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Dietary patterns and their associations with the occurrence and severity of early childhood caries among 1–5-year-olds in Iran: A multicenter cluster randomized survey
Aim A health-promoting and tooth-friendly diet can reduce the risk factors associated with early childhood caries (ECC) and promote overall health in children. This study aimed to identify dietary habits and feeding practices and their associations with ECC among 1–5-year-olds in Iran. Methods This analytical cross-sectional study utilized data from a survey conducted from August 1, 2020, to January 20, 2021. A three-stage stratified cluster sampling method was employed to recruit participants. Parents provided written informed consent in Persian before enrollment and were then interviewed via a valid and reliable questionnaire inquiring about background information, feeding practices, and dietary habits. Each child underwent a dental examination by one of four trained and calibrated dentists to assess dental plaque and ECC. After appropriate weightings were applied, associations between key covariates and outcome measures were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression modeling and multivariate generalized negative binomial regression modeling. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V25 and Stata V14.2 software. Results The mean age of the study population was 45.0 (±0.5) months, and 53% (±5%) had ECC. Visible dental plaque was present on the tooth surfaces of 39% ( ± 3%) of the toddlers and 66% ( ± 4%) of the preschoolers. The majority of the children had been breastfed for over 18 months (65%). Most children consumed sugar between meals once a day or less (66%) and fruits once (39%) or twice (37%) a day. ECC experience increased with age and poor oral hygiene across all age groups. Toddlers with a higher frequency of sugar intake between meals had higher dmft and ECC prevalence. The consumption of four to five servings of grain products per day was associated with a five-fold reduction in ECC occurrence (p = 0.047, OR = 0.2). In contrast, the consumption of two servings of fruits per day was associated with a doubling of the dmft score in toddlers (p = 0.015, IRR = 2.0). Conclusions This study identified possible dietary risk factors for ECC in Iranian children, such as increased sugar intake and fruit consumption, while balancing diet with grain consumption played a protective role. Considering the role of oral hygiene and the multifactorial nature of the disease may highlight a route toward developing future targeted and effective preventive strategies.
Social implications of coexistence of CAVs and human drivers in the context of route choice
Abstract Suppose in a stable urban traffic system populated only by human driven vehicles (HDVs), a given proportion (e.g. $$10\%$$ ) is replaced by a fleet of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs), which share information and pursue a collective goal. Suppose these vehicles are centrally coordinated and differ from HDVs only by their collective capacities allowing them to make more efficient routing decisions before the travel on a given day begins. Suppose there is a choice between two routes and every day each driver makes a decision which route to take. Human drivers maximize their utility. CAVs might optimize different goals, such as the total travel time of the fleet. We show that in this plausible futuristic setting, the strategy CAVs are allowed to adopt may result in human drivers either benefitting or being systematically disadvantaged and urban networks becoming more or less optimal. Consequently, some regulatory measures might become indispensable.
GABAergic synapses between auditory efferent neurons and type II spiral ganglion afferent neurons in the mouse cochlea
Cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs) are electromotile and implicated in amplification of responses to sound that enhance sound sensitivity and frequency tuning. They send afferent information through glutamatergic synapses onto type II spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). These synapses are weaker than those from cochlear inner hair cells onto type I SGN, suggesting that type II SGNs respond only to intense sound levels. OHCs also receive efferent innervation from medial olivocochlear (MOC) neurons. MOC neurons are cholinergic yet inhibit OHCs due to the functional coupling of alpha9/alpha10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) to calcium-activated SK potassium channels. The resulting hyperpolarization reduces OHC activity-evoked electromotility and is implicated in cochlear gain control, protection against acoustic trauma, and attention. MOC neurons also label for markers of GABA and GABA synthesis. GABA B autoreceptor (GABA B R) activation on MOC terminals has been demonstrated to reduce ACh release, confirming important negative feedback roles. However, the full complement of GABAergic activity in the cochlea is not currently understood, including mechanisms of GABA release from MOC axons, whether GABA diffuses from MOC axons to other postsynaptic cells, and the location and function of GABA A receptors (GABA A Rs). We used optical neurotransmitter detection, immunohistochemistry, and patch-clamp electrophysiology to demonstrate that in addition to presynaptic GABA B autoreceptor activation, MOC efferent terminals release GABA onto type II SGN afferent dendrites with postsynaptic activity mediated by GABA A Rs. This synapse may have roles including developmental regulation of cochlear innervation, fine-tuning of OHC activity, or providing feedback to the brain about MOC and OHC activity.
