bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Relevance of CTLA4 Variants: an Upgraded Approach to Assess CTLA4-Dependent Transendocytosis by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Rojas-Restrepo Jessica , Sindram Elena , Zenke Simon , Haberstroh Hanna , Mitsuiki Noriko , Gabrysch Annemarie , Huebscher Katrin , Posadas-Cantera Sara , Krausz Máté , Kobbe Robin , Rohr Jan C. , Grimbacher Bodo , Gámez-Díaz Laura
Published: September 2023

Variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in CTLA4 are frequently identified in patients with antibody deficiency or immune dysregulation syndromes including, but not limited to, patients with multi-organ autoimmunity and autoinflammation. However, to ascertain the diagnosis of CTLA4 insufficiency, the functional relevance of each variant needs to be determined. Currently, various assays have been proposed to assess the functionality of CTLA4 VUS, including the analysis of transendocytosis, the biological function of CTLA4 to capture CD80 molecules from antigen presenting cells. Challenges of this assay include weak fluorescence intensity of the internalized ligand, poor reproducibility, and poor performance upon analyzing thawed cells. In addition, the distinction of pathogenic from non-pathogenic variants and from wild-type CTLA4, and the classification of the different VUS according to its level of CTLA4 dysfunction, would be desirable. We developed a novel CD80-expressing cell line for the evaluation of CD80-transendocytosis and compared it to the published transendocytosis assay. Our approach showed lower inter-assay variability and better robustness regardless the type of starting material (fresh or thawed peripheral mononuclear cells). In addition, receiver operating characteristic analysis showed 100% specificity, avoiding false positive results and allowing for a clear distinction between pathogenic and non-pathogenic variants in CTLA4-variant carriers. With our transendocytosis assay, we assessed the pathogenicity of 24 distinct CTLA4 variants from patients submitted to our diagnostic unit. Significantly impaired transendocytosis was demonstrated for 17 CTLA4 variants, whereas seven variants tested normal. In conclusion, our upgraded transendocytosis assay allows a reliable assessment of newly identified variants in CTLA4.
Topological Inference of the Conley Index
Authors: Yim Ka Man , Nanda Vidit
Published: September 2023

The Conley index of an isolated invariant set is a fundamental object in the study of dynamical systems. Here we consider smooth functions on closed submanifolds of Euclidean space and describe a framework for inferring the Conley index of any compact, connected isolated critical set of such a function with high confidence from a sufficiently large finite point sample. The main construction of this paper is a specific index pair which is local to the critical set in question. We establish that these index pairs have positive reach and hence admit a sampling theory for robust homology inference. This allows us to estimate the Conley index, and as a direct consequence, we are also able to estimate the Morse index of any critical point of a Morse function using finitely many local evaluations.
The stability and developmental interplay of word reading and spelling: a cross-linguistic longitudinal study from kindergarten to grade 4
Authors: Furnes Bjarte , Elwér Åsa , Samuelsson Stefan , Treiman Rebecca , Olson Richard K.
Published: September 2023

We investigated the stability and developmental interplay of word reading and spelling in samples of Swedish (N = 191) and U.S. children (N = 489) followed across four time points: end of kindergarten, grades 1, 2, and 4. Cross-lagged path models revealed that reading and spelling showed moderate to strong autoregressive effects, with reading being more predictable over time than spelling. Regarding the developmental interplay, we found a bidirectional relationship between reading and spelling from kindergarten to Grade 1. However, starting in Grade 1, reading predicted subsequent spelling beyond the autoregressor but not the other way around. In all analyses, the findings were similar across the two orthographies. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Investigating the nexus between authentic leadership, employees’ green creativity, and psychological environment: evidence from emerging economy
Authors: Rehman Fazal Ur , Zeb Ali
Published: September 2023

Employees’ green creativity is the basic input to organizational innovation capabilities, the prime focus of practitioners to stay competitive, and a mean to solve the society’s sustainable issues in dynamic markets. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the nexus between authentic leadership, psychological environment, and employees’ green creativity based on the theoretical lenses of social identity and social exchange theories that have rare application in these domains. Data were collected through questionnaires from 367 operational staff members of different technical training centers of renewable energy projects in Rawalpindi and Islamabad regions at Pakistan. The findings reveal that authentic leadership is a significant precursor of employee’s green creativity and self-efficacy. In addition, self-efficacy mediates while the environment of trust and safety has non-mediating role in the relationship between authentic leadership and employee’s green creativity. This work brings attention to the initiatives in technical training centers for renewable energy projects and contributes to the field of employees’ green creativity in the context of authentic leadership and psychological environment based on the philosophy of social identity and social exchange theories.
Differential behavioral aging trajectories according to body size, expected lifespan, and head shape in dogs
Authors: Turcsán Borbála , Kubinyi Enikő
Published: September 2023

