bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity and epidemiological profile ofPseudomonas aeruginosafrom drinking water in Brazil genotyped using multi-locus sequence typing
Authors: Costa Paula Vasconcelos , Nascimento Janaína dos Santos , Forsythe Stephen James , Brandão Marcelo Luiz Lima
Published: September 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacillus associated with waterborne diseases. The objective of this study was to determine whether particular P. aeruginosa sequence types (STs) were associated with drinking water contamination in Brazil. This was achieved by searching the Pseudomonas PubMLST database, which contains the records for 8358 strains collected between 1938 and 2023. The majority (97.2%) had the complete 7-loci multilocus sequence typing profile and were assigned to 3486 STs. After eBURST (an algorithm used to infer patterns of evolutionary descent among clusters), 1219 groups with single-locus variant and 575 groups with double-locus variant were formed. Brazil was the South American country with the most isolates (n = 219, 58.24%), and the Simpson’s index was 0.9392. Of the 219 Brazilian isolates, eight were isolated in water and identified as STs 252, 1417, 1605, 2502, 2620, 3078, and 3312. ST252, 1417, and 3078 have already been isolated from clinical cases worldwide. Furthermore, ST1605 and 2620, after the eBURST, they were grouped in the same clonal complex as STs involved in human infections. In conclusion, P. aeruginosa STs involved in human infections were found in bottled drinking water commercialized in Brazil, revealing that these types of drinking waters can be a vehicle of contamination.
Pope and the Blounts: Books Formerly at Mapledurham House
Authors: Hone Joseph
Published: September 2023

This essay reconstructs a collection of books given by Alexander Pope to the Blount family of Mapledurham in Oxfordshire. The collection includes both books that were presented by the author to the Blounts and also books from his personal library that were bequeathed to Martha Blount in his will. In 1951 more than thirty of the most important books in the collection were sold to the firm of William H. Robinson Ltd. and subsequently dispersed. This essay traces those books and provides their present locations in a finding list. Paying close attention to these books reveals the degree to which Pope was interested not only in the printed form of his writings, but also in their broader bibliographical presentation.
On the relative importance of shocks and self-gravity in modifying tidal disruption event debris streams
Authors: Fancher Julia , Coughlin Eric R , Nixon C J
Published: September 2023

In a tidal disruption event (TDE), a star is destroyed by the gravitational field of a supermassive black hole (SMBH) to produce a stream of debris, some of which accretes onto the SMBH and creates a luminous flare. The distribution of mass along the stream has a direct impact on the accretion rate, and thus modelling the time-dependent evolution of this distribution provides insight into the relevant physical processes that drive the observable properties of TDEs. Analytic models that only account for the ballistic evolution of the debris do not capture salient and time-dependent features of the mass distribution, suggesting that fluid dynamical effects significantly modify the debris dynamics. Previous investigations have claimed that shocks are primarily responsible for these modifications, but here we show – with high-resolution hydrodynamical simulations – that self-gravity is the dominant physical mechanism responsible for the anomalous (i.e. not predicted by ballistic models) debris stream features and its time dependence. These high-resolution simulations also show that there is a specific length-scale on which self-gravity modifies the debris mass distribution, and as such there is enhanced power in specific Fourier modes. Our results have implications for the stability of the debris stream under the influence of self-gravity, particularly at late times and the corresponding observational signatures of TDEs.
An accretion disc with magnetic outflows triggered by a sudden mass accretion event in changing-look active galactic nucleus 1ES 1927+654
Authors: Cao Xinwu , You Bei , Wei Xing
Published: September 2023

1ES 1927+654 was known as a type 2 Seyfert galaxy, which exhibited drastic variability recently in ultraviolet (UV)/optical and X-ray bands. An UV/optical outburst was observed in the end of 2017, and it reached the peak luminosity ∼50 d later. The high-cadence observations showed a rapid X-ray flux decline with complete disappearance of the power-law hard X-ray component when the soft X-ray thermal emission reached its lowest level about 150 d after the UV/optical peak. The power-law X-ray component reappeared with thermal X-ray emission brightening from its lowest flux within next ∼100 d. We assume an episodic accretion event taking place in the outer region of the disc surrounding a central black hole (BH), which is probably due to a red giant star tidally disrupted by the BH. The inner thin disc with corona is completely swept by the accretion event when the gas reaches the innermost circular stable orbit. The field threading the disrupted star is dragged inwards by the disc formed after the tidal disruption event, which accelerates outflows from the disc. The disc dimmed since a large fraction of the energy released in the disc is tapped into the outflows. The accretion rate of the episodic accretion event declines, and ultimately, it turns out to be a thin disc, which is inefficient for field advection, and the outflows are switched off. A thin disc with corona reappears later after the outburst.
Evolutionary Analyses of Gene Expression Divergence in Panicum hallii: Exploring Constitutive and Plastic Responses Using Reciprocal Transplants
Authors: Bhaskara Govinal Badiger , Haque Taslima , Bonnette Jason E , Napier Joseph D , Bauer Diane , Schmutz Jeremy , Juenger Thomas E
Published: September 2023