Social and nutritional factors controlling the growth of honey bee (Apis mellifera) queens
The honey bee queen is essential for colony function, laying hundreds of eggs daily and determining the colony’s genetic composition. Beekeepers cultivate and trade queens to enhance colony health and productivity. Despite its significance, artificial queen rearing in foster queenless colonies has remained largely unchanged for over a century, offering limited control over the environmental conditions influencing larval development. In this study, we developed a laboratory-based method for queen bee rearing, establishing a protocol for rearing queens in cages by nurse bees in the lab under controlled environmental conditions. We first investigated the minimal number of worker bees required to rear a single queen and found that groups of 200 workers raise queens with comparable success and weight to those reared in foster colony. As a proof of concept, we examined the impact of larval age on rearing success in our new system. We found that younger larvae developed into heavier and larger queens than older larvae, as recorded in the past using the traditional rearing method. Additionally, we assessed the influence of pollen nutrition on queen-rearing success, finding that a high pollen concentration is crucial for optimal queen development. These findings and the new method provide a foundation for studying queen bee-rearing behavior and development in the lab. We expect that it will be used to uncover factors that impact this important process in honey bee biology.
Clinical using of innovative biodegradable stent with extension sleeve in Ta_tme for low rectal cancer with high risk of anastomotic leakage
Reply to Krefeld-Schwalb et al.: Measuring population heterogeneity requires upholding good scientific practice
Design and experiment of a bionic drag-reducing digger for tuberous crops under heavy soil conditions
Aiming at the problems of high working resistance and high energy consumption in potato crop harvesting in sticky soil, this paper designs a potato bionic drag-reducing digging shovel based on the streamline shape of catfish head. Based on the theoretical analysis and discrete element method (DEM) simulation, the main factors affecting the digging resistance are the angle of entry, forward speed and vibration frequency, and the digging resistance increases with the increase of forward speed, and decreases with the increase of vibration frequency. Through the orthogonal test in the field, the optimal working parameters of the drag reduction performance are determined with the digging resistance as the test index, and the comparative test of the different shovel shapes is carried out with this parameter. The results show that the optimal solution is to use bionic shovel, with an entry angle of 15°, an operating speed of 0.27m/s, and a vibration frequency of 6Hz. The average digging resistance of the bionic shovel is 3612.86N, and the bionic digging shovel reduces resistance by 17.76% relative to an ordinary flat shovel, and 21.09% relative to the plane triangle shovel. The effect of drag reduction is remarkable, and the structure of the digging shovel bionic is reasonable, which can satisfy the requirements of resistance reduction and consumption reduction of potato harvesting under the conditions of sticky and heavy soils.
Multi-target detection and tracking based on CRF network and spatio-temporal attention for sports videos
NPF binding to Arp2 is allosterically linked to the release of ArpC5’s N-terminal tail and conformational changes in Arp2/3 complex
Arp2/3 complex generates branched actin networks essential for numerous motile functions of the cell. It comprises seven subunits: actin-related proteins (Arps) 2 and 3 and five scaffolding subunits (ArpC1-5). The complex adopts two major conformations: inactive, with the Arps interacting end-to-end, and active, with the Arps aligned side-by-side like subunits in the actin filament. Activation involves several cofactors, including ATP, WASP-family nucleation-promoting factors (NPFs), actin monomers, and the mother actin filament. NPFs bind to two sites, one on Arp2–ArpC1 and one on Arp3, delivering actin subunits at the barbed end of the Arps to initiate branch elongation. However, the mechanisms by which each NPF drives the equilibrium toward activation remain unclear. We present two cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of Arp2/3 complex at 2.9-Å resolution: one with NPFs bound to Arp3 and ArpC1 but not Arp2 and another with NPFs bound to Arp3 and Arp2–ArpC1. The structures reveal that NPF binding to Arp2 is allosterically linked to the release of ArpC5’s N-terminal tail from Arp2 and conformational changes in Arp2, including closure of its ATP-binding cleft and partial rotation and translation toward its position in the active complex at the branch. Previous work identified another allosteric switch linking NPF binding to Arp3 with the release of its inhibitory C-terminal tail, which we also observe. In summary, both NPF-binding sites induce allosteric changes in Arp2/3 complex, collectively shifting the equilibrium toward activation.
