bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Impact of Interval Duration Between Ileal Pouch Creation and Loop Ileostomy Closure on the Development of Subsequent Inflammatory Pouch Conditions in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Zemanek Mark , Westbrook Cates Katherine , Powers Joseph Carter , Dester Emma , Yang Qijun , Smith Riley , Hull Tracy , Cohen Benjamin L , Qazi Taha
Published: January 2025

Background

Many patients with medically refractory ulcerative colitis undergo ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, which typically includes the creation of a temporary loop ileostomy. The impact of the interval between ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and loop ileostomy closure regarding endoscopic pouch inflammation has not been well defined. The aim for this project was to assess if delayed loop ileostomy closure increases patients’ risk of endoscopic pouch inflammation.

Methods

This is a cohort study of patients with ulcerative colitis who underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis between 01/2010 and 12/2020. Patients were divided into groups—early (12–116 days) or late closure (>180 days)—based on interval between ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and loop ileostomy closure. The late closure group was further sub-divided by indication for delay which included post-operative complications and non-medical reasons. The primary outcome was development of endoscopic inflammatory pouch disease, which was a composite of pouch disease activity index score of ≥ 4, mucosal breaks beyond anastomotic lines, and diffuse pouch inflammation.

Results

Two-hundred ninety patients were included which comprised early and late cohorts of 217 and 73 patients, respectively. Compared to early closure, late closures for non-medical and pouch-related surgical complications were both not found to be associated with development of our composite outcome (P = .43 and P = .80, respectively).

Conclusions

Delaying ileostomy closure due to patient preference or logistical limitations did not result in an increased risk of endoscopic pouch inflammation, but there appears to be an association of extraintestinal manifestations with endoscopic inflammatory pouch disease, suggesting the need for a vigilant surveillance in these patients.
De re/de dicto distinction: a logicians’ perspective on data anonymity
Authors: Jiang Junli , Naumov Pavel
Published: January 2025

The distinction between de re (of the thing) and de dicto (of what is said) readings of sentences has long been the topic of studies in logic and philosophy of language. The article proposes to apply these concepts to anonymity. It argues that, in the proposed setting, de dicto knowledge preserves anonymity, while de re knowledge does not. The article also considers a third, “overt,” form of knowledge. The main technical result is a sound and complete logical system that captures the interplay between a data traceability expression and the de re, de dicto, and overt knowledge modalities. The article also shows that the three knowledge modalities are not definable through each other even in the presence of the traceability expression.
Rigour of development of European Society of Cardiology, American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines over a 12-year period (2013–2024): a systematic review of guidelines
Authors: Gomes Daniel A , Ahuja Sanjali A C , Yu Yi Ting , English Robert , Ahmad Mahmood , Khanji Mohammed , Adragão Pedro , Providência Rui
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) regularly publish guidelines for the management of cardiovascular disease. By definition, a guideline should follow strict methodological criteria, and have a transparent, traceable, and reproducible development process. We aimed to assess the overall strength of the recommendations and rigour of methodological development in ESC and ACC/AHA guidelines.

Methods and results

A systematic review of ESC and ACC/AHA guidelines published from 2013 to 2024 was conducted. Documents class of recommendation (COR) and level of evidence (LOE) of recommendations were included. For each document, data regarding citation count (ISI and Scholar), and COR and LOE of the recommendations were extracted. Guidelines were assessed for rigour of methodological development using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument. Among the 76 included guidelines, the average citation-per-year was 344 (ISI) and 681 (Scholar). Forty-nine per cent of the recommendations were classified as COR I (strong recommendations), while 46% were based solely on expert opinion (LOE C). The overall AGREE II methodology domain score was 29 ± 6 (range 7–56), with the lowest performance for the domains of systematic search of evidence, use of pre-defined criteria for selecting the evidence and external review. Both the strength of the recommendations and rigour of development showed a stable trend over the past 12 years. ACC/AHA guidelines followed more rigorous development methods compared with ESC (AGREE II 36 ± 3 vs. 24 ± 3).