The evolution of gene expression is thought to be an important mechanism of local adaptation and ecological speciation. Gene expression divergence occurs through the evolution of cis- polymorphisms and through more widespread effects driven by trans-regulatory factors. Here, we explore expression and sequence divergence in a large sample of Panicum hallii accessions encompassing the species range using a reciprocal transplantation experiment. We observed widespread genotype and transplant site drivers of expression divergence, with a limited number of genes exhibiting genotype-by-site interactions. We used a modified FST–QST outlier approach (QPC analysis) to detect local adaptation. We identified 514 genes with constitutive expression divergence above and beyond the levels expected under neutral processes. However, no plastic expression responses met our multiple testing correction as QPC outliers. Constitutive QPC outlier genes were involved in a number of developmental processes and responses to abiotic environments. Leveraging earlier expression quantitative trait loci results, we found a strong enrichment of expression divergence, including for QPC outliers, in genes previously identified with cis and cis–environment interactions but found no patterns related to trans-factors. Population genetic analyses detected elevated sequence divergence of promoters and coding sequence of constitutive expression outliers but little evidence for positive selection on these proteins. Our results are consistent with a hypothesis of cis-regulatory divergence as a primary driver of expression divergence in P. hallii.
Bi-directional nucleosome sliding by the Chd1 chromatin remodeler integrates intrinsic sequence-dependent and ATP-dependent nucleosome positioning
Authors: Park Sangwoo , Brandani Giovanni B , Ha Taekjip , Bowman Gregory D
Published: September 2023

Chromatin remodelers use a helicase-type ATPase motor to shift DNA around the histone core. Although not directly reading out the DNA sequence, some chromatin remodelers exhibit a sequence-dependent bias in nucleosome positioning, which presumably reflects properties of the DNA duplex. Here, we show how nucleosome positioning by the Chd1 remodeler is influenced by local DNA perturbations throughout the nucleosome footprint. Using site-specific DNA cleavage coupled with next-generation sequencing, we show that nucleosomes shifted by Chd1 can preferentially localize DNA perturbations – poly(dA:dT) tracts, DNA mismatches, and single-nucleotide insertions – about a helical turn outside the Chd1 motor domain binding site, super helix location 2 (SHL2). This phenomenon occurs with both the Widom 601 positioning sequence and the natural +1 nucleosome sequence from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SWH1 gene. Our modeling indicates that localization of DNA perturbations about a helical turn outward from SHL2 results from back-and-forth sliding due to remodeler action on both sides of the nucleosome. Our results also show that barrier effects from DNA perturbations can be extended by the strong phasing of nucleosome positioning sequences.
INHAT subunit SET/TAF-Iβ regulates PRC1-independent H2AK119 mono-ubiquitination via E3 ligase MIB1 in colon cancer
Authors: Park Junyoung , Kim Ji-Young , Park Jin Woo , Kang Joo Young , Oh Hyein , Hahm Ja Young , Chae Yun-Cheol , Chakravarti Debabrata , Seo Sang Beom
Published: September 2023

SET/TAF-Iβ, a subunit of the inhibitor of acetyltransferases (INHAT) complex, exhibits transcriptional repression activity by inhibiting histone acetylation. We find that SET/TAF-Iβ regulates mono-ubiquitination of histone H2A at lysine 119 (H2AK119ub), which is involved in polycomb-mediated transcriptional repression, in HCT116 cells. In this report, we demonstrate that SET/TAF-Iβ acts as an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme for PRC1-independent H2AK119ub. Furthermore, we identify that MIB1 is the E3 ligase partner for SET/TAF-Iβ using LC-MS/MS and in vitro ubiquitination assays. Transcriptome analysis reveals that SET/TAF-Iβ and MIB1 regulate the expression of genes related to DNA replication and cell cycle progression in HCT116 cells, and knockdown of either protein reduces proliferation of HCT116 cells by impeding cell cycle progression. Together, our study reveals a novel PRC1-independent epigenetic regulatory mechanism for H2AK119ub by SET/TAF-Iβ and MIB1 in colon cancer.
Genetic and environmental factors driving congenital solitary functioning kidney
Authors: Groen in ‘t Woud Sander , van Gelder Marleen M H J , van Rooij Iris A L M , Feitz Wout F J , Roeleveld Nel , Schreuder Michiel F , van der Zanden Loes F M ,   for the SOFIA study group, van Wijk J A E , Westland R , Renkema K Y , Lilien M R , Keijzer-Veen M G , Kloosterman F J , Steffens M G , Gracchi V , Zegers B , Jira P E , van der Deure H , van Rooij R W G , Wijnands-van den Berg E , Breukels M , de Pont S M H B , Harnisch E , van Dael C M L , Creemers D , de Moor R , Konijnenberg A Y , Knots E , van der Kuur E C , Jacobs M J , Koppejan-Stapel M , Pijning A , Dorresteijn E , Leunissen R W J , Rijlaarsdam R , del Canho R , Semmekrot B , Dings-Lammertink A , Nijhuis I J M , van Ledden-Klok M J , van den Broek L M , Jansen C Meine , Beeren M C G , Blokland-Loggers H E , Dorrepaal C , Pierik L J W M , Tanja A L
Published: September 2023

Background

Congenital solitary functioning kidney (CSFK) is an anomaly predisposing to hypertension, albuminuria and chronic kidney disease. Its aetiology is complex and includes genetic and environmental factors. The role of gene–environment interactions (G×E), although relevant for other congenital anomalies, has not yet been investigated. Therefore, we performed a genome-wide G×E analysis with six preselected environmental factors to explore the role of these interactions in the aetiology of CSFK.

