bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A coronary coronary-to-coronary fistula around the main pulmonary artery
Authors: Gherca Stefan , Leibundgut Gregor , Zubizarreta-Oteiza Jokin , Haaf Philip
Published: October 2024

Coronary-to-coronary fistulas are rare anomalies, often detected incidentally. These fistulas may involve complex vascular connections around major cardiac structures, such as the pulmonary artery. Functional assessments help determine clinical significance, with management typically involving observation for asymptomatic patients, while symptomatic cases may require intervention to prevent complications.
On the Preeminence of Euclidean Geometry: Nash’s Embedding Theorems
Authors: Dumitru Mircea , Ornea Liviu
Published: October 2024

According to Kant’s philosophy of geometry, Euclidean geometry is synthetic a priori. The advent of non-Euclidean geometries proved this position at least problematic, if not obsolete. However, based on Nash’s embedding theorems we show that a weaker notion of preeminence supports the view that Euclidean geometry, even though not strictly a priori, enjoys a more fundamental status than non-Euclidean geometries.
Screening herbal and natural product libraries to aid discovery of novel allosteric modulators of human P2X7
Authors: Bidula Stefan , Piyasirananda Waraporn , Bielecka Hanna , Bibič Lučka , Beekman Andrew , Stokes Leanne
Published: October 2024

P2X7 is an emerging therapeutic target for several disorders and diseases due to its role in inflammatory signalling. This study aimed to exploit the unique chemical libraries of plants used in traditional medicinal practices to discover novel allosteric modulators from natural sources. We identified several compounds from the NCI Natural Product library as P2X7 antagonists including confertifolin and digallic acid (IC50 values 3.86 µM and 4.05 µM). We also identified scopafungin as a novel positive allosteric modulator of hP2X7. Screening a traditional medicinal plant extract library revealed 39 plant species with inhibitory action at hP2X7 and 17 plant species with positive allosteric modulator activity. Using computational docking to filter identified components from these plant species and determine potential antagonists, we investigated nine purified chemicals including flavonoids quercetin, kaempferol, ECG, and EGCG. These were shown to inhibit ATP-induced YO-PRO-1 uptake into HEK-hP2X7 cells; however, we also showed that all four flavonoids demonstrated significant assay interference using a cell-free DNA YO-PRO-1 fluorescence test. One plant extract, Dioscorea nipponica, demonstrating positive modulator activity was investigated, and dioscin was identified as a glycoside with PAM activity in ATP-induced YO-PRO-1 uptake assay and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. However, membrane permeabilisation was observed following application > 10 min limiting the use of dioscin as a pharmacological tool. This work describes a useful workflow with multiple assays for the identification of novel allosteric modulators for human P2X7.
Impact of organic contaminants in soils from Important Bird and Biodiversity areas
Authors: Dulsat-Masvidal Maria , Ciudad Carlos , Infante Octavio , Mateo Rafael , Lacorte Silvia
Published: October 2024

Soils act as sinks for many organic contaminants, posing a threat to biodiversity and essential ecosystem services. In this study, we assessed the contamination status of soils in 140 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in Spain. Fifty-two organic contaminants including organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and plasticizers or plastic related such as phthalates, bisphenol A, nonylphenol, and organophosphate esters (OPEs) were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). The mean soil concentration ranged from 1.41 to 917 ng/g and plasticizer and PAHs were detected at the highest concentrations, while OCPs were the most frequently detected. Hierarchical clustering on principal components (HCPC) and land use data associated PCBs with artificial land, phthalates with industrial sites and incineration plants and PAHs with burned areas, and in a lesser extent pesticides with agricultural activities. A tier I environmental risk assessment (ERA) was performed to identify the most impacted natural areas and the most concerning compounds. Out of the 140 IBAs, 95 presented at least one compound at high-risk concentrations (RQ > 1) for soil organisms. The OPPs chlorpyrifos and malathion, together with the PAH benzo[b]fluoranthene, were detected at high-risk concentrations. Overall, this study highlights the widespread presence of organic contaminants in areas of high natural value and the importance of implementing monitoring studies to identify potential contaminated sites that require conservation and remediation actions for the protection of biodiversity.
Increased 1H-NMR metabolomics-based health score associates with declined cognitive performance and functional independence in older adults at risk of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Zonneveld Michelle H. , Al Kuhaili Nour , Mooijaart Simon P. , Slagboom P. Eline , Jukema J. Wouter , Noordam Raymond , Trompet Stella
Published: October 2024

