bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of the onset of low handgrip strength in Europe: a longitudinal study of 42,183 older adults from 15 countries
Authors: Qaisar Rizwan , Hussain M. Azhar , Franzese Fabio , Karim Asima , Ahmad Firdos , Awad Atif , Al-Masri Abeer A. , Alkahtani Shaea A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Objectives
A low handgrip strength (HGS) is a significant risk factor for multiple diseases. However, most relevant studies investigate the complications of a low HGS, while the risk potential of causative factors of low HGS remain poorly characterized.

Methods
We investigated the potentials of quality of life, depression, dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, frailty, and difficulties performing daily activities in predicting low HGS (≤ 27 kg for men, ≤ 16 kg for women) in European older adults aged 50 or above from 15 countries (n = 42,183). All data was collected from four successive waves of survey of health, ageing, and retirement in Europe (SHARE) conducted between 2013 and 2020. Logistic models are applied, and estimated effects are presented as odds ratios and probabilities.

Results
Collectively, 3016 participants (men; n = 1395; 7.38%, women; n = 1621, 6.97%) developed low HGS during the 6.5 years study period. After adjusting for covariables, we identified an advancing age (1.6–48.1% points higher risk of low HGS), male gender (1.0%-point higher risk of low HGS), lower quality of life (1.6%-point higher), and stroke (1.5%-points) as significant risk factors for low HGS. We also found a dose-dependent association of Euro-D depression scores with the risk of low HGS, as the higher scores were associated with between 0.6- and 2.3%-points higher risk of developing low HGS than participants without depression. Among physical performance indicators, difficulty climbing stairs (2.0%-points higher low HGS risk) or rising from a chair (0.7%-points) were significantly associated with developing low HGS. Lastly, frailty (0.9%-points higher risk of low HGS) and the fear of falling down (1.6%-points higher risk) also increased the risk of developing low HGS.

Conclusion
Altogether, we report several risk factors for developing low HGS. Our observations may help evaluating and monitoring high-risk population for developing low HGS in pre-clinical settings.
Conflict among the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Akure, Nigeria: causes, consequences and management strategies
Authors: Olorunfemi Samuel Oluwaseyi , Adeniran Adetayo Olaniyi , Amoako-Sakyi Regina Obilie 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study examined the causes, consequences, and strategies for managing organizational conflict among the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Akure, Nigeria, to achieve sustainable peace and harmonious relationships among union members, and actualize better transport service delivery to the larger society. A survey design was adopted to elicit primary data through questionnaires and in-depth interviews with NURTW members. Desk research was also used to gather relevant information from the literature. Hundred (100) questionnaires were purposively and randomly administered to commercial drivers who are members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Akure. The survey was done across three major parks in Akure: Cathedral Park, Ondo Road Park and Benin Garage Park. They were selected because they are mostly dominated by the members of NURTW, and mostly patronized by passengers. The data collected were analyzed using simple descriptive and inferential statistics; in the form of frequencies, percentages, bar charts, and logistic regression. The study found that most of the NURTW members were males, and were majorly in the economic productive year between the ages of 35 and 45. Findings further revealed that government or political interference is a major cause of conflict among NURTW members. The aftermath of conflict among the union usually resulted in disruptions of the union activities and destruction of lives and properties. The bargaining approach in managing conflict is the most effective strategy for addressing conflict among NURTW members in Akure, Nigeria.
Burden of death associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the pandemic in Flint, Michigan (MI), mortality trends over the 2-year period: impact of social and health inequities
Authors: Younas Mariam , Osterholzer Danielle , Ríos-Bedoya Carlos F. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:
This cross-sectional study aims to determine the mortality trends in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the pandemic in Flint, MI.

Methods:
Records from 1,663 consecutive adult patients (≥18 years of age) with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, admitted and discharged from our facility from 03/2020 through 02/2022, were abstracted and analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between study explanatory variables (ie, sex, age, co-morbidities, etc.) and the primary study outcome (ie, mortality).

Results:
During the 2-year study period, the overall crude 90-day mortality rate was 16.1% (267/1663), being lowest in the period 5 (Table 1). Male sex, older age, certain co-morbidities, supplemental oxygenation use, and lack of immunization were associated with mortality. Therapeutics such as remdesivir and steroids were not associated with improved survival.

