bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exon Capture Museomics Deciphers the Nine-Banded Armadillo Species Complex and Identifies a New Species Endemic to the Guiana Shield
Authors: Barthe Mathilde , Rancilhac Loïs , Arteaga Maria C , Feijó Anderson , Tilak Marie-Ka , Justy Fabienne , Loughry William J , McDonough Colleen M , de Thoisy Benoit , Catzeflis François , Billet Guillaume , Hautier Lionel , Benoit Nabholz , Delsuc Frédéric
Published: June 2024

The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is the most widespread xenarthran species across the Americas. Recent studies have suggested it is composed of 4 morphologically and genetically distinct lineages of uncertain taxonomic status. To address this issue, we used a museomic approach to sequence 80 complete mitogenomes and capture 997 nuclear loci for 71 Dasypus individuals sampled across the entire distribution. We carefully cleaned up potential genotyping errors and cross-contaminations that could blur species boundaries by mimicking gene flow. Our results unambiguously support 4 distinct lineages within the D. novemcinctus complex. We found cases of mito-nuclear phylogenetic discordance but only limited contemporary gene flow confined to the margins of the lineage distributions. All available evidence including the restricted gene flow, phylogenetic reconstructions based on both mitogenomes and nuclear loci, and phylogenetic delimitation methods consistently supported the 4 lineages within D. novemcinctus as 4 distinct species. Comparable genetic differentiation values to other recognized Dasypus species further reinforced their status as valid species. Considering congruent morphological results from previous studies, we provide an integrative taxonomic view to recognize 4 species within the D. novemcinctus complex: D. novemcinctus, D. fenestratus, D. mexicanus, and D. guianensis sp. nov., a new species endemic of the Guiana Shield that we describe here. The 2 available individuals of D. mazzai and D. sabanicola were consistently nested within D. novemcinctus lineage and their status remains to be assessed. The present work offers a case study illustrating the power of museomics to reveal cryptic species diversity within a widely distributed and emblematic species of mammals.
Supplementation with live Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii during the initial 42 days of the feedlot phase in Nellore beef cattle
Authors: Bomfim Lorena E de L M , Nascimento Kaique de S , Calaça Alana M de M , Silva Luan de O M , Arnhold Emmanuel , Couto Victor R M , Barreto Yasmin M , Mari Lucas J , Santos Mateus C , Marine Gauthier , Chevaux Eric , Fernandes Juliano J de R
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to assess the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1079 supplementation during the initial feeding period on the performance of Nellore bulls in a feedlot system. One hundred ninety-eight Nellore bulls were used in a completely randomized block design, with blocking based on weight within each treatment group: light (331.4 kg; 4 pens), medium (349.7 kg; 4 pens), and heavy (362.5 kg; 3 pens). The treatments included CON—a basal diet, and SCB—basal diet plus a probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1079; 1.0 × 1010 CFU/head/d). Experimental diets were administered for the first 42 d (21 d in the step-up phase and 21 d in the finishing diet −870 g concentrate/kg dry matter [DM]). Subsequently, both treatment groups were transitioned to the same basal diet for an additional 76 d, completing 118 d on feed. Linear regression analysis was conducted for dry matter intake (DMI) data. During the initial 42 d, DMI tended to be higher for SCB (P = 0.09); also bulls fed SCB reached the plateau of the curve at 9.17 kg DMI/d earlier (39 d, R2 = 0.97) than those fed CON (43 d; R2 = 0.96) diets. For the first 42 d, the SCB treatment exhibited higher final weight (393.0 vs. 401.4 kg, P = 0.02), total gain (49.3 vs. 53.5 kg, P = 0.02), daily weight gain (1.124 vs. 1.274 kg, P = 0.02), and G:F (0.174 vs. 0.188, P = 0.04). Over the entire 118-d period, SCB-fed bulls had greater final body weight (509.5 vs. 518.0 kg, P = 0.02), total body weight gain (163.7 vs. 170.3 kg, P = 0.01), and average daily gain (1.366 vs. 1.420 kg, P = 0.01). The feed efficiency of SCB-supplemented bulls was 8.05% higher than CON (P = 0.04), and the final carcass weight was 1.69% greater for animals fed SCB (283.8 vs. 288.6 kg, P = 0.04). Total carcass weight gain (110.9 vs. 114.7 kg) and daily carcass weight gain (0.924 vs. 0.956 kg) tended (P = 0.06) to increase by 3.46% in SCB-fed animals compared with those fed CON. Gain yield, carcass conversion, and carcass yield did not differ between treatments. There were no significant differences in the apparent digestibility of DM, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and ether extract between treatments. However, starch digestibility (92.7% vs. 88%) was greater for the control treatment (P < 0.001). Including live Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii yeast as a probiotic supplement during the initial 42 d in the feedlot enhanced early-stage growth performance in Nellore bulls. Notably, this supplementation carried over carcass gain over the entire feedlot period.
High mitochondrial gene diversity of Pediculus humanus capitis among children in northern Iran
Authors: Mirzajanzadeh Fayaz , Karami Mohsen , Gorgani-Firouzjaee Tahmineh , Babapour Rahman , Jafarzadeh Jalal , Jalilnavaz-Novin Mohamad
Published: June 2024

Background

The head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, is an obligate ectoparasite and its infestation remains a major public health issue worldwide. Determining the genetic characteristics of the existing clades is essential to identify the population structure and to develop head lice-control programs. Hence, we aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of head lice among infested individuals in northern Iran.