The 1-HMR metabolomics-based MetaboHealth score, comprised of 14 serum metabolic markers, associates with disease-specific mortality, but it is unclear whether the score also reflects cognitive changes and functional impairment. We aimed to assess the associations between the MetaboHealth score with cognitive function and functional decline in older adults at increased cardiovascular risk. A total of 5292 older adults free of dementia at baseline with mean age 75.3 years (SD = 3.4) from the Prospective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly (PROSPER). MetaboHealth score were measured at baseline, and cognitive function and functional independence were measured at baseline and every 3 months during up to 2.5 years follow-up. Cognitive function was assessed using the Stroop test (selective attention), the Letter Digit Coding test (LDCT) (processing speed), and the two versions of the Picture Learning test (delayed and immediate; memory). Two tests of functional independence were used: Barthel Index (BI) and instrumental activities at daily living (IADL). A higher MetaboHealth score was associated with worse cognitive function (in all domains) and with worse functional independence. For example, after full adjustments, a 1-SD higher MetaboHealth score was associated with 9.02 s (95%CI 7.29, 10.75) slower performance on the Stroop test and 2.79 (2.21, 3.26) less digits coded on the LDCT. During follow-up, 1-SD higher MetaboHealth score was associated with an additional decline of 0.53 s (0.23, 0.83) on the Stroop test and − 0.08 (− 0.11, − 0.06) points on the IADL. Metabolic disturbance, as reflected by an increased metabolomics-based health score, may mark future cognitive and functional decline.
Current constraints to reconcile tropical forest restoration and bioeconomy
Authors: Krainovic Pedro Medrado , Brandão Diego Oliveira , Resende Angélica Faria , Schons Stella Z. , Munhoz Leonardo , Metzger Jean Paul , Nascimento Nathália C. , Rodrigues Ricardo Ribeiro , Brancalion Pedro H. S. , Guillemot Joannès , de-Miguel Sergio
Published: October 2024

Large-scale forest restoration is vital for delivering a broad array of ecosystem services benefits to society. However, it is often perceived as an economically noncompetitive land use choice. Integrating economic opportunities into restoration aligns socioeconomic and environmental goals, reducing conflicts between forest production and conservation-oriented management decisions. Supply chains focusing on high-value goods can enhance the reach of forest restoration efforts and unite ecological and economic benefits in a multifunctional manner. The bioeconomy has emerged as a potential but critical driver for attracting investments in restoration. We outline the challenges and solutions to reconcile forest restoration and bioeconomy, specifically about (i) native timber production, (ii) non-timber forest products, (iii) biotechnological products, and (iv) intangible ecosystem services. This requires collaborative and multidisciplinary efforts to improve investment in large-scale projects. The intricacies of these issues intersect with research development, market dynamics, legal frameworks, and regulatory paradigms, underscoring the necessity for nuanced and tailored public policy interventions. These integrated approaches should enable tropical countries to lead the global forest-based economy and usher in a new era of forest restoration.

Graphical abstract
Human-bird interactions in the Levant during the Late Pleistocene to Early Holocene: Multi-scalar analysis of avifaunal remains
Authors: Yeomans Lisa , Mazzucato Camilla
Published: October 2024

This paper describes analyses of avifauna from Levantine Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene sites at contrasting scales. We present avian osteological data at Shubayqa, in northeast Jordan, illustrating human-bird-environment interactions over 4000 years offering interpretation of environmental change on avifaunal communities and reorientation in the nature of multi-species relationships at a wetland environment. Comparisons to published avifaunal assemblages investigates bird-human relationships across a broader temporal and geographical span. During the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene, some of our species gradually transitioned to agriculture. People hunted birds for subsistence but extensive evidence for the symbolic importance of birds suggests complex relationships between species. Avifaunal evidence, therefore, presents insights into two commonly suggested primary causes for the shift from hunter-foragers to agriculturalists – resource pressure and symbolic expression. In this paper, we investigate and try to clarify the relationship between humans and birds at this transitional period in human history, furthering discussions of the shift towards agriculture. We argue humans gradually modified the landscape but this was not a reactionary response to resource stress. Nevertheless, this resulted in the productivity of the landscape increasing and allowed further intensification. Feathers and talons of birds were used for millennia preceding the shift to agriculture and the increase in bird hunting towards the end of the Pleistocene cannot be explained by the increased role of birds in the symbolic realm. The evidence from the avifauna adds weight to the idea of ecological niche construction activities, as people invested in specific locations, increasing productivity of habitats, thus encouraging further investment within some environments.
Worldwide prevalence of chagas cardiomyopathy—an analysis from the global burden of disease dataset
Authors: Minhas Abdul Mannan Khan , Marcus Rachel , Virani Salim S. , Shapiro Michael D. , Mentz Robert J. , Echeverria Luis E. , Arcobello Jonathan T. , Abramov Dmitry
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The worldwide prevalence of Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCM) as well as the trends in the prevalence of CCM over time have not been well characterized.

Methods

An analysis of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data from 1990 to 2019 was conducted to assess the burden of CCM. This study focused on determining the prevalence of CCM, along with its age-standardized prevalence rate (ASR) per 1,00,000 people, considering various patient demographics and geographical regions as defined in the GBD. Additionally, the study examined the temporal trends over this 30-year period by calculating the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) in CCM prevalence for the global population and specific subgroups.

