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2.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 15267, 2024 Jul 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38961107

ABSTRACT

Recently, generative models have been gradually emerging into the extended dataset field, showcasing their advantages. However, when it comes to generating tabular data, these models often fail to satisfy the constraints of numerical columns, which cannot generate high-quality datasets that accurately represent real-world data and are suitable for the intended downstream applications. Responding to the challenge, we propose a tabular data generation framework guided by downstream task optimization (TDGGD). It incorporates three indicators into each time step of diffusion generation, using gradient optimization to align the generated fake data. Unlike the traditional strategy of separating the downstream task model from the upstream data synthesis model, TDGGD ensures that the generated data has highly focused columns feasibility in upstream real tabular data. For downstream task, TDGGD strikes the utility of tabular data over solely pursuing statistical fidelity. Through extensive experiments conducted on real-world tables with explicit column constraints and tables without explicit column constraints, we have demonstrated that TDGGD ensures increasing data volume while enhancing prediction accuracy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first instance of deploying downstream information into a diffusion model framework.

3.
Int J Eat Disord ; 2024 Jul 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39022910

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a strongly stigmatized condition and is often complicated by weight stigma. Research on the intersection between BED and weight stigma is scarce especially in Chinese populations. The present study examined BED stigma in Chinese, whether BED stigma was independent from weight stigma, and whether diagnostic labeling and etiological explanations influenced the degree of BED stigma. METHOD: Using a between-subject experimental vignette study, 642 participants (mean age = 29.74 years, SD = 11.34) were randomly assigned to read one of the 18 vignettes, describing a character with information on BED symptoms, weight status, diagnostic labeling, and etiological explanations, followed by measures of stigma and help-seeking intentions. RESULTS: The character with BED symptoms was ascribed more negative personality characteristics, elicited more negative affective reactions, and triggered greater desired social distance compared to the character without BED symptoms. No evidence for weight stigma was found nor for its interaction with BED stigma. The Cantonese diagnostic label of BED, kwong sik zing, was associated with lower levels of volitional stigma and greater help-seeking intentions than the diagnostic label of eating disorders, jam sik sat tiu, and the absence of labeling. The effect of etiological explanations was only significant in the univariate test, indicating that providing either a psychosocial or a biogenetic etiological explanation lessened the negative evaluations of personality characteristics. DISCUSSION: The present study provided first evidence for BED stigma in Chinese. BED stigma appeared to be attributable to the presence of disordered eating behavior rather than the BED diagnosis.

4.
Chem Commun (Camb) ; 60(58): 7435-7438, 2024 Jul 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38922599

ABSTRACT

We investigate the properties of ultrathin 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI) films using a combination of tip-enhanced photoluminescence and unsupervised machine learning. We expose nanoscale spectral heterogeneities that can be understood on the basis of the interplay between vibronic effects, intermolecular excitons, and intramolecular excitons in PTDCI films.

5.
bioRxiv ; 2024 Jun 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38915709

ABSTRACT

Lynch syndrome (LS) is defined by inherited mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes, including MSH2, and carries 60% lifetime risk of developing endometrial cancer (EC). Beyond hypermutability, specific mechanisms for LS-associated endometrial carcinogenesis are not well understood. Here, we assessed the effects of MSH2 loss on EC pathogenesis using a novel mouse model (PR-Cre Msh2 flox/flox , abbreviated Msh2KO), primary cell lines established from this model, human tissues, and human EC cell lines with isogenic MSH2 knockdown. Beginning at eight months of age, 30% of Msh2KO mice exhibited endometrial atypical hyperplasia (AH), a precancerous lesion. At 12 to 16 months of age, 47% of Msh2KO mice exhibited either AH or ECs with histologic features similar to human LS-related ECs. Transcriptomic profiling of EC from Msh2KO mice revealed a transcriptomic signature for mitochondrial dysfunction. Studies in vitro and in vivo revealed mitochondrial dysfunction based upon two mechanisms: marked mitochondrial content reduction, along with pronounced disruptions to the integrity of retained mitochondria. Human LS-related ECs also exhibited mitochondrial content reduction compared with non-LS-related ECs. Functional studies revealed metabolic reprogramming of MSH2-deficient EC cells in vitro , including reduced oxidative phosphorylation and increased susceptibility to glycolysis suppression. We are the first to identify mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic disruption as a consequence of MSH2 deficiency-related EC. Mitochondrial and metabolic aberrations should be evaluated as novel biomarkers for endometrial carcinogenesis or risk stratification and could serve as targets for cancer interception in women with LS. Significance: This is the first study to report mitochondrial dysfunction contributing to MSH2-deficient endometrial cancer development, identifying a noncanonical pathway for MSH2 deficient carcinogenesis, which also imparts vulnerability to metabolic targeting.