The twofold life expectancy difference between dog breeds predicts differential behavioral and cognitive aging patterns between short- and long-lived dogs. To investigate this prediction, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis using survey data from over 15,000 dogs. We examined the effect of expected lifespan and three related factors (body size, head shape, and purebred status) on the age trajectory of various behavioral characteristics and the prevalence of canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). Our findings reveal that, although age-related decline in most behavioral characteristics began around 10.5 years of age, the proportion of dogs considered “old” by their owners began to increase uniformly around 6 years of age. From the investigated factors, only body size had a systematic, although not gradual, impact on the aging trajectories of all behavioral characteristics. Dogs weighing over 30 kg exhibited an earlier onset of decline by 2–3 years and a slower rate of decline compared to smaller dogs, probably as a byproduct of their faster age-related physical decline. Larger sized dogs also showed a lower prevalence of CCD risk in their oldest age group, whereas smaller-sized dogs, dolichocephalic breeds, and purebreds had a higher CCD risk prevalence. The identification of differential behavioral and cognitive aging trajectories across dog groups, and the observed associations between body size and the onset, rate, and degree of cognitive decline in dogs have significant translational implications for human aging research, providing valuable insights into the interplay between morphology, physiological ageing, and cognitive decline, and unravelling the trade-off between longevity and relative healthspan.
Operator Counterparts of Types of Reasoning
Authors: Wybraniec-Skardowska Urszula
Published: September 2023

Logical and philosophical literature provides different classifications of reasoning. In the Polish literature on the subject, for instance, there are three popular ones accepted by representatives of the Lvov-Warsaw School: Jan Łukasiewicz, Tadeusz Czeżowski and Kazimierz Ajdukiewicz (Ajdukiewicz in Logika pragmatyczna [Pragmatic Logic]. PWN, Warsaw (1965, 2nd ed. 1974). Translated as: Pragmatic Logic. Reidel & PWN, Dordrecht, 1975). The author of this paper, having modified those classifications, distinguished the following types of reasoning: (1) deductive and (2) non-deductive, and additionally two types of them in each of the two, depending on the manner of combining their premises with the conclusion through the relation of classical logical entailment. Consequently, the four types of reasoning:

unilateral deductive (incl. its sub-types: deductive inference and proof),

bilateral deductive (incl. complete induction), and

reductive (incl. the sub-types: explanation and verification),

logically nonvaluable (incl. inference by analogy, statistic inference),

correspond to four operators of derivability. They are defined formally on the ground of Tarski’s axiomatic theory of deductive systems, by means of the consequence operation Cn (Tarski in Monatshefte Math Phys 37:361–404, 1930a, C R Soc Sci Lett Vars 23:22–29, 1930b). Also, certain metalogical properties of these operators are given, as well as their relations with Tarski’s consequence operations $$Cn^+$$

C

n
+

($$Cn^+ = Cn$$

C

n
+

=
C
n

) and dual consequences $$Cn^{-1}$$

C

n

-
1

(Słupecki in Zeszyty Naukowe Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego Seria B Nr 3:33–40, 1959, Słupecki et al. in Stud Log 29:76–123, 1971, Wybraniec-Skardowska, in: Wybraniec-Skardowska, Bryll (eds) Z badań nad teorią zdań odrzuconych [Studies in the Theory of Rejected Propositions], Series B, Studia i Monografie, Zeszyty Naukowe Wyższej Szkoły Pedagogicznej w Opolu, Opole, 1969), and $$Cn^-$$

C

n
-

(Wójcicki in Bull Sect Log 2(2):54–57, 1973)).
Myths of past biases and progress in biology
Authors: Raerinne Jani
Published: September 2023

Two ideas are popular among biologists. The first idea is concerned with the biased nature of biology, especially the idea that biologists have overemphasized the importance of competition in the past. The second idea is concerned with progress in correcting for biases, namely, that the biased nature of biology decreases with time. To test these ideas, data on the popularity of interaction topics, such as competition, predation, and mutualism, was collected from articles published in biology journals. Research biases should be visible in publication data as systematic over- and underemphases regarding the popularity of alternative, viable research topics. Were the two ideas correct, data should show that the popularity of a historically dominant topic(s) diminishes with time, whereas the popularity of historically marginal, alternative topics increases with time. The data show that the two ideas are false. According to publication data, the biased nature of biology increases with time, which is a sign of regress rather than progress in biology.
Burnout syndrome and coping strategies in athletes with disabilities: a systematic review
Authors: Ferreira Rodrigo Weyll , de Athayde Costa e Silva Anselmo , Brandão Maria Regina Ferreira , Magno e Silva Marília Passos , Gaia Jhonatan Welington Pereira , Pires Daniel Alvarez
Published: September 2023

This systematic review aimed to synthesize the literature on burnout and coping in athletes with disabilities and identify the psychological and physical variables associated with burnout and coping in this population. The present study was conducted in accordance with the updated PRISMA 2020 systematic review guidelines. The Scopus, PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, SciELO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched. Eight articles were included in the study. Five of them investigated coping, and three investigated burnout. Their sample sizes ranged between 10 and 209 athletes with a total of 588 from the eight studies. Burnout was associated with socially prescribed perfectionism and sleep, and coping was associated with self-determined motivation, engagement, anxiety, depression, performance, and classification. This is the first systematic review of burnout and coping in athletes with disabilities that provides an overview of the studies conducted. Scientific research on the psychological constructs of coping and burnout in athletes with disabilities is in an incipient phase. The results highlight the key factors associated with burnout and coping in this population, which may inform targeted intervention strategies.
Role of exosome-mediated molecules SNORD91A and SLC40A1 in M2 macrophage polarization and prognosis of ESCC
Authors: Xue Yang , Cheng Zhengyan , Liao Yida , Chen Xing
Published: September 2023

Background

Exosome-mediated interaction serves as a significant regulatory factor for M2 macrophage polarization in cancer.