Methods

In the AGORA (Aetiologic research into Genetic and Occupational/environmental Risk factors for Anomalies in children) data- and biobank, genome-wide single-nucleotide variant (SNV) data and questionnaire data on prenatal exposure to environmental risk factors were available for 381 CSFK patients and 598 healthy controls. Using a two-step strategy, we first selected independent significant SNVs associated with one of the six environmental risk factors. These SNVs were subsequently tested in G×E analyses using logistic regression models, with Bonferroni-corrected P-value thresholds based on the number of SNVs selected in step one.

Results

In step one, 7–40 SNVs were selected per environmental factor, of which only rs3098698 reached statistical significance (P = .0016, Bonferroni-corrected threshold 0.0045) for interaction in step two. The interaction between maternal overweight and this SNV, which results in lower expression of the Arylsulfatase B (ARSB) gene, could be explained by lower insulin receptor activity in children heterozygous for rs3098698. Eight other G×E interactions had a P-value <.05, of which two were biologically plausible and warrant further study.

Conclusions

Interactions between genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the aetiology of CSFK. To better determine their role, large studies combining data on genetic and environmental risk factors are warranted.
Effectiveness of combined dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord stimulation: a retrospective, single-centre case series for chronic focal neuropathic pain
Authors: Mullins Cormac F , Palumbo Gaetano Joseph , Harris Stephany , Al-Kaisy Omar , Wesley Sam , Yearwood Thomas , Al-Kaisy Adnan
Published: September 2023

Objective

This case series retrospectively reviewed the outcomes in patients implanted with combined, synchronous dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS) and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) connected to a single implantable pulse generator (IPG) in a tertiary referral neuromodulation centre in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Twenty-six patients underwent a trial of DRGS+SCS for treating focal neuropathic pain between January 2016 and December 2019, with a follow-up in February 2022. A Transgrade approach was employed for DRGS. Patients were provided with 3 possible stimulation programs: DRGS-only, SCS-only, or DRGS+SCS. Patients were assessed for pain intensity, patients’ global impression of change (PGIC), preferred lead(s) and complications.

Results

Twenty patients were successful and went on for full implantation. The most common diagnosis was Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. After an average of 3.1 years follow-up, 1 patient was lost to follow-up, and 2 were non-responders. Of the remaining 17 patients, 16 (94%) continued to report a PGIC of 7. The average pain intensity at Baseline was 8.5 on an NRS scale of 0–10. At the last follow-up, the average NRS reduction overall was 78.9% with no statistical difference between those preferring DRGS+SCS (n = 9), SCS-only (n = 3) and DRGS-only (n = 5). The combination of DRGS+SCS was preferred by 53% at the last follow-up. There were no serious neurological complications.

Conclusions

This retrospective case series demonstrates the potential effectiveness of combined DRGS+SCS with sustained analgesia observed at an average follow-up of over 3 years. Implanting combined DRGS+SCS may provide programming flexibility and therapeutic alternatives.
Virtual group psychotherapy for chronic pain: exploring the impact of the virtual medium on participants’ experiences
Authors: Moore Emily , Paré Catherine , Carde Estelle , Pagé M Gabrielle
Published: September 2023

Background

Virtual psychotherapy for chronic pain (CP) has been shown to be feasible, efficacious, and acceptable; however, little is known about how virtual delivery of group psychotherapy affects participants’ experiences. This study aimed to explore the impact of a virtual medium during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on social interactions and therapeutic processes in the context of group psychotherapy for CP management.

Methods

This qualitative, interview-based study collected data on 18 individuals who participated in virtual group psychotherapy in a tertiary care pain management unit.

Results

Results of the thematic analysis showed 4 themes. First, the ability to participate and connect was modified by not meeting in person. Connections also occurred differently as the usual patterns of interactions changed. Participants described important shifts in how emotions are communicated and subsequent experience of empathy. Finally, the commonality of chronic pain experience was identified as a central driver of connection between participants.

Conclusions

Mixed impacts of the virtual medium on group psychotherapy dynamics and processes were found. Future research could explore ways to mitigate the negative impacts.
Margaret Macdonald on the Argument from Dreaming
Authors: Spinney Oliver Thomas
Published: September 2023

In this article, I offer a detailed examination of Margaret Macdonald's response to the Cartesian sceptical argument from dreaming. I show that Macdonald's views were not well understood by her contemporaries, and I suggest that this misunderstanding has led to her omission from subsequent discussions of this subject. I end with a brief demonstration of the fact that Macdonald's central claims have re-emerged in contemporary epistemology.
Second and third TNF inhibitors in European patients with axial spondyloarthritis: effectiveness and impact of the reason for switching
Authors: Linde Louise , Ørnbjerg Lykke Midtbøll , Heegaard Brahe Cecilie , Wallman Johan Karlsson , Di Giuseppe Daniela , Závada Jakub , Castrejon Isabel , Díaz-Gonzalez Federico , Rotar Ziga , Tomšič Matija , Glintborg Bente , Gudbjornsson Bjorn , Geirsson Arni Jon , Michelsen Brigitte , Kristianslund Eirik Klami , Santos Maria José , Barcelos Anabela , Nordström Dan , Eklund Kari K , Ciurea Adrian , Nissen Michael , Akar Servet , Hejl Hyldstrup Lise , Krogh Niels Steen , Hetland Merete Lund , Østergaard Mikkel
Published: September 2023

Objective

To investigate real-world effectiveness of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and the association with (i) treatment line (second and third TNFi-series) and (ii) reason for withdrawal from the preceding TNFi [lack of efficacy (LOE) vs adverse events (AE)].