6.
Adv Sci (Weinh) ; : e2403866, 2024 Jun 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38889293

ABSTRACT

The progression of spermatogenesis along specific developmental trajectories depends on the coordinated regulation of pre-mRNA alternative splicing (AS) at the post-transcriptional level. However, the fundamental mechanism of AS in spermatogenesis remains to be investigated. Here, it is demonstrated that CWF19L2 plays a pivotal role in spermatogenesis and male fertility. In germline conditional Cwf19l2 knockout mice exhibiting male sterility, impaired spermatogenesis characterized by increased apoptosis and decreased differentiated spermatogonia and spermatocytes is observed. That CWF19L2 interacted with several spliceosome proteins to participate in the proper assembly and stability of the spliceosome is discovered. By integrating RNA-seq and LACE-seq data, it is further confirmed CWF19L2 directly bound and regulated the splicing of genes related to spermatogenesis (Znhit1, Btrc, and Fbxw7) and RNA splicing (Rbfox1, Celf1, and Rbm10). Additionally, CWF19L2 can indirectly amplify its effect on splicing regulation through modulating RBFOX1. Collectively, this research establishes that CWF19L2 orchestrates a splicing factor network to ensure accurate pre-mRNA splicing during the early steps of spermatogenesis.

7.
Br J Gen Pract ; 74(suppl 1)2024 Jun 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38902080

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Older adults with multimorbidity are at high risk of mortality following COVID-19 hospitalisation. However, the potential benefit of timely primary care follow-up on severe outcomes post-COVID-19 has not been well established. AIM: To examine the effectiveness of attending general outpatient within 30 days after discharge from COVID-19 on 1-year survival among older adults aged ≥85 years, with multimorbidity. METHOD: We emulated a target trial using a comprehensive public healthcare database in Hong Kong. The cloning-censoring-weighting technique was used to minimise immortal time bias and confounding bias by adjusting for demographics, hospitalisation duration and ICU admission, baseline chronic conditions, and medication history. The outcome included all-cause and cause-specific mortality. RESULTS: Of 6183 eligible COVID-19 survivors, the all-cause mortality rate following COVID-19 hospitalisation was lower in general out-patient clinics (GOPC) group compared to non-GOPC group (17.1 versus 42.8 deaths per 100 person-year). After adjustment, primary care consultations within 30 days after discharge were associated with a significantly greater 1-year survival (difference in 1-year survival: 11.2%, 95% CI = 8.1% to 14.4%). We also observed better survival from respiratory diseases in the GOPC group. In a sensitivity analysis for different grace period lengths, we found that the earlier participants had a GOPC visit after COVID-19 discharge, the better the survival. CONCLUSION: Timely primary care consultations after discharge may improve survival following COVID-19 hospitalisation among older adults aged ≥85 years, with multimorbidity. Expanding primary care services and implementing follow-up mechanisms are crucial to support this vulnerable population's recovery and well-being.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Multimorbidity , Primary Health Care , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , COVID-19/mortality , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/therapy , Male , Female , Aged, 80 and over , Hong Kong/epidemiology , Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data
8.
Cell Metab ; 36(7): 1586-1597.e7, 2024 Jul 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38703762