Methods

Adult head lice were collected from 100 infested individuals referring to the health centers throughout five geographical regions in Mazandaran Province, Iran. Partial fragments of the mitochondrial cytb gene were amplified by PCR, then consequently sequenced.

Results

The results of the phylogenetic tree of collected head lice confirmed the existence of two clades, A and B, in the studied areas. Thirteen haplotypes were detected in the studied populations, of which 11 were novel haplotypes. Clade A was the dominant form and accounted for 75% of samples, while clade B included the rest. Haplotype and nucleotide diversity were 0.999 and 0.0411, respectively.

Conclusions

Clade A and B of Pediculus humanus capitis exist among the human populations of northern Iran. We observed high genotypic diversity of this head lice.
Transnational law as an enabler of digital trade
Authors: Christou Theodora A , Mose Tedd Moya , Taylor John L
Published: June 2024

History records that trade and trade finance, vital to economic advancement and prosperity, have benefited profoundly from technological evolution and accompanying supportive transnational law. Today, the blossoming of technology, most notably digitalization, has the potential to greatly facilitate both domestic and international trade and, just as importantly, to assist in fulfilling the environmental and social goals critical to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. However, obstacles to digital trade arise from the existing legal and regulatory frameworks. Accordingly, legal reforms are overdue. Impetus is now needed to create a fully supportive transnational legal environment. There are several examples of where the technology exists, but the law frustrates its effective deployment. The laws of most jurisdictions require certain trade documents (like bills of lading, payment, and title instruments) to be recorded in a tangible form (paper). The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) estimates that digitalizing trade documents could reduce transaction costs by 80 per cent and eliminate billions of paper documents in the trade system. A limited number of jurisdictions have reformed their laws to address this gap and innovative private sector actors have taken the initiative to benefit from these reforms. An example includes the development of the Distributed Ledger Payment Commitment by BAFT that relies on narrow but effective changes in Delaware law governing promissory notes; others chose to be governed by Singapore law, which recently amended to align with the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR). Law can be an enabler of digital trade. To this end, work has begun, including by the ICC and the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law. But the reform needs to be accelerated. This article considers the benefits of digital trade, key legal obstacles, and how transnational law can enable innovation and digitalization not only of the vast volumes of paper but of the entire trade and trade finance processes.
Paroxetine alleviates dendritic cell and T lymphocyte activation via GRK2-mediated PI3K–AKT signaling in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Liu Tingting , Jin Chao , Sun Jing , Zhu Lina , Wang Chun , Xiao Feng , Liu Xiaochang , Lv Liying , Yang Xiaoke , Zhou Wenjing , Tan Chao , Wang Xianli , Wei Wei
Published: June 2024

Background:

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) could participate in the regulation of diverse cells via interacting with non-G-protein-coupled receptors. In the present work, we explored how paroxetine, a GRK2 inhibitor, modulates the differentiation and activation of immune cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods:

The blood samples of healthy individuals and RA patients were collected between July 2021 and March 2022 from the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. C57BL/6 mice were used to induce the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. Flow cytometry analysis was used to characterize the differentiation and function of dendritic cells (DCs)/T cells. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to explore the specific molecular mechanism.

Results:

In patients with RA, high expression of GRK2 in peripheral blood lymphocytes, accompanied by the increases of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). In animal model, a decrease in regulatory T cells (Tregs), an increase in the cluster of differentiation 8 positive (CD8+) T cells, and maturation of DCs were observed. Paroxetine, when used in vitro and in CIA mice, restrained the maturation of DCs and the differentiation of CD8+ T cells, and induced the proportion of Tregs. Paroxetine inhibited the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the expression of C-C motif chemokine receptor 7 in DCs and T cells. Simultaneously, paroxetine upregulated the expression of programmed death ligand 1, and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, paroxetine inhibited the PI3K–AKT–mTOR metabolic pathway in both DCs and T cells. This was associated with a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential and changes in the utilization of glucose and lipids, particularly in DCs. Paroxetine reversed PI3K–AKT pathway activation induced by 740 Y-P (a PI3K agonist) through inhibiting the interaction between GRK2 and PI3K in DCs and T cells.

Conclusion:

Paroxetine exerts an immunosuppressive effect by targeting GRK2, which subsequently inhibits the metabolism-related PI3K–AKT–mTOR pathway of DCs and T cells in RA.
Child Age at Time of First Maternal Concern and Time to Services Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Van Dyke Julia , Rosenberg Steven A. , Crume Tessa , Reyes Nuri , Alexander Aimee Anido , Barger Brian , Fitzgerald Robert , Hightshoe Kristina , Moody Eric J. , Pazol Karen , Rosenberg Cordelia R. , Rubenstein Eric , Wiggins Lisa , DiGuiseppi Carolyn
Published: June 2024

Objective:

Early treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can improve developmental outcomes. Children with ASD from minority families often receive services later. We explored factors related to child's age at time of mother's first concerns about child's development and subsequent time to service initiation among children with ASD.