Methods

Prospectively collected routine care data from 12 European registries were pooled. Rates for 12-month drug retention and 6-month remission [Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score C-reactive protein inactive disease (ASDAS-ID)] were assessed in second and third TNFi-series and stratified by withdrawal reason.

Results

We included 8254 s and 2939 third TNFi-series; 12-month drug retention rates were similar (71%). Six-month ASDAS-ID rates were higher for the second (23%) than third TNFi (16%). Twelve-month drug retention rates for patients withdrawing from the preceding TNFi due to AE vs LOE were similar for the second (68% and 67%) and third TNFi (both 68%), while for the second TNFi, rates were lower in primary than secondary non-responders (LOE <26 vs ≥26 weeks) (58% vs 71%, P < 0.001). Six-month ASDAS-ID rates for the second TNFi were higher if the withdrawal reason was AE (27%) vs LOE (17%), P < 0.001, while similar for the third TNFi (19% vs 13%, P = 0.20).

Conclusion

A similar proportion of axSpA patients remained on a second and third TNFi after one year, but with low remission rates for the third TNFi. Remission rates on the second TNFi (but not the third) were higher if the withdrawal reason from the preceding TNFi was AE vs LOE.
Paraneoplastic arthritis: a series of 92 cases
Authors: Kısacık Bünyamin , Albayrak Fatih , Balcı Mehmet Ali , Koc Emrah
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Paraneoplastic arthritis (PA) is one of the paraneoplastic syndromes. Both laboratory and clinical findings similar to rheumatological diseases can be seen. In this study we aimed to present the clinical and laboratory findings, malignancy types and pathological diagnoses of patients with paraneoplastic arthritis.

Methods

In a multicentre retrospective study, 92 patients with PA from the last 10 years were included.

Results

Patients with PA and haematological malignancies exhibited the highest ratio of lymphomas (25.6%). The most common cancer detected in patients with solid malignancy and PA was lung cancer (41.5%). All malignant patients with PA had significant anti-CCP positivity compared with the healthy control group (P = 0.014).

Conclusion

Although PA is a rare condition, it can be confused with many rheumatological diseases. The most commonly involved joint is the knee joint, followed by the ankle and hand/wrist. Autoantibody negativity, high lactate dehydrogenase level and arthritis unresponsive to treatment constitute important clues for diagnosis.
Determinants of health-related quality of life and global functioning and health in axSpA, pSpA and PsA: results from the ASAS-PerSpA study
Authors: Santos Helena , Henriques Ana R , Machado Pedro M , Lopez-Medina Clementina , Dougados Maxime , Canhão Helena , Rodrigues Ana M , Pimentel-Santos Fernando
Published: September 2023

Objectives

We aimed to identify determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and global functioning and health (GH) in axial SpA (axSpA), peripheral SpA (pSpA) and (PsA).

Methods

The ASAS-perSpA study data were analysed. Models for the three patient groups were run separately to explore factors associated with HRQoL and GH, assessed by EQ-5D and ASAS-HI, respectively.

Results

The analyses included 4185 patients: 2719 with axSpA, 433 with pSpA, and 1033 with PsA.

In axSpA, disease activity (β = –0.061), physical function (β = –0.041), female sex (β = –0.019) and fibromyalgia (FM) (β = –0.068) were associated with worse HRQoL; age (β = 0.001) and university education (β = 0.014) were associated with better HRQoL. In pSpA, disease activity (β = –0.04) and physical function (β = –0.054) were associated with worse HRQoL. In PsA, disease activity (β = –0.045), physical function (β = –0.053), axial disease (β = –0.041) and female sex (β = –0.028) were associated with worse HRQoL. In axSpA, disease activity (β = 0.889), physical function (β = 0.887), peripheral disease (β = 0.564), female sex (β = 0.812) and FM (β = 1.639) were associated with worse GH; age (β = –0.013) and university education (β = –0.274) were associated with better GH. In pSpA, physical function (β = 1.142) and female sex (β = 1.060) were associated with worse GH; university education (β = –0.611) was associated with better GH. In PsA, disease activity (β = 0.703), physical function (β = 1.025), axial involvement (β = 0.659), female sex (β = 0.924) and FM (β = 1.387) were associated with worse GH; age (β = –0.024) and university education (β = –0.856) were associated with better GH.

