julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
New insights into the role of Cutibacterium acnes-derived extracellular vesicles in inflammatory skin disorders
2023-07-26

Abstract Background: Cutibacterium acnes ( C. acnes ) is one of the most prevalent bacteria that forms the human skin microbiota. Specific phylotypes of C. acnes have been linked to acne vulgaris development, while others have been found in individuals with healthy skin. In this scenario, bacterial extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an interkingdom communication role with the host. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of EVs generated by various phylotypes of C. acnes on inflammation and sebum production using different in vitro skin models. Results : The main findings of this study reveal that the proteomic profile of the cargo embodied in the EVs reflects distinct characteristics of the different C. acnes phylotypes in terms of lifestyle, survival, and virulence. The in vitro skin models showed an extended pro-inflammatory modulation of A1 EVs consistently triggering the activation of the inflammation-related factors IL-8, IL-6, TNFαand GM-CSF, in comparison to H1 and H2. Additionally, an acne-prone skin model utilizing PCi-SEB and arachidonic acid (AA) as a sebum inductor, was employed to investigate the impact of C. acnes EVs on sebum regulation. The results indicated that all three types of EVs significantly inhibited sebum production after a 24-hour treatment period, with H1 EVs exhibiting the most pronounced inhibitory effect when compared to the positive control. Conclusions : The results of this study highlight the protective nature of C. acnes H1 EVs and their potential as a natural treatment option for alleviating symptoms associated with inflammation and oily skin.
A new specimen of Solnhofia parsonsi from the Upper Jurassic (Kimmeridgian) Plattenkalk deposits of Painten (Bavaria, Germany) and comments on the relationship between limb taphonomy and habitat ecology in fossil turtles
2023-07-26

The limestones of the Solnhofen area in southern Germany are one of the most important fossil Lagerstätten from the entire Mesozoic era, especially famous for the exquisitely preserved vertebrates. The turtles from the Solnhofen Limestone have been always of special interest because they include some of the best-preserved specimens from the Mesozoic. Here, we describe a new turtle specimen from the Torleite Formation (Kimmeridgian) of Painten and refer it to the thalassochelydian turtle Solnhofia parsonsi based on the presence of a unique combination of characters. The far majority of morphological differences from previously published specimens can be explained by ontogeny as the new specimen represents a larger, more ossified, and presumably older individual. Additionally, the specimen from Painten is the first described specimen of S . parsonsi preserving the largely complete and articulated limbs, the preservation of which indicates that the taxon did not possess stiffened paddles present in more pelagic marine turtles and is consistent with a previously inferred nearshore marine lifestyle. Contrary to previous inferences, we argue that taphonomic preservation of digits in articulated fossil turtles from laminated deposits cannot be used alone to infer marine or freshwater habitat. Finally, the new specimen from Painten is only the second, for which detailed information on its stratigraphic position and locality of origin are known.
CSF α-synuclein seed amplification kinetic profiles are associated with cognitive decline in PD
2023-07-26

Abstract Seed amplification assays have been implemented in Parkinson’s disease to reveal disease-specific misfolded alpha-synuclein aggregates in biospecimens. While the assays’ qualitative dichotomous seeding response is valuable to stratify and enrich cohorts for alpha-synuclein pathology in general, more quantitative parameters that are associated with clinical dynamics of disease progression and that might potentially serve as exploratory outcome measures in clinical trials targeting alpha-synuclein would add important information. To evaluated whether the seeding kinetic parameters time required to reach the seeding threshold (LAG phase), the peak of fluorescence response (Imax), and area under the curve (AUC) are associated with clinical trajectories, we analyzed LAG, Imax, and AUC in relation to the development of cognitive decline in a longitudinal cohort of 199 people with Parkinson’s disease with positive CSF alpha-synuclein seeding status. Patients were stratified into tertiles based on their individual CSF alpha-synuclein seeding kinetic properties. The effect of the kinetic parameters on longitudinal development of cognitive impairment was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox-Regression. Patients with a higher number of positive seeding replicated and tertile groups of shorter LAG, higher Imax, and higher AUC showed a higher prevalence of and a shorter duration until cognitive impairment longitudinally. Prevalence of patients carrying a GBA mutation was higher in the tertile groups of short LAG phase and high AUC. We conclude that a more prominent alpha-synuclein seeding kinetic profile translates into a more rapid development of cognitive decline.
Continuous sensing and parameter estimation with the boundary time-crystal
2023-07-26

