julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Association of overweight/obesity and insulin resistance with activation of circulating innate lymphoid cells in women after gestational diabetes mellitus
2025-03-10

Introduction Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at high risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes later in life. Recent studies have highlighted the regulation and function of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in metabolic homeostasis. However, the multifactorial impact of both overweight/obesity and GDM on the immunological profile of circulating ILCs and the progression to prediabetes are not yet fully elucidated. Methods Blood samples from 42 women with a history of insulin-treated GDM (GDMi), 33 women with a history of GDM without insulin treatment during pregnancy (GDM), and 45 women after a normoglycemic pregnancy (Ctrl) participating in the ongoing observational PPSDiab study were analyzed by flow cytometry for markers of ILC subsets at the baseline visit (3-16 months postpartum; Visit 1) and 5 years postpartum (58-66 months postpartum; Visit 2). Results During the first 5 years postpartum, 18 women of the GDMi group (42.8%), 10 women of the GDM group (30.3%), and 8 participants of the Ctrl group (17.8%) developed prediabetes, respectively. Total circulating type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s) and NK cell numbers as well as percent HLA-DR + ILC1s were increased in GDMi versus GDM and Ctrl women both at the baseline visit and the 5-year follow-up. Although ILC subsets at Visit 1 could not predict the progression from GDM to prediabetes, ILC2 frequency was associated with insulin sensitivity index (ISI), whereas percent HLA-DR + ILC1s were inversely correlated. Moreover, circulating leukocytes and total NK cells were associated with waist circumference and fat mass both at Visit 1 and Visit 2. Discussion Our findings introduce human ILCs as a potential therapeutic target deserving further exploration. Trial registration Study ID 300-11.
In-situ formation of glyphosate and AMPA in activated sludge from phosphonates used as antiscalants and bleach stabilizers in households and industry
2025-03-11

The herbicide glyphosate and aminomethyl phosphonic acid (AMPA), a transformation product of glyphosate and other aminopolyphosphonates are widespread pollutants in European rivers. We recently showed that besides rain-driven input after agricultural or urban herbicide application, municipal wastewater significantly contributes to glyphosate contamination in European rivers. The rather constant mass fluxes over the year, made an explanation by herbicide applications difficult. In our search for a new source of glyphosate and AMPA, we here provide experimental evidence that a certain aminopolyphosphonate, used as antiscalant and bleach stabilizer in household detergents and numerous industrial processes, is a precursor of both glyphosate and AMPA. During incubation experiments with diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) (DTPMP) in fresh activated sludge, we observed the formation of glyphosate with yields ranging from 0.017 to 0.040 mol% and formation of AMPA in the range of 0.402 to 1.72 mol% after 72 h. Both compounds are formed from DTPMP and possible intermediates, but they are also further transformed themselves in consecutive reactions. Glyphosate formation from DTPMP was further proven by incubating <sup>13</sup>C-labeled DTPMP, which transformed into <sup>13</sup>C-glyphosate and <sup>13</sup>C-AMPA. The addition of DTPMP to azide-treated activated sludge yielded similar or even higher glyphosate and AMPA concentrations indicating that abiotic processes dominate the transformation process. In order to judge the relevance of this in-situ formation of glyphosate and AMPA from the laundry additive DTPMP, we estimated the average concentrations in wastewater.
Frequency-Specific Resting-State MEG Network Characteristics of Tinnitus Patients Revealed by Graph Learning
2025-03-11