Conclusion

Disease activity and physical function are major HRQoL and GH determinants across SpA types, and clinical characteristics and sociodemographic factors play an important role, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach for individual patients.
The relationship between mean glandular dose and compressed breast thickness specified for Jordan
Authors: Ahmed Shaker Hegian Zeinab , Moh’d Abu Tahoun Laila , Ramli Ramzun Maizan , Noor Azman Nurul Zahirah
Published: September 2023

The mean glandular dose (MGD) is a measurement used in mammography to assess the amount of radiation absorbed. By considering specific exposure radiation dose criteria, MGD ensures minimal radiation while maintaining image quality for detecting abnormalities. The relationship between MGD and compressed breast thickness (CBT) is commonly utilized in mammographic dose surveys. This study aims to estimate the MGD-CBT relationship based on patient age in Jordan through retrospective analysis. The analysis involved 3465 screening mammography images of women aged 40–80, divided into three age groups: 40–49, 50–64 and 65–80 years. Each group had a specific CBT range (16.5–156 mm). The results indicate that MGD ranges from 1.6 to 1.7 mGy across all three age groups, independent of CBT. Thus, a significant and positive correlation exists between MGD and CBT in all age groups.
Sleep deprivation and aging are metabolically linked across tissues
Authors: Sengupta Arjun , Tudor Jennifer C , Cusmano Danielle , Baur Joseph A , Abel Ted , Weljie Aalim M
Published: September 2023

Study objectives

Insufficient sleep is a concerning hallmark of modern society because sleep deprivation (SD) is a risk factor for neurodegenerative and cardiometabolic disorders. SD imparts an aging-like effect on learning and memory, although little is known about possible common molecular underpinnings of SD and aging. Here, we examine this question by profiling metabolic features across different tissues after acute SD in young adult and aged mice.

Methods

Young adult and aged mice were subjected to acute SD for 5 hours. Blood plasma, hippocampus, and liver samples were subjected to UPLC-MS/MS-based metabolic profiling.

Results

SD preferentially impacts peripheral plasma and liver profiles (e.g. ketone body metabolism) whereas the hippocampus is more impacted by aging. We further demonstrate that aged animals exhibit SD-like metabolic features at baseline. Hepatic alterations include parallel changes in nicotinamide metabolism between aging and SD in young animals. Overall, metabolism in young adult animals is more impacted by SD, which in turn induces aging-like features. A set of nine metabolites was classified (79% correct) based on age and sleep status across all four groups.

Conclusions

Our metabolic observations demonstrate striking parallels to previous observations in studies of learning and memory and define a molecular metabolic signature of sleep loss and aging.
Sleep regularity is a stronger predictor of mortality risk than sleep duration: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Windred Daniel P , Burns Angus C , Lane Jacqueline M , Saxena Richa , Rutter Martin K , Cain Sean W , Phillips Andrew J K
Published: September 2023

Abnormally short and long sleep are associated with premature mortality, and achieving optimal sleep duration has been the focus of sleep health guidelines. Emerging research demonstrates that sleep regularity, the day-to-day consistency of sleep–wake timing, can be a stronger predictor for some health outcomes than sleep duration. The role of sleep regularity in mortality, however, has not been investigated in a large cohort with objective data. We therefore aimed to compare how sleep regularity and duration predicted risk for all-cause and cause-specific mortality. We calculated Sleep Regularity Index (SRI) scores from > 10 million hours of accelerometer data in 60 977 UK Biobank participants (62.8 ± 7.8 years, 55.0% female, median[IQR] SRI: 81.0[73.8–86.3]). Mortality was reported up to 7.8 years after accelerometer recording in 1859 participants (4.84 deaths per 1000 person-years, mean (±SD) follow-up of 6.30 ± 0.83 years). Higher sleep regularity was associated with a 20%–48% lower risk of all-cause mortality (p < .001 to p = 0.004), a 16%–39% lower risk of cancer mortality (p < 0.001 to p = 0.017), and a 22%–57% lower risk of cardiometabolic mortality (p < 0.001 to p = 0.048), across the top four SRI quintiles compared to the least regular quintile. Results were adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, and sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health factors. Sleep regularity was a stronger predictor of all-cause mortality than sleep duration, by comparing equivalent mortality models, and by comparing nested SRI-mortality models with and without sleep duration (p = 0.14–0.20). These findings indicate that sleep regularity is an important predictor of mortality risk and is a stronger predictor than sleep duration. Sleep regularity may be a simple, effective target for improving general health and survival.
Why Not Mahan? Path Dependence in Modern Japanese Geostrategic Thinking of the Pacific
Authors: HARUNA Nobuo
Published: September 2023

It is well known that during the 1930s and the 1940s intellectuals in Japan, an island state, devoured geopolitical theories constructed in a typical ‘land power’, Germany. Not only did this fad contradict the geographical reality of Japanese territory. It was also at odds with Japan’s contemporary national identity as a maritime state. This article highlights intellectual path dependence as the key to explaining this conundrum. The initial decision that paved the way for the adoption of the German tradition of geopolitics was made shortly before the outbreak of the Russo-Japanese War by political scientist Onozuka Kiheiji, who consciously opted for the geographical ideas of Friedrich Ratzel instead of the naval strategy of Alfred Thayer Mahan as a theoretical guide and justification for empire-building. This article illustrates how the choice made by Onozuka induced his students, who became leading intellectual figures after World War I, to follow the evolution of German geopolitics and to propagate the ideas of Karl Haushofer at the beginning of the Pacific War. The article ends by briefly describing how the Geopolitik tradition was overcome by the formation of a new maritime national identity after the war.
Efficacy of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Assessed by Retrospective Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Authors: Zang Li , Li Yijun , Hao Haojie , Liu Jiejie , Zhang Qian , Gao Fei , Wang Haibin , Chen Yulong , Gu Weijun , Du Jin , Meng Junhua , Zhang Saichun , Lyu Zhaohui , Dou Jingtao , Mu Yiming
Published: September 2023

Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) have been proved a promising clinical strategy for the treatment of diabetes, and time in range (TIR) has been demonstrated a new metric of glycemic control links to diabetes complications. To further assess the therapeutic effect of UC-MSCs on TIR, a phase II study investigating the efficacy of UC-MSCs in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) assessed by retrospective continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was conducted. In this randomized and placebo-controlled trial, a total of 73 patients were randomly assigned to receive intravenous infusion of UC-MSCs (n = 37) or placebo (n = 36) 3 times at 4-week intervals and followed up for 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was the changes in TIR and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). TIR and HbA1c were both significantly improved in UC-MSCs and placebo groups after 48 weeks of therapy compared with baseline. Compared with placebo group, UC-MSCs group exhibited more pronounced changes at 9 and 48 weeks from baseline in TIR (26.54 vs. 15.84 and 21.36 vs. 6.32) and HbA1c (−1.79 vs. −0.96 and −1.36 vs. −0.51). More patients in UC-MSCs group achieved the glycemic control target of TIR ≥ 70% and HbA1c < 7% at 9 and 48 weeks than in placebo group (59.5% vs. 27.8% and 43.2% vs. 11.1%). The C-peptide area under the curve (AUCC-pep) was an independent risk factor associated with efficacy in T2D undergoing UC-MSCs intervention. These results illustrate that UC-MSCs administration via intravenous infusion is an effective approach for ameliorating TIR.
The Relationship between Lifetime Opioid Use and Mental and Physical Health among Incarcerated Individuals
Authors: Renn Tanya , Moore John Randolph , Veeh Christopher , Pettus Carrie
Published: September 2023

Relationships between opioid use and health, both physical and mental, have been discovered over the last decade or so, but these relationships have yet to be explored among incarcerated individuals. These relationships are important as they may have implications on the health of those who are incarcerated and nearing reentry, because higher rates of opioid use, as well as poor physical and mental health, are found among those who are justice-involved compared with the general population. Using baseline data from a multistate randomized controlled trial, authors aimed to fill this gap by exploring mental health disorder rates and physical health among a sample of incarcerated individuals who report lifetime opioid use and nearing community reentry. Results showed that the prevalence of lifetime opioid use was significantly associated with increased physical role limitation, decreased emotional well-being, and overall poorer health. Additionally, individuals with a lifetime history of opioid use were significantly more likely to have depression, social and generalized anxiety disorders, as well as a history of alcohol and illicit substance use. This work speaks to the urgency in expanding efforts to increase access to comprehensive service delivery models that address substance use, mental health, and physical health comorbidities among incarcerated individuals.
Juniperus virginiana sourced from colder climates maintain higher ratios of soluble sugars to starch during cold acclimation
Authors: Harbol Samuel C , Long Randall W , Medeiros Juliana S
Published: September 2023

Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) are carbon compounds that serve a large variety of purposes, which makes it hard to disentangle how their concentrations change in response to environmental stress. Soluble sugars can accumulate in plants as metabolic demand decreases, e.g., in response to drought or as seasonal temperatures decrease. Alternatively, actively allocating to NSCs could be beneficial in cold acclimation (CA) or in periods of increased aridity because soluble sugars serve non-metabolic functions as cryoprotectants and in osmoregulation. We used Juniperus virginiana L., a woody plant currently expanding its range, to investigate whether plants sourced from colder and more arid locations maintained higher concentrations of NSCs. We sourced three populations of J. virginiana from across an environmental gradient, and we compared these with the closely related Juniperus scopulorum Sarg. We grew the plants in a common garden in north-east OH, part of J. virginiana’s historic range. We exposed the plants to a drought treatment during the summer and then measured the NSC concentrations and cold-hardiness as the plants acclimated to colder temperatures and shorter days. We found that individuals originating from the warmer, more southern range edge were initially not as cold-hardy as plants from the other source populations and that they only reached similar hardiness after prolonged low temperatures. We did not find an effect of drought on NSCs, although this may be due to other traits conferring a high level of drought tolerance in J. virginiana. Across all plants, the NSC concentration increased over the CA period, specifically as sugars. Although the highest concentrations of sugars were found in plants from southern populations, the plants from colder environments maintained higher sugar-to-starch ratios. These results highlight the importance of NSCs in CA and that plants sourced from different climates showed different physiological responses to shortening days and low temperatures.
Ca2+- and Zn2+-dependent nucleases co-participate in nuclear DNA degradation during programmed cell death in secretory cavity development in Citrus fruits
Authors: Liang Minjian , Huai Bin , Lin Junjun , Liang Xiangxiu , He Hanjun , Bai Mei , Wu Hong
Published: September 2023

