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Drosophila Topoisomerase 3β binds to mRNAs in vivo, contributes to their localization and stability, and counteracts premature aging
Topoisomerase 3β (Top3β) works not only on DNA but also on RNA. We isolated and identified the naturally cross-linked RNA targets of Drosophila Top3β from an early embryonic stage that contains almost exclusively maternal mRNAs. Favorite targets were long RNAs, particularly with long 3’UTRs, and RNAs that become localized in large cells. Top3β lacking only the hydroxyl group that makes the covalent bond to the RNA, did not allow normal expression and localization of Top3β mRNA targets or their protein products, demonstrating the importance of the enzymatic activity of Top3 β for optimized gene expression. Top3β is not essential for development to the adult stage but to maintain the morphology of the adult neuromuscular junction and to prevent premature loss of coordinated movement and aging. Alterations in human Top3β have been associated with several neurological diseases and cancers. The homologs of genes and (pre)mRNAs mis-expressed in these conditions show the same characteristics identified in the Drosophila Top3β targets, suggesting that Drosophila could model human Top3β. An in vivo test of this model showed that the enzymatic activity of Top3β reduces the neurodegeneration caused by the cytotoxic human (G4C2)49 RNA. Top3β supports normal gene expression, particularly of long and complex transcripts that must be transported and translationally controlled. These RNAs encode large cytoskeletal, cortical, and membrane proteins that are particularly important in large and long cells like motoneurons. Their reduced expression in the mutant seems to stress the cells, increasing the chances of developing neurodegenerative diseases.
A symmetry-based mechanism for perceptual grouping in preverbal infants
Single-unit activity in the anterior claustrum during memory retrieval after trace fear conditioning
We have recently identified a group of claustral neurons that continuously maintain information associated with a fear-conditioned stimulus (CS) for at least tens of seconds, even after the CS has ceased. This “online state” refers to the persistent maintenance of threat-associated information, enabling it to be actively processed even after the threat has terminated. This state may involve reciprocal interactions of the claustral neurons with brain regions involved in decision-making, motor preparation, and adaptive behavioral responses. If these claustral neurons truly encode the online state, their function should remain independent of the modality of the threat stimulus or the specific defensive behavior exhibited. In this study, we used a tone cue and monitored freezing behavior in trace conditioning, in contrast to the light cue and escape behavior used in our recent study. During the retrieval test of trace conditioning, a subset of rostral-to-striatum claustrum (rsCla) neurons exhibited sustained activity in response to the CS, particularly during the trace interval. Importantly, we found a positive correlation between the activity of rsCla neurons and the magnitude of freezing during the trace interval, when intervals without freezing were excluded. Thus, this subset of rsCla neurons appears to exhibit the characteristics of ‘online neurons’ during memory retrieval following trace conditioning.
Chemometrics based analysis of the essential oil composition, phenolic compounds and antibacterial potency of aerial parts of Grammosciadium platycarpum populations
Comparing statistical learning methods for complex trait prediction from gene expression
Accurate prediction of complex traits is an important task in quantitative genetics. Genotypes have been used for trait prediction using a variety of methods such as mixed models, Bayesian methods, penalized regression methods, dimension reduction methods, and machine learning methods. Recent studies have shown that gene expression levels can produce higher prediction accuracy than genotypes. However, only a few prediction methods were tested in these studies. Thus, a comprehensive assessment of methods is needed to fully evaluate the potential of gene expression as a predictor of complex trait phenotypes. Here, we used data from the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) to compare the ability of several existing statistical learning methods to predict starvation resistance and startle response from gene expression in the two sexes separately. The methods considered differ in assumptions about the distribution of gene effects—ranging from models that assume that every gene affects the trait to more sparse models—and their ability to capture gene-gene interactions. We also used functional annotation (i.e., Gene Ontology (GO)) as a source of biological information to inform prediction models. The results show that differences in prediction accuracy exist. For example, methods performing variable selection achieved higher prediction accuracy for starvation resistance in females, while they generally had lower accuracy for startle response in both sexes. Incorporating GO annotations further improved prediction accuracy for a few GO terms of biological significance. Biological significance extended to the genes underlying highly predictive GO terms. Notably, the Insulin-like Receptor (InR) was prevalent across methods and sexes for starvation resistance. For startle response, crumbs (crb) and imaginal disc growth factor 2 (Idgf2) were found for females and males, respectively. Our results confirmed the potential of transcriptomic prediction and highlighted the importance of selecting appropriate methods and strategies in order to achieve accurate predictions.