Abstract Tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source, affects a significant portion of the population, yet its impact on brain communication diagram known as the functional connectome, remains limited. Traditional functional connectivity (FC) methods, such as Pearson correlation, phase lag index and coherence rely on pairwise comparisons and are therefore limited in providing a holistic encoding of FC. Here, we employ an alternative approach to estimate the entire connectivity structure by analyzing all time-courses simultaneously. This approach is robust even for short-duration recordings, facilitating faster functional connectome identification and real-time applications. Using resting-state MEG recordings from controls and individuals with tinnitus, we demonstrated that the learned connectomes outperform correlation-based connectomes in fingerprinting, that is, identifying an individual from test-retest acquisitions. Group-level analysis revealed distinct altered FC in tinnitus across multiple frequency bands, affecting the default mode, auditory, visual, and salience networks, suggesting a reorganization of these large-scale networks beyond auditory areas. Our study reveals that tinnitus presents highly individualized and heterogeneous whole-brain connectome profiles, highlighting the need to focus on individual variability rather than group-level differences to gain a more nuanced understanding of tinnitus. Personalized FC could enable patient-specific tinnitus models, optimizing treatment strategies for individualized care.
A Probabilistic Approach to Visualize the Effect of Missing Data on PCA in Ancient Human Genomics
2025-03-11

<title>Abstract</title> Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is widely used in population genetics to visualize genetic relationships. Methods like SmartPCA enable the projection of ancient samples despite missing genotype data due to degraded DNA, but do not quantify projection uncertainty, risking misinterpretation. We introduce TrustPCA, a probabilistic framework that models the impact of missing loci and provides uncertainty estimates for SmartPCA projections. Using simulations with high-coverage ancient human genomes, we show that TrustPCA accurately quantifies projection uncertainty. Applied to real ancient genomic data, our method improves the reliability of PCA interpretations. We provide TrustPCA as a user-friendly web tool for the research community.
On the Authenticity of Two Presumed Paleolithic Female Figurines from the Art Market
2025-03-11

In March 2022, an auction house in Zurich sold two female figurines made from mammoth ivory, along with other prehistoric artefacts. This is a rare occurrence because the scarcity and value of Paleolithic figurines have limited their presence in the international art market. Researchers from the Archaeological Museum Hamburg and the University of Tübingen subsequently undertook in situ and non-destructive investigations to illuminate the authenticity of the two figurines. We conducted a comprehensive analytical study that included detailed microscopic optical observations and spectroscopic investigations. This methodological approach, combined with a thorough comparison to contemporary ivory figurine replicas, proved effective and clearly demonstrated that the specimens were forgeries. Research efforts of this kind are crucial, as they significantly help reduce the spread of intentional fakes posing as genuine artefacts in the art market. By doing so, we foster collaboration between academic institutions and the art market to preserve and protect the integrity and value of authentic archaeological and cultural heritage.
How perceived daycare quality shapes norms around daycare use and parental employment: experimental evidence from Germany
2025-03-11

Abstract Not only the quantity of formal daycare provision for young children, but also its quality has become an issue of political concern. This experimental study investigates how a hypothetical improvement in the perceived quality of daycare facilities shapes normative judgements regarding daycare use and working hours for parents with young children in Germany. The analysis is framed with theoretical concepts of ideals and accommodations of childcare and social norm theory. We draw on a factorial survey experiment implemented in 2019/2020 in the German Family Panel (pairfam) measuring underlying work-care norms for a couple with a 15-month-old child under different contextual conditions. Ordered logistic and linear multilevel regressions were conducted with 5,333 respondents. On average, high (vs. medium) hypothetical daycare quality for young children leads respondents to recommend greater daycare use and longer working hours for mothers and fathers by about 1 hour per week. Respondents who hold more egalitarian gender beliefs, those with tertiary education, native Germans and parents tend to respond more strongly to higher daycare quality by increasing their support for full-day daycare use. The results consistently point to the relevance of high quality for increasing the acceptance of formal daycare.
Ceramide Profiling of Porcine Skin and Systematic Investigation of the Impact of Sorbitan Esters (SEs) on the Barrier Function of the Skin
2025-03-11