Results

Worldwide, the GBD reported 220,166 individuals with CCM in 1990 and 2,83,236 individuals in 2019, with a decline in the ASR from 5.23 (3.34–7.47) to 3.42 (2.2–4.91) per 1,00,000 individuals during that period. In 2019, the prevalence was highest in individuals over age 70 and in males compared to females. Among available geographic classifications in 2019, Latin American regions had the highest rates (ASR of 39.49–61.15/1,00,000), while high income North American and Western European regions had the lowest rates (ASRs of 0.67 and 0.34/1,00,000, respectively). Between 1990 and 2019, the worldwide prevalence of CCM per 1,00,000 decreased (EAPC of −0.35, −0.37 to −0.32), with similar trends among most regions and subgroups.

Conclusion

This analysis of the GBD data reveals both global and country-specific patterns in the prevalence and trends of CCM. Notably, CCM shows the highest prevalence in Latin American countries, although it’s also significantly present in regions beyond Latin America. Notably, the global age-standardized rate of CCM is on the decline, suggesting improvements in healthcare strategies or lifestyle changes across the world.
Moral Injury Among Youth: Historical Accounts, Current Research and Future Directions
Authors: Wycoff Kirby L. , Bohn Gareth , Foleno Felicia
Published: October 2024

This manuscript explores the definition and historical context of Moral Injury (MI), detailing its psychological and spiritual impact on individuals, including youth populations. Morals are our beliefs and understanding of what is right and wrong. They are often informed by cultural and social norms and typically encompass values and responsibilities that individuals use to judge whether an action is right or wrong. MI is a psychological phenomenon that can unfold when there is a loss of trust in these beliefs or others' ability to keep our shared moral agreements. Traditionally associated with military personnel, MI has evolved to include other populations, including youth and family systems. This piece explores moral development among youth populations and how injuries to moral codes are particularly salient in youth populations and family systems. Special attention is given to MI's unique manifestations and implications in childhood and adolescence. The manuscript concludes with a call to action for further research that prioritizes and integrates youths' own voices in understanding and addressing MI.
From Counting Dollars to Counting Sheep: Exploring Simultaneous Change in Economic Well-Being and Sleep among African American Adolescents
Authors: Thompson Morgan J. , McWood Leanna M. , Buckhalt Joseph A. , El-Sheikh Mona
Published: October 2024

In the U.S.A., Black/African American adolescents disproportionately experience short and poor-quality sleep, and there is little understanding of why some experience decrements or improvements in sleep over time. Toward conducting culturally specific research and identifying processes that uniquely explain variability within a racial/ethnic group, we utilized a within-group design to examine socioeconomic status (SES) as a predictor of Black adolescents’ sleep. Few studies have examined change-on-change processes in sleep over time. Contributing to the literature in novel ways, we assessed the predictive effect of change in SES over one year on changes in four actigraphy-derived sleep parameters over the same time period. Participants were 218 Black adolescents (Time 1: Mage = 17.09 years; 54.6% female) and their mothers from socioeconomically diverse backgrounds. Adolescents participated in two-waves of data collection spaced approximately one year apart. At each wave, we assessed economic well-being (used to index SES) and sleep using 7 nights of actigraphy from which we derived measures of sleep duration (minutes) and quality (efficiency, long-wake episodes, activity). Latent difference score analyses revealed that adolescents experiencing increases in SES over one year exhibited decreases in both long-wake episodes and sleep activity over one year. Findings suggest that individual differences in change in SES explain individual differences in change in adolescents’ sleep quality. Notably, findings highlight the utility of within-group designs for identifying culturally specific processes that predict improvements in sleep quality in a sample at disproportionate risk for sleep and health disparities.
Neurechte Verlagspolitik
Authors: Thomalla Erika
Published: October 2024

Der Beitrag untersucht Strategien neurechter Verlagspolitik. Als Reaktion auf Boykotte des Online-Buchhandels seit 2014 wurden kleinteilige Kooperationen ausgebildet. Über ›kuratierte‹ Programme vernetzt sich das heterogene Milieu. Zugleich eignen sich die Verlage nicht-rechte Gegenwarts- und Popliteratur an, die neben eigenen Publikationen beworben und vertrieben wird.
Calibrating lower-middle Miocene mammal faunas and unravelling climate change during the Miocene Climate Optimum: the Bardenas Reales de Navarra record (Ebro basin, NE Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Larrasoaña Juan Cruz , Suarez-Hernando Oier , Beamud Elisabet , Garcés Miguel , Pérez-Landazábal José Ignacio , Gómez-Polo Cristina , Ruiz-Sánchez Francisco Javier , Mata Maria Pilar , Murelaga Xabier
Published: October 2024

