julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Postural control in episodic ataxia type 2: no evidence for increased vestibular excitability
2024-10-27

Abstract Background and purpose Patients with episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2) suffer from recurrent paroxysmal episodes of vertigo and oscillopsia. Pathophysiologically, altered neuronal excitability has been suspected. Vestibular excitability in 22 EA2 patients and 22 age‐matched healthy participants was compared. Methods Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) was used to assess vestibular excitability by vestibular motion perception thresholds and mean postural sway velocity during various visual and proprioceptive conditions in the two groups. Control stimuli using sham and no GVS were established to identify the specificity of GVS‐induced postural sway. Results In the baseline condition, EA2 patients showed larger postural instability. However, motion perception thresholds and the increase in mean postural sway velocity during vestibular stimulation (stimulation ratio) did not differ between groups. Postural sway during suprathreshold GVS increased with the vestibular motion perception threshold in EA2 patients, in contrast to healthy participants. Conclusions The larger postural unsteadiness of EA2 patients probably reflects their progressive cerebellar degeneration. It is not related to abnormal visual (Romberg's ratio) or proprioceptive control of stance. Postural unsteadiness during vestibular stimulation does not indicate altered vestibular excitability in EA2 patients. However, vestibular stimulation increasingly destabilized postural control of EA2 patients with higher motion perception thresholds when proprioceptive information was diminished. This conclusion, however, is restricted to the postural control of EA2 patients in the interval between the vestibulo‐cerebellar episodes.
Individual differences in information demand have a low dimensional structure predicted by some curiosity traits
2024-10-28

To understand human learning and progress, it is crucial to understand curiosity. But how consistent is curiosity’s conception and assessment across scientific research disciplines? We present the results of a large collaborative project assessing the correspondence between curiosity measures in personality psychology and cognitive science. A total of 820 participants completed 15 personality trait measures and 9 cognitive tasks that tested multiple aspects of information demand. We show that shared variance across the cognitive tasks was captured by a dimension reflecting directed (uncertainty-driven) versus random (stochasticity-driven) exploration and individual differences along this axis were significantly and consistently predicted by personality traits. However, the personality metrics that best predicted information demand were not the central curiosity traits of openness to experience, deprivation sensitivity, and joyous exploration, but instead included more peripheral curiosity traits (need for cognition, thrill seeking, and stress tolerance) and measures not traditionally associated with curiosity (extraversion and behavioral inhibition). The results suggest that the umbrella term “curiosity” reflects a constellation of cognitive and emotional processes, only some of which are shared between personality measures and cognitive tasks. The results reflect the distinct methods that are used in these fields, indicating a need for caution in comparing results across fields and for future interdisciplinary collaborations to strengthen our emerging understanding of curiosity.
Non-target screening reveals 124 PFAS at an AFFF-impacted field site in Germany specified by novel systematic terminology
2024-10-28

Abstract The uncontrolled release of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) ingredients during a major fire incident in Reilingen, Germany, in 2008 led to significant soil and groundwater contamination. As the identity of fluorochemical surfactants in AFFF are often veiled due to company secrets, it is important to characterize AFFF contaminations and their impact on the environment comprehensively. In this study, we adapted a systematic approach combining a suitable extraction method with liquid chromatography high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) for an extensive non-targeted analysis. Our analysis identified 124 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from 42 subclasses in the contaminated soil (confidence levels of identification between 1 and 3). Typical for AFFF-impacted field sites, these included anionic, cationic, and zwitterionic substances with perfluoroalkyl chains spanning from 3 to 14 carbon atoms. Furthermore, we identified 1 previously unreported substance, and detected 9 PFAS subclasses for the first time in soil. AFFFs have long been employed to extinguish large hydrocarbon fires, yet their environmental consequences remain a concern. This study sheds light on the complex composition of AFFFs at this particularly contaminated area, emphasizing the necessity for extensive contaminant characterization as sound basis for informed management strategies to mitigate their adverse effects. AFFF PFAS are often named differently in the literature, leading to inconsistency in terminology. To address this issue, we introduced partially new terminology for AFFF-related PFAS to establish consistent terminology, to facilitate communication of identified compounds, and to ensure that the chemical structure can be directly derived from acronyms. Graphical Abstract
Longitudinal evidence for a mutually reinforcing relationship between white matter hyperintensities and cortical thickness in cognitively unimpaired older adults
2024-10-28