The stratum corneum (SC) lipids provide the main barrier of the skin against the environment. Ceramides make up about half of the lipids by weight and are thus of particular interest. Emulsifiers are used in a multitude of topical formulations, e.g., to stabilize emulsions against coalescence. Investigations showed that some emulsifiers have the potential to impair skin barrier function. Sorbitan esters (SEs) are frequently used emulsifiers in pharmaceutical and cosmetic dermal formulations. Further, cholesterol and lecithin were used as natural alternatives. However, information on their impact on ceramides is very scarce. Thus, we first analyzed the SEs by LC-MS with regard to their composition. Then we developed an LC-MS method to identify and quantify the ceramides in porcine skin and subsequently investigated the impact of emulsifiers on the ceramide profile. Besides the LC-MS measurements, the effect of emulsifiers on the skin barrier function was investigated by trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements and confocal Raman spectroscopy (CRS). Throughout the experiments, water was used as a negative control and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as a positive control. It was found that SEs are mixtures of mono-, di-, and triesters, partially with a complex fatty acid distribution. LC-MS measurements of the total ceramide content of the SC samples revealed the SE 60 and cholesterol-treated samples to be those showing the least ceramide depletion, implying a high skin tolerability in general. The TEWL measurements showed that SEs 40, 60, 80, and 120 showed no significant changes in skin barrier function. The lipid content, measured by CRS, was mostly decreased except for SE 120. Conformation, chain order, and SC thickness, also measured by CRS, showed no significant differences. These detailed investigations lead to the view that SEs are skin-friendly substances and can be used for topical applications, e.g., those commonly used to treat skin diseases.
Could adaptive deep brain stimulation treat freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease?
2025-03-12

Abstract Next-generation neurostimulators capable of running closed-loop adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) are about to enter the clinical landscape for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Already promising results using aDBS have been achieved for symptoms such as bradykinesia, rigidity and motor fluctuations. However, the heterogeneity of freezing of gait (FoG) with its wide range of clinical presentations and its exacerbation with cognitive and emotional load make it more difficult to predict and treat. Currently, a successful aDBS strategy to ameliorate FoG lacks a robust oscillatory biomarker. Furthermore, the technical implementation of suppressing an upcoming FoG episode in real-time represents a significant technical challenge. This review describes the neurophysiological signals underpinning FoG and explains how aDBS is currently being implemented. Furthermore, we offer a discussion addressing both theoretical and practical areas that will need to be resolved if we are going to be able to unlock the full potential of aDBS to treat FoG.
Cross‐continental variation of herbivore resistance in a global plant invader
2025-03-12

While successful plant invasions often occur in novel environments, invasive species usually occupy broad niches within their native and introduced ranges. A better understanding of the process of invasion therefore requires a wide sampling of ranges, and a good knowledge of introduction history. We tested for differentiation in herbivore resistance among 128 introduced (European, North American) and native (Chinese, Japanese) populations of the invasive Japanese knotweed Reynoutria japonica in two common gardens in the native range: one in Shanghai and the other in Yunnan. In both common gardens, we found that herbivore resistance of plants from introduced populations differed from that from native populations in China but not from native populations in Japan, the putative source of introduction. Compared to native Chinese populations, plants from native Japanese populations and introduced European and North American populations had thicker leaves in both common gardens, and a lower C:N ratio but higher flavonoids content in the Shanghai garden. Variation in herbivore resistance was more strongly associated with climate of collecting sites for populations from the native range than for those from introduced ranges. Our results support the hypothesis that introduction of particularly resistant plants from Japan may have played a key role in driving biogeographic variation in herbivore resistance. Our study highlights the importance of understanding introduction history to interpret the biogeographic divergence of global plant invaders.
Amplitude coupling is altered in delirium of various etiologies: Results from a retrospective multi-center case-control EEG study
2025-03-12

This study provides evidence for altered amplitude coupling as mode of impaired neuronal communication in delirium, the role of which should be investigated in future studies of neural network pathophysiology.
Case report: Behavioral variant FTD confounding a language variant FTD in a case of PSP-CBS
2025-03-12

