bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced visual and middle temporal gyrus activity correlates with years of exercise in athletes using resting‐state fMRI
Authors: Peng Lei , Li Jiyuan , Xu Lin , Zhang Zheyuan , Wang Zexuan , Zhong Xiao , Wang Letong , Shao Yongcong , Yue Yunlong
Published: November 2024

Background and Purpose

Different types of physical training can lead to changes in brain activity and function, and these changes can vary depending on the type of training. However, it remains unclear whether there are commonalities in how different types of training affect brain activity and function. The purpose of this study is to compare the brain activity states of professional athletes with those of ordinary university students and to explore the relationship between training and differences in brain activity states.

Methods

This study primarily utilizes resting‐state MRI and the degree centrality metric to investigate spontaneous brain activity in 86 high‐level athletes with extensive training and 74 age‐ and gender‐matched nonathletes. Additionally, a correlation analysis between brain activity in relevant regions and years of training was conducted.

Results

The analysis revealed that, compared to nonathletes, high‐level athletes exhibited reduced activity in the Calcarine (a visual area) and Middle Temporal Gyrus. Furthermore, changes in the activity of the Calcarine and Middle Temporal Gyrus were significantly correlated with the number of years of professional training.

Conclusions

The study results indicate that long‐term physical training is associated with changes in brain activity in athletes, providing insights into the neural mechanisms underlying behavioral performance in professional athletes.
Portable Gait Analysis of Patients With Rotating Hinge Knee Megaprosthesis Compared With Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Gu Ming‐Yong , Zhang Jing‐Yu , Chen Meng‐Yu , Wang Wei , Ma Ji‐Bin , Fu Xuefei , Liu Yan‐Cheng , Miao Jun
Published: November 2024

Objective

The gait analysis of patients after surgery for tumors around the knee joint relies on the use of a three‐dimensional motion capture system. However, obtaining long‐term, free‐standing, real‐world gait data with three‐dimensional gait analysis is challenging. In this study, we utilized a portable gait analyzer to collect gait data from patients who underwent rotating hinge knee megaprosthesis (RHK) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), this study aims to compare via gait analysis patients who underwent megaprosthesis with patients with TKA.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on eight patients with knee bone tumors (RHK group) and ten patients with knee osteoarthritis who underwent standard TKA (TKA group) from January 2018 to January 2022. Gait analysis, was conducted using the Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Activity (IDEEA), and the results were compared with those of a healthy control group. The lower limb alignment of the RHK and TKA groups was evaluated, and the KSS scores of the two groups were collected and compared. Energy consumption during a 20‐m walk was measured and compared among the RHK, TKA, and healthy control groups using one‐way ANOVA. Paired t‐tests were used to compare the operated and nonoperated limbs within groups.

Results

All patients exhibited slower walking speeds and cadence than the healthy control participants (p < 0.01), While no significant differences were found between the RHK and TKA groups. The single support time (521.15 ± 94.56 ms) of the RHK‐operated limb was significantly shorter than that of the nonoperated limb (576.53 ± 77.40 ms, p = 0.004). The pulling acceleration of the RHK group (0.71 ± 0.27 G) was lower than that of the TKA group (1.04 ± 0.31 G, p = 0.029). The push‐off angle in the RHK group (24.91° ± 10.91°) was significantly greater than that in the TKA group (10.64° ± 5.41°, p = 0.007). The RHK group showed significant differences between the operated and nonoperated limbs in terms of swing power, ground impact, footfall, and push‐off. The RHK (0.03 ± 0.01 kcal/min/kg) and TKA (0.029 ± 0.01 kcal/min/kg) groups had significantly greater energy expenditures than did the healthy control group (0.02 ± 0.00 kcal/min/kg, p < 0.05). The comparison of HKA angles and KSS scores between the TKA and RHK groups showed statistically significant differences.

Conclusion

A portable gait analyzer appears to be suitable for evaluating the effects of RHK. RHK patients demonstrate more pronounced gait abnormalities than TKA patients, reflected in greater energy expenditure, implying reduced walking efficiency. This suggests the need for increased energy expenditure in RHK patients to compensate for abnormal knee joint conditions during walking and maintain body balance.
Association between nasopharyngeal airway lipidome signatures of infants with severe bronchiolitis and risk of recurrent wheeze: A prospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Miyachi Hideaki , Shibata Ryohei , Makrinioti Heidi , Kyo Michihito , Camargo Carlos A. , Zhu Zhaozhong , Hasegawa Kohei
Published: November 2024

Background

Infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis are at high risk for developing recurrent wheeze in childhood. The role of airway lipids in the link between these two conditions remains unclear. This study aimed to identify the association between airway lipids in infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis and the development of recurrent wheeze, with a focus on immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitization.

Methods

In a multicenter prospective cohort study of 919 infants (age <1 year) hospitalized for bronchiolitis, we performed lipidomic profiling of nasopharyngeal airway specimens collected at hospitalization. We first identified lipid modules composed of highly correlated lipids by performing weighted correlation network analysis. We then examined the longitudinal association of those lipid modules with the rate of recurrent wheeze by age 3 years after discharge from hospitalization for bronchiolitis. We also examined the associations of lipid modules with IgE non‐sensitized (i.e., neither sensitized at admission nor at age 3 years) and IgE‐sensitized (i.e., sensitized at admission and/or at age 3 years) recurrent wheeze by age 3 years, respectively.