Methods

All accessible data were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and analyzed using R software. Molecules implicated in exocrine secretion were amassed from the ExoCarta database. Our research initially quantified the immune microenvironment in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC) patients based on the expression profile sourced from the TCGA database. Additionally, we delved into the biological role of M2 macrophages in ESCC via Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA).

Results

We observed that patients with high M2 macrophage infiltration typically have a poorer prognosis. Subsequently, a total of 1457 molecules were identified, with 103 of these molecules believed to function through exocrine mechanisms, as supported by data from the ExoCarta database. SNORD91A and SLC40A1 were ultimately pinpointed due to their correlation with patient prognosis. Moreover, we investigated their potential roles in ESCC, including biological enrichment, immune infiltration, and genomic instability analysis.

Conclusions

Our study identified exosome-associated molecules, namely SNORD91A and SLC40A1, which notably impact ESCC prognosis and local M2 macrophage recruitment, thereby presenting potential therapeutic targets for ESCC.
Systematic characterization of faecal sludge from various sources for its use as a solid fuel
Authors: Sharma Niharika , Lolkema Berend , Mawioo Peter , Hooijmans Christine Maria , Dupont Capucine
Published: September 2023

Faecal sludge (FS) is not extensively evaluated for its potential as a solid fuel mainly due to the general conception of its “highly variable characteristics” in relation to the wide range of on-site sanitation systems. An extensive and systematic FS characterization was therefore conducted on twenty-four samples collected directly from pit latrines, ventilated improved pit latrines (VIPs) and urine-diverting dehydrating toilets (UDDTs) at two depths to understand the impact on properties relevant for combustion. The higher heating value (HHV) for these samples lies between 13 to 22 MJ/kg DM (dry matter). However, such high values should be taken with caution since the measurement guidelines recommended the removal of the large inert pieces found in FS. Besides this potential bias of procedure, differences could be observed between containments, where pit latrines showed the largest variability as compared to VIP and UDDT. These differences are mainly correlated with the ash content, ranging from 15 to 50% DM, while the organic elements concentrations were similar for all samples. Interestingly, the same major inorganic elements could be measured in all samples, namely Si, P, Ca and K followed by Mg and Na. Such similar composition is probably due to similar sanitation practices and staple diet. However, the overall concentration of minor elements was below 1000 ppm DM for most samples. The N concentrations were quite high, between 2.5 to 4.5% DM. Abovementioned results may be problematic for process and environmental aspects if FS is combusted alone. FS can therefore be suitable preferably for co-combustion in blend with lignocellulosic biomass waste.
Technical review on coaxial deep borehole heat exchanger
Authors: Chen Haohua , Tomac Ingrid
Published: September 2023

This review paper summarizes recent developments regarding geothermal exploitation using coaxial deep borehole heat exchangers (DBHE). Specifically, this study focuses on field tests, analytical and semi-analytical approaches, and numerical simulations. First, field tests and applications of coaxial DBHE are summarized and future work for the field tests is suggested. Then, the ongoing analytical and numerical modeling approaches on coaxial DBHE are evaluated regarding the capability and incapability of describing physical behaviors. Lastly, key factors for the design of coaxial DBHE are summarized and discussed based on collected results. Regarding field tests, future work should focus more on (1) long-term performance; (2) effect of groundwater flow within formation and fractures; (3) technology for larger diameter boreholes; (4) new and cheap materials for insulated inner pipe; (5) treatment of fluid, pipe wall, and different working fluid; (6) economic analysis of coaxial DBHE-based geothermal power plant. As for the analytical methods and numerical simulations, it is important to consider the dependence of fluid and formation properties on pressure and temperature. Besides, verification and calibration of empirical models for working fluids other than water such as CO2 should be performed based on laboratory and field tests. Different borehole properties and pump parameters should be optimized to obtain the maximum thermal power of a coaxial DBHE, and an insulated inner pipe is recommended by many researchers. An intermittent working pattern of the DBHE could be more realistic when modeling a DBHE. To further improve the performance of coaxial DBHE, continuous research to enhance heat transfer and working fluid performance is still important.
Evidence into practice: a national cohort study of NICE-recommended oncological drug therapy utilisation among women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in England
Authors: Gannon Melissa Ruth , Dodwell David , Aggarwal Ajay , Park Min Hae , Miller Katie , Horgan Kieran , Clements Karen , Medina Jibby , Cromwell David Alan
Published: September 2023

Background

Multiple drug treatments are approved for invasive breast cancer (IBC). We investigated uptake of NICE-recommended oncological drugs and variation by age, comorbidity burden and geographical region.

Methods

Women (aged 50+ years) diagnosed with IBC from 2014 to 2019, were identified from England Cancer Registry data and drug utilisation from Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy data. Interrupted time series analysis assessed national-level changes in drug use after publication of NICE recommendations. Regression models analysed variation in use.

