bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression, not sequence, distinguishes miR-238 from its miR-239ab sister miRNAs in promoting longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Chipman Laura B. , Luc San , Nicastro Ian A. , Hulahan Jesse J. , Dann Delaney C. , Bodas Devavrat M. , Pasquinelli Amy E.
Published: November 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression by base-pairing to target sequences in messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and recruiting factors that induce translational repression and mRNA decay. In animals, nucleotides 2–8 at the 5’ end of the miRNA, called the seed region, are often necessary and sometimes sufficient for functional target interactions. MiRNAs that contain identical seed sequences are grouped into families where individual members have the potential to share targets and act redundantly. A rare exception seemed to be the miR-238/239ab family in Caenorhabditis elegans, as previous work indicated that loss of miR-238 reduced lifespan while deletion of the miR-239ab locus resulted in enhanced longevity and thermal stress resistance. Here, we re-examined these potentially opposing roles using new strains that individually disrupt each miRNA sister. We confirmed that loss of miR-238 is associated with a shortened lifespan but could detect no longevity or stress phenotypes in animals lacking miR-239a or miR-239b, individually or in combination. Additionally, dozens of genes were mis-regulated in miR-238 mutants but almost no gene expression changes were detected in either miR-239a or miR-239b mutants compared to wild type animals. We present evidence that the lack of redundancy between miR-238 and miR-239ab is independent of their sequence differences; miR-239a or miR-239b could substitute for the longevity role of miR-238 when expressed from the miR-238 locus. Altogether, these studies disqualify miR-239ab as negative regulators of aging and demonstrate that expression, not sequence, dictates the specific role of miR-238 in promoting longevity.
Mapping the potential distribution of the principal vector of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus Hyalomma marginatum in the Old World
Authors: Celina Seyma S. , Černý Jiří , Samy Abdallah M.
Published: November 2023

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is the most widely distributed tick-borne viral disease in humans and is caused by the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). The virus has a broader distribution, expanding from western China and South Asia to the Middle East, southeast Europe, and Africa. The historical known distribution of the CCHFV vector Hyalomma marginatum in Europe includes most of the Mediterranean and the Balkan countries, Ukraine, and southern Russia. Further expansion of its potential distribution may have occurred in and out of the Mediterranean region. This study updated the distributional map of the principal vector of CCHFV, H. marginatum, in the Old World using an ecological niche modeling approach based on occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and a set of covariates. The model predicted higher suitability of H. marginatum occurrences in diverse regions of Africa and Asia. Furthermore, the model estimated the environmental suitability of H. marginatum across Europe. On a continental scale, the model anticipated a widespread potential distribution encompassing the southern, western, central, and eastern parts of Europe, reaching as far north as the southern regions of Scandinavian countries. The distribution of H. marginatum also covered countries across Central Europe where the species is not autochthonous. All models were statistically robust and performed better than random expectations (p < 0.001). Based on the model results, climatic conditions could hamper the successful overwintering of H. marginatum and their survival as adults in many regions of the Old World. Regular updates of the models are still required to continually assess the areas at risk using up-to-date occurrence and climatic data in present-day and future conditions.
Deep learning for the prediction of clinical outcomes in internet-delivered CBT for depression and anxiety
Authors: Prasad Niranjani , Chien Isabel , Regan Tim , Enrique Angel , Palacios Jorge , Keegan Dessie , Munir Usman , Tanno Ryutaro , Richardson Hannah , Nori Aditya , Richards Derek , Doherty Gavin , Belgrave Danielle , Thieme Anja
Published: November 2023

In treating depression and anxiety, just over half of all clients respond. Monitoring and obtaining early client feedback can allow for rapidly adapted treatment delivery and improve outcomes. This study seeks to develop a state-of-the-art deep-learning framework for predicting clinical outcomes in internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) by leveraging large-scale, high-dimensional time-series data of client-reported mental health symptoms and platform interaction data. We use de-identified data from 45,876 clients on SilverCloud Health, a digital platform for the psychological treatment of depression and anxiety. We train deep recurrent neural network (RNN) models to predict whether a client will show reliable improvement by the end of treatment using clinical measures, interaction data with the iCBT program, or both. Outcomes are based on total improvement in symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, PHQ-9) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, GAD-7), as reported within the iCBT program. Using internal and external datasets, we compare the proposed models against several benchmarks and rigorously evaluate them according to their predictive accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and AUROC over treatment. Our proposed RNN models consistently predict reliable improvement in PHQ-9 and GAD-7, using past clinical measures alone, with above 87% accuracy and 0.89 AUROC after three or more review periods, outperforming all benchmark models. Additional evaluations demonstrate the robustness of the achieved models across (i) different health services; (ii) geographic locations; (iii) iCBT programs, and (iv) client severity subgroups. Results demonstrate the robust performance of dynamic prediction models that can yield clinically helpful prognostic information ready for implementation within iCBT systems to support timely decision-making and treatment adjustments by iCBT clinical supporters towards improved client outcomes.
The amount and chemistry of acylsugars affects sweetpotato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) oviposition and development, and tomato yellow leaf curl virus incidence, in field grown tomato plants
Authors: Smeda John R. , Smith Hugh A. , Mutschler Martha A.
Published: November 2023