Methods:

Analysis included 759 preschool-age children classified with ASD based on comprehensive evaluations. Factors associated with retrospectively reported child age at time of first maternal concern and subsequent time to service initiation were investigated using multiple linear regression and Cox proportional hazards.

Results:

Earlier maternal concern was associated with multiparity, ≥1 child chronic condition, externalizing behaviors, and younger gestational age, but not race/ethnicity. Time to service initiation was longer for children of non-Latino Black or other than Black or White race and higher developmental level and shorter for children with ≥1 chronic condition and older child age at first maternal concern.

Conclusion:

Parity, gestational age, and child health and behavior were associated with child age at first maternal concern. Knowledge of child development in multiparous mothers may allow them to recognize potential concerns earlier, suggesting that first time parents may benefit from enhanced education about normal development. Race/ethnicity was not associated with child's age when mothers recognized potential developmental problems; hence, it is unlikely that awareness of ASD symptoms causes racial/ethnic disparities in initiation of services. Delays in time to service initiation among children from racial/ethnic minority groups highlight the need to improve their access to services as soon as developmental concerns are recognized.
Two transcriptionally and functionally distinct waves of neutrophils during mouse acute liver injury
Authors: Maali Yousef , Flores Molina Manuel , Khedr Omar , Abdelnabi Mohamed N. , Dion Jessica , Hassan Ghada S. , Shoukry Naglaa H.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Neutrophils are key mediators of inflammation during acute liver injury (ALI). Emerging evidence suggests that they also contribute to injury resolution and tissue repair. However, the different neutrophil subsets involved in these processes and their kinetics are undefined. Herein, we characterized neutrophil kinetics and heterogeneity during ALI.

Methods:

We used the carbon tetrachloride model of ALI and employed flow cytometry, tissue imaging, and quantitative RT-PCR to characterize intrahepatic neutrophils during the necroinflammatory early and late repair phases of the wound healing response to ALI. We FACS sorted intrahepatic neutrophils at key time points and examined their transcriptional profiles using RNA-sequencing. Finally, we evaluated neutrophil protein translation, mitochondrial function and metabolism, reactive oxygen species content, and neutrophil extracellular traps generation.

Results:

We detected 2 temporarily distinct waves of neutrophils during (1) necroinflammation (at 24 hours after injury) and (2) late repair (at 72 hours). Early neutrophils were proinflammatory, characterized by: (1) upregulation of inflammatory cytokines, (2) activation of the noncanonical NF-κB pathway, (3) reduction of protein translation, (4) decreased oxidative phosphorylation, and (5) higher propensity to generate reactive oxygen species and neutrophil extracellular traps. In contrast, late neutrophils were prorepair and enriched in genes and pathways associated with tissue repair and angiogenesis. Finally, early proinflammatory neutrophils were characterized by the expression of a short isoform of C-X-C chemokine receptor 5, while the late prorepair neutrophils were characterized by the expression of C-X-C chemokine receptor 4.

Conclusions:

This study underscores the phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of neutrophils and their dual role in inflammation and tissue repair during ALI.
Identification of hepatic steatosis among persons with and without HIV using natural language processing
Authors: Torgersen Jessie , Skanderson Melissa , Kidwai-Khan Farah , Carbonari Dena M. , Tate Janet P. , Park Lesley S. , Bhattacharya Debika , Lim Joseph K. , Taddei Tamar H. , Justice Amy C. , Lo Re Vincent
Published: June 2024

Background:

Steatotic liver disease (SLD) is a growing phenomenon, and our understanding of its determinants has been limited by our ability to identify it clinically. Natural language processing (NLP) can potentially identify hepatic steatosis systematically within large clinical repositories of imaging reports. We validated the performance of an NLP algorithm for the identification of SLD in clinical imaging reports and applied this tool to a large population of people with and without HIV.

Methods:

Patients were included in the analysis if they enrolled in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study between 2001 and 2017, had an imaging report inclusive of the liver, and had ≥2 years of observation before the imaging study. SLD was considered present when reports contained the terms “fatty,” “steatosis,” “steatotic,” or “steatohepatitis.” The performance of the SLD NLP algorithm was compared to a clinical review of 800 reports. We then applied the NLP algorithm to the first eligible imaging study and compared patient characteristics by SLD and HIV status.

Results:

NLP achieved 100% sensitivity and 88.5% positive predictive value for the identification of SLD. When applied to 26,706 eligible Veterans Aging Cohort Study patient imaging reports, SLD was identified in 72.2% and did not significantly differ by HIV status. SLD was associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic comorbidities, alcohol use disorder, and hepatitis B and C, but not HIV infection.