The chronology of lower Miocene Iberian small mammal faunas is still poorly constrained given the scarcity of well dated sedimentary successions including small mammal fossil localities. Such scarcity has prevented also an accurate understanding of the response of European terrestrial ecosystem to global changes across the Miocene climate optimum (MCO), one of the best analogues of present-day global warming. Here we present an updated fossil small mammal record of the Bardenas Reales de Navarra (western Ebro basin, Spain), where an expanded lower to middle Miocene continental succession is superbly exposed. Previous and new magnetostratigraphic results from this succession have enabled us to propose, along with additional magnetostratigraphically-dated Iberian faunas, a new chronology for local zones Y to D (Mammal Neogene zones MN2 to MN5). In addition to that, the studied small mammal faunas point to a gradual increase in temperature and humidity conditions in SW Europe between 20 and 15.5 Ma, which appears to be coupled with the progressive shift towards warmer regional (Atlantic) and global conditions across the MCO, thereby pointing to gradual changes in oceanic circulation as the main driver of this period of global warmth. The evolution of sedimentary facies appears to indicate a threshold response of the Ebro basin hydrological balance to the MCO, whereas pedogenic formation of magnetic minerals seems to be linked to periods of enhanced climate variability. These results highlight the need of combining different paleoenvironmental indicators in order to obtain a reliable view of the response of continental ecosystems to global warming.
IUP Technological Signatures or Mousterian Variability? The Case of Riparo l'Oscurusciuto (Southern Italy)
Authors: Carmignani Leonardo , Soressi Marie , Ronchitelli Annamaria , Boschin Francesco
Published: October 2024

In the Italian peninsula, the Late Middle Paleolithic exhibits significant technological diversity, featuring blades, points, and bladelets. Assemblages displaying these distinctive characteristics have, in some cases, been labeled as Musteriano evoluto or Evolved Mousterian, and they are interpreted as contributing to the technological and typological variability within the Middle Paleolithic. In this study, we report the results of a detailed technological analysis of the lithics recovered from the latest layers preserved at Riparo l’Oscurusciuto (SU1 to SU3) in southern Italy. These layers were previously attributed to the Late Mousterian based on their chronological age and a preliminary techno/typological analysis of a small number of artifacts. Our comprehensive analysis of entire assemblages reveals the presence of original technological features, including blades, bladelets, and specific production of micro-points on flake cores. Some of these technological traits are comparable to those recently described at Grotte Mandrin in south-eastern France, which have been attributed to an early phase of the Initial Upper Paleolithic and associated with one modern human tooth. The study confirms the variability of the Late Middle Paleolithic in southern Italy and emphasizes the necessity to reassess it considering recent theories on the earlier arrival of Homo sapiens in Europe and their potential interaction with local populations.
Tinnitus and dementia risk: a nationwide population-based case-control study
Authors: Butt Wesley W W , Wieland Daniel R , Wang Han , Lin Ching-Heng , Wang Jing-Jie , Weng Chien-Hsiang
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aimed to determine if a history of tinnitus is associated with the risk of developing dementia.

Method

A nationwide population-based case–control study including all eligible adults in Taiwan.

Results

A total of 15 686 patients were included in the study, with 7843 individuals making up each of the case and control groups. Patients with a history of tinnitus were associated with a statistically significant higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia before reaching 65 years old (50 years ≤ age <65 years) (adjusted odds ratio 2.68, 95 per cent confidence interval (CI) 1.19–6.05, p = 0.017). No statistical significance was found among those 65 years and older (adjusted odds ratio 1.17, 95 per cent CI 0.90–1.51, p = 0.235).

Conclusion

A history of tinnitus was associated with a 168 per cent increased risk of being diagnosed with dementia in those aged 50–65 years old. This association was not significant in those older than 65 years.
Most integers are not a sum of two palindromes
Authors: ZAKHAROV DMITRII
Published: October 2024

For
$g \geqslant 2$
, we show that the number of positive integers at most X which can be written as sum of two base g palindromes is at most
${X}/{\log^c X}$
. This answers a question of Baxter, Cilleruelo and Luca.
Two worlds, one nation? Comparing the political spaces of Flanders and Francophone Belgium
Authors: Delespaul Daan , Meeusen Cecil , Abts Koen , Swyngedouw Marc
Published: October 2024

The transformation of the Belgian party system has unfolded asymmetrically: while conservative and far-right parties have thrived in Flanders, the populist right vote has not (yet) been mobilized in Francophone Belgium. Focusing on the demand side of electoral politics, this article explores whether these disparities on the supply side mirror distinct political dimensions and cleavages in both regions. By using an innovative methodology of (class-specific) multiple correspondence analysis, we find that the Flemish and the Francophone political space are largely alike – both in terms of the composition of their political dimensions as in their cleavage structure. However, we also find that Francophones adhere to a distinctive welfare consensus, which prevents working-class embourgeoisement and likely moderates the electoral fortunes of the far right. Overall, our results challenge the common stereotypes of a ‘conservative Flanders’ and a ‘progressive Wallonia’.
How do students translate? A study of the translation process from student perspectives at Key Stage 3
Authors: Jacobs Thomas
Published: October 2024

Achieving proficiency in reading Latin is the stated aim of nearly every Latin course the world over. However, very little research has been devoted to how beginner students attempt to process Latin when it is placed in front of them for the first time. This paper aims to fill this gap, based on a study of students still relatively close to the start of their Latin journeys. I found that they tend to read Latin sentences in their original order, breaking them down into individual lexical items, and trying to discern their meaning by looking for similarities with words they already know. They will usually skip over words they do not recognise, returning to them later. This suggests that, as they become more familiar with Latin vocabulary and grammar, and so long as they are not taught to read in a different order, they will continue to read Latin in the order it is written. There is, however, a perception among many of the students that grammar is difficult, and so they tend to overly rely on context and common sense instead. Going forward, I would try to ensure my students become more confident with their grammar, as context can sometimes lead them astray. However, it is clear that, rather than just giving them tables and lists to learn, they need as much exposure to the grammatical forms ‘in the wild’ as possible, to promote ease of recognition.
Can creative writing in Latin support students' confidence in and enjoyment of A Level prose composition?
Authors: Romain Emily
Published: October 2024