Conclusion:
Despite substantial changes in supportive care, management and circulating variants, SARS-CoV-2 carried a significant mortality risk. Vaccination coverage in this high-risk study sample was low, at only 12%. Public health efforts should be focused at overcoming the barriers to vaccine acceptance in this high-risk unique population.
Antimicrobial use before and during COVID-19: data from 108 Veterans Affairs medical centers
Authors: Goetz Matthew Bidwell , Willson Tina , Rubin Michael A. , Stevens Vanessa W. , Graber Christopher J. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective:
Inpatient antibiotic use increased during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. We sought to determine whether these changes persisted in persons with and without COVID-19 infection.

Design:
Retrospective cohort analysis.

Setting:
108 Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities.

Patients:
Persons receiving acute inpatient care from January 2016 to October 2022.

Methods:
Data on antibacterial use, patient days present, and COVID-19 care were extracted from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse. Days of therapy (DOT) per 1000 days present (DP) were calculated and stratified by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-defined antibiotic classes.

Results:
Antibiotic use increased from 534 DOT/1000 DP in 11/2019–2/2020 to 588 DOT/1000 DP in 3/2020–4/2020. Subsequently, antibiotic use decreased such that total DOT/1000 DP was 2% less in 2020 as a whole than in 2019. Driven by treatment for community acquired pneumonia, antibiotic use was 30% higher in persons with COVID-19 than in uninfected persons in 3/2020–4/2020, but only 4% higher for the remainder of 2020. In 2022 system-wide antibiotic use was 9% less in persons with COVID-19; however, antibiotic use remained higher in persons with COVID-19 in 25% of facilities.