Results

This national cohort included 168,449 women. Use of drugs recommended for first-line treatment varied, from 26.6% for CDK 4/6 inhibitors to 63.8% for HER2-targeting therapies. Utilisation of drugs with a NICE recommendation published between 2014 and 2019, increased among patients diagnosed around the time of publication, except in the case of pertuzumab for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) which was previously accessible via the Cancer Drugs Fund (though use of pertuzumab for MBC increased from 34.1% to 75.0% across the study period). Use of trastuzumab and neoadjuvant/adjuvant pertuzumab varied by geographical region. Use was low for ribociclib (2.2%), abemaciclib (2.3%) and for drugs recommended beyond the first-line setting. For all drugs, use after NICE recommendation varied by age at diagnosis and increased as stage increased.

Conclusions

Use of NICE-recommended drugs for IBC in routine care is variable, with lowest use among women aged 70+ years. Improving access to effective treatments is an important step in improving outcomes.
Hearing loss and vestibular schwannoma: new insights into Schwann cells implication
Authors: Mohamed Tasnim , Melfi Valentina , Colciago Alessandra , Magnaghi Valerio
Published: September 2023

Hearing loss (HL) is the most common and heterogeneous disorder of the sensory system, with a large morbidity in the worldwide population. Among cells of the acoustic nerve (VIII cranial nerve), in the cochlea are present the hair cells, the spiral ganglion neurons, the glia-like supporting cells, and the Schwann cells (SCs), which alterations have been considered cause of HL. Notably, a benign SC-derived tumor of the acoustic nerve, named vestibular schwannoma (VS), has been indicated as cause of HL. Importantly, SCs are the main glial cells ensheathing axons and forming myelin in the peripheral nerves. Following an injury, the SCs reprogram, expressing some stemness features. Despite the mechanisms and factors controlling their biological processes (i.e., proliferation, migration, differentiation, and myelination) have been largely unveiled, their role in VS and HL was poorly investigated. In this review, we enlighten some of the mechanisms at the base of SCs transformation, VS development, and progression, likely leading to HL, and we pose great attention on the environmental factors that, in principle, could contribute to HL onset or progression. Combining the biomolecular bench-side approach to the clinical bedside practice may be helpful for the diagnosis, prediction, and therapeutic approach in otology.
IL-2 immunotherapy for targeting regulatory T cells in autoimmunity
Authors: Lykhopiy Valentina , Malviya Vanshika , Humblet-Baron Stephanie , Schlenner Susan M.
Published: September 2023

FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) are indispensable for immune homoeostasis and for the prevention of autoimmune diseases. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) signalling is critical in all aspects of Treg biology. Consequences of defective IL-2 signalling are insufficient numbers or dysfunction of Treg and hence autoimmune disorders in human and mouse. The restoration and maintenance of immune homoeostasis remain central therapeutic aims in the field of autoimmunity. Historically, broadly immunosuppressive drugs with serious side-effects have been used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or prevention of organ-transplant rejection. More recently, ex vivo expanded or in vivo stimulated Treg have been shown to induce effective tolerance in clinical trials supporting the clinical benefit of targeting natural immunosuppressive mechanisms. Given the central role of exogenous IL-2 in Treg homoeostasis, a new and promising focus in drug development are IL-2-based approaches for in vivo targeted expansion of Treg or for enhancement of their suppressive activity. In this review, we summarise the role of IL-2 in Treg biology and consequences of dysfunctional IL-2 signalling pathways. We then examine evidence of efficacy of IL-2-based biological drugs targeting Treg with specific focus on therapeutic candidates in clinical trials and discuss their limitations.
Monkeypox virus-infected individuals mount comparable humoral immune responses as Smallpox-vaccinated individuals
Authors: Otter Ashley D. , Jones Scott , Hicks Bethany , Bailey Daniel , Callaby Helen , Houlihan Catherine , Rampling Tommy , Gordon Nicola Claire , Selman Hannah , Satheshkumar Panayampalli S. , Townsend Michael , Mehta Ravi , Pond Marcus , Jones Rachael , Wright Deborah , Oeser Clarissa , Tonge Simon , Linley Ezra , Hemingway Georgia , Coleman Tom , Millward Sebastian , Lloyd Aaron , Damon Inger , Brooks Tim , Vipond Richard , Rowe Cathy , Hallis Bassam
Published: September 2023