A boundary time-crystal is a quantum many-body system whose dynamics is governed by the competition between coherent driving and collective dissipation. It is composed of two-level systems and features a transition between a stationary phase and an oscillatory one. The fact that the system is open allows to continuously monitor its quantum trajectories and to analyze their dependence on parameter changes. This enables the realization of a sensing device whose performance we investigate as a function of the monitoring time and of the system size . We find that the best achievable sensitivity is proportional to , i.e., it follows the standard quantum limit in time and Heisenberg scaling in the particle number. This theoretical scaling can be achieved in the oscillatory time-crystal phase and it is rooted in emergent quantum correlations. The main challenge is, however, to tap this capability in a measurement protocol that is experimentally feasible. We demonstrate that the standard quantum limit can be surpassed by cascading two time-crystals, where the quantum trajectories of one time-crystal are used as input for the other one.
Avoidance loci and tropicalizations of real bitangents to plane quartics
2023-07-26

We compare two partitions of real bitangents to smooth plane quartics into sets of 4: one coming from the closures of connected components of the avoidance locus and another coming from tropical geometry. When both are defined, we use the Tarski principle for real closed fields in combination with the topology of real plane quartics and the tropical geometry of bitangents and theta characteristics to show that they coincide.
Critical shifts in lipid metabolism promote megakaryocyte differentiation and proplatelet formation
2023-07-26

During megakaryopoiesis, megakaryocytes (MK) undergo cellular morphological changes with strong modification of membrane composition and lipid signaling. Here we adopt a lipid-centric multiomics approach to create a quantitative map of the MK lipidome during maturation and proplatelet formation. Data reveal that MK differentiation is driven by an increased fatty acyl import and <em>de novo</em> lipid synthesis, resulting in an anionic membrane phenotype. Pharmacological perturbation of fatty acid import and phospholipid synthesis blocked membrane remodeling and directly reduced MK polyploidization and proplatelet formation resulting in thrombocytopenia. The anionic lipid shift during megakaryopoiesis was paralleled by lipid-dependent relocalization of the scaffold protein CKIP-1 and recruitment of the kinase CK2α to the plasma membrane, which seems to be essential for sufficient platelet biogenesis. Overall, this study provides a framework to understand how the MK lipidome is altered during maturation and the impact of MK membrane lipid remodeling on MK kinase signaling involved in thrombopoiesis.
What controls the availability of organic and inorganic P sources in top- and subsoils? A 33P isotopic labeling study with root exudate addition
2023-07-27