Conclusions:

While limited to those undergoing radiologic study, the NLP algorithm accurately identified SLD in people with and without HIV and offers a valuable tool to evaluate the determinants and consequences of hepatic steatosis.
HES V2.0 outperforms GALAD for detection of HCC: A phase 3 biomarker study in the United States
Authors: El-Serag Hashem B. , Jin Qingchun , Tayob Nabihah , Salem Emad , Luster Michelle , Alsarraj Abeer , Khaderi Saira , Singal Amit G. , Marrero Jorge A. , Asrani Sumeet K. , Kanwal Fasiha
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims:

The original hepatocellular carcinoma early detection screening (HES) score, which combines alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) with age, alanine aminotransferase, and platelets, has better performance than AFP alone for early HCC detection. We have developed HES V2.0 by adding AFP-L3 and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin to the score and compared its performance to GALAD and ASAP scores among patients with cirrhosis.

Approach and Results:

We conducted a prospective-specimen collection, retrospective-blinded-evaluation phase 3 biomarker cohort study in patients with cirrhosis enrolled in imaging and AFP surveillance. True-positive rate (TPR)/sensitivity and false-positive rate for any or early HCC were calculated for GALAD, ASAP, and HES V2.0 scores within 6, 12, and 24 months of HCC diagnosis. We calculated the AUROC curve and estimated TPR based on an optimal threshold at a fixed false-positive rate of 10%. We analyzed 2331 patients, of whom 125 developed HCC (71% in the early stages). For any HCC, HES V2.0 had higher TPR than GALAD overall (+7.2%), at 6 months (+3.6%), at 12 months (+7.2%), and 24 months (+13.0%) before HCC diagnosis. HES V2.0 had higher TPR than ASAP for all time points (+5.9% to +12.0%). For early HCC, HES V2.0 had higher sensitivity/TPR than GALAD overall (+6.7%), at 12 months (+6.3%), and 24 months (+14.6%) but not at 6 months (+0.0%) and higher than ASAP for all time points (+13.4% to +18.0%).

Conclusions:

In a prospective cohort study, HES V2.0 had a significantly higher performance for identifying new HCC, including early stage, than GALAD or ASAP.
Mortality in relation to diabetes remission in Swedish Obese Subjects – a prospective cohort study
Authors: Carlsson Lena M.S. , Carlsson Björn , Jacobson Peter , Karlsson Cecilia , Andersson-Assarsson Johanna C. , Kristensson Felipe M. , Ahlin Sofie , Svensson Per-Arne , Taube Magdalena , Näslund Ingmar , Karason Kristjan , Peltonen Markku , Sjöholm Kajsa
Published: June 2024

Background:

People with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) have reduced life expectancy, partly explained by increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Here, we examined whether 2-year diabetes remission after bariatric surgery or usual care is associated with long-term mortality.

Materials and methods:

This report includes 586 participants with obesity and concomitant T2D from the prospective Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) cohort study; 338 underwent bariatric surgery and 248 received usual obesity care. At inclusion, age was 37–60 years and BMI ≥34 kg/m2 in men and ≥38 kg/m2 in women. Median follow-up was 26.2 years (interquartile range 22.7–28.7). Diabetes status was determined using self-reported data on diabetes medication and in-study measures of blood glucose and HbA1c. The study was cross-linked to Swedish national registers for data on morbidity, death, and emigration.

Results:

Overall, 284 participants, 71.9% of surgery and 16.5% of usual care patients were in remission at the 2-year examination. During follow-up, mortality rates were 16.6 deaths per 1000 person-years (95% CI: 13.7–20.1) in the remission subgroup and 26.0 deaths per 1000 person-years (95% CI:22.2–30.4) in the non-remission subgroup (adjusted hazard ratio (HRadj)=0.71, 95% CI:0.54–0.95, P=0.019). The adjusted median life expectancy in the remission subgroup was 2.5 years (95% CI:0.3–4.7) longer than in the non-remission subgroup. Specifically, remission was associated with decreased cardiovascular mortality (sub-HRadj=0.54, 95% CI: 0.35–0.85, P=0.008), but no detectable association with cancer mortality was found (sub-HRadj=1.06, 95% CI:0.60–1.86), P=0.841).

Conclusion:

In this post-hoc analysis of data from the SOS study, patients who achieved short-term diabetes remission had increased life expectancy and decreased cardiovascular death over up to 32 years of follow-up. Future studies should confirm these findings.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy with imaging examination for early osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a systematic review
Authors: Tan Han , Tang Peiyuan , Chai Hua , Ma Wenbo , Cao Yangbin , Lin Bin , Zhu Ying , Xiao Wenfeng , Wen Ting , Li Yusheng
Published: June 2024

Background:

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a traditional noninvasive therapy to treat osteonecrosis of the femur head (ONFH). This systematic review aims to investigate whether ESWT can improve the clinical function of ONFH and whether differences in improvement can be observed in radiographic outcomes.

Materials and methods:

Two authors independently searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for English articles until 21 October 2023. After screening and reading the literature, the two authors independently used corresponding scales to evaluate the quality of the included articles and extracted data. The key data extracted included the Harris Hip Score (HHS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), changes in lesion size, the change in the Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage, and bone marrow edema (BME) stage.

