Browse Articles

Association between age-related hearing loss and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction This meta-analysis examined the relationship between age-related hearing loss (ARHL) and depression in older adults, and further explored whether this relationship is moderated by age and gender. Methods We searched in 4 English databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Ultimately, we identified 9 studies, involving 3 cohort studies and 6 cross-sectional studies. We used Hedges’ g as the effect size, and all pooled analyses were performed using random-effects models. Results ARHL patients had higher depressive symptom scores than non-ARHL older adults (g = 0.52). When divided into subgroups based on study type, a large effect size was demonstrated in the cross-sectional study group (g = 0.68) and was not statistically different in the cohort study group (g = 0.06). Meta-regression results showed that the effect size of depression in older adults with ARHL was significantly associated with the percentage of females (t = 5.97, p = 0.000) and not significantly associated with age (t = 0.94, p = 0.364). Conclusions Patients with ARHL are more likely to be depressed than older adults with normal hearing, and this relationship is influenced by the gender of the patients.

Differential gray matter correlates and machine learning prediction of abuse and internalizing psychopathology in adolescent females

Genetic diversity and population structure studies of West African sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] collection using DArTseq

Background Sweetpotato is a vegetatively propagated crop cultivated worldwide, predominantly in developing countries, valued for its adaptability, short growth cycle, and high productivity per unit land area. In most sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, it is widely grown by smallholder farmers. Niger, Nigeria, and Benin have a huge diversity of sweetpotato accessions whose potential has not fully been explored to date. Diversity Arrays Technology (DArTseq), a Genotyping by Sequencing (GBS) method, has been developed and enables genotyping with high-density single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in different crop species. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of the West African sweetpotato collection using Diversity Arrays Technology through Genotyping by Sequencing (GBS). Results 29,523 Diversity Arrays Technology (DArTseq) single nucleotide polymorphism markers were used to genotype 271 sweetpotato accessions. Genetic diversity analysis revealed an average polymorphic information content (PIC) value of 0.39, a minor allele frequency of 0.26, and an observed heterozygosity of 10%. The highest value of polymorphic information content (PIC) (0.41) was observed in chromosomes 4, while the highest proportion of heterozygous (He) (0.18) was observed in chromosomes 11. Molecular diversity revealed high values of polymorphic sites (Ps), theta (θ), and nucleotide diversity (π) with 0.973, 0.158, and 0.086, respectively, which indicated high genetic variation. The pairs of genetic distances revealed a range from 0.08 to 0.47 with an overall average of 0.34. Population structure analysis divided the 271 accessions into four populations (population 1 was characterised by a mixture of accessions from all countries; population 2, mostly comprised of Nigerian breeding lines; population 3 contained exclusively landraces from Benin; and population 4 was composed by only landraces from West African countries) at K = 4, and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) based on PhiPT values showed that most of the variation was explained when accessions were categorized based on population structure at K = 4 (25.25%) and based on cluster analysis (19.43%). Genetic distance showed that group 4 (which constituted by landraces of Niger and Benin) was genetically distant (0.428) from groups 2 (formed by 75% of breeding lines of Nigeria), while group 1 was the closest (0.182) to group 2. Conclusions This study employed 7,591 DArTseq-based SNP markers, revealing extensive polymorphism and variation within and between populations. Variability among countries of origin (11.42%) exceeded that based on biological status (9.13%) and storage root flesh colour (7.90%), emphasizing the impact of migration on genetic diversity. Population structure analysis using principal component analysis (PCA), Neighbor-Joining (NJ) tree, and STRUCTURE at K = 4 grouped 271 accessions into distinct clusters, irrespective of their geographic origins, indicating widespread genetic exchange. Group 4, dominated by landraces (95%), showed significant genetic differentiation (Nei’s Gst = 0.428) from Group 2, mainly comprising breeding lines, suggesting their potential as heterotic groups for breeding initiatives like HEBS or ABS.

