Independent Analysis Research Articles

Data-dependent and -independent acquisition lipidomics analysis reveals the tissue-dependent effect of metformin on lipid metabolism.

Despite the well-recognized health benefits, the mechanisms and site of action of metformin remains elusive. Metformin-induced global lipidomic changes in plasma of animal models and human subjects have been reported. However, there is a lack of systemic evaluation of metformin-induced lipidomic changes in different tissues. Metformin uptake requires active transporters such as organic cation transporters (OCTs), and hence, it is anticipated that metformin actions are tissue-dependent. In this study, we aim to characterize metformin effects in non-diabetic male mice with a special focus on lipidomics analysis. The findings from this study will help us to better understand the cell-autonomous (direct actions in target cells) or non-cell-autonomous (indirect actions in target cells) mechanisms of metformin and provide insights into the development of more potent yet safe drugs targeting a particular organ instead of systemic metabolism for metabolic regulations without major side effects. To characterize metformin-induced lipidomic alterations in different tissues of non-diabetic male mice and further identify lipids affected by metformin through cell-autonomous or systemic mechanisms based on the correlation between lipid alterations in tissues and the corresponding in-tissue metformin concentrations. A dual extraction method involving 80% methanol followed by MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether) extraction enables the analysis of free fatty acids, polar metabolites, and lipids. Extracts from tissues and plasma of male mice treated with or without metformin in drinking water for 12days were analyzed using HILIC chromatography coupled to Q Exactive Plus mass spectrometer or reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled to MS/MS scan workflow (hybrid mode) on LC-Orbitrap Exploris 480 mass spectrometer using biologically relevant lipids-containing inclusion list for data-independent acquisition (DIA), named as BRI-DIA workflow followed by data-dependent acquisition (DDA), to maximum the coverage of lipids and minimize the negative effect of stochasticity of precursor selection on experimental consistency and reproducibility. Lipidomics analysis of 6 mouse tissues and plasma allowed a systemic evaluation of lipidomic changes induced by metformin in different tissues. We observed that (1) the degrees of lipidomic changes induced by metformin treatment overly correlated with tissue concentrations of metformin; (2) the impact on lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) and cardiolipins was positively correlated with tissue concentrations of metformin, while neutral lipids such as triglycerides did not correlate with the corresponding tissue metformin concentrations; (3) increase of intestinal tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates after metformin treatment. The data collected in this study from non-diabetic mice with 12-day metformin treatment suggest that the overall metabolic effect of metformin is positively correlated with tissue concentrations and the effect on individual lipid subclass is via both cell-autonomous mechanisms (cardiolipins and lysoPC) and non-cell-autonomous mechanisms (triglycerides).

Design of an enhanced spatial resolution indoor plantar strain and gait analysis setup for biomedical applications

In the recent years, measurement of plantar strain and gait analysis has gained huge attention and plays a pivotal role in monitoring posture related ailments or Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU). Fibre Bragg Grating Arrays (closely spaced FBGs), another category of optical sensors, are employed in this study to understand the strain and gait of human foot. These arrays offer critical advantages such as enhanced sensitivity, data acquisition, multiplexing abilities, and sensor location effect compensation. For experimentation, five arrays were distributed among different regions (Upper, Medial, and Heel) of foot and their strain patterns for six volunteers (three male and three female) were recorded for eighty seconds. The data was analysed in two ways, Combined (data of array sensors were averaged to target the whole area) and Individual (for independent analysis of each sensor in array). Incoherent transitions and strain patterns of FBGs within the same arrays observed in individual analysis, explains enhanced resolution capabilities of the arrays. Strain mapping of sensor behaviour also confirmed the identification of various forms of gait i.e., Heel Strike, Flat Foot, Heel Off, and Zero Contact. The average standard deviation values for the arrays was reported below 0.16.

What books should we like? A study of gender differences and stereotypes in the reading behaviors of Chinese middle school students.

