xianhong , Chen Tangting , Fan Xuehui , Liu Yangyang , Tu Shu , He Yu , Ren Yue , Chen Ao , Shang Zhouchun , Xia Zhidao , Miquerol Lucile , Smart Nicola , Zhang Henggui , Tan Xiaoqiu , Shou Weinian , Lei Ming
Published: November 2023

The heterogeneity of functional cardiomyocytes arises during heart development, which is essential to the complex and highly coordinated cardiac physiological function. Yet the biological and physiological identities and the origin of the specialized cardiomyocyte populations have not been fully comprehended. Here we report a previously unrecognised population of cardiomyocytes expressing Dbhgene encoding dopamine beta-hydroxylase in murine heart. We determined how these myocytes are distributed across the heart by utilising advanced single-cell and spatial transcriptomic analyses, genetic fate mapping and molecular imaging with computational reconstruction. We demonstrated that they form the key functional components of the cardiac conduction system by using optogenetic electrophysiology and conditional cardiomyocyte Dbh gene deletion models. We revealed their close relationship with sympathetic innervation during cardiac conduction system formation. Our study thus provides new insights into the development and heterogeneity of the mammalian cardiac conduction system by revealing a new cardiomyocyte population with potential catecholaminergic endocrine function.
Learning few-shot imitation as cultural transmission
Authors: Bhoopchand Avishkar , Brownfield Bethanie , Collister Adrian , Dal Lago Agustin , Edwards Ashley , Everett Richard , Fréchette Alexandre , Oliveira Yanko Gitahy , Hughes Edward , Mathewson Kory W. , Mendolicchio Piermaria , Pawar Julia , Pȋslar Miruna , Platonov Alex , Senter Evan , Singh Sukhdeep , Zacherl Alexander , Zhang Lei M.
Published: November 2023

Cultural transmission is the domain-general social skill that allows agents to acquire and use information from each other in real-time with high fidelity and recall. It can be thought of as the process that perpetuates fit variants in cultural evolution. In humans, cultural evolution has led to the accumulation and refinement of skills, tools and knowledge across generations. We provide a method for generating cultural transmission in artificially intelligent agents, in the form of few-shot imitation. Our agents succeed at real-time imitation of a human in novel contexts without using any pre-collected human data. We identify a surprisingly simple set of ingredients sufficient for generating cultural transmission and develop an evaluation methodology for rigorously assessing it. This paves the way for cultural evolution to play an algorithmic role in the development of artificial general intelligence.
Ongoing shuffling of protein fragments diversifies core viral functions linked to interactions with bacterial hosts
Authors: Smug Bogna J. , Szczepaniak Krzysztof , Rocha Eduardo P. C. , Dunin-Horkawicz Stanislaw , Mostowy Rafał J.
Published: November 2023

Biological modularity enhances evolutionary adaptability. This principle is vividly exemplified by bacterial viruses (phages), which display extensive genomic modularity. Phage genomes are composed of independent functional modules that evolve separately and recombine in various configurations. While genomic modularity in phages has been extensively studied, less attention has been paid to protein modularity—proteins consisting of distinct building blocks that can evolve and recombine, enhancing functional and genetic diversity. Here, we use a set of 133,574 representative phage proteins and highly sensitive homology detection to capture instances of domain mosaicism, defined as fragment sharing between two otherwise unrelated proteins, and to understand its relationship with functional diversity in phage genomes. We discover that unrelated proteins from diverse functional classes frequently share homologous domains. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced within receptor-binding proteins, endolysins, and DNA polymerases. We also identify multiple instances of recent diversification via domain shuffling in receptor-binding proteins, neck passage structures, endolysins and some members of the core replication machinery, often transcending distant taxonomic and ecological boundaries. Our findings suggest that ongoing diversification via domain shuffling is reflective of a co-evolutionary arms race, driven by the need to overcome various bacterial resistance mechanisms against phages.
MicroRNA-mediated attenuation of branched-chain amino acid catabolism promotes ferroptosis in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Sone Hisakatsu , Lee Tae Jin , Lee Byung Rho , Heo Dan , Oh Sekyung , Kwon Sang-Ho
Published: November 2023