ABSTRACT

The mitochondrial genome transcribes 13 mRNAs coding for well-known proteins essential for oxidative phosphorylation. We demonstrate here that cytochrome b (CYTB), the only mitochondrial-DNA-encoded transcript among complex III, also encodes an unrecognized 187-amino-acid-long protein, CYTB-187AA, using the standard genetic code of cytosolic ribosomes rather than the mitochondrial genetic code. After validating the existence of this mtDNA-encoded protein arising from cytosolic translation (mPACT) using mass spectrometry and antibodies, we show that CYTB-187AA is mainly localized in the mitochondrial matrix and promotes the pluripotent state in primed-to-naive transition by interacting with solute carrier family 25 member 3 (SLC25A3) to modulate ATP production. We further generated a transgenic knockin mouse model of CYTB-187AA silencing and found that reduction of CYTB-187AA impairs females' fertility by decreasing the number of ovarian follicles. For the first time, we uncovered the novel mPACT pattern of a mitochondrial mRNA and demonstrated the physiological function of this 14th protein encoded by mtDNA.


Subject(s)
Cytochromes b , Animals , Cytochromes b/genetics , Cytochromes b/metabolism , Mice , Female , Mice, Transgenic , DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics , DNA, Mitochondrial/metabolism , Mitochondria/metabolism , Mitochondrial Proteins/metabolism , Mitochondrial Proteins/genetics , Humans , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Genes, Mitochondrial , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , RNA, Messenger/genetics , Male
9.
Front Psychiatry ; 15: 1375735, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38774437

ABSTRACT

Background: Previous studies have shown a relationship between environments and mental health. However, limited studies have investigated the impact of environment stress (ES) on emotional reactivity. Our study aimed to fill this gap by examining how daily ES affects momentary emotional reactivity using experience sampling method (ESM). Methods: Participants were randomly recruited from a prospective cohort study in Hong Kong to participate in a 7-day ESM study. The participants received eight electronic signals daily assessing their ES, positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA). Participants were categorized into depressed group or control group based on Revised Clinical Interview Schedule. Psychometric properties of the ESM assessment were evaluated. Multilevel linear regression analyzes were conducted to examine the association of ES with PA, NA and the group status of the participants (cases versus controls). Results: A total of 15 participants with depression and 15 healthy controls were recruited, and 1307 momentary assessments were completed with a compliance rate of 77.8%. The depressed group demonstrated a significant increase in NA in response to ES, while the control group showed a decrease in PA. In addition, the depressed group reported a lower perception of control and interaction with their environment compared to the control group. Conclusion: Using ESM, a valid, reliable, and easy-to-use self-reporting tool, our findings provided valuable insights on the potential mechanisms underlying emotional responses to stressful environments.

10.
Osteoporos Sarcopenia ; 10(1): 3-10, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38690538

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This study aimed to present the Asia-Pacific consensus on long-term and sequential therapy for osteoporosis, offering evidence-based recommendations for the effective management of this chronic condition. The primary focus is on achieving optimal fracture prevention through a comprehensive, individualized approach. Methods: A panel of experts convened to develop consensus statements by synthesizing the current literature and leveraging clinical expertise. The review encompassed long-term anti-osteoporosis medication goals, first-line treatments for individuals at very high fracture risk, and the strategic integration of anabolic and antiresorptive agents in sequential therapy approaches. Results: The panelists reached a consensus on 12 statements. Key recommendations included advocating for anabolic agents as the first-line treatment for individuals at very high fracture risk and transitioning to antiresorptive agents following the completion of anabolic therapy. Anabolic therapy remains an option for individuals experiencing new fractures or persistent high fracture risk despite antiresorptive treatment. In cases of inadequate response, the consensus recommended considering a switch to more potent medications. The consensus also addressed the management of medication-related complications, proposing alternatives instead of discontinuation of treatment. Conclusions: This consensus provides a comprehensive, cost-effective strategy for fracture prevention with an emphasis on shared decision-making and the incorporation of country-specific case management systems, such as fracture liaison services. It serves as a valuable guide for healthcare professionals in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to the ongoing evolution of osteoporosis management.