Results

Our analysis identified 15 distinct lipid modules in the nasopharyngeal airway lipidome data. Overall, lipid modules composed of triacylglycerols (hazard ratio [HR] 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26–2.51, FDR < 0.01) and sphingolipids (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.25–2.44, FDR <0.01) had the strongest associations with recurrent wheeze development. Stratification by IgE sensitization revealed differential associations. For example, the module composed of triacylglycerols was significantly associated with IgE non‐sensitized recurrent wheeze, whereas the module composed of sphingolipids was significantly associated with IgE‐sensitized recurrent wheeze (both FDR <0.05).

Conclusion

Distinct nasopharyngeal airway lipid modules are associated with recurrent wheeze development following severe bronchiolitis, with different patterns based on IgE sensitization status.
Effects of a defined‐contribution retirement plan on teacher attrition
Authors: Gorina Eugenia , Sidorova Jen
Published: November 2024

In 2006, Alaska reformed its defined‐benefit (DB) Teacher Retirement System by creating a mandatory 401(k)‐style defined‐contribution (DC) plan for new hires. The new plan increased benefit portability and transferred the investment risk from the employer to the employee. Using individual teacher data for 2005–2017, we show that the reform increased teacher attrition. We also observe, however, that it did not lead to the loss of human capital. The paper contributes to the discussion of the design of DB–DC transitions that can maintain incentives for public‐sector employment.
Traumatic dental injuries and oral health‐related quality of life in children and adolescents with special health care needs in Eastern India: A case‐control study
Authors: Narayanan Sri Priya , Mahapatra Shilpa , Sahoo Hitesh Kumar , Padhihary Lipsa , Gupta Shivani
Published: November 2024

Aim

This matched case‐control study aimed to investigate the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and its impact on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in hearing and/or visually impaired children attending government special schools in Eastern India.

Methods

A two‐step cluster analysis was performed to define cases and controls based on the Parental–Caregivers Perceptions Questionnaire (PCP‐Q) scores from the 228 parent/guardian responses. The cases included children with a higher negative impact on OHRQoL (89 subjects), whereas the controls were those with a lower negative impact on OHRQoL (139 subjects). Groups were matched for age and gender and researchers were blinded to case/control status. Binary logistic regression was performed.

Results

The prevalence of TDI among the study subjects was 24.12%. Compared to subjects in the control group (16.5%), a significantly higher proportion of cases (36%) reported a history of TDI. Children with TDI had considerably higher OHRQoL scores across all P‐CPQ sub‐scales. Falls were the most common cause of TDI, primarily at home or school and none received treatment.

Conclusion

TDI significantly impacts OHRQoL in these children. Lack of treatment highlights the need for caregiver awareness and improved dental access for children with special needs. Further research with larger samples and specialized OHRQoL tools is recommended.
The impact of oral health on depression: A systematic review
Authors: Karimi Parmida , Zojaji Seyedehhasti , Fard Asal Abolghasemi , Nateghi Mohammad Navid , Mansouri Zahra , Zojaji Ramin
Published: November 2024

Introduction

As of 2020, about 21% of adults in the United States have a diagnosable mental health disorder, excluding substance use and developmental disorders. Depression, predicted by the WHO to be the leading cause of disease burden by 2030, is linked to various systemic conditions and has been associated with poor oral health. Both behavioral factors, like poor dental hygiene and irregular visits, and biological mechanisms, such as changes in salivary immunity, contribute to this connection, which impacts overall well‐being and quality of life. This systematic review aims include: (1) Does tooth loss affect depression? (2) Does oral pain, such as that experienced during chewing and speaking, impact depression? (3) Does oral functionality, including chewing and speaking, influence depression? (4) Does overall oral health affect depression?

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, EBSCO host, Medline, and Google Scholar databases from January 2000 to June 2024 using relevant keywords. Studies examining the impact of oral health parameters (tooth loss, oral pain, oral functionality, overall oral health) on depression were included. Articles were included if (1) full text manuscripts in English were available, (2) the study described the association of oral health and depression, and (3) the independent value was an oral related factor and the dependent value was depression. The following were excluded from our analysis: (1) any articles where oral factors were not the independent value, (2) systematic reviews, (3) case reports, and (4) duplicate studies among our databases. Thirty‐one studies met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Tooth loss, oral pain, and impaired oral functionality were consistently associated with increased depressive symptoms across the included studies. Greater tooth loss was linked to higher odds of both onset and progression of depression. Oral pain exacerbated depressive symptoms, while difficulties in chewing or speaking were associated with elevated risks of depression.