Results:

Nine articles included 468 males and 248 females. The average age was 43.29 years and the mean follow-up time was 15.19 months. After receiving ESWT, five studies involving 146 hips showed a higher HHS (MD=−33.38; 95% CI: −46.31, −20.45), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.00001). The average VAS before treatment was above 5, but it dropped to 1.2 after ESWT (MD=4.64; 95% CI: 3.63–5.64), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.00001). Three studies found no significant differences in the areas of femoral head necrosis before and after treatment with ESWT(MD=9.66; 95% CI: −0.36, 19.67; P=0.06; I
2=84%). Two articles showed that the use of ESWT had no significant effect on the change in the ARCO stage (MD=1.11; 95% CI: 0.76–1.62; P=0.60; I
2=0%). Three studies indicated that using ESWT could improve the BME symptom in the early stage of ONFH (MD=4.35; 95% CI: 1.32–14.37; P=0.02; I
2=62%).

Conclusion:

Based on the current evidence, ESWT shows promise as a therapy to enhance hip function and alleviate pain in the early stage of ONFH. With the advancement of more precise imaging techniques, ESWT can potentially reduce the area affected by ONFH. However, such reduction was not found to be statistically significant at the imaging level. Additionally, ESWT could improve symptoms of BME in the early stage. However, no significant change in ARCO grade was observed with ESWT treatment.
The role of gut microbiota augmentation in managing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: an in-depth umbrella review of meta-analyses with grade assessment
Authors: Maddineni Gautam , Obulareddy Sri J. , Paladiya Ruchir D. , Korsapati Rohan R. , Jain Shika , Jeanty Herby , Vikash Fnu , Tummala Nayanika C. , Shetty Samatha , Ghazalgoo Arezoo , Mahapatro Abinash , Polana Viswanadh , Patel Dhruvan
Published: June 2024

Background and aim:

Currently, there are no authorized medications specifically for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) treatment. Studies indicate that changes in gut microbiota can disturb intestinal balance and impair the immune system and metabolism, thereby elevating the risk of developing and exacerbating NAFLD. Despite some debate, the potential benefits of microbial therapies in managing NAFLD have been shown.

Methods:

A systematic search was undertaken to identify meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials that explored the effects of microbial therapy on the NAFLD population. The goal was to synthesize the existing evidence-based knowledge in this field.

Results:

The results revealed that probiotics played a significant role in various aspects, including a reduction in liver stiffness (MD: −0.38, 95% CI: [−0.49, −0.26]), hepatic steatosis (OR: 4.87, 95% CI: [1.85, 12.79]), decrease in body mass index (MD: −1.46, 95% CI: [−2.43, −0.48]), diminished waist circumference (MD: −1.81, 95% CI: [−3.18, −0.43]), lowered alanine aminotransferase levels (MD: −13.40, 95% CI: [−17.02, −9.77]), decreased aspartate aminotransferase levels (MD: −13.54, 95% CI: [−17.85, −9.22]), lowered total cholesterol levels (MD: −15.38, 95% CI: [−26.49, −4.26]), decreased fasting plasma glucose levels (MD: −4.98, 95% CI: [−9.94, −0.01]), reduced fasting insulin (MD: −1.32, 95% CI: [−2.42, −0.21]), and a decline in homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (MD: −0.42, 95% CI: [−0.72, −0.11]) (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

Overall, the results demonstrated that gut microbiota interventions could ameliorate a wide range of indicators including glycemic profile, dyslipidemia, anthropometric indices, and liver injury, allowing them to be considered a promising treatment strategy.
Three-Dimensional Anthropometric Facial Analysis and Fitting Discrepancies Between Stereophotogrammetry and CT
Authors: Han Wenqing , Yan Yingjie , Nemani Sriya , Sun Mengzhe , Kim Byeong Seop , Zhang Yan , Zhu Ming , Chai Gang
Published: June 2024

Background

The reliability and repeatability of stereophotogrammetry and CT in 3-dimensional anthropometric facial analysis were investigated in this study, which also explored the clinical application of supine CT.

Method

In this study, 3D CT and 3dMD stereophotogrammetry were used on 20 healthy volunteers. The fitting distance between stereophotogrammetry and CT scans at landmark points was measured, along with facial feature measurements (Al-Al) face width (Go-Go, Zy-Zy, Ex-Ex), and hemi-face height (Sn-Gn). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was employed to assess interrater agreement and to verify the reliability of the measurement methods. Paired t-analysis was utilized for analyzing intramethod displacement.

Results

The alare, nasion, and pronasale points were found to be minimally influenced by different positions and are more recommended as landmark points for registration. CT demonstrated good interrater reliability on all indicators. In stereophotogrammetry, measurements for Go-Go and Zy-Zy displayed an interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of less than 0.75. Significant differences between the 2 methods were observed for En-En, Ex-Ex, and Go-Go (P < 0.05). Specifically, CT analysis for Go-Go showed a measurement 2.34 mm larger than that obtained with the 3dMD method.

