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This study aims to understand how gender diversity and gender attitudes are linked to the sexual well-being of young adolescents. Data was collected among 561 adolescents in secondary schools in Flanders and binary logistic regressions were performed. Gender diversity was conceptualized as gender identity, gender expression, sex assigned at birth, sexual orientation and personal gender attitudes. Whereas "like to become a wo/man" and body image were used as measures for sexual well-being. Age and migration were added as covariates. The data illustrates that gender diversity is present among young adolescents and that it can be linked to young adolescent's body image and liking to become a wo/man. In addition, it shows how diverse sets of gender attitudes are differently associated with sexual well-being outcomes. The findings also suggest the internalization of patriarchal and heterosexual societal norms by the respondents. The results indicate an association between on the one hand gender diversity and gender attitudes and on the other hand adolescent sexual well-being. Furthermore, it suggests that gender transformative research and programs that aim to improve adolescent sexual health and well-being should carefully choose their gender focus and invest in improving gender equity beyond the individual level. Additional research is needed to investigate the association between gender diversity and adolescent sexual wellbeing among diverse sexual well-being conceptualizations and specific groups (gender, ethnic, and others) of young adolescents.

Abstract We aimed to identify and validate factors related to uncontrolled hypertension. Participants treated with at least one antihypertensive drug from the prospective contemporaneous CoLaus|PsyCoLaus study were enrolled. We investigated the association between hypertension status (uncontrolled, defined as systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≥ 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure [DBP] ≥ 90 mm Hg, versus controlled hypertension [SBP/DBP

Abstract BackgroundThe FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles are a guideline to improve the reusability of data. However, properly implementing these principles is challenging due to a wide range of barriers. ObjectivesTo further the field of FAIR data, this study aimed to systematically identify barriers regarding implementing the FAIR principles in the area of child and adolescent mental health research, define the most challenging barriers, and provide recommendations for these barriers. MethodsThree sources were used as input to identify barriers: (1) evaluation of the implementation process of the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model by 3 data managers; (2) interviews with experts on mental health research, reusable health data, and data quality; and (3) a rapid literature review. All barriers were categorized according to type as described previously, the affected FAIR principle, a category to add detail about the origin of the barrier, and whether a barrier was mental health specific. The barriers were assessed and ranked on impact with the data managers using the Delphi method. ResultsThirteen barriers were identified by the data managers, 7 were identified by the experts, and 30 barriers were extracted from the literature. This resulted in 45 unique barriers. The characteristics that were most assigned to the barriers were, respectively, external type (n=32/45; eg, organizational policy preventing the use of required software), tooling category (n=19/45; ie, software and databases), all FAIR principles (n=15/45), and not mental health specific (n=43/45). Consensus on ranking the scores of the barriers was reached after 2 rounds of the Delphi method. The most important recommendations to overcome the barriers are adding a FAIR data steward to the research team, accessible step-by-step guides, and ensuring sustainable funding for the implementation and long-term use of FAIR data. ConclusionsBy systematically listing these barriers and providing recommendations, we intend to enhance the awareness of researchers and grant providers that making data FAIR demands specific expertise, available tooling, and proper investments.

Millennial purchases of footwear products online have grown in South Africa. Consequently, retailers in the country should develop increased knowledge of these consumers’ online expectations to strengthen their satisfaction and future loyalty intentions. The study aimed to explore the factors influencing millennial consumers’ e-satisfaction and e-loyalty when buying footwear online in South Africa. An enhanced understanding is required of the factors impacting millennial consumers’ e-service experiences and e-trust behaviour, and their influence on e-satisfaction when purchasing footwear online. Data were collected from 248 respondents who bought footwear online over the past year. An online questionnaire and structural equation modelling were used to measure the hypotheses. In terms of the findings, website design secured the most significant impact on customer e-service experience, when buying footwear through an online platform. In addition, it was established that e-satisfaction significantly impacted millennial consumers’ e-loyalty when buying footwear online. As such, it is imperative for online retailers targeting millennials to ensure a superior online shopping experience that will exceed their expectations. This will enhance the overall e-satisfaction experience of millennials and ultimately positively influence their attitudinal loyalty (AL) towards the retailer.