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) occurs in two main clinical subtypes, which can transition into one another: the behavioral variant (bvFTD) and the language variant (primary progressive aphasia; PPA). It is common for the latter, as primary progressive aphasia (PPA), to transition into bvFTD; however, the opposite development, where bvFTD is followed by “secondary progressive aphasia,” has received little attention. This constellation is particularly challenging to recognize as frontal dysexecutive syndrome can confound subsequent progressive aphasia as impulsive behavior, a lack of inhibition, and apathy can lead to non-aphasic communication disturbances, including impoverished syntax, reduced cognitive flexibility, and insufficient error monitoring. A 78-year-old patient, with a disease duration of 10 years, was initially diagnosed in the 3rd year of the disease with corticobasal syndrome (CBS) with frontal behavioral-spatial syndrome (CBS-FBS) and subsequently with CBS with progressive non-fluent aphasia (CBS-PNFA) in the 4th year. Severe ophthalmoplegia was the reason for changing the diagnosis in the seventh year to progressive supranuclear palsy with CBS predominance type (PSP-CBS). The pathological diagnosis was FTLD-tau in the form of a PSP subtype. The MRI showed asymmetric atrophy, particularly of the left insular cortex and the left inferior frontal gyrus. The 2-[ 18 F]FDG-PET revealed left-accentuated bifrontal glucose hypometabolism. This case report highlights how progressive neurodegenerative aphasia can occur in FTD not only as a primary language phenomenon (in the sense of PPA) but also as a secondary phenomenon (following a primary behavioral disorder with a non-aphasic communication disorder). Dysexecutive syndrome can mask aphasia. Therefore, incorporating spontaneous speech tasks into standard neuropsychological language tests, in addition to MRI and PET imaging techniques, could help better recognize such secondary aphasias, even in the presence of dysexecutive syndrome, and thus broaden our understanding of the natural history of FTD.
Crater-wall degradation and bedrock-chute formation from dry rockfall erosion
2025-03-12

Abstract Impact cratering is a key process on rocky bodies in the solar system. The subsequent degradation of impact-crater walls can record ancient environmental conditions, such as surface water on Mars. Distinguishing erosional landforms associated with liquids from those associated with dry processes remains challenging. Here, we developed a model for landform development under a dry end-member case of degradation by rockfall. Unlike canonical models of crater degradation by regolith creep that smooth and relax hillslopes, results show that rockfalls produce channelized landforms. Rockfall locally oversteepens slopes, leading to increased rockfall generation, which is then funneled into topographic lows, causing chute development through topographic feedback similar to river incision. While typically neglected in landscape evolution models, rockfalls can shape crater walls and steep rocky slopes, creating channelized landforms by dry processes that are not possible with regolith creep alone.
Highly multiplex molecular inversion probe panel in Plasmodium falciparum targeting common SNPs approximates whole genome sequencing assessments for selection and relatedness
2025-03-13

ABSTRACT Introduction The use of next-generation sequencing technologies (NGS) to study parasite populations and their response and evolution to interventions is important to support malaria control and elimination efforts. While whole genome sequencing (WGS) is optimal in terms of assessing the entire genome, it is costly for numerous samples. Targeted approaches selectively enriching for sequence of interest are more affordable but sometimes lack adequate information content for key analyses. Methods We have developed a highly-multiplexed molecular inversion probe (MIP) panel (IBC2FULL) targeting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with ≥ 5% minor allele frequency (MAF) in sub-Saharan African regions from publicly available Plasmodium falciparum WGS. We optimized the panel alone and in combination with antimalarial drug resistance MIPs in laboratory P. falciparum strains at different parasitemias, and validated it by sequencing field isolates from Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda and evaluating population structure, identity-by-descent (IBD), signals of selection, and complexity of infection (COI) Results The new panel IBC2FULL consisted of 2,128 MIP microhaplotypes (containing 4,264 common SNPs) spaced by 5.1 - 18.4 kb across the entire genome. While these microhaplotypes were developed based on variation from sub-Saharan African WGS, 59.3% (2,529) of SNPs were also common in South-East Asia. The MIPs were balanced to produce more uniform and higher depth coverage at low parasitemia (100 parasites/μL) along with MIPs targeting antimalarial drug resistance genes. Comparing targeted regions extracted from public WGS, IBC2FULL provided higher resolution of local population structure in sub-Saharan Africa than current PCR-based targeted sequencing panels. Sequencing field samples, IBC2FULL approximated WGS measures of relatedness, population structure, and COI. Interestingly, genome-wide analysis of extended haplotype homozygosity detected the same major peaks of selection as WGS. We also chose a subset of 305 high performing probes to create a core panel (IBC2CORE) that produced high-quality data for basic population genomic analysis and accurate estimation of COI. Discussion IBC2FULL and IBC2CORE provide an improved platform for malaria genomic epidemiology and biology that can approximate WGS for many applications and is deployable for malaria molecular surveillance in resource-limited settings.
Implementation and evaluation of a multi-professional care pathway and network for the promotion of needs-oriented, resident-oriented exercise therapy for oncological patients (MOVE-ONKO): protocol of a mixed-methods cohort study
2025-03-13