Application of a targeted amplicon sequencing panel to screen for insecticide resistance mutations in Anopheles darlingi populations from Brazil

Abstract Large-scale surveillance and informed vector control approaches are urgently needed to ensure that national malaria programs remain effective in reducing transmission and, ultimately, achieving malaria elimination targets. In South America, Anopheles darlingi is the primary malaria vector and is responsible for the majority of Plasmodium species transmission. However, little is known about the molecular markers associated with insecticide resistance in this species. In this study, we developed a low-cost, high throughput amplicon sequencing (“amp-seq”) panel, consisting of 11 amplicons targeting genes linked to mosquito species identification ( cox-1 and its2 ) and insecticide resistance ( ace-1 , GSTe2 , vgsc and rdl ). When used in tandem with dual-index barcoding of amplicons, this approach permits high numbers of loci and samples to be sequenced in single runs, thereby decreasing costs and increasing efficiency. By screening 200 An. darlingi mosquitoes collected in Brazil, our amp-seq approach identified 10 point mutations leading to amino acid changes in ace-1 (V243I, N294H, S673N, S674N/T) and GSTe2 genes (I114V, D128E, T166I, T179I, and T205A). Overall, our work has demonstrated the utility of amp-seq to provide insights into the genetic diversity of An. darlingi mosquitoes. The amp-seq approach can be applied as a wide-scale insecticide-resistance surveillance technique to better inform vector-control methods.

Correction: Developing climate-resilient rice varieties (BRRI dhan97 and BRRI dhan99) suitable for salt-stress environments in Bangladesh

Modeling, evaluation and metrics performance of the SyncLMKD in distributed kinematics variations

Optimal tactics in community pension model for defined benefit pension plans

Against the backdrop of an aging population, community pension initiatives are gaining traction, permeating societal landscapes. This study delves into the equilibrium strategy within the context of a defined benefit pension plan, employing a differential game framework with a community pension model. Hence, the model entails the company’s controls over investment rates in funds, juxtaposed with employees’ inclination towards a greater proportion of community pension allocation in said funds. To tackle this issue, a stochastic differential game model for pensions under a community pension scheme is formulated. Leveraging the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation, we derive the Markov Perfect Nash Equilibrium solution and optimal portfolio. Through numerical simulations, we analyze the impact of varying risk aversion levels across different parameter values on equilibrium ratios, thereby offering insights into managerial risk tolerance.

Multiplication rate variation of malaria parasites from hospital cases and community infections

Abstract The significance of multiplication rate variation in malaria parasites needs to be determined, particularly for Plasmodium falciparum, the species that causes most virulent infections. To investigate this, parasites from cases presenting to hospital in The Gambia and from local community infections were culture-established and then tested under exponential growth conditions in a standardised six-day multiplication rate assay. The multiplication rate distribution was lower than seen previously in clinical isolates from another area in West Africa where infection is more highly endemic. Multiplication rates were higher in cultured isolates derived from hospital cases (N = 23, mean = 2.9-fold per 48 h) than in those from community infections (N = 11, mean = 1.8-fold)(Mann-Whitney P < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between levels of parasitaemia in peripheral blood of sampled individuals and multiplication rates of the isolates in culture (Spearman’s rho = 0.45, P = 0.017). There was no significant difference between isolates containing single parasite genotypes or multiple genotypes at the time of assay, suggesting that parasites do not modify their multiplication rates in response to the presence of different genotypes. It will be important to uncover the mechanisms of this intrinsic multiplication rate variation, and to also investigate the epidemiological distribution and potential associations with infection phenotypes in other populations.

MARCHF8-mediated ubiquitination via TGFBI regulates NF-κB dependent inflammatory responses and ECM degradation in intervertebral disc degeneration