The objectives of this study were to ascertain the impact of endogenous production of trichome-exuded acylsugars on insects and insect transmitted virus by evaluating tomato lines and their hybrids bred for acylsugar production under field settings on whiteflies and the whitefly-transmitted tomato yellow leaf curl virus. Specifically, we utilized a diverse array of tomato lines and hybrids bred for changes in acylsugar amount or type, grown in three field trials under natural whitefly and virus pressure, to investigate whether the amount of accumulated acylsugars and or the chemical profile of the acylsugars were associated with greater resistance to whiteflies and reduced incidence of tomato yellow leaf curl virus. There was considerable variation in the abundance of whitefly eggs and nymphs and incidence of tomato yellow leaf curl virus across experiments and between entries. Increasing amount of acylsugars accumulated by the tomato entries was associated with a reduction in the abundance of whitefly eggs and nymphs and a reduction in the incidence of tomato yellow leaf curl virus. Additionally, we identified lines with changes in several acylsugar fatty acids that were associated with decreased abundance of whitefly eggs and nymphs and reduced incidence of tomato yellow leaf curl virus. These results inform the utility of acylsugars as a host plant defense system for improving resistance to whiteflies and their transmitted viruses, with potential for reducing insecticides as a control method for whiteflies and provide breeding targets for optimization of existing acylsugar tomato lines to create lines with the most efficacious amount and chemistry of acylsugars.
Geographical characteristics and influencing factors of the influenza epidemic in Hubei, China, from 2009 to 2019
Authors: Yang Mengmeng , Gong Shengsheng , Huang Shuqiong , Huo Xixiang , Wang Wuwei
Published: November 2023

Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease that commonly affects people and has an important impact on public health. Based on influenza incidence data from 103 counties in Hubei Province from 2009 to 2019, this study used time series analysis and geospatial analysis to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of the influenza epidemic and its influencing factors. The results reveal significant spatial-temporal clustering of the influenza epidemic in Hubei Province. Influenza mainly occurs in winter and spring of each year (from December to March of the next year), with the highest incidence rate observed in 2019 and an overall upward trend in recent years. There were significant spatial and urban-rural differences in influenza prevalence in Hubei Province, with the eastern region being more seriously affected than the central and western regions, and the urban regions more seriously affected than the rural region. Hubei’s influenza epidemic showed an obvious spatial agglomeration distribution from 2009 to 2019, with the strongest clustering in winter. The hot spot areas of interannual variation in influenza were mainly distributed in eastern and western Hubei, and the cold spot areas were distributed in north-central Hubei. In addition, the cold hot spot areas of influenza epidemics varied from season to season. The seasonal changes in influenza prevalence in Hubei Province are mainly governed by meteorological factors, such as temperature, sunshine, precipitation, humidity, and wind speed. Low temperature, less rain, less sunshine, low wind speed and humid weather will increase the risk of contracting influenza; the interannual changes and spatial differentiation of influenza are mainly influenced by socioeconomic factors, such as road density, number of health technicians per 1,000 population, urbanization rate and population density. The strength of influenza’s influencing factors in Hubei Province exhibits significant spatial variation, but in general, the formation of spatial variation of influenza in Hubei Province is still the result of the joint action of socioeconomic factors and natural meteorological factors. Understanding the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of influenza in Hubei Province and its influencing factors can provide a reasonable decision-making basis for influenza prevention and control and public health development in Hubei Province and can also effectively improve the scientific understanding of the public with respect to influenza and other respiratory infectious diseases to reduce the influenza incidence, which also has reference significance for the prevention and control of influenza and other respiratory infectious diseases in other countries or regions.
Spatial variation and clustering of anaemia prevalence in school-aged children in Western Kenya
Authors: Robert Bibian N. , Cherono Anitah , Mumo Eda , Mwandawiro Charles , Okoyo Collins , Gichuki Paul M. , Blanford Justine l. , Snow Robert W. , Okiro Emelda A.
Published: November 2023