11.
Heart Lung Circ ; 2024 Apr 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38692982

ABSTRACT

Hospitalisations for heart failure (HF) are associated with high rates of readmission and death, the most vulnerable period being within the first few weeks post-hospital discharge. Effective transition of care from hospital to community settings for patients with HF can help reduce readmission and mortality over the vulnerable period, and improve long-term outcomes for patients, their family or carers, and the healthcare system. Planning and communication underpin a seamless transition of care, by ensuring that the changes to patients' management initiated in hospital continue to be implemented following discharge and in the long term. This evidence-based guide, developed by a multidisciplinary group of Australian experts in HF, discusses best practice for achieving appropriate and effective transition of patients hospitalised with HF to community care in the Australian setting. It provides guidance on key factors to address before and after hospital discharge, as well as practical tools that can be used to facilitate a smooth transition of care.

12.
J Urban Health ; 2024 May 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38720144

ABSTRACT

Existing literature has widely explored the individual roles of housing and neighborhood quality, and there is limited research examining their interactive effects on mental health. This 3-year cohort study utilized a longitudinal design to investigate the individual and interactive effects of housing and neighborhood quality on mental health among 962 community-dwelling adults in Hong Kong. Participants were asked to rate their residential qualities over the 3-year period. Mental health outcomes, including levels of psychological distress and common mental disorders (CMD), were assessed using the Revised Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS-R). Logistic regression and generalized linear models were used to examine the association between housing and neighborhood quality and CMD/psychological distress, adjusting for sociodemographic and residential characteristics and baseline mental disorders. Housing quality was associated with the 3-year CMD (adjusted OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.91 to 0.98). Likewise, neighborhood quality was associated with CMD over 3 years (adjusted OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.87 to 0.96). In a separate model including both quality measures, the effect of housing quality on CMD was attenuated, whereas the neighborhood impact remained significant (adjusted OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.87 to 0.98). Generalized linear models indicated that for participants residing in substandard housing, those with high neighborhood quality had lower CIS-R scores at follow-up compared to those with low neighborhood quality (p = 0.041). Better neighborhood quality alleviated the detrimental effects of poor housing quality on mental health. Planning for an enhanced neighborhood would improve population mental health in an urban environment.

13.
BMC Genomics ; 25(1): 464, 2024 May 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38741085

ABSTRACT

Gonad development includes sex determination and divergent maturation of the testes and ovaries. Recent advances in measuring gene expression in single cells are providing new insights into this complex process. However, the underlying epigenetic regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we profiled chromatin accessibility in mouse gonadal cells of both sexes from embryonic day 11.5 to 14.5 using single-cell assay for transposase accessible chromatin by sequencing (scATAC-seq). Our results showed that individual cell types can be inferred by the chromatin landscape, and that cells can be temporally ordered along developmental trajectories. Integrative analysis of transcriptomic and chromatin-accessibility maps identified multiple putative regulatory elements proximal to key gonadal genes Nr5a1, Sox9 and Wt1. We also uncover cell type-specific regulatory factors underlying cell type specification. Overall, our results provide a better understanding of the epigenetic landscape associated with the progressive restriction of cell fates in the gonad.