The impact of α-tocopherol on atherosclerosis is unclear and controversial. While some studies suggest potential benefits, such as antioxidant properties that may reduce oxidative stress, other studies indicate no significant preventive effects. The intricate interplay of various factors, including dosage, individual differences, and study methodologies, contributes to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding α-tocopherol’s role in atherosclerosis. Further research is needed to clarify its impact and establish clearer guidelines. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the impact of α-tocopherol on atherogenesis in ApoE−/− fibrillin (Fbn)1C1039G/+ mice, which is a unique mouse model of advanced atherosclerosis with typical features, such as large necrotic cores, high levels of inflammation, and intraplaque neovascularization, that resemble the unstable phenotype of human plaques. ApoE−/− Fbn1C1039G+/− mice were fed a western-type diet (WD) supplemented with a high dose of α-tocopherol (500 mg/kg diet), while control mice were fed a WD containing a low dose of α-tocopherol (50 mg/kg diet). The high dose of α-tocopherol reduced plaque thickness and necrotic core area in the right common carotid artery (RCCA) after 24 weeks WD. Moreover, α-tocopherol decreased plaque formation and intraplaque neovascularization in the RCCA. In addition to its antiatherogenic effect, chronic supplementation of α-tocopherol improved cardiac function in ApoE−/− Fbn1C1039G/+ mice. However, chronic supplementation of α-tocopherol did not decrease lipid peroxidation. On the contrary, α-tocopherol acted as a prooxidant by increasing plasma levels of oxidized LDL and plaque malondialdehyde, an end product of lipid peroxidation. Our data indicate that α-tocopherol inhibits atherogenesis and improves cardiac function independent of its antioxidant properties.

Ferroptosis is a type of regulated necrosis that is associated with iron-dependent accumulation of lipid hydroperoxides. Given that iron deposition and lipid peroxidation initiate ferroptosis in atherosclerosis and contribute to further plaque development, we hypothesized that inhibition of ferroptosis could be of value in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is the only enzyme known capable of reducing lipid hydroperoxides. Previous studies have demonstrated that inactivation of GPX4 results in ferroptosis, while overexpression of GPX4 confers resistance to ferroptosis. In the present study, we examined the impact of GPX4 overexpression on the development of atherosclerotic plaques. GPX4-overexpressing mice (GPX4Tg/+) were crossbred with ApoE−/− mice and fed a western-type diet for 16 weeks. Atherosclerotic plaques of GPX4Tg/+ ApoE−/− mice showed increased GPX4 expression and a reduced amount of lipid hydroperoxides. However, plaque size and composition were not different as compared to control animals. Similarly, GPX4-overexpressing vascular smooth muscle cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages were not protected against lipid peroxidation and cell death triggered by the ferroptosis inducers erastin and 1S,3R-RSL3. We concluded that GPX4 overexpression reduces lipid peroxidation in plaques of ApoE−/− mice, yet GPX4 overexpression is not sufficiently powerful to change plaque size or composition.

The rapid transportation of blood samples and blood products using drones has high potential in the medical sector. However, before this can be implemented, sufficient evidence that drone transportation is not affecting clinical outcomes is needed. Currently, limited data on the stability of blood, and specifically on platelet activation, after transport using drones are available. Therefore, the impact of drone transportation on platelet activation parameters was analyzed. Blood was drawn from 20 healthy volunteers and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), potassium, free hemoglobin, PFA-100 closure time, platelet factor 4 (PF4) plasma levels and platelet activation membrane markers were determined in blood that was transported by drone and compared to non-transported samples. In addition, a control group was included where blood samples were transported by car. Transport by both drone and car increased LDH and potassium levels, but the values mostly remained within the total allowable error. Both drone and car transportation impacted platelet activation, as indicated by a small increase in the baseline P-selectin expression and increased PF4 plasma levels. To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing the impact of drone transport on platelet activation. Transportation of blood tubes from healthy individuals using drones has only minimal impacts on blood stability and platelet activation parameters, and is comparable to blood transportation by car. Therefore, the effects observed as a result of drone transportation will likely not impact clinical decision making.