Anaemia surveillance has overlooked school-aged children (SAC), hence information on this age group is scarce. This study examined the spatial variation of anaemia prevalence among SAC (5–14 years) in western Kenya, a region associated with high malaria infection rates. A total of 8051 SAC were examined from 82 schools across eight counties in Western Kenya in February 2022. Haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were assessed at the school and village level and anaemia defined as Hb<11.5g/dl for age 5-11yrs and Hb <12.0g/dl for 12-14yrs after adjusting for altitude. Moran’s I analysis was used to measure spatial autocorrelation, and local clusters of anaemia were mapped using spatial scan statistics and local indices of spatial association (LISA). The prevalence of anaemia among SAC was 27.8%. The spatial variation of anaemia was non-random, with Global Moran’s I 0.2 (p-value < 0.002). Two significant anaemia cluster windows were identified: Cluster 1 (LLR = 38.9, RR = 1.4, prevalence = 32.0%) and cluster 2 (LLR = 23.6, RR = 1.6, prevalence = 45.5%) at schools and cluster 1 (LLR = 41.3, RR = 1.4, prevalence = 33.3%) and cluster 2 (LLR = 24.5, RR = 1.6, prevalence = 36.8%) at villages. Additionally, LISA analysis identified ten school catchments as anaemia hotspots corresponding geographically to SatScan clusters. Anaemia in the SAC is a public health problem in the Western region of Kenya with some localised areas presenting greater risk relative to others. Increasing coverage of interventions, geographically targeting the prevention of anaemia in the SAC, including malaria, is required to alleviate the burden among children attending school in Western Kenya.
Patients with knee osteoarthritis have altered gait and gaze patterns compared to age-matched controls: A pilot study
Authors: Le Rossignol Scott , Fraser Ewen , Grant Andrea , Doma Kenji , Wilkinson Matthew , Morse Levi , McEwen Peter , Hazratwala Kaushik , Connor Jonathan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Although knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) sufferers are at an increased risk of falls, possibly due to impaired gait function, the associated gaze behaviour in patients with KOA are largely unknown. Thus, we compared gait and gaze behaviours characteristics between KOA patients and asymptomatic age-matched controls.

Results

For Timed Up and Go (TUG) and stair climb tasks, the KOA group demonstrated longer periods of gaze fixations with less frequency of fixations compared to the control group. Conversely, for the Timed up and Go Agility (TUGA) test shorter fixation and frequency patterns were observed. The KOA group presented a shorter final stride length prior to the initiation of the first step in the Stair climb assessment. In addition, for the 30m walk and dual task assessments, the average step length was significantly shorter in the KOA group compared to controls.

Conclusion

Overall, we found altered gait and gaze behaviours are evident in KOA patients which could relate to their increased falls risk.
Aging population and digital inclusive finance, a natural experiment from china
Authors: Zhou Jinghong , Ye Xixi
Published: November 2023

This paper studies the role played by the digitization level of inclusive finance for the aging population. We leverage an unexpected Chinese national strategy that promotes mobile internet and other internet related integration in China to identify the impact of changes in state policies on the digitization level for inclusive finance in a regression discontinuity design. Although aging population is negatively correlated with the digitization level of inclusive finance, our empirical analysis reveals that the policy shock significantly increased the digitization level of inclusive finance among the aging population. We also find two opposite mechanisms: the income effect and the caring effect. Finally, our study suggests that the economic and social outcomes of the digitization level among aging population are bifurcated: happiness decreased but real estate investment increased.
Systems that support hearing families with deaf children: A scoping review
Authors: Terry Julia , Rance Jaynie
Published: November 2023

Background

Over 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents who have limited knowledge about deafness and require comprehensive support and information to support and communicate with their deaf child. However, little is known about the systems that support hearing families with deaf children. We performed a scoping review to provide an overview of current literature on the topic.

Methods

The protocol of the scoping review was prepared using the PRISMA statement guidelines for scoping reviews. Relevant search terms were used to identify eligible studies following discussion with the study’s steering group. Databases searched were CINAHL, Medline, ProQuest Central and ASSIA, as well as grey literature from relevant journals and online sources. Included were studies published from 2000 to 2021 and available in English.

Results

A search of databases identified 1274 articles. After excluding duplicates, screening titles and abstracts and full texts, 65 papers matched the identified inclusion criteria. Results included 1 RCT, 7 comparative studies, 6 literature reviews, 4 PhD theses, and 47 further empirical studies.

Conclusion

There is limited quality evidence on what supports hearing parents with deaf children. It is evident that further studies are needed to ensure comprehensive support is accessible and effective for hearing parents of deaf children.
Alternating current electromagnetic field exposure lessens intramyocellular lipid accumulation due to high-fat feeding via enhanced lipid metabolism in mice
Authors: Nakanishi Ryosuke , Tanaka Masayuki , Nisa Badur un , Shimizu Sayaka , Hirabayashi Takumi , Tanaka Minoru , Maeshige Noriaki , Roy Roland R. , Fujino Hidemi
Published: November 2023