Aim To explore the role of the hub gene Transforming Growth Factor Beta Induced (TGFBI) in Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) pathogenesis and its regulatory relationship with Membrane Associated Ring-CH-Type Finger 8 (MARCHF8). Background IDD is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder leading to spinal pathology. Despite its ubiquity and impact, effective therapeutic strategies remain to be explored. Objective Identify key modules associated with IDD and understand the impact of TGFBI on nucleus pulposus (NP) cell behavior, extracellular matrix (ECM)-related proteins, and the Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of Activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Methods The GSE146904 dataset underwent Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) for key module identification and Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) screening. Intersection analysis, network analysis, and co-expression identified TGFBI as a hub gene. In vitro experiments delved into the interplay between TGFBI and MARCHF8 and their effects on NP cells. Results WGCNA linked the MEturquoise module with IDD samples, revealing 145 shared genes among DEGs. In vitro findings indicated that MARCHF8 determines TGFBI expression. TGFBI boosts apoptosis and ECM breakdown in Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated (LPS-stimulated) NP cells. Altering TGFBI levels modulated these effects and the NF-κB signaling pathway, influencing inflammatory cytokine concentrations. Moreover, MARCHF8 ubiquitination controlled TGFBI expression. Conclusion TGFBI, modulated by MARCHF8, significantly influences IDD progression by affecting NP cell apoptosis, ECM degradation, and inflammation through the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Evaluating multiannual sedimentary nutrient retention in agricultural two-stage channels

AbstractThe two-stage channel (TSC) design with a vegetated man-made floodplain has been recommended as an alternative to conventional re-dredging for managing suspended sediment (SS) and nutrient loads in agricultural streams. However, there are currently uncertainties surrounding the efficiency of TSCs, since mass balances covering the whole annual hydrograph and including different periods of the channel life cycle are lacking. This paper aims to improve understanding of the medium-term morphological development and sedimentary nutrient retention when a dredged, trapezoidal-shaped channel is converted into a TSC, using a mass balance estimate of nutrient and carbon retention from immediately after excavation until the establishment of approximate biogeochemical equilibrium retention. We developed a framework allowing estimation of the sedimentary net retention of phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) considering the differences in the initial and mature biogeochemical conditions in topsoil between different channel parts. Further, we conducted repeated elevation surveys and analyses of vertical sedimentary elemental chemistry over a 9-year period to apply the framework at a pilot site in Southern Finland. The pilot TSC floodplain significantly retained SS and nutrients while the low-flow channel did not suffer from siltation, supporting the hypothesized enhanced self-cleansing capacity of TSCs compared to trapezoidal cross-sections. Because of the flushing of the earlier bed deposits, there was net release of SS, P, and N over the first 9 years in the entire TSC system. Depending on the element and channel part considered, physical deposition constituted 13‒79% of the net retention on the newly exposed, excavated surfaces, while the remainder could be attributed to biogeochemical retention, enriching the topsoil in nutrients and carbon. The developed framework is highly suitable to assess the medium-term sedimentary nutrient retention in TSC systems. As a novelty, the framework improves the reliability of the retention efficiency evaluation compared to the typically used snapshot water quality sampling and allows prioritizing the required sediment coring at further TSC sites. The results allow heterogeneities in the process rates to be quantified and potential inefficiencies in nutrient retention due to channel design and morphology to be identified.

pyAKI—An open source solution to automated acute kidney injury classification

Objective Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in critically ill patients, affecting up to 50% of patients in the intensive care units. The lack of standardized and open-source tools for applying the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria to time series, requires researchers to implement classification algorithms of their own which is resource intensive and might impact study quality by introducing different interpretations of edge cases. This project introduces pyAKI, an open-source pipeline addressing this gap by providing a comprehensive solution for consistent KDIGO criteria implementation. Materials and methods The pyAKI pipeline was developed and validated using a subset of the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-IV database, a commonly used database in critical care research. We constructed a standardized data model in order to ensure reproducibility. PyAKI implements the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guideline on AKI diagnosis. After implementation of the diagnostic algorithm, using both serum creatinine and urinary output data, pyAKI was tested on a subset of patients and diagnostic accuracy was compared in a comparative analysis against annotations by physicians. Results Validation against expert annotations demonstrated pyAKI’s robust performance in implementing KDIGO criteria. Comparative analysis revealed its ability to surpass the quality of human labels with an accuracy of 1.0 in all categories. Discussion The pyAKI pipeline is the first open-source solution for implementing KDIGO criteria in time series data. It provides a standardized data model and a comprehensive solution for consistent AKI classification in research applications for clinicians and data scientists working with AKI data. The pipeline’s high accuracy make it a valuable tool for clinical research and decision support systems. Conclusion This work introduces pyAKI as an open-source solution for implementing the KDIGO criteria for AKI diagnosis using time series data with high accuracy and performance.