Conclusions

Clinical guidelines from the main European and American cardiovascular societies are highly cited but show significant limitations in methodological rigour.
Daphnids can safeguard the use of alternative bioassays to the acute fish toxicity test: a focus on neurotoxicity
Authors: Schür Christoph , Paparella Martin , Faßbender Christopher , Stoddart Gilly , Baity Jesi Marco , Schirmer Kristin
Published: January 2025

Assessment of potential impacts of chemicals on the environment traditionally involves regulatory standard data requirements for acute aquatic toxicity testing using algae, daphnids, and fish (e.g., Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD] test guidelines 201, 202, and 203, respectively), representing different trophic levels. In line with the societal goal to replace or reduce vertebrate animal testing, alternative bioassays were developed to replace testing with fish: the fish cell line RTgill-W1 acute toxicity assay (OECD test guideline 249) and the zebrafish embryo acute toxicity test (zFET, OECD test guideline 236). However, previous studies revealed the lower sensitivity of the RTgill-W1 cell line assay and zFET for some neurotoxic chemicals and allyl alcohol, which is presumably biotransformed in fish to the more toxic acrolein (which is predicted well through the cell line assay). To provide an additional alternative to acute fish toxicity, in this study we analyzed historic ecotoxicity data for fish and daphnids from the EnviroTox Database. We found a considerable variability in acute fish median lethal concentration and acute daphnids median effect concentration values, particularly for neurotoxic chemicals. Comparing sensitivity of these taxonomic groups according to different neurotoxicity classification schemes indicates that fish rarely represent the most sensitive trophic level of the two. Exceptions here most prominently include a few cyclodiene compounds, which are no longer marketed, and a chemical group that could be identified through structural alerts. Moreover, daphnids are more sensitive than fish to acrolein. This analysis highlights the potential of the Daphnia acute toxicity test, which is usually a standard regulatory data requirement, in safeguarding the environmental protection level provided by the RTgill-W1 cell line assay and the zFET. This research, rooted in decades of efforts to replace the fish acute toxicity test, shifts the focus from predicting fish toxicity one-to-one to emphasizing the protectiveness of alternative methods, paving the way for further eliminating vertebrate tests in environmental toxicology.
About two French cases of disseminated Cryptococcus neoformans infection associated with COVID-19
Authors: Pulby Wendy , Lafolie Jérémy , Belot Chloé , Dopeux Loïc , Loiseau Sébastien , Moniot Maxime , Poirier Philippe , Nourrisson Céline
Published: January 2025

SARS-CoV-2 infection is an acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with immune dysfunction, causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease. The use of immunosuppressive drugs in its treatment increases the risk of opportunistic infections. In particular, opportunistic fungal infections have been described in initially non-immunocompromised patients with severe COVID-19 disease. Among them, rare cases of cryptococcosis have been described. Here we present the first two French cases of non-HIV non-transplant patients who developed disseminated Cryptococcus neoformans fungal infection in the setting of severe COVID-19 disease. Blood cultures appear to be an interesting diagnostic tool for post-COVID-19 cryptococcosis, which is an often fatal complication.
New components of the community-based DNA-repair mechanism in Sulfolobales
Authors: Recalde Alejandra , Wagner Alexander , Sivabalasarma Shamphavi , Yurmashava Anastasiya , Fehr Nayeli Phycilia , Thurm Rebecca , Le Thuong Ngoc , Köebler Christin , Wassmer Bianca , Albers Sonja-Verena , van Wolferen Marleen
Published: January 2025

After exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, Sulfolobus acidocaldarius cells aggregate in a species-specific manner to exchange DNA and repair double-strand breaks via homologous recombination. The formation of cell–cell interactions is mediated by Ups pili. DNA exchange subsequently occurs through the Crenarchaeal system for exchange of DNA (Ced), which imports DNA. To identify novel players in these processes, we investigated that several genes upregulated after UV exposure, by creating in-frame deletion mutants and performing cell aggregation and DNA exchange assays. This led to the identification of two novel components involved in the Ups and Ced systems: UpsC, a minor pilin of the Ups pili, and CedD, a VirD4-like ATPase essential for DNA import. Altogether, these findings provide new insights into the DNA damage response mechanisms in Sulfolobales.
Evolutionary Genomics of Two Co-occurring Congeneric Fore Reef Coral Species on Guam (Mariana Islands)
Authors: Torrado Héctor , Rios Dareon , Primov Karim , Burdick David R , Bentlage Bastian , Lemer Sarah , Combosch David
Published: January 2025