In early 2022, a cluster of monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection (mpox) cases were identified within the UK with no prior travel history to MPXV-endemic regions. Subsequently, case numbers exceeding 80,000 were reported worldwide, primarily affecting gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Public health agencies worldwide have offered the IMVANEX Smallpox vaccination to these individuals at high-risk to provide protection and limit the spread of MPXV. We have developed a comprehensive array of ELISAs to study poxvirus-induced antibodies, utilising 24 MPXV and 3 Vaccinia virus (VACV) recombinant antigens. Panels of serum samples from individuals with differing Smallpox-vaccine doses and those with prior MPXV infection were tested on these assays, where we observed that one dose of Smallpox vaccination induces a low number of antibodies to a limited number of MPXV antigens but increasing with further vaccination doses. MPXV infection induced similar antibody responses to diverse poxvirus antigens observed in Smallpox-vaccinated individuals. We identify MPXV A27 as a serological marker of MPXV-infection, whilst MPXV M1 (VACV L1) is likely IMVANEX-specific. Here, we demonstrate analogous humoral antigen recognition between both MPXV-infected or Smallpox-vaccinated individuals, with binding to diverse yet core set of poxvirus antigens, providing opportunities for future vaccine (e.g., mRNA) and therapeutic (e.g., mAbs) design.
Tumor-intrinsic expression of the autophagy gene Atg16l1 suppresses anti-tumor immunity in colorectal cancer
Authors: Taraborrelli Lucia , Şenbabaoğlu Yasin , Wang Lifen , Lim Junghyun , Blake Kerrigan , Kljavin Noelyn , Gierke Sarah , Scherl Alexis , Ziai James , McNamara Erin , Owyong Mark , Rao Shilpa , Calviello Aslihan Karabacak , Oreper Daniel , Jhunjhunwala Suchit , Argiles Guillem , Bendell Johanna , Kim Tae Won , Ciardiello Fortunato , Wongchenko Matthew J. , de Sauvage Frederic J. , de Sousa e Melo Felipe , Yan Yibing , West Nathaniel R. , Murthy Aditya
Published: September 2023

Microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer (MSS-CRC) is highly refractory to immunotherapy. Understanding tumor-intrinsic determinants of immunotherapy resistance is critical to improve MSS-CRC patient outcomes. Here, we demonstrate that high tumor expression of the core autophagy gene ATG16L1 is associated with poor clinical response to anti-PD-L1 therapy in KRAS-mutant tumors from IMblaze370 (NCT02788279), a large phase III clinical trial of atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1) in advanced metastatic MSS-CRC. Deletion of Atg16l1 in engineered murine colon cancer organoids inhibits tumor growth in primary (colon) and metastatic (liver and lung) niches in syngeneic female hosts, primarily due to increased sensitivity to IFN-γ-mediated immune pressure. ATG16L1 deficiency enhances programmed cell death of colon cancer organoids induced by IFN-γ and TNF, thus increasing their sensitivity to host immunity. In parallel, ATG16L1 deficiency reduces tumor stem-like populations in vivo independently of adaptive immune pressure. This work reveals autophagy as a clinically relevant mechanism of immune evasion and tumor fitness in MSS-CRC and provides a rationale for autophagy inhibition to boost immunotherapy responses in the clinic.
Epitranscriptomic subtyping, visualization, and denoising by global motif visualization
Authors: Liu Jianheng , Huang Tao , Yao Jing , Zhao Tianxuan , Zhang Yusen , Zhang Rui
Published: September 2023

Advances in sequencing technologies have empowered epitranscriptomic profiling at the single-base resolution. Putative RNA modification sites identified from a single high-throughput experiment may contain one type of modification deposited by different writers or different types of modifications, along with false positive results because of the challenge of distinguishing signals from noise. However, current tools are insufficient for subtyping, visualization, and denoising these signals. Here, we present iMVP, which is an interactive framework for epitranscriptomic analysis with a nonlinear dimension reduction technique and density-based partition. As exemplified by the analysis of mRNA m5C and ModTect variant data, we show that iMVP allows the identification of previously unknown RNA modification motifs and writers and the discovery of false positives that are undetectable by traditional methods. Using putative m6A/m6Am sites called from 8 profiling approaches, we illustrate that iMVP enables comprehensive comparison of different approaches and advances our understanding of the difference and pattern of true positives and artifacts in these methods. Finally, we demonstrate the ability of iMVP to analyze an extremely large human A-to-I editing dataset that was previously unmanageable. Our work provides a general framework for the visualization and interpretation of epitranscriptomic data.
Efficient agricultural drip irrigation inspired by fig leaf morphology
Authors: Liu Shijie , Zhang Chengqi , Shen Tao , Zhan Zidong , Peng Jia , Yu Cunlong , Jiang Lei , Dong Zhichao
Published: September 2023

Irrigation is limited by water scarcity. Here, we show how a drip irrigation system inspired by the leaf of the fig tree Ficus religiosa (also known as the bodhi tree) can improve irrigation efficiency. The reverse curvature of the leaf regulates the convergence process of multiple water streams, while its long-tail apex allows for fast water drainage with the droplet separation centroid beyond the leaf apex. We explain why drip frequency increases after the break-up of contact line pinning at the apex tip by using scaling laws for drip volume and analyzing drainage dynamics. We build a drip irrigation emitter inspired by the bodhi leaf apex and compare the germination efficiency of wheat, cotton, and maize under different irrigation modes. These results show that the proposed bodhi-leaf-apex-mimetic (BLAM) drip irrigation can improve water saving while ensuring germination and seedling growth.
Probiotics alleviate constipation and inflammation in late gestating and lactating sows
Authors: Ma Teng , Huang Weiqiang , Li Yalin , Jin Hao , Kwok Lai-Yu , Sun Zhihong , Zhang Heping
Published: September 2023