This study investigated gender differences in the reading behaviors of Chinese middle school students, and whether gender stereotypes relating to choices of reading matter are supported. A mixed-methods approach was adopted. Three thousand nine hundred and fifteen middle school (Grade 7) students completed a questionnaire designed to assess reading behaviors. Independent sample t-test and chi-square analyses were employed to examine gender differences in reading behaviors. The qualitative survey was supplemented with an open response survey (94 boys, 50 girls), which provided further insights into individuals' specific experiences and perspectives regarding reading behaviors and gender stereotypes in reading choices. This study revealed a number of gender-linked differences. Boys spent more time reading than girls but read the same number of books; boys were also more likely than girls to read digital texts, while girls were more likely to borrow their reading material. Choice of subject matter also differed: boys were more likely to read factual and action-based books, while girls' choices focused more on motives and emotions. Another significant difference was that boys paid more attention to the overall experience of reading, while girls paid more attention to the details of reading. Responses to the open response survey indicated that gender stereotypes in reading choices were prevalent among respondents, but some students' reading choices did not align with the stereotype associated with their gender. The mixed-methods approach proved valuable in both identifying gender differences in reading behaviors, and in highlighting the prevalence of gender stereotypes in reading choices among middle school students.

Nanoplastics in Water: Artificial Intelligence-Assisted 4D Physicochemical Characterization and Rapid In Situ Detection.

For the first time, we present a much-needed technology for the in situ and real-time detection of nanoplastics in aquatic systems. We show an artificial intelligence-assisted nanodigital in-line holographic microscopy (AI-assisted nano-DIHM) that automatically classifies nano- and microplastics simultaneously from nonplastic particles within milliseconds in stationary and dynamic natural waters, without sample preparation. AI-assisted nano-DIHM identifies 2 and 1% of waterborne particles as nano/microplastics in Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River, respectively. Nano-DIHM provides physicochemical properties of single particles or clusters of nano/microplastics, including size, shape, optical phase, perimeter, surface area, roughness, and edge gradient. It distinguishes nano/microplastics from mixtures of organics, inorganics, biological particles, and coated heterogeneous clusters. This technology allows 4D tracking and 3D structural and spatial study of waterborne nano/microplastics. Independent transmission electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, and nanoparticle tracking analysis validates nano-DIHM data. Complementary modeling demonstrates nano- and microplastics have significantly distinct distribution patterns in water, which affect their transport and fate, rendering nano-DIHM a powerful tool for accurate nano/microplastic life-cycle analysis and hotspot remediation.

Media Bias

Abstract There is a need to emphasize the magnitude of the tragedies caused by the war on terror by drawing viewers’ attention toward terrorist groups’ terrible activities on social media sites for awareness and understanding. The present study aims to assess the perceptions of youth towards the coverage of international terrorism through social media. The random sampling technique was used to recruit 1020 participants from 22 Arab states. The study revealed that social media sites broadcast international terrorism news that has an impact on the Arab region where Islam is represented as the prime mover behind those acts of terror. The majority believed that the coverage of the Arab media, in comparison with the international media, was much more impartial. No statistical difference was observed between gender and dependency on the news on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). The findings also showed that raising awareness of Arab youth is needed to develop their media literacy and their independent analysis of biased coverage of social media in order to prevent radicalization.

Evaluating resistance drilling and NIR spectroscopy for quantifying wood quality of young eucalypts grown in Guangxi province in southern China

Cost-effective, non-destructive means of estimating wood properties of eucalypts grown in Guangxi, China, were evaluated using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and resistance drilling. For this evaluation, wood samples for NIR analysis and resistance drill measurements were collected from 581 trees, representing eight plantation Eucalyptus taxa across five sites. The near infra-red (NIR) spectra collected from the 581 wood samples were analysed using existing calibrations for kraft pulp yield, cellulose content, hot water extractives and Klason lignin. These spectra and calibrations were effective in predicting over 60% of the variance in total carbohydrates and over 80% of the extractives and lignin values from independent laboratory analysis of a subset of 100 samples. Resistance drilling combined with software developed for processing the drill data proved to be a quick, low cost and effective means of quantifying wood density (as amplitude of the drill torque), stem diameter and bark thickness.