Phosphorus (P) is a major limiting nutrient for plant growth implying an often-intensive competition between microorganisms and plants in the rhizosphere. Increasing the P availability in subsoils may help to mitigate potential future P fertilizer shortages and to overcome P limitations due to droughts, which mainly affect topsoils. Root exudates provide easily available carbon and energy sources for microorganisms to mobilize soil nutrients. Nonetheless, details regarding the distinct processes underlying P mobilization from various P sources (free vs. sorbed PO43−; low molecular vs. complex organic P, e.g. ATP vs. plant litter P) as affected by root exudates are poorly understood, especially in subsoils. This study aimed to identify the controlling factors and microbial processes regulating the availability of organic and inorganic P in top- and subsoils by 33P isotopic labeling. The focus was on the potential key role of root exudates in P mobilization. We found that microbial communities in top- and subsoils used high- and low-available mineral P to a similar extent, but that the subsoil communities were much more efficient in mobilizing and incorporating complex litter-derived organic P. This capability of subsoil communities was even enhanced when root exudates were present. Microbial activity and nutrient-mobilizing mechanisms (e.g., P-related enzymes) clearly increased by root exudate addition, an effect that was generally higher in sub-than in topsoils. We conclude that subsoil communities are well capable of mobilizing and using complex organic P sources, especially if root exudates accelerate overall activity and P cycling. Thus, high root exudation is highly relevant for crops, which depend on subsoil nutrients and litter-derived P. Accordingly, detritusphere P, e.g. in subsoil root channels, is likely to be plant-available because of exudate-induced microbial P (re-)cycling processes.
Fusarium phytopathogens as insect mutualists
2023-07-27

As vectors of numerous plant pathogens, herbivorous insects play a key role in the epidemiology of plant disease. But how phytopathogens impact the metabolism, physiology, and fitness of their insect vectors is often unexplored within these tripartite interactions. Here, we examine the diverse symbioses forged between insects and members of the ascomycete fungal genus Fusarium . While Fusarium features numerous plant pathogens that are causal to diseases such as wilts and rots, many of these microbes also engage in stable mutualisms across several insect clades. Matching a diversity in symbiont localization and transmission routes, we highlight the various roles fusaria fulfill towards their insect hosts, from upgrading their nutritional physiology to providing defense against natural enemies. But as the insect partner is consistently herbivorous, we emphasize the convergent benefit Fusarium derives in exchange: propagation to a novel host plant. Collectively, we point to the synergy arising between a phytopathogen and its insect vector, and the consequences inflicted on their shared plant.
The open society and its life chances – from Karl Popper via Ralf Dahrendorf to a human geography of options and ligatures
2023-07-27

Abstract. In recent decades, geography in the German-speaking world has been strongly oriented towards Anglo-Saxon and French concepts. For some years now, efforts have been emerging to consider the potential of German language, not only philosophical but also sociological and anthropological traditions of thought for human geography in Germany and beyond. This article considers two thinkers from the German-speaking world who have dedicated themselves to defending the open society: Karl Popper and his student Ralf Dahrendorf. In particular, the operationalization of open society considerations in Ralf Dahrendorf's conflict theory shows great potential especially for human geography research, as conflicts in the use and design of material spaces as well as over conceptual versions of spaces are commonplace. This thesis gains its current validity not least from the resurgence of authoritarian and totalitarian ideas that reject the achievements of open societies and always have spatial implications. It is therefore time to turn to the four central theorems of the two thinkers: (1) Popper's three worlds theory and (2) the concept of open society and (3) Dahrendorf's concepts of life chances and (4) conflict regulation.
Spatial, temporal, and motivational changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic in a nature-based leisure activity - A global survey of birders
2023-07-27

Birdwatchers contribute an immense amount of data to citizen science databases. Thus, birding is important from the leisure perspective and from nature conservation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we studied birdwatchers on a global scale in over 50 countries by applying the model of behavior change, which focuses on changes in opportunity (spatial, temporal), motivation, and capability (avoidance behavior). The sample consisted of 5051 participants (3437 men, 1575 women, mean age 49 years). Birders changed their spatial behavior to more local birding and to avoidance behavior by choosing different places and different clock times. Concerning motivation, being outdoors showed the highest increase and being with friends the strongest decrease. Higher specialized birders experienced a stronger shift toward regional birding. Birders that focused on new, local, or unrewarding places experienced an increase in motivation. Our study empirically supports the behavior change model and highlights the need to address the heterogeneity of the recreationists.
Random item slope regression: An alternative measurement model that accounts for both similarities and differences in association with individual items.
2023-07-27