Correction: Sensory focused exercise improves anxiety in Parkinson’s disease: A randomized controlled trial
Implementation of two-roller scheduling path planning under road construction scenarios
Short-term exposure to filter-bubble recommendation systems has limited polarization effects: Naturalistic experiments on YouTube
An enormous body of literature argues that recommendation algorithms drive political polarization by creating “filter bubbles” and “rabbit holes.” Using four experiments with nearly 9,000 participants, we show that manipulating algorithmic recommendations to create these conditions has limited effects on opinions. Our experiments employ a custom-built video platform with a naturalistic, YouTube-like interface presenting real YouTube videos and recommendations. We experimentally manipulate YouTube’s actual recommendation algorithm to simulate filter bubbles and rabbit holes by presenting ideologically balanced and slanted choices. Our design allows us to intervene in a feedback loop that has confounded the study of algorithmic polarization—the complex interplay between supply of recommendations and user demand for content—to examine downstream effects on policy attitudes. We use over 130,000 experimentally manipulated recommendations and 31,000 platform interactions to estimate how recommendation algorithms alter users’ media consumption decisions and, indirectly, their political attitudes. Our results cast doubt on widely circulating theories of algorithmic polarization by showing that even heavy-handed (although short-term) perturbations of real-world recommendations have limited causal effects on policy attitudes. Given our inability to detect consistent evidence for algorithmic effects, we argue the burden of proof for claims about algorithm-induced polarization has shifted. Our methodology, which captures and modifies the output of real-world recommendation algorithms, offers a path forward for future investigations of black-box artificial intelligence systems. Our findings reveal practical limits to effect sizes that are feasibly detectable in academic experiments.
A systems analysis and improvement approach to optimizing syringe services programs’ delivery of HIV testing and referrals: Study protocol for a parallel-group randomized controlled trial (SAIA-SSP-HIV)
With changing drug supplies and associated drug consumption behaviors, HIV transmission has increased among people who inject drugs in the United States. HIV testing and referrals to effective prevention and treatment services are critical for individual and population health, yet multilevel barriers limit access to HIV testing for this population, even within syringe services programs (SSPs). In this organizational-level interrupted time series randomized controlled trial, we will assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an implementation strategy, the Systems Analysis and Improvement Approach (SAIA), in optimizing HIV testing and referrals to appropriate clinical services among U.S. SSPs. From 01/12/2023 to 01/07/2025, we will recruit a diverse sample of 32 SSPs nationally that directly provide HIV testing to participants. SSPs will be randomized to the active implementation arm (i.e., SAIA-SSP-HIV) or an implementation-as-usual arm (n = 16 organizations per arm). SAIA-SSP-HIV is a flexible, data-driven implementation strategy designed to help optimize SSPs’ delivery of HIV testing and referrals to appropriate clinical services for HIV prevention (e.g., pre-exposure prophylaxis) and treatment. In the active implementation arm, trained SAIA specialists will guide SSPs through three cyclical steps over 12 months: (1) process mapping to identify organization-specific needs, (2) cascade analysis and prioritization of areas for improvement, and (3) testing solutions through continuous quality improvement. In both arms, we will collect outcome data over 21 months (3-month lead-in period, 12-month implementation period, 6-month sustainment period). We will assess the initial and sustained effectiveness of SAIA and calculate its cost and cost-effectiveness. This trial presents a novel opportunity to test the effectiveness of an organization-level implementation strategy for optimizing the delivery of HIV screening and referrals in community settings that are frequented by an at-risk population. If successful, SAIA-SSP-HIV could be adapted for other infectious or chronic disease care cascades within SSPs. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06025435.
