bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pro-atherogenic medical conditions are associated with widespread regional brain metabolite abnormalities in those with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Durazzo Timothy C , Kraybill Eric P , Stephens Lauren H , May April C , Meyerhoff Dieter J
Published: August 2024

Aims

Widespread brain metabolite abnormalities in those with alcohol use disorder (AUD) were reported in numerous studies, but the effects of the pro-atherogenic conditions of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C seropositivity, and hyperlipidemia on metabolite levels were not considered. These conditions were associated with brain metabolite abnormalities in those without AUD. We predicted treatment-seeking individuals with AUD and pro-atherogenic conditions (Atherogenic+) demonstrate lower regional metabolite markers of neuronal viability [N-acetylaspartate (NAA)] and cell membrane turnover/synthesis [choline-containing compounds (Cho)], compared with those with AUD without pro-atherogenic conditions (Atherogenic−) and healthy controls (CON).

Methods

Atherogenic+ (n = 59) and Atherogenic− (n = 51) and CON (n = 49) completed a 1.5 T proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging study. Groups were compared on NAA, Cho, total creatine, and myoinositol in cortical gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and select subcortical regions.

Results

Atherogenic+ had lower frontal GM and temporal WM NAA than CON. Atherogenic+ showed lower parietal GM, frontal, parietal and occipital WM and lenticular nuclei NAA level than Atherogenic− and CON. Atherogenic− showed lower frontal GM and WM NAA than CON. Atherogenic+ had lower Cho level than CON in the frontal GM, parietal WM, and thalamus. Atherogenic+ showed lower frontal WM and cerebellar vermis Cho than Atherogenic− and CON.

Conclusions

Findings suggest proatherogenic conditions in those with AUD were associated with increased compromise of neuronal integrity and cell membrane turnover/synthesis. The greater metabolite abnormalities observed in Atherogenic+ may relate to increased oxidative stress-related compromise of neuronal and glial cell structure and/or impaired arterial vasoreactivity/lumen viability.
Cosmetic benefit in Mohs surgery: an overemphasized theme?
Authors: Demirel Sibel , Affleck Andrew
Published: August 2024

The cosmetic benefit of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is often overstated by clinicians and widely accessed patient information sources. This can lead to patients having unrealistic expectations of small wounds/scars. As there is no direct evidence that MMS improves cosmetic outcome over standard excision, we suggest evidence-based statements to improve patient education, patient expectations and outcomes.
Pan-lineage Mycobacterium tuberculosis reference genome for enhanced molecular diagnosis
Authors: Bahk Kunhyung , Sung Joohon , Seki Mitsuko , Kim Kyungjong , Kim Jina , Choi Hongjo , Whang Jake , Mitarai Satoshi
Published: August 2024

In Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) control, whole genome sequencing-based molecular drug susceptibility testing (molDST-WGS) has emerged as a pivotal tool. However, the current reliance on a single-strain reference limits molDST-WGS’s true potential. To address this, we introduce a new pan-lineage reference genome, ‘MtbRf’. We assembled ‘unmapped’ reads from 3,614 MTB genomes (751 L1; 881 L2; 1,700 L3; and 282 L4) into 35 shared, annotated contigs (54 coding sequences [CDSs]). We constructed MtbRf through: (1) searching for contig homologues among genome database that precipitate results uniquely within Mycobacteria genus; (2) comparing genomes with H37Rv (‘lift-over’) to define 18 insertions; and (3) filling gaps in H37Rv with insertions. MtbRf adds 1.18% sequences to H37rv, salvaging >60% of previously unmapped reads. Transcriptomics confirmed gene expression of new CDSs. The new variants provided a moderate DST predictive value (AUROC 0.60–0.75). MtbRf thus unveils previously hidden genomic information and lays the foundation for lineage-specific molDST-WGS.
Cutting the Gordian knot of diuretic resistance using continuous ultrafiltration in a Holt–Oram patient with decompensated heart failure and Eisenmenger syndrome: a case report
Authors: Dimitroglou Yannis , Mantzouranis Emmanouil , Chrysohoou Christina , Brili Stella , Tsioufis Konstantinos
Published: August 2024

Background

Continuous ultrafiltration consists a decongestion method for patients with refractory decompensated heart failure with diuretic resistance as it enables the energetic withdrawal of isotonic fluid under controlled rate according to the patient’s vital signs, offering decongestion without exceeding plasma refill rate.

Case summary

A 62-year-old male with history of Holt–Oram syndrome with Eisenmenger physiology presented with worsening dyspnoea. Patient initial clinical and laboratory examination, renal vein ultrasound, and echocardiogram were consistent with significant congestion. A combined strategy of intravenous furosemide with early initiation of continuous ultrafiltration at an adjustable rate for 4 days was finally selected. Patient remained haemodynamically stable during the total treatment time and exhibited significant clinical and laboratory improvement. Consecutive renal vein ultrasounds and echocardiograms demonstrated a continuous and steady recession of congestion. During the 4 days of ultrafiltration, total fluid loss was estimated at 42 L. Patient remained asymptomatic without signs of worsened congestion at 1, 3, and 5 months follow-up.