Abstract PO2-15-05: Mesenchymal-like immune-activated: the 4th robust triple-negative breast cancer molecular subtype

Abstract Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 15-20% of primary BC. This heterogeneous disease is the most aggressive BC subtype. TNBC is characterized by young age at onset, high-grade tumors, high risk of early recurrence and poor prognosis. Until recently, TNBC patients were considered as one group and all patients were treated with conventional chemotherapy. With the emergence of new therapies targeting distinct biological pathways, personalized medicine is now accessible by defining finer TNBC subtypes, e.g. molecular subtypes, and identifying their specific targetable pathways. Several studies based on transcriptomics have identified three to six TNBC molecular subtypes. Today, there is a clear consensus on three TNBC robust subtypes: luminal androgen receptor (LAR), basal-like immune-activated (BLIA) and basal-like immune-suppressed (BLIS). The debate about the robustness of other subtypes is still open, notably mesenchymal-like (M) and mesenchymal stem-like (MSL or MES). The goal of this study was to establish a robust molecular classification of TNBC that allow to determine the best treatment options. To optimize this process, we harvested as much transcriptomic data as possible. Available clinicopathological data linked to these data were also imported. To our knowledge, this is the largest study aimed at subtyping TNBC; it exploits a total of 1942 TNBC patient data collected from 19 datasets: 1243 samples from microarray technology (14 datasets) and 699 from RNAseq technology (five datasets including a new one from our institution [GSE225002]). We performed independent unsupervised analyses on these two large cohorts with consensus k-means clustering including selection of optimal number of clusters and optimal number of variables. Both consensus clustering analyses separated TNBC microarray and RNAseq TNBC cohorts into four optimal clusters. These clusters were then characterized using clinicopathological features, gene ontology enrichment analyses (GOEA), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), 70 gene expression signatures (GES) and expression of 47 immune checkpoint genes. We concluded that TNBC are composed of four robust subtypes: LAR, mesenchymal-like immune-activated (MLIA), BLIA and BLIS. Importantly, we propose that MLIA acronym should replace M or MSL, because it highlights the two main biological characteristics of this subtype, i.e. mesenchymal-like features and a high IR comparable to that of BLIA. Furthermore, we showed that each subtype shares common biological characteristics with another one: LAR and MLIA (androgen receptor pathway activation); MLIA and BLIA (immune activation, notably high levels of immune checkpoints); BLIA and BLIS (basal-like features); BLIS and LAR (immune suppression). As regards microarray cohort, LAR included 19.23% (n = 239) of TNBC, MLIA 17.38% (n = 216), BLIA 32.50% (n = 404) and BLIS 30.89% (n = 384). Concerning RNAseq cohort, LAR included 19.60% (n = 137) of TNBC, MLIA 17.31% (n = 121), BLIA 28.47% (n = 199) and BLIS 34.62% (n = 242). Distributions of patients among the four clusters in the two cohorts were similar (p = 0.3583). Distributions were also similar between studies for microarray cohort (p = 0.2479) and RNAseq cohort (p = 0.1775). Pooled data (n = 1942 patients) gave the following distribution: 19.36% for LAR; 17.35% for MLIA; 31.06% for BLIA; 32.23% for BLIS, confirming that TNBC are largely but not exclusively basal-like (63.29%). In brief, according to the TNBC subtype molecular characterisation, anti-androgen therapy could be prescribed for LAR, immune checkpoint inhibitors for MLIA and BLIA, alone or in combination, and TAM-focused and antineurogenic therapies for BLIS. As an extension of this work, TNBC transcriptomic data associated with their clinicopathological features and TNBC subtype annotations were included in bc-GenExMiner v5.0 web tool (http://bcgenex.ico.unicancer.fr). Citation Format: Mario Campone, Pascal Jézéquel, Fadoua Ben Azzouz, Wilfried Gouraud, Agnes Bassevile, Bertrand Michel, Hamza Lasla, Jean Sebastien FRENEL. Mesenchymal-like immune-activated: the 4th robust triple-negative breast cancer molecular subtype [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-15-05.