Comparison of oxycodone hydrochloride and flurbiprofen axetil on analgesia in mechanically ventilated patients with respiratory failure in a multicenter study
Prevalence and associated factors of depression among adult refugees in East Africa: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Introduction Depression is a common mental health problem among adult refugees in East Africa. Refugees in this region face numerous challenges, including mental health issues, with depression being one of the most common and debilitating conditions. However, there is a lack of systematic reviews and meta-analyses that have been conducted to determine the pooled prevalence and associated factors of depression among adult refugees in East Africa. This study aims to assess the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among adult refugees in East Africa through an analysis of pooled data. Materials and methods A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, and African Journals Online (AJOL) will be conducted to identify studies that have reported the prevalence and associated factors of depression among adult refugees in East Africa. A checklist from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) will be used to assess the methodological quality. The search will be limited to studies published in English. Data extraction, critical appraisal, and screening of all the retrieved articles will be conducted by two independent researchers. Statistical analysis will be performed using STATA-17 software packages. The meta-analysis will be conducted using a random-effects model. The heterogeneity of the studies will be assessed using the I2 statistic. The publication bias will be assessed using the funnel plot and Egger’s test. For determinants of depression, an effect size with a 95% confidence interval will be reported. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval and informed consent are not required as this is a systematic review of existing publications. The final results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at national and international conferences. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024496728
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Comparative study of silica and silica-decorated ZnO and ag nanocomposites for antimicrobial and photocatalytic applications
Association of exercise and ADHD symptoms: Analysis within an adult general population sample
Given the limitations associated with existing treatments for Attention Deficit/Hyperactive disorder (ADHD), Physical Activity (PA) has been considered as an adjunct therapeutic option. Previous research has generally found that PA reduces ADHD symptoms in children. However, much less research has explored the same effects in adults, and especially females, with ADHD. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between PA and ADHD in adults, and whether any relationship was moderated by proxy diagnostic ADHD group, as well as exploring the roles of motivation and forms of exercise. 268 participants completed an online survey measuring proxy ADHD diagnosis; ADHD symptomatology; PA level; forms of exercise performed, and motivation for exercise. In contrast to previous research performed with child participants (which frequently found significant negative correlations), there was no significant relationship between PA level and total ADHD symptomatology in adults, but there was a significant negative correlation between PA level and inattentive ADHD symptomatology. The strength of relationship between PA level and ADHD symptomatology did not differ based on ADHD proxy diagnostic grouping; PA level based on motivation type; or PA level based on total forms of exercise performed. However, it may be that clear relationships between PA and ADHD symptomatology are not easily identifiable in adult populations when only broad, nonspecific variables/measures are used (e.g., only measuring ADHD symptoms as a continuous total score, rather than considering inattentive/hyperactive symptoms separately). Therefore, greater differentiation between ADHD symptoms and subject characteristics (such as gender) might be required to better establish potential relationships and effects in this area, and better inform any potential PA based treatments.