Discussion

Our case depicts that continuous ultrafiltration without exceeding plasma refill rate allows an impaired right ventricle to maintain significant preload. This suggests that it might be considered for patients in whom a session of short classic ultrafiltration might have detrimental results regarding cardiac output.
Mitral valve repair in ventricular functional mitral regurgitation: a simplified technique of papillary muscles relocation
Authors: Girdauskas Evaldas , Owais Tamer , Dumps Christian , Favot Elisa , Tomšič Anton
Published: August 2024

Mitral valve repair techniques in ventricular functional mitral regurgitation are controversial due to ongoing debates about long-term repair durability in the setting of left ventricular remodelling. To address the limitations of conventional annuloplasty, subannular techniques, such as papillary muscle relocation, have been developed. However, the limited reproducibility of these techniques has hindered their widespread adoption. In this context, we introduce a simplified and reproducible method for papillary muscle relocation. This method utilizes transoesophageal echocardiographic guidance and premeasured polytetrafluoroethylene loops to streamline the procedure.
Moderately thermostable GH1 β-glucosidases from hyperacidophilic archaeon Cuniculiplasma divulgatum S5
Authors: Khusnutdinova Anna N , Tran Hai , Devlekar Saloni , Distaso Marco A , Kublanov Ilya V , Skarina Tatiana , Stogios Peter , Savchenko Alexei , Ferrer Manuel , Golyshina Olga V , Yakunin Alexander F , Golyshin Peter N
Published: August 2024

Family GH1 glycosyl hydrolases are ubiquitous in prokaryotes and eukaryotes and are utilized in numerous industrial applications, including bioconversion of lignocelluloses. In this study, hyperacidophilic archaeon Cuniculiplasma divulgatum (S5T=JCM 30642T) was explored as a source of novel carbohydrate-active enzymes. The genome of C. divulgatum encodes three GH1 enzyme candidates, from which CIB12 and CIB13 were heterologously expressed and characterized. Phylogenetic analysis of CIB12 and CIB13 clustered them with β-glucosidases from genuinely thermophilic archaea including Thermoplasma acidophilum, Picrophilus torridus, Sulfolobus solfataricus, Pyrococcus furiosus, and Thermococcus kodakarensis. Purified enzymes showed maximal activities at pH 4.5–6.0 (CIB12) and 4.5–5.5 (CIB13) with optimal temperatures at 50°C, suggesting a high-temperature origin of Cuniculiplasma spp. ancestors. Crystal structures of both enzymes revealed a classical (α/β)8 TIM-barrel fold with the active site located inside the barrel close to the C-termini of β-strands including the catalytic residues Glu204 and Glu388 (CIB12), and Glu204 and Glu385 (CIB13). Both enzymes preferred cellobiose over lactose as substrates and were classified as cellobiohydrolases. Cellobiose addition increased the biomass yield of Cuniculiplasma cultures growing on peptides by 50%, suggesting that the cellobiohydrolases expand the carbon substrate range and hence environmental fitness of Cuniculiplasma.
Self-Employment Transitions and Health Outcomes in Later Life: Evidence From China
Authors: Hu Ting , Chen Yu-Chih , Halvorsen Cal
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives

Self-employment is a vital alternative to waged employment for older workers. Recent research has shown that employment transitions frequently occur when individuals approach retirement. However, evidence of how older people’s health changes when they switch between self and waged employment is lacking, particularly outside Western contexts. To address this research gap, we explored the health impact of employment transitions for the older working population in China by hukou (urban or rural household registration status), region, and education.

Research Design and Methods

We employed fixed effect models to examine the impact of employment transitions on cognitive, mental, and physical health and life satisfaction drawing on data from four waves (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (N = 4,606). Given China’s unique context, we analyzed the results of agricultural and nonagricultural work separately.

Results

Individuals transitioning into or remaining in self-employment had lower self-rated health and life satisfaction than those remaining in waged employment. There was no significant difference in cognitive functioning or depressive symptoms. Additionally, those who transitioned from self-employment into waged employment rated their health worse than those who remained in waged employment. The health impacts were more apparent for agricultural than nonagricultural self-employment, particularly for older workers living in urban regions with rural hukou and lower education levels.

Discussion and Implications

Most older Chinese transitioning into or staying self-employed are or were pushed into self-employment due to their low human capital and socioeconomic status, which affects their subsequent health. Pension reform and policies supporting older adults to stay in the workforce could help close the economic and health gaps between rural and urban older adults.
Constraints on the 2013 Saravan intraslab earthquake using permanent GNSS, InSAR and seismic data
Authors: Amiri Meysam , Walpersdorf Andrea , Mousavi Zahra , Khorrami Fatemeh , Pathier Erwan , Samsonov Sergey V , Saadat Seied Abdolreza , Nankali Hamid Reza , Sedighi Morteza
Published: August 2024