Discussion:
Although antibiotic use increased during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, overall use subsequently decreased to below previous baseline levels and, in 2022, was less in persons with COVID-19 than in persons without COVID-19. However, further work needs to be done to address variances across facilities and to determine whether current levels of antibiotic use in persons with COVID-19 are justified.
Hospitalizations among family members increase the risk of MRSA infection in a household
Authors: Miller Aaron C. , Arakkal Alan T. , Sewell Daniel K. , Segre Alberto M. , Adhikari Bijaya , Polgreen Philip M. ,   For The CDC MInD-Healthcare Group
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjective:Estimate the risk for household transmission of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) following exposure to infected family members or family members recently discharged from a hospital.Design:Analysis of monthly MRSA incidence from longitudinal insurance claims using the Merative MarketScan Commercial and Medicare (2001–2021) databases.Setting:Visits to inpatient, emergency department, and outpatient settings.Patients:Households with ≥2 family members enrolled in the same insurance plan for the entire month.Methods:We estimated a monthly incidence model, where enrollees were binned into monthly enrollment strata defined by demographic, patient, and exposure characteristics. Monthly incidence within each stratum was computed, and a regression analysis was used to estimate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) associated with household exposures of interest while accounting for potential confounding factors.Results:A total of 157,944,708 enrollees were included and 424,512 cases of MRSA were identified. Across all included enrollees, exposure to a family member with MRSA in the prior 30 days was associated with significantly increased risk of infection (IRR: 71.03 [95% CI, 67.73–74.50]). After removing enrollees who were hospitalized or exposed to a family member with MRSA, exposure to a family member who was recently discharged from the hospital was associated with increased risk of infection (IRR: 1.44 [95% CI, 1.39–1.49]) and the risk of infection increased with the duration of the family member’s hospital stay (P value < .001).Conclusions:Exposure to a recently hospitalized and discharged family member increased the risk of MRSA infection in a household even when the hospitalized family member was not diagnosed with MRSA.
Regimes of Precipitation Change Over Europe and the Mediterranean
Authors: André Julie , D'Andrea Fabio , Drobinski Philippe , Muller Caroline 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe Mediterranean region is experiencing pronounced aridification and in certain areas higher occurrence of intense precipitation. In this work, we analyze the evolution of the precipitation probability distribution in terms of precipitating days (or “wet‐days”) and all‐days quantile trends, in Europe and the Mediterranean, using the ERA5 reanalysis. Looking at the form of wet‐days quantile trends curves, we identify four regimes. Two are predominant: in most of northern Europe the precipitation quantiles all intensify, while in the Mediterranean the low‐medium quantiles are mostly decreasing as extremes intensify or decrease. The wet‐days distribution is then modeled by a Weibull law with two parameters, whose changes capture the four regimes. Assessing the significance of the parameters' changes over 1950–2020 shows that a signal on wet‐days distribution has already emerged in northern Europe (where the distribution shifts to more intense precipitation), but not yet in the Mediterranean, where the natural variability is stronger. We extend the results by describing the all‐days distribution change as the wet‐days’ change plus a contribution from the dry‐days frequency change, and study their relative contribution. In northern Europe, the wet‐days distribution change is the dominant driver, and the contribution of dry‐days frequency change can be neglected for wet‐days percentiles above about 50%. In the Mediterranean, however, the change of precipitation distribution comes from the significant increase of dry‐days frequency instead of an intensity change during wet‐days. Therefore, in the Mediterranean the increase of dry‐days frequency is crucial for all‐days trends, even for heavy precipitation.
Coccolithophore Assemblage Response to Indian Monsoon–ENSO Teleconnections During the Last Century
Authors: Guballa Jose Dominick , Bollmann Jörg , Akrami Maryam , Lückge Andreas 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe present a new, annually resolved coccolithophore relative abundance record (1889–1993 CE) from a laminated marine sediment core obtained from the northeastern Arabian Sea to document assemblage variations during the last century. Our analysis revealed that ∼80% of the assemblage is composed of the coccolithophore species Gephyrocapsa oceanica, Emiliania huxleyi, and Florisphaera profunda. Hierarchical clustering of the coccolithophore data delineates time intervals (1889–1909 CE, 1910–1959 CE, 1960–1993 CE) comparable to previously reported interdecadal changes of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)–Indian monsoon variance. We find that F. profunda (Fp%) is positively correlated with central Pacific ENSO (Niño 4 and Niño 3.4). Frequency analyses of Fp% match ENSO quasiperiodicity reported from instrumental data and proxy records and support the existence of previously described ENSO–Indian monsoon teleconnections. Furthermore, the increased variance of Fp% and associated decrease in marine primary productivity starting ∼1960 CE appears to be driven by decreased upward nutrient transport linked to increased surface water stratification due to surface ocean warming. With the predicted increases in frequency and strength of central Pacific El Niño as well as surface ocean warming and upper ocean stratification in the Indian Ocean over the coming century, our results imply further impacts on coccolithophores in the northeastern Arabian Sea that may have cascading effects on the marine food web and global biogeochemical cycles.