Abstract Background For over three decades, the concomitance of cortical neurodegeneration and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) has sparked discussions about their coupled temporal dynamics. Longitudinal studies supporting this hypothesis nonetheless remain scarce. Methods We applied global and regional bivariate latent growth curve modelling to determine the extent to which WMH and cortical thickness were interrelated over a four-year period. For this purpose, we leveraged longitudinal MRI data from 451 cognitively unimpaired participants (DELCODE; median age 69.71 [IQR 65.51, 75.50] years; 52.32% female). Participants underwent MRI sessions annually over a four-year period (1815 sessions in total, with roughly four MRI sessions per participant). We adjusted all models for demographics and cardiovascular risk. Results Our findings were three-fold. First, larger WMH volumes were linked to lower cortical thickness ( σ = -0.165, SE = 0.047, Z = -3.515, P &lt; 0.001). Second, individuals with higher WMH volumes experienced more rapid cortical thinning ( σ = -0.226, SE = 0.093, Z = -2.443, P = 0.007), particularly in temporal, cingulate, and insular regions. Similarly, those with lower initial cortical thickness had faster WMH progression ( σ = -0.141, SE = 0.060, Z = -2.336, P = 0.009), with this effect being most pronounced in temporal, cingulate, and insular cortices. Third, faster WMH progression was associated with accelerated cortical thinning ( σ = -0.239, SE = 0.139, Z = -1.710, P = 0.044), particularly in frontal, occipital, and insular cortical regions. Conclusions Our study suggests that cortical thinning and WMH progression could be mutually reinforcing rather than parallel, unrelated processes, which become entangled before cognitive deficits are detectable. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00007966, 04/05/2015).
Evidence for a shock-compressed magnetic field in the northwestern rim of Vela Jr. from X-ray polarimetry
2024-10-28

Synchrotron X-ray emission has been detected from nearly a dozen young supernova remnants (SNRs). X-rays of synchrotron origin exhibit linear polarization in a regular, non-randomly oriented magnetic field. The significant polarized X-ray emission from four such SNRs has already been reported on the basis of observations with the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE). The magnetic-field structure as derived from IXPE observations is radial for Cassiopeia A, Tycho’s SNR, and SN 1006, and tangential for RX J1713.7−3946. The latter together with the recent detection of a tangential magnetic field in SNR 1E 0102.2-7219 by the Australia Telescope Compact Array in the radio band shows that tangential magnetic fields can also be present in young SNRs. Thus, the dichotomy in polarization between young and middle-aged SNRs (radial magnetic fields in young SNRs, but tangential magnetic fields in middle-aged SNRs), previously noticed in the radio band, deserves additional attention. The present analysis of IXPE observations determines, for the first time, a magnetic-field structure in the northwestern rim of Vela Jr, also known as RX J0852.0−4622, and provides a new example of a young SNR with a tangential magnetic field.
Optimizing Subretinal Bleb Formation for Visual Streak Involvement in a Porcine Model for Retinal Gene Therapy
2024-10-28

Bleb propagation was anisotropic (i.e., directionally biased) and dependent on injection site placement. Superior injection sites led to superior VS detachment. Morphological analysis suggested increased adhesion forces at the VS and superior vascular arcades. This study will aid the planning of surgeries for targeted subretinal delivery in pig models.
Green and blue spaces residential exposure over childhood and multimorbidity in adolescence
2024-10-28