Relationships between Bitter Taste Receptor Gene Evolution, Diet, and Gene Repertoire in Primates.

Bitter taste perception plays a critical role in deterring animals from consuming harmful and toxic substances. To characterize the evolution of primate Tas2r, test the generality of Tas2r duplication in Cercopithecidae species, and examine whether dietary preferences have shaped the Tas2r repertoire of primate species, we identified Tas2r in the genomes of 35 primate species, including 16 Cercopithecidae, 6 Hominidae, 4 Cebidae, 3 Lemuridae, and 6 other species. The results showed that the total number of primate Tas2r ranged from 27 to 51, concentrating on 2 to 4 scaffolds of each species. Closely related genes were tandemly duplicated in the same scaffold. Phylogenetic construction revealed that Tas2r can be divided into 21 clades, including anthropoid-, Strepsirrhini-, and Cercopithecidae-specific Tas2r duplications. Phylogenetically independent contrast analysis revealed that the number of intact Tas2r significantly correlated with feeding preferences. Altogether, our data support diet as a driver of primate Tas2r evolution, and Cercopithecidae species have developed some specific Tas2r duplication during evolution. These results are probably because most Cercopithecidae species feed on plants containing many toxins, and it is necessary to develop specialized Tas2r to protect them from poisoning.

Genetically proxied IL-6 receptor inhibition is associated with increased risk of atopic dermatitis

BackgroundDermatitis has been reported after initiation of IL-6 receptor inhibitors (IL-6Ri), while genetic association studies of atopic dermatitis (AD) have implicated IL-6R pathway signalling. However, causality remains unclear. As indications for IL-6Ri expand, so do the clinical importance of determining whether there is mechanistic evidence linking it to AD. ObjectiveTo examine the association between IL-6Ri and risk of AD. MethodsTo genetically mimic IL-6Ri, we selected single nucleotide polymorphisms within or near the IL6R gene associated with C-reactive protein (CRP) at genome-wide significance among 343,524 individuals. Genetic data for AD were obtained from 10,788 cases and 30,047 controls of European ancestry. We used the inverse-variance weighted and pleiotropy-robust methods and examined genetic confounding using colocalization. Analyses were replicated using 13,473 AD Finnish cases and 2,385 East Asian cases. Results from three independent analyses were pooled by meta-analysis. ResultsGenetically proxied IL-6Ri was associated with increased risk of AD (OR 1.78 per 4.4 mg/l reduction in CRP; 95%CI 1.28, 2.48; p=6.5x10-4). Results were replicated using Finnish outcome data (OR 2.07; 95%CI 1.58, 2.72; p=1.57x10-7), and Eastern Asian datasets (OR 1.68; 95%CI 1.12, 2.54; p=0.013). Meta-analysis of three independent populations (OR 1.89; 95%CI 1.57, 2.28; p=2.68x10-11) showed no statistical evidence of heterogeneity (p=0.65). We found no statistical evidence for pleiotropy or genetic confounding. ConclusionThis genetic investigation provides consistent evidence, across independent multi-ancestry populations, that IL-6R signalling is causally implicated in AD susceptibility. Clinicians should remain vigilant for adverse effects resembling AD when using IL-6R inhibitors for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