Conclusion

There is a bidirectional relationship between oral health and depression, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive public health initiatives. Integrating oral health assessments into routine medical care, and developing targeted interventions are crucial steps to mitigate the impact of poor oral health on mental health outcomes.
Association of Objectively Measured Sedentary Behavior With Arterial Stiffness: Findings From the Nijmegen Exercise Study
Authors: van der Sluijs Koen M. , Bakker Esmée A. , Kerstens Thijs P. , Stens Niels A. , de Koning Iris A. , Thannhauser Jos , Malik Afrah E. F. , Reesink Koen D. , Nabeel P. M. , Raj Kiran V. , Joseph Jayaraj ,   Nijmegen Exercise Study collaboration, Eijsvogels Thijs M. H. , Thijssen Dick H. J.
Published: November 2024

Sedentary behavior (SB) may affect arterial stiffness, preceding the development of cardiovascular disease. We investigated the association of objectively measured SB with arterial stiffness. We also investigated factors that affected this association. We recruited adult volunteers and measured SB with thigh‐worn accelerometery for 24 hrs/day for eight consecutive days. Central (carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity, cfPWV, gold standard) and local carotid arterial stiffness (stiffness index Beta and pressure‐strain elasticity EP) were measured with ultrasound. Linear regression was used and adjusted for demographics, cardiometabolic factors, and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) volume. Effect modification was studied with interaction terms. Participants (N = 664, 64 (standard deviation: 11, range: 23–89) years, 397 (59.8%) male) demonstrated 9.1 (1.6) hrs/day of SB, and arterial stiffness was 8.6 (3.0) m/s for cfPWV, 6.4 (2.9) for Beta, and 87 (43) kPa for EP. SB was not associated with cfPWV (β = 0.04 95% CI (−0.11, 0.18), p = 0.60). The association of SB with local arterial stiffness was modified by systolic blood pressure (SBP) and MVPA volume. Stratified analyses revealed positive associations of SB with Beta (β = 0.29 (0.05, 0.53), p = 0.016) and EP (β = 4.83 (1.39, 8.27), p = 0.006) in participants with SBP > 134 mmHg or > 103 min/day of MVPA (β = 0.23 (0.03, 0.42), p = 0.024 and β = 3.55 (0.82, 6.29), p = 0.011, respectively). We found no association of objectively measured SB with central arterial stiffness. However, SB was positively associated with local carotid stiffness in participants with higher SBP or MVPA levels. In certain subgroups, SB may affect carotid arterial stiffening, reinforcing the relation between SB and cardiovascular disease.
Socioeconomic, Migration, and Political Upheaval Factors in Crime: Applying the Social Disorganization Theory in Turkey
Authors: Doğan Fadime İrem
Published: November 2024

This review attempts to provide a comprehensive investigation of the complex argument that socioeconomic conditions and crime are related through political instabilities and their impact on Turkey's economy, with a specific focus on social disorganization theory. By focusing on the Turkish labor market, this study examines the interplay of socioeconomic factors impacting crime rates and changing public views. This review highlights social disorganization and crime patterns via socioeconomic factors, migration, and political upheaval. By exploring the transformation of Turkey's labor market over many decades, this study aims to provide insights into the ongoing issues of the country.
Deconstructing Solitude and Its Links to Well‐Being
Authors: Nguyen T.‐T. , Rodriguez M.
Published: November 2024

Although solitude is a common experience in daily life, empirical research on its effects is scarce and challenging to interpret. Here, we propose a methodological framework to study solitude and highlight its value in understanding the link between solitude and well‐being. First, we advocate for clear conceptualization and operationalizations of solitude and provide recommendations for how to achieve these objectives. Second, we tease apart various dimensions of solitude, including its duration and underlying motivational, emotional and cognitive qualities. Finally, we integrate research from various subfields of psychology (e.g., social‐personality, clinical, developmental) and summarize the nuanced and complex relationship between solitude and well‐being, which depends on the specific dimensions being studied. Taken together, we hope the proposed framework will equip the next generation of researchers with a systematic methodology for studying solitude and ultimately facilitate more productive research in this domain.
Characterisation of the Novel HLA‐DRB5*02:02:05 Allele by Sequencing‐Based Typing
Authors: Blandin Lucie , Ralazamahaleo Mamy , Cargou Marine , Lemal Richard , Rouzaire Paul
Published: November 2024

HLA‐DRB5*02:02:05 differs from HLA‐DRB5*02:02:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 134 in exon 3.
Longitudinal outcomes of chronically transfused adults with sickle cell disease and a history of childhood stroke
Authors: Jones Jennifer M. , Wool Julia , Crowe Elizabeth P. , Bloch Evan M. , Pecker Lydia H. , Lanzkron Sophie
Published: November 2024

Background

Many children with sickle cell disease (SCD) who suffer a stroke receive chronic transfusion therapy (CTT) indefinitely; however, their adulthood neurologic outcomes have not been reported. Understanding these outcomes is critical to inform decisions regarding curative therapy in childhood.

Study Design and Methods

In this retrospective study, we described a cohort of adults with SCD and a history of childhood stroke who received care at a single center and compared their outcomes with matched subjects without childhood stroke using chi2 and Mann–Whitney U tests.