Long-term high-fat feeding results in intramyocellular lipid accumulation, leading to insulin resistance. Intramyocellular lipid accumulation is related to an energy imbalance between excess fat intake and fatty acid consumption. Alternating current electromagnetic field exposure has been shown to enhance mitochondrial metabolism in the liver and sperm. Therefore, we hypothesized that alternating current electromagnetic field exposure would ameliorate high-fat diet-induced intramyocellular lipid accumulation via activation of fatty acid consumption. C57BL/6J mice were either fed a normal diet (ND), a normal diet and exposed to an alternating current electromagnetic field (ND+EMF), a high-fat diet (HFD), or a high-fat diet and exposed to an alternating current electromagnetic field (HFD+EMF). Electromagnetic field exposure was administered 8 hrs/day for 16 weeks using an alternating current electromagnetic field device (max.180 mT, Hokoen, Utatsu, Japan). Tibialis anterior muscles were collected for measurement of intramyocellular lipids, AMPK phosphorylation, FAT/CD-36, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT)-1b protein expression levels. Intramyocellular lipid levels were lower in the HFD + EMF than in the HFD group. The levels of AMPK phosphorylation, FAT/CD-36, and CPT-1b protein levels were higher in the HFD + EMF than in the HFD group. These results indicate that alternating current electromagnetic field exposure decreases intramyocellular lipid accumulation via increased fat consumption.
Combination of unsupervised discretization methods for credit risk
Authors: Fuentes Cabrera José G. , Pérez Vicente Hugo A. , Maldonado Sebastián , Velasco Jonás
Published: November 2023

Creating robust and explainable statistical learning models is essential in credit risk management. For this purpose, equally spaced or frequent discretization is the de facto choice when building predictive models. The methods above have limitations, given that when the discretization procedure is constrained, the underlying patterns are lost. This study introduces an innovative approach by combining traditional discretization techniques with clustering-based discretization, specificallykmeans and Gaussian mixture models. The study proposes two combinations: Discrete Competitive Combination (DCC) and Discrete Exhaustive Combination (DEC). Discrete Competitive Combination selects features based on the discretization method that performs better on each feature, whereas Discrete Exhaustive Combination includes every discretization method to complement the information not captured by each technique. The proposed combinations were tested on 11 different credit risk datasets by fitting a logistic regression model using the weight of evidence transformation over the training partition and contrasted over the validation partition. The experimental findings showed that both combinations similarly outperform individual methods for the logistic regression without compromising the computational efficiency. More importantly, the proposed method is a feasible and competitive alternative to conventional methods without reducing explainability.
The successful and safe conversion of joint arthroplasty to same-day surgery: A necessity after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Habbous Steven , Waddell James , Hellsten Erik
Published: November 2023

Introduction

A key strategy to address system pressures on hip and knee arthroplasty through the COVID-19 pandemic has been to shift procedures to the outpatient setting.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort and case-control study. Using the Discharge Abstract Database and the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System databases, we estimated the use of outpatient hip and knee arthroplasty in Ontario, Canada. After propensity-score matching, we estimated rates of 90-day readmission, 90-day emergency department (ED) visit, 1-year mortality, and 1-year infection or revision.

Results

204,066 elective hip and 341,678 elective knee arthroplasties were performed from 2010–2022. Annual volumes of hip and knee arthroplasties increased steadily until 2020. Following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 1, 2020) through December 31, 2022 there were 7,561 (95% CI 5,435 to 9,688) fewer hip and 20,777 (95% CI 17,382 to 24,172) fewer knee replacements performed than expected. Outpatient arthroplasties increased as a share of all surgeries from 1% pre-pandemic to 39% (hip) and 36% (knee) by 2022. Among inpatient arthroplasties, the tendency to discharge to home did not change since the start of the pandemic. During the COVID-19 era, patients receiving arthroplasty in the outpatient setting had a similar or lower risk of readmission than matched patients receiving inpatient arthroplasty [hip: RR 0.65 (0.56–0.76); knee: RR 0.86 (0.76–0.97)]; ED visits [hip: RR 0.78 (0.73–0.83); knee: RR 0.92 (0.88–0.96)]; and mortality, infection, or revision [hip: RR 0.65 (0.45–0.93); knee: 0.90 (0.64–1.26)].

Conclusion

Following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, the volume of outpatient hip and knee arthroplasties performed increased despite a reduction in overall arthroplasty volumes. This shift in surgical volumes from the inpatient to outpatient setting coincided with pressures on hospitals to retain inpatient bed capacity. Patients receiving arthroplasty in the outpatient setting had relatively similar outcomes to those receiving inpatient surgery after matching on known sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.
An original fuzzy control approach for active anti-roll bars to prevent rollover
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh
Published: November 2023