Non-inferiority of minimally invasive rotational cutting in granulomatous mastitis treatment: a comparative trial

CD206+ Trem2+ macrophage accumulation in the murine knee joint after injury is associated with protection against post-traumatic osteoarthritis in MRL/MpJ mice

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a painful joint disease characterized by the degradation of bone, cartilage, and other connective tissues in the joint. PTOA is initiated by trauma to joint-stabilizing tissues, such as the anterior cruciate ligament, medial meniscus, or by intra-articular fractures. In humans, ~50% of joint injuries progress to PTOA, while the rest spontaneously resolve. To better understand molecular programs contributing to PTOA development or resolution, we examined injury-induced fluctuations in immune cell populations and transcriptional shifts by single-cell RNA sequencing of synovial joints in PTOA-susceptible C57BL/6J (B6) and PTOA-resistant MRL/MpJ (MRL) mice. We identified significant differences in monocyte and macrophage subpopulations between MRL and B6 joints. A potent myeloid-driven anti-inflammatory response was observed in MRL injured joints that significantly contrasted the pro-inflammatory signaling seen in B6 joints. Multiple CD206+ macrophage populations classically described as M2 were found enriched in MRL injured joints. These CD206+ macrophages also robustly expressed Trem2, a receptor involved in inflammation and myeloid cell activation. These data suggest that the PTOA resistant MRL mouse strain displays an enhanced capacity of clearing debris and apoptotic cells induced by inflammation after injury due to an increase in activated M2 macrophages within the synovial tissue and joint space.

A non-metallic PEEK topology optimization reconstruction implant for large mandibular continuity defects, validated using the MANDYBILATOR apparatus

Uncovering NK cell sabotage in gut diseases via single cell transcriptomics

The identification of immune environments and cellular interactions in the colon microenvironment is essential for understanding the mechanisms of chronic inflammatory disease. Despite occurring in the same organ, there is a significant gap in understanding the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis (UC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Our study aims to address the distinct immunopathological response of UC and CRC. Using single-cell RNA sequencing datasets, we analyzed the profiles of immune cells in colorectal tissues obtained from healthy donors, UC patients, and CRC patients. The colon tissues from patients and healthy participants were visualized by immunostaining followed by laser confocal microscopy for select targets. Natural killer (NK) cells from UC patients on medication showed reduced cytotoxicity compared to those from healthy individuals. Nonetheless, a UC-specific pathway called the BAG6-NCR3 axis led to higher levels of inflammatory cytokines and increased the cytotoxicity of NCR3+ NK cells, thereby contributing to the persistence of colitis. In the context of colorectal cancer (CRC), both NK cells and CD8+ T cells exhibited significant changes in cytotoxicity and exhaustion. The GALECTIN-9 (LGALS9)-HAVCR2 axis was identified as one of the CRC-specific pathways. Within this pathway, NK cells solely communicated with myeloid cells under CRC conditions. HAVCR2+ NK cells from CRC patients suppressed NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, indicating a reduction in immune surveillance. Overall, we elucidated the comprehensive UC and CRC immune microenvironments and NK cell-mediated immune responses. Our findings can aid in selecting therapeutic targets that increase the efficacy of immunotherapy.