This research aims to explore the ways in which creative writing may be used as a pedagogical tool in the Latin language classroom, in particular how creative writing may benefit students in Latin prose composition. The lesson sequence delivered as part of this research was undertaken in an academically-selective, independent coeducational school in an affluent, inner-metropolitan area. The sequence of four 60-minute lessons formed part of the language (as opposed to literature) portion of timetabled Latin lessons for a group of nine Year 12 students (aged 16–17). As part of their language lessons, the students had been following a course of study in prose composition based upon Andrew Leigh's (2019) Latin Prose Composition: A Guide from GCSE to A Level and Beyond1. The lesson sequence was intended to build on this work by making use of, and thus consolidating, grammatical constructions and vocabulary which the students had already encountered in the context of prose composition. The sequence was designed in such a way that students were required to apply their linguistic knowledge in new and creative ways. Students' responses to the various activities were positive and they expressed enjoyment in the methodologies.
A critical analysis of pupils' use of the CLC digital explorer tool at Key Stage 3
Authors: Malik Iaomie
Published: October 2024

The study concerns the use made by Year 8 pupils of Latin using the ‘Explorer’ digital learning tool (part of the digital learning resources of the Cambridge Latin Course). Through close attention to transcripts of students working in pairs using the tool, which provides vocabulary and language analysis of continuous Latin prose narratives, the author notes its value in promoting inter-pupil discussion and collaborative learning. Recommendations include that teachers should consider the positive value of the tool as a means to promote discussion, but that pupils also need to be taught how to use the language analyser.
An action research project to evaluate a simple dictionary usage tool with year 7 students of Latin
Authors: Morton Tara
Published: October 2024

This article investigates dictionary usage with Year 7 students of Latin. During my lesson observations I noticed how much students relied on looking up words in the dictionary when working on translation from Latin to English. I wanted to find out if there was the potential for a more interactive and/or memorable way for students to work with their dictionaries. This action research project was carried out in an all-boys, secondary, selective school. I noticed that when students were set to work on translation from Latin to English, they spent a significant amount of time looking up words in the dictionary at the back of the booklet. Often by the time they had looked up the word in question and then turned back to the translation, they had already forgotten the meaning of the word they had looked up. Additionally, the words they were looking for were words that they had already encountered several times but forgotten the meaning of since the last time they had looked it up or seen it. The research confirmed that merely copying the words that students looked up down multiple times helped them recall the vocabulary better than if they simply looked the words up.
44th JACT Latin summer school – 2024 director's report
Authors: Stephenson David
Published: October 2024

This is a review of the activities and successes of the 44th residential JACT Latin Summer School, run in July–August 2024. Specifically, it covers our typical teaching arrangement, lectures, trips and events and acknowledges the generosity of our sponsors.
H+, He+, He++, O++, N+ EMIC Wave Occurrence and Its Dependence on Geomagnetic Conditions: Results From 7 Years of Van Allen Probes Observations
Authors: Usanova M. E. , Woodger L. A. , Blum L. W. , Ergun R. E. , Girard C. , Gallagher D. L. , Millan R. M. , Sample J. G. , Johnson A. T. , Mann I. R.
Published: October 2024

Electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves are believed to play an important role in the dynamics of the inner magnetosphere, including the ring current, the radiation belts and potentially, the cold plasma. In this work, we investigate their occurrence in the magnetosphere and the geomagnetic and solar wind conditions which lead to their excitation. We use an automated detection algorithm of EMIC waves observed by Van Allen Probes over the entire mission duration between 2012 and 2019. Consistent with earlier studies, we find that the H+ band occurrence maximizes in the dayside magnetosphere during enhancements of solar wind dynamic pressure. Both the H+ and He+ band are also generated along the duskside magnetosphere during disturbed geomagnetic conditions. In addition, to H+ and He+ bands commonly surveyed, we investigate the occurrence of H+ waves above and below 0.5 H+ gyrofrequency, as well as wave occurrence in the N+ and O++ bands. Most H+ waves are observed in the band below 0.5fH+. We find several events in the N+ band, indicative of their very low occurrence. The O++ band is observed during disturbed geomagnetic conditions and high solar wind dynamic pressure at low L‐shells. Its radial localization coincides with the O++ torus. This study provides a comprehensive picture of EMIC wave distribution and insight into ion composition in the inner magnetosphere during variable geomagnetic conditions.
Association of ultra-processed food consumption with cardiovascular risk factors among patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Heidari Seyedmahalleh Mohammad , Nasli-Esfahani Ensieh , Zeinalabedini Mobina , Azadbakht Leila
Published: October 2024

Background

Ultra-processed foods mainly have high energy content and density and low nutrients. Unhealthy lifestyles mainly develop cardiovascular diseases and, as a result, unhealthy food patterns.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and the risk of novel cardiovascular disease (CVDs) in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients (T2DM).