Conclusion

Both CT and stereophotogrammetry were found to be reliable methods for evaluating facial soft tissue. It is speculated that Go-Go measurement is primarily influenced by factors such as different positions, facial expressions, and gravity. These variables should be carefully considered during the evaluation of the mandibular angle region.
Improving tuberculosis control: assessing the value of medical masks and case detection—a multi-country study with cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Aldila Dipo , Fardian Basyar Lauzha , Chukwu Chidozie Williams , Hifzhudin Noor Aziz Muhamad , Kamalia Putri Zahra
Published: June 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, necessitating effective control strategies. This article presents a mathematical model to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of medical mask usage and case detection in TB control. The model is constructed as a system of ordinary differential equations and incorporates crucial aspects of TB dynamics, including slow–fast progression, medical mask use, case detection, treatment interventions and differentiation between symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. A key objective of TB control is to ensure that the reproduction number,Rc, remains below unity to achieve TB elimination or persistence ifRcexceeds 1. Our mathematical analysis reveals the presence of a transcritical bifurcation when theRc=1signifies a critical juncture in TB control strategies. These results confirm that the effectiveness of case detection in diminishing the endemic population of symptomatic individuals within a TB-endemic equilibrium depends on exceeding a critical threshold value. Furthermore, our model is calibrated using TB yearly case incidence data per 100 000 population from Indonesia, India, Lesotho and Angola. We employed the bootstrap resampling residual approach to assess the uncertainty inherent in our parameter estimates which provides a comprehensive distribution of the parameter values. Despite a declining trend in new incidence, these four countries exhibit a reproduction number greater than 1, indicating persistent TB cases in the presence of ongoing TB control programmes. We employ the partial rank correlation coefficient in conjunction with the Latin hypercube sampling method to conduct a global sensitivity analysis of theRcparameter for each fitted parameter in every country. We find that the medical mask use is more sensitive to reduceRccompared with the case detection implementation. To further gain insight into the necessary control strategy, we formulated an optimal control and studied the cost-effectiveness analysis of our model to investigate the impact of case detection and medical mask use as control measures in TB spread. Cost-effectiveness analysis demonstrates that combining these interventions emerges as the most cost-effective strategy for TB control. Our findings highlight the critical importance of medical masks and their efficacy coupled with case detection in shaping TB control dynamics, elucidating the primary parameter of concern for managing the control reproduction number. We envisage our findings to have implications and be vital for TB control if implemented by policymakers and healthcare practitioners involved in TB control efforts.
An algorithm for computing scattering poles based on dual characterization to interior eigenvalues
Authors: Cakoni Fioralba , Haddar Houssem , Zilberberg Dana
Published: June 2024

We present an algorithm for the computation of scattering poles for an impenetrable obstacle with Dirichlet or Robin boundary conditions in acoustic scattering. This paper builds upon the previous work of Cakoni et al. (2020) titled ‘A duality between scattering poles and transmission eigenvalues in scattering theory’ (Cakoniet al. 2020 Proc. A.476, 20200612 (doi:10.1098/rspa.2020.0612)), where the authors developed a conceptually unified approach for characterizing the scattering poles and interior eigenvalues corresponding to a scattering problem. This approach views scattering poles as dual to interior eigenvalues by interchanging the roles of incident and scattered fields. In this framework, both sets are linked to the kernel of the relative scattering operator that maps incident fields to scattered fields. This mapping corresponds to the exterior scattering problem for the interior eigenvalues and the interior scattering problem for scattering poles. Leveraging this dual characterization and inspired by the generalized linear sampling method for computing the interior eigenvalues, we present a novel numerical algorithm for computing scattering poles without relying on an iterative scheme. Preliminary numerical examples showcase the effectiveness of this computational approach.
Socioeconomic Inequalities in Non-Adherence to Antihypertensive Medication in Peru
Authors: Intimayta-Escalante Claudio , Quintana-García Lynn A.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

In Peru, adherence to antihypertensive treatment ranges from 55.5% to 46.6%. Adherence decreases under adverse socioeconomic conditions. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the socioeconomic inequalities in non-adherence to antihypertensive medication in Peru.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted through the analysis of data from the Demographic and Family Health Survey carried out in Peru between 2013 and 2023. We addressed the socioeconomic conditions of hypertensive Peruvian adults, including sex, age group, educational level, area or place of residence, and health insurance. These conditions were evaluated as sources of inequality in non-adherence to antihypertensive medication at a general level using the Concentration Index (CI) or Erreygers’ Correction Index (ECI) among adults over 29 years of age.

Results

In the 15,624 hypertensive adults over 29 years old included in the study, the 86.63% had adherence to their antihypertensive medication. However, the inequality in non-adherence to medication was considerable (CI: -0.259; 95%CI: -0.385 to -0.132; p¡0.001). This inequality was greater among those aged 30 to 49 years (CI: -0.064; 95%CI: -0.121 to -0.008; p=0.01-0.2), those living in rural areas (CI: -0.484; 95%CI: -0.537 to -0.430; p¡0.001) or outside the capital (CI: -0.495; 95%CI: -0.569 to -0.422; p¡0.001), and those with no education (CI: -0.156; 95%CI: -0.201 to -0.112; p¡0.001) or only primary education (CI: -0.323; 95%CI: -0.386 to -0.260; p¡0.001). In contrast, hypertensive adults with a university education had a positive CI (CI: 0.257; 95%CI: 0.199 to 0.316; p¡0.001).

