A missense variant rs2585405 in clock gene PER1 is associated with the increased risk of noise-induced hearing loss in a Chinese occupational population

Objective To investigate the potential association of cochlear clock genes (CRY1, CRY2, PER1, and PER2), the DNF gene (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), and the NTF3 gene (neurotrophin3) with susceptivity to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among Chinese noise-exposed workers. Methods A nested case–control study was performed with 2056 noise-exposed workers from a chemical fiber factory and an energy company who underwent occupational health examinations in 2019 as study subjects. Propensity score matching was conducted to screen cases and controls by matching sex, age, and the consumption of tobacco and alcohol. A total of 1269 participants were enrolled. Then, general information and noise exposure of the study subjects were obtained through a questionnaire survey and on-site noise detection. According to the results of audiological evaluations, the participants were divided into the case group (n = 432, high-frequency threshold shift > 25 dB) and the matched control group (n = 837, high-frequency threshold shift ≤ 25 dB) by propensity score matching. Genotyping for PER1 rs2253820 and rs2585405; PER2 rs56386336 and rs934945; CRY1 rs1056560 and rs3809236; CRY2 rs2292910 and rs6798; BDNF rs11030099, rs7124442 and rs6265; and NTF3 rs1805149 was conducted using the TaqMan-PCR technique. Results In the dominant model and the co-dominant model, the distribution of PER1 rs2585405 genotypes between the case group and the control group was significantly different (P = 0.03, P = 0.01). The NIHL risk of the subjects with the GC genotype was 1.41 times the risk of those carrying the GG genotype (95% confidence interval (CI) of odds ratio (OR): 1.01–1.96), and the NIHL risk of the subjects with the CC genotype was 0.93 times the risk of those carrying the GG genotype (95%CI of OR: 0.71–1.21). After the noise exposure period and noise exposure intensities were stratified, in the co-dominant model, the adjusted OR values for noise intensities of ≤ 85 was 1.23 (95%CI: 0.99–1.53). In the dominant model, the adjusted OR values for noise exposure periods of ≤ 16 years and noise intensities of ≤ 85 were 1.88 (95%CI: 1.03–3.42) and 1.64 (95%CI: 1.12–2.38), respectively. Conclusion The CC/CG genotype of rs2585405 in the PER1 gene was identified as a potential risk factor for NIHL in Chinese noise-exposed workers, and interaction between rs2585405 and high temperature was found to be associated with NIHL risk.

Effect of abacus training on critical flicker fusion frequency threshold among primary schoolchildren

Objectives: The concept of neuronal plasticity has been considerably studied to know how long-lasting changes are associated with brain’s capacity to be shaped or sculptured by experience. Potential cognitive benefits of abacus training have been proved by various studies indicating it to be a promising tool in improving cognitive abilities including arithmetic abilities, visuospatial and working memory. Critical flicker fusion happens when the individual can no longer differentiate between changing visual stimuli. It can be modulated by behavioural or psychophysical techniques. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effects of abacus training on critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF) threshold. Materials and Methods: CFFF threshold (CFFFT) was measured in 60 school students studying third and fourth standard (30 trained in abacus and 30 not trained in abacus) using portable software-based apparatus. Results: The mean scores of abacus trained individuals were significantly higher compared to those who were not trained. Conclusion: Since higher CFFFTs can absorb more visual information, increasing their threshold might lead to cognitive improvement and better academic performance. Abacus trained individuals showed significantly higher critical fusion frequency threshold.

A comparison of tobacco product prevalence by different frequency of use thresholds across three US surveys

