bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lick Observatory Supernova Search follow-up program: photometry data release of 93 Type Ia supernovae
Authors: Stahl Benjamin E , Zheng WeiKang , de Jaeger Thomas , Filippenko Alexei V , Bigley Andrew , Blanchard Kyle , Blanchard Peter K , Brink Thomas G , Cargill Samantha K , Casper Chadwick , Channa Sanyum , Choi Byung Yun , Choksi Nick , Chu Jason , Clubb Kelsey I , Cohen Daniel P , Ellison Michael , Falcon Edward , Fazeli Pegah , Fuller Kiera , Ganeshalingam Mohan , Gates Elinor L , Gould Carolina , Halevi Goni , Hayakawa Kevin T , Hestenes Julia , Jeffers Benjamin T , Joubert Niels , Kandrashoff Michael T , Kim Minkyu , Kim Haejung , Kislak Michelle E , Kleiser Io , Kong Jason J , de Kouchkovsky Maxime , Krishnan Daniel , Kumar Sahana , Leja Joel , Leonard Erin J , Li Gary Z , Li Weidong , Lu Philip , Mason Michelle N , Molloy Jeffrey , Pina Kenia , Rex Jacob , Ross Timothy W , Stegman Samantha , Tang Kevin , Thrasher Patrick , Wang Xianggao , Wilkins Andrew , Yuk Heechan , Yunus Sameen , Zhang Keto
Published: October 2019

We present BVRI and unfiltered light curves of 93 Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) from the Lick Observatory Supernova Search (LOSS) follow-up program conducted between 2005 and 2018. Our sample consists of 78 spectroscopically normal SNe Ia, with the remainder divided between distinct subclasses (3 SN 1991bg-like, 3 SN 1991T-like, 4 SNe Iax, 2 peculiar, and 3 super-Chandrasekhar events), and has a median redshift of 0.0192. The SNe in our sample have a median coverage of 16 photometric epochs at a cadence of 5.4 d, and the median first observed epoch is ∼4.6 d before maximum B-band light. We describe how the SNe in our sample are discovered, observed, and processed, and we compare the results from our newly developed automated photometry pipeline to those from the previous processing pipeline used by LOSS. After investigating potential biases, we derive a final systematic uncertainty of 0.03 mag in BVRI for our data set. We perform an analysis of our light curves with particular focus on using template fitting to measure the parameters that are useful in standardizing SNe Ia as distance indicators. All of the data are available to the community, and we encourage future studies to incorporate our light curves in their analyses.
Theoretical transition probabilities, radiative lifetimes and Stark broadening parameters of singly ionized magnesium
Authors: Moreno-Díaz C , Alonso-Medina A
Published: October 2019

The presence of spectral lines of singly ionized magnesium (Mg ii) in stellar atmospheres has been reported in different stars. Recently, the low-resolution spectrum obtained from Supernova 2014 J in M82, in which Mg ii absorption lines centred on 4400 Å as well as 7600 Å stand out, has been analysed. This is the motive for the atomic data calculations in this work, which are of much interest in the astrophysical area. In this article, ab initio relativistic Hartree–Fock calculations in an intermediate coupling formalism using Cowan’s code allowed us to obtain the required transition probabilities to calculate the theoretical radiative lifetimes for excited nS−, nP−, nD− and nF− states of singly ionized magnesium. An asymptotic dependence of lifetime (τnl) on the effective principal quantum number (n*) has been determined. Also, the Griem semi-empirical approach was used to obtain the theoretical Stark parameters (width and shift) of spectral lines; these data are displayed for an electron density of 1017 cm−3 and temperatures T = 10–100 (×103 K). We have compared the results of lifetimes for 16 levels and Stark parameters for seven spectral lines with previously reported experiments available in the literature. Finally, we discuss the behaviour of the Stark parameters versus temperature for three relevant spectral lines (2802.70, 2797.99 and 7868.04 Å).
Observational constraints of a new unified dark fluid and the H0 tension
Authors: Yang Weiqiang , Pan Supriya , Paliathanasis Andronikos , Ghosh Subir , Wu Yabo
Published: October 2019

Unified cosmological models have received a lot of attention in astrophysics community for explaining both the dark matter and dark energy evolution. The Chaplygin cosmologies, a well-known name in this group have been investigated matched with observations from different sources. Obviously, Chaplygin cosmologies have to obey restrictions in order to be consistent with the observational data. As a consequence, alternative unified models, differing from Chaplygin model, are of special interest. In the present work, we consider a specific example of such a unified cosmological model, that is quantified by only a single parameter μ, that can be considered as a minimal extension of the Λ-cold dark matter cosmology. We investigate its observational boundaries together with an analysis of the universe at large scale. Our study shows that at early time the model behaves like a dust, and as time evolves, it mimics a dark energy fluid depicting a clear transition from the early decelerating phase to the late cosmic accelerating phase. Finally, the model approaches the cosmological constant boundary in an asymptotic manner. We remark that for the present unified model, the estimations of H0 are slightly higher than its local estimation and thus alleviating the H0 tension.
Two-index model for characterizing site-specific night sky brightness patterns
Authors: Kocifaj Miroslav , Bará Salvador
Published: October 2019