Abstract Background Previous studies have explored associations of exposure to natural spaces with specific adverse health outcomes over childhood. However, knowledge is lacking on its effects on multimorbidity, defined as the co-occurrence of two or more diseases in the same individual. We aimed to assess the associations between exposure to green and blue spaces, at multiple time points and through trajectories over childhood, with multimorbidity in early adolescence. Methods In 2388 children from the Generation XXI birth cohort, we assessed, at birth, 4, 7 and 10 years, the residential greenness through the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the distance from the child’s residence to the closest green and blue space, and the presence of green and blue space (&amp;gt;5,000m2) within 300m distance from the child’s residence. We identified, from birth to 10 years, longitudinal trajectories of exposure to green and blue spaces, using latent class mixed models. At 13 years, participants were classified as having 0, 1 or ≥ 2 cardiometabolic, respiratory and/or neurodevelopmental adverse health outcomes. Adjusted multinomial logistic regression models were used. Results The prevalence of multimorbidity at 13 years was 43%, with overweight/obesity (35%), allergies and asthma (30%), and dyslipidemia (26%) as the most common adverse health outcomes. We observed that the presence of green spaces &amp;gt; 5,000m2 within a distance of 300m at birth, 4, 7, and 10 years was associated with lower odds of developing multimorbidity (Odds Ratio (OR) [95% CI] 0.55 [0.32-0.95]; 0.52 [0.32-0.84]; 0.51 [0.32-0.82]; 0.51 [0.32-0.80], respectively). No other significant associations were observed. Conclusions Green spaces around the child’s residence seem to have a protective effect on the development of multimorbidity at 13 years. These findings reinforce the importance of urban design, and the creation of green spaces close to residential areas to optimize health across childhood and adolescence. Key messages • The prevalence of multimorbidity at 13 years is high and worrying. • Increasing accessibility to green spaces might decrease the risk of multimorbidity in adolescence.
Physical activity promotion in Aged care: a participatory approach
2024-10-28

Abstract Introduction Aged care facilities (ACF) constitute an increasingly important, yet challenging setting for health promotion - given it is a highly sedentary pseudo-total institution characterized by structured daily routines within a paradigm of care for residents perceived as fragile and vulnerable. A participatory approach with residents, significant others, staff, and management might be a promising pathway to address intrapersonal, sociocultural, organizational, environmental, and political determinants of physical activity in this specific context. We will present processes and results from a research project, funded by the German Ministry of Health (2019-2023), on physical activity promotion in ACFs. Methods Our co-creation approach involved residents, significant others, staff, and management from seven nursing homes in Southern Germany. Methods included 800hrs on-site observations, semi-structured interviews (n = 31), Photovoice (n = 27 participants, n = 169 photos), as well as future workshops (n = 14) for intervention co-development (n = 14) and co-evaluation workshops (n = 7). Data analysis used reflexive thematic analysis with MaxQDA20. Results Implemented interventions (n = 57) addressed individual, social, environmental, and organizational factors. Activity promotion was integrated into care concepts and mission statements, staff work descriptions, as well as informal internal routines. Of the interventions implemented, 33% were rated as more successful, 43% as successful, and 19% as less successful than anticipated. Conclusions Participation can initiate structural and cultural change towards physical activity. However, the analyses also emphasized the critical role of staff training, along with the involvement of significant others and external service providers, as essential components for achieving sustainable change. Key messages • Participatory approaches integrate physical activity into aged care, fostering cultural shifts for resident well-being. • Success requires staff training, engaging residents’ support networks, balancing empowerment with protection.
Structural elements of cyanobacterial co-factor-independent phosphoglycerate mutase that mediate regulation by PirC
2024-10-28