On 16 April 2013, an Mw = 7.7 earthquake struck the border of Iran and Pakistan in the central part of the Makran subduction zone with a reported depth of 80 km by USGS. This rare event in this poorly instrumented region helps to shed light on the kinematics of the subducting slab. We investigate source parameters of the Saravan intraslab normal earthquake using RADARSAT-2 SAR images in three ascending tracks, nine permanent GNSS sites and teleseismic data. The maximum coseismic displacement occurred at the SRVN GNSS station with 54.1 mm southeast horizontal and 42.7 mm upward vertical displacements. The coseismic ascending InSAR displacement maps illustrate a continuous and smooth NE-trending elliptical shape deformation pattern with a maximum of ∼29 cm of displacement away from the satellite. We use 25 broad-band teleseismic P-waveforms to estimate the focal mechanism of the main shock. A joint uniform inversion of InSAR, GNSS and teleseismic data reveals a NW-dipping SW-striking fault and a primarily normal-faulting earthquake with a minor right-lateral strike-slip component. The static slip distribution of the InSAR coseismic maps localizes variable slip at depths between 50 and 81 km with a maximum amplitude >3 m at 60–75.5 km depth, rupturing the oceanic crust of the subducted slab. The kinematic slip distribution exhibits a well-constrained slip pattern with a nucleation depth of 65 km. The source time function indicates that the earthquake reaches its maximum moment tensor release at ∼8 and ∼16 s. The NE-trend of the Saravan earthquake slip pattern, the orientation of the volcanic arc, and the distribution of the intraslab intermediate-depth normal earthquakes provide new insights into slab geometry in the central Makran subduction zone. We suggest that the slab bending at the hinge of subducting Arabian Plate is oblique along a NE–SW direction parallel to the volcanic arc rather than the shoreline or deformation front, and it is likely to be the reason for an oblique volcanic arc in the Makran subduction zone. These new constraints on the Makran slab geometry will help further studies in establishing realistic coupling maps for seismic hazard assessment.
Clinically relevant mouse models of severe spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1
Authors: Holbrook Sarah E , Hicks Amy N , Martin Paige B , Hines Timothy J , Castro Harold P , Cox Gregory A
Published: August 2024

Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress (SMARD1) is a lethal infantile disease, characterized by the loss of motor neurons leading to muscular atrophy, diaphragmatic paralysis, and weakness in the trunk and limbs. Mutations in IGHMBP2, a ubiquitously expressed DNA/RNA helicase, have been shown to cause a wide spectrum of motor neuron disease. Though mutations in IGHMBP2 are mostly associated with SMARD1, milder alleles cause the axonal neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2S (CMT2S), and some null alleles are potentially a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Variant heterogeneity studied using an allelic series can be informative in order to create a broad spectrum of models that better exhibit the human variation. We previously identified the nmd2J mouse model of SMARD1, as well as two milder CMT2S mouse models. Here, we used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to create three new, more severe Ighmbp2 mouse models of SMARD1, including a null allele, a deletion of C495 (C495del) and a deletion of L362 (L362del). Phenotypic characterization of the IGHMBP2L362del homozygous mutants and IGHMBP2C495del homozygous mutants respectively show a more severe disease presentation than the previous nmd2J model. The IGHMBP2L362del mutants lack a clear denervation in the diaphragm while the IGHMBP2C495del mutants display a neurogenic diaphragmatic phenotype as observed in SMARD1 patients. Characterization of the Ighmbp2-null model indicated neo-natal lethality (median lifespan = 0.5 days). These novel strains expand the spectrum of SMARD1 models to better reflect the clinical continuum observed in the human patients with various IGHMBP2 recessive mutations.
Influencing factors of rural residents’ household waste classification habits: evidence from Jiangxi Province, China
Authors: Liu Changjin , Li Chuanqi , Li Ning , Yang Jing , Teng Yuhua
Published: August 2024

Guiding rural residents to develop the habit of sorting household waste is an effective way to address resource waste and environmental pollution. However, in existing research, scholars generally focus on the influencing factors of household garbage classification behavior, lacking research on unconscious habits. Therefore, based on the survey data of China’s first national ecological civilization pilot zone in Jiangxi, this study used a multiple regression model to comprehensively investigate the factors affecting the sorting habits of rural residents from the aspects of individual and situational factors. Results showed that factors such as communication diffusion policy, garbage sorting facilities, economic incentives, garbage sorting behavior frequency, new media use, environmental emotion, and environmental cognition exert a significant positive influence on guiding rural residents toward adopting garbage sorting habits. In addition, heterogeneity analysis underscores notable variations in influencing factors across different age groups and education levels among rural residents. The findings contribute to the expansion of the current knowledge landscape pertaining to residents’ behavior habits. Importantly, this study provides new ideas methodologies for effectively guiding rural residents in cultivating the habit of household garbage classification.
Real-time performance evaluation and optimization of electrical substation equipment inspection algorithm based on distributed computing
Authors: Zhang Guoliang , Du Zexu , Zhang Yi , Chen Jiangqi , Zhang Xi
Published: August 2024

Substation equipment inspection faces problems such as large amounts of data, various information types, complex analysis and calculations, and low resource integration. Distributed computing system uses networks to realize computer connectivity and collaboration, achieving in-depth sharing of computing resources, software resources, information resources, and communication resources. Therefore, firstly, this article introduces segmentation method for load balancing and recommendation calculation based on path search; secondly, an algorithm model for substation equipment inspection based on distributed computing is constructed; then, the article analyzes and discusses multi-core cluster task allocation, heterogeneous task scheduling framework, fragmented transmission mechanism, and vertical expansion mechanism; finally, case analysis and performance evaluation are carried out. Distributed computing has significant advantages in the inspection algorithm of power substation equipment. It can efficiently process large-scale data, improve computing power, ensure data redundancy and fault tolerance, provide good scalability, optimize resource utilization, and support remote data processing. By integrating multi-source data, distributed computing improves the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the algorithm, enhances security, supports complex algorithms such as machine learning and deep learning, and realizes real-time monitoring and early warning. The results show that the proposed algorithm can improve the efficiency of distributed parallel computing and analysis of substation equipment inspections and can simulate, evaluate, and screen substation equipment failure scenarios that may cause serious consequences within an effective time.
Bacterial growth and environmental adaptation via thiamine biosynthesis and thiamine-mediated metabolic interactions
Authors: Xu Xihui , Li Can , Cao Weimiao , Yan Lulu , Cao Lulu , Han Qi , Gao Minling , Chen Yahua , Shen Zhenguo , Jiang Jiandong , Chen Chen
Published: August 2024

Understanding the ancestral transition from anaerobic to aerobic lifestyles is essential for comprehending life’s early evolution. However, the biological adaptations occurring during this crucial transition remain largely unexplored. Thiamine is an important cofactor involved in central carbon metabolism and aerobic respiration. Here, we explored the phylogenetic and global distribution of thiamine-auxotrophic and thiamine-prototrophic bacteria based on the thiamine biosynthetic pathway in 154 838 bacterial genomes. We observed strong coincidences of the origin of thiamine-synthetic bacteria with the “Great Oxygenation Event,” indicating that thiamine biosynthesis in bacteria emerged as an adaptation to aerobic respiration. Furthermore, we demonstrated that thiamine-mediated metabolic interactions are fundamental factors influencing the assembly and diversity of bacterial communities by a global survey across 4245 soil samples. Through our newly established stable isotope probing–metabolic modeling method, we uncovered the active utilization of thiamine-mediated metabolic interactions by bacterial communities in response to changing environments, thus revealing an environmental adaptation strategy employed by bacteria at the community level. Our study demonstrates the widespread thiamine-mediated metabolic interactions in bacterial communities and their crucial roles in setting the stage for an evolutionary transition from anaerobic to aerobic lifestyles and subsequent environmental adaptation. These findings provide new insights into early bacterial evolution and their subsequent growth and adaptations to environments.
The relationship between treatment-related changes in total hip BMD measured after 12, 18, and 24 mo and fracture risk reduction in osteoporosis clinical trials: the FNIH-ASBMR-SABRE project
Authors: Vilaca Tatiane , Schini Marian , Lui Li-Yung , Ewing Susan K , Thompson Austin R , Vittinghoff Eric , Bauer Douglas C , Eastell Richard , Black Dennis M , Bouxsein Mary L
Published: August 2024

There is a strong association between total hip bone mineral density (THBMD) changes after 24 mo of treatment and reduced fracture risk. We examined whether changes in THBMD after 12 and 18 mo of treatment are also associated with fracture risk reduction. We used individual patient data (n = 122 235 participants) from 22 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials of osteoporosis medications. We calculated the difference in mean percent change in THBMD (active-placebo) at 12, 18, and 24 mo using data available for each trial. We determined the treatment-related fracture reductions for the entire follow-up period, using logistic regression for radiologic vertebral fractures and Cox regression for hip, non-vertebral, “all” (combination of non-vertebral, clinical vertebral, and radiologic vertebral) fractures and all clinical fractures (combination of non-vertebral and clinical vertebral). We performed meta-regression to estimate the study-level association (r2 and 95% confidence interval) between treatment-related differences in THBMD changes for each BMD measurement interval and fracture risk reduction. The meta-regression revealed that for vertebral fractures, the r2 (95% confidence interval) was 0.59 (0.19, 0.75), 0.69 (0.32, 0.82), and 0.73 (0.33, 0.84) for 12, 18, and 24 mo, respectively. Similar patterns were observed for hip: r2 = 0.27 (0.00, 0.54), 0.39 (0.02, 0.63), and 0.41 (0.02, 0.65); non-vertebral: r2 = 0.27 (0.01, 0.52), 0.49 (0.10, 0.69), and 0.53 (0.11, 0.72); all fractures: r2 = 0.44 (0.10, 0.64), 0.63 (0.24, 0.77), and 0.66 (0.25, 0.80); and all clinical fractures: r2 = 0.46 (0.11, 0.65), 0.64 (0.26, 0.78), and 0.71 (0.32, 0.83), for 12-, 18-, and 24-mo changes in THBMD, respectively. These findings demonstrate that treatment-related THBMD changes at 12, 18, and 24 mo are associated with fracture risk reductions across trials. We conclude that BMD measurement intervals as short as 12 mo could be used to assess fracture efficacy, but the association is stronger with longer BMD measurement intervals.
Reading metacomprehension of Spanish deaf and hard-of-hearing students
Authors: Rodríguez-Ortiz Isabel R , Moreno-Pérez Francisco J , Saldaña David
Published: August 2024