Chronic kidney disease can develop from kidney injury incident to chemotherapy with cisplatin, which complicates the prognosis of cancer patients. MicroRNAs regulate gene expression by pairing with specific sets of messenger RNAs. Therefore, elucidating direct physical interactions between microRNAs and their target messenger RNAs can help decipher crucial biological processes associated with cisplatin-induced kidney injury. Through intermolecular ligation and transcriptome-wide sequencing, we here identify direct pairs of microRNAs and their target messenger RNAs in the kidney of male mice injured by cisplatin. We find that a group of cisplatin-induced microRNAs can target select messenger RNAs that affect the mitochondrial metabolic pathways in the injured kidney. Specifically, a cisplatin-induced microRNA, miR-429-3p, suppresses the pathway that catabolizes branched-chain amino acids in the proximal tubule, leading to cell death dependent on lipid peroxidation, called ferroptosis. Identification of miRNA-429-3p-mediated ferroptosis stimulation suggests therapeutic potential for modulating the branched-chain amino acid pathway in ameliorating cisplatin-induced kidney injury.
Structural and functional insights into the delivery of a bacterial Rhs pore-forming toxin to the membrane
Authors: González-Magaña Amaia , Tascón Igor , Altuna-Alvarez Jon , Queralt-Martín María , Colautti Jake , Velázquez Carmen , Zabala Maialen , Rojas-Palomino Jessica , Cárdenas Marité , Alcaraz Antonio , Whitney John C. , Ubarretxena-Belandia Iban , Albesa-Jové David
Published: November 2023

Bacterial competition is a significant driver of toxin polymorphism, which allows continual compensatory evolution between toxins and the resistance developed to overcome their activity. Bacterial Rearrangement hot spot (Rhs) proteins represent a widespread example of toxin polymorphism. Here, we present the 2.45 Å cryo-electron microscopy structure of Tse5, an Rhs protein central to Pseudomonas aeruginosa type VI secretion system-mediated bacterial competition. This structural insight, coupled with an extensive array of biophysical and genetic investigations, unravels the multifaceted functional mechanisms of Tse5. The data suggest that interfacial Tse5-membrane binding delivers its encapsulated pore-forming toxin fragment to the target bacterial membrane, where it assembles pores that cause cell depolarisation and, ultimately, bacterial death.
Segmentation of lung lobes and lesions in chest CT for the classification of COVID-19 severity
Authors: Khomduean Prachaya , Phuaudomcharoen Pongpat , Boonchu Totsaporn , Taetragool Unchalisa , Chamchoy Kamonwan , Wimolsiri Nat , Jarrusrojwuttikul Tanadul , Chuajak Ammarut , Techavipoo Udomchai , Tweeatsani Numfon
Published: November 2023

To precisely determine the severity of COVID-19-related pneumonia, computed tomography (CT) is an imaging modality beneficial for patient monitoring and therapy planning. Thus, we aimed to develop a deep learning-based image segmentation model to automatically assess lung lesions related to COVID-19 infection and calculate the total severity score (TSS). The entire dataset consisted of 124 COVID-19 patients acquired from Chulabhorn Hospital, divided into 28 cases without lung lesions and 96 cases with lung lesions categorized severity by radiologists regarding TSS. The model used a 3D-UNet along with DenseNet and ResNet models that had already been trained to separate the lobes of the lungs and figure out the percentage of lung involvement due to COVID-19 infection. It also used the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) to measure TSS. Our final model, consisting of 3D-UNet integrated with DenseNet169, achieved segmentation of lung lobes and lesions with the Dice similarity coefficients of 91.52% and 76.89%, respectively. The calculated TSS values were similar to those evaluated by radiologists, with an R2 of 0.842. The correlation between the ground-truth TSS and model prediction was greater than that of the radiologist, which was 0.890 and 0.709, respectively.
Cryptosporidium infections in asymptomatic calves up to 4 months in Poland: a cross-sectional population study
Authors: Rzeżutka Artur , Kaupke Agnieszka
Published: November 2023