The 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate-independent phosphoglycerate mutase (iP-GAM) has been identified as a crucial regulating key point in the carbon storage metabolism of cyanobacteria. Upon nitrogen starvation, the iPGAM is inhibited by the PII-interacting regulator PirC, released from its interaction partner PII due to elevated 2-oxoglutarate levels. In-silico analysis of 338 different iPGAMs revealed a deep-rooted distinctive evolution of iPGAMs in cyanobacteria. Additionally, cyanobacterial iPGAMs possess a unique loop structure and an extended C-terminus. Our analysis suggests that iPGAM forms a complex with three individual PirC monomers. Complex affinity is affected by the unique loop and the C-terminal structural elements. A C-terminal truncated enzyme showed loss of control by PirC and two-fold increased enzymatic activity compared to the iPGAM-WT. By contrast, deleting the loop structure drastically reduced the activity of this variant. By replacing the WT iPGAM in Synechocystis with different iPGAM variants, in which these structural elements were deleted, it became apparent that deletion of the C-terminal element showed a similar overproduction of polyhydroxybutyrate as deletion of the iPGAM-regulator PirC. However, in contrast to the latter, these strains showed higher overall biomass accumulation, making them a better chassis for a production strain for PHB or other valuable substances than the PirC-deficient mutant. These findings significantly contribute to our understanding of the metabolic pathways in cyanobacteria and open up new avenues for further research in this field, inspiring future investigations and discoveries.
Vessel use at the Mycenaean Palace of Ayios Vasileios, Laconia, using Organic Residue Analysis
2024-10-28

Abstract In Mycenaean palaces a wide range of consumption activities took place, from the most exclusive to mass-consumption. Here we apply organic residue analysis to a typologically wide ceramic assemblage from the Mycenaean palace of Ayios Vasileios (early fourteenth to mid thirteenth century BC), and the succeeding settlement of the early twelfth century BC, with the aim of investigating the functions of common shapes and to observe patterns of chronological and spatial differentiation related to the palatial and post-palatial phases, the first study of its kind for a Mycenaean palace.
BGC Atlas: a web resource for exploring the global chemical diversity encoded in bacterial genomes
2024-10-29

Abstract Secondary metabolites are compounds not essential for an organism’s development, but provide significant ecological and physiological benefits. These compounds have applications in medicine, biotechnology and agriculture. Their production is encoded in biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), groups of genes collectively directing their biosynthesis. The advent of metagenomics has allowed researchers to study BGCs directly from environmental samples, identifying numerous previously unknown BGCs encoding unprecedented chemistry. Here, we present the BGC Atlas (https://bgc-atlas.cs.uni-tuebingen.de), a web resource that facilitates the exploration and analysis of BGC diversity in metagenomes. The BGC Atlas identifies and clusters BGCs from publicly available datasets, offering a centralized database and a web interface for metadata-aware exploration of BGCs and gene cluster families (GCFs). We analyzed over 35 000 datasets from MGnify, identifying nearly 1.8 million BGCs, which were clustered into GCFs. The analysis showed that ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides are the most abundant compound class, with most GCFs exhibiting high environmental specificity. We believe that our tool will enable researchers to easily explore and analyze the BGC diversity in environmental samples, significantly enhancing our understanding of bacterial secondary metabolites, and promote the identification of ecological and evolutionary factors shaping the biosynthetic potential of microbial communities.
Supraspinal contributions to defective antagonistic inhibition and freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease
2024-10-29

Abstract The neuromuscular circuit mechanisms of freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease have received little study. Technological progress enables researchers chronically to sense local field potential activity of the basal ganglia in patients while walking. To study subthalamic activity and the circuit processes of supraspinal contributions to spinal motor integration, we recorded local field potentials, surface EMG of antagonistic leg muscles and gait kinematics in patients while walking and freezing. To evaluate the specificity of our findings, we controlled our findings to internally generated volitional stops. We found specific activation–deactivation abnormalities of oscillatory activity of the subthalamic nucleus both before and during a freeze. Furthermore, we were able to show with synchronization analyses that subthalamo-spinal circuits entrain the spinal motor neurons to a defective timing and activation pattern. The main neuromuscular correlates when turning into freezing were as follows: (i) disturbed reciprocity between antagonistic muscles; (ii) increased co-contraction of the antagonists; (iii) defective activation and time pattern of the gastrocnemius muscle; and (iv) increased subthalamo-muscular coherence with the gastrocnemius muscles before the freeze. Beyond the pathophysiological insights into the supraspinal mechanisms contributing to freezing of gait, our findings have potential to inform the conceptualization of future neurorestorative therapies.
XBB.1.5‐Adapted COVID‐19 mRNA Vaccines but Not Infections With Previous Omicron Variants Boost Neutralisation Against the SARS‐CoV‐2 JN.1 Variant in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
2024-10-29