Results

Of 42 subjects with childhood stroke, all received CTT for secondary stroke prophylaxis. Five (11%) developed recurrent stroke. The rate of stroke was similar in subjects with and without childhood stroke (0.7 vs. 1.1 per 100 person·years, p = .63). Both cohorts exhibited evidence of iron overload (median ferritin 2227 vs. 1409 ng/dL, p = .10) and alloimmunization (45% vs. 45%, p = 1.0), despite receiving care in a comprehensive SCD program.

Discussion

For adults with SCD who had a childhood stroke, our results suggest CTT returns the risk of stroke to that of age‐matched stroke naïve patients with SCD.
Non‐cyclicity and polynomials in Dirichlet‐type spaces of the unit ball
Authors: Vavitsas Dimitrios , Zarvalis Konstantinos
Published: November 2024

We give a description of the intersection of the zero set with the unit sphere of a polynomial that is zero‐free in the unit ball of . This description leads to a necessary condition for a polynomial to be cyclic in Dirichlet‐type spaces of the unit ball.
Estrategias para la formación en competencias investigativas en educación superior: revisión narrativa
Authors: Leal-Barreto María Camila , Rodríguez-Hernández Yenny
Published: November 2024

Las competencias investigativas son importantes en la educación superior, pues promueven el desarrollo del pensamiento crítico creativo e innovador, la generación de conocimientos, el desarrollo de habilidades metodológicas, y la autonomía profesional, entre otros. El objetivo de este artículo es caracterizar las estrategias empleadas a nivel de educación superior en la formación de competencias investigativas. El artículo expone los resultados de la revisión de 46 artículos publicados entre 2018 y 2022 en Scopus y Web of Science. Los resultados se centran en describir las competencias investigativas desarrolladas, las prácticas investigativas, la relación docente-estudiante, y las perspectivas de los agentes educativos frente a las prácticas investigativas. A manera de conclusión, se resaltan estrategias enfocadas a incrementar la motivación de los estudiantes hacia la participación en procesos investigativos, el fortalecimiento de la relación docente-estudiante, y la incorporación de prácticas investigativas para fomentar el gusto por la investigación y promover el desarrollo de diferentes habilidades investigativas, entre ellas las metodológicas.
Docencia universitaria colaborativa: beneficios, desafíos y el rol de la tecnología
Authors: Álvarez-Melgarejo Mileidy , Torres-Barreto Martha Liliana , Pedraza-Avella Aura Cecilia
Published: November 2024

El artículo explora la importancia del trabajo colaborativo entre profesores universitarios. Se diseñó una ecuación de búsqueda y se utilizaron las bases de datos Scopus y Google Scholar, extrayendo 55 documentos de investigación. Los resultados revelan diversas perspectivas sobre el trabajo colaborativo y los factores que pueden influir en su éxito o fracaso, tales como el tiempo limitado, el rápido avance tecnológico, las diferencias culturales y la experiencia docente. En particular, se destaca la transformación que la tecnología produce en los métodos de enseñanza y aprendizaje. El trabajo colaborativo, cuando se implementa adecuadamente, potencia el desarrollo de competencias y el enriquecimiento del conocimiento docente, mejorando significativamente los resultados académicos de los estudiantes. Sin embargo, persisten desafíos, ya que algunos docentes lo consideran una inversión de tiempo poco fructífera debido a los obstáculos y las pocas ganancias tangibles que perciben. Las implicaciones para el ámbito educativo son claras: para aprovechar al máximo el trabajo colaborativo, es esencial abordar sus desafíos y reconocer su potencial en la formación universitaria.
Dry Air Humidification With Reaction Water of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Under Dynamic Load Follow-Up
Authors: Lee Chanhee , Kim Younghyeon , Yu Sangseok
Published: November 2024

Water management of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell is crucial to operate the fuel cell at high performance condition with longevity. Since the electrolyte membrane is required to maintain the level of water concentration, the water vapor should be supplied to the electrolyte membrane. On the other hand, the condensed water in the catalyst layer results in performance degradation. The water concentration inside the electrolyte membrane is balanced by back diffusion and electro-osmosis that transport water molecule from electrode to electrode. The water transport phenomena of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell is evaluated to understand the relation between back diffusion of water and electro-osmosis. The system simulation model is developed under Matlab/Simulink® Environment which includes dynamic fuel cell model, air supply with humidifier, hydrogen supply model, and thermal management model. The stack temperature is controlled by thermal management system while the anode gas humidification is supported by product water of electrochemical reaction. Since the amount of exit product water is determined by the activation of back diffusion and performance of membrane humidifier, it is necessary to understand consecutive process from component to component. A dynamic simulation is conducted over various load follow-up conditions.
Catastrophic High Pressure Feedwater Heater Overpressure Event at Stuart Power Station
Authors: Michell Frank
Published: November 2024