In this article, the author introduces a new fuzzy control solution to direct active anti-roll bars (hydraulic stabilizer bars) in order to enhance the vehicle’s roll stabilization efficiency. The original fuzzy algorithm designed in this work can satisfy all the roll stability, comfort, and response speed requirements, while previous algorithms could only meet one of these criteria. In addition, a fully dynamic model is established to simulate the vehicle’s roll oscillations instead of only using a simple half-dynamic model combined with the single-track dynamic model. The calculation and simulation processes take place in the Simulink environment. Two cases of steering are used as input to the simulation problem; the car’s speed is gradually increased through three levels. According to results of research, the roll angle and roll index of the car increase as the speed and steering angle increase. The interaction between the road and wheel decreases sharply as the roll angle increases, which can lead to a rollover. In the first case, the rollover occurs only when the car travels at v3 without the stabilizer bar and has a maximum roll angle of 9.81°. In the second case, this occurs for the (None) situation when traveling at speed v1 with a maximum roll angle of 9.52° and for the (Passive) situation when traveling at speed v2 with a peak value of 11.93°. Meanwhile, the vehicle’s stability is still well guaranteed when utilizing active anti-roll bars controlled by an original fuzzy algorithm.
Effect of a single one-hour teaching session about environmental pollutants and climate change on the understanding and behavioral choices of adolescents: The BREATHE pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Abrham Yorusaliem , Zeng Siyang , Tenney Rachel , Davidson Caroline , Yao Emily , Kloth Chantal , Dalton Sarah , Arjomandi Mehrdad
Published: November 2023

Background

Despite the wealth of scientific information on the health effects of air pollution, the adult public’s lifestyle continues to be largely detrimental towards the environment.

Objective

The purpose of the study was to determine whether a short interactive teaching session on air pollution could shift reported behavioral choices of adolescents towards environmentally friendlier options.

Methods

We performed a pilot randomized control trial in which eighth-grade students were randomized to receive a one-hour script-based teaching on either the effects of air pollution on lung health (intervention group) or the role of vaccination in public health (active control group). The enrolled students completed a survey (15 multiple-choice questions; five targeting understanding (score range 5 to 20); ten targeting behavioral choices (score range 10 to 38) newly designed for this study to evaluate their understanding and predict their future behavior towards air pollution immediately before, immediately after, and one month after the teaching sessions.

Results

Seventy-seven students (age = 13.5±0.6 years; 50.4% female; median annual family income = $25K-$50K with 70.1% <$50K; 39 assigned to intervention group) were enrolled in the study. The teaching sessions did not result in any significant change in the participants’ understanding domain scores in either the intervention or the control groups. However, the intervention (air pollution) teaching session resulted in a statistically significant increase in behavior domain score from baseline to immediately post-teaching, which continued to be present at one-month follow-up (mean ± standard deviation of score change immediately after = 1.7±3.3; score change 1-month after = 2.5±3.2; P<0.001; minimally important difference = 1.0).

Discussion

This pilot study highlights the potential of a short one-time teaching session in promoting environmentally friendly behavior choices among adolescents.
The application of structural and machine learning models to predict the default risk of listed companies in the Iranian capital market
Authors: Peykani Pejman , Sargolzaei Mostafa , Sanadgol Negin , Takaloo Amir , Kamyabfar Hamidreza
Published: November 2023

Inattention of economic policymakers to default risk and making inappropriate decisions related to this risk in the banking system and financial institutions can have many economic, political and social consequences. In this research, it has been tried to calculate the default risk of companies listed in the capital market of Iran. To achieve this goal, two structural models of Merton and Geske, two machine learning models of Random Forest and Gradient Boosted Decision Tree, as well as financial information of companies listed in the Iranian capital market during the years 2016 to 2021 have been used. Another goal of this research is to measure the predictive power of the four models presented in the calculation of default risk. The results obtained from the calculation of the default rate of the investigated companies show that 50 companies listed in the Iranian capital market (46 different companies) have defaulted during the 5-year research period and are subject to the Bankruptcy Article of the Iranian Trade Law. Also, the results obtained from the ROC curves for the predictive power of the presented models show that the structural models of Merton and Geske have almost equal power, but the predictive power of the Random Forest model is a little more than the Gradient Boosted Decision Tree model.
Impact of the introduction of high-speed rail on the income gap between urban and rural residents
Authors: Sun Dapeng , Zhao Xu , Zhang Guangli , Chen Pengyu
Published: November 2023

The unprecedented expansion and development of high-speed rail (HSR) in China provides a unique opportunity and a new way of thinking for addressing the problem of urban-rural wealth disparities. In this paper, I examine the impact of the introduction of HSRs on the income disparity between urban and rural residents in China. Using panel data from 285 prefecture-level cities from 2004 to 2018, in this paper I employ the double-difference method to assess the impact of HSR on the income gap between urban and rural populations and the mechanism of its action; furthermore, I explore the influence of HSR on urban residents’ per capita disposable income and rural residents’ per capita net income, as well as the impact of HSR on the flow of elements such as labor and capital. My research findings reveal that the introduction of HSR has greatly widened the income gap between urban and rural residents; however, there is heterogeneity between different East, Central, and West regions, as well as between different levels of cities. A further mechanism study finds that HSR lowers farmers’ per capita net income, raises urban residents’ per capita disposable income, and widens the urban/rural income gap via mechanisms such as facilitating the interregional mobility of labor and capital factors. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively assess the economic effects brought about by HSR, strengthen the construction of urban-rural transport networks, and improve support for rural areas, so as to promote the coordinated development of inter-regional and urban-rural areas.
ECDD-S16 targets vacuolar ATPase: A potential inhibitor compound for pyroptosis-induced inflammation
Authors: Ekchariyawat Peeraya , Saengfak Rattatammanoon , Sanongkiet Sucharat , Charoenwongpaiboon Thanapon , Khongpraphan Suphasuta , Mala Supaporn , Luangjindarat Chularat , Munyoo Bumrung , Chabang Napason , Charoensutthivarakul Sitthivut , Borwornpinyo Suparerk , Tuchinda Patoomratana , Ponpuak Marisa , Pudla Matsayapan , Utaisincharoen Pongsak
Published: November 2023

Background

Cleistanthin A (CA), extracted from Phyllanthus taxodiifolius Beille, was previously reported as a potential V-ATPase inhibitor relevant to cancer cell survival. In the present study, ECDD-S16, a derivative of cleistanthin A, was investigated and found to interfere with pyroptosis induction via V-ATPase inhibition.

Objective

This study examined the ability of ECDD-S16 to inhibit endolysosome acidification leading to the attenuation of pyroptosis in Raw264.7 macrophages activated by both surface and endosomal TLR ligands.

Methods

To elucidate the activity of ECDD-S16 on pyroptosis-induced inflammation, Raw264.7 cells were pretreated with the compound before stimulation with surface and endosomal TLR ligands. The release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was determined by LDH assay. Additionally, the production of cytokines and the expression of pyroptosis markers were examined by ELISA and immunoblotting. Moreover, molecular docking was performed to demonstrate the binding of ECDD-S16 to the vacuolar (V-)ATPase.

Results

This study showed that ECDD-S16 could inhibit pyroptosis in Raw264.7 cells activated with surface and endosomal TLR ligands. The attenuation of pyroptosis by ECDD-S16 was due to the impairment of endosome acidification, which also led to decreased Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production. Furthermore, molecular docking also showed the possibility of inhibiting endosome acidification by the binding of ECDD-S16 to the vacuolar (V-)ATPase in the region of V0.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate the potential of ECDD-S16 for inhibiting pyroptosis and prove that vacuolar H+ ATPase is essential for pyroptosis induced by TLR ligands.
Density and population size estimates of the endangered northern yellow-cheeked crested gibbon Nomascus annamensis in selectively logged Veun Sai-Siem Pang National Park in Cambodia using acoustic spatial capture-recapture methods
Authors: McGrath Sarah J. , Liu Jing , Stevenson Ben C. , Behie Alison M.
Published: November 2023

Many gibbon species are threatened with extinction, including the endangered northern yellow-cheeked crested gibbon, Nomascus annamensis. Assessing gibbon populations and understanding how human disturbances and environmental factors impact these populations is vital for effective conservation planning. In 2010, auditory surveys revealed that Veun Sai-Siem Pang National Park (VSSP) in Cambodia contains one of the largest known N. annamensis populations in the world, with an estimated 456 (95% CI 421–490) gibbon groups. Illegal selective logging is common in the park, but the impact of continued logging on the gibbon population has not been investigated. To determine any change in the N. annamensis population since 2010, between January and April 2019 we conducted auditory surveys at 13 sites that were at least 4 km apart. We surveyed each site for three days, each day recording the gibbon calls heard over 3.25 hours from three listening posts located 500 m apart. At the same sites, we assessed the logging intensity using transects and ecological plots. Gibbon densities can be influenced by various environmental factors such as canopy height and forest type. Therefore, in addition to investigating the relationship between the density of N. annamensis groups and logging, we included five additional environmental variables in our acoustic spatial capture-recapture models. Our best fit model with the lowest AIC value included canopy height, forest type, distance to villages, and logging. We estimate that there are 389 (95% CI 284–542) N. annamensis groups currently in VSSP. Selective logging is widespread in the park, primarily targeting four tree species. The estimated felling time of these logged trees, together with previous reports, indicate that the species most targeted in VSSP varies over time. To conserve the N. annamensis population in VSSP, it is crucial that action is taken to reduce illegal logging.
Does income inequality moderate the effect of fintech development on renewable energy consumption?
Authors: Vo Duc Hong , Pham Anh Tuan , Tran Thao , Vu Nam Thanh
Published: November 2023

Fintech development is generally considered as an effective mechanism to promote the consumption of renewable energy sources. The relationship between fintech development and renewable energy consumption have been examined in previous studies. However, the moderating effect of income inequality on this relationship has largely been ignored in the existing literature. As such, this study is conducted to shed light on this moderating effect. Two estimation techniques, including the two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) and the method of moments quantile regression (MMQR), were used on a sample of 65 countries from 2013 to 2019. Our findings reveal that fintech development plays a vital role in promoting the consumption of renewable energy sources. However, it is crucial to recognize that rising income inequality may hinder the potential positive effects of fintech development on renewable energy consumption. A threshold of income inequality should be maintained to ensure that the positive effect of fintech development on increased renewable energy consumption is not compromised. Policy implications have emerged based on the findings from this study regarding promoting fintech development towards green economic growth and sustainable development.
Tree seedling functional traits mediate plant-soil feedback survival responses across a gradient of light availability
Authors: Wood Katherine E. A. , Kobe Richard K. , Ibáñez Inés , McCarthy-Neumann Sarah
Published: November 2023