Background With the increasing changes in tobacco use patterns, “current use” definition and the survey used may have important implications for monitoring population use trends. Methods Using three US surveys (2014/15 TUS-CPS, NHIS and PATH), we compared the adult (age 18+) prevalence of four product groups (cigarettes, other combustibles, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes) based on three past 30-day frequency of use thresholds: 1+, 10+, and 25+ days. We also examined mutually exclusive single, dual, and polytobacco users as a percentage of total users for each product group. Results Regardless of threshold or product, the prevalence was higher in PATH followed by NHIS and TUS-CPS, in some cases by large percentages. The differences in cigarette and smokeless tobacco use prevalence in going from the 1+ to 10+ days and to the 25+ days threshold were minimal. Applying different frequency thresholds had the largest impact on other combustibles prevalence, with a 60% reduction with the 10+ days threshold and a 80% reduction with the 25+ days threshold, compared to the 1+ days threshold, followed by e-cigarettes with 40 and 60% reductions, respectively. The proportion of dual and polytobacco users decreased considerably when using the 10+ vs. the 1+ days threshold and polytobacco use was almost non-existent with the 25+ days threshold. Conclusion The estimated prevalence of each tobacco product use depends largely on the survey and frequency of use threshold adopted. The choice of survey and frequency threshold merits serious consideration when monitoring patterns of tobacco use.

A Comparison of Tobacco Product Prevalence by Different Frequency of Use Thresholds Across Three US Surveys

Background: With the increasing changes in tobacco use patterns, “current use” definition and the survey used may have important implications for monitoring population use trends. Methods: Using three US surveys (2014/15 TUS-CPS, NHIS and PATH), we compared the adult (age 18+) prevalence of four product groups (cigarettes, other combustibles, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes) based on three past 30-day frequency of use thresholds: 1+, 10+, and 25+ days. We also examined mutually exclusive single, dual, and polytobacco users as a percentage of total users for each product group. Results: Regardless of threshold or product, the prevalence was higher in PATH followed by NHIS and TUS-CPS, in some cases by large percentages. The differences in cigarette and smokeless tobacco use prevalence in going from the 1+ to 10+ days and to the 25+ days threshold were minimal. Applying different frequency thresholds had the largest impact on other combustibles prevalence, with a 60% reduction with the 10+ days threshold and a 80% reduction with the 25+ days threshold, compared to the 1+ days threshold, followed by e-cigarettes with 40% and 60% reductions, respectively. The proportion of dual and polytobacco users decreased considerably when using the 10+ vs. the 1+ days threshold and polytobacco use was almost non-existent with the 25+ days threshold. Conclusion: The estimated prevalence of each tobacco product use depends largely on the survey and frequency of use threshold adopted. The choice of survey and frequency threshold merits serious consideration when monitoring patterns of tobacco use.

Meridian-Specific and Post-Optical Deficits of Spatial Vision in Human Astigmatism: Evidences From Psycho-Physical and EEG Scalings

Previous studies have demonstrated that orientation-specific deprivation in early life can lead to neural deficits of spatial vision in certain space, and can even result in meridional amblyopia (MA). Individuals with astigmatism are the optimal and natural models for exploring this asymmetric development of spatial vision in the human visual system. This study aims to assess the contrast sensitivity function (CSF) and EEG signals along two principal meridians in participants with regular astigmatism when being optimal optical corrected. Twelve participants with astigmatism (AST group, 20 eyes) and thirteen participants with (MA group, 19 eyes) were recruited in the current study. CSFs and spatial sweep visual evoked potentials (sVEP) were measured with vertical and horizontal sinewave gratings along two principal meridians monocularly. Area under log CSF (AULCSF), spatial frequency threshold corresponding to 80% contrast gratings (SF threshold at 80% ctr), and CSF acuity were calculated from CSF test. In addition, sVEP amplitudes and thresholds were calculated with the recursive least square method. Participants with astigmatism exhibited marked vertical-horizontal resolution disparities even after they were corrected with optimal optical corrections. CSF tests showed that AULCSF along weak meridian (measured with horizontal gratings) was lower than that along strong meridian (measured with vertical gratings) in both groups. Significant meridional disparity of CSF acuity was also found in both groups. In addition, the MA group showed larger meridional disparity compared to the AST group. Spatial sVEP thresholds also supported the existence of marked meridional disparity. Our results suggest that meridian-specific partial deprivation in early life might lead to monocularly asymmetric development of spatial vision in the human visual system. In terms of application, we tested the feasibility and reliability of adopting psychophysical and EEG scalings to investigate the asymmetric development of spatial vision related to astigmatism. These paradigms are potentially applicable to reduce and even eliminate the meridional disparity in the primary visual cortex by adopting perceptual learning or other vision-related interventions.

Atmospheric river sectors: Definition and characteristics observed using dropsondes from 2014-2020 CalWater and AR Recon

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are responsible for intense winter rainfall events impacting the U.S.West Coast, and have been studied extensively during Cal-Water and AR Recon field programs (2014 - 2020). A unique set of 858 dropsondes deployed in lines transecting 33 ARs are analyzed, and integrated vapor transport (IVT) is used to define five regions: core, cold and warm sectors, and non-AR cold and warm sides. The core is defined as having at least 80 % of the maximum IVT in the transect. Remaining dropsondes with IVT > 250 kg m−1 s−1 are assigned to cold or warm sectors, and those outside of this threshold form non-AR sides. The mean widths of the three AR sectors are approximately 280 km. However, the core contains roughly 50 % of all the water vapor transport (i.e., the total IVT), while the others each contain roughly 25 %. A low-level jet occurs most often in the core and warm sector with mean maximum wind speeds of 28.3 and 21.7 m s−1, comparable to previous studies, although with heights approximately 300 m lower than previously reported. The core exhibits characteristics most favorable for adiabatic lifting to saturation by the California coastal range. On average, stability in the core is moist neutral, with considerable variability around the mean. A relaxed squared moist Brunt Väisälä frequency threshold shows ˜8 – 12 % of core profiles exhibiting near-moist neutrality. The vertical distribution of IVT, which modulates orographic precipitation, varied across AR sectors, with 75 % of IVT residing below 3115 m in the core.

Correlation of malondialdehyde and hearing threshold level at frequency 4000 Hz post gunshot exposure

Background: The incidence of acoustic trauma after gunshot exposure in students of the SekolahPolisi Negara (SPN) is quite high. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a compound that can portray oxidativestress due to free radicals. The correlation between the levels of MDA and the hearing threshold frequencypost gunshot exposure could be used as the base for administering antioxidants to prevent acoustictrauma. Objective: To find out the correlation between the levels of MDA and the hearing thresholdfrequency post gunshot exposure, in East Java SPN students. Method: An observational analytic studywith a retrospective cross sectional approach using secondary data of medical records of the East JavaSPN students batch 2017/2018. The samples were selected by simple random sampling. Result: Out of50 students, the mean of age was 19.62 years. All samples were male with mean 559.17 and standarddeviation (SD) 959.86. The calculation of the 4000 Hz frequency threshold value obtained an averagevalue of 31.52 and SD of 13.4. Hearing loss complaint was found in 1 student (2%). No complaints oftinnitus and vertigo were found. Statistical tests with Pearson correlation between serum MDA levels and4000 Hz frequency threshold values showed a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.74 and p = 0.00 (p<0.05).Conclusion: There was a significant correlation between MDA levels and the hearing threshold at 4000Hz frequency after gunshot exposure in East Java SPN students.Keywords: acoustic trauma, malondialdehyde, hearing threshold level at frequency 4000 HzABSTRAKLatar belakang: Insiden trauma akustik pasca pajanan letusan senjata api pada siswa Sekolah PolisiNegara (SPN) cukup tinggi. Malondialdehid (MDA) merupakan senyawa yang dapat menggambarkanstres oksidatif akibat radikal bebas. Adanya hubungan antara kadar MDA dengan nilai ambang dengarfrekuensi 4000 Hertz (Hz) dapat menjadi dasar pemberian antioksidan untuk pencegahan traumaakustik. Tujuan: Membuktikan hubungan antara kadar MDA dengan nilai ambang dengar frekuensi4000 Hz pasca pajanan letusan senjata api pada siswa SPN Jawa Timur. Metode: Penelitian ini adalahobservasional analitik dengan pendekatan retrospektif cross sectional menggunakan data sekunderberupa rekam medik siswa SPN Jawa Timur angkatan 2017/2018. Sampel dipilih secara simple random sampling. Hasil: Dari 50 siswa, usia rerata adalah 19,62 tahun. Seluruh sampel penelitian adalah laki-laki, rerata=559,17 dan standar deviasi (SD)=959,86. Penghitungan nilai ambang dengar frekuensi 4000 Hz didapatkan hasil nilai rerata=31,52 dan SD=13,4 Keluhan penurunan pendengaran hanya dijumpai pada 1 siswa (2%). Uji statistik dengan korelasi Pearson antara kadar MDA dalam serum dengan nilai ambang dengar frekuensi 4000 Hz didapatkan hasil koefisien korelasi (r) sebesar 0,74 dan p = 0,00 (p<0,05). Kesimpulan: Terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara kadar MDA dengan nilai ambang dengar frekuensi 4000 Hz pasca pajanan letusan senjata api pada siswa SPN Jawa Timur.Kata kunci: trauma akustik, malondialdehid, nilai ambang dengar frekuensi 4000 Hz

Resistance-Conferring Mutations on Whole-Genome Sequencing of Fluoroquinolone-resistant and -Susceptible Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates: A Proposed Threshold for Identifying Resistance

Background Fluoroquinolone resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is conferred by DNA gyrase mutations, but not all fluoroquinolone-resistant Mtb isolates have mutations detected. The optimal allele frequency threshold to identify resistance-conferring mutations by whole-genome sequencing is unknown. Methods Phenotypically ofloxacin-resistant and lineage-matched ofloxacin-susceptible Mtb isolates underwent whole-genome sequencing at an average coverage depth of 868 reads. Polymorphisms within the quinolone-resistance–determining region (QRDR) of gyrA and gyrB were identified. The allele frequency threshold using the Genome Analysis Toolkit pipeline was ~8%; allele-level data identified the predominant variant allele frequency and mutational burden (ie, sum of all variant allele frequencies in the QRDR) in gyrA, gyrB, and gyrA + gyrB for each isolate. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves assessed the optimal measure of allele frequency and potential thresholds for identifying phenotypically resistant isolates. Results Of 42 ofloxacin-resistant Mtb isolates, area under the ROC curve (AUC) was highest for predominant variant allele frequency, so that measure was used to evaluate optimal mutation detection thresholds. AUCs for 8%, 2.5%, and 0.8% thresholds were 0.8452, 0.9286, and 0.9069, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity were 69% and 100% for 8%, 86% and 100% for 2.5%, 91% and 91% for 0.8%. The sensitivity of the 2.5% and 0.8% thresholds were significantly higher than the 8% threshold (P = .016 and .004, respectively) but not significantly different between one another (P = .5). Conclusions A predominant mutation allele frequency threshold of 2.5% had the highest AUC for detecting DNA gyrase mutations that confer ofloxacin resistance, and was therefore the optimal threshold.

Genome-Wide Association Study Using Fix-Length Haplotypes and Network Analysis Revealed New Candidate Genes for Nematode Resistance and Body Weight in Blackface Lambs

The objectives of this study were to identify genomic regions by Bayesian methods (BayesA, BayesB, or BayesN) that fit fixed-length haplotypes or SNPs using GenSel. Covariates for haplo-type alleles of five lengths (125, 250, 500 kb, 1 or 2 Mb) were generated, and rare haplotypes were removed at three thresholds (1, 5, or 10%). Subsequently, we performed gene network analyses to investigate the biological processes shared by genes that were identified for the same across traits. Genotypes at 41,034 SNPs that were common on OvineSNP50 panel were phased for 751 Scottish Blackface (SBF) lambs. This is the first study to quantify the proportion of genetic variance using haplotypes across the whole genome in an SBF population. The genetic variance explained of haplotype-based GWAS was higher than that of SNP-based GWAS in across traits studied. In this population, fitting 500kb haplotypes with a 1% frequency threshold resulted in the highest proportion of genetic variance explained for nematode resistance and fitting 2Mb haplotypes with a 10% frequency threshold improved genetic variance explained for body weight comparable to fitting SNPs by BayesB. Candidate genes, including CXCR4, STAT4, CCL1, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL8, CCL16, CCL18, CARMIL2, and HSPA14 were identified for nematode resistance and ADH5, PPP3CA, and FABP4 for body weight traits. Network analysis provided annotation results linking to all identified candidate genes. This study supported previous results from GWAS of nematode resistance and body weight and revealed additional regions in the ovine genome associated with these economically important traits. These results suggest that network analysis can provide new information regarding biological mechanisms and genes leading to complex phenotypes, like nematode resistance and body weight of lamb.