On January 10, 2017, at 1:03 p.m. eastern, J.M. Stuart Power Station’s Unit 1 #A3 High Pressure Feed Water Heater experienced a catastrophic shell failure causing significant damage to the facility. The failure occurred on Unit 1 of the four (4) unit, 2,318 MW, coal fired Stuart Station which was located on the Ohio River east of Aberdeen, Ohio. There were no fatalities but unfortunately (6) people were injured. The failure caused extensive damage to equipment and structural components that completely disabled Unit 1 and resulted in damage to several systems that also serve the other three (3) units in the plant. Unit 1 never resumed commercial operation following the incident. The plant began operations in 1970 and was permanently shut down in 2018 due to economic and environmental challenges. This paper will review the details including operating data leading up to the overpressure event, root cause investigation, and recommendations to prevent a similar failure from happening again.
Baseline Evaluation of Methanogenic Potential for Mono and Co-Digested Wastewater Biosolids and Brewery Spent Yeast
Authors: Rasmeni Zelda Z. , Madyira Daniel M. , Olatunji Obafemi O. , Adedeji Paul A. , Matheri Anthony N.
Published: November 2024

Co-digestion of organic rich wastewater sludge and brewery spent yeast is a prospectively viable bioenergy substrate, which can enhance future green energy and boost the emerging circular economy. Multi-objective optimization of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) cost and its environmental footprint are considered significant and vital in modern WWTP. Despite the lauded benefits of co-digestion, current techniques developed to upgrade biogas quantity and quality in the water treatment sector have focussed on mono-substrates. This development has been associated to shortage of suitable substrates and uncertainty on the impact on biogas quality and biosolid production. Therefore, this study presents an analytic evaluation of the mono substrates and co-digestion of wastewater biosolids (WWS), and brewery spent yeast (BSY) to determine their methanogenic potential as biomass for potential energy resource recovery. Here, quantification, characterisation, and waste to energy conversion through anaerobic digestion were investigated and the results obtained were appropriately reported. The test bench was firstly calibrated, and the accuracy determined. The organic samples went through a chemical process producing biogas using the biomethane potential test technique with AMPTS 11 set-up. It was observed that the optimum biomethane yield was obtained at 304,75Nml mono digestion of brewery spent yeast. It was established that the WWS and BSY offers a high prospect for future energy mix and their contribution to circular economy cannot be underestimated. Large-scale exploration of their prospects offers significant benefits in mitigating climate change through alternative energy yield obtainable from them.
Nonlinear acoustic modulation utilizing designed acoustic bubble array
Authors: Deng Zhaoyu , Ma Zhichao , Liu Xiaozhou
Published: November 2024

Acoustic modulation has attracted significant investigative interest for their outstanding promising application scenes. Furthermore, acoustic bubble array has shown anticipated foreground in signal processing and acoustic manipulation. Here, we demonstrate a nonlinear acoustic modulation method via designed acoustic bubble array. Numerical calculations have been conducted to analyze several influential parameters and the corresponding effects on the vibrational behaviors of the acoustic bubbles. Appropriate corrections have been added on the numerical model to elucidate the physical scene. Experimental validation has confirmed the practicability and validity of the designation. Potential applications in biological tissue imaging and unidirectional sound transmission can be expected with further research.
Single-step synthesis of shaped polymeric particles using initiated chemical vapor deposition in liquid crystals
Authors: Jain Apoorva , Pal Soumyamouli , Li Shiqi , Abbott Nicholas L. , Yang Rong
Published: November 2024

We elucidate a previously unknown synthesis pathway that leads to polymeric nanospheres, orientation-controlled microgels, or microspheroids via single-step polymerization of divinylbenzene (DVB) using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) in liquid crystals (LC). iCVD supplies vapor-phase reactants continuously, avoiding the critical limitation of reactant-induced disruption of LC structure that has plagued past LC-templated polymerization processes. LC is leveraged as a real-time display of the polymerization conditions and particle emergence, captured using an in situ long–focal range microscope. Detailed image analysis unravels key LC-guided mechanisms during polymerization. pDVB forms nanospheres due to poor solubilization by nematic LC. The nanospheres partition to the LC-solid interface and further assemble into microgel clusters whose orientation is guided by the LC molecular alignment. On further polymerization, microgel clusters transition to microspheroids that resemble liquid drops. We identify key energetic factors that guide trajectories along the synthesis pathway, providing the fundamental basis of a framework for engineering particle synthesis with shape control.
Inability to pursue nonrigid motion produces instability of spatial perception
Authors: Koerfer Krischan , Watson Tamara , Lappe Markus
Published: November 2024

Vision generates a stable representation of space by combining retinal input with internal predictions about the visual consequences of eye movements. We report a type of nonrigid motion that disrupts the connection between eye movements and perception, causing visual instability. This motion is accurately perceived during fixation, but it cannot be pursued. Catch-up saccades are accurately directed to the moving target but the motion stimulus appears to jump in space with each saccade. Our results reveal four major findings about perception and the visuomotor system: (i) Pursuit fails for certain types of motion; (ii) pursuit and catch-up saccades are independently controlled; (iii) prediction of saccade consequences is independent from saccade control; and (iv) the visual stability of moving objects relies on similar motion mechanisms as pursuit.
Single-molecule profiling of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances by cyclodextrin mediated host-guest interactions within a biological nanopore
Authors: Wei Xiaojun , Choudhary Aditya , Wang Leon Y. , Yang Lixing , Uline Mark J. , Tagliazucchi Mario , Wang Qian , Bedrov Dmitry , Liu Chang
Published: November 2024