Cattle cryptosporidiosis is noted worldwide with varied frequency of infection prevalence depending on geographical, environmental and husbandry factors. In this study, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in cattle was determined on the basis of molecular results obtained by testing 1601 faecal samples collected from calves up to 4 months of age housed in all Polish provinces from 2014 to 2018. Detection and identification of Cryptosporidium species was performed at the 18 small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) locus by conducting PCR–RFLP analysis of the amplified DNA fragments. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in the cattle population was 45.3% (CI 95%: 42.8–47.7; 725/1601). The infected animals were housed on 233/267 (87.3%) of monitored farms with regional prevalence ranging from 27.8 to 62%. The restriction pattern of 18S rRNA amplicons for positive samples was characteristic of C. parvum, C. bovis, C. ryanae, C. andersoni, and unexpectedly also of C. baileyi and C. suis. Infections of C. bovis and C. ryanae prevailed in the studied cattle population relegating C. parvum to third in prevalence. Likewise, mixed infections caused by C. bovis and C. ryanae as well as C. parvum and C. bovis were observed. A relationship between the infecting parasite species and animal breed was found. For instance, C. parvum prevailed in Black and White lowland breed, C. ryanae in Limousine cattle and C. andersoni in dairy animals of mixed dairy breeds. Furthermore, differences in prevalence of particular parasite species between cattle breeds were also shown.
Associations between grip strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiovascular risk and mental health in forcibly displaced people from a Greek refugee camp
Authors: Gerber Markus , Filippou Konstantinia , Knappe Florian , Morres Ioannis D. , Tzormpatzakis Emmanouil , Havas Elsa , Seelig Harald , Colledge Flora , Ludyga Sebastian , Meier Marianne , Theodorakis Yannis , von Känel Roland , Pühse Uwe , Hatzigeorgiadis Antonis
Published: November 2023

Muscular strength represents a specific component of health-related fitness. Hand grip strength is used as a simple and dynamic marker of maximum voluntary force of the hand and to estimate overall strength. Today, little is known about the relationship between grip strength and health in forcibly displaced populations. In the present study, we examined whether grip strength is associated with various health outcomes in a sample of forcibly displaced people living in a Greek refugee camp. The present analyses are part of a larger pragmatic randomized controlled trial. In this paper, cross-sectional baseline data of 143 participants (71 men, 72 women) will be presented. In addition to grip strength, the following physical and mental health outcomes were assessed: body weight and body composition, blood pressure, total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose levels (HbA1c), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, depressive and anxiety symptoms, pain, and quality of life. Linear regression analyses were carried out to examine how grip strength is associated with the health outcomes, separately for absolute and normalized grip strength scores. Grip strength was positively and strongly associated with percentage muscle mass (normalized grip strength: Stand. B = 0.58, p < .001), whereas a negative association existed for percentage body fat (normalized grip strength: Stand. B = − 0.58, p < .001). No statistically significant associations occurred between grip strength and the other cardiovascular risk markers. In contrast, we found that participants with higher normalized grip strength reported higher levels of PTSD (normalized grip strength: Stand. B = 0.36, p < .05) and depressive symptoms (normalized grip strength: Stand. B = 0.29, p < .05). No significant association occurred between grip strength, anxiety, pain and quality of life. Measuring grip strength in forcibly displaced people can be a useful way to assess their overall muscle strength. Grip strength tests are easy to implement, and results can be used to assess the effects of specific intervention measures. Nevertheless, our results question the usefulness of grip strength as a marker of cardiovascular health and mental wellbeing in a refugee camp setting.
A comparative analysis of genes differentially expressed between rete testis cells and Sertoli cells of the mouse testis
Authors: Malolina Ekaterina A. , Galiakberova Adelya A. , Mun Valery V. , Sabirov Marat S. , Dashinimaev Erdem B. , Kulibin Andrey Yu.
Published: November 2023