The determination of the all-sky radiance distribution produced by artificial light sources is a computationally demanding task that generally requires intensive calculations. In this paper, we develop an analytical formulation that provides the all-sky radiance distribution produced by an artificial light source as an explicit and analytical function of the observation direction, depending on two single parameters that characterize the overall effects of the atmosphere. One of these parameters is related to the effective attenuation of the light beams, whereas the other accounts for the overall asymmetry of the combined scattering processes in molecules and aerosols. Using this formulation, a wide range of all-sky radiance distributions can be efficiently and accurately calculated in a short time. This substantial reduction in the number of required parameters, in comparison with other approaches that are currently used, is expected to facilitate the development of new applications in the field of light pollution research.
Spatially resolved signature of quenching in star-forming galaxies
Authors: Quai Salvatore , Pozzetti Lucia , Moresco Michele , Citro Annalisa , Cimatti Andrea , Brinchmann Jarle , Gunawardhana Madusha L P , Paalvast Mieke
Published: October 2019

Understanding when, how, and where star formation ceased (quenching) within galaxies is still a critical subject in galaxy evolution studies. Taking advantage of the new methodology developed by Quai et al. to select recently quenched galaxies, we explored the spatial information provided by the IFU data to get critical insights on this process. In particular, we analyse 10 SDSS-IV MaNGA galaxies that show regions with low [O iii]/H α compatible with a recent quenching of the star formation. We compare the properties of these 10 galaxies with those of a control sample of 8 MaNGA galaxies with ongoing star formation in the same stellar mass, redshift, and gas-phase metallicity range. The quenching regions found are located between 0.5 and 1.1 effective radii from the centre. This result is supported by the analysis of the average radial profile of the ionization parameter, which reaches a minimum at the same radii, while the one of the star-forming sample shows an almost flat trend. These quenching regions occupy a total area between ∼ 15 and 45 per cent of our galaxies. Moreover, the average radial profile of the star formation rate surface density of our sample is lower and flatter than that of the control sample, at any radii, suggesting a systematic suppression of the star formation in the inner part of our galaxies. Finally, the radial profiles of gas-phase metallicity of the two samples have a similar slope and normalization. Our results cannot be ascribed to a difference in the intrinsic properties of the analysed galaxies, suggesting a quenching scenario more complicated than a simple inside-out quenching.
Additional Layer of Regulation via Convergent Gene Orientation in Yeasts
Authors: Gilet Jules , Conte Romain , Torchet Claire , Benard Lionel , Lafontaine Ingrid
Published: October 2019

Convergent gene pairs can produce transcripts with complementary sequences. We had shown that mRNA duplexes form in vivo in Saccharomyces cerevisiae via interactions of mRNA overlapping 3′-ends and can lead to posttranscriptional regulatory events. Here we show that mRNA duplex formation is restricted to convergent genes separated by short intergenic distance, independently of their 3′-untranslated region (UTR) length. We disclose an enrichment in genes involved in biological processes related to stress among these convergent genes. They are markedly conserved in convergent orientation in budding yeasts, meaning that this mode of posttranscriptional regulation could be shared in these organisms, conferring an additional level for modulating stress response. We thus investigated the mechanistic advantages potentially conferred by 3′-UTR mRNA interactions. Analysis of genome-wide transcriptome data revealed that Pat1 and Lsm1 factors, having 3′-UTR binding preference and participating to the remodeling of messenger ribonucleoprotein particles, bind differently these messenger-interacting mRNAs forming duplexes in comparison to mRNAs that do not interact (solo mRNAs). Functionally, messenger-interacting mRNAs show limited translational repression upon stress. We thus propose that mRNA duplex formation modulates the regulation of mRNA expression by limiting their access to translational repressors. Our results thus show that posttranscriptional regulation is an additional factor that determines the order of coding genes.
Along the Indian Ocean Coast: Genomic Variation in Mozambique Provides New Insights into the Bantu Expansion
Authors: Semo Armando , Gayà-Vidal Magdalena , Fortes-Lima Cesar , Alard Bérénice , Oliveira Sandra , Almeida João , Prista António , Damasceno Albertino , Fehn Anne-Maria , Schlebusch Carina , Rocha Jorge
Published: October 2019

The Bantu expansion, which started in West Central Africa around 5,000 BP, constitutes a major migratory movement involving the joint spread of peoples and languages across sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the rich linguistic and archaeological evidence available, the genetic relationships between different Bantu-speaking populations and the migratory routes they followed during various phases of the expansion remain poorly understood. Here, we analyze the genetic profiles of southwestern and southeastern Bantu-speaking peoples located at the edges of the Bantu expansion by generating genome-wide data for 200 individuals from 12 Mozambican and 3 Angolan populations using ∼1.9 million autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms. Incorporating a wide range of available genetic data, our analyses confirm previous results favoring a “late split” between West and East Bantu speakers, following a joint passage through the rainforest. In addition, we find that Bantu speakers from eastern Africa display genetic substructure, with Mozambican populations forming a gradient of relatedness along a North–South cline stretching from the coastal border between Kenya and Tanzania to South Africa. This gradient is further associated with a southward increase in genetic homogeneity, and involved minimum admixture with resident populations. Together, our results provide the first genetic evidence in support of a rapid North–South dispersal of Bantu peoples along the Indian Ocean Coast, as inferred from the distribution and antiquity of Early Iron Age assemblages associated with the Kwale archaeological tradition.
Thermal cycling of DNA devices via associative strand displacement
Authors: Hahn Jaeseung , Shih William M
Published: October 2019