Constipation and systemic inflammation are common in late pregnant and lactating sows, which cause health problems like uteritis, mastitis, dystocia, or even stillbirth, further influencing piglets’ survival and growth. Probiotic supplementation can improve such issues, but the beneficial mechanism of relieving constipation and enhancing gut motility remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of probiotic supplementation in drinking water to late pregnant sows on constipation, inflammation, and piglets’ growth performance. Seventy-four sows were randomly allocated to probiotic (n = 36) and control (n = 38) groups. Probiotic treatment significantly relieved sow constipation, enhanced serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels while reducing serum IL-1β, IL-12p40, and TNF-α levels, and increased piglet daily gain and weaning weight. Furthermore, probiotic administration reshaped the sow gut bacteriome and phageome structure/diversity, accompanied by increases in some potentially beneficial bacteria. At 113 days of gestation, the probiotic group was enriched in several gut microbial bioactive metabolites, multiple carbohydrate-active enzymes that degrade pectin and starch, fecal butyrate and acetate, and some serum metabolites involved in vitamin and amino acid metabolism. Our integrated correlation network analysis revealed that the alleviation of constipation and inflammation was associated with changes in the sow gut bacteriome, phageome, bioactive metabolic potential, and metabolism.
Alpha synuclein modulates mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake from ER during cell stimulation and under stress conditions
Authors: Ramezani Meraj , Wagenknecht-Wiesner Alice , Wang Tong , Holowka David A. , Eliezer David , Baird Barbara A.
Published: September 2023

Alpha synuclein (a-syn) is an intrinsically disordered protein prevalent in neurons, and aggregated forms are associated with synucleinopathies including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Despite the biomedical importance and extensive studies, the physiological role of a-syn and its participation in etiology of PD remain uncertain. We showed previously in model RBL cells that a-syn colocalizes with mitochondrial membranes, depending on formation of N-terminal helices and increasing with mitochondrial stress1. We have now characterized this colocalization and functional correlates in RBL, HEK293, and N2a cells. We find that expression of a-syn enhances stimulated mitochondrial uptake of Ca2+ from the ER, depending on formation of its N-terminal helices but not on its disordered C-terminal tail. Our results are consistent with a-syn acting as a tether between mitochondria and ER, and we show increased contacts between these two organelles using structured illumination microscopy. We tested mitochondrial stress caused by toxins related to PD, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP/MPP+) and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP) and found that a-syn prevents recovery of stimulated mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. The C-terminal tail, and not N-terminal helices, is involved in this inhibitory activity, which is abrogated when phosphorylation site serine-129 is mutated (S129A). Correspondingly, we find that MPTP/MPP+ and CCCP stress is accompanied by both phosphorylation (pS129) and aggregation of a-syn. Overall, our results indicate that a-syn can participate as a tethering protein to modulate Ca2+ flux between ER and mitochondria, with potential physiological significance. A-syn can also prevent cellular recovery from toxin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, which may represent a pathological role of a-syn in the etiology of PD.
Realization of quantum signal processing on a noisy quantum computer
Authors: Kikuchi Yuta , Mc Keever Conor , Coopmans Luuk , Lubasch Michael , Benedetti Marcello
Published: September 2023

Quantum signal processing (QSP) is a powerful toolbox for the design of quantum algorithms and can lead to asymptotically optimal computational costs. Its realization on noisy quantum computers without fault tolerance, however, is challenging because it requires a deep quantum circuit in general. We propose a strategy to run an entire QSP protocol on noisy quantum hardware by carefully reducing overhead costs at each step. To illustrate the approach, we consider the application of Hamiltonian simulation for which QSP implements a polynomial approximation of the time evolution operator. We test the protocol by running the algorithm on the Quantinuum H1-1 trapped-ion quantum computer powered by Honeywell. In particular, we compute the time dependence of bipartite entanglement entropies for Ising spin chains and find good agreements with exact numerical simulations. To make the best use of the device, we determine optimal experimental parameters by using a simplified error model for the hardware and numerically studying the trade-off between Hamiltonian simulation time, polynomial degree, and total accuracy. Our results are the first step in the experimental realization of QSP-based quantum algorithms.
Complete field-induced spectral response of the spin-1/2 triangular-lattice antiferromagnet CsYbSe2
Authors: Xie Tao , Eberharter A. A. , Xing Jie , Nishimoto S. , Brando M. , Khanenko P. , Sichelschmidt J. , Turrini A. A. , Mazzone D. G. , Naumov P. G. , Sanjeewa L. D. , Harrison N. , Sefat Athena S. , Normand B. , Läuchli A. M. , Podlesnyak A. , Nikitin S. E.
Published: September 2023