Calcium (Ca2+)- and zinc Zn2+-dependent nucleases play pivotal roles in plant nuclear DNA degradation in programmed cell death (PCD). However, the mechanisms by which these two nucleases co-participate in PCD-associated nuclear DNA degradation remain unclear. Here, the spatiotemporal expression patterns of two nucleases (CrCAN and CrENDO1) were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively during PCD in secretory cavity formation in Citrus reticulata ‘Chachi’ fruits. Results show that the middle and late initial cell stages and lumen-forming stages are key stages for nuclear degradation during the secretory cavity development. CAN and ENDO1 exhibited potent in vitro DNA degradation activity at pH 8.0 and pH 5.5, respectively. Quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization assays, the subcellular localization of Ca2+ and Zn2+, and immunocytochemical localization showed that CrCAN was activated at the middle and late initial cell stages, while CrENDO1 was activated at the late initial cell and lumen-forming stages. Furthermore, we used immunocytochemical double-labelling to simultaneously locate CrCAN and CrENDO1. The DNA degradation activity of the two nucleases was verified by simulating the change of intracellular pH in vitro. Our results also showed that CrCAN and CrENDO1 worked respectively and co-participated in nuclear DNA degradation during PCD of secretory cavity cells. In conclusion, we propose the model for the synergistic effect of Ca2+- and Zn2+-dependent nucleases (CrCAN and CrENDO1) in co-participating in nuclear DNA degradation during secretory cavity cell PCD in Citrus fruits. Our findings provide direct experimental evidence for exploring different ion-dependent nucleases involved in nuclear degradation during plant PCD.
Filling the “Decency Gap”? Donors’ Reaction to US Policy on International Family Planning Aid
Authors: Ferrière Nathalie
Published: September 2023

The impact of US allocation of family planning aid on other donors is studied in order to gain new insights into donor interactions. Within this context, the dominant player in the sector is the United States, whose policies on family planning undergo changes influenced by domestic debates surrounding abortion. By utilizing the Mexico City Policy and considering exposure to this particular policy as an instrumental factor, it has been observed that other donors do not immediately react to policy changes made by the United States, either contemporaneously or within one year. However, a noticeable shift occurs after a two-year period, indicating that these donors eventually align their allocation strategies with those of the United States. Further analysis of this phenomenon reveals varying patterns among different types of donors. While smaller donors exhibit a clear intention to compensate for US policy changes, larger donors display a mix of competitive tendencies and herding behavior, thereby reinforcing the impact of the Mexico City Policy after the two-year time frame.
E3ubiquitin ligaseRNF187promotes growth of spermatogonia via lysine 48‐linked polyubiquitination‐mediated degradation ofKRT36/KRT84
Authors: Yu Xiangling , Xu Bingya , Gao Tingting , Fu Xu , Jiang Bing , Zhou Nianchao , Gao Wenxin , Wu Tiantian , Shen Cong , Huang Xiaoyan , Wu Yibo , Zheng Bo
Published: September 2023

Ubiquitination is the most common post‐translational modification and is essential for various cellular regulatory processes. RNF187, which is known as RING domain AP1 coactivator‐1, is a member of the RING finger family. RNF187 can promote the proliferation and migration of various tumor cells. However, whether it has a similar role in regulating spermatogonia is not clear. This study explored the role and molecular mechanism of RNF187 in a mouse spermatogonia cell line (GC‐1). We found that RNF187 knockdown reduced the proliferation and migration of GC‐1 cells and promoted their apoptosis. RNF187 overexpression significantly increased the proliferation and migration of GC‐1 cells. In addition, we identified Keratin36/Keratin84 (KRT36/KRT84) as interactors with RNF187 by co‐immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analyses. RNF187 promoted GC‐1 cell growth by degrading KRT36/KRT84 via lysine 48‐linked polyubiquitination. Subsequently, we found that KRT36 or KRT84 overexpression significantly attenuated proliferation and migration of RNF187‐overexpressing GC‐1 cells. In summary, our study explored the involvement of RNF187 in regulating the growth of spermatogonia via lysine 48‐linked polyubiquitination‐mediated degradation of KRT36/KRT84. This may provide a promising new strategy for treating infertility caused by abnormal spermatogonia development.
Single-Use Reamer Shafts for Intramedullary Nail Fixation: An Addressable Source of Extraneous Cost and Medical Waste in Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Pesante Ben D , Stacey Stephen C , Kim Ye Joon , Parry Joshua A
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

To analyze the impact of switching from single-use reamer shafts to reusable reamer shafts for intramedullary nail fixation (IMN) of femur and tibia fractures at a single level-one trauma center, in terms of cost, metal waste, and infection rates.

Design:

Retrospective comparison study

Setting:

Level one trauma center

Patients/Participants: Patients with operative femur and tibia fractures treated before and after adoption of a reusable reamer shaft.

Intervention:

Reamed IMN fixation

Main Outcome Measurements:

Reductions in cost ($292 per shaft) and metal waste (0.44 pounds (lbs) per reamer shaft; reamer shaft failure (breakage and/or incarceration); superficial and deep infections

Results:

A single surgeon treated 125 and 135 fractures before and after adoption of a reusable reamer shaft. No reamer shaft failures were identified. The before and after groups did not differ in age, OTA/AO classification, or infection rates. By adopting reusable reamer shafts the surgeon avoided an estimated 54 single-use reamer shafts per year for an estimated cost and metal waste savings per year of $15,643 USD and 24 lbs. Over the same time period that the surgeon switched to using reusable reamer shafts, a total of 283 single-use reamer shafts were utilized by 12 surgeons in the same department. If the entire department had adopted reusable reamer shafts during that time period an estimated 164 reamer shafts per year would have been avoided for a total cost and metal waste savings per year of $47,763 USD and 72 lbs.