DNA-based devices often operate through a series of toehold-mediated strand-displacement reactions. To achieve cycling, fluidic mixing can be used to introduce ‘recovery’ strands to reset the system. However, such mixing can be cumbersome, non-robust, and wasteful of materials. Here we demonstrate mixing-free thermal cycling of DNA devices that operate through associative strand-displacement cascades. These cascades are favored at low temperatures due to the primacy of a net increase in base pairing, whereas rebinding of ‘recovery’ strands is favored at higher temperatures due to the primacy of a net release of strands. The temperature responses of the devices could be modulated by adjustment of design parameters such as the net increase of base pairs and the concentrations of strands. Degradation of function was not observable even after 500 thermal cycles. We experimentally demonstrated simple digital-logic circuits that evaluate at 35°C and reset after transient heating to 65°C. Thus associative strand displacement enables robust thermal cycling of DNA-based devices in a closed system.
YEASTRACT+: a portal for cross-species comparative genomics of transcription regulation in yeasts
Authors: Monteiro Pedro T , Oliveira Jorge , Pais Pedro , Antunes Miguel , Palma Margarida , Cavalheiro Mafalda , Galocha Mónica , Godinho Cláudia P , Martins Luís C , Bourbon Nuno , Mota Marta N , Ribeiro Ricardo A , Viana Romeu , Sá-Correia Isabel , Teixeira Miguel C
Published: October 2019

The YEASTRACT+ information system (http://YEASTRACT-PLUS.org/) is a wide-scope tool for the analysis and prediction of transcription regulatory associations at the gene and genomic levels in yeasts of biotechnological or human health relevance. YEASTRACT+ is a new portal that integrates the previously existing YEASTRACT (http://www.yeastract.com/) and PathoYeastract (http://pathoyeastract.org/) databases and introduces the NCYeastract (Non-Conventional Yeastract) database (http://ncyeastract.org/), focused on the so-called non-conventional yeasts. The information in the YEASTRACT database, focused on Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was updated. PathoYeastract was extended to include two additional pathogenic yeast species: Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis. Furthermore, the NCYeastract database was created, including five biotechnologically relevant yeast species: Zygosaccharomyces baillii, Kluyveromyces lactis, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Yarrowia lipolytica and Komagataella phaffii. The YEASTRACT+ portal gathers 289 706 unique documented regulatory associations between transcription factors (TF) and target genes and 420 DNA binding sites, considering 247 TFs from 10 yeast species. YEASTRACT+ continues to make available tools for the prediction of the TFs involved in the regulation of gene/genomic expression. In this release, these tools were upgraded to enable predictions based on orthologous regulatory associations described for other yeast species, including two new tools for cross-species transcription regulation comparison, based on multi-species promoter and TF regulatory network analyses.
The MetaCyc database of metabolic pathways and enzymes - a 2019 update
Authors: Caspi Ron , Billington Richard , Keseler Ingrid M , Kothari Anamika , Krummenacker Markus , Midford Peter E , Ong Wai Kit , Paley Suzanne , Subhraveti Pallavi , Karp Peter D
Published: October 2019

MetaCyc (MetaCyc.org) is a comprehensive reference database of metabolic pathways and enzymes from all domains of life. It contains 2749 pathways derived from more than 60 000 publications, making it the largest curated collection of metabolic pathways. The data in MetaCyc are evidence-based and richly curated, resulting in an encyclopedic reference tool for metabolism. MetaCyc is also used as a knowledge base for generating thousands of organism-specific Pathway/Genome Databases (PGDBs), which are available in BioCyc.org and other genomic portals. This article provides an update on the developments in MetaCyc during September 2017 to August 2019, up to version 23.1. Some of the topics that received intensive curation during this period include cobamides biosynthesis, sterol metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, carotenoid metabolism, protein glycosylation, antibiotics and cytotoxins biosynthesis, siderophore biosynthesis, bioluminescence, vitamin K metabolism, brominated compound metabolism, plant secondary metabolism and human metabolism. Other additions include modifications to the GlycanBuilder software that enable displaying glycans using symbolic representation, improved graphics and fonts for web displays, improvements in the PathoLogic component of Pathway Tools, and the optional addition of regulatory information to pathway diagrams.
Exogenous pyruvate represses histone gene expression and inhibits cancer cell proliferation via the NAMPT–NAD+–SIRT1 pathway
Authors: Ma Rui , Wu Yinsheng , Zhai Yansheng , Hu Bicheng , Ma Wei , Yang Wenqiang , Yu Qi , Chen Zhen , Workman Jerry L , Yu Xilan , Li Shanshan
Published: October 2019