Difficulties in monitoring reading comprehension result in poor comprehension. One key aspect of monitoring is metacomprehension, which refers to one’s awareness of one’s own reading comprehension. Previous studies have observed difficulties in metacomprehension among the deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) population. This study aims to determine whether the metacomprehension of DHH students corresponds to their reading score and whether they are truly capable of adjusting their metacomprehension to the difficulty of the text. We evaluated 25 Spanish-speaking DHH students with reading scores approximately equivalent to Grades 5 or 6 of Primary School. Participants were asked to read a text and answer questions. The texts corresponded to three levels of difficulty (explicit, inferable, and noninferable). The results revealed that the metacomprehension of DHH students corresponded to their reading score. The DHH population may have better reading metacomprehension than is typically assumed, although the manifestation of this skill may depend on the type of task demanded of them (comprehension judgment or knowledge judgment).
Forecasting bilateral asylum seeker flows with high-dimensional data and machine learning techniques
Authors: Boss Konstantin , Groeger Andre , Heidland Tobias , Krueger Finja , Zheng Conghan
Published: August 2024

We develop monthly asylum seeker flow forecasting models for 157 origin countries to the EU27, using machine learning and high-dimensional data, including digital trace data from Google Trends. Comparing different models and forecasting horizons and validating out-of-sample, we find that an ensemble forecast combining Random Forest and Extreme Gradient Boosting algorithms outperforms the random walk over horizons between 3 and 12 months. For large corridors, this holds in a parsimonious model exclusively based on Google Trends variables, which has the advantage of near real-time availability. We provide practical recommendations how our approach can enable ahead-of-period asylum seeker flow forecasting applications.
Direct antiglobulin (Coombs) test in HIV-positive Talaromycosis marneffei patients
Authors: Wang Mengyan , Jin Yujiao , Zhu Biao
Published: August 2024

Talaromycosis marneffei (T.M) is the primary opportunistic infection of AIDS patients, and its morbidity and mortality are extremely high. To further clarify the disease characteristics of patients and provide a solid basis for in-depth exploration of their pathogenic mechanisms, we retrospectively summarized and analyzed their clinical data. We included all T.M patients tested for direct antiglobulin test (DAT) in the study. Interestingly, we found that AIDS-T.M patients had an extremely high rate of DAT positivity (92/127, 72.44%). In univariate analysis, a positive DAT was associated with blood culture of TM (P = .021), hypoproteinemia (P = .001), anemia (P = .001), thrombocytopenia (P = .003), sepsis (P = .007), and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) (P = .001). Hypoproteinemia, anemia, SOFA, APTT > 32.6 s, and AST > 40 U/l were studied by logistic regression. Logistic regression revealed that SOFA (OR = 1.311, P = .043), hypoproteinemia (OR = 0.308, P = .021), and anemia (OR = 0.19, P = .044) were associated with positive DAT. Positive DAT was associated with severe disease manifestations such as sepsis, and the DAT test is crucial in patients with fungemia.
Structure functions with higher-order stencils as a probe to separate small- and large-scale magnetic fields
Authors: Seta Amit , Federrath Christoph
Published: August 2024

Magnetic fields are an energetically important component of star formation galaxies, but it is often difficult to measure their properties from observations. One of the complexities stems from the fact that the magnetic fields, especially in spiral galaxies, have a two-scale nature: a large-scale field, coherent over kpc scales, and a small-scale random field, with a scale of ${\lesssim} 100 \, {\rm pc}$. Moreover, it is known that the strength of small- and large-scale fields is comparable and this makes it even harder to find their imprints in radio polarization observations such as the Faraday rotation measure (RM), which is the integral over the path-length of the product of the thermal electron density and the parallel component of the magnetic field to the line of sight. Here, we propose and demonstrate the use of second-order structure functions of RM computed with multiple higher-order stencils as a powerful analysis to separate the small- and large-scale magnetic field components. In particular, we provide new methods and calibrations to compute the scale and the strength of the large-scale magnetic field in the presence of small-scale magnetic fluctuations. We then apply the method to find the scale of large-scale magnetic fields in the nearby galaxies M51 and NGC 6946, using archival data, and further discuss the need for computing the RM structure functions with higher-order stencils. With multiple modern radio polarization observatories and eventually the Square Kilometre Array, RM observations will significantly improve in quantity and quality, and the higher-order stencil structure function techniques developed here can be used to extract information about multiscale magnetic fields in galaxies.
Genomic Anatomy of Homozygous XX Females and YY Males Reveals Early Evolutionary Trajectory of Sex-determining Gene and Sex Chromosomes inSilurusFishes
Authors: Wang Tao , Gong Gaorui , Li Zhi , Niu Jun-Sheng , Du Wen-Xuan , Wang Zhong-Wei , Wang Yang , Zhou Li , Zhang Xiao-Juan , Lian Zong-Qiang , Mei Jie , Gui Jian-Fang , Li Xi-Yin
Published: August 2024