Discussion:

Single-use reamer shafts represent an easily addressable source of extraneous cost and metal waste in orthopaedic surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Mid-term and Long-term Outcomes After Total Cervical Disk Arthroplasty Compared With Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Kim Leo J.Y. , Mazur Marcus D. , Dailey Andrew T.
Published: September 2023

Study Design:

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Objective:

The aim of this study was to compare mid-term to long-term outcomes of cervical disk arthroplasty (CDA) with those of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for the treatment of symptomatic cervical degenerative disk disease.

Summary of Background Data:

After ACDF to treat symptomatic cervical degenerative disk disease, the loss of motion at the index level due to fusion may accelerate adjacent-level disk degeneration. CDA was developed to preserve motion and reduce the risk of adjacent segment degeneration. Early-term to mid-term clinical outcomes from RCTs suggest noninferiority of CDA compared with ACDF, but it remains unclear whether CDA yields better mid-term to long-term outcomes than ACDF.

Materials and Methods:

Two independent reviewers searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for RCTs with at least 60 months of follow-up. The risk ratio or standardized mean difference (and 95% CIs) were calculated for dichotomous or continuous variables, respectively.

Results:

Eighteen reports of 14 RCTs published in 2014–2023 were included. The pooled analysis demonstrated that the CDA group had a significantly greater improvement in neurological success and Neck Disability Index than the ACDF group. The ACDF group exhibited a significantly better improvement in the Short Form-36 Health Survey Physical Component Summary than the CDA group. Radiographic adjacent segment degeneration was significantly lower in the CDA group at 60- and 84-month follow-ups; at 120-month follow-up, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. Although the overall rate of secondary surgical procedures was significantly lower in the CDA group, we did not observe any significant difference at 60-month follow-up between the CDA and ACDF group and appreciated statistically significant lower rates of radiographic adjacent segment degeneration, and symptomatic adjacent-level disease requiring surgery at 84-month and 108- to 120-month follow-up. The rate of adverse events and the neck and arm pain scores in the CDA group were not significantly different from those of the ACDF group.

Conclusions:

In this meta-analysis of 14 RCTs with 5- to 10-year follow-up data, CDA resulted in significantly better neurological success and Neck Disability Index scores and lower rates of radiographic adjacent segment degeneration, secondary surgical procedures, and symptomatic adjacent-level disease requiring surgery than ACDF. ACDF resulted in improved Short Form-36 Health Survey Physical Component Summary scores. However, the CDA and ACDF groups did not exhibit significant differences in overall changes in neck and arm pain scores or rates of adverse events.
One-Year Data on the Longevity and Safety of Hyaluronic Acid Filler for Static Horizontal Neck Rhytids
Authors: Siperstein Robyn , Nestor Elizabeth , Meran Suzanne , Grunebaum Lisa , Cotofana Sebastian
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

The long-term efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid fillers injected into the neck have yet to be analyzed in a prospective trial in the United States.

OBJECTIVE

Analyze the long-term efficacy and safety of a hyaluronic acid filler for static horizontal neck rhytids.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-six subjects were enrolled in the study. Six subjects were randomized to receive saline and 20 subjects were randomized to receive HARR.All subjects were randomized to use a cannula on 1 side and needle on the other with optional retreatment on day 30 and optional crossover treatment with different assignment on day 60. The subjects were graded using the Transverse Neck Line Scale, Canfield photography, and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale on day 360.

RESULTS

A significant improvement from baseline on day 360 was achieved on the Transverse Neck Line Scale according to the blind evaluator, subjects, and investigator without any delayed-onset or prolonged side effects. There was no significant difference in the average improvement from the short-term analysis on day 60 to the long-term analysis on day 360.

CONCLUSION

HARRachieved significant long-term improvement in static horizontal neck rhytids without any long-term side effects.
An Update and Review of Clinical Outcomes Using Immunohistochemical Stains in Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Melanoma
Authors: Elgash May , Young Jade , White Kevin , Leitenberger Justin , Bar Anna
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) provides optimal margin control through complete peripheral and deep margin assessment. The treatment of melanoma using MMS has historically been limited by difficulty in interpreting melanocytes using frozen sections. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, a technique whereby chromogen-tagged antibodies are used to detect antigens of interest, has revolutionized the surgical treatment of melanoma.

OBJECTIVES

This article provides an update and literature review of current IHC stains used in MMS for melanoma, their sensitivities and specificities, and clinical outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A PubMed search was performed using keywords including “immunohistochemistry,” “staining,” and “Mohs surgery.” Articles related to the use of IHC staining for the treatment of melanoma with MMS were included.

RESULTS

Six IHC stains met the criteria for the review including melanoma antigen recognized by T cells (MART-1), SRY-related HMG-box (SOX10), microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, HMB-45, MEL-5, S-100, and preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma.

CONCLUSION

The adaptation of IHC methods to frozen sections has enabled MMS to become a preferred treatment option for melanoma in special-site areas. Future studies are needed to standardize IHC techniques and to define best practices when using frozen section in the treatment of melanoma.