Abstract INTRODUCTION The increasing use of Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers has led to the recognition of a subgroup of non‐AD amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) patients who have medial temporal hypometabolism on fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET). METHODS In this academic memory‐clinic‐based consecutive series, 16 non‐AD aMCI patients and 28 AD controls matched for sex, age, and baseline Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) were followed for a median duration of 4.5 years. Our primary outcome was the MMSE decline rate over the subsequent years. We also determined the final diagnosis over time. RESULTS FDG‐PET showed more pronounced medial temporal hypometabolism in non‐AD cases and more inferior parietal lobule hypometabolism in AD controls. MMSE decline was slower in non‐AD (β = −0.51) than in AD (β = −2.00) patients. Five non‐AD cases developed frontotemporal dementia years after symptom onset, and one developed dementia with Lewy bodies. DISCUSSION Non‐AD aMCI patients with medial temporal hypometabolism show slower cognitive decline. Highlights Non‐AD aMCI with medial temporal hypometabolism shows slower cognitive decline than AD. FDG‐PET revealed distinct metabolic patterns between non‐AD aMCI and AD patients. Approximately one‐third of non‐AD aMCI cases developed frontotemporal dementia. Comprehensive diagnostic biomarkers are crucial for non‐AD aMCI characterization.

The Afrotropical hoverflies belonging to the genus Mallota Meigen, 1822 (Diptera: Syrphidae) are revised. Ten species are recognized, of which four are new to science: Mallota glabra sp. nov., M. hircus sp. nov., M. wyatti sp. nov. and M. stipulata sp. nov. Merodon edentulus Macquart, 1855 is considered a junior synonym of Eristalis dasyops Wiedemann, 1819. Lectotypes are designated for Eristalis dasyops, Merodon edentulus, Mallota pachymera Bezzi, 1915 and Helophilus extremus Loew, 1858. The taxonomic history of the placement and identity of the different species of Mallota is presented. Their relationships, as well as affiliations with Afrotropical representatives of the genera Eristalis Latreille, 1804 and Myathropa Rondani, 1845, is briefly discussed based on morphological and DNA barcode data.

Consumers are increasingly demanding high-quality food, which presents significant challenges for agricultural supply chains. While the majority of research in the agri-food sector has concentrated on optimizing logistics costs and meeting demand by focusing on minimizing the last mile, the complexity of the first mile in the agricultural supply chain has been less explored. Farmers must efficiently manage the harvesting process and the transportation of harvested produce to consolidation centers to ensure the delivery of high-quality products. This paper addresses this research gap by introducing a mixed-integer programming model that leverages vehicle routing problem concepts to optimize the logistics processes involved in transporting harvested products from various fields to a central depot. The primary objective is to minimize total logistics costs associated with visiting different fields during a pick-up round using multiple vehicles. The model has been applied to a case study involving an agricultural cooperative in Greece as part of the European BBTWINS project, which aims to enhance agri-food value chain digitalization for improved resource efficiency. The results demonstrate that organizing the first mile of the agri-food supply chain with a cooled vehicle for pick-up rounds can reduce logistics costs by up to 40% compared to the current practices.

Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are plant enzymes that target the rRNA. The cytoplasmic RIP, called OsRIP1, plays a crucial role in regulating jasmonate, a key plant hormone. Understanding the role of OsRIP1 can provide insights into enhancing stress tolerance and optimizing growth of rice. Transcription profiling by mRNA sequencing was employed to measure the changes in gene expression in rice plants in response to MeJA treatment. Compared to wild type (WT) plants, OsRIP1 overexpressing rice plants showed a lower increase in mRNA transcripts for genes related to jasmonate responses when exposed to MeJA treatment for 3 h. After 24 h of MeJA exposure, the mRNA transcripts associated with the gibberellin pathway occurred in lower levels in OsRIP1 overexpressing plants compared to WT plants. We hypothesize that the mechanism underlying OsRIP1 antagonization of MeJA-induced shoot growth inhibition involves cytokinin-mediated leaf senescence and positive regulation of cell cycle processes, probably via OsRIP1 interaction with 40S ribosomal protein S5 and α-tubulin. Moreover, the photosystem II 10kDa polypeptide was identified to favorably bind to OsRIP1, and its involvement may be attributed to the reduction of photosynthesis in OsRIP1-overexpressing plants subjected to MeJA at the early timepoint (3 h).