Pyruvate is a glycolytic metabolite used for energy production and macromolecule biosynthesis. However, little is known about its functions in tumorigenesis. Here, we report that exogenous pyruvate inhibits the proliferation of different types of cancer cells. This inhibitory effect of pyruvate on cell growth is primarily attributed to its function as a signal molecule to repress histone gene expression, which leads to less compact chromatin and misregulation of genome-wide gene expression. Pyruvate represses histone gene expression by inducing the expression of NAD+ biosynthesis enzyme, nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) via myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C), which then increases NAD+ levels and activates the histone deacetylase activity of SIRT1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis indicates that pyruvate enhances SIRT1 binding at histone gene promoters where it reduces histone acetylation. Although pyruvate delays cell entry into S phase, pyruvate represses histone gene expression independent of cell cycle progression. Moreover, we find that administration of pyruvate reduces histone expression and retards tumor growth in xenograft mice without significant side effects. Using tissues from cervical and lung cancer patients, we find intracellular pyruvate concentrations inversely correlate with histone protein levels. Together, we uncover a previously unknown function of pyruvate in regulating histone gene expression and cancer cell proliferation.
Convolutional neural network model to predict causal risk factors that share complex regulatory features
Authors: Lee Taeyeop , Sung Min Kyung , Lee Seulkee , Yang Woojin , Oh Jaeho , Kim Jeong Yeon , Hwang Seongwon , Ban Hyo-Jeong , Choi Jung Kyoon
Published: October 2019

Major progress in disease genetics has been made through genome-wide association studies (GWASs). One of the key tasks for post-GWAS analyses is to identify causal noncoding variants with regulatory function. Here, on the basis of >2000 functional features, we developed a convolutional neural network framework for combinatorial, nonlinear modeling of complex patterns shared by risk variants scattered among multiple associated loci. When applied for major psychiatric disorders and autoimmune diseases, neural and immune features, respectively, exhibited high explanatory power while reflecting the pathophysiology of the relevant disease. The predicted causal variants were concentrated in active regulatory regions of relevant cell types and tended to be in physical contact with transcription factors while residing in evolutionarily conserved regions and resulting in expression changes of genes related to the given disease. We demonstrate some examples of novel candidate causal variants and associated genes. Our method is expected to contribute to the identification and functional interpretation of potential causal noncoding variants in post-GWAS analyses.
CancerGeneNet: linking driver genes to cancer hallmarks
Authors: Iannuccelli Marta , Micarelli Elisa , Surdo Prisca Lo , Palma Alessandro , Perfetto Livia , Rozzo Ilaria , Castagnoli Luisa , Licata Luana , Cesareni Gianni
Published: October 2019

CancerGeneNet (https://signor.uniroma2.it/CancerGeneNet/) is a resource that links genes that are frequently mutated in cancers to cancer phenotypes. The resource takes advantage of a curation effort aimed at embedding a large fraction of the gene products that are found altered in cancer cells into a network of causal protein relationships. Graph algorithms, in turn, allow to infer likely paths of causal interactions linking cancer associated genes to cancer phenotypes thus offering a rational framework for the design of strategies to revert disease phenotypes. CancerGeneNet bridges two interaction layers by connecting proteins whose activities are affected by cancer drivers to proteins that impact on the ‘hallmarks of cancer’. In addition, CancerGeneNet annotates curated pathways that are relevant to rationalize the pathological consequences of cancer driver mutations in selected common cancers and ‘MiniPathways’ illustrating regulatory circuits that are frequently altered in different cancers.
snoDB: an interactive database of human snoRNA sequences, abundance and interactions
Authors: Bouchard-Bourelle Philia , Desjardins-Henri Clément , Mathurin-St-Pierre Darren , Deschamps-Francoeur Gabrielle , Fafard-Couture Étienne , Garant Jean-Michel , Elela Sherif Abou , Scott Michelle S
Published: October 2019

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are an abundant type of non-coding RNA with conserved functions in all known eukaryotes. Classified into two main families, the box C/D and H/ACA snoRNAs, they enact their most well characterized role of guiding site specific modifications in ribosomal RNA, through the formation of specific ribonucleoprotein complexes, with fundamental implications in ribosome biogenesis. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that the landscape of snoRNA cellular functionality is much broader than it once seemed with novel members, non-uniform expression patterns, new and diverse targets as well as several emerging non-canonical functions ranging from the modulation of alternative splicing to the regulation of chromatin architecture. In order to facilitate the further characterization of human snoRNAs in a holistic manner, we introduce an online interactive database tool: snoDB. Its purpose is to consolidate information on human snoRNAs from different sources such as sequence databases, target information, both canonical and non-canonical from the literature and from high-throughput RNA–RNA interaction datasets, as well as high-throughput sequencing data that can be visualized interactively.
Fluctuations in plasma potassium in patients on dialysis
Authors: Kovesdy Csaba P
Published: October 2019

Plasma potassium concentration is maintained in a narrow range to avoid deleterious electrophysiologic consequences of both abnormally low and high levels. This is achieved by redundant physiologic mechanisms, with the kidneys playing a central role in maintaining both short-term plasma potassium stability and long-term total body potassium balance. In patients with end-stage renal disease, the lack of kidney function reduces the body’s ability to maintain normal physiologic potassium balance. Routine thrice-weekly dialysis therapy achieves long-term total body potassium mass balance, but the intermittent nature of dialytic therapy can result in wide fluctuations in plasma potassium concentration and consequently contribute to an increased risk of arrhythmogenicity. Various dialytic and nondialytic interventions can reduce the magnitude of these fluctuations, but the impact of such interventions on clinical outcomes remains unclear.
Policies for Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use: A Survey of All Higher Education Institutions and NHS Trusts in England
Authors: Blackwell Anna K M , Kosīte Daina , Marteau Theresa M , Munafò Marcus R
Published: October 2019

Introduction

There is an absence of evidence regarding the impact of treating tobacco smoking and vaping equivalently in workplace policies. We aimed to describe and compare smoking and vaping policies in acute nonspecialist NHS Trusts (n = 131) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) (n = 131) in England.