Method

This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted on 490 type-2 diabetes mellitus patients. A validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire evaluated food intake. Ultra-processed foods were assessed according to NOVA classification. Cardiovascular risk factors such as Castelli risk index 1 and 2 (CRI-I and II), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), lipid accumulation product (LAP), and cholesterol index (CI) were assessed by traditional CVD risk factors. The anthropometric indices predicting CVD, such as a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), and abdominal volume index (AVI), were assessed.

Results

Each 20-gram increase in UPF consumption was associated with a significant elevation in serum level of TC [B (SE): 1.214 (0.537); 95% CI: 0.159–2.269] and lower HDL serum concentration [B (SE): −0.371 (0.155); 95% CI: −0.675 to −0.067]. The crude model for CRI 1 [B (SE): 0.032 (0.012); 95% CI: 0.009–0.056], CRI 2 [B (SE): 0.022 (0.009); 95% CI: 0.004–0.040], and AIP [B (SE): 0.006 (0.003); 95% CI: 0.000–0.012] showed significant adverse effects.

Conclusions

Our study showed that higher consumption of UPFs is associated with higher chances of developing cardiovascular diseases in T2DM patients.
Early Intervention services in the era of genomic medicine: setting a research agenda
Authors: MacDuffie Katherine E. , Cohn Betty , Appelbaum Paul , Brothers Kyle B. , Doherty Dan , Goldenberg Aaron J. , Reynolds Elizabeth , Smith Hadley Stevens , Wheeler Anne , Yu Joon-Ho
Published: October 2024

Newborn genomic sequencing (NBSeq) has the potential to substantially improve early detection of rare genetic conditions, allowing for pre-symptomatic treatment to optimize outcomes. Expanding conceptions of the clinical utility of NBSeq include earlier access to behavioral early intervention to support the acquisition of core motor, cognitive, communication, and adaptive skills during critical windows in early development. However, important questions remain about equitable access to early intervention programs for the growing number of infants identified with a genetic condition via NBSeq. We review the current NBSeq public health, clinical, and research landscape, and highlight ongoing international research efforts to collect population-level data on the utility of NBSeq for healthy newborns. We then explore the challenges facing a specific Early Intervention (EI) system—the US federally supported “Part C” system—for meeting the developmental needs of young children with genetic diagnoses, including structural limitations related to funding, variable eligibility criteria, and lack of collaboration with newborn screening programs. We conclude with a set of questions to guide future research at the intersection of NBSeq, newborn screening, and EI, which once answered, can steer future policy to ensure that EI service systems can optimally support the developmental needs of infants impacted by broader implementation of NBSeq.

Impact

Existing literature on the clinical benefits of genome sequencing in newborns tends to focus on earlier provision of medical interventions, with less attention to the ongoing developmental needs of very young children with genetic conditions.

This review outlines the developmental needs of a growing number of children diagnosed with genetic conditions in infancy and describes the strengths and limitations of the United States Early Intervention system (IDEA Part C) for meeting those needs.
Infrared thermochromic antenna composite for self-adaptive thermoregulation
Authors: Ramirez-Cuevas Francisco V. , Gurunatha Kargal L. , Li Lingxi , Zulfiqar Usama , Sathasivam Sanjayan , Tiwari Manish K. , Parkin Ivan P. , Papakonstantinou Ioannis
Published: October 2024

Self-adaptive thermoregulation, the mechanism living organisms use to balance their temperature, holds great promise for decarbonizing cooling and heating processes. This functionality can be effectively emulated by engineering the thermal emissivity of materials to adapt to background temperature variations. Yet, solutions that marry large emissivity switching ($$\varDelta \epsilon$$
Δ
ϵ
) with scalability, cost-effectiveness, and design freedom are still lacking. Here, we fill this gap by introducing infrared dipole antennas made of tunable thermochromic materials. We demonstrate that non-spherical antennas (rods, stars and flakes) made of vanadium-dioxide can exhibit a massive (~200-fold) increase in their absorption cross-section as temperature rises. Embedding these antennas in polymer films, or simply spraying them directly, creates free-form thermoregulation composites, featuring an outstanding $$\varDelta \epsilon \sim 0.6$$
Δ
ϵ
~
0.6
in spectral ranges that can be tuned at will. Our research paves the way for versatile self-adaptive heat management solutions (coatings, fibers, membranes, and films) that could find application in radiative-cooling, heat-sensing, thermal-camouflage, and other.
Dissected antiporter modules establish minimal proton-conduction elements of the respiratory complex I
Authors: Beghiah Adel , Saura Patricia , Badolato Sofia , Kim Hyunho , Zipf Johanna , Auman Dirk , Gamiz-Hernandez Ana P. , Berg Johan , Kemp Grant , Kaila Ville R. I.
Published: October 2024