Conclussion

Hypertensive Peruvian adults residing in rural areas or outside the capital, and those with a low educational level, exhibited greater inequality in adherence to antihypertensive medication.
Reproducibility of 4D Flow MRI-based Personalized Cardiovascular Models; Inter-sequence, Intra-observer, and Inter-observer variability
Authors: Casas Garcia Belen , Tunedal Kajsa , Viola Federica , Cedersund Gunnar , Carlhall Carl-Johan , Karlsson Matts , Ebbers Tino
Published: June 2024

Subject-specific parameters in lumped hemodynamic models of the cardiovascular system can be estimated using data from experimental measurements, but the parameter estimation may be hampered by the variability in the input data. In this study, we investigate the influence of inter-sequence, intra-observer, and inter-observer variability in input parameters on estimation of subject-specific model parameters using a previously developed approach for model-based analysis of data from 4D Flow MRI acquisitions and cuff pressure measurements. The parameters describe left ventricular time-varying elastance and aortic compliance. Parameter reproducibility with respect to variability in the MRI input measurements was assessed in a group of ten healthy subjects. The subject-specific parameters had coefficient of variations between 2.5% and 34.9% in the intra- and inter-observer analysis. In comparing parameters estimated using data from the two MRI sequences, the coefficients of variation ranged between 3.6% and 41%. The diastolic time constant of the left ventricle and the compliance of the ascending aorta were the parameters with the lowest and the highest variability, respectively. In conclusion, the modeling approach allows for estimating left ventricular elastance parameters and aortic compliance from non-invasive measurements with good to moderate reproducibility concerning intra-user, inter-user, and inter-sequence variability.
VRoot: An XR-Based Application for Manual Root System Architecture Reconstruction
Authors: Baker Dirk N. , Selzner Tobias , Göbbert Jens Henrik , Scharr Hanno , Riedel Morris , Hvannberg Ebba Þóra , Schnepf Andrea , Zielasko Daniel
Published: June 2024

This article describes an immersive extended reality reconstruction tool for root system architectures from 3D volumetric scans of soil columns. We have conducted a laboratory user study to assess the performance of new users with our software in comparison to classical and established desktop software. We utilize a functional-structural plant model to derive a synthetic root architecture that serves as objective quantification for the root system architecture reconstruction. Additionally, we have collected quantitative feedback on our software in the form of standardized questionnaires. This work provides an overview of the extended reality software and the advantage of using immersive techniques for 3D data extraction in plant science. Through our formal study, we further provide a quantification of manual root system reconstruction accuracy. We observe an increase in root system architecture reconstruction accuracy (F1) compared to state-of-the-art desktop software and a more robust extraction quality.
Designing symmetrical multi-component proteins using a hybrid generative AI approach
Authors: Dessaux Delphine , Buchet Samuel , Barthe Lucie , Defresne Marianne , Cioci Gianluca , de Givry Simon , Garcia-Alles Luis F. , Schiex Thomas , Barbe Sophie
Published: June 2024

Proteins, the fundamental building blocks of biological function, orchestrate complex cellular processes by assembling into intricate structures through meticulous interactions. The design of specific protein-protein interfaces to create customized protein assemblies holds immense potential for various biotechnological applications. To address the current limitations in designing heteromeric interactions for multi-component assemblies, we developed a hybrid generative AI design approach. This method combines deep learning and automated reasoning, explicitly considering both positive and negative interaction states to favor heteromeric desired over undesired interactions. The approach leverages Effie, a deep-learned pairwise decomposable scoring function, and an advanced reasoning tool extended for multicriteria optimization of this function. Here, we tested the ability of this hybrid AI method to redesign homomeric interfaces of bacterial microcompartment components (BMC-H) into heteromeric assemblies. We benchmarked its performance against ProteinMPNN, a sequence design autoregressive model. Our in silico assessment, complemented by experimental validation, highlights the outperformance of the hybrid AI generative design approach, and its potential to unlock the engineering of complex multi-component self-assembling protein entities.
Genome-wide epitope identification with single-amino-acid resolution via high-throughput and unbiased peptide analysis
Authors: Matsumoto Katsuhiko , Harada Shoko Y. , Yoshida Shota Y. , Narumi Ryohei , Mitani Tomoki T. , Yada Saori , Sato Aya , Morii Eiichi , Shimizu Yoshihiro , Ueda Hiroki R.
Published: June 2024