Methods

We conducted a census of smoking and vaping policies through organizational websites searches and direct requests for information. We recorded whether and where smoking and vaping were permitted.

Results

Smoking was prohibited indoors in all organizations. No NHS Trust permitted smoking freely outdoors, in contrast with 60% of HEIs. In 27% of NHS Trusts and 33% of HEIs smoking was permitted in designated areas, while in 73% of NHS Trusts and 8% of HEIs smoking was prohibited anywhere on site. Vaping was prohibited indoors in all NHS Trusts and all but one HEI, but permitted freely outdoors in 18% of NHS Trusts and 75% of HEIs. Vaping was permitted in designated outdoor spaces in 23% of NHS Trusts: 21% had areas shared with smokers; 2% had separate vaping areas. Vaping was permitted in designated outdoor areas in 18% of HEIs, all of which were shared with smokers. Vaping was prohibited anywhere on site in 54% of NHS Trusts and 6% of HEIs.

Conclusions

Policies vary considerably in whether vaping and smoking are treated equivalently. Smoking policies in most HEIs should be reviewed to include more effective tobacco control approaches. Evidence is needed on the impact of imposing shared or separate spaces on vapers and smokers.

Implications

This report provides a comprehensive review of smoking and vaping policies in two types of organization across England. It highlights key discrepancies between current public health recommendations for vaping and existing workplace policies, which often lead to smokers and vapers sharing spaces. The report identifies the need for evidence on the impact of imposing shared spaces on smokers and vapers to inform workplace policies that maximize public health benefit.
The size of cell-free mitochondrial DNA in blood is inversely correlated with tumor burden in cancer patients
Authors: An Qin , Hu Youjin , Li Qingjiao , Chen Xufeng , Huang Jiaoti , Pellegrini Matteo , Zhou Xianghong Jasmine , Rettig Matthew , Fan Guoping
Published: October 2019

Circulating cell-free DNAs (cfDNAs) are fragmented DNA molecules released into the blood by cells. Previous studies have suggested that mitochondria-originated cfDNA fragments (mt-cfDNAs) in cancer patients are more fragmented than those from healthy controls. However, it is still unknown where these short mt-cfDNAs originate, and whether the length of mt-cfDNAs can be correlated with tumor burden and cancer progression. In this study, we first performed whole-genome sequencing analysis (WGS) of cfDNAs from a human tumor cell line-xenotransplantation mouse model and found that mt-cfDNAs released from transplanted tumor cells were shorter than the mouse counterpart. We next analyzed blood cfDNA samples from hepatocellular carcinoma and prostate cancer patients and found that mt-cfDNA lengths were inversely related to tumor size as well as the concentration of circulating tumor DNA. Our study suggested that monitoring the size of mt-cfDNAs in cancer patients would be a useful way to estimate tumor burden and cancer progression.
The expanded role of fatty acid metabolism in cancer: new aspects and targets
Authors: Chen Ming , Huang Jiaoti
Published: October 2019

Cancer cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to support cell proliferation, growth, and dissemination. Alterations in lipid metabolism, and specifically the uptake and synthesis of fatty acids (FAs), comprise one well-documented aspect of this reprogramming. Recent studies have revealed an expanded range of roles played by FA in promoting the aggressiveness of cancer while simultaneously identifying new potential targets for cancer therapy. This article provides a brief review of these advances in our understanding of FA metabolism in cancer, highlighting both recent discoveries and the inherent challenges caused by the metabolic plasticity of cancer cells in targeting lipid metabolism for cancer therapy.
A Dyadic Perspective on Coping and its Effects on Relationship Quality and Psychological Distress in Couples Living with Chronic Pain: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Mittinty Manasi M , Kindt Sara , Mittinty Murthy N , Bernardes Sonia , Cano Annmarie , Verhofstadt Lesley , Goubert Liesbet
Published: October 2019

Objective

Dyadic coping is a process of coping within couples that is intended not only to support the patient with chronic pain but also to maintain equilibrium in the relationship. This study aims to investigate the effect of patient-perceived and spouse-reported dyadic coping on both the patient and their partner’s relationship quality and anxiety, stress, and depression over time.

Methods

One hundred thirty-nine couples, with one partner experiencing chronic pain, participated in this study. Spanning three measurements over six months, couples reported on their anxiety, stress, depression, relationship quality, and dyadic coping.

Results

Patient-perceived supportive dyadic coping was positively associated with both partners’ relationship quality but was negatively associated with spouses’ stress over time. Patient-perceived negative dyadic coping was negatively associated with both partners’ relationship quality and positively associated with patients’ depression and spouses’ depression and stress over time. Spouse-reported supportive dyadic coping showed a positive association with their own relationship quality and a negative association with spouses’ depression at baseline and patients’ depression at three-month follow-up. Spouse-reported negative dyadic coping was negatively associated with their relationship quality at baseline and positively associated with their partner’s anxiety and stress at six-month and three-month follow-up, respectively. Similar inference was observed from the findings of growth curve model.