Sex chromosomes display remarkable diversity and variability among vertebrates. Compared with research on the X/Y and Z/W chromosomes, which have long evolutionary histories in mammals and birds, studies on the sex chromosomes at early evolutionary stages are limited. Here, we precisely assembled the genomes of homozygous XX female and YY male Lanzhou catfish (Silurus lanzhouensis) derived from an artificial gynogenetic family and a self-fertilized family, respectively. Chromosome 24 (Chr24) was identified as the sex chromosome based on resequencing data. Comparative analysis of the X and Y chromosomes showed an approximate 320 kb Y-specific region with a Y-specific duplicate of anti-Mullerian hormone type II receptor (amhr2y), which is consistent with findings in 2 other Silurus species but on different chromosomes (Chr24 of Silurus meridionalis and Chr5 of Silurus asotus). Deficiency of amhr2y resulted in male-to-female sex reversal, indicating that amhr2y plays a male-determining role in S. lanzhouensis. Phylogenetic analysis and comparative genomics revealed that the common sex-determining gene amhr2y was initially translocated to Chr24 of the Silurus ancestor along with the expansion of transposable elements. Chr24 was maintained as the sex chromosome in S. meridionalis and S. lanzhouensis, whereas a sex-determining region transition triggered sex chromosome turnover from Chr24 to Chr5 in S. asotus. Additionally, gene duplication, translocation, and degeneration were observed in the Y-specific regions of Silurus species. These findings present a clear case for the early evolutionary trajectory of sex chromosomes, including sex-determining gene origin, repeat sequence expansion, gene gathering and degeneration in sex-determining region, and sex chromosome turnover.
Genotype and X-chromosome inactivation are associated with disease severity in females with X-linked Alport syndrome
Authors: Suzuki Ryota , Sakakibara Nana , Murakami Sae , Ichikawa Yuta , Kitakado Hideaki , Ueda Chika , Tanaka Yu , Okada Eri , Kondo Atsushi , Aoto Yuya , Ishiko Shinya , Ishimori Shingo , Nagano China , Yamamura Tomohiko , Horinouchi Tomoko , Okamoto Takayuki , Nozu Kandai
Published: August 2024

Background

Male patients with X-linked Alport syndrome (XLAS) generally develop end-stage kidney disease in early or middle adulthood and show distinct genotype–phenotype correlations. However, female patients show various phenotypes ranging from asymptomatic to severe with no genotype–phenotype correlations. The factors affecting the severity of XLAS in female patients are unclear. Since X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) affects the severity of certain female X-linked diseases, we investigated whether genotype and XCI were associated with XLAS severity in female patients in a large Japanese cohort.

Methods

Among 139 female patients with genetically diagnosed XLAS at our institution, we conducted XCI analysis on peripheral blood leucocytes using the human androgen receptor assay method and analysed two cohorts. In 74 adult female patients we evaluated the correlation between kidney function [creatinine estimated glomerular filtration rate (Cr-eGFR) optimized for Japanese individuals] and genotype/XCI using multivariable linear regression analysis and in 65 paediatric female patients we evaluated the correlation between kidney function (Cr-eGFR optimized for Japanese individuals) and genotype/XCI using multivariable linear regression analysis. We also investigated the correlation between the development of proteinuria (urine protein:creatinine ratio above normal for the patient's age) and genotype/XCI using multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis.

Results

In adult female patients, the XCI pattern was significantly associated with Cr-eGFR (regression coefficient estimate −0.53, P = .004), whereas genotype was not (P = .892). In paediatric female patients, both genotype and XCI pattern were significant independent risk factors for the development of proteinuria {hazard ratio [HR] 3.702 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.681–8.150], P = .001 and HR 1.043 [95% CI 1.061–1.070], P = .001, respectively}, whereas both genotype and XCI pattern were not associated with Cr-eGFR (P = .20 and P = .67, respectively).

Conclusion

Genotype and XCI are factors associated with severity in females with XLAS.
Prognostic impact of post-transplant diabetes mellitus in kidney allograft recipients: a meta-analysis
Authors: Kanbay Mehmet , Siriopol Dimitrie , Guldan Mustafa , Ozbek Lasin , Topcu Ahmet U , Siriopol Ianis , Tuttle Katherine
Published: August 2024

Background

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a complex condition arising from various factors including immunosuppressive medications, insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion and inflammatory processes. Its impact on patient and graft survival is a significant concern in kidney transplant recipients. PTDM's impact on kidney transplant recipients, including patient and graft survival and cardiovascular mortality, is a significant concern, given conflicting findings in previous studies. This meta-analysis was imperative not only to incorporate emerging evidence but also to delve into cause-specific mortality considerations. We aimed to comprehensively evaluate the association between PTDM and clinical outcomes, including all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, sepsis-related mortality, malignancy-related mortality and graft loss, in kidney transplant recipients.

Methods

PubMed, Ovid/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases were screened and studies evaluating the effect of PTDM on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, sepsis-related mortality, malignancy-related mortality and overall graft loss in adult kidney transplant recipients were included.

Results

Fifty-three studies, encompassing a total of 138 917 patients, evaluating the association between PTDM and clinical outcomes were included. Our analysis revealed a significant increase in all-cause mortality [risk ratio (RR) 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.53 to 1.89, P < .001] and cardiovascular mortality (RR 1.86, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.54, P < .001) among individuals with PTDM. Moreover, PTDM was associated with a higher risk of sepsis-related mortality (RR 1.96, 95% CI 1.51 to 2.54, P < .001) but showed no significant association with malignancy-related mortality (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.88). Additionally, PTDM was linked to an increased risk of overall graft failure (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.54, P < .001).