Fifty years after Anderson’s resonating valence-bond proposal, the spin-1/2 triangular-lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet (TLHAF) remains the ultimate platform to explore highly entangled quantum spin states in proximity to magnetic order. Yb-based delafossites are ideal candidate TLHAF materials, which allow experimental access to the full range of applied in-plane magnetic fields. We perform a systematic neutron scattering study of CsYbSe2, first proving the Heisenberg character of the interactions and quantifying the second-neighbor coupling. We then measure the complex evolution of the excitation spectrum, finding extensive continuum features near the 120°-ordered state, throughout the 1/3-magnetization plateau and beyond this up to saturation. We perform cylinder matrix-product-state (MPS) calculations to obtain an unbiased numerical benchmark for the TLHAF and spectacular agreement with the experimental spectra. The measured and calculated longitudinal spectral functions reflect the role of multi-magnon bound and scattering states. These results provide valuable insight into unconventional field-induced spin excitations in frustrated quantum materials.
Integrated Transcriptome Analysis of Long Noncoding RNA and mRNA in Developing and Aging Mouse Retina
Authors: Kong Kangjie , Wang Peiyuan , Xie Zihong , Wang Lu , Jiang Jiaxuan , Liu Yaoming , Du Shaolin , Jiang Jingwen , Song Yunhe , Lin Fengbin , Wang Wei , Fang Xiuli , Shi Zhuoxing , Zhang Xiulan , Chen Shida
Published: September 2023

Mice have emerged as a widely employed model for investigating various retinal diseases. However, the availability of comprehensive datasets capturing the entire developmental and aging stages of the mouse retina, particularly during the elderly period, encompassing integrated lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles, is limited. In this study, we assembled a total of 18 retina samples from mice across 6 distinct stages of development and aging (5 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 6 months, and 15 months) to conduct integrated lncRNA and mRNA sequencing analysis. This invaluable dataset offers a comprehensive transcriptomic resource of mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles during the natural progression of retinal development and aging. The discoveries stemming from this investigation will significantly contribute to the elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with various retinal diseases, such as congenital retinal dysplasia and retinal degenerative diseases.
Synchronization of passes in event and spatiotemporal soccer data
Authors: Biermann Henrik , Komitova Rumena , Raabe Dominik , Müller-Budack Eric , Ewerth Ralph , Memmert Daniel
Published: September 2023

The majority of soccer analysis studies investigates specific scenarios through the implementation of computational techniques, which involve the examination of either spatiotemporal position data (movement of players and the ball on the pitch) or event data (relating to significant situations during a match). Yet, only a few applications perform a joint analysis of both data sources despite the various involved advantages emerging from such an approach. One possible reason for this is a non-systematic error in the event data, causing a temporal misalignment of the two data sources. To address this problem, we propose a solution that combines the SwiftEvent online algorithm (Gensler and Sick in Pattern Anal Appl 21:543–562, 2018) with a subsequent refinement step that corrects pass timestamps by exploiting the statistical properties of passes in the position data. We evaluate our proposed algorithm on ground-truth pass labels of four top-flight soccer matches from the 2014/15 season. Results show that the percentage of passes within half a second to ground truth increases from 14 to 70%, while our algorithm also detects localization errors (noise) in the position data. A comparison with other models shows that our algorithm is superior to baseline models and comparable to a deep learning pass detection method (while requiring significantly less data). Hence, our proposed lightweight framework offers a viable solution that enables groups facing limited access to (recent) data sources to effectively synchronize passes in the event and position data.
An extraocular electrical stimulation approach to slow down the progression of retinal degeneration in an animal model
Authors: Gonzalez Calle Alejandra , Paknahad Javad , Pollalis Dimitrios , Kosta Pragya , Thomas Biju , Tew Ben Yi , Salhia Bodour , Louie Stan , Lazzi Gianluca , Humayun Mark
Published: September 2023

Retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are characterized by unrelenting neuronal death. However, electrical stimulation has been shown to induce neuroprotective changes in the retina capable of slowing down the progression of retinal blindness. In this work, a multi-scale computational model and modeling platform were used to design electrical stimulation strategies to better target the bipolar cells (BCs), that along with photoreceptors are affected at the early stage of retinal degenerative diseases. Our computational findings revealed that biphasic stimulus pulses of long pulse duration could decrease the activation threshold of BCs, and the differential stimulus threshold between ganglion cells (RGCs) and BCs, offering the potential of targeting the BCs during the early phase of degeneration. In vivo experiments were performed to evaluate the electrode placement and parameters found to target bipolar cells and evaluate the safety and efficacy of the treatment. Results indicate that the proposed transcorneal Electrical Stimulation (TES) strategy can attenuate retinal degeneration in a Royal College of Surgeon (RCS) rodent model, offering the potential to translate this work to clinical practice.
Fluid intake at work in foresters working in different thermal conditions
Authors: Orysiak J. , Młynarczyk M. , Tomaszewski P.
Published: September 2023

The primary aim of this study was to assess the impact of fluid intake on hydration status indices in men at work. The secondary aim was to determine the type of fluids drunk at work in different thermal conditions. Fifty-nine male foresters were examined before and after one working day during summer, autumn, and winter. Before and after work, urine and blood samples were obtained from foresters. Immediately after a shift, participants completed a questionnaire regarding fluid intake during one working day. The amount of fluid consumed affects the hydration urine indices. Urine specific gravity and urine osmolality significantly decreased with increasing fluid intake (r = − 0.385 and r = − 0.405, respectively). Moreover, an impact of season on the type of fluids consumed by workers was observed. Tea was significantly more often chosen by workers to drink in winter (68%) than in summer (32%) (p = 0.026). The consumption of any non-alcoholic fluids contributes to the daily total water intake, but it is necessary to create individualized fluid replacement plans. Workers should know how much and what types of drinks to consume at work.
Key topographic parameters driving surface adhesion of Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Papa Steve , Maalouf Mathieu , Claudel Pierre , Sedao Xxx , Di Maio Yoan , Hamzeh-Cognasse Hind , Thomas Mireille , Guignandon Alain , Dumas Virginie
Published: September 2023