Conclusions

As compared with spouse report, patient perception of dyadic coping is a better predictor of both partners’ relationship quality and psychological outcomes over time. Both partners may benefit from early psychosocial intervention to improve their dyadic coping, relationship quality, and psychological outcomes.
Continuous Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Primary Open Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Flaherty James M , Auyong David B , Yuan Stanley C , Lin Shin-E , Meier Adam W , Biehl Thomas R , Helton W Scott , Slee April , Hanson Neil A
Published: October 2019

Objective

Patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair may experience moderate to severe postoperative pain. We assessed opioid consumption in subjects who received a continuous transversus abdominis plane block in addition to standard multimodal analgesia.

Design

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled.

Setting

Tertiary academic medical center.

Subjects

Adult patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair at Virginia Mason Medical Center. A total of 90 patients were enrolled.

Methods

Subjects presenting for surgery were randomized to receive either a continuous transversus abdominis plane block or a subcutaneous sham block. The primary outcome was opioid consumption within the first 48 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, activities assessment scores, and opioid-related adverse events. Multimodal analgesia utilized in both groups included acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and surgical local anesthetic infiltration.

Results

Eighty-two subjects, 42 from the block group and 40 from the sham group, completed the study, per protocol. The intention-to-treat analysis demonstrated no difference in 48-hour postoperative oxycodone equivalent consumption between the block and sham groups (27.8 mg ± 26.8 vs 32 mg ± 39.2, difference –4.4 mg, P = 0.55). There was a statistically significant reduction in pain scores at 24 hours in the block group. There were no other differences in secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

Continuous transversus abdominis plane blocks provide modest improvements in pain after open inguinal hernia repair but fail to significantly reduce opioid consumption or improve functional activity levels in the setting of multimodal analgesia use.
Prevalence of early morning alcohol consumption among commercial motorcyclists and its health consequences in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
Authors: Ogundipe Laofe , Omotola Alaba , Alabi Quadri K , Oluwadare Tunrayo , Obawole Aderemi
Published: October 2019

Background

Alcohol is classified among legal substances, but its excess consumption can result in road traffic accidents via impairing psychomotor activity and concentration. This study investigated the prevalence of early morning alcohol consumption and its health consequences among commercial motorcycle (Okada) riders in Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Methods

Systematic sampling technique was used to recruit subjects for this study. Cutting down alcohol; annoyed by comments on alcohol; guilt of alcohol use; early morning use of alcohol; eye opener (CAGE) questionnaire was used to estimate the prevalence of problematic alcohol use among Okada riders in Ado Ekiti.

Results

One hundred and seven Okada riders were assessed. Majority of them were young adults. Majority of the riders know another rider who have had a serious road traffic accident riding Okada in the past 12 months and 29% of them know a rider who had died riding Okada in the past 12 months. About 28.6% of them admit early morning alcohol consumption. Suppression of cold (45.5%), keeping awake (19.4%) and peer group effect (14.5%) were the major identified factors influencing them to use alcohol. The commonest types of injuries sustained were bruises and lacerations (51.1%) and fractures of upper and lower limbs (18.7%).

Conclusion

The early morning alcohol consumption among Okada riders contributed to road traffic accidents in Ekiti state, Nigeria.
Insulin enhances and metformin reduces risk of colorectal carcinoma in type-2 diabetes
Authors: Chen C-H , Lin C-L , Hsu C-Y , Kao C-H
Published: October 2019

Background

Identifying colorectal cancer associated risks is important for conducting a program for the survey and prevention of colorectal cancer.

Aim

To investigate the association between use of insulin or metformin with colorectal cancer (CRC) in type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Design

Population-based cohort study.

Methods

Through analysis of National Health Insurance (NHI) database between 1998 and 2010 in Taiwan, we identified 66 324 T2DM patients aged ≥ 20 years and selected subjects without diabetes by 1: 1 randomly matching with the study cohort based on age, sex and index date. We followed up the participants until 31 December 2011 or when they withdrew from the NHI program.

Results

Compared with non-diabetic subjects, the T2DM patients exhibited an increased risk of CRC [adjusted HR (aHR) = 1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.39–1.75], after adjustment for age, sex, urbanization level, comorbidities and examinations of colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or stool occult blood test. Among the T2DM patients, insulin usage increased the risk of CRC (aHR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.58–0–2.19) after adjustment for age, sex, urbanization level, comorbidities, metformin usage and examinations; nevertheless, metformin decreased the risk of CRC (aHR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.54–0.77) after adjustment for age, sex, urbanization level, comorbidities, insulin usage and examinations. Compared with the non-insulin cohort, the risk of CRC tended to increase with the incremental dosage of insulin exposure.