Subject(s)
Cell Lineage , Chromatin , Gonads , SOX9 Transcription Factor , Single-Cell Analysis , Animals , Chromatin/metabolism , Chromatin/genetics , Mice , Cell Lineage/genetics , Female , Male , SOX9 Transcription Factor/genetics , SOX9 Transcription Factor/metabolism , Gonads/metabolism , Gonads/cytology , Gonads/embryology , Steroidogenic Factor 1/genetics , Steroidogenic Factor 1/metabolism , WT1 Proteins/genetics , WT1 Proteins/metabolism , Testis/metabolism , Testis/cytology , Epigenesis, Genetic , Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental , Ovary/metabolism , Ovary/cytology
14.
Heart ; 2024 May 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38768982

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Researchers have developed machine learning-based ECG diagnostic algorithms that match or even surpass cardiologist level of performance. However, most of them cannot be used in real-world, as older generation ECG machines do not permit installation of new algorithms. OBJECTIVE: To develop a smartphone application that automatically extract ECG waveforms from photos and to convert them to voltage-time series for downstream analysis by a variety of diagnostic algorithms built by researchers. METHODS: A novel approach of using objective detection and image segmentation models to automatically extract ECG waveforms from photos taken by clinicians was devised. Modular machine learning models were developed to sequentially perform waveform identification, gridline removal, and scale calibration. The extracted data were then analysed using a machine learning-based cardiac rhythm classifier. RESULTS: Waveforms from 40 516 scanned and 444 photographed ECGs were automatically extracted. 12 828 of 13 258 (96.8%) scanned and 5399 of 5743 (94.0%) photographed waveforms were correctly cropped and labelled. 11 604 of 12 735 (91.1%) scanned and 5062 of 5752 (88.0%) photographed waveforms achieved successful voltage-time signal extraction after automatic gridline and background noise removal. In a proof-of-concept demonstration, an atrial fibrillation diagnostic algorithm achieved 91.3% sensitivity, 94.2% specificity, 95.6% positive predictive value, 88.6% negative predictive value and 93.4% F1 score, using photos of ECGs as input. CONCLUSION: Object detection and image segmentation models allow automatic extraction of ECG signals from photos for downstream diagnostics. This novel pipeline circumvents the need for costly ECG hardware upgrades, thereby paving the way for large-scale implementation of machine learning-based diagnostic algorithms.

15.
BMC Psychiatry ; 24(1): 372, 2024 May 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38760703

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric patients are susceptible to adverse mental health outcome during COVID-19 pandemic, but its associated factors are understudied. This observational cross-sectional study aimed to comprehensively examine prevalence and correlates of psychological distress, in terms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD)-like symptoms, among Chinese adult psychiatric outpatients amidst the peak of fifth COVID-19 wave in Hong-Kong. METHODS: A total of 415 patients (comprising 246 patients with common-mental-disorders [CMD] and 169 with severe-mental-disorders [SMD]) and 399 demographically-matched controls without mental disorders were assessed with self-rated questionnaires between 28-March and 8-April-2022, encompassing illness profile, mental health symptoms, psychosocial measures (loneliness, resilience, coping styles) and COVID-19 related factors. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine variables associated with moderate-to-severe depressive, anxiety and PTSD-like symptoms among psychiatric patients. RESULTS: Our results showed that CMD patients had the greatest psychological distress relative to SMD patients and controls. Approximately 40-55% CMD patients and 25% SMD patients exhibited moderate-to-severe depression, anxiety and PTSD-like symptoms. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that female gender, lower educational attainment, single marital status, being housewife, more severe insomnia, psychotic-like symptoms and cognitive complaints, self-harm behavior, lower resilience, avoidance coping, never contracting COVID-19 infection, greater fear of contagion, and longer exposure to pandemic-related information were independently associated with depression, anxiety and/or PTSD-like symptoms in psychiatric patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our results affirm increased vulnerability of psychiatric patients toward psychological distress during pandemic. An array of identified correlates facilitates early detection of high-risk psychiatric patients for targeted strategies to minimize pandemic-related negative psychological impact.