Biological nanopores are increasingly used in molecular sensing due to their single-molecule sensitivity. The detection of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) like perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid is critical due to their environmental prevalence and toxicity. Here, we investigate selective interactions between PFAS and four cyclodextrin (CD) variants (α-, β-, γ-, and 2-hydroxypropyl-γ-CD) within an α-hemolysin nanopore. We demonstrate that PFAS molecules can be electrochemically sensed by interacting with a γ-CD in a nanopore. Using HP-γ-CDs with increased steric resistance, we can identify homologs of the perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid and the perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid families and detect common PFAS in drinking water at 0.4 to 2 parts per million levels, which are further lowered to 400 parts per trillion by sample preconcentration. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the underlying chemical mechanism of PFAS-CD interactions. These insights pave the way toward nanopore-based in situ detection with promises in environmental protection against PFAS pollution.
Endosomes serve as signaling platforms for RIG-I ubiquitination and activation
Authors: Chen Kuan-Ru , Yang Chia-Yu , Shu San-Ging , Lo Yin-Chiu , Lee Kuan-Wei , Wang Li-Chun , Chen Jia-Bao , Shih Meng-Cen , Chang Hung-Chun , Hsiao Yu-Ju , Wu Chao-Liang , Tan Tse-Hua , Ling Pin
Published: November 2024

RIG-I–like receptors (RLRs) are cytosolic RNA sensors critical for antiviral immunity. RLR activation is regulated by polyubiquitination and oligomerization following RNA binding. Yet, little is known about how RLRs exploit subcellular organelles to facilitate their posttranslational modifications and activation. Endosomal adaptor TAPE regulates the endosomal TLR and cytosolic RLR pathways. The potential interplay between RIG-I signaling and endosomes has been explored. Here, we report that endosomes act as platforms for facilitating RIG-I polyubiquitination and complex formation. RIG-I was translocated onto endosomes to form signaling complexes upon activation. Ablation of endosomes impaired RIG-I signaling to type I IFN activation. TAPE mediates the interaction and polyubiquitination of RIG-I and TRIM25. TAPE-deficient myeloid cells were defective in type I IFN activation upon RNA ligand and virus challenges. Myeloid TAPE deficiency increased the susceptibility to RNA virus infection in vivo. Our work reveals endosomes as signaling platforms for RIG-I activation and antiviral immunity.
Rhizosphere microbiomes are closely linked to seagrass species: a comparative study of three coastal seagrasses
Authors: Sun Hao , Liu Xuerui , Wang Tianyu , Liu Shuai , Zhang Rui , Guo Xiangrui , Yu Zhen , Zhao Ye , Shen Pingping , Zhang Yanying
Published: November 2024

Seagrass meadows are important marine ecosystems in coastal areas, offering ecological and economic services to the mankind. However, these ecosystems are facing declines due to climate changes and human activities. Rhizosphere-associated microbiomes play critical roles in the survival and adaptation of seagrasses. While prior studies have explored the general microbial communities and their roles in seagrass meadows, there is a gap in understanding the specific rhizosphere microbiomes of different seagrass species and their interdependent relationships. Our study analyzed the microbial community composition and their metabolism in the rhizosphere of
Ruppia sinensis
(RS),
Zostera japonica
(ZJ), and
Zostera marina
(ZM) obtained from the coastal area of Shandong, China, using high throughput and metagenome sequencing. We found that Rhodobacteraceae, Desulfocapsaceae, and Sulfurovaceae were enriched in RS, ZJ, and ZM samples, respectively, compared with the other two seagrass species, and the bacterial connections were decreased from RS to ZM and ZJ samples. The abundances of
nirKS
and
norBC
, mediating denitrification, were higher in RS samples with 2.38% ± 0.59% and 2.14% ± 0.24%, respectively. RS samples also showed a higher level of genes in assimilatory sulfate reduction but lower levels in dissimilatory sulfate reduction and oxidation, with a greater ability to convert sulfide into L-cysteine and acetate. Metagenome-assembled genomes from metagenome of RS rhizosphere had a higher diversity and were assigned to eight phyla. Our study could provide a typical project to analyze the bacterial community structures and metabolic functions in the rhizosphere microbiomes of different seagrasses.

IMPORTANCE

Seagrasses are indispensable in marine ecosystems, offering numerous critical services, with their health significantly influenced by associated rhizosphere microbiomes. Although studies have investigated the microbial communities and their ecological roles in seagrass meadows, the correlations between rhizosphere microbiome and seagrass species from a particular geographic region are limited. Some studies concentrated on the bacterial composition within the rhizosphere of various seagrasses, but the functional aspects of these microbiomes remain unexplored. Our research delves into this void, revealing that
Ruppia sinensis
,
Zostera japonica
, and
Zostera marina
host diverse bacterial community in the composition, connections, functions, and metabolism, such as nitrogen and sulfur metabolism. Our study revealed that seagrass species play an important role in shaping the rhizosphere microbiomes in an equivalent environment, emphasizing the importance of seagrass species in shaping the rhizosphere microbial communities.
Evaluation of Fungitell (1,3)-β-D-glucan assay in tear samples for rapid diagnosis of fungal keratitis
Authors: Tawde Yamini , Das Sourav , Singh Shreya , Basak Soham , Sharma Savitri , Gupta Amit , Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M. , Yadav Geetika , Ghosh Anup
Published: November 2024