CRISPR-based dissection of microRNA-23a ~ 27a ~ 24-2 cluster functionality in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cui Mengying , Liu Zhichao , Wang Shuaibin , Bae Sejong , Guo Hua , Zhou Jiangbing , Liu Runhua , Wang Lizhong 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe miR-23a ~ 27a ~ 24-2 cluster, commonly upregulated in diverse cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), raises questions about the specific functions of its three mature miRNAs and their integrated function. Utilizing CRISPR knockout (KO), CRISPR interference (CRISPRi), and CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) technologies, we established controlled endogenous miR-23a ~ 27 ~ a24-2 cell models to unravel their roles and signaling pathways in HCC. Both miR-23a KO and miR-27a KO displayed reduced cell growth in vitro and in vivo, revealing an integrated oncogenic function. Functional analysis indicated cell cycle arrest, particularly at the G2/M phase, through the downregulation of CDK1/cyclin B activation. High-throughput RNA-seq, combined with miRNA target prediction, unveiled the miR-23a/miR-27a-regulated gene network, validated through diverse technologies. While miR-23a and miR-27a exhibited opposing roles in cell migration and mesenchymal-epithelial transition, an integrated CRISPRi/a analysis suggested an oncogenic role of the miR-23a ~ 27a ~ 24-2 cluster in cell migration. This involvement potentially encompasses two signaling axes: miR-23a-BMPR2 and miR-27a-TMEM170B in HCC cells. In conclusion, our CRISPRi/a study provides a valuable tool for comprehending the integrated roles and underlying mechanisms of endogenous miRNA clusters, paving the way for promising directions in miRNA-targeted therapy interventions.
Fully forward mode training for optical neural networks
Authors: Xue Zhiwei , Zhou Tiankuang , Xu Zhihao , Yu Shaoliang , Dai Qionghai , Fang Lu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractOptical computing promises to improve the speed and energy efficiency of machine learning applications1–6. However, current approaches to efficiently train these models are limited by in silico emulation on digital computers. Here we develop a method called fully forward mode (FFM) learning, which implements the compute-intensive training process on the physical system. The majority of the machine learning operations are thus efficiently conducted in parallel on site, alleviating numerical modelling constraints. In free-space and integrated photonics, we experimentally demonstrate optical systems with state-of-the-art performances for a given network size. FFM learning shows training the deepest optical neural networks with millions of parameters achieves accuracy equivalent to the ideal model. It supports all-optical focusing through scattering media with a resolution of the diffraction limit; it can also image in parallel the objects hidden outside the direct line of sight at over a kilohertz frame rate and can conduct all-optical processing with light intensity as weak as subphoton per pixel (5.40 × 1018- operations-per-second-per-watt energy efficiency) at room temperature. Furthermore, we prove that FFM learning can automatically search non-Hermitian exceptional points without an analytical model. FFM learning not only facilitates orders-of-magnitude-faster learning processes, but can also advance applied and theoretical fields such as deep neural networks, ultrasensitive perception and topological photonics.
Molecular mimicry in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children
Authors: Bodansky Aaron , Mettelman Robert C. , Sabatino Joseph J. , Vazquez Sara E. , Chou Janet , Novak Tanya , Moffitt Kristin L. , Miller Haleigh S. , Kung Andrew F. , Rackaityte Elze , Zamecnik Colin R. , Rajan Jayant V. , Kortbawi Hannah , Mandel-Brehm Caleigh , Mitchell Anthea , Wang Chung-Yu , Saxena Aditi , Zorn Kelsey , Yu David J. L. , Pogorelyy Mikhail V. , Awad Walid , Kirk Allison M. , Asaki James , Pluvinage John V. , Wilson Michael R. , Zambrano Laura D. , Campbell Angela P. ,   Overcoming COVID-19 Network Investigators, Loftis Laura L. , Hobbs Charlotte V. , Tarquinio Keiko M. , Kong Michele , Fitzgerald Julie C. , Espinal Paula S. , Walker Tracie C. , Schwartz Stephanie P. , Crandall Hillary , Irby Katherine , Staat Mary Allen , Rowan Courtney M. , Schuster Jennifer E. , Halasa Natasha B. , Gertz Shira J. , Mack Elizabeth H. , Maddux Aline B. , Cvijanovich Natalie Z. , Zinter Matt S. , Thomas Paul G. , Randolph Adrienne G. , Anderson Mark S. , DeRisi Joseph L. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMultisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a severe, post-infectious sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection1,2, yet the pathophysiological mechanism connecting the infection to the broad inflammatory syndrome remains unknown. Here we leveraged a large set of samples from patients with MIS-C to identify a distinct set of host proteins targeted by patient autoantibodies including a particular autoreactive epitope within SNX8, a protein involved in regulating an antiviral pathway associated with MIS-C pathogenesis. In parallel, we also probed antibody responses from patients with MIS-C to the complete SARS-CoV-2 proteome and found enriched reactivity against a distinct domain of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. The immunogenic regions of the viral nucleocapsid and host SNX8 proteins bear remarkable sequence similarity. Consequently, we found that many children with anti-SNX8 autoantibodies also have cross-reactive T cells engaging both the SNX8 and the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein epitopes. Together, these findings suggest that patients with MIS-C develop a characteristic immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein that is associated with cross-reactivity to the self-protein SNX8, demonstrating a mechanistic link between the infection and the inflammatory syndrome, with implications for better understanding a range of post-infectious autoinflammatory diseases.
