bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Care Workers in English Care Homes: Managing Commodification, Motivations, and Caring Ideals
Authors: Daly Mary
Published: May 2023

This article explores the nature of paid caring labor, based on a study of paid care assistants in care homes for older people in England. Drawing from critical studies of work as well as perspectives on gender, care, and family, the aim is to see how the workers deliver care in their employment settings and consider the implications. The findings indicate that, in jobs which typically underpay and where the conditions of work are demanding, these workers are driven by ideals of “good care,” “good caring,” and “good carers.” Such ideals, which are as much personal as professional, sometimes force them to trade-off loyalty to residents and their own interests. One cannot understand the nature of paid care without understanding the workers who do it, and understanding the workers means reaching deep into familial, economic, and social structures that reproduce paid care as a commodified form of unpaid care.
Colonic mucin‐2 attenuates acute necrotizing pancreatitis in rats by modulating intestinal homeostasis
Authors: Huang Zehua , Wu Huimin , Fan Junjie , Mei Qixiang , Fu Yang , Yin Nuoming , Xu Binqiang , Luo Shengzheng , Li Baiwen , Ni Jianbo , Huang Chunlan , Hu Junjie , Zeng Yue
Published: May 2023

Mucin‐2 (MUC2) secreted by goblet cells participates in the intestinal barrier, but its mechanism in acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) remains unclear. In acute pancreatitis (AP) patients, the functions of goblet cells (MUC2, FCGBP, CLCA1, and TFF3) decreased, and MUC2 was negatively correlated with AP severity. ANP rats treated with pilocarpine (PILO) (PILO+ANP rats) to deplete MUC2 showed more serious pancreatic and colonic injuries, goblet cell dysfunction, gut dysbiosis, and bacterial translocation than those of ANP rats. GC‐MS analysis of feces showed that PILO+ANP rats had lower levels of butyric acid, isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, and hexanoic acid than those of ANP rats. The expression of MUC2 was associated with colonic injury and gut dysbiosis. All these phenomena could be relieved, and goblet cell functions were also partially reversed by MUC2 supplementation in ANP rats. TNF‐α‐treated colonoids had exacerbated goblet cell dysfunction. MUC2 expression was negatively correlated with the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β and IL‐6) (p < .05) and positively related to the expression of tight junction proteins (Claudin 1, Occludin, and ZO1) (p < .05). Downregulating MUC2 by siRNA increased the levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines in colonoids. MUC2 might maintain intestinal homeostasis to alleviate ANP.
Impact of Harm Reduction Treatment with or without Pharmacotherapy on Polysubstance Use among People Experiencing Homelessness and Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Mostofi Nicole , Collins Susan E.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

A prior randomized controlled trial showed behavioral harm reduction treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), or HaRT-A, was effective in improving alcohol outcomes and quality of life for people experiencing homelessness and AUD when provided with or without pharmacotherapy (ie, extended-release naltrexone). Because nearly 80% of the sample also reported baseline polysubstance use, this secondary study tested whether HaRT-A also positively impacted other substance use.

Methods

In the parent study, 308 adults with AUD and homelessness were randomized to receive HaRT-A plus intramuscular injections of 380-mg extended-release naltrexone (HaRT-A + extended-release naltrexone), HaRT-A plus placebo (HaRT-A + placebo), HaRT-A alone, or community-based services as usual (control). In this secondary study, we used random intercept models to detect changes in other substance use after exposure to any of the HaRT-A conditions. For less prevalent behaviors, outcomes included past-month use (cocaine, amphetamines/methamphetamines, opioids). For more prevalent behaviors (polysubstance, cannabis), outcomes were past-month use frequency.

Results

Compared with controls, participants who received HaRT-A showed significantly reduced 30-day frequency of cannabis use (incident rate ratio = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.40–0.86, P = 0.006) and polysubstance use (incident rate ratio = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.43–0.98, P = 0.040). No other significant changes were detected.

Conclusions

Compared with services as usual, HaRT-A is associated with reduced cannabis and polysubstance use frequency. The benefits of HaRT-A may thus extend beyond its impact on alcohol and quality of life outcomes to positively reshape overall substance use patterns. A randomized controlled trial is needed to further investigate the efficacy of such combined pharmacobehavioral harm reduction treatment for polysubstance use.
Influence of greater trochanteric starting point on distal anterior cortical perforation during antegrade femoral nailing
Authors: Megerian Mark F. , Schimizzi Gregory V. , Uppstrom Tyler J. , Nathan Karthik , Klinger Craig E. , Dziadosz Daniel R. , Ricci William M. , Campbell Sean T.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Distal anterior cortical perforation is 1 complication of antegrade femoral nailing. The effect of greater trochanteric (GT) starting points on cortical perforation risk has not been described in human femoral models. This study assessed the influence of sagittal plane starting point on rate of anterior cortical perforation using 3D CT-reconstructions of human femora. Secondarily, patient age and nail radius of curvature (ROC) were assessed as risk factors.

Methods:

CT scans of 53 patients (18 non-geriatric (<65 yr), 35 geriatric (>65 yr)) with non-fractured femora were converted into dynamic 3D-reconstructed renderings. Medullary nails from two manufacturers that differed in ROC were digitally templated in each femur from an anterior, central, and posterior ⅓ GT starting point. The rate of anterior cortical perforation and distance from the inner anterior cortex to the nail tip were recorded.