BackgroundA type 3 medication review (MR3) is a patient-centred medication service primarily provided by pharmacists and is presently employed routinely in several countries. In this process, pharmacists interview patients and collaborate with the treating physician to optimize the patient’s pharmacotherapy, taking into account the patient’s medication history and other medical data including laboratory values. The need to maintain the quality of such interventions during and after their initial implementation cannot be overstated.AimThe objective of this study was to refine and assess a scoring table to evaluate the quality of MR3 conducted in Belgian community pharmacies.MethodsThe comprehensive quality of MR3s was assessed by scoring its various components using a previously developed scoring table, called BRANT-MERQS, Brussels Antwerp Medication Review Quality Score. MR3s were analysed from an implementation study with patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA, subproject 1) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM, subproject 2). Additional information was obtained during a telephone call with a subset of participating pharmacists of subproject 1 who finalized their first MR3.ResultsIn subproject 1, a total of 21 MR3s of patients with RA were examined. The assessment showed favourable scores for elements such as a well-organized medication schedule, treatment adherence, and the elaboration of specific interventions. However, certain other quality criteria posed challenges in the evaluation, for example, the use of simple and understandable language. Pharmacists faced time constraints, and elderly general practitioners (GPs) displayed limited enthusiasm, which were notable barriers observed for this subproject. In the context of subproject 2 that investigated 41 MR3s in patients with T2DM, the quality criteria of interaction between pharmacist and GP, and used sources and tools received high scores. However, there was still room for improvement, especially in areas such as accurate dosing, handling kidney function, QT prolongation, correctly associating laboratory values with relevant drugs and medical conditions, and optimisation of medication schedules for patients.ConclusionThis study demonstrated the feasibility of MR3 quality assessment through a scoring system. However, it also unveiled the tool’s current imperfections and highlighted the ongoing need for refinement, something expected of a new service in an implementation phase.

Identification of fruit fly larvae is difficult due to the limited morphological characteristics present. However, this is the stage at which fruit flies are intercepted at ports of entry through horticultural imports. Molecular tools are useful but are time-consuming and expensive compared to morphological identifications. This project aims to use available information from the literature and our own research to build a multi-entry identification key for thirteen tephritid species and species groups that are of economic concern for the European Union. Third-instar larvae were obtained from different regions and hosts. Thirteen species or representatives of species groups were obtained, including Ceratitis, Dacus, Bactrocera and Zeugodacus spp. The cephalopharyngeal skeletons were dissected out, cleared in a 10% NaOH solution, dehydrated and mounted in Euparal on glass slides. Images of at least 20 larvae/species were captured using a compound microscope fitted with a camera. Measurements were taken of the mounted mandibles and the number of tubules and their position in the anterior spiracles in relation to the cephalic skeleton were noted. Differences between morphometric parameters were tested via ANOVA and verified using discriminant function analysis. A matrix was compiled including nine characters for which significant inter-specific differentiation was preliminarily detected. The key was converted into a mobile application by LucID.

Growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is severely hampered by low temperatures, even when cultivated under greenhouse conditions. Root-associated bacteria might promote plant growth under stressful conditions. Therefore, we analyzed the effect of low temperatures on the lettuce root-associated microbiome to evaluate whether microbiome-based selection aids in identiying bacteria that stimulate plant growth in the cold. 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to examine the compositional differences in the lettuce root-associated microbiome when grown under low- and control-temperature conditions. Chilling temperatures significantly altered the lettuce root endosphere composition, whereas their effects were less severe in the rhizosphere and absent in the bulk soil. Several cold-enriched families were found in both the rhizosphere and the root endosphere, nine of which were Oxalobacteraceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Flavobacteriaceae, Microscillaceae, Sphingobacteriaceae, Comamonadaceae, Devosiaceae, Methylophilaceae and env.OPS_17. Concurrently, a collection of lettuce root-colonizing bacteria was established and, based on correlation with these families, representative isolates were screened. None of the lettuce root isolates showed growth-promoting effects but three growth-promoting Flavobacterium strains from an available collection of grass root-colonizing bacteria were identified. Amplicon sequence variant (ASV) annotation of the lettuce and grass strains revealed that strains matching cold-enriched or highly abundant ASVs in at least one soil promoted growth in the cold. Overall, our data demonstrate that microbiome analyses, combined with high-throughput bacterial isolations might be a helpful tool to isolate effective cold growth-promoting strains.

Genomic imprinting, the parent-of-origin-specific gene expression, plays a pivotal role in growth regulation and is often dysregulated in cancer. However, screening for imprinting is complicated by its cell-type specificity, which bulk RNA-seq cannot capture. On the other hand, large-scale single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) often lacks transcript-level detail and is cost-prohibitive. Here, we address this gap by integrating bulk RNA-seq with full-length transcript scRNA-seq to investigate imprinting dynamics in breast cancer. By analyzing scRNA-seq data from 486 cancer cells across subtypes, we identified multiple SNPs in imprinted genes, including HM13, MEST (PEG1), SNHG14 and PEG10, showing consistent biallelic expression. Bulk RNA-seq, however, revealed that this biallelic expression arises from transcript-specific imprinting, rather than loss-of-imprinting (LOI). The imprinted SNPs identified in bulk RNA-seq predominantly demonstrate proper monoallelic expression in scRNA-seq. As a clear exception, an HER2+ breast cancer sample exhibited distinct LOI of MEST. Previous bulk RNA-seq-based observations about MEST LOI in breast cancer could not exclude a non-cancer cell impact, but our results validate that MEST LOI is cancer-specific. This study demonstrates the complementary utility of bulk and scRNA-seq in imprinting studies, confirming MEST LOI as a genuine event in breast cancer.

Summary: Protein-protein interactions play an important biological role in every aspect of cellular homeostasis and functioning. Proximity labeling mass spectrometry-based proteomics overcomes challenges typically associated with other methods and has quickly become the current state of the art in the field. Nevertheless, tight control of proximity-labeling enzymatic activity and expression levels is crucial to accurately identify protein interactors. Here, we leverage a T2A self-cleaving peptide and a non-cleaving mutant to accommodate the protein of interest in the experimental and control TurboID setup. To allow easy and streamlined plasmid assembly, we built a Golden Gate modular cloning system to generate plasmids for transient expression and stable integration. To highlight our T2A Split/link design, we applied it to identify protein interactions of the glucocorticoid receptor and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid and non-structural protein 7 (NSP7) proteins by TurboID proximity labeling. Our results demonstrate that our T2A split/link provides an opportune control that builds upon previously established control requirements in the field. Motivation: In proximity labeling proteomics, protein-protein interactions are identified by in vivo biotinylation. However, the current lack of a universally applicable negative control for differential analysis affects accurate mapping of the interactome. To bridge this gap, we conceptualized a system based on the T2A self-cleaving peptide to match expression levels between control and bait protein setups while using the same bait protein. In addition, we implemented a versatile modular cloning system to build mammalian expression vectors for, but not limited to, proximity labeling assays.

The current standard technique for vascular grafting in cerebral revascularization surgery employs the interposition of an autologous blood vessel. Technical complications have necessitated the development of a synthetic alternative, but classical biomaterials are not suited for small caliber vascular grafting due to the resulting neointimal hyperplasia and thrombosis. The electrospinning of polymers is a promising technique for the development of small vascular grafts. The in vivo performance and efficacy of electrospun polyurethane (ePU) grafts with an internal diameter of