Structure of the human dopamine transporter and mechanisms of inhibition
Authors: Srivastava Dushyant Kumar , Navratna Vikas , Tosh Dilip K. , Chinn Audrey , Sk Md Fulbabu , Tajkhorshid Emad , Jacobson Kenneth A. , Gouaux Eric 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe neurotransmitter dopamine has central roles in mood, appetite, arousal and movement1. Despite its importance in brain physiology and function, and as a target for illicit and therapeutic drugs, the human dopamine transporter (hDAT) and mechanisms by which it is inhibited by small molecules and Zn2+ are without a high-resolution structural context. Here we determine the structure of hDAT in a tripartite complex with the competitive inhibitor and cocaine analogue, (–)-2-β-carbomethoxy-3-β-(4-fluorophenyl)tropane2 (β-CFT), the non-competitive inhibitor MRS72923 and Zn2+ (ref. 4). We show how β-CFT occupies the central site, approximately halfway across the membrane, stabilizing the transporter in an outward-open conformation. MRS7292 binds to a structurally uncharacterized allosteric site, adjacent to the extracellular vestibule, sequestered underneath the extracellular loop 4 (EL4) and adjacent to transmembrane helix 1b (TM1b), acting as a wedge, precluding movement of TM1b and closure of the extracellular gate. A Zn2+ ion further stabilizes the outward-facing conformation by coupling EL4 to EL2, TM7 and TM8, thus providing specific insights into how Zn2+ restrains the movement of EL4 relative to EL2 and inhibits transport activity.
The ribosome lowers the entropic penalty of protein folding
Authors: Streit Julian O. , Bukvin Ivana V. , Chan Sammy H. S. , Bashir Shahzad , Woodburn Lauren F. , Włodarski Tomasz , Figueiredo Angelo Miguel , Jurkeviciute Gabija , Sidhu Haneesh K. , Hornby Charity R. , Waudby Christopher A. , Cabrita Lisa D. , Cassaignau Anaïs M. E. , Christodoulou John 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMost proteins fold during biosynthesis on the ribosome1, and co-translational folding energetics, pathways and outcomes of many proteins have been found to differ considerably from those in refolding studies2–10. The origin of this folding modulation by the ribosome has remained unknown. Here we have determined atomistic structures of the unfolded state of a model protein on and off the ribosome, which reveal that the ribosome structurally expands the unfolded nascent chain and increases its solvation, resulting in its entropic destabilization relative to the peptide chain in isolation. Quantitative 19F NMR experiments confirm that this destabilization reduces the entropic penalty of folding by up to 30 kcal mol−1 and promotes formation of partially folded intermediates on the ribosome, an observation that extends to other protein domains and is obligate for some proteins to acquire their active conformation. The thermodynamic effects also contribute to the ribosome protecting the nascent chain from mutation-induced unfolding, which suggests a crucial role of the ribosome in supporting protein evolution. By correlating nascent chain structure and dynamics to their folding energetics and post-translational outcomes, our findings establish the physical basis of the distinct thermodynamics of co-translational protein folding.
Single-crystalline metal-oxide dielectrics for top-gate 2D transistors
Authors: Zeng Daobing , Zhang Ziyang , Xue Zhongying , Zhang Miao , Chu Paul K. , Mei Yongfeng , Tian Ziao , Di Zengfeng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTwo-dimensional (2D) structures composed of atomically thin materials with high carrier mobility have been studied as candidates for future transistors1–4. However, owing to the unavailability of suitable high-quality dielectrics, 2D field-effect transistors (FETs) cannot attain the full theoretical potential and advantages despite their superior physical and electrical properties3,5,6. Here we demonstrate the fabrication of atomically thin single-crystalline Al2O3(c-Al2O3) as a high-quality top-gate dielectric in 2D FETs. By using intercalative oxidation techniques, a stable, stoichiometric and atomically thin c-Al2O3layer with a thickness of 1.25 nm is formed on the single-crystalline Al surface at room temperature. Owing to the favourable crystalline structure and well-defined interfaces, the gate leakage current, interface state density and dielectric strength of c-Al2O3meet the International Roadmap for Devices and Systems requirements3,5,7. Through a one-step transfer process consisting of the source, drain, dielectric materials and gate, we achieve top-gate MoS2FETs characterized by a steep subthreshold swing of 61 mV dec−1, high on/off current ratio of 108and very small hysteresis of 10 mV. This technique and material demonstrate the possibility of producing high-quality single-crystalline oxides suitable for integration into fully scalable advanced 2D FETs, including negative capacitance transistors and spin transistors.