Results:

Perforation rate increased significantly as starting point moved from anterior (6%), to central (43%), to posterior (79%) regardless of patient age or implant manufacturer (P<0.001). On average, an anterior starting point positioned the nail tip furthest from the inner anterior cortex (5. mm), safely within the canal (P<0.001). Perforation rate was significantly increased in the geriatric versus non-geriatric population (47% vs. 34%) (P=0.028), and when using the nail with the larger versus smaller ROC (50% vs. 36%) (P=0.03).

Conclusion:

Distal nail sagittal alignment is sensitive to both patient and treatment factors. A posterior starting point, increased age (>65 yr), and increased implant ROC significantly increase risk for anterior cortical perforation of the distal femur.

Level of Evidence:

III
Evaluation of Genetic and Nongenetic Risk Factors for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Shlykov Maksim A. , Giles Erica M. , Kelly Michael P. , Lin Shiow J. , Pham Vy T. , Saccone Nancy L. , Yanik Elizabeth L.
Published: May 2023

Study Design.

Cohort study.

Objective.

We aimed to evaluate the associations of genetic and nongenetic factors with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM).

Summary of Background Data.

There is mounting evidence for an inherited predisposition for DCM, but uncertainty remains regarding specific genetic markers involved. Similarly, nongenetic factors are thought to play a role.

Materials and Methods.

Using diagnosis codes from hospital records linked to the UK Biobank cohort, patients with cervical spondylosis were identified followed by the identification of a subset with DCM. Nongenetic variables evaluated included age, sex, race, Townsend deprivation index, body mass index, occupational demands, osteoporosis, and smoking. Genome-wide association analyses were conducted using logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, population principal components, and follow-up.

Results.

A total of 851 DCM cases out of 2787 cervical spondylosis patients were identified. Several nongenetic factors were independently associated with DCM including age [odds ratio (OR)=1.11, 95% CI=1.01–1.21, P=0.024], male sex (OR=1.63, 95% CI=1.37–1.93, P<0.001), and relative socioeconomic deprivation (OR=1.03, 95% CI=1.00–1.06, P=0.030). Asian race was associated with lower DCM risk (OR=0.44, 95% CI=0.22–0.85, P=0.014). We did not identify genome-wide significant (≤5×10−8) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with DCM. The strongest genome-wide signals were at SNP rs67256809 in the intergenic region of the genes LINC02582 and FBXO15 on chromosome 18 (P=1.12×10−7) and rs577081672 in the GTPBP1 gene on chromosome 22 (P=2.9×10−7). No SNPs reported in prior DCM studies were significant after adjusting for replication attempts.

Conclusions.

Increasing age, male sex, and relative socioeconomic deprivation were identified as independent risk factors for DCM, whereas Asian race was inversely associated. SNPs of potential interest were identified in GTPBP1 and an intergenic region on chromosome 18, but these associations did not reach genome-wide significance. Identification of genetic and nongenetic DCM susceptibility markers may guide understanding of DCM disease processes, inform risk, guide prevention and potentially inform surgical outcomes.

Level of Evidence.

Prognostic level III.
Diagnosis and management of adult central nervous system leukemia
Authors: Liu Siyu , Wang Ying
Published: May 2023

Central nervous system leukemia (CNSL) is a prominent infiltration reason for therapy failing in acute leukemia. Recurrence rates and the prognosis have alleviated with current prophylactic regimens. However, the accurate stratification of relapse risk and treatment regimens for relapsed or refractory patients remain clinical challenges yet to be solved. Recently, with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cellular therapy showing encouraging effects in some CNSL patients, advances in treating CNSL have already been reported. The development of molecular targeted agents as well as antibody-based drugs will provide patients with more personalized treatment. This article summarized recent research developments about risk factors, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment in adults with CNSL.
Sarcoidosis Coexisting With Distinct Forms of Alopecia on the Scalp: A Case Series
Authors: Sode Titilola , Ogwumike Erica , Hosler Gregory A. , Khalid Imrana
Published: May 2023

Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic multisystem inflammatory disease that can affect virtually any part of the body. Often, it can initially present solely in the skin. Histologically, it is characterized by noncaseating, ‘naked’ granulomas in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Clinically, sarcoidosis is often referred to as a ‘mimicker’ of many other pathologic processes because of its wide array of presentations. Occasionally, sarcoidosis can present in the scalp as both a scarring and nonscarring alopecia. There are countless reports of sarcoidosis mimicking various other alopecias including acne keloidalis nuchae, discoid lupus erythematosus, frontal fibrosing alopecia, lichen planopilaris, and alopecia areata totalis. In this case series, we present 2 novel cases of sarcoidosis not just clinically mimicking other forms of alopecia but occurring in conjunction with a separate and histologically distinct primary alopecia.
Aplasia Cutis Congenita With Cutaneous Meningioma: A Rare Case
Authors: Huang Siqi , Huang Qiufeng , Dou Xia , Yu Bo , Tian Weiwei
Published: May 2023