In psychology, researchers often predict a dependent variable (DV) consisting of multiple measurements (e.g., scale items measuring a concept). To analyze the data, researchers typically aggregate (sum/average) scores across items and use this as a DV. Alternatively, they may define the DV as a common factor using structural equation modeling. However, both approaches neglect the possibility that an independent variable (IV) may have different relationships to individual items. This variance in individual item slopes arises because items are randomly sampled from an infinite pool of items reflecting the construct that the scale purports to measure. Here, we offer a mixed-effects model called <i>random item slope regression,</i> which accounts for both similarities and differences of individual item associations. Critically, we argue that random item slope regression poses an alternative measurement model to common factor models prevalent in psychology. Unlike these models, the proposed model supposes no latent constructs and instead assumes that individual items have direct causal relationships with the IV. Such operationalization is especially useful when researchers want to assess a broad construct with heterogeneous items. Using mathematical proof and simulation, we demonstrate that random item slopes cause inflation of Type I error when not accounted for, particularly when the sample size (number of participants) is large. In real-world data (<i>n</i> = 564 participants) using commonly used surveys and two reaction time tasks, we demonstrate that random item slopes are present at problematic levels. We further demonstrate that common statistical indices are not sufficient to diagnose the presence of random item slopes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).
Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in skin surgery – Position paper of the Antibiotic Stewardship working group of the German Society for Dermatologic Surgery (DGDC), Part 2: Special indications and situations
2023-07-27

Summary In addition to prevention of surgical site infections after skin surgery, perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) aims to prevent the occurrence of other postoperative infectious complications, especially bacterial endocarditis and hematogenous joint prosthesis infections. This article discusses specific indications for the use of PAP. For example, patients who have undergone any type of heart valve replacement, including transcatheter valve replacement or use of prosthetic material to correct the heart valve, or patients who have experienced bacterial endocarditis, require PAP during skin surgery on mucosal membranes or ulcerated tumors. The use of PAP in special situations such as secondary wound healing, septic dermatosurgery or ulcer surgery is also presented and discussed in detail in this paper based on the current scientific literature. This paper represents the second part of the position paper of the Antibiotic Stewardship Working Group of the German Society for Dermatologic Surgery (DGDC) and summarizes evidence‐based recommendations for the administration of PAP during skin surgery for special indications and situations. This is particularly important because, as detailed in Part 1 of this position paper, PAP can and usually should be avoided in skin surgery.
Synthesis of Berkeleylactone A by Ring‐Closing Alkyne Metathesis
2023-07-27

Abstract A new route to the macrolactone antibiotic berkeleylactone A was developed. As a key step, a ring‐closing alkyne metathesis (RCAM) of an ester substrate featuring 1‐propynyl termini was used. The carboxylic part of the substrate was easily assembled using alkyne chemistry, like carboxylation of a diyne followed by isomerization of the ynoate section to a dienoate and dihydroxylation of the 4,5‐double bond. The synthesis of the alcohol part of the ester started with opening of ( R )‐propylene oxide with an acetylide and was followed by two triple bond migrations. After successful RCAM which formed the C8−C9 bond, the triple bond was selectively hydrogenated to the corresponding alkene before the 4,5‐diol was oxidized to the 5‐hydroxy‐4‐oxo derivative. At this stage, the thioether was formed and the 8,9‐double bond reduced. We also prepared the 8,9‐didehydro analog of berkeleylactone A. However, it turned out that its antimicrobial activity was slightly reduced.
HHV-6 infections in hospitalized young children of Gabon
2023-07-27

Abstract Purpose Fever is a common cause for hospitalization among the pediatric population. The spectrum of causative agents is diverse. Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a ubiquitous virus that often causes hospitalization of children in western countries. Previously, we investigated the cause of fever of 600 febrile hospitalized children in Gabon, and in 91 cases the causative pathogen was not determined. In this study, we assessed HHV-6 infection as potential cause of hospitalization in this group. Methods Blood samples were assessed for HHV-6 using real-time quantitative PCR. Three groups were investigated: (1) group of interest: 91 hospitalized children with febrile illness without a diagnosed causing pathogen; (2) hospitalized control: 91 age-matched children hospitalized with febrile illness with a potentially disease-causing pathogen identified; both groups were recruited at the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné, Gabon and (3) healthy control: 91 healthy children from the same area. Results Samples from 273 children were assessed. Age range was two months to 14 years, median (IQR) age was 36 (12–71) months; 52% were female. HHV-6 was detected in 64% (58/91), 41% (37/91), and 26% (24/91) of the samples from groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively; with statistically significant odds of being infected with HHV-6 in group 1 (OR = 4.62, 95% CI [2.46, 8.90]). Only HHV-6B was detected. Conclusions Although tropical diseases account for a large proportion of children's hospitalizations, considering common childhood diseases such as HHV-6 when diagnosing febrile illnesses in pediatric populations in tropical countries is of importance.
Unveiling the Genetic Landscape of Basal Ganglia: Implications for Common Brain Disorders
2023-07-27

Abstract The basal ganglia are subcortical brain structures involved in motor control, cognition, and emotion regulation. We conducted a multivariate genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) to explore the genetic architecture of basal ganglia volumes using brain scans obtained from 34,794 European individuals with replication in 5,236 non-Europeans. We identified 72 genetic loci associated with basal ganglia volumes with a replication rate of 87.5%, revealing a distributed genetic architecture across basal ganglia structures. Of the 72 loci, 51 are novel. Of these, APOE , NBR1 and HLAA , are all exonic and among the novel loci. Furthermore, we examined the genetic overlap between basal ganglia volumes and several neurological and psychiatric disorders. The most prominent overlap was seen with Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia and migraine. HP and TMEM161B showed overlap between basal ganglia and Parkinson’s disease, but also three different psyciatric or nevrodevelopmental disorder(s), demonstrating important shared biology between brain disorders. Functional analyses implicated neurogenesis, neuron differentiation and development in basal ganglia volumes. These results enhance our understanding of the genetic architecture and molecular associations of basal ganglia structure and their role in brain disorders.
H.E.S.S. Observations of the Gamma-ray Binary LMC P3
2023-07-27

LMC P3 is a gamma-ray binary comprising of an unconfirmed compact object and an O-star and is\\nlocated in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Initially discovered in Fermi-LAT data, it shows an orbital\\nperiod of 10.3 days. H.E.S.S. has reported the detected VHE gamma-ray emission during only 20%\\nof the orbit, between orbital phases 0.2 and 0.4, which roughly corresponds to the inferior conjunction\\nof the compact object. H.E.S.S. has continued the observations of this object since then. Here we will\\npresent new results obtained with a much deeper data set. The new data allow a more precise\\nmeasurement of the location of the VHE gamma-ray peak along the orbit of the system to be made.\\nWe will interpret these results with respect to emission and absorption mechanisms in gamma-ray\\nbinary systems.
Pharmacogenomics Beyond Single Common Genetic Variants: The Way Forward
2023-07-28

Interindividual variability in genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes, transporters, receptors, and human leukocyte antigens has a major impact on a patient's response to drugs with regard to efficacy and safety. Enabled by both technological and conceptual advances, the field of pharmacogenomics is developing rapidly. Major progress in omics profiling methods has enabled novel genotypic and phenotypic characterization of patients and biobanks. These developments are paralleled by advances in machine learning, which have allowed us to parse the immense wealth of data and establish novel genetic markers and polygenic models for drug selection and dosing. Pharmacogenomics has recently become more widespread in clinical practice to personalize treatment and to develop new drugs tailored to specific patient populations. In this review, we provide an overview of the latest developments in the field and discuss the way forward, including how to address the missing heritability, develop novel polygenic models, and further improve the clinical implementation of pharmacogenomics.