Conclusion

Our population-based cohort study demonstrated an association between T2DM and CRC. Among the T2DM patients, insulin use was associated with an increased risk of CRC and metformin use was associated with a decreased risk of CRC. Inability to obtain information on several potential confounding factors, such as lifestyle and dietary habits, is the major limitation of the study.
Performing under ‘the baton of administrative power’? Chinese academics’ responses to incentives for international publications
Authors: Xu Xin
Published: October 2019

Incentivizing international publications is a current topic of national debate in China and some other non-English-speaking countries, echoing the discussion of managerialism in many other contexts. However, there is a shortage of research to conceptualize academics’ responses with empirical evidence. The study draws on 65 in-depth interviews with humanities and social sciences academics at six Chinese universities. It proposes two typologies to categorize academics’ affective responses (proactive, adaptive, resistant, hesitant, and detached) and behavioural responses (reconciling, rejecting, reforming, and rebelling). Building on the typologies, a framework is developed to explain the complicated relationship between incentives and publications. In addition, findings suggest that incentives imposed through administrative power could challenge academics’ agency. The study thereby proposes a reconsideration and reconstruction of current incentive schemes, to move beyond managerialism and towards the integration of intrinsic academic values.
P12 Arthrodesis in paediatric patients with erosive ankle arthritis by a single surgeon: a Scottish perspective
Authors: Keightley Jaclyn , Kumar Senthil , Oates Bridget , Davidson Joyce , Martin Neil
Published: October 2019

Background

From our experience, a small cohort of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) develop irreversible damage to ankle and subtalar joints despite immunosuppression with methotrexate and multiple biologic agents.

In this case series, we describe 4 patients with JIA and erosive damage to ankle or subtalar joints who underwent arthrodesis by a single surgeon between 2011-2017 due to longstanding pain and impaired function despite medical and orthotic interventions. We assessed patient satisfaction regarding the procedure in terms of pain and function.

There are no previous case series describing arthrodesis of ankle and subtalar joints in JIA. A case series of 8 patients with severe tibiotalar JIA who had arthrodiastasis (joint distraction) reported an improvement in pain and functional scores.

Methods

In this retrospective case series we reviewed the records of 4 paediatric patients with JIA in Scotland who underwent ankle arthrodesis performed by a single orthopaedic surgeon between 2011 and 2017.

Questionnaires were posted out to each patient. These included Manchester-Oxford Foot scores (MOxFQ) and EQ5D scores.

Results

Time from diagnosis to commencing methotrexate (MTX) was 22 (6-30) months, time from diagnosis to biologic therapy was 5 (2-8) years and time to arthrodesis was 10 (6-14) years (Table 1). Age at surgery was 16 (13-20) years. Prior to surgery all patients reported significant ankle pain and 2 patients needed to wear an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). Radiological features before surgery in these patients included marked degenerative changes and loss of articular cartilage in the ankle joints on MRI. All patients reported favourable scores in terms of function and pain following ankle or subtalar arthrodesis. Two patients expressed that they wished they had undergone surgery sooner. P12 Table 1:Patient CharacteristicsPatientJIA SubtypeComorbidityAge at diagnosis of JIA (years)Systemic TherapyNo of joint injection episodesVisual Analogue Pain Score Post-Surgery1RF –ve PolyarticularNil8MTX3EtanerceptAdalimumabAbatacept2Extended oligoarticularUveitis3MTX41/10Adalimumab3RF –ve PolyarticularNil6MTX40/10Etanercept4RF –ve PolyarticularTrisomy 21, VSD closure, obstructive sleep apnoea11MTX7EtanerceptTocilizumab

Conclusion

This case series helps demonstrate patient satisfaction in the small group of patients in our service where irreversible erosive disease caused pain and dysfunction not responsive to medical therapy.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Association of body composition, physical activity and physical performance with knee cartilage thickness and bone area in young adults
Authors: Meng Tao , Antony Benny , Venn Alison , Eckstein Felix , Cicuttini Flavia , March Lyn , Cross Marita , Dwyer Terence , Blizzard Leigh , Jones Graeme , Laslett Laura L , Ding Changhai
Published: October 2019

Objective

To describe associations of body composition, physical activity and physical performance with knee cartilage thickness and subchondral bone area in young adults.

Methods

Body composition, physical activity and physical performance were measured 4–5 years prior to knee MRI. Cartilage thickness and bone area were measured quantitatively from MRI. Associations were assessed using linear regression analysis, with mediators being identified using mediation analysis.

Results

Participants (n = 186) were 31–41 years of age when the MRI was acquired and 48% were female. Greater lean mass was positively associated with cartilage thickness [β = 6.52 μm/kg (95% CI 0.86, 12.18)] and bone area [β = 13.37 mm2/kg (95% CI 5.43, 21.31)]. Physical performance measures were positively associated with cartilage thickness [long jump: β = 2.44 μm/cm (95% CI 0.70, 4.18); hand grip strength: 7.74 μm/kg (95% CI 1.50, 13.98); physical work capacity: 1.07 μm/W (95% CI 0.29, 1.85)] and bone area [long jump: β = 3.99 mm2/cm (95% CI 0.64, 7.34); hand grip strength: 19.06 mm2/kg (95% CI 7.21, 30.92); leg strength: 3.18 mm2/kg (95% CI 1.09, 5.28); physical work capacity: 3.15 mm2/W (95% CI 1.70, 4.60)]. Mediation analysis suggested these associations were mediated by lean mass (effect mediated: 27–95%).