The respiratory Complex I is a highly intricate redox-driven proton pump that powers oxidative phosphorylation across all domains of life. Yet, despite major efforts in recent decades, its long-range energy transduction principles remain highly debated. We create here minimal proton-conducting membrane modules by engineering and dissecting the key elements of the bacterial Complex I. By combining biophysical, biochemical, and computational experiments, we show that the isolated antiporter-like modules of Complex I comprise all functional elements required for conducting protons across proteoliposome membranes. We find that the rate of proton conduction is controlled by conformational changes of buried ion-pairs that modulate the reaction barriers by electric field effects. The proton conduction is also modulated by bulky residues along the proton channels that are key for establishing a tightly coupled proton pumping machinery in Complex I. Our findings provide direct experimental evidence that the individual antiporter modules are responsible for the proton transport activity of Complex I. On a general level, our findings highlight electrostatic and conformational coupling mechanisms in the modular energy-transduction machinery of Complex I with distinct similarities to other enzymes.
Loss of HIV candidate vaccine efficacy in male macaques by mucosal nanoparticle immunization rescued by V2-specific response
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Arif , Bissa Massimiliano , Scinto Hanna , Howe Savannah E. , Sarkis Sarkis , Ma Zhong-Min , Gutowska Anna , Jiang Xunqing , Luo Christina C. , Schifanella Luca , Moles Ramona , Silva de Castro Isabela , Basu Shraddha , N’guessan Kombo F. , Williams LaTonya D. , Becerra-Flores Manuel , Doster Melvin N. , Hoang Tanya , Choo-Wosoba Hyoyoung , Woode Emmanuel , Sui Yongjun , Tomaras Georgia D. , Paquin-Proulx Dominic , Rao Mangala , Talton James D. , Kong Xiang-Peng , Zolla-Pazner Susan , Cardozo Timothy , Franchini Genoveffa , Berzofsky Jay A.
Published: October 2024

Systemic vaccination of macaques with V1-deleted (ΔV1) envelope immunogens reduce the risk of SIVmac251 acquisition by approximately 60%, with protective roles played by V2-specific ADCC and envelope-specific mucosal IL-17+NKp44+ innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). We investigated whether increased mucosal responses to V2 benefit vaccine efficacy by delivering oral nanoparticles (NPs) that release V2-scaffolded on Typhoid Toxin B (TTB) to the large intestine. Strikingly, mucosal immunization of male macaques abrogated vaccine efficacy with control TTB or empty NPs, but vaccine efficacy of up to 47.6% was preserved with V2-TTB NPs. The deleterious effects of NPs were linked to preferential recruitment of mucosal plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), reduction of protective mucosal NKp44+ ILCs, increased non-protective mucosal PMA/Ionomycin-induced IFN-γ+NKG2A-NKp44-ILCs, and increased levels of mucosal activated Ki67+CD4+ T cells, a potential target for virus infection. V2-TTB NP mucosal boosting rescued vaccine efficacy, likely via high avidity V2-specific antibodies mediating ADCC, and higher frequencies of mucosal NKp44+ ILCs and of ∆V1gp120 binding antibody-secreting B cells in the rectal mucosa. These findings emphasize the central role of systemic immunization and mucosal V2-specific antibodies in the protection afforded by ΔV1 envelope immunogens and encourage careful evaluation of vaccine delivery platforms to avoid inducing immune responses favorable to HIV transmission.
Deep mining reveals the diversity of endogenous viral elements in vertebrate genomes
Authors: Nino Barreat Jose Gabriel , Katzourakis Aris
Published: October 2024

Integration of viruses into host genomes can give rise to endogenous viral elements (EVEs), which provide insights into viral diversity, host range and evolution. A systematic search for EVEs is becoming computationally challenging given the available genomic data. We used a cloud-computing approach to perform a comprehensive search for EVEs in the kingdoms Shotokuvirae and Orthornavirae across vertebrates. We identified 2,040 EVEs in 295 vertebrate genomes and provide evidence for EVEs belonging to the families Chuviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Nairoviridae and Benyviridae. We also find an EVE from the Hepacivirus genus of flaviviruses with orthology across murine rodents. In addition, our analyses revealed that reptarenaviruses and filoviruses probably acquired their glycoprotein ectodomains three times independently from retroviral elements. Taken together, these findings encourage the addition of 4 virus families and the Hepacivirus genus to the growing virus fossil record of vertebrates, providing key insights into their natural history and evolution.
Biochemical and biological studies of irradiated and non-irradiated extracts of Solanum aculeastrum Dunal fruit
Authors: Amer Asmaa A. , Soliman Ahmed A. F. , Alshareef Walaa A. , Mandour Yasmine M. , Abdelrahman Mohamad T.
Published: October 2024