Evaluating the effect of viral posts on social media engagement

Backbone extraction through statistical edge filtering: A comparative study

The backbone extraction process is pivotal in expediting analysis and enhancing visualization in network applications. This study systematically compares seven influential statistical hypothesis-testing backbone edge filtering methods (Disparity Filter (DF), Polya Urn Filter (PF), Marginal Likelihood Filter (MLF), Noise Corrected (NC), Enhanced Configuration Model Filter (ECM), Global Statistical Significance Filter (GloSS), and Locally Adaptive Network Sparsification Filter (LANS)) across diverse networks. A similarity analysis reveals that backbones extracted with the ECM and DF filters exhibit minimal overlap with backbones derived from their alternatives. Interestingly, ordering the other methods from GloSS to NC, PF, LANS, and MLF, we observe that each method’s output encapsulates the backbone of the previous one. Correlation analysis between edge features (weight, degree, betweenness) and the test significance level reveals that the DF and LANS filters favor high-weighted edges while ECM assigns them lower significance to edges with high degrees. Furthermore, the results suggest a limited influence of the edge betweenness on the filtering process. The backbones global properties analysis (edge fraction, node fraction, weight fraction, weight entropy, reachability, number of components, and transitivity) identifies three typical behavior types for each property. Notably, the LANS filter preserves all nodes and weight entropy. In contrast, DF, PF, ECM, and GloSS significantly reduce network size. The MLF, NC, and ECM filters preserve network connectivity and weight entropy. Distribution analysis highlights the PU filter’s ability to capture the original weight distribution. NC filter closely exhibits a similar capability. NC and MLF filters excel for degree distribution. These insights offer valuable guidance for selecting appropriate backbone extraction methods based on specific properties.

Amino acid modified copper-based metal organic polyhedral with higher peroxidase activity for potassium guaiacol sulfonate detection

Risk assessment and prevention in airport security assurance by integrating LSTM algorithm

The risk assessment and prevention in traditional airport safety assurance usually rely on human experience for analysis, and there are problems such as heavy manual workload, excessive subjectivity, and significant limitations. This article proposed a risk assessment and prevention mechanism for airport security assurance that integrated LSTM algorithm. It analyzed the causes of malfunctioning flights by collecting airport flight safety log datasets. This article extracted features related to risk assessment, such as weather factors, airport facility inspections, and security check results, and conducted qualitative and quantitative analysis on these features to generate a datable risk warning weight table. This article used these data to establish an LSTM model, which trained LSTM to identify potential risks and provide early warning by learning patterns and trends in historical data. It then handed over the new data to the trained LSTM model for risk assessment and prediction, grading and warning of risks. It monitored the airport security situation in real-time based on the results and quickly notified airport security personnel to handle it. The outcome indicates that the standard error of the LSTM algorithm model training is less than 0.18, and the decision coefficients were all greater than 0.9. The predicted data was highly consistent with the actual data. It can be summarized that the algorithmic model has good accuracy and robustness. The LSTM algorithm can play a role in providing early warning, assisting decision-making, optimizing resources, and enhancing real-time monitoring in airport security assurance. It can effectively improve the safety and prevention capabilities of airports, and reduce the losses caused by potential risks.

Chitosan nanoencapsulation of Turbinaria triquetra metabolites in the management of podocyturia in nephrotoxic rats

AbstractCisplatin is a chemotherapeutic drug, which exhibits undesirable side effects. Chitosan nanoparticles are promising for drug delivery. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the brown alga Turbinaria triquetra ethyl acetate fraction and polysaccharides, either loaded on chitosan nanoparticles or free, against podocyturia and cisplatin nephrotoxicity in rats. Sixty-six male rats were distributed into 11 equal groups: untreated control, chitosan (CSNPs), ethyl acetate fraction (EAE), polysaccharide (PS), EAE loaded on chitosan nanoparticles (EAE-CSNPs), PS loaded on chitosan nanoparticles (PS-CSNPs), Cisplatin or cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (CDDP), CDDP + EAE, CDDP + PS, CDDP + EAE-CSNPs, and CDDP + PS-CSNPs. Serum urea, creatinine, creatinine clearance, renal malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, paraoxonase 1, renal nephrin, and podocin, and their renal mRNA gene expressions, as well as urinary nephrin and podocin were determined. The results indicated that the ethyl acetate fraction and polysaccharides, either free or loaded, efficiently attenuated podocyturia and cisplatin nephrotoxicity compared to the Cis group. However, the improvement was higher in the nephrotoxic groups treated with EAE-CSNPs and PS-CSNPs. The current study revealed that chitosan nanoencapsulation showed ameliorative effects against podocyturia and cisplatin nephrotoxicity in rats compared to free extracts, offering a new therapeutic strategy for attenuating podocyturia and CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity.