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Gene clusters linked to insulin resistance identified in a genome-wide study of the Taiwan Biobank population

5 months ago
This pioneering genome-wide association study examined surrogate markers for insulin resistance (IR) in 147,880 Taiwanese individuals using data from the Taiwan Biobank. The study focused on two IR surrogate markers: the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG:HDL-C) ratio and the TyG index (the product of fasting plasma glucose and triglycerides). We identified genome-wide significance loci within four gene clusters: GCKR, MLXIPL, APOA5, and APOC1, uncovering 197 genes...
Eugene Lin

Alzheimer disease seen through the lens of sex and gender

5 months ago
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a life-limiting neurodegenerative disorder that disproportionately affects women. Indeed, sex and gender are emerging as crucial modifiers of diagnostic and therapeutic pathways in AD. This Review provides an overview of the interactions of sex and gender with important developments in AD and offers insights into priorities for future research to facilitate the development and implementation of personalized approaches in the shifting paradigm of AD care. In particular,...
Laura Castro-Aldrete

Protein-responsive gut hormone tachykinin directs food choice and impacts lifespan

5 months ago
Animals select food based on hungers that reflect dynamic macronutrient needs, but the hormonal mechanisms underlying nutrient-specific appetite regulation remain poorly defined. Here, we identify tachykinin (Tk) as a protein-responsive gut hormone in Drosophila and female mice, regulated by conserved environmental and nutrient-sensing mechanisms. Protein intake activates Tk-expressing enteroendocrine cells (EECs), driving the release of gut Tk through mechanisms involving target of rapamycin...
Nadja Ahrentløv

A plant CLE peptide and its fungal mimic promote arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis via CRN-mediated ROS suppression

5 months ago
CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION-related (CLE) peptides have emerged as key regulators of plant-microbe interactions, including arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. Here, we identify Medicago truncatula CLE16 as a positive regulator of AM symbiosis. MtCLE16 is expressed in root cells colonized by AM fungi (AMF) and its overexpression within colonized tissues increases arbuscule abundance by finetuning their growth and lifespan. Functional and transcriptomic analyses reveal that MtCLE16 acts...
Sagar Bashyal

Assessing neighborhoods, wealth differentials, and perceived inequality in preindustrial societies

5 months ago
Humans often live in neighborhoods, nested socio-spatial clusters within settlements of varying size and population density. In today's cities, neighborhoods are often characterized as relatively homogenous and may exhibit segregation along various socioeconomic dimensions. However, even within neighborhoods of similar social or economic status, there is often residential disparity, which in turn impacts perceived inequality. Drawing on the Global Dynamics of Inequality (GINI) project database,...
Amy E Thompson

Using 30-s Prone Back Extension Repetition Maximum Test to Predict Concentric and Eccentric 1 Repetition Maximum Squat Strength in Young and Older Adults

5 months ago
Background: One repetition maximum (1RM) testing depends on lifting heavy loads which can put older adults at risk for injury and thus is nonfeasible. Thus, there is a great need for alternative 1RM testing methods, which are safe, patient-friendly, and clinically applicable, in older adults. Notably, aging-induced loss of muscle strength is greater for concentric than eccentric strength. However, there is a lack of information on unique 1RM for concentric and eccentric squat strength. Such...
Michael T Dunn

Cell cycle and age-related modulations of mouse chromosome stiffness

5 months ago
Chromosome structure is complex, and many aspects of chromosome organization are still not understood. Measuring the stiffness of chromosomes offers valuable insight into their structural properties. In this study, we analyzed the stiffness of chromosomes from metaphase I (MI) and metaphase II (MII) oocytes. Our results revealed a tenfold increase in stiffness (Young's modulus) of MI chromosomes compared to somatic chromosomes. Furthermore, the stiffness of MII chromosomes was found to be lower...
Ning Liu

Reliability and validity of a full-body function Get-Up test in older adults

5 months ago
Identifying deficiencies in physical function in older adults is critical to evaluate important health outcomes like sarcopenia, but current protocols are expensive and require complex equipment. This study evaluates the reliability and validity of an inexpensive, simple new Get-Up test in older adults. It involves participants moving quickly from standing upright, to lying flat, then rising to a standing position unassisted. A total of 293 relatively healthy older adults without severe health...
Nathan F Meier