ABSTRACT Background Variant‐adapted COVID‐19 vaccines are recommended for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, many patients rely on pre‐existing immunity by original vaccines or prior infections. Aim To assess whether such immunity sufficiently combats the highly immune‐evasive SARS‐CoV‐2 JN.1 variant. Methods Utilising two longitudinal cohorts, we evaluated immunity against JN.1 induced by original vaccines (IBD: n = 98; healthy: n = 48), omicron breakthrough infection (IBD: n = 55; healthy: n = 57) or XBB.1.5‐adapted vaccines (IBD: n = 18). Neutralisation and anti‐receptor‐binding domain (RBD) IgG levels against wild‐type SARS‐CoV‐2 and JN.1 were assessed using multiplex immunoassays. Study outcomes were wild‐type and JN.1 neutralisation following three doses of original mRNA vaccines, stratified by immunosuppressive therapy (primary outcome), and JN.1 neutralisation following third‐dose breakthrough infection or a fourth dose of XBB.1.5‐adapted mRNA vaccines (secondary outcomes). Results Following original vaccines, JN.1 neutralisation was lower than wild‐type neutralisation in all study groups (healthy, anti‐TNF and non‐anti‐TNF; each p &lt; 0.001); most individuals lacked JN.1 neutralisation (healthy: 97.9%; anti‐TNF: 98.3% and non‐anti‐TNF: 92.3%). Confounder‐adjusted multivariable modelling strongly associated anti‐TNF therapy with low levels of anti‐JN.1‐RBD IgG (fold‐change 0.48 [95% CI 0.39–0.59]). JN.1 neutralisation was similar in patients with or without breakthrough infection (anti‐TNF, non‐anti‐TNF; each p &gt; 0.05); neutralisation failure was 100% despite breakthrough infection. XBB.1.5‐adapted vaccines enhanced JN.1 neutralisation ( p &lt; 0.001) and reduced neutralisation failure rates in patients with IBD (94.4% pre‐vaccination vs. 44.4% post‐vaccination; p = 0.003). Conclusions Only variant‐adapted vaccines protect against emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. Patients with IBD and healthy individuals without recent vaccination may lack protection against the JN.1 subvariant KP.3 which causes current COVID‐19 surges.
Iron transformation mediates phosphate retention across a permafrost thaw gradient
2024-10-29

Phosphorus limits primary productivity in many (Sub-)Arctic ecosystems and may constrain biological carbon sequestration. Iron (III) oxides strongly bind phosphate in soils but can dissolve under flooded, reducing conditions induced by permafrost thaw and ground collapse. The ability for iron to regulate phosphate storage and solubility in thawing permafrost landscapes remains unclear. Here, iron-rich sediments containing iron oxides and organic-bound iron were incubated with or without added phosphate in soils along a permafrost thaw gradient to evaluate how iron-phosphate associations respond to thaw-induced redox shifts. Iron oxides partially dissolved and released sorbed phosphate when incubated in soils underlain by degraded permafrost. Iron complexed by organic matter remained stable but provided no phosphate binding capacity. Phosphate addition enhanced iron oxide dissolution and phosphorus concentrations in associated microbial biomass. Our study demonstrates that the capacity for iron oxides to immobilize and retain phosphate in permafrost peatlands decreases with permafrost thaw.