The rete testis (RT) is a region of the mammalian testis that plays an important role in testicular physiology. The RT epithelium consists of cells sharing some well-known gene markers with supporting Sertoli cells (SCs). However, little is known about the differences in gene expression between these two cell populations. Here, we used fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to obtain pure cultures of neonatal RT cells and SCs and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between these cell types using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). We then compared our data with the RNA-seq data of other studies that examined RT cells and SCs of mice of different ages and generated a list of DEGs permanently upregulated in RT cells throughout testis development and in culture, which included 86 genes, and a list of 79 DEGs permanently upregulated in SCs. The analysis of studies on DMRT1 function revealed that nearly half of the permanent DEGs could be regulated by this SC upregulated transcription factor. We suggest that useful cell lineage markers and candidate genes for the specification of both RT cells and SCs may be present among these permanent DEGs.
The prevalence of anxiety and depression in bronchiectasis patients and their association with disease severity: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Al Oweidat Khaled , Marie Dana , Toubasi Ahmad A. , Jaber Dunia Z. , Ahmed Khalid E. , Abu Alragheb Bayan O. , Albtoosh Asma S.
Published: November 2023

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease characterized by recurrent respiratory symptoms. Several studies demonstrated that psychological comorbidities are common in patients with bronchiectasis. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in bronchiectasis patients and assess their association with disease severity. In this cross-sectional study, we included patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis. The study was conducted using an interviewer-administered questionnaire via phone calls and data collected from the electronic medical records at JUH. The questionnaire included patients’ demographics and disease characteristics. Anxiety and depression were assessed using GAD7 and PHQ9 respectively. Bronchiectasis disease severity was assessed using BSI and FACED score. The total number of included patients was 133. Moreover, 53.4% of the participants were females while the rest were males (46.6%). PHQ9 demonstrated that 65.4% of the patients had depression. Regarding anxiety, GAD7 scale showed that 54.1% of the patients had anxiety. Pearson correlation showed that bronchiectasis severity index was significantly associated only with PHQ9 depression scores (r = 0.212, P value = 0.014). The prevalence of depression and anxiety is high among patients with bronchiectasis. We believe that patients affected with bronchiectasis should be screened for depression to improve their quality of life.
Comparing closed versus open lateral internal sphincterotomy for management of chronic anal fissure: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials
Authors: Asefa Zelalem , Awedew Atalel Fentahun
Published: November 2023

Chronic anal fissure is one of the most common benign anorectal health conditions, causing significant morbidity, quality of life, and economic loss. Eight randomized controlled trials with a total population size of 1035 were eligible for analysis. Seven studies included both males and female, while one only included females. The majority of randomized controlled trials involved female dominance [54.9% (43.5–66.3)] and posterior midline location [86.1% (95% CI 81.5–90.8%)]. This meta-analysis of randomised control trials found that overall postoperative healing was 90.2%, recurrent anal fissure was 3.7%, and postoperative incontinence was 8.9% after LIS. Even though there was no statistically significant difference, closed lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) had higher rates of recurrent anal fissure (RR = 1.73 (95% CI 0.86–3.47, p = 0.90, I2 = 0%) and lower rates of postoperative incontinence rate (RR = 0.60 (95% CI 0.37–0.96, p = 0.76, I2-0) as compared with open LIS. We recommended that closed lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is a safe and effective surgical treatment option for chronic anal fissures.
A comparative analysis of compression bearing capacity in recycled concrete brick walls and composite walls incorporating coal-ash blocks
Authors: Li Jianhua , Xu Xueyong , Liu Xiaoqin
Published: November 2023