Cutaneous meningioma, characterized by ectopic meningothelial cells in the dermis or subcutis, is a rare neoplasm. Generally, the most common location for cutaneous meningioma is the scalp. We report a case of cutaneous meningioma presenting as soft, light red, atrophic, and smooth patches with central blue spots. On histological examination, the tumor consisted largely of epithelioid cells, whorls, nests, and syncytial sheets of meningothelial cells. HMB-45, Melan-A, and S100 were negative; epithelial membrane antigen and somatostatin receptor 2 were positive. Ultimately, histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry results supported a diagnosis of cutaneous meningioma. In addition, dermal dysplasia was observed above the tumor, manifested by thinning of the dermis and loss of appendages. No abnormalities were found on brain magnetic resonance imaging. Cutaneous meningioma is an extremely rare tumor, and its manifestation as an atrophic patch is even rarer. There have been mainly clinical reports of cutaneous meningioma. This was a rare case of focal aplasia cutis congenita with cutaneous meningioma. For cutaneous meningioma to be diagnosed earlier, there needs to be greater public awareness about the condition.
Impact of Caring for Individuals With Heart Failure in the United States
Authors: Cheung Antoinette , Kuti Effie L. , Osenenko Katherine M. , Friesen Michael , Donato Bonnie M. K.
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Given the functional impairments and complex care routines associated with heart failure (HF), patients often rely on the support of informal caregivers. Although the importance of caregivers' roles is widely recognized, the intensity and time required for care duties may negatively impact caregiver health and well-being, potentially precipitating their own need for care.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to synthesize estimates of economic, clinical, burden, and health-related quality-of-life impact among caregivers of those with HF in the United States.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted to identify studies reporting estimates of caregiver impact. Abstract and full-text review as well as data extraction were performed according to established guidelines. Patient and caregiver characteristics were summarized, as well as estimates of impact of caring for those with HF.

RESULTS

From 3680 abstracts, 44 studies reporting caregiver burden estimates were included. Mean caregiver age ranged from 41.4 to 71.4 years; caregivers were primarily female (range, 49%–100%) and the patient's spouse/partner (21%–100%). Time spent caregiving (6 studies) ranged from 2 to 52 h/wk, and depression was identified in up to 40% of caregivers (9 studies). Numerous instruments were used to measure burden, which consistently documented the high impact of caregiving.

CONCLUSIONS

This review demonstrates the multifaceted impact of caregiving for patients with HF. Despite limited data, notable findings included the considerable burden to caregivers, variability in time spent caregiving, and frequent experience of depression among caregivers, possibly leading to increased healthcare resource use. Future research is needed to better characterize the caregiving impact in HF, including evaluating the drivers of burden.
Exercise Adherence in Older and Middle-Aged Adults With Coronary Artery Disease Before and During COVID-19
Authors: Graham Helen L. , Asakura Yuki , Kirby Jessica , Prue-Owens Kathy , Ma Jian
Published: May 2023

Background

Regular exercise is advised for individuals given a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. COVID-19 presented challenges to exercise adherence.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine long-term exercise adherence and whether individuals with cardiovascular disease adhered to American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Foundation guidelines before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This is an observational cross-sectional study in which men (73%) and women discharged from a multiwide hospital system after an acute coronary event were enrolled. Participants completed 3 questionnaires, including the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale.

Results

Five hundred eighty-two individuals (mean [SD] age, 67 [9.8] years) completed the survey. Fifty-three percent of participants met minimum exercise guidelines during COVID-19. Exercise days per week decreased significantly during COVID-19 in women (P = .013) but not significant for men (P = .301). Categorized by age, the decrease was significant for middle-aged women (P = .002), not older women (P = .336). Men exercised more minutes per session (P = .034), and had greater exercise adherence (P = .003) and greater exercise intensity (P < .001). Overall, women participated less in cardiac rehabilitation (P = .046) and reported the greatest disparity in exercise adherence and intensity.

Conclusion

Exercise after an acute event is beneficial, and the percentage of individuals meeting recommended guidelines should be higher considering the relationship between exercise and the possibility of future cardiac events. On the basis of the many physical and mental benefits of maintaining exercise, healthcare practitioners are encouraged to screen all patients for exercise adherence with a major emphasis on educating women and older adults.
An evaluation of nurse practitioner and physician assistant hiring patterns after implementation of the advanced practice registered nurse consensus model
Authors: Patel Esita , Burris Allison , Munn Lindsay T. , Broyhill Britney
Published: May 2023

The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Consensus Model was developed in 2008 by the APRN Consensus Work Group and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing APRN Advisory Committee. This model aims to improve access to APRN care through standardization of licensure, accreditation, certification, and education and has been adopted by many organizations throughout the United States. However, the Consensus Model is not a legislative document, and there is variation in adoption and implementation throughout states and organizations. Since the Consensus Model was developed, little is known about how this change has affected hiring practices for nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs). There are concerns that the model may place burdensome hiring constraints on NP hires, which could inadvertently lead to preferential hiring of PAs over NPs. We evaluated whether there was a significant association between the proportion of NPs versus PAs hired after the implementation of the APRN Consensus Model in 2017 in a large not-for-profit health system in North Carolina. Our study revealed no association between implementation of hiring practices to align with the APRN Consensus Model and preferential hiring of PAs over NPs.
Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica – to Biopsy or not to Biopsy? A Relook at The Rare Disease
Authors: Nair Avinash A. , Gupta Richa , Irodi Aparna , Ashwin Oliver A. , Chandran Divya , Thangakunam Balamugesh , James Prince
Published: May 2023

Background:

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TPO) is a rare idiopathic disease involving the tracheobronchial tree. It is mostly an incidental finding with non-specific clinical manifestations. It has typical bronchoscopic, radiological features and biopsy is usually considered non-essential. The study aimed to determine whether biopsy makes a difference in the management of patients.

Methods:

All patients diagnosed with TPO in our institution over 15 years (2005 to 2020) were included in this study. Their medical records, chest computed tomography (CT), and bronchoscopy reports were retrospectively reviewed, and data were analysed. All the CT images were reviewed by a senior chest radiologist.

Results:

From the 20,000 bronchoscopies and 260,000 CT thorax images obtained, 28 cases were diagnosed as TPO based on either bronchoscopy or radiology or both. Among the 19 cases diagnosed through bronchoscopy, 16 underwent a biopsy. In addition to TPO features, biopsy showed additional diagnoses in 6 cases. In 9 cases, TPO was not initially diagnosed by CT but by bronchoscopy. In 8 patients, TPO was diagnosed incidentally on CT performed for other reasons. On follow-up with the treatment of underlying/co-existing concomitant aetiologies, clinical improvement was noted in all patients. None of them progressed to respiratory failure or airway obstruction until the last follow-up.

Conclusion:

Among patients who underwent bronchoscopic biopsy of TPO lesions, 38% had biopsy results showing an alternative aetiology, which led to changes in the treatment plan for all these patients. Hence, a bronchoscopic biopsy of TPO lesions should be performed to rule out other aetiologies.
Incidence of Pneumonia, Related Hospitalization, and Mortality Among Younger Unvaccinated IBD Patients in a Nationwide Cohort
Authors: Khan Nabeel , Trivedi Chinmay , Shah Yash , Patel Manthankumar , Sundararajan Ramaswamy , Xie Dawei , Yang Yu-Xiao
Published: May 2023

Background and Goals:

Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is among the most common infections among Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients. Our aim was to determine the absolute and relative risk of CAP, related hospitalization, and death among younger (age < 65) unvaccinated IBD patients exposed and unexposed to immunosuppressive medications.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study among a nationwide cohort of younger IBD unvaccinated patients in the VAHS. Exposure was administration of any immunosuppressive medication. The primary outcome was the first occurrence of pneumonia; secondary outcomes being pneumonia related hospitalization and mortality. We reported event rate per 1000 person-years, hazard ratio, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each outcome.

Results:

Among a total of 26,707 patients, 513 patients developed pneumonia. Mean age in years (SD) was 51.67 (11.34) for the exposed and 45.91 (12.34) for the unexposed group. The overall crude incidence rate was 3.2 per 1000 patient-years (PYs) [4.04/1000 PYs in the exposed versus 1.45/1000 PYs in the unexposed]. The overall crude incidence rates for pneumonia-related-hospitalization and mortality 1.12 and 0.09 per 1000 PYs, respectively. In Cox regression, the exposed group was associated with an increased risk of pneumonia (AHR 2.85; 95% CI: 2.21 to 3.66, P < 0.001) and pneumonia-related-hospitalization (AHR 3.46; 95% CI: 2.20 to 5.43, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Overall incidence of CAP among younger unvaccinated IBD patients was 3.2 per 1000 PYs. The overall associated hospitalization rates were low, however, higher amongst those exposed to immunosuppressive medications. This data will help patients and physicians make informed decisions regarding pneumococcal vaccine recommendations.
The Navajo Nation Healthy Diné Nation Act: Community Support of a 2% Tax on Unhealthy Foods
Authors: Curley Caleigh , Eddie Regina , Tallis Kristen , Lane Taylor S. , Yazzie Del , Sanderson Priscilla R. , Lorts Cori , Shin Sonya , Behrens Timothy K. , George Carmen , Antone-Nez Ramona , Ashley Christine , de Heer Hendrik D.
Published: May 2023

Context:

The Healthy Diné Nation Act (HDNA) of 2014 included a 2% tax on foods of little-to-no-nutritious value (“junk foods”) on the Navajo Nation. The law was the first ever in the United States and any Indigenous nation worldwide with a population at a high risk for common nutrition-related conditions. To date, research on community support for food tax legislation among Indigenous nations is entirely lacking.

Objective:

To assess the extent of support for the HDNA and factors associated with support including sociodemographic variables, knowledge of the HDNA, nutrition intake, and pricing preferences.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting:

The Navajo Nation.

Participants:

A total of 234 Navajo Nation community members across 21 communities.

Outcome Measures:

The percentage of participants who were supportive of the HDNA.

Results:

Participants were 97% Navajo, on average middle-aged, 67% reported an income below $25 000 annually, and 69.7% were female. Half of the respondents said they “support” (37.4%) or “strongly support” (13.0%) the tax, while another 35% of people said they were neutral or somewhat supportive; 15% did not support the tax. Participants with higher income (P = .025) and education (P = .026) and understanding of the legislation (P < .001 for “very well” vs “not at all”) had increased odds of greater support, as did people who believed that the HDNA would make Navajo people healthier (vs not, P < .001). Age, gender, language, and reported nutrition intake (healthy or unhealthy) were not associated with HDNA support, but participants willing to pay 5% or 12%-15% higher prices for fast food and soda had increased odds of greater support (P values range from .023 to <.001).

Conclusions:

The majority of Navajo community members surveyed were moderately supportive of the Navajo Nation tax on unhealthy foods. Higher income and education and understanding of the law were associated with greater support, but nutrition intake was not.
Diagnosis and Management of Craniofacial Osteomas
Authors: Langlie Jake A. , Hullfish Haley , Jabori Sinan K. , Thaller Seth R.
Published: May 2023

Importance:

Osteoid osteomas are benign bony overgrowths that can occur in any region of the body. However, they have a predilection to occur in the craniofacial region. Because of the rarity of this entity, there is a lack of literature detailing the management and prognosis of craniofacial osteoid osteomas.

Observations:

Craniofacial osteomas have a predilection to involve the paranasal sinuses, but can also be found within the jaw, skull base, and facial bones. Because of their slow-growing nature, craniofacial osteomas are often incidentally discovered on routine imaging or after they compress nearby structures or distort nearby anatomy. Osteoid osteomas of the face can be treated with resection via various approaches. Recent advancements describe minimally invasive endoscopic techniques and adjuvant therapy with radiofrequency ablation guided by cone biopsy computed tomography. Osteoid osteomas have an excellent prognosis with complete resection. They demonstrate a low incidence of recurrence when compared with other osteoblastic lesions of the craniofacial structures.

Conclusions and Relevance:

Craniofacial osteoid osteomas remain a developing topic within the field of craniofacial surgery. Their removal may be trending toward minimally invasive techniques. However, all treatment modalities appear to result in improved cosmetic outcomes and low recurrence rates.
Krüppel-homologue 1regulates the development ofTuta absolutaand its cascade regulation pattern in the juvenile hormone signalling pathway
Authors: Wang Xiaodi , Bi Siyan , Tang Yanhong , Zhang Guifen , Huang Cong , Wan Fanghao , Lü Zhichuang , Liu Wanxue
Published: May 2023

Tomato leaf miner,Tuta absoluta(Meyrick), is one of the most destructive quarantine pests globally. It has been confirmed thatKrüppel-homologue 1(kr-h1) plays a key role in the regulation of juvenile hormone (JH). However, it is unclear howkr-h1regulates the synthesis of JH and its cascade regulation pattern in tomato leaf miner. Here, we obtained the six JH signalling genes (kr-h1,Methoprene-tolerant,Forkhead box O,Juvenile acid methyltransferase,Juvenile hormone esteraseandFatty acid synthase 2), and applied RNA interference to explore the role ofkr-h1and the seven genes (plusVitellogenin) regulation relationship inT. absoluta. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the structural characteristics of kr-h1 protein and JH receptor Met, which contained eight C2H2 zinc finger structures and three typical domains of the bHLH-PAS family, respectively. The expression levels ofMetandVgwere upregulated after RNAi ofkr-h1gene, while the gene levels ofJHAMTandFAS2were downregulated. Furthermore, topical application of JH analogue to second instar larvae could induce the expression ofkr-h1and inhibit the expression ofMet. Our study reveals the mechanism by whichkr-h1regulates JH pathway genes, which could be applied to control the growth of tomato leaf miners.
Utilizing the state of environmental DNA (eDNA) to incorporate time-scale information into eDNA analysis
Authors: Jo Toshiaki S.
Published: May 2023

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis allows cost-effective and non-destructive biomonitoring with a high detection sensitivity in terrestrial and aquatic environments. However, the eDNA results can sometimes include false-positive inferences of target organisms owing to the detection of aged eDNA that has long since been released from the individual and is more likely to be detected at a site further away from its source. In order to address the issue, this manuscript focuses on the state of eDNA, proposing new methodologies to estimate the age of eDNA: (1) DNA damage rate, (2) eDNA particle size distribution, and (3) viable cell-derived eDNA. In addition, the manuscript also focuses on the shorter persistence of environmental RNA (eRNA) compared with eDNA, highlighting the application of eRNA and environmental nucleic acid ratio for assessing the age of the genetic materials in water. Although substantial further research is essential to support the feasibility of these methodologies, incorporating time-scale information into eDNA analysis would update current eDNA analysis, improve the accuracy and reliability of eDNA-based monitoring, and further refine eDNA analysis as a useful monitoring tool in ecology, fisheries and various environmental sciences.
Genotypic Characterization of Urinary Tract Infections causing bacteria isolates among Adults at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital, Kenya: Selected Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase genes and Biofilm Formation
Authors: Wanja Fredrick Kimunya , Omwenga Eric Omori , Ngugi Caroline Wangare , Maina John Ndemi , Kiiru John Ndemi
Published: May 2023

The menace of antimicrobial resistance to public health is constantly arising globally. Many pathogenic bacteria use mechanisms such as mutations and biofilm formation, significantly reducing antimicrobial agents' efficacy. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of selected extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESβLs) genes and analyze the biofilm formation abilities of the isolated bacteria causing urinary tract infection among adult patients seeking Medicare at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital, Kenya. The double-disk synergy test was used for phenotypic identification of ESβLs producing isolates, while microtiter plate assays with some modifications were used for the biofilm formation test. A total of 10 isolates were bioassayed for ESβL genes presence out of 57 bacteria isolates obtained from urine samples. This study found the blaTEM genes to be the most prevalent ESβLs type (100%), followed by blaOXA and blaSHV genes at 40% and 30%, respectively. In addition, the co-carriage of blaTEM and blaSHV was 50% lower than that of blaTEM + blaOXA genes at 66.7% among the study E. coli isolates. Biofilm formation was positive in 36 out of the 57 isolates tested (63.2%), with most being Gram-negative (69.4%). E. coli 15 (41.7 %), Klebsiella sp. 7(19.4%) and S. aureus 7(19.4%) were the dominant biofilm formers. However, there was no significant difference in biofilm formation among all tested isolates, with all isolates recording p-values above 0.05. In light of these findings, biofilm formation potential coupled with antimicrobial resistance genes in UTI isolates could likely be difficult to treat infections.
Baekduia alba sp. nov., a novel representative of the order Solirubrobacterales isolated from temperate grassland soil
Authors: Vieira Selma , Huber Katharina J. , Geppert Alicia , Wolf Jacqueline , Neumann-Schaal Meina , Müsken Mathias , Overmann Jörg
Published: May 2023