Conclusion

Greater lean mass and better physical performance measured 4–5 years prior were associated with greater knee cartilage thickness and subchondral bone area in young adults, and the associations of physical performance were largely mediated by lean mass. These findings suggest lean mass may play an important role in maintaining knee joint health in young adults.
Continued Adaptation of C4 Photosynthesis After an Initial Burst of Changes in the Andropogoneae Grasses
Authors: Bianconi Matheus E , Hackel Jan , Vorontsova Maria S , Alberti Adriana , Arthan Watchara , Burke Sean V , Duvall Melvin R , Kellogg Elizabeth A , Lavergne Sébastien , McKain Michael R , Meunier Alexandre , Osborne Colin P , Traiperm Paweena , Christin Pascal-Antoine , Besnard Guillaume
Published: October 2019

C$_{4}$ photosynthesis is a complex trait that sustains fast growth and high productivity in tropical and subtropical conditions and evolved repeatedly in flowering plants. One of the major C$_{4}$ lineages is Andropogoneae, a group of $\sim $1200 grass species that includes some of the world’s most important crops and species dominating tropical and some temperate grasslands. Previous efforts to understand C$_{4}$ evolution in the group have compared a few model C$_{4}$ plants to distantly related C$_{3}$ species so that changes directly responsible for the transition to C$_{4}$ could not be distinguished from those that preceded or followed it. In this study, we analyze the genomes of 66 grass species, capturing the earliest diversification within Andropogoneae as well as their C$_{3}$ relatives. Phylogenomics combined with molecular dating and analyses of protein evolution show that many changes linked to the evolution of C$_{4}$ photosynthesis in Andropogoneae happened in the Early Miocene, between 21 and 18 Ma, after the split from its C$_{3}$ sister lineage, and before the diversification of the group. This initial burst of changes was followed by an extended period of modifications to leaf anatomy and biochemistry during the diversification of Andropogoneae, so that a single C$_{4}$ origin gave birth to a diversity of C$_{4}$ phenotypes during 18 million years of speciation events and migration across geographic and ecological spaces. Our comprehensive approach and broad sampling of the diversity in the group reveals that one key transition can lead to a plethora of phenotypes following sustained adaptation of the ancestral state. [Adaptive evolution; complex traits; herbarium genomics; Jansenelleae; leaf anatomy; Poaceae; phylogenomics.]
Strengthening adolescents’ connection to their traditional food system improves diet quality in remote Alaska Native communities: results from the Neqa Elicarvigmun Pilot Study
Authors: Bersamin Andrea , Izumi Betty T , Nu Jennifer , O’brien Diane M , Paschall Mallie
Published: October 2019

In remote Alaska Native communities, traditional foods are inextricably linked to health and food security. Degradation of the traditional food system over the past several decades has resulted in a shift in dietary patterns that have contributed to increased rates of chronic diseases and food insecurity among Alaska Native People. Interventions are needed to address this. Our objectives were to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of a school-based intervention—Neqa Elicarvigmun or the Fish-to-School Program—on diet quality, fish intake, and attitudes and beliefs around traditional foods (specifically fish) using a pre–post comparison group design with data collection occurring at three time points. Study participants were 76 middle and high school students in two remote Alaska Native communities (population <900) in southwestern Alaska. We used a participatory approach to design the school-based, multilevel intervention that included activities in the cafeteria, classroom, and community. Multilevel analyses showed that students in the experimental community showed significant improvements in diet quality compared to the comparison community (Beta = 4.57; p < .05). Fish intake, measured using the stable nitrogen isotope ratio of hair, a validated biomarker, also increased significantly in the experimental community (Beta = 0.16; p < .05). Leveraging the cultural and physical resources of the traditional food system for the Neqa Elicarvigmun program represents a strength-based approach that improves diet quality, increases adolescents’ connection to their traditional culture, and by promoting the local food system supports food security. Embedding the program into the local culture may result in faster adoption and greater sustainability of the program.
A pilot food prescription program promotes produce intake and decreases food insecurity
Authors: Aiyer Jennifer N , Raber Margaret , Bello Rosalind S , Brewster Anna , Caballero Elizabeth , Chennisi Catherine , Durand Casey , Galindez Marcita , Oestman Katherine , Saifuddin Maryiam , Tektiridis Jennifer , Young Reginald , Sharma Shreela V
Published: October 2019

Patients participating in a collaborative clinic-based food prescription program had a significant decrease in food insecurity.
Differentiated Treatment in Platform-to-Business Relations: EU Competition Law and Economic Dependence
Authors: Graef Inge
Published: October 2019

Differentiated treatment is a key focus in current competition investigations of the European Commission and national competition authorities, ranging from more prominent placement of one's own services in a ranking to preferential access to data and the favouring of businesses that pay higher levels of commission. Based on their exclusionary and/or exploitative character, the paper distinguishes three types of differentiated treatment on online platforms in order to provide an analytical framework for assessing the extent to which such practices are abusive under Article 102 TFEU, namely: pure self-preferencing, pure secondary line differentiation and hybrid differentiation. The paper points out that the main area where EU competition law currently does not offer effective protection is in the most far-reaching situation where a business is blocked from a platform without legitimate justification. To address harm in such cases, the paper suggests giving a stronger role to economic dependence both within and outside EU competition law and explores possible measures building upon the Platform-to-Business (P2B) Regulation as well as the notion of fairness of platform-to-business relations.