The effects of insulin–transferrin–selenium (ITS) and CHIR99021 on the development of pre-implantation human arrested embryos in vitro
The impact of different standing positions on gluteus medius activation and lumbar lordosis in LBP-developers during prolonged standing
Low back pain (LBP) development has been associated with increased hip muscle co-activation and lumbar lordosis during standing in previously asymptomatic individuals. It is commonly advised to use footrests to relieve LBP. The impact of adjusting arm position on lumbar biomechanics can also be impressive. This study aimed to compare the effects of normalized footrest height and changing arm position on Gluteus medius (GMed) muscle activity, lumbar lordosis, and pain intensity. Twenty-four female pain developers (PDs) were recruited, identified by a > 10 mm increase on the visual analog scale (VAS) during prolonged standing. Electromyography (EMG) recorded GMed activity, and photogrammetry measured lumbar lordosis at time points over one hour-standing. The first group (A) used the footrest intermittently, while the second group (B) additionally changed their arm positions. These variables were analyzed using repeated measures (between/within) ANOVA. No significant interaction was observed between the groups in right and left GMed co-contraction index (CCI) (p = 0.14). However, both groups exhibited a significant decrease in CCI during prolonged standing (time * condition: p = 0.003). Additionally, Group B consistently demonstrated lower overall levels of co-contraction across time (p = 0.01). An approximate 6-degree reduction in lumbar lordosis was observed after prolonged standing with both interventions (group A and group B; p = 0.008 and p = 0.01, respectively), although no significant differences in lumbar lordosis were detected between the groups. Lumbar discomfort increased over time; however, the interventions significantly alleviated this discomfort after the intervention time point. Notably, group B reported lower pain intensity compared to group A (p = 0.007). Applying these interventions in the workplace could be beneficial to reduce discomfort for individuals who stand for long periods of time. Further research is needed to optimize these strategies and assess long-term benefits.
Effects of combined application of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer and urea on nitrogen uptake, utilization and yield of maize under two tillage methods
Abstract Corn is one of the important food crops in the world, in order to pursue high yield and high efficiency, the input of chemical fertilizer has been continuously increased, which has led to the decline of fertilizer utilization rate, environmental pollution and other problems, and the slow-release fertilizer has attracted much attention because of its nutrient characteristics, but the high price limits its wide application;On the other hand, long-term rotary tillage will lead to the shallowness of the soil tillage layer and the increase of the bulk density of the deep soil, and subsoiling can effectively break the bottom layer of the soil plough and reduce the bulk density of the soil. Therefore, in this study, Qiangsheng 388 was used as the experimental material, and under rotary tillage (R) and rotary tillage + subsoiling (R+S), CK (no fertilization), U (100% nitrogen fertilizer), S (100% slow-release fertilizer) and different UNS ratios (nitrogen fertilizer and slow-release fertilizer) were used for two years in field experiments to explore the effects of slow-release fertilizer and urea on soil water use efficiency, dry matter accumulation, nitrogen uptake and utilization, operation and yield under the two tillage methods. The results showed that compared with CK, U and S, UNS significantly improved water use efficiency, dry matter accumulation, nitrogen uptake, operation and yield. Among them, UNS2 (the ratio of S and U was 7:3) was the best. In 2022, R UNS2 had the best water use efficiency, dry matter accumulation, nitrogen uptake, operation and yield, which were 5.05%, 2.0%, 3.88%, 6.18% and 4.06% higher than those of R + S UNS2, respectively. In 2023, R + S UNS2 had the best treatment, which was 1.98%, 2.52%, 1.85%, 2.60% and 2.20% higher than that of R UNS2, respectively. R + S tillage can effectively improve maize yield, nitrogen uptake and utilization, water use and dry matter accumulation; Nitrogen application treatment UNS2 treatment was the best. In summary, R + S UNS2 is the best coordination strategy.