1. Though not often examined together, both plant-soil feedbacks (PSFs) and functional traits have important influences on plant community dynamics and could interact. For example, seedling functional traits could impact seedling survivorship responses to soils cultured by conspecific versus heterospecific adults. Furthermore, levels of functional traits could vary with soil culturing source. In addition, these relationships might shift with light availability, which can affect trait values, microbe abundance, and whether mycorrhizal colonization is mutualistic or parasitic to seedlings. 2. To determine the extent to which functional traits mediate PSFs via seedling survival, we conducted a field experiment. We planted seedlings of four temperate tree species across a gradient of light availability and into soil cores collected beneath conspecific (sterilized and live) and heterospecific adults. We monitored seedling survival twice per week over one growing season, and we randomly selected subsets of seedlings to measure mycorrhizal colonization and phenolics, lignin, and NSC levels at three weeks. 3. Though evidence for PSFs was limited, Acer saccharum seedlings exhibited positive PSFs (i.e., higher survival in conspecific than heterospecific soils). In addition, soil microbes had a negative effect on A. saccharum and Prunus serotina seedling survival, with reduced survival in live versus sterilized conspecific soil. In general, we found higher trait values (measured amounts of a given trait) in conspecific than heterospecific soils and higher light availability. Additionally, A. saccharum survival increased with higher levels of phenolics, which were higher in conspecific soils and high light. Quercus alba survival decreased with higher AMF colonization. 4. We demonstrate that functional trait values in seedlings as young as three weeks vary in response to soil source and light availability. Moreover, seedling survivorship was associated with trait values for two species, despite both drought and heavy rainfall during the growing season that may have obscured survivorship-trait relationships. These results suggest that seedling traits could have an important role in mediating the effects of local soil source and light levels on seedling survivorship and thus plant traits could have an important role in PSFs.
Bacterial diversity on larval and female Mansonia spp. from different localities of Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Tatiane M. P. , Rojas Martha V. R. , Amorim Jandui A. , Alonso Diego P. , de Carvalho Dario P. , Ribeiro Kaio Augusto N. , Sallum Maria Anice Mureb
Published: November 2023

Studies based on the bacterial diversity present inMansoniaspp. are limited; therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the bacterial diversity in females and larvae ofMansoniaspp., describe the differences between the groups identified, and compare the microbiota of larvae from different collection sites. Sequences of the 16S rRNA region from the larvae and females ofMansoniaspp. were analyzed. Diversity analyzes were performed to verify the possible bacterial differences between the groups and the collection sites. The results showedPseudomonaswas the most abundant genus in both females and larvae, followed byWolbachiain females andRikenellaceaeandDesulfovibrioin larvae.DesulfovibrioandSulfurospirillum, sulfate- and sulfur-reducing bacteria, respectively, were abundant on the larvae.Aminomonas, an amino acid-degrading bacterium, was found only in larvae, whereasRickettsiawas identified in females. Bacterial diversity was observed between females and larvae ofMansoniaand between larvae from different collection sites. In addition, the results suggest that the environment influenced bacterial diversity.
Has the opening of Amazon fulfillment centers affected demand for disability insurance?
Authors: Rudolph Kara E. , Williams Nicholas T. , Milazzo Floriana , Venkataramani Atheendar , O’Brien Rourke
Published: November 2023

An estimated 17.6% of blue-collar, manufacturing jobs were lost in the United States between 1970 and 2016. These jobs, often union-represented, provided relatively generous pay and benefits, creating a path to the middle class for individuals without a four-year college degree. Evidence suggests the closure of manufacturing facilities and resulting decline in economic opportunity increased demand for disability insurance (SSDI) among blue-collar workers. In recent years, the opening of Amazon Fulfillment Centers (FCs) has accelerated around the country, driving a wave of blue-collar job creation. We estimated the extent to which the opening of FCs affected SSDI application rates, including rates of approvals and denials, using a synthetic control group approach. We found that FC openings were associated with a 1.4% reduction in the SSDI application rate over the subsequent three years, translating to 5,528 fewer applications per year across commuting zones with an FC opening. Our findings are consistent with FC openings improving economic opportunities in local labor markets, though our confidence intervals were wide and included the null.
Using citation networks to evaluate the impact of text length on keyword extraction
Authors: Tohalino Jorge A. V. , Silva Thiago C. , Amancio Diego R.
Published: November 2023