LncRNA-Gm17586 inhibits S.typhimurium mediated pyroptosis by promoting NLRP3 and Tnip1 binding
A limitation lifted: A conditional knockdown system reveals essential roles for Polo-like kinase and Aurora kinase 1 in <i>Trypanosoma cruzi</i> cell division
While advances in genome editing technologies have simplified gene disruption in many organisms, the study of essential genes requires development of conditional disruption or knockdown systems that are not available in most organisms. Such is the case for Trypanosoma cruzi , a parasite that causes Chagas disease, a severely neglected tropical disease endemic to Latin America that is often fatal. Our knowledge of the identity of essential genes and their functions in T. cruzi has been severely constrained by historical challenges in very basic genetic manipulation and the absence of RNA interference machinery. Here, we describe the development and use of self-cleaving RNA sequences to conditionally regulate essential gene expression in T. cruzi . Using these tools, we identified essential roles for Polo-like and Aurora kinases in T. cruzi cell division, mirroring their functions in Trypanosoma brucei . Importantly, we demonstrate conditional knockdown of essential genes in intracellular amastigotes, the disease-causing stage of the parasite in its human host. This conditional knockdown system enables the efficient and scalable functional characterization of essential genes in T. cruzi and provides a framework for the development of conditional gene knockdown systems for other nonmodel organisms.
Spatial prediction of dynamic interactions in rats
Animals and humans receive the most critical information from parts of the environment that are immediately inaccessible and highly dynamic. The brain must effectively process potential interactions between elements in such an environment to make appropriate decisions in critical situations. We trained male Long-Evans rats to discriminate static and dynamic spatial stimuli and to generalize novel dynamic spatial stimuli displayed on an inaccessible computer screen. We provide behavioral evidence indicating that rats encode dynamic visuospatial situations by constructing internal static representations that capture meaningful future interactions between objects. These observations support previous findings in humans that such internal static representations can encapsulate relevant spatiotemporal information of dynamic environments. This mechanism would allow animals and humans to process complex time-changing situations neatly.
High precision water quality retrieval in Dianchi Lake using Gaofen 5 data and machine learning methods
Toward equitable major histocompatibility complex binding predictions
Deep learning tools that predict peptide binding by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins play an essential role in developing personalized cancer immunotherapies and vaccines. In order to ensure equitable health outcomes from their application, MHC binding prediction methods must work well across the vast landscape of MHC alleles observed across human populations. Here, we show that there are alarming disparities across individuals in different racial and ethnic groups in how much binding data are associated with their MHC alleles. We introduce a machine learning framework to assess the impact of this data imbalance for predicting binding for any given MHC allele, and apply it to develop a state-of-the-art MHC binding prediction model that additionally provides per-allele performance estimates. We demonstrate that our MHC binding model successfully mitigates much of the data disparities observed across racial groups. To address remaining inequities, we devise an algorithmic strategy for targeted data collection. Our work lays the foundation for further development of equitable MHC binding models for use in personalized immunotherapies.
Identification of suitable qPCR reference genes for the normalization of gene expression in the BL10-mdx and D2-mdx mouse models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disorder that is caused by mutations in the DMD gene, leading to progressive muscle wasting and weakness. There is currently no cure for DMD. The BL10-mdx mouse is the most commonly used model in preclinical DMD studies, but it exhibits a mild disease phenotype compared to DMD patients, limiting research translatability. The newer D2-mdx mouse has a more severe phenotype at an early age and may better recapitulate human disease. To compare these mouse models on a transcriptional level with quantitative RT-PCR, stable and reliable reference genes are indispensable. We aimed to evaluate the stability and reliability of a panel of nine candidate reference genes (Actb, Ap3d1, Gapdh, Hmbs, Htatsf1, Pak1ip1, Rpl13a, Sdha and Zfp91) in the gastrocnemius, diaphragm and heart of mice from both strains and their corresponding wild types aged 4 to 52 weeks. Data was analyzed using geNorm, BestKeeper, deltaCt and NormFinder. We found that Htatsf1, Pak1ip1 and Zfp91 are suitable reference genes for normalization of gene expression in dystrophic and healthy mice, regardless of the tissue type or age. In our hands, Actb, Gapdh and Rpl13a were not suitable as reference genes, exhibiting tissue-, age-, or disease specific changes in expression. This study highlights the importance of the selection of suitable reference genes, as their stability can differ between specific experimental setups.