Gender, kinship, and other social predictors of incrimination in the inquisition register of Bologna (1291–1310): Results from an exponential random graph model
The medieval inquisition of heresy strongly relied on depositions, where witnesses were expected to report on the crimes of others and oneself. The resulting patterns of incrimination could be influenced by various factors, including the characteristics of the underlying dissident social network; the investigators’ choices and biases; the trial circumstances, some of which must have exerted considerable pressure upon deponents; and the deponents’ decisions to protect some suspects more than others. This case study aimed at disentangling selected social factors of incrimination in the register of the inquisition in Bologna, 1291–1310. We used social network analysis and, more specifically, an Exponential Random Graph Model (ERGM) to assess the influence of four social predictors: gender, churchperson status, membership of the urban “middle class”, and kinship ties between incriminators and the incriminated. To increase the validity of our results, we controlled for various trial circumstances and structural parameters of the incrimination network. Our model corroborated a tendency towards female-to-female incrimination, while we did not find any positive or negative tendency towards male-to-male incrimination. We identified no effect of churchperson status on incriminating, while we found that among Cathars, members of the middle class were more likely to be incriminated than people without this status. Our model also corroborated the tendency to incriminate one’s kinship group. Overall, our study underlines the relevance, but also the non-trivial operation, of social and demographic predictors in medieval heresy trials.
Retraction Note: Association between the composite dietary antioxidant index and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in adults: a cross-sectional study from NHANES 2017–2020
Childhood brain morphometry in children with persistent stunting and catch-up growth
Background Early childhood stunting affects around 150 million young children worldwide and leads to suboptimal human potential in later life. However, there is limited data on the effects of early childhood stunting and catch-up growth on brain morphometry. Methods We evaluated childhood brain volumes at nine years of age in a community-based birth-cohort follow-up study in Vellore, south India among four groups based on anthropometric assessments at two, five, and nine years namely ‘Never Stunted’ (NS), ‘Stunted at two years and caught up by five years’ (S2N5), ‘Stunted at two and five years and caught up by nine years’ (S2N9), and ‘Always Stunted’ (AS). T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images were acquired using a 3T MRI scanner, and brain volumes were quantified using FreeSurfer software. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the differences in brain volumetry between the stunting groups, with age and sex as covariates. The effect size ANOVA models was evaluated using Eta squared. Findings Amongst 251 children from the initial cohort, 178 children with a mean age of 9.54 underwent neuroimaging and considered for further analysis. The total brain volume, subcortical volume, bilateral cerebellar white matter, and posterior corpus callosum showed a declining trend from NS to AS. Regional cortical brain analysis showed significant lower bilateral lateral occipital volumes, right pallidum, bilateral caudate, and right thalamus volumes between NS and AS. Interpretation To the best of our knowledge, this first neuroimaging analysis to investigate the effects of persistent childhood stunting and catch-up growth on brain volumetry indicates impairment at different brain levels involving total brain and subcortical volumes, networking/connecting centres (thalamus, basal ganglia, callosum, cerebellum) and visual processing area of lateral occipital cortex.
Sensing the restoring force characteristics for detached house structural health monitoring using a camera and accelerometer fusion
Abstract A new method to sense the restoring force characteristics using camera and accelerometer fusion was developed. Simple methods for monitoring detached wooden houses are required to minimize earthquake damage. The restoring force characteristics, which are calculated using the interstory drift and response acceleration, must be measured. However, the conventional method requires a complex system to synchronize multiple accelerometers and suffers from acceleration integration errors. In this study, a method that uses a camera in addition to an accelerometer was developed. The interstory drift was measured by a camera, and the response acceleration was calculated by adding the ground acceleration measured by the accelerometer and the interstory acceleration. These can be used to obtain the restoring-force characteristics of a house when assuming a single-mass system. In addition, this method has no integration errors as those in previous studies. The scale model experiments demonstrated that the restoring force characteristics could be measured with a measurement error of 1% using a common camera. A shake table experiment demonstrated that the prototype fabricated utilizing the camera and accelerometer successfully measured the restoring force characteristics of a full-scale two-by-four timber-framed building.