Due to global population growth, age-related disorders like cardiovascular disease and dementia are anticipated to increase. Recent data suggests a connection between cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration, especially focusing on arterial stiffness (AS) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In light of this, we conducted a study to explore the impact of long-term nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoform inhibition, which leads to AS, on neurobehavioral performance. We also compared these effects in an AD model and control mice. C57BL/6 and hAPP23+/− mice (an established AD model) were given 0.5 mg/mL N(G)-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) in their drinking water for 16 weeks. Our findings indicate that chronic non-selective NOS inhibition increased AS and reduced spatiotemporal learning and memory in both C57BL/6 and hAPP23+/− mice. These effects were consistent across both groups, emphasizing the role of neuronal NOS (nNOS) in cognitive aging, regardless of genetic predisposition to AD.

Introduction: The oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis is one of the most destructive agricultural pests worldwide, with highly debated species delimitation, origin, and global spread routes. Objectives: Our study intended to (i) resolve the taxonomic uncertainties between B. dorsalis and B. carambolae, (ii) reveal the population structure and global invasion routes of B. dorsalis across Asia, Africa, and Oceania, and (iii) identify genomic regions that are responsible for the thermal adaptation of B. dorsalis. Methods: Based on a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome assembly, we explored the population relationship using a genome-scale single nucleotide polymorphism dataset generated from the resequencing data of 487 B. dorsalis genomes and 25 B. carambolae genomes. Genome-wide association studies and silencing using RNA interference were used to identify and verify the candidate genes associated with extreme thermal stress. Results: We showed that B. dorsalis originates from the Southern India region with three independent invasion and spread routes worldwide: (i) from Northern India to Northern Southeast Asia, then to Southern Southeast Asia; (ii) from Northern India to Northern Southeast Asian, then to China and Hawaii; and (iii) from Southern India toward the African mainland, then to Madagascar, which is mainly facilitated by human activities including trade and immigration. Twenty-seven genes were identified by a genome-wide association study to be associated with 11 temperature bioclimatic variables. The Cyp6a9 gene may enhance the thermal adaptation of B. dorsalis and thus boost its invasion, which tended to be upregulated at a hardening temperature of 38 °C. Functional verification using RNA interference silencing against Cyp6a9, led to the specific decrease in Cyp6a9 expression, reducing the survival rate of dsRNA-feeding larvae exposed to extreme thermal stress of 45 °C after heat hardening treatments in B. dorsalis. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the evolutionary history and genetic basis of temperature adaptation in B. dorsalis.

Abstract Background Thermography is a popular tool to assess plant water-use behavior, as plant temperature is influenced by transpiration rate, and is commonly used in field experiments to detect plant water deficit. Its application in indoor automated phenotyping platforms is still limited and mainly focuses on differences in plant temperature between genotypes or treatments, instead of estimating stomatal conductance or transpiration rate. In this study, the transferability of commonly used thermography analysis protocols from the field to greenhouse phenotyping platforms was evaluated. In addition, the added value of combining thermal infrared (TIR) with hyperspectral imaging to monitor drought effects on plant transpiration rate (E) was evaluated. Results The sensitivity of commonly used TIR indices to detect drought-induced and genotypic differences in water status was investigated in eight maize inbred lines in the automated phenotyping platform PHENOVISION. Indices that normalized plant temperature for vapor pressure deficit and/or air temperature at the time of imaging were most sensitive to drought and could detect genotypic differences in the plants’ water-use behavior. However, these indices were not strongly correlated to stomatal conductance and E. The canopy temperature depression index, the crop water stress index and the simplified stomatal conductance index were more suitable to monitor these traits, and were consequently used to develop empirical E prediction models by combining them with hyperspectral indices and/or environmental variables. Different modeling strategies were evaluated, including single index-based, machine learning and mechanistic models. Model comparison showed that combining multiple TIR indices in a random forest model can improve E prediction accuracy, and that the contribution of the hyperspectral data is limited when multiple indices are used. However, the empirical models trained on one genotype were not transferable to all eight inbred lines. Conclusion Overall, this study demonstrates that existing TIR indices can be used to monitor drought stress and develop E prediction models in an indoor setup, as long as the indices normalize plant temperature for ambient air temperature or relative humidity.