Antibodies are extensively used in biomedical research, clinical fields, and disease treatment. However, to enhance the reproducibility and reliability of antibody-based experiments, it is crucial to have a detailed understanding of the antibody’s target specificity and epitope. In this study, we developed a high-throughput and precise epitope analysis method, DECODE (Decoding Epitope Composition by Optimized-mRNA-display, Data analysis, and Expression sequencing). This method allowed identifying patterns of epitopes recognized by monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies at single amino acid resolution and predicted cross-reactivity against the entire protein database. By applying the obtained epitope information, it has become possible to develop a new 3D immunostaining method that increases the penetration of antibodies deep into tissues. Furthermore, to demonstrated the applicability of DECODE to more complex blood antibodies, we performed epitope analysis using serum antibodies from mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). As a result, we were able to successfully identify an epitope that matched the sequence of the peptide inducing the disease model without relying on existing antigen information. These results demonstrate that DECODE can provide high-quality epitope information, improve the reproducibility of antibody-dependent experiments, diagnostics and therapeutics, and contribute to discover pathogenic epitopes from antibodies in the blood.
Brochosomes as an antireflective camouflage coating for leafhoppers
Authors: Wu Wei , Mao Qianzhuo , Ye Zhuangxin , Liao Zhenfeng , Shan Hong-Wei , Li Jun-Min , Zhang Chuan-Xi , Chen Jian-Ping
Published: June 2024

In nature, insects face immense predation pressure, where visual cues play a vital role in predators locating them. To counter this threat, insects employ a variety of nano- and microstructures on their cuticular layer to manipulate and interact with light, enhancing anti-reflective properties and providing camouflage or reducing detectability by predators. Leafhoppers have a unique extra-cuticular coating called brochosome, yet its anti-reflective functions and protein composition remain unclear. Our study demonstrates strong anti-reflective properties of brochosomes, effectively reducing reflectance on the cuticle surface, especially in the ultraviolet spectrum, to improve evasion from visual predators. Furthermore, we identify four novel structural proteins of the brochosome (BSM) for the first time. Inhibiting their synthesis by RNAi alters brochosome morphology, impacting the optical properties of the cuticle surface. Evolutionary origin analysis of BSM suggests that brochosomes likely originated from a process involving duplication–divergence. Our study reveals that leafhoppers employ a unique camouflage strategy by secreting brochosomes as anti-reflection nano-coatings, enabling them to evade natural predators and contributing to their evolutionary success.
Mechanical strain focusing at topological defect sites in regenerating Hydra
Authors: Maroudas-Sacks Yonit , Suganthan S , Garion Liora , Ascoli-Abbina Yael , Westfried Ariel , Dori Noam , Pasvinter Iris , Popovic Marko , Keren Kinneret
Published: June 2024

The formation of a new head during Hydra regeneration involves the establishment of a head organizer that functions as a signaling center and contains an aster-shaped topological defect in the organization of the supracellular actomyosin fibers. Here we show that the future head region in regenerating tissue fragments undergoes multiple instances of extensive stretching and rupture events from the onset of regeneration. These recurring localized tissue deformations arise due to transient contractions of the supracellular ectodermal actomyosin fibers that focus mechanical strain at defect sites. We further show that stabilization of aster-shaped defects is disrupted by perturbations of the Wnt signaling pathway. We propose a closed-loop feedback mechanism promoting head organizer formation, and develop a biophysical model of regenerating Hydra tissues that incorporates a morphogen source activated by mechanical strain and an alignment interaction directing fibers along morphogen gradients. We suggest that this positive feedback loop leads to mechanical strain focusing at defect sites, enhancing local morphogen production and promoting robust organizer formation.
Adult-type diffuse gliomas share recurring cell states driven by a common astrocyte-like glioma stem cell population
Authors: Muskovic Walter , Zaman Ashraf , Pandya Madhavi , Holton Emily , Chan Chia-Ling , McCloy Rachael A , Arora Himanshi , Chin Venessa T , Powell Joseph E
Published: June 2024

Adult-type diffuse gliomas are a family of aggressive brain tumours with few effective treatments. Their complex cellular makeup adds to the challenge of finding successful therapies. This intratumoural heterogeneity is fuelled by a subpopulation of glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) that drive tumour growth and resistance to standard treatments. Previous research focused on the three glioma types (astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, glioblastoma) individually revealed malignant cells mimic the transcriptional profiles of normal brain cell types. Whether these diverse cellular states stem from a shared biological origin is unknown. Here, we show through single-cell RNA sequencing of 40 glioma tumours that all gliomas are described by seven recurring cell states. We also identify a shared astrocyte-like GSC population. Our unique method of identifying GSCs, based on reconstructed tumour phylogenies, repositions astrocyte-like cells at the apex of a differentiation hierarchy in glioma. Our findings indicate the transcriptional heterogeneity observed in gliomas stems from a GSC population recapitulating lineages of healthy adult neural stem cells. These results suggest a shared lineage drives the intratumoural heterogeneity observed in adult-type diffuse gliomas. We anticipate that a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms maintaining the GSC state will provide a new framework for future therapeutic development and research into glioma cell biology.

Highlights

Recurring cell states are shared across adult-type diffuse gliomas

Reconstructed tumour phylogenies identify an astrocyte-like glioma stem cell population

Tumour subclones are segregated non-randomly across cell states