Associations between spice or pepper (Capsicum annuum) consumption and diabetes or metabolic syndrome incidence
Background Spice and pepper are recognized as sources of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. This study investigated the association between spice or pepper intake and metabolic syndrome (MetS), related risk factors, or type 2 diabetes (T2D) incidences. Methods The qualified Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) participants were included. In all examinations, dietary, anthropometrical, and biochemical variables were measured. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were exploited to determine the relationship between spice or pepper consumption and the hazard ratios for Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), or its components. Results The analysis was performed on 5340 individuals, with a mean age of 39.9±13.4 and 406 incident cases of T2D. Also, 4353 participants were included for MetS analysis with 1211 incident cases and a median follow-up of 5.8 years. After adjusting for confounding factors, spice and pepper intakes were not associated with T2D or MetS incidence. Further, in the upper quartile of spice intake, the HRs of high triglyceride (TG) [HR Q4: 1.19 (CI: 1.05–1.35)] and high blood pressure (BP) [HR Q4: 1.16 (CI: 1.04–1.30), P-trend = 0.007] increased. The risk of HDL-C appeared to decrease in the third quartile of pepper consumption (HR: 1, 0.97, 0.87, 1.03, P-trend = 0.008). Conclusion The findings showed that spice and pepper consumption had no association with the incidence of T2D and MetS. The risk of high TG and high BP incidence was elevated in the upper quartiles of spice intake. Also, greater consumption of pepper decreased the incidence of low HDL-C.
Catalytic degradation of norfloxacin using persulfate activation by Ni-Fe layered double hydroxide catalyst supported on activated carbon
Abstract This study investigated the catalytic degradation of Norfloxacin (NOR), a persistent fluoroquinolone antibiotic, using a novel Ni-Fe Layered Double Hydroxide supported on Activated Carbon (NiFe-LDH@AC) as a catalyst. The composite was designed to activate persulfate (PDS) and generate sulfate radicals for NOR degradation in aqueous solutions. Characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM, FTIR, and BET confirmed the successful synthesis and structural integrity of the composite. The optimal degradation was achieved with a NiFe-LDH@AC ratio of 2:1, 0.3 g/L catalyst dosage, and 1 g/L PDS, resulting in 86% NOR removal efficiency within 60 min at neutral pH and ambient temperature for an initial concentration of 50 mg/L, and 100% removal for initial concentrations of 10 mg/L and 20 mg/L under the same conditions. The activation energy of the reaction was calculated as 58.27 kJ/mol. Radical scavenging experiments identified sulfate (SO₄˙⁻) and hydroxyl (•OH) radicals as the dominant reactive species, but the SO₄˙⁻ played a larger role. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibited good reusability, maintaining 75% degradation efficiency after four cycles, and showed minimal metal leaching. The study also proposed a mechanism for PDS activation using XPS analysis and suggested NOR degradation pathways through LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. Moreover, the NiFe-LDH@AC/PDS system demonstrated 84% NOR degradation and 55% COD removal in real treated wastewater. Results demonstrated that the NiFe-LDH@AC composite effectively activated PDS, achieving high NOR removal efficiency, making it a promising sustainable material for wastewater treatment.
High mean corpuscular volume as a predictor of esophageal cancer: A cohort study based on the Japanese Shizuoka Kokuho Database
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is known to increase with alcohol and tobacco consumption, and is therefore a potential predictive marker for esophageal cancer onset. However, this potential has not previously been examined using a large database. This study aims to clarify whether MCV is a predictor of esophageal cancer onset using health checkup data from a comprehensive health insurance claims database of a major administrative district in Japan. Health checkup data for 582,342 individuals recorded between April 2012 and September 2020 in the Shizuoka Kokuho Database were analyzed. Risk factors were assessed using both univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Within the cohort, 1,562 health checkup participants (0.27%) had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer during the study period. Multivariable analysis revealed that risk of esophageal cancer onset was predicted by hypertension, smoking, systolic blood pressure, alcohol consumption, alcohol use disorder, body mass index, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and MCV. The cutoff value of MCV for predicting esophageal cancer onset was 104.086 fl. These results suggest that it may be appropriate to carry out endoscopy to detect esophageal cancer when MCV, a well-known indicator of alcohol and tobacco consumption, is greater than 104 fl.