Fungal keratitis (FK) is a serious suppurative and ulcerative corneal infection leading to blindness and vision loss. Rapid diagnosis of FK can contribute to prompt clinical management with early recovery. The study aimed to standardize the detection of (1,3)-β-D-glucan (BDG) and establish the diagnostic cut-off concentration in tears of suspected FK patients along with non-infected controls. This prospective multicentric study was conducted between the period of August 2022 and April 2024. Samples were collected from three tertiary eye-care facilities across India. All suspected FK patients were enrolled in the study. Prior to tear collection, the eye and eyelid were gently cleansed using sterile normal saline (NS) and lint-free tissue paper. Subsequently, 50 µL of sterile NS was instilled into the eye, followed by tear sample collection after 60 s using sterile fine microtips. Tear samples were collected from the contralateral eyes of the FK patients, and those from healthy volunteers served as controls. The concentration of BDG in tears in varying dilutions was quantitatively measured using the Fungitell Assay Kit (Associates of Cape Cod, East Falmouth, Massachusetts). A total of 53 tear samples were analyzed at 1:10 and 1:20 dilutions. The receiver operating curve revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.919 for the 1:10 dilution, with a cut-off value of 123 pg/mL, yielding a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 84.85%. The corresponding Youden Index was 0.798. At the 1:20 dilution, the AUC was 0.898 with a cut-off of 84 pg/mL, achieving a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 96.88% with a Youden Index of 0.670. Given the higher specificity at the 1:20 dilution, it was further validated in 145 tear samples. The validation cohort demonstrated a sensitivity of 95.56%, specificity of 83%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 71.67%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.65%, and diagnostic odds ratio of 112.4. Notably, a significantly higher BDG concentration (
P
< 0.0001) was observed in infected tear samples compared to controls (270.6 ± 128.5 vs 37.31 ± 31.32). Detection of BDG in tear samples is a new, non-invasive, and rapid technique showing excellent performance and can be effectively implemented for diagnosing FK in laboratories.
A modular activity to support knowledge retention, application, and metacognition in undergraduate immunology
Authors: D'Ambrosio Lisa M.
Published: November 2024

Learning in undergraduate immunology requires students to be able to retain knowledge, to apply information to new contexts, and to self-assess their understanding of concepts. These core competencies strengthen students’ critical thinking and metacognitive skills which, in turn, enhances their ability to identify knowledge gaps and strategies to support future learning. Retrieval practice and feedback-driven metacognition are evidence-based teaching strategies that have been demonstrated to enhance knowledge retention and metacognition in a range of academic disciplines and levels of education, although their implementation and impact on learning in undergraduate immunology remain largely unexplored. To this end, I designed a modular “practice session” activity for a 12-week, upper-level, undergraduate immunology course that incorporates periodic retrieval practice and feedback-driven metacognition to support students’ knowledge retention, application of information, and metacognitive skills. Near the end of the course, a survey was conducted to assess student perceptions on whether the activity supported learning and metacognition in immunology. Instructional resources are provided to facilitate easy adaptation of this modular activity to courses of diverse science disciplines and levels of study in higher education.
Pneumococcal extracellular vesicles mediate horizontal gene transfer via the transformation machinery
Authors: Werner Lass Sarah , Smith Bailey E. , Camphire Shaw , Eutsey Rory A. , Prentice Jojo A. , Yerneni Saigopalakrishna S. , Arun Ashni , Bridges Andrew A. , Rosch Jason W. , Conway James F. , Campbell Phil , Hiller N. Luisa
Published: November 2024

Bacterial cells secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs), the function of which is a matter of intense investigation. Here, we show that the EVs secreted by the human pathogen
Streptococcus pneumoniae
(pneumococcus) are associated with bacterial DNA on their surface and can deliver this DNA to the transformation machinery of competent cells. These findings suggest that EVs contribute to gene transfer in Gram-positive bacteria and, in doing so, may promote the spread of drug resistance genes in the population.

IMPORTANCE

This work extends our understanding of horizontal gene transfer and the roles of extracellular vesicles in pneumococcus. This bacterium serves as the model for transformation, a process by which bacteria can take up naked DNA from the environment. Here, we show that extracellular vesicles secreted by the pneumococcus have DNA on their surface and that this DNA can be imported by the transformation machinery, facilitating gene transfer. Understanding EV-mediated gene transfer may provide new avenues to manage the spread of antibiotic drug resistance.
Evaluation of a microfluidic-based point-of-care prototype with customized chip for detection of bacterial clusters
Authors: Treffon Janina , Isserstedt-John Nicole , Klemm Richard , Gärtner Claudia , Mellmann Alexander
Published: November 2024