Conclusion

These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive management strategies and the need for research targeting PTDM to improve outcomes in kidney transplant recipients.
Parity-time and anti-parity-time symmetries in heat transfer
Authors: Ma Jingwen , Zhang Xiang , Yin Xiaobo
Published: August 2024

This perspective briefly reviews the recent developments of non-Hermitian parity-time and anti-parity-time physics in dissipative heat transfer systems, highlighting their potentials in novel functional thermal devices in the future.
Finding emergence in data by maximizing effective information
Authors: Yang Mingzhe , Wang Zhipeng , Liu Kaiwei , Rong Yingqi , Yuan Bing , Zhang Jiang
Published: August 2024

Quantifying emergence and modeling emergent dynamics in a data-driven manner for complex dynamical systems is challenging due to the fact that emergent behaviors cannot be directly captured by micro-level observational data. Thus, it is crucial to develop a framework to identify emergent phenomena and capture emergent dynamics at the macro-level using available data. Inspired by the theory of causal emergence (CE), this paper introduces a machine learning framework to learn macro-dynamics in an emergent latent space and quantify the degree of CE. The framework maximizes effective information, resulting in a macro-dynamics model with enhanced causal effects. Experimental results on simulated and real data demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework. It quantifies degrees of CE effectively under various conditions and reveals distinct influences of different noise types. It can learn a one-dimensional coarse-grained macro-state from functional magnetic resonance imaging data to represent complex neural activities during movie clip viewing. Furthermore, improved generalization to different test environments is observed across all simulation data.
Politicians, institutional incentives, and citizen welfare: evidence from a lab-in-the-field experiment in India
Authors: Banerjee Prasenjit , Iversen Vegard , Mitra Sandip , Sen Kunal
Published: August 2024

We examine how politicians and non-politicians in rural India respond to behavioural incentives. Using a modified dictator game, we vary treatments (and incentives) across the nature of interactions, the visibility of actions, and an upfront promise. Under anonymity, politicians and non-politicians behave selfishly: both become significantly more generous when interactions are personalized. However, while non-politicians respond to greater visibility more strongly than politicians, an upfront promise induces more pronounced politician responses. Whereas promise-breaking appears to be more costly for politicians, visibility, via social image concerns, appears to matter more for non-politicians. This mix of similarity and heterogeneity in response suggests that evidence about the behaviour of real-world politicians is more important for effective policy design than acknowledged so far.
18F-FDG-PET-based deep learning for predicting cognitive decline in non-demented elderly across the Alzheimer’s disease clinical spectrum
Authors: Sohn Beomseok , Chung Seok Jong , Lee Jeong Ryong , Hwang Dosik , Xie Wanying , Chan Ling Ling , Choi Yoon Seong ,   Harvard Brain Imaging Study,   Japanese Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2024

Background

With disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD), prognostic tools for the pre-dementia stage are needed. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of an 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET)-based deep-learning (DL) model in the pre-dementia stage of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and normal cognition (NC).

Materials and Methods

A 18F-FDG-PET-based DL model was developed to classify diagnosis of AD-dementia vs NC using AD Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) and Japanese-ADNI (J-ADNI) datasets (n = 756), which provided the degree of similarity to AD-dementia. The prognostic value of the DL output for cognitive decline was assessed in the ADNI MCI (n = 663), J-ADNI MCI (n = 129), and Harvard Aging Brain Study (HABS) NC (n = 274) participants using Cox regression and calculating the integrated area under the time-dependent ROC curves (iAUC), along with clinical information and 18F-FDG-PET standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR). Subgroup analysis in the amyloid-positive ADNI MCI participants was performed using Cox regression and calculating the area under the time-dependent ROC (tdAUC) curves at 4-year follow-up to assess prognostic value of DL output over clinical information, 18F-FDG-PET SUVR, and amyloid PET Centiloids.

Results

DL output remained independently prognostic among other factors in all three datasets (P < .05 for all by Cox regression). By adding DL output to other prognostic factors, prediction significantly improved in ADNI-MCI (iAUC differences 0.020 [0.007-0.034] before and after adding DL output) and improved without statistical significance in J-ADNI (0.020 [−0.005 to 0.044], and HABS-NC sets (0.059 [−0.003 to 0.126]). DL output showed independent (P = .002 by Cox regression) and significant added prognostic value (tdROC difference 0.019 [<0.001-0.036]) over clinical information, 18F-FDG-PET SUVR, and Centiloids in the amyloid-positive ADNI MCI participants.

