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Myristoylation of TMEM106B by NMT1/2 regulates TMEM106B trafficking and turnover
Health impact assessment and cost‒benefit analysis: Exploring complementarities of methods to assess the impacts of regulations on food consumption
This paper proposes an interdisciplinary framework that combines different methodologies to measure the risks and benefits related to dietary patterns and to assess the impact of possible regulations influencing food consumption. First, we briefly review the relevant methodologies within the field of health-economics. Based on the gaps identified in this review, we proposed a framework allowing an integrated application of quantitative health impact assessment (HIA) using disability‒adjusted life year (DALY) and cost‒benefit analysis (CBA) calibrated with measures capturing consumers preferences, such as willingness to pay (WTP) and purchase intent (PI). We applied the framework to a case study focusing on the lentil market to test the feasibility of the methodology and we discuss options for model extensions and their limits. We estimated annual DALYs attributable to an increase in the consumption of lentils (scenarios with or without food substitutions), and measured welfare variations and the impact of regulatory instruments, such as subsidies and taxes. Results showed that a hypothetical increase of 30% or more in the consumption of lentils would not be socially accepted as an immediate market reaction, even if lentils are considered a food substitute to reduce the consumption of unprocessed red meat. Our framework is useful to streamline regulatory interventions as it supports the evaluation of impacts of various regulatory instruments, relevant for policies governing consumers’ awareness or impacting consumers’ choice via incentives. Furthermore, it provides a starting point for further interdisciplinary discussions on holistic assessment supporting food systems change.
Physical activity levels and externalizing problem behaviors in Chinese adolescents using latent profile analysis
Stability and change in latent movement behaviour profiles during adolescence and links with future depressive symptoms
Abstract Movement behaviours are known to influence long-term health and wellbeing. During adolescence, daily movement diminishes while depressive symptoms increase. The principle of time displacement dictates that when awake, altering time spent in one movement state (i.e., Sedentary, Light Physical Activity or Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity) necessarily alters time spent in others, yet few studies examine daily movement behaviour using composite behavioural profiles. The current study used Random Intercepts Latent Transition Analysis (RI-LTA) to: identify latent profiles of movement behaviour age 12, 14 and 16; examine transition probabilities and predictors; and assess whether transition patterns contributed to depressive symptoms age 18 and 22. Data were drawn from 4,964 participants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and their Children. Movement behaviours were assessed via Actigraph (AM7164-2.2) accelerometery; depressive symptoms via the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire. A 3 × 3 non-invariant RI-LTA model fit the data well (BIC = 410417; Entropy = 0.902) distinguishing Maximal- , Moderate- , and Minimal-Movers . Once accounting for non-invariance (i.e., that all profiles moved less over time), the Moderate-Mover profile presented as highly stable across adolescence. Females, and those with higher BMI and more educated parents were likely to transition to profiles characterised by lesser movement. Transition patterns containing a period of minimal movement predicted worse depressive symptoms at ages 18 and 22. Notably, maximal movement age 12 conferred protection against depressive symptoms age 22, even when followed by later declines. Findings highlight the value of maximising movement early, underscoring the importance of early intervention strategies to promote movement and reduce young peoples’ depressive symptoms long-term.
A vehicle coordinate system reconstruction method for end of line calibration applications
Utilization of Algerian calcined clay in sustainable mortars considering thermal treatment and granulometry effects on mechanical properties
Abstract This study investigates the potential of calcined Algerian clay as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) for enhancing the sustainability of cement production by reducing the consumption of clinker and emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂). The research novelty lies in the comprehensive evaluation of fineness effects, the statistical modelling of mechanical performance, and the assessment of the environmental impact. A case study of practical significance is also provided. Clay was thermally activated at 700 °C to achieve near-complete dihydroxylation, ground to fineness levels of 45 µm and 80 µm, and then incorporated into the cement at replacement ratios of 10–30% by weight of the cement. Compressive and flexural strengths were assessed at 2, 7, and 28 days, while thermal and structural modifications were analysed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results demonstrated that at lower substitution levels (10–15%), the 80 µm fraction of clay enhanced early-age compressive strength (13.6 MPa at 2 days), whereas at higher replacements (20–30%), the 45 µm fraction exhibited superior long-term strength (36.85 MPa at 28 days), which was attributed to improved pozzolanic reactivity and matrix densification. Flexural strength increased by 7–20% for substitution rates up to 20%, in turn confirming the structural benefits of calcined clay. Life-cycle analysis indicated significant reductions in energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, and production costs, with the M30–45 and M30–80 mixtures achieving reductions of approximately 10.6%. The statistical modeling of compressive strength at 2 and 28 days demonstrated high predictive accuracy, with coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.93 and 0.81, respectively. These models were statistically validated using analysis of variance (ANOVA), confirming their significance at a 95% confidence level (p < 0.05). These findings showed calcined Algerian clay to be a viable SCM, with it demonstrating enhanced mechanical performance, environmental sustainability, and economic feasibility, thereby contributing to the decarbonization of the cement industry.
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the potential role of Postn(+) fibroblasts in promoting the progression of myocardial fibrosis after myocardial infarction
Abstract Myocardial infarction (MI) is a life-threatening coronary artery-related pathology characterized by sudden cardiac death, often leading to cardiac fibrosis and heart failure (HF). Despite advances in emergency care and treatment measures such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the mortality rate due to HF following MI remains high, making it the leading cause of death in MI patients. While cardiac fibroblasts are known to be closely associated with the adverse outcomes of cardiac fibrosis and HF post-MI, the cellular landscape of fibroblasts after MI and their role in myocardial fibrosis and HF progression has not been fully explored. Our study identified a key, highly proliferative fibroblast subpopulation, named C1 Postn + Fibroblasts, which showed high myocardial fibrosis scores. C1 Postn + Fibroblasts were primarily located at the early stage of the pseudo-time trajectory and exhibited high stemness. These cells interact with EndoCs, ECs, and macrophages through the Cxcl12-Ackr3, Ptn-Ncl, and Mdk-Lrp1 signaling pathways, thereby influencing myocardial fibrosis progression. Additionally, Tead1 and Hdac2 were found to be key and highly active transcription factors in this subpopulation. In vitro experiments showed that knocking down Postn significantly decreased the activity of cardiac fibroblasts, inhibited their migration and adhesion capabilities, and induced apoptosis. This subpopulation may be more sensitive to post-MI adverse events, while other subpopulations may exhibit more inhibited responses. Stemness genes Ctnnb1 and Hifla, as well as oxidative phosphorylation and glutathione metabolism pathways, should be closely monitored in efforts to prevent myocardial fibrosis post-MI. The Cxcl12-Ackr3, Ptn-Ncl, and Mdk-Lrp1 pathways may represent potential routes to disrupt the key interactions between C1 Postn + Fibroblasts and EndoCs, ECs, and macrophages. Tead1 and Hdac2 may be potential targets for inhibiting myocardial fibrosis and preventing adverse outcomes of MI after further experimental verification. The gene Postn, expressed in C1 Postn + Fibroblasts, may contribute to the inhibition of abnormal fibroblast activation post-MI. These findings open new perspectives for the prevention and treatment of myocardial fibrosis after MI and the prevention of its progression to HF.
A general method for quantifying random processes of water infiltration into soils to improve water security
Investigation of in-vivo and in-silico toxicity induced by environmental drug contamination in a non-target organism
Spatiotemporal variability of near-surface air temperature lapse rates in the Qinghai–Tibet plateau using high-density meteorological observations
The phosphatase activity of the PPP2R5D-PP2A holoenzyme modulates liprin-α1 liquid-liquid phase separation
Survival analysis and clinical abnormalities in cats with progressive or regressive feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection in Brazil
This study aimed to characterize the clinical presentations and effects of progressive and regressive outcomes of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection on the life expectancy of cats. In total, 176 cats were selected: 116 with progressive infection (FeLV+P), 30 with regressive infection (FeLV+ R), and 30 FeLV-negative cats (Control). The cats underwent testing using ELISA to detect the FeLV p27 antigen and nested polymerase chain reaction to identify U3-LTR region and gag proviral DNA. The cats were clinically monitored until their death or for a period ranging 12–54 months. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression. The median survival time following FeLV diagnosis was 30 days for the FeLV+P group. The median survival time was not reached for the other groups. The cats’ health status (sick) at the time of inclusion in the study and the progression status of the FeLV infection led to a 4–5-fold increase in the Hazard Ratio (HR) for death in the general population. The primary causes of death among cats in the FeLV+P group were lymphoma, leukemia, anemia, and other diseases. In the FeLV+R group, the causes of death included leukemia, anemia, and other diseases. Progressive FeLV infection reduced life expectancy, whereas regressive FeLV infection had no direct impact on the survival curve.
El Niño and La Niña differentially drive transmission dynamics of the small ruminant parasite Haemonchus contortus across agroecological zones in Southern Africa
Abstract The El Niño La Niña Southern Oscillation (ENSO) exerts a significant influence on agroecological environments and plays a crucial role in influencing crop productivity, yet its impact on animal diseases has been largely overlooked, despite the evident impact of climate on disease transmission. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of ENSO on the transmission potential (Q 0 ) of Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus) across agroecological zones (AEZs) in southern Africa across the region’s typical rainy season (November-April). Key results indicate that stronger El Niño events can significantly decrease H. contortus transmission potential in subtropical AEZs. Tropical AEZs exhibit lower sensitivity to El Niño generally, but stronger events can lead to significant transmission potential reductions in certain zones. Conversely, La Niña increases transmission potential in tropical AEZs by small-to-medium effect magnitudes, depending on AEZ. Importantly, the analysis found significant increases in Q 0 across direct transitions from El Niño to La Niña, with statistically significant medium effects observed in all tropical AEZs, except for the cool-subhumid AEZ. In subtropical AEZs, notable increases in Q 0 were found in the warm-humid and warm-subhumid zones, also according to medium effect sizes. The study highlights the necessity for disseminating proactive and adaptive animal management practices for small ruminants among smallholder farmers, both during ENSO events and continuing into the post-event transition period, particularly through capacity building, nutritional supplementation and targeted selective treatment. The findings underscore the importance of considering small ruminants in ENSO preparedness and response plans, allowing farmers to optimise the resilience-enhancing roles of small ruminants to mitigate the impacts of climate shocks and food insecurity.