Abstract Background Physical activity has been shown to be beneficial for people diagnosed with cancer. MOVE-ONKO aims at implementing a new multiprofessional care pathway in 3 large regions in Germany at the interface of oncological treatment and exercise therapy for cancer patients. The related study aims to evaluate the implementation processes and patient outcomes. Methods The project comprises 3 phases: 1) preparation, 2) implementation in Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs), 3) implementation in remote cancer centres. In phase 1, individual prerequisites for the implementation are assessed in the participating CCCs. The care pathway which is supported by digital/app-based exercise oncology health record is developed and adapted to the CCCs. Phases 2 and 3 focus on the implementation and evaluation of the care pathway. To study the effectiveness, primarily changes in patients' health-related quality of life are examined in a prospective design. Secondary outcomes include physical activity behaviour, motivation for physical activity and patient activation. A sample of 2240 cancer patients ≥ 18 years ( n = 280 patients at seven CCCs in phase 2 and n = 1.960 patients at the seven CCCs and 49 remote oncological centres in phase 3) are recruited for assessment at inclusion and at 4, 12 and 24 weeks. The newly implemented care structures and processes will be assessed from the perspective of key informants, healthcare providers and patients. The perspectives of key informants on the implementation from the CCCs will be recorded in a prospective design based on a questionnaire and supplemented by in-depth semi-structured interviews across the three phases. The implementation processes are documented by assessing existing structures in CCCs. In phase 2 ( n = 105) and phase 3 ( n = 350), healthcare providers will be surveyed with questionnaires. Based on purposeful sampling ( n = 18) will be interviewed. Additionally, qualitative patient interviews will be conducted about their experiences in the care pathway. Discussion A successful implementation of the care pathway as part of the study will contribute to the growing evidence on the implementation of a nationwide structured approach to exercise therapy for patients with cancer. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (ClinicalTrials Identifier NCT06185777) at December 29, 2023.
Economic competencies as part of 21st century skills and their relevance to predicting the choice of a study program
2025-03-13

The debate surrounding skills that young people will need in the future to master current national and global challenges is subject to a continuous, controversial process. A consensus has resulted in what are known as twenty-first-century skills. These skills aim to enable learners to form well-founded opinions and be educated to become responsible citizens. In this context, significant weight can be attributed to economic competencies, but it remains unclear what role economic competencies play in predicting study program choices. This paper provides a comprehensive discussion of economic competencies as a part of twenty-first-century skills and as a predictor for program choices. To achieve this, we analysed the economic competencies of 1397 Swiss students in different study programs. Based on multinomial regression models, our findings show that students in economics disciplines score higher in terms of economic knowledge and skills. However, considering motivational-affective dimensions of economic competencies, students in several other study programs have similar scores to those of economics students. This paper makes an important contribution regarding economic competencies as part of twenty-first-century skills and their domain-specificity when transitioning from secondary education to university.