An Independent Hybrid Imaging of Sgr A* from the Data in EHT 2017 Observations

Abstract We propose that the ring structure found by the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration (EHTC) as the black hole shadow of Sgr A* is an artifact by the bumpy PSF (Point Spread Function) of the EHT2017. The imaging using sparse u-v data requires detailed scrutiny of the PSF. The estimated shadow diameter ($\mathrm{48.7\pm 7~\mu \rm as}$) is equal to the spacing between the main beam and the first sidelobe of the PSF ($\mathrm{49.09~\mu \rm as}$), which immediately suggests a potential problem in the deconvolution of the PSF. We show that the ring image can be derived from non-ring simulated datasets (noise only; point source) with a narrow Field-of-View (FOV) and an assumed self-calibration suggesting the EHT2017’s u-v coverage is insufficient for reliable imaging. The EHTC analysis, based on calibrations with assumptions about the source’s size and properties, selected the final image by prioritizing appearance rate of the similar structure from a large imaging parameter space over data consistency. Our independent analysis with the conventional hybrid mapping reveals an elongated east-west structure, consistent with previous observations. We believe it to be more reliable than the EHTC image, due to half the residuals in normalized visibility amplitude. The eastern half is brighter, possibly due to a Doppler boost from the rapid rotating disk. We hypothesize our image shows a portion of the accretion disk about 2 to a few RS away from the black hole, rotating with nearly $\mathrm{60~\%}$ of the speed of light viewed from an angle of 40 − 45○.

Clinical study on forecasting the prognosis of patients with cerebellar hemorrhage based on CT radiomics models

Background and purposeWe created and verified a clinical–radiomics nomogram to forecast the prognosis of patients with cerebellar hemorrhage. Materials and MethodsEighty-eight patients with cerebellar hemorrhage from two different hospitals were retrospectively analyzed (62 cases from first hospital (training cohort) and 27 cases from second hospital (external validation cohort)). All patients underwent computed tomography scanning within 72 hours of the onset of cerebellar hemorrhage and were split into two categories based on their prognosis. Clinically independent risk factors were identified using the independent samples t-test and binary logistic regression analysis. Radiomic features were obtained using the SelectkBest, variance threshold, least absolute shrinkage, and selection operator. Radiomics scores (rad-scores) were produced from eight radiomics features of perihematomal edema (PHE) and hematoma associated with cerebellar hemorrhage prognosis. Logistic regression analyses of the rad-scores against clinical risk factors yielded clinical–radiomics column line plots. Predictive performance of the column line plots was validated using decision curve analysis analyses in both the training and external validation cohorts. ResultsTo construct rad-scores, eight radiomics traits and four clinical risk factors were combined to create clinical–radiomics models. In both the training cohort (area under the curve [AUC], 0.96 versus vs. 0.87/0.84) and the external validation cohort (AUC: 0.93 vs. 0.74/0.69), the clinical–radiomics nomogram achieved superior performance to the clinical and radiomics nomogram models. Clinical–radiomics column line plot demonstrated satisfactory calibration and clinical advantages in both cohorts. ConclusionsRadiomics features of PHE and hematoma can predict cerebellar hemorrhage prognosis. Clinical–radiomics models can help clinicians make individualized clinical treatment decisions and efficacy assessments for patients with cerebellar hemorrhage, help physicians prepare for possible deterioration, and promptly communicate treatment goals and efficacy expectations to patients and their families.

Integrating single-cell RNA-sequencing and bulk RNA-sequencing data to explore the role of mitophagy-related genes in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy of the male urinary system. Mitophagy, as a type of autophagy, can remove damaged mitochondria in cells. Mitophagy-related genes (MRGs) have been shown to play critical roles in the development of PCa. To this end, based on the comprehensive analysis of RNA-seq and scRNA-seq data of PCa samples and their controls, this paper identified PCa subtypes and constructed a prognostic model. In this paper, we downloaded scRNA-seq and RNA-seq data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and TCGA database. Based on the R package “Seurat” to process the scRNA-seq data, a total of five cell types were identified. Each cell population was scored based on the R package “AUCell” and using the intersection genes between MRGs and each cell population. The B cell population was then identified as a high-scoring cell population. Differentially expressed genes in RNA-seq data were identified based on the R package “limma” and intersected with previously intersected genes. Then, based on univariate Cox regression analysis and Lasso-Cox regression analysis, the prognostic genes were screened, and the risk model was constructed (composed of ADH5, CAT, BCAT2, DCXR, OGT, and FUS). The model is validated on internal and external test sets. Independent prognostic analysis identified age, N stage, and risk score as independent prognostic factors. This paper's risk models and prognostic genes can provide a reference for developing novel therapeutic targets for PCa.