In the face of the problem of waste disposal in the demolition of concrete structures, a composite wall composed of recycled concrete bricks and fly ash blocks was proposed, and based on the previous thermal performance research, its axial compression performance were further studied. Four types of walls were designed and constructed: (1) clay brick masonry (CBM), (2) recycled concrete brick masonry (RBM), (3) bilateral clay bricks masonry with coal-ash blocks sandwich insulation wall (CFCM), and (4) bilateral recycled concrete bricks masonry with coal-ash blocks sandwich insulation wall (RFRM). The test results showed that recycled concrete brick masonry exhibited a higher bearing capacity than clay brick masonry. The ultimate load of RBM was 15% higher than that of CBM. Moreover, the ultimate load of CFCM was 21% higher than that of CBM. Following the addition of sandwich coal-ash blocks in RBM, its ultimate load increased by over 42% than that of CBM. Following the addition of coal-ash blocks sandwich in both clay and recycled concrete bricks masonry, both the bearing capacity and strain exhibited improvement, the yielding load and compressive strength of them increased. Thus, it could be concluded that coal-ash blocks improved its bearing capacity. Based on the analysis of the axial compression tests, a theoretical computational model was developed and a computational expression to explain the compressive bearing capacity of a two-sided brick with coal-ash blocks sandwich insulation wall. Comparisons between the test ultimate loads (FT) and the estimated ultimate loads (FE) confirmed the accuracy of the theoretical calculation model for the compressive bearing capacity. Thus, theoretical computational models are highly recommended for the design of two-sided bricks with insulating walls constructed from coal-ash blocks being sandwiched together. This study provides a theoretical basis for the engineering application of recycled concrete brick wall and fly ash block composite wall.
Research on storage stability differences between ceftriaxone sodium products
Authors: Qi Shuye , Chong Xiaomeng , Yao Shangchen , Ning Baoming , Hu Changqin
Published: November 2023

The conditions and mechanisms leading to stability differences between ceftriaxone sodium products were examined to ensure drug quality and efficacy. We used a combination of powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis to examine the differences between preparations for injection from different pharmaceutical processes to elucidate the changed processes by exposing samples to different humidity and high-temperature conditions. Water loss or absorption due to varying environmental humidity levels did not adversely affect the crystal structure, but could lead to the reversible redistribution of hepta-hydrate in the unit cell of generic products, causing its stability change. The irreversible distribution of hydrate may occur when generic drugs stored at 25 °C, whereas the brand-name products remained stable at 40 °C. Therefore, generic ceftriaxone sodium and its powder preparations would be acceptable by better controlled sealing and storing under cool conditions during storage period to meet the efficacy and stability.
Organic electrodes based on redox-active covalent organic frameworks for lithium batteries
Authors: Dantas Raquel , Ribeiro Catarina , Souto Manuel
Published: November 2023

We review some recent strategies to improve the energy density, power density and cycling stability of redox-active COF-based electrodes for rechargeable batteries from the perspective of molecular design and electrode optimisation.
Reactivity of metal–oxo clusters towards biomolecules: from discrete polyoxometalates to metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Salazar Marcano David E. , Savić Nada D. , Declerck Kilian , Abdelhameed Shorok A. M. , Parac-Vogt Tatjana N.
Published: November 2023

Discrete metal-oxo clusters and cluster-based assemblies (namely polyoxometalates and Metal–Organic Frameworks) are promising catalysts for the chemical transformation of various biomolecules, such as proteins, DNA, biomass sugars, and lipids.
Enhancing the photocatalytic efficiency and stability of CsPbBr3 nanocrystals for visible-light driven aerobic diaryl thio/seleno etherification
Authors: Mathuri Ashis , Pal Buddhadeb , Pramanik Milan , Manna Anupam , Mal Prasenjit
Published: November 2023

In this study, we demonstrate the proficiency of orthorhombic CsPbBr3 to perform C–H chalcogenation reactions of electron-rich arenes under conditions involving polar solvents, aerobic environments, and visible-light irradiation.
Estrogen receptor-mediated health benefits of phytochemicals: a review
Authors: Li Junfeng , Yu Jia , Zou Haoyang , Zhang Jie , Ren Li
Published: November 2023