Subject(s)
Anxiety , COVID-19 , Depression , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic , Humans , COVID-19/psychology , COVID-19/epidemiology , Female , Male , Cross-Sectional Studies , Hong Kong/epidemiology , Adult , Prevalence , Middle Aged , Depression/epidemiology , Depression/psychology , Anxiety/psychology , Anxiety/epidemiology , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/epidemiology , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/psychology , Mental Disorders/epidemiology , Mental Disorders/psychology , Adaptation, Psychological , SARS-CoV-2 , Resilience, Psychological , Psychological Distress , East Asian People
16.
Front Psychiatry ; 15: 1199119, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38751421

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Impairment in mentalization is implicated in the development and maintenance of depression. Major depressive disorders showed significant impairment in social cognition and such impairment appears to be positively associated with the severity of depression. Self-referential gaze perception (SRGP), a measurement of mentalization, was predominantly measured in patients with psychosis but rarely examined in late-life depression (LLD). Methods: To assess the effect of cognition on the interpretation bias of mentalization, 29 LLD patients and 29 healthy controls were asked to judge if various gaze directions were directed to self in SRGP. Results: Patients with better cognition showed less unambiguous-SRGP bias than those with worse cognitive scores; this difference was not found in healthy controls. Global cognition and executive function contributed to the SRGP rate in patients. Conclusion: The current study is the first study to explore the relationship between cognition and SRGP in the LLD population. Our study findings suggested that the cognitive function of LLD patients may contribute to the modulation of interpretation bias, which in turn underlie the role of SRGP bias. Greater SRGP bias in patients may reflect social cognition deterioration, impairing the social interaction and functioning of LLD patients. This highlights the need for early intervention and cognitive decline identification to facilitate better prognosis and treatment effectiveness; thus, further studies could navigate the potential of SRGP task as a screening tool for high-risk group of LLD likely to develop dementia.

17.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 10029, 2024 05 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38693322

ABSTRACT

Recent research suggests that insufficient sleep elevates the risk of obesity. Although the mechanisms underlying the relationship between insufficient sleep and obesity are not fully understood, preliminary evidence suggests that insufficient sleep may intensify habitual control of behavior, leading to greater cue-elicited food-seeking behavior that is insensitive to satiation. The present study tested this hypothesis using a within-individual, randomized, crossover experiment. Ninety-six adults underwent a one-night normal sleep duration (NSD) condition and a one-night total sleep deprivation (TSD) condition. They also completed the Pavlovian-instrumental transfer paradigm in which their instrumental responses for food in the presence and absence of conditioned cues were recorded. The sleep × cue × satiation interaction was significant, indicating that the enhancing effect of conditioned cues on food-seeking responses significantly differed across sleep × satiation conditions. However, this effect was observed in NSD but not TSD, and it disappeared after satiation. This finding contradicted the hypothesis but aligned with previous literature on the effect of sleep disruption on appetitive conditioning in animals-sleep disruption following learning impaired the expression of appetitive behavior. The present finding is the first evidence for the role of sleep in Pavlovian-instrumental transfer effects. Future research is needed to further disentangle how sleep influences motivational mechanisms underlying eating.


Subject(s)
Conditioning, Classical , Cross-Over Studies , Sleep Deprivation , Sleep Deprivation/physiopathology , Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Young Adult , Cues , Food , Feeding Behavior/physiology , Satiation/physiology , Conditioning, Operant , Appetitive Behavior/physiology
18.
Adv Mater ; : e2400578, 2024 May 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38762779

ABSTRACT

Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) based on non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) have achieved a power conversion efficiency close to 20%. These NFA OPVs can generate free carriers efficiently despite a very small energy level offset at the donor/acceptor interface. Why these NFAs can enable efficient charge separation (CS) with low energy losses remains an open question. Here, the CS process in the PM6:Y6 bulk heterojunction is probed by time-resolved two-photon photoemission spectroscopy. It is found that the CS, the conversion from bound charge transfer (CT) excitons to free carriers, is an endothermic process with an enthalpy barrier of 0.15 eV. The CS can occur spontaneously despite being an endothermic process, which implies that it is driven by entropy. It is further argued that the morphology of the PM6:Y6 film and the anisotropic electron delocalization restrict the electron and hole wavefunctions within the CT exciton such that they can primarily contact each other through point-like junctions. This configuration can maximize the entropic driving force.