This study explores the impact of γ-irradiation on ethanolic extracts of Solanum aculeastrum Dunal. The anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties were investigated. The obtained results revealed that total phenol (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) of total ethanol extract (100%) (FTE) were higher than 70% ethanol extract (SE), and these contents increased after gamma radiation with 5 kGy. The results of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the Solanum aculeastrum extracts suggested that FTE and 5 kGy-irradiated FTE can be used to control and prevent skin infections caused by MRSA and endocarditis, urinary tract infections, and prostatitis caused by Enterococcus faecalis. The FTE sample irradiated at 5 kGy showed cytotoxicity for A431 and Hct-116 cell lines similar to the control sample and higher than the toxicity revealed by the samples irradiated at 10 kGy. In normal cells (Bj-1), the toxicity was decreased after irradiation (IC50 = 31 μg/ml) compared to the non-irradiated extract (IC50 = 26.1 μg/ml). Molecular docking suggested Sortase A to play a role in chlorogenic acid antibacterial activity towards Staphylococcus aureus. In conclusion, γ-irradiation can be used to enhance the phytoconstituents of Solanum aculeastrum fruit extracts and, consequently, its biological properties.
Molecular identification of hyaluronate lyase, not hyaluronidase, as an intrinsic hyaluronan-degrading enzyme in Clostridium perfringens strain ATCC 13124
Authors: Kumon Tomoya , Oiki Sayoko , Hashimoto Wataru
Published: October 2024

Clostridium perfringens, an opportunistic pathogen, produces mu-toxin hyaluronidases including endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidases (Nags) as a virulence invasion factor. To clarify an intrinsic factor for degradation of host extracellular hyaluronan, we focused on hyaluronate lyase (HysA), distinct from endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidases. C. perfringens strain ATCC 13124 was found to assimilate host-derived extracellular mucosubstances, hyaluronan and mucin, which induced expression of the hyaluronan-related genetic cluster, including hyaluronate lyase gene (hysA), but repressed endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase genes. This genetic cluster is conserved in some strains of C. perfringens. The recombinant strain ATCC 13124 hyaluronate lyase HysA showed an hyaluronan-degrading activity through β-elimination reaction. The hyaluronan-degrading enzyme in the culture supernatant of strain ATCC 13124 exhibited the lyase activity and was identical to the recombinant hyaluronate lyase on the native-PAGE gel, followed by activity straining. These results demonstrated that the intrinsic hyaluronan-degrading enzyme of C. perfringens strain ATCC 13124 is hyaluronate lyase HysA, but not hyaluronidases NagH, NagJ, and NagK.
Thioflavin-T: application as a neuronal body and nucleolar stain and the blue light photo enhancement effect
Authors: Min Jin-Hong , Sarlus Heela , Oasa Sho , Harris Robert A.
Published: October 2024

Thioflavin-T (THT) is a common and indispensable tool for the study of amyloid pathologies and protein aggregation, both in vitro and for histological samples. In this study we expand the use of THT beyond its canonical usage for staining amyloid plaques and demonstrate its novel use as an easy and rapid stain comparable to fluorescent Nissl staining, allowing for clear discernment of neuronal cell bodies and also nucleoli in fixed tissue and live cells. We believe that this is of value for any lab that studies central nervous system (CNS) tissues. Furthermore, we show that THT could potentially be used as a an alternative to the use of fluorescent reporters or other more costly RNA binding compounds in the study of nucleolar dynamics owing to its ability to clearly stain nucleoli in live cells. We also discovered the previously unreported effect of blue light exposure on the photo enhancement of THT excited by a 488 nm laser in stained tissue sample and how to avoid complications arising from this effect. Finally, we provide a simple protocol that can be easily adjusted either for using THT as a neuronal cell body and nucleoli stain, compatible with antibody based staining methods tested up to 4 fluorophores, or alternatively by using an additional washing step the protocol may be used for amyloid plaque detection in fixed brain tissue.
Heterochronous mitogenomes shed light on the Holocene history of the Scandinavian brown bear
Authors: Feinauer Isabelle Sofie , Lord Edana , von Seth Johanna , Xenikoudakis Georgios , Ersmark Erik , Dalén Love , Meleg Ioana-Nicoleta
Published: October 2024

Following glacial retreat after the last ice age, brown bears (Ursus arctos) recolonised Scandinavia. Previous research based on mitochondrial markers suggests that bears recolonised from both the north and the south, with a contact zone in central Scandinavia. More recently, the Scandinavian brown bear was subjected to a strong population decline with only ca. 130 remaining individuals, due to intense human persecution approximately 100 years ago. Here, we analyse 41 ancient, historical, and modern mitochondrial genomes, to examine the number of female lineages involved in the postglacial recolonisation event and temporal changes in the Scandinavian brown bears’ mitochondrial genetic diversity. Our results support the bi-directional recolonisation hypothesis, indicating multiple mitochondrial lineages from clade 1a possibly followed a southern route, while only a single lineage from clade 3a appears to have followed a northern route. Furthermore, we found that the recent bottleneck had a strong impact on the southern subpopulation, resulting in only one remaining haplotype in the contemporary brown bears. For the northern subpopulation, the impact was moderate, and most haplotypes were retained throughout the bottleneck. By exploring the postglacial recolonisation and recent population pressures, our study enhances understanding of how these factors have influenced the genetic diversity of Scandinavian brown bears.