Dental implant failure is primarily due to peri-implantitis, a consequence of bacterial biofilm formation. Bacterial adhesion is strongly linked to micro-/nano-topographies of a surface; thus an assessment of surface texture parameters is essential to understand bacterial adhesion. In this study, mirror polished titanium samples (Ti6Al4V) were irradiated with a femtosecond laser (fs-L) at a wavelength of 1030 nm (infrared) with variable laser parameters (laser beam polarization, number, spacing and organization of the impacts). Images of 3-D topographies were obtained by focal variation microscopy and analyzed with MountainsMap software to measure surface parameters. From bacteria associated with peri-implantitis, we selectedPorphyromonas gingivalisto evaluate its adhesion on Ti6Al4V surfaces in an in vitro study. Correlations between various surface parameters andP. gingivalisadhesion were investigated. We discovered that Sa value, a common measure of surface roughness, was not sufficient in describing the complexity of these fs-L treated surfaces and their bacterial interaction. We found that Sku, density and mean depths of the furrows, were the most accurate parameters for this purpose. These results provide important information that could help anticipate the bacterial adhesive properties of a surface based on its topographic parameters, thus the development of promising laser designed biofunctional implants.
Awareness, behavior, and determinants of dietary salt intake in adults: results from the National NCD Monitoring Survey, India
Authors: Mathur Prashant , Kulothungan Vaitheeswaran , Nath Anita , Vinay Urs K. S. , Ramakrishnan Lakshmy
Published: September 2023

A diet high in sodium contributes to a significant proportion of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) due to cardiovascular diseases. This paper describes the awareness, behaviour and determinants related to dietary salt intake in an adult population of 18–69 years that were assessed as part of the National NCD Monitoring Survey (NNMS) in India. A sub-sample of 3000 adults selected through simple random sampling from 150 nationally representative Primary Sampling Units (PSUs) was included. Data regarding awareness and behaviour related to dietary salt intake were collected. Urinary sodium excretion in spot urine samples was estimated and used to calculate dietary salt intake. The dietary salt intake’s sociodemographic, behavioural and metabolic determinants were also analysed. Less than one-third of the adults of both genders in all age groups in rural and urban areas were aware that daily high salt intake could affect health. The estimated mean daily salt intake was 8.0 g (8.9 g/day for men and 7.1 g/day for women). The salt intake was significantly higher in men [Adjusted OR = 17.66 (5.24–59.46)], rural areas [Adjusted OR = 6.14 (1.83–20.60)], overweight and obese respondents [Adjusted OR = 17.62 (3.17–98.07)]. The perception of the harmful effects of high salt intake and practices to limit salt intake was low in the study population. The mean daily salt intake was higher than the WHO recommendation of up to 5 g daily. The mean dietary salt intake is high in the Indian population, which calls for planning and implementing control of dietary salt consumption measures.
Green synthesis, characterization, anti-SARS-CoV-2 entry, and replication of lactoferrin-coated zinc nanoparticles with halting lung fibrosis induced in adult male albino rats
Authors: El-Fakharany Esmail M. , El-Maradny Yousra A. , Ashry Mahmoud , Abdel-Wahhab Khaled G. , Shabana Marwa E. , El-Gendi Hamada
Published: September 2023

The ethanolic extract of Coleus forskohlii Briq leaves was employed in the green synthesis of zinc nanoparticles (Zn-NPs) by an immediate, one-step, and cost-effective method in the present study. Zn-NPs were coated with purified bovine lactoferrin (LF) and characterized through different instrumental analysis. The biosynthesized Zn-NPs were white in color revealing oval to spherical-shaped particles with an average size of 77 ± 5.50 nm, whereas LF-coated Zn-NPs (LF-Zn-NPs) revealed a larger particles size of up to 98 ± 6.40 nm. The biosynthesized Zn-NPs and LF-Zn-NPs revealed negatively charged surfaces with zeta-potentials of – 20.25 ± 0.35 and – 44.3 ± 3.25 mV, respectively. Interestingly, the LF-Zn-NPs showed potent in vitro retardation for SARS-CoV-2 entry to host cells by binding to the ACE2-receptor and spike protein receptor binding domain at IC50 values of 59.66 and μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the results indicated the ability of LF-Zn-NPs to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication by interfering with RNA-dependent RNA polymerase “RdRp” activity at IC50 of 49.23 μg/mL. In vivo, the LF-Zn-NPs displayed a protective and therapeutic activity against induced pulmonary fibrosis in Bleomycin-treated male albino rats owing to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and significant reduction in CRP, LDH, ferritin, and D-dimer levels. The obtained findings offer a promising route for biosynthesized Zn-NPs and LF-Zn-NPs as promising candidates against COVID-19.