Enhancing climate control and management in arid conditions: A numerical study on the impact of roof pitch angle on greenhouse climates

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of the impact of the roof pitch angle on the microclimate in greenhouses, particularly in arid regions. The research combines experimental datasets with numerical modeling. The numerical model aims to assess the collective effects on the internal environment involving crops, soil, polyethylene, and air. Validation of numerical outcomes is conducted through a comparison with experimental data, with a specific focus on the temperature and velocity profiles derived from a greenhouse prototype. The study incorporates numerical model optimization, encompassing a turbulence model selection and a grid independence analysis, to ensure the reliability of the numerical model. The numerical results demonstrate that the roof pitch angle significantly affects the distributions of the interior temperature, the velocity fields, the Discrete Ordinates (DO) irradiation, and the static pressure. To accurately capture such variations, robust correlations were established. In addition, a comparative analysis of the crop height (Hc) impact was carried out demonstrating the direct effect of the height on both velocity and temperature profiles. In fact, at a Hc of 1m, the temperature reaches T = 321.5K, whereas for Hc = 0.5m, the temperature does not exceed T = 318K. This finding holds significant implications for the greenhouse design and the agricultural operations, advancing our understanding of the intricate dynamics that govern the microclimate within greenhouses, especially in arid regions. The findings of this work provide valuable insights into the impact of the roof pitch as well as the crop height on greenhouse climates and underscores the importance of precise modeling and control for successful agricultural management.

Effects of Aging and Fatigue on Human Skeletal Muscle Cellular Contractile Function

Aging is associated with a reduction in skeletal muscle mass and function, known as sarcopenia. While reductions in contractile force are typically explained by loss in muscle cellular cross sectional area (CSA) loss of contractile power during high velocity contractions exceed reductions in force and cannot be solely explained by loss of muscle size and are observed at the single fiber within the same myosin heavy chain isoform (MHC). These phenomenon may be explained by myosin binding protein C (MyBP-C), which is known to modulate contractile force and velocity in a phosphorylation-dependent manner in both cardiac and skeletal muscle. Few studies have investigated the inherent contractile performance of single fibers between old and young adults, and none have explored the effects of altered MyBP-C phosphorylation on single fiber function. Therefore, the PURPOSE of this study was to investigate the effects of age and fatigue-induced MyBP-C phosphorylation on single fiber contractile performance. We HYPOTHESIZED that isometric tension will be enhanced in older adults but velocity and power will be reduced, and fatigue will enhance velocity and power in single fibers. To test this hypothesis, we recruited 4 young (18-35) and 3 older (65-80) adult males to perform a single bout of unilateral knee extensions at 30% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) until task failure. Immediately following, a bilateral biopsy of the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle was performed on the fatigued and non-fatigued control limbs. Tissue was either flash frozen for western blot or prepared for mechanical analysis of single fiber tension (Tmax), velocity (Vmax), and power (Pmax) under optimal intracellular metabolic conditions. Our analyses were limited to MHC IIA due to differences in fiber type distribution between the groups. Our RESULTS showed that neither age nor fatigue had an effect on contractile performance in MHC IIA fibers. However, independent analysis of fatigue within age groups suggest trends towards an increase in velocity (p=0.055) in young (MHC IIA) and reduction in tension (p=0.085) in old (MHC I) adult fibers. We CONCLUDE that fatigue may modulate contractile function in the single fiber in an age- and fiber-type dependent manner. Future studies will be aimed at collecting multiple fiber types and investigating the role of biological sex. Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

A Mendelian randomization study to examine the causal associations of circulating micronutrient levels with frailty risk.