Strain 0141_2T was isolated from a temperate grassland soil in Germany and was found to be affiliated with the order

Solirubrobacterales

. It is most closely related to

Baekduia soli

BR7-21T, with 98.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Cells are rod-shaped, non-motile, stain Gram-positive and can have multiple vesicles in the cell surface. Polyhydroxybutyrate is accumulated within the cells. Catalase- and oxidase-positive. It is a mesophilic aerobe and grows best around neutral to slightly acidic pH in R2A medium. The major fatty acids are C18 : 1
 ω9c, iso-C16 : 0, C18 : 0, C16 : 0, C16 : 1
 ω7c and C17 : 1
 ω8c. Diphosphatidylglycerol is present. The predominant respiratory quinone is MK-7(H4). Meso-diaminopimelic acid is the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The G+C content of genomic DNA is 72.9 mol%. Based on the results of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, genomic and phylogenetic analysis, we propose the novel species Baekduia alba sp. nov. with the type strain 0141_2T (=DSM 104299T=LMG 30000T=CECT 9239T).
Diet, pace of biological aging, and risk of dementia in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Thomas Aline , Ryan Calen P , Caspi Avshalom , Moffitt Terrie E. , Sugden Karen , Zhou Jiayi , Belsky Daniel W. , Gu Yian
Published: May 2023

INTRODUCTION

We tested the hypothesis that healthy diet protects against dementia because it slows the pace of biological aging.

METHODS

We analyzed Framingham Offspring Cohort data (≥60y). We measured healthy diet using the Dietary Guideline for Americans (DGA, 3 visits 1991-2008), pace of aging using the DunedinPACE epigenetic clock (2005-2008), and incident dementia and mortality using records (compiled 2005-2018).

RESULTS

Of n=1,525 included participants (mean age 69.7, 54% female), n=129 developed dementia and n=432 died over follow-up. Greater DGA adherence was associated with slower DunedinPACE and reduced risks for dementia and mortality. Slower DunedinPACE was associated with reduced risks for dementia and mortality. Slower DunedinPACE accounted for 15% of the DGA association with dementia and 39% of the DGA association with mortality.

DISCUSSION

Findings suggest that slower pace of aging mediates part of the relationship of healthy diet with reduced dementia risk. Monitoring pace of aging may inform dementia prevention.
Trends across time in socioeconomic differences in body mass index: a comparison of population and individual-level approaches
Authors: Wright Liam , Staatz Charis Bridger , Silverwood Richard J , Bann David
Published: May 2023

Background

Socioeconomic differences in body mass index (BMI) have widened alongside the obesity epidemic. However, the utility of socioeconomic position (SEP) indicators at the individual level remains uncertain, as does the potential temporal variation in their predictive value. Examining this is important in light of the increasing incorporation of SEP indicators into predictive algorithms and the possibility that SEP has become a more important predictor of BMI over time. We thus investigated SEP differences in BMI over three decades of the obesity epidemic in England and compared population-wide (SEP group differences in mean BMI) and individual-level (out-of-sample prediction of individuals’ BMI) approaches.

Methods

We used repeated cross-sectional data from the Health Survey for England, 1991-2019. BMI (kg/m2) was measured objectively, and SEP was measured via educational attainment and neighborhood index of deprivation (IMD). We ran random forest models for each survey year and measure of SEP adjusting for age and sex.

Results

The mean and variance of BMI increased within each SEP group over the study period. Mean differences in BMI by SEP group also increased across time: differences between lowest and highest education groups were 1.0 kg/m2(0.4, 1.6) in 1991 and 1.5 kg/m2(0.9, 1.8) in 2019. At the individual level, the predictive capacity of SEP was low, though increased in later years: including education in models improved predictive accuracy (mean absolute error) by 0.14% (−0.9, 1.08) in 1991 and 1.06% (0.17, 1.84) in 2019. Similar patterns were obtained when analyzing obesity, specifically.

Conclusion

SEP has become increasingly important at the population (group difference) and individual (prediction) levels. However, predictive ability remains low, suggesting limited utility of including SEP in prediction algorithms. Assuming links are causal, abolishing SEP differences in BMI could have a large effect on population health but would neither reverse the obesity epidemic nor explain the vast majority of individual differences in BMI.
Guided antiplatelet therapy with P2Y12 antagonists in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: 3 systematic reviews with meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials with homogeneous design
Authors: Birocchi Simone , Rocchetti Matteo , Minardi Alessandro , Podda Gian Marco , Squizzato Alessandro , Cattaneo Marco
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT

Background

Conflicting results were reported by randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exploring guided therapy (GT) with anti-P2Y12 drugs in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Meta-analyses of RCTs failed to clearly identify what GT strategy, if any, is effective, because they lumped together RCTs with heterogeneous designs, comparing either genotype-GT or platelet function test (PFT)-GT with unguided standard therapy. Some meta-analysis also included RCTs that did not actually explore GT, but tested the effects of switching patients with high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) to alternative therapies (HTPR-Therapy), rather than comparing GT with unguided standard therapy. We performed 3 distinct systematic reviews with meta-analyses, each exploring only RCTs with homogeneous design.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase and Central databases were searched for RCTs testing genotype-GT, PFT-GT or HTPR-Therapy in PCI-treated patients, through October 1st2022. Two reviewers extracted the data. Risk ratios (RR) (95% confidence intervals) were calculated. Primary outcomes were major bleedings (MB) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Results

In 7 genotype-GT RCTs, RR were: MB, 1.06 (0.73–1.54; p=0.76); MACE, 0.64 (0.45–0.91; p=0.01), but significant risk reduction was observed only in RCTs performed in China (0.30, 0.16-0.54; p<0.0001) and not elsewhere (0.74, 0.46-1.18; p=0.21). In 6 PFT-GT RCTs, RR were: MB, 0.91 (0.64-1.28, p=0.58); MACE, 0.82 (0.5 –1.19; p=0.30): 0.62 (0.42-0.93; p=0.02) in China, 1.08 (0.82-1.41; p=0.53) elsewhere. In 8 HTPR-Therapy RCTs, RR were: MB, 0.71 (0.41-1.23; p=0.22); MACE, 0.57 (0.44–0.75; p<0.0001): 0.56 (0.43-0.74, p<0.0001) in China, 0.58 (0.27-1.23, p=0.16) elsewhere.

Conclusion

No GT strategy affected MB. Genotype-GT but not PFT-GT reduced MACE; subgroup analysis revealed that genotype-GT and PFT-GT reduced MACE in China, but not elsewhere. PFT-GT (which analyzed both patients with and without HTPR) performed poorly compared to HTPR-Therapy (which analyzed HTPR patients only), likely due to inaccurate identification of HTPR patients by PFTs. PROSPERO registration: CRD42022362739.
Oxidation-reduction imaging of myoglobin unveils two-phase oxidation in the reperfused myocardium
Authors: Badawi Sally , Leboullenger Clémence , Chourrout Matthieu , Gouriou Yves , Paccalet Alexandre , Pillot Bruno , Augeul Lionel , Bolbos Radu , Bongiovani Antonino , Mewton Nathan , Bochaton Thomas , Ovize Michel , Tardivel Meryem , Kurdi Mazen , Canet-Soulas Emmanuelle , Crola Da Silva Claire , Bidaux Gabriel
Published: May 2023

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a serious cardiovascular problem that causes myocardial injury due to blood flow obstruction to a specific myocardial area. Under ischemic-reperfusion settings, a burst of reactive oxygen species is generated, leading to redox imbalance that could be attributed to several molecules, including myoglobin. Myoglobin is dynamic and exhibits various oxidation-reduction states that have been a subject of attention in the food industry, specifically for meat consumers. However, rarely if ever, have the myoglobin optical properties been used to understand the pathology of MI. In the current study, we develop a novel imaging pipeline that integrates tissue clearing, confocal and light sheet fluorescence microscopy, combined with imaging analysis, and processing tools to investigate and characterize the oxidation-reduction states of myoglobin in the ischemic area of the myocardium post-MI. Using spectral imaging, we have characterized the endogenous fluorescence of the myocardium and demonstrated that it aligns with the spectral profile of myoglobin. Under ischemia-reperfusion experimental settings, we report that the infarcted myocardium spectral signature is similar to that of oxidized myoglobin signal that peaks 3 hours post-reperfusion and decreases with cardioprotection. These results were correlated with MI measurements by Late Gadolinium Enhancement MRI. In conclusion, this seminal work suggests that the redox state of myoglobin can be used as a promising imaging biomarker for characterizing and estimating the size of the MI during early phases of reperfusion.
A non-image-forming visual circuit mediates the innate fear of heights
Authors: Shang Wei , Xie Shuangyi , Feng Wenbo , Li Zhuangzhuang , Jia Jingyan , Cao Xiaoxiao , Shen Yanting , Li Jing , Shi Haibo , Gu Yiran , Weng Shi-Jun , Lin Longnian , Pan Yi-Hsuan , Yuan Xiao-Bing
Published: May 2023

The neural basis of fear of heights remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the fear response to heights in mice and observed characteristic aversive behaviors resembling human height vertigo. We identified visual input as a critical factor in mouse reactions to heights, while peripheral vestibular input was found to be nonessential for fear of heights. Unexpectedly, we found that fear of heights in naïve mice does not rely on image-forming visual processing by the primary visual cortex. Instead, a subset of neurons in the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN), which connects to the lateral/ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (l/vlPAG), drives the expression of fear associated with heights. Additionally, we observed that a subcortical visual pathway linking the superior colliculus to the lateral posterior thalamic nucleus inhibits the defensive response to height threats. These findings highlight a rapid fear response to heights threat through a subcortical visual and defensive pathway from the vLGN to the l/vlPAG.
MESSES: Software for Transforming Messy Research Datasets into Clean Submissions to Metabolomics Workbench for Public Sharing
Authors: Thompson P. Travis , Moseley Hunter N.B.
Published: May 2023

In recent years, the FAIR guiding principles and the broader concept of open science has grown in importance in academic research, especially as funding entities have aggressively promoted public sharing of research products. Key to public research sharing is deposition of datasets into online data repositories; but it can be a chore to transform messy unstructured data into the forms required by these repositories. To help generate Metabolomics Workbench depositions, we have developed the MESSES software package, implemented in the Python 3 programming language, and supported on Linux, Windows, and Mac operating systems. MESSES helps transform tabular data from multiple sources into a Metabolomics Workbench specific deposition format. The package provides three commands, extract, validate, and convert, that implement a natural data transformation workflow. Moreover, MESSES facilitates richer metadata capture than is typically attempted by manual efforts. The source code and extensive documentation is hosted on GitHub (https://github.com/MoseleyBioinformaticsLab/MESSES) and is also available on the Python Package Index (https://pypi.org/project/messes) for easy installation.
Direct Entorhinal Control of CA1 Temporal Coding
Authors: Guardamagna Matteo , Chadney Oscar , Stella Federico , Zhang Qiangwei , Kentros Clifford , Battaglia Francesco P.
Published: May 2023

During behavior, hippocampal neurons fire in consistent theta sequences, organized by the theta rhythm, which have been linked to predictive coding of future actions. The mechanisms of sequence generation are yet unclear, but in the hippocampal CA1 subfield, are thought to involve both major input streams into CA1 neurons, from CA3 pyramidal neurons and directly from entorhinal cortex. We disentangled the role of these two afferent input with highly specific optogenetic inhibition limited to the direct entorhinal afferents of CA1, thereby leaving the rest of the hippocampal-entorhinal circuit intact. While CA1 spatial firing properties were largely unaffected, theta phase precession was largely abolished. Surprisingly, while theta phase precession is thought to generate theta sequences, theta sequences were actually strengthened when it was suppressed. These results suggest that sequence generation is internal to the hippocampus, while the entorhinal inputs may act as a supervisory signal driving learning and representational updates.
14-3-3 phosphorylation inhibits 14-3-3θ’s ability to regulate LRRK2 kinase activity
Authors: Pattanayak Rudradip , Petit Chad M. , Yacoubian Talene A.
Published: May 2023

LRRK2 mutations are among the most common genetic causes for Parkinson’s disease (PD), and toxicity is associated with increased kinase activity. 14-3-3 proteins are key interactors that regulate LRRK2 kinase activity. Phosphorylation of the 14-3-3θ isoform at S232 is dramatically increased in human PD brains. Here we investigate the impact of 14-3-3θ phosphorylation on its ability to regulate LRRK2 kinase activity. Both wildtype and the non-phosphorylatable S232A 14-3-3θ mutant reduced the kinase activity of wildtype and G2019S LRRK2, whereas the phosphomimetic S232D 14-3-3θ mutant had minimal effects on LRRK2 kinase activity, as determined by measuring autophosphorylation at S1292 and T1503 and Rab10 phosphorylation. However, wildtype and both 14-3-3θ mutants similarly reduced the kinase activity of the R1441G LRRK2 mutant. 14-3-3θ phosphorylation did not promote global dissociation with LRRK2, as determined by co-immunoprecipitation and proximal ligation assays. 14-3-3s interact with LRRK2 at several phosphorylated serine/threonine sites, including T2524 in the C-terminal helix, which can fold back to regulate the kinase domain. Interaction between 14-3-3θ and phosphorylated T2524 LRRK2 was important for 14-3-3θ’s ability to regulate kinase activity, as wildtype and S232A 14-3-3θ failed to reduce the kinase activity of G2019S/T2524A LRRK2. Molecular modeling showed that 14-3-3θ phosphorylation causes a partial rearrangement of its canonical binding pocket, thus affecting the interaction between 14-3-3θ and the C-terminus of LRRK2. We conclude that 14-3-3θ phosphorylation destabilizes the interaction of 14-3-3θ with LRRK2 at T2524, which consequently promotes LRRK2 kinase activity.
Genomic insights into clonal diversity in UK populations of the Potato aphid,Macrosiphum euphorbiae
Authors: Whitehead Mark , Karley Alison , Darby Alistair
Published: May 2023

The potato aphidMacrosiphum euphorbiaeis one of many polyphagous crop pests involved in the transmission of insect-vectored pathogens. While their North American counterparts reproduce via cyclical parthenogenesis, UK populations ofM. euphorbiae appearto persist asexually, resulting in the maintenance of several genotypes, with some demonstrating genotype-specific traits; this includes innate resistance to parasitism from the hymenopterous parasitoid waspAphidius ervi. The genetic and molecular basis for genotype-specific traits is often unknown. Here we present a chromosome scale assembly for a parasitoid-resistant clonal line ofM. euphorbiaeand provide insights into the genotypic composition and distribution of UK potato aphid populations using microsatellite and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) techniques, focusing on geographically separated potato crops within two distinct areas of the UK (Merseyside and Tayside). We show that the genome consists of five chromosomal blocks, has a total size of 560 Mbp and is highly complete based on BUSCO (C: 95.6%). The sampled potato aphid populations were dominated by two genotypes, one of which is absent from commercial farm settings, suggesting either an intolerance to farming practices, such as insecticide use, or a broader host range. We suggest some putative gene functions using WGS data to explain the observed frequency of aphid genotypes. WGS data highlighted the asexual clonal lifestyle ofM. euphorbiae genotypesin the UK, resolving individuals to a higher resolution than using microsatellite data. The work presented here will provide useful information for integrated pest management of potato aphids, elaborating on the relationship between genotype diversity and functional traits such as parasitism and insecticide resistance, and host plant use, as well as providing more resources for further comparative genomics studies within the Aphididae.