The identification of key concepts within unstructured data is of paramount importance in practical applications. Despite the abundance of proposed methods for extracting primary topics, only a few works investigated the influence of text length on the performance of keyword extraction (KE) methods. Specifically, many studies lean on abstracts and titles for content extraction from papers, leaving it uncertain whether leveraging the complete content of papers can yield consistent results. Hence, in this study, we employ a network-based approach to evaluate the concordance between keywords extracted from abstracts and those from the entire papers. Community detection methods are utilized to identify interconnected papers in citation networks. Subsequently, paper clusters are formed to identify salient terms within each cluster, employing a methodology akin to the term frequency-inverse document frequency (tf-idf) approach. Once each cluster has been endowed with its distinctive set of key terms, these selected terms are employed to serve as representative keywords at the paper level. The top-ranked words at the cluster level, which also appear in the abstract, are chosen as keywords for the paper. Our findings indicate that although various community detection methods used in KE yield similar levels of accuracy. Notably, text clustering approaches outperform all citation-based methods, while all approaches yield relatively low accuracy values. We also identified a lack of concordance between keywords extracted from the abstracts and those extracted from the corresponding full-text source. Considering that citations and text clustering yield distinct outcomes, combining them in hybrid approaches could offer improved performance.
Role of the volume conductor on simulations of local field potential recordings from deep brain stimulation electrodes
Authors: Noor M. Sohail , Howell Bryan , McIntyre Cameron C.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Local field potential (LFP) recordings from deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes are commonly used in research analyses, and are beginning to be used in clinical practice. Computational models of DBS LFPs provide tools for investigating the biophysics and neural synchronization that underlie LFP signals. However, technical standards for DBS LFP model parameterization remain to be established. Therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate the role of the volume conductor (VC) model complexity on simulated LFP signals in the subthalamic nucleus (STN).

Approach

We created a detailed human head VC model that explicitly represented the inhomogeneity and anisotropy associated with 12 different tissue structures. This VC model represented our “gold standard” for technical detail and electrical realism. We then incrementally decreased the complexity of the VC model and quantified the impact on the simulated LFP recordings. Identical STN neural source activity was used when comparing the different VC model variants.

Results

Ignoring tissue anisotropy reduced the simulated LFP amplitude by ~12%, while eliminating soft tissue heterogeneity had a negligible effect on the recordings. Simplification of the VC model to consist of a single homogenous isotropic tissue medium with a conductivity of 0.215 S/m contributed an additional ~3% to the error.

Significance

Highly detailed VC models do generate different results than simplified VC models. However, with errors in the range of ~15%, the use of a well-parameterized simple VC model is likely to be acceptable in most contexts for DBS LFP modeling.
Examining the disparities: A cross-sectional study of socio-economic factors and food insecurity in Togo
Authors: Kota Komlan , Chomienne Marie-Hélène , Yaya Sanni
Published: November 2023

Background

Despite many interventions, Togo continues to have one of the highest rates of poverty and food insecurity in the sub-Saharan African region. Currently there is no systematic analysis of the factors associated with household food-insecurity in this country. This study aimed at exploring the factors associated with food insecurity in Togo.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study that used data from five waves (2014 to 2018) of the Gallup World Poll (GWP) for Togo. Sample size included 4754 participants, aged 15 and above. Food insecurity was measured using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) questionnaire as per the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) guidelines. Our outcome variable was food insecurity, categorized as: 1) food secure (FIES score = 0–3), moderately food insecure (FIES score = 4–6), and severely food insecure (FIES score = 7–8). We did descriptive and multinomial regressions to analyze data using Stata version 16.

Results

Between 2014 and 2018, the percentage of severe food insecurity fluctuated—42.81% in 2014, 37.79% in 2015, 38.98% in 2016, 45.41% in 2017, and 33.84% in 2018. Whereas that of moderate food insecurity increased from 23.55% to 27.33% except for 2016 and 2017 where the percentage increased to 32.33% and 27.46% respectively. In the logistic regression analysis, we found that respondents with lower than elementary education had a higher relative risk ratio of moderate (RRR = 1.45,95%CI = 1.22–1.72) and severe (RRR = 1.72, 95%CI = 1.46–2.02) food insecurity compared to those with secondary and higher education. Rural respondents had higher RRR of severe food insecurity (RRR = 1.37, 95%CI = 1.16–1.62) compared to those who lived in the urban areas. Compared with those in the richest wealth quintile, respondents in the poorest wealth quintile had 2.21 times higher RRR of moderate (RRR = 2.21, 95%CI = 1.69–2.87) and 3.58 times higher RRR of severe (RRR = 3.58, 95%CI = 2.81–4.55) food insecurity.

Conclusion

About two-thirds of participants experienced some level of food insecurity in 2018. Lower levels of education, rural residency and poorer household wealth index areas were associated with a higher risk of food insecurity. National food security programs should focus on promoting education and improving socioeconomic condition of people especially in rural areas.