Observational studies have shown that micronutrients can affect the occurrence of frailty. However, it is not clear whether there is a causal relationship between the two. This study aimed to explore the causal relationship between circulating micronutrient levels and frailty risk using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) approach. We gathered and screened instrumental variables (IVs) for six circulating micronutrients, including vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E, from published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and the IEU OpenGWAS open database. Summary statistics for frailty were obtained from a GWAS meta-analysis, including the UK Biobank and TwinGene (N = 175,226). We performed two independent TSMR analyses and a meta-analysis based on the two independent MR estimates to assess the causal relationship between circulating micronutrientn and frailty. Our study found, no causal relationship between genetically predicted vitamin D (β = -0.059, p = 0.35), vitamin B6 (β = 0.006, p = 0.80), vitamin E (β = -0.011, p = 0.79), vitamin C (β = -0.044, p = 0.06), vitamin B12 (β = -0.027, p = 0.37), and folate (β = 0.029, p = 0.17), with frailty. This study showed that these six micronutrients did not reduce the risk of developing frailty. However, we think it is necessary further to investigate the relationship and mechanisms between micronutrients and frailty using methods such as randomized controlled trials.

A Study on the Educational Performance Analysis of a Competency-Based Liberal Arts Classical Literature Class

This study aims to diagnose and analyze the effects of competency-based liberal arts British-American classical literature classes through learners’ competency achievement and its relationship to class satisfaction. This study also suggests a direction for integrated achievement of competency through classical education. To this end, pre- and post- competency diagnostic tests and a satisfaction questionnaire was collected from 78 students in this elective liberal arts classical literature class at H University. Independent samples t-tests, correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. As a result, first, the learners' communication skills, creativity, and problem-solving efficacy were improved. Second, learners were highly satisfied with developing interaction and collaboration skills among team members, and with improving their debate and discussion skills, suggesting that team-based instruction can be an effective teaching method in liberal arts education where learners are relatively less intimate. In addition, regarding the method of assessment, learners were most satisfied with an approach that put less pressure on paper-based exams, and perceived the increase in the amount of learning, the burden of preparation for performance activities, and the inability to check the visible evaluation results as the most difficult points. These results demonstrate the need for professional evaluation criteria and prior guidance regarding the class rubric. Finally, this study found that the improvement of the problem-solving efficacy of the participants did not affect class satisfaction, indicating that the instructor’s active role is needed, particularly when it comes to controlling the difficulty of competency performance activities, and when intervening on behalf of the student’s regarding their difficulties in learning. This study is meaningful in that it has confirmed that liberal arts classical literature education can play an important role in cultivating the competencies necessary for learners while maintaining the intrinsic value of the classics.

Offensive Patterns Analysis of Thai Nation Team in Volleyball Women’s Nations League 2022

Effective offensive patterns are crucial for volleyball athletes, enabling quick and forceful attacks to strategically place the ball and impact the game. This study aimed to analyze the offensive strategies and outcomes of the Thai national team during the 2022 Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL), comparing them with the opposing teams. Using a specific match model from the 13 matches and 51 sets held between May 31 and July 14, 2022, a total of 3,151 attack results were examined. Results were reported through means, standard deviations, percentages, and independent sample t-test statistical analysis for inter-group differences. The findings revealed that the Thai team predominantly utilized the curve ball spike (C) as the most aggressive offensive pattern (10.31±3.43), constituting 37.44% per match. The team's offensive performance showed a high score for successful attacks (ACE) at 35.08±10.75, equivalent to 28.79% per match. Comparative analysis indicated statistically significant differences in three offensive patterns at a 0.05 significance level. Notably, the Thai team excelled in the 3-meter ball spike (3M) at 24.38±8.00 (20.01% per match), fast spike (A) at 10.31±3.43 (8.46% per match), and dummy (X) at 6.23±3.81 (5.11% per match). However, there was no statistical difference in attack outcomes between the Thai team and the opponents. The Thai team's preference for the curve ball spike (C) constituted 37.44% per match, with a corresponding 28.79% success rate in attack scores (ACE). Notably, the 3M, A, and X offensive patterns exhibited significant differences between the Thai team and their opponents, while attack results showed no statistical variance.

Efficient and Selective Construction of 412 Metalla‐links Using Weak C−H⋅⋅⋅Halogen Interactions

AbstractThrough a coordination‐driven self‐assembly method, four metalla‐links and one tetranuclear monocycle were constructed with high selectivity and yield by adjusting the substituent species of the building blocks, as evidenced using X‐ray crystallographic analysis, electrospray ionization‐time‐of‐flight/mass spectrometry (ESI‐TOF/MS), elemental analysis and detailed solution‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Based on X‐ray crystallographic analysis and independent gradient model analysis, a significant factor leading to the formation of metalla‐links was the introduction of F, Cl, Br and I atoms, which generated additional weak C−H⋅⋅⋅X (X=F, Cl, Br and I) interactions. Furthermore, the dynamic conversion of metalla‐links to monocyclic rings in methanol solution was systematically investigated using quantitative 1H NMR techniques.

Efficient and Selective Construction of 41 2 Metalla-links Using Weak C-H⋅⋅⋅Halogen Interactions.

Through a coordination-driven self-assembly method, four metalla-links and one tetranuclear monocycle were constructed with high selectivity and yield by adjusting the substituent species of the building blocks, as evidenced using X-ray crystallographic analysis, electrospray ionization-time-of-flight/mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF/MS), elemental analysis and detailed solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Based on X-ray crystallographic analysis and independent gradient model analysis, a significant factor leading to the formation of metalla-links was the introduction of F, Cl, Br and I atoms, which generated additional weak C-H⋅⋅⋅X (X=F, Cl, Br and I) interactions. Furthermore, the dynamic conversion of metalla-links to monocyclic rings in methanol solution was systematically investigated using quantitative 1H NMR techniques.

Venous thromboembolism and severe COVID-19: a Mendelian randomization trial and transcriptomic analysis.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is known to be intricately linked to severe COVID-19 (sCOVID-19) occurrence. Herein, we employed univariable Mendelian randomization (MR) and transcriptome analysis to predict the causal association and associated signaling networks between VTE and sCOVID-19. Potential VTE and sCOVID-19 association was assessed using MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, weighted mode, and inverse variance weighted (IVW) regression. We conducted independent univariable analyses involving VTE and sCOVID-19. Using heterogeneity, pleiotropy, and the Leave-One-Out examinations, we performed sensitivity analyses. Thereafter, we performed transcriptome analysis of the GSE164805 dataset to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) linked to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Lastly, we conducted immune analyses. Based on our univariable analysis, VTE was a strong indicator of sCOVID-19 development, and it was intricately linked to sCOVID-19. We further conducted sensitivity analysis to demonstrate the reliability of our results. Using differential analysis, we identified 15 major genes, namely, ACSS2, CEP250, CYP4V2, DDB2, EIF6, GBGT1, GSS, MADD, MAPK8IP1, MMP24, YBPC3, NT5DC3, PROCR, SURF6, and YIPF2, which were strongly connected to suppressive adaptive immune as well as augmented inflammatory cells. In addition, we uncovered strong associations with most differential immunologic gene sets, such as, the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), immunoactivators, and immunosuppressors. Herein, we demonstrated we strong association between VTE and enhanced sCOVID-19 risk. We also identified 15 DEGs which potentially contribute to the shared immunologic pathogenesis between VTE and sCOVID-19.