Phytochemicals can provide health benefits via targeting estrogen receptors.
N-heterocyclic nitrenium charge transfer catalysis via inner-sphere electron transfer in concert with halogen-atom dissociation
Authors: Zhang Chao-Shen , Fang Chang-Zhen , Yi Liang , Zhu Chen , Wang Zhi-Xiang , Chen Xiang-Yu , Rueping Magnus
Published: November 2023

We report an efficient and versatile catalytic N-heterocyclic nitrenium charge transfer complex strategy for the single-electron reduction of chloroform, resulting in the generation of the dichloromethyl radical for use in various transformations.
In situ preparation of a novel Z-scheme BiOBr/BiVO4 composite film with enhanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance
Authors: Li Zhiyu , Liu Bo , Zhang Xiaochao , Zhang Changming , Bai Yadong , Liu Jianxin , Wang Yawen , Yang Song , Li Rui , Fan Caimei
Published: November 2023

A kind of novel BiOBr/BiVO4 Z-scheme heterojunction composite film is in situ synthesized on Bi substrates via the electrochemical ion-exchange method, and the composite film exhibits excellent photocatalytic CO2 to CO reduction activity.
Leukotriene B4 receptor 1 does not mediate disease progression in a mouse model of liver fibrosis
Authors: Coyne Erin S. , Nie Yilin , Abdurrachim Desiree , Ong Charlene Zhi Lin , Zhou Yongqi , Ali Asad Abu Bakar , Meyers Stacey , Grein Jeff , Blumenschein Wendy , Gongol Brendan , Liu Yang , Hugelshofer Cedric , Carballo-Jane Ester , Talukdar Saswata
Published: November 2023

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a prevalent liver disease that can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and ultimately death, but there are no approved therapies. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent pro-inflammatory chemoattractant that drives macrophage and neutrophil chemotaxis, and genetic loss or inhibition of its high-affinity receptor, leukotriene B4 receptor 1 (BLT1), results in improved insulin sensitivity and decreased hepatic steatosis. To validate the therapeutic efficacy of BLT1 inhibition in an inflammatory and pro-fibrotic mouse model of MASH and fibrosis, mice were challenged with a choline-deficient, l-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet and treated with a BLT1 antagonist at 30 or 90 mg/kg for 8 weeks. Liver function, histology, and gene expression were evaluated at the end of the study. Treatment with the BLT1 antagonist significantly reduced plasma lipids and liver steatosis but had no impact on liver injury biomarkers or histological endpoints such as inflammation, ballooning, or fibrosis compared to control. Artificial intelligence-powered digital pathology analysis revealed a significant reduction in steatosis co-localized fibrosis in livers treated with the BLT1 antagonist. Liver RNA-seq and pathway analyses revealed significant changes in fatty acid, arachidonic acid, and eicosanoid metabolic pathways with BLT1 antagonist treatment; however, these changes were not sufficient to impact inflammation and fibrosis endpoints. Targeting this LTB4–BLT1 axis with a small molecule inhibitor in animal models of chronic liver disease should be considered with caution, and additional studies are warranted to understand the mechanistic nuances of BLT1 inhibition in the context of MASH and liver fibrosis.
In‐memory multibit multiplication and accumulation based on an automatic pulse generation circuit
Authors: Bai Su , Guo Jiaqi , Liu Yunlong , Xu Yaohua , Peng Chunyu , Wu Xiulong
Published: November 2023

Computing‐in‐memory (CIM) is a promising technique for solving the ‘memory wall’ and ‘power consumption wall’ problems. However, calculations in the analog domain are limited in terms of accuracy and sensitivity to process, voltage, and temperature changes. In this study, the authors proposed a CIM multiply‐and‐accumulate (MAC) circuit in which the MAC result was reflected by the pulse edge and converted into the final digital output using a dual‐edge counter quantization circuit, thereby improving the accuracy of the MAC operation and reducing the difficulty of quantization. The performance of the proposed CIM circuit was evaluated using a 28‐nm process. It could achieve 4‐bit multiplication without errors, with an energy efficiency of 24.38 to 670.86 TOPS/W.