19.
J AOAC Int ; 107(4): 617-631, 2024 Jul 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38627236

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The presence of veterinary drug residues in food-producing animals and animal products is regulated through the enforcement of maximum residue limits (MRLs). To answer the need of the food sector to monitor these substances in a wide range of food commodities, stakeholders at AOAC INTERNATIONAL identified the need for a reliable confirmatory screening method. Such a qualitative approach is required for compliance checking and to support product release in manufacturing. OBJECTIVE: Data were collected from five independent laboratories that applied the First Action Official Method 2020.04 to demonstrate adequate performance under reproducibility conditions. The probability of detection (POD) was calculated in blank test samples and test samples spiked at the screening target concentration (STC) level, with the objective to achieve PODs ≤10% and ≥90%, respectively. Additionally, the effectiveness of the screening method was evaluated by participating in 92 proficiency tests. METHODS: Four streams were optimized to screen for 152 veterinary drug residues by LC-MS/MS in a wide variety of food commodities including milk-based ingredients and related products (e.g., milk fractions, infant formula, infant cereals, and baby foods), meat- and fish-based ingredients and related products (fresh, powdered, cooked, infant cereals, and baby foods), and other ingredients based on eggs, animal fat, and animal byproducts. The four streams covered 105 antibiotic residues, anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic agents (stream A), 23 beta-lactams (stream B), 14 aminoglycosides (stream C), and 10 tetracyclines (Stream D). RESULTS: The multilaboratory validation led to PODs at the STC ≥94% and PODs in the blank ≤9%. Further application of the multilaboratory validated method to 92 proficiency tests provided more than 99% satisfactory submitted results (n = 784). CONCLUSION: The interlaboratory reproducibility determined for this method met the acceptance criteria defined in AOAC Standard Method Performance Requirement (SMPR®) 2018.010. HIGHLIGHTS: AOAC has approved the method for Final Action status.


Subject(s)
Drug Residues , Food Contamination , Tandem Mass Spectrometry , Veterinary Drugs , Drug Residues/analysis , Veterinary Drugs/analysis , Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods , Animals , Food Contamination/analysis , Chromatography, Liquid/methods , Milk/chemistry , Reproducibility of Results , Meat/analysis , Food Analysis/methods , Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
20.
medRxiv ; 2024 Mar 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38585811

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To identify genetic etiologies and genotype/phenotype associations for unsolved ocular congenital cranial dysinnervation disorders (oCCDDs). Methods: We coupled phenotyping with exome or genome sequencing of 467 pedigrees with genetically unsolved oCCDDs, integrating analyses of pedigrees, human and animal model phenotypes, and de novo variants to identify rare candidate single nucleotide variants, insertion/deletions, and structural variants disrupting protein-coding regions. Prioritized variants were classified for pathogenicity and evaluated for genotype/phenotype correlations. Results: Analyses elucidated phenotypic subgroups, identified pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant(s) in 43/467 probands (9.2%), and prioritized variants of uncertain significance in 70/467 additional probands (15.0%). These included known and novel variants in established oCCDD genes, genes associated with syndromes that sometimes include oCCDDs (e.g., MYH10, KIF21B, TGFBR2, TUBB6), genes that fit the syndromic component of the phenotype but had no prior oCCDD association (e.g., CDK13, TGFB2), genes with no reported association with oCCDDs or the syndromic phenotypes (e.g., TUBA4A, KIF5C, CTNNA1, KLB, FGF21), and genes associated with oCCDD phenocopies that had resulted in misdiagnoses. Conclusion: This study suggests that unsolved oCCDDs are clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders often overlapping other Mendelian conditions and nominates many candidates for future replication and functional studies.

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