Bacterial infection clusters cause high mortality rates and healthcare costs due to excessive therapy and hygiene measures. The aim of this study was to develop an automated real-time PCR-based point-of-care (POC) system with a customized microfluidic chip that facilitates fast detection of bacterial cluster isolates by targeting cluster-specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). For cluster detection of
Acinetobacter baumannii
,
Staphylococcus aureus
, and
Escherichia coli
, nine TaqMan real-time PCR assays targeting cluster-specific SNPs were designed. Additionally, for DNA input control, a universal PCR amplifying the 16S rDNA was constructed. All reactions were implemented into a microfluidic chip that was analyzed by a POC prototype enabling automated sample processing, fluid handling, and signal detection. Performance of the prototype was evaluated using 45 chips loaded with defined bacterial solutions, including swab eluates. For seven PCRs, implementation into the microfluidic chip was successful, leading to correct identification of all SNPs specific for
A. baumannii
and
E. coli
cluster isolates and delineation of all non-cluster strains within 70 min. The remaining three reactions failed in the chip, which resulted in misidentification of the
S. aureus
cluster. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the prototype were 43%, 88%, and 55%, respectively. The detection limit was PCR dependent and ranged between 10
3
and 10
5
colony-forming units/mL. Once optimized, the microfluidic POC system for cluster detection could be applied as time-saving and easy-to-use method to complement whole-genome sequencing efforts during screening for bacterial clusters.

IMPORTANCE

Especially in medical facilities, where morbid people are nursed in close distance to each other, pathogenic bacteria can accumulate and spread. To contain such infection clusters, usually time- and labor-intensive large-scale screening assays are conducted, where patients and patient-side surfaces are sampled, and PCR or whole-genome sequencing analyses are conducted to confirm or deny cluster affiliation of cultivated bacteria. Hence, fast solutions with easy application are required to complement the current state-of-the-art technology for cluster surveillance. Here, we developed a fully automated microfluidic point-of-care prototype that identified bacterial cluster isolates within 70 min from bacterial solutions, including swab eluates. The system requires only low hands-on time and can be applied apart from laboratory infrastructures near the patient, which considerably reduces the time from sampling to result. This ensures fast implementation of hygiene measures and quick containment of the infection cluster, which would enhance patients’ safety and outcome.
Impact of postpartum physical activity on maternal depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Deprato Andy , Ruchat Stephanie-May , Ali Muhammad Usman , Cai Chenxi , Forte Milena , Gierc Madelaine , Meyer Sarah , Sjwed Talia Noel , Shirazi Safi , Matenchuk Brittany A , Jones Paris A T , Sivak Allison , Davenport Margie H
Published: November 2024

Objective

To examine the influence of postpartum exercise on maternal depression and anxiety.

Design

Systematic review with random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression.

Data sources

Online databases up to 12 January 2024, reference lists, recommended studies and hand searches.

Eligibility criteria

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised interventions of any publication date or language were included if they contained information on the Population (postpartum people), Intervention (subjective or objective measures of frequency, intensity, duration, volume, type, or mode of delivery of exercise), Comparator (no exercise or different exercise measures), and Outcome (postpartum depression, anxiety prevalence, and/or symptom severity).

Results

A total of 35 studies (n=4072) were included. Moderate certainty evidence from RCTs showed that exercise-only interventions reduced the severity of postpartum depressive symptoms (19 RCTs, n=1778, SMD: −0.52, 95% CI −0.80 to –0.24, I2=86%, moderate effect size) and anxiety symptoms (2 RCTs, n=513, SMD: −0.25, 95% CI −0.43 to −0.08, I2=0%, small effect size), and the odds of postpartum depression by 45% (4 RCTs, n=303 OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.95, I2=0%) compared with no exercise. No included studies assessed the impact of postpartum exercise on the odds of postpartum anxiety. To achieve at least a moderate reduction in the severity of postpartum depressive symptoms, postpartum individuals needed to accumulate at least 350 MET-min/week of exercise (eg, 80 min of moderate intensity exercise such as brisk walking, water aerobics, stationary cycling or resistance training).

Conclusions

Postpartum exercise reduced the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms and the odds of postpartum depression.
Enhancing Food Security in an Era of Rising Fertilizer Prices: Evaluation of an Intervention Promoting Mungbean Adoption in Nepal
Authors: KHANAL NARAYAN PRASAD , CHOUDHARY DYUTIMAN , THAPA GANESH
Published: November 2024

The improved food security in Asia that has facilitated the region’s development progress depends on nitrogenous fertilizers. Rising prices and shortages of imported fertilizer have prompted countries to explore alternative sources of crop nitrogen, including diversification with legumes. We evaluate an intervention in Nepal that promoted mungbean adoption. Our doubly robust impact evaluation approach accounts for nonrandom patterns of adoption related to livestock rearing, participation in agricultural cooperatives and training, and greater irrigated land use. Adopters growing mungbean for the 2-year study period showed an average increase of 20 kilograms (kg) in their annual consumption of mungbean-based foods, applied almost 40[Formula: see text]kg per hectare (ha) less fertilizers to their rice crops, and obtained an additional 280[Formula: see text]kg in rice yield per ha. Hence, agricultural innovations that use legumes such as mungbean can help promote sustainable intensification of cereal-based production systems, while enhancing food security and reducing balance-of-payments issues for the countries dependent on fertilizer imports.