Conclusion

The 18F-FDG-PET-based DL model demonstrated the potential to improve cognitive decline prediction beyond clinical information, and conventional measures from 18F-FDG-PET and amyloid PET and may prove useful for clinical trial recruitment and individualized management.
Cash is king? Understanding financing risk in housing markets
Authors: Han Lu , Hong Seung-Hyun
Published: August 2024

In Los Angeles, all-cash home purchases quintupled during the last decade. Compared with an else-equal mortgage offer, a cash offer is associated with 29 percent shorter time-to-close and a 2–3.9 percent price discount, indicating a substantial amount of financing risk—the risk to a seller that a transaction may not close on time and may fail to occur again because a mortgage contingency fails. The estimated cash discount aligns well with a canonical model calibrated to the sample market. Our findings reveal that closing risk alone is insufficient to explain the cash discount. Rather, it turns on the possibility that a property back on the market may fail to sell, requiring a substantial risk compensation. The estimated cash discount is smaller during booms and in larger markets, highlighting the inseparability of financial frictions in the mortgage market and search frictions in the housing market.
Resettlement Knowledge: The Expertise of Service Providers
Authors: Fee Molly
Published: August 2024

Refugee resettlement is implemented by service providers who translate standardised policies into tangible services that meet the immediate needs of their diverse refugee clients on a daily basis. These service providers play a vital role in supporting newly arrived refugees, yet we know little about the work that resettlement entails. Considering prior research on the shortcomings of refugee resettlement policy along with scholarship on the dilemmas faced by street-level bureaucrats, this article sheds light on the role of professional expertise in carrying out this complex and dynamic programme of service provision. This article reveals how, alongside their formal prescribed duties of service management and administrative management, resettlement agency caseworkers also engage in the unofficial work of needs management and crisis management. To best support their refugee clients, caseworkers draw on specialised expertise that I call “resettlement knowledge.” Based on over 1,000 hours of ethnographic fieldwork in a resettlement agency in two cities in the United States and 102 interviews with refugees and service providers, this article illuminates the complexities of resettlement work, providing a nuanced representation of this occupation and the depth of unrecognised labour that states rely on for resettlement.
Scoping review exploring advancements in topical agent therapies for erectile dysfunction
Authors: Yang Yun-Jung , Yang Eun-Jung , Choi Se Young
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue that affects older men and is often associated with various health conditions. Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors are commonly used to treat ED; however, their effectiveness may be limited, or the medication may be contraindicated. Therefore, topical gels are being developed as an alternative option for the pharmacologic treatment of ED.

Objectives

This review aimed to provide an overview of the efficacy and safety of topical agents for the treatment of ED.

Methods

The PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched. Articles were included that investigated ED and topical agents operating through the skin of the penis, evaluated the effectiveness of the treatment, and involved patients randomized into groups.

Results

Topical alprostadil, glyceryl trinitrate (MED2005), and an over­the­counter formulation (MED3000) were used as alternative treatments for ED in 7 articles, which included 3475 patients. Topical alprostadil induced an erection in 67% to 75% of patients. Adequate erections for vaginal penetration were reported in 38.7% of the alprostadil-treated patients vs 6.9% of the placebo-treated patients. Topical alprostadil significantly and dose dependently improved the total score change on the International Index of Erectile Function as compared with the placebo. MED2005 exhibited a rapid onset of action, with nearly 70% effectiveness within 10 minutes. MED3000 met the minimal clinically important difference threshold of a 4-point increase on the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function, with an improvement of 5.73 points in 24 weeks. Topical therapy for ED also had acceptable safety profiles.

Conclusion

Topical agents via various mechanisms are effective and well-tolerated treatments for ED. A fast-acting drug that significantly reduces side effects as compared with other options has been discovered. However, its efficacy relative to current first-line therapies remains unclear. Topical agents present a viable therapeutic alternative for individuals who are unable or unwilling to take oral phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors.
The recent history of the taxation of trust income in South Africa
Authors: du Plessis Izelle
Published: August 2024

It has been 30 years since South Africa held its first democratic election. This article investigates how the taxation of trust income has changed since the dawn of democracy in South Africa. These changes are also evaluated, keeping in mind the perspectives of both the government and the taxpayers. It is argued that some of the changes are positive and necessary from both points of view. However, other changes, especially after 2013, seem to have been made simply to discourage taxpayers from using trusts. What does this mean for the future of trusts?
Regev, a New Hybrid Fungicide for Control of Cercospora Leaf Spot on Sugar Beet
Authors: Tedford Eric C. , Lien Austin K. , Chanda Ashok K. , Khan Mohamed F. R. , Branch Eric , Hakk Peter , Schafer Rob
Published: August 2024

Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) is one of the most yield-limiting foliar diseases of sugar beet in the United States. Standard practices to control this disease include selection of tolerant varieties, crop rotations, and reliance on fungicides. However, genetic resistance still requires some fungicides for acceptable control under high disease pressure, and there are only a limited number of fungicides registered for control of this disease. Regev is a newly registered hybrid fungicide for sugar beet disease control that contains eight biological active ingredients from tea tree oil (TTO) and one active ingredient from the synthetic fungicide difenoconazole. TTO provides a new and unique mode of activity against both fungal and bacterial plant pathogens, and it has a low resistance risk. Eight trials were conducted to evaluate Regev for efficacy against Cercospora leafspot and sugar beet yield and quality benefits in Minnesota and Michigan. Five of the trials had slightly different treatments, with the primary goal of allowing trialists to conduct trials with treatments that were appropriate for their locations. However, one of the trials at the Northwest Research and Outreach Center (NWROC) of the University of Minnesota in Crookston, MN, was conducted three times over the years 2021, 2022, and 2023. Across the eight trials, spray programs that included Regev provided control of Cercospora leaf spot equal to standard fungicide programs.