Population structure provides essential information for developing meaningful conservation plans. This is especially important in remote places, such as oceanic islands, where limited population sizes and genetic isolation can make populations more susceptible and self-dependent. In this study, we assess and compare the relatedness, population genetics and molecular ecology of two sympatric Acropora species, A. surculosa sensu Randall & Myers (1983) and A. cf. verweyi Veron & Wallace, 1984 around Guam, using genome-wide sequence data (ddRAD). We further contrast our findings with the results of a recent study on back reef A. cf. pulchra (Brook, 1891) to assess the impact of habitat, colony morphology, and phylogenetic relatedness on these basic population genetic characteristics and generate testable hypotheses for future studies. Both target species were found to have small effective population sizes, low levels of genetic diversity, and minimal population structure around Guam. Nonetheless, A. cf. verweyi had significantly higher levels of genetic diversity, some population structure as well as more clones, close relatives and putative loci under selection. Comparisons with A. cf. pulchra indicate a potentially significant impact by habitat on population structure and genetic diversity while colony morphology seems to significantly impact clonality. This study revealed significant differences in the basic population genetic makeup of two sympatric Acropora species on Guam. Our results suggest that colony morphology and habitat/ecology may have a significant impact on the population genetic makeup in reef corals, which could offer valuable insights for future management decisions in the absence of genetic data.
The Influence of Sex, Fitness, BMI, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors on Cerebral Blood Velocity Responsiveness to Graded Exercise Testing in Middle-Aged Adults
Authors: Muñoz-Muñoz Miguel , Weston Max , Sierra-Ramón Miguel , Bond Bert , Leal-Martín Javier , Tomlinson Owen W , Baltasar-Fernández Iván , Morín-Martín María M , Losa-Reyna José , Alcazar Julian , García-García Francisco José , Ara Ignacio
Published: January 2025

Mean middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv) and the pulsatility index (PI), at rest and in response to exercise, are important markers of cerebrovascular health status in middle-aged adults, when vascular decline assumes substantial relevance. Thus, this study aimed to describe and compare the responses of MCAv and PI to incremental exercise. Two hundred and forty-eight volunteers (50–58 years, 55% women) completed a ramp test on a cycle-ergometer. Gas exchange was assessed on a breath-by-breath basis. MCAv was measured via transcranial Doppler and PI calculated. Cardiovascular disease risk (CVR) factors were determined and comprised of measurements of central obesity, blood pressure, fasted plasma glucose, and lipids. The MCAv and PI responses to exercise were compared across body mass index categories, CVR score, and fitness status. We found sex-specific differences in MCAv and PI at rest. However, both sexes showed a similar relative change to baseline (Δ%MCAvmean). Regarding body mass index, obese women (body mass index > 30 kg m−2) had lower MCAv and Δ%MCAvmean and higher PI compared with normo-weight women during exercise. Apart, women with a 0 CVR score showed higher MCAv and lower PI during exercise than those with a score of +3 CVR. Differences between low and high CVR during exercise in Δ%MCAvmean were also found. Eventually, low fitness showed diminished MCAv and a lower response to exercise than high fitness. This study has highlighted significant variability in MCAv responsiveness to exercise among middle-aged adults. Body composition, CVR, and fitness status may play a significant role in preserving cerebrovascular health. These findings shed light on the importance of understanding the cerebrovascular response to exercise.
Physical activity—the past, present and potential future: a state-of-the-art review
Authors: Mclaughlin Matthew , McCue Peter , Swelam Brittany , Murphy Joey , Edney Sarah
Published: January 2025

This is a state-of-the-art review of historical developments, current approaches and recommended future directions in physical activity (PA) research, practice and policy. Since the early epidemiological studies in the 1950s, PA research has developed from within a biomedical paradigm. There is now a strong evidence base linking PA with positive health outcomes. PA is currently understood as a multi-sector issue, requiring a multi-sector solution (e.g. transport, urban design, sport), resulting in multiple individual and societal benefits (e.g. addresses multiple Sustainable Development Goals), however, there is a disconnect between interventions, policy and practice. This may be due to limited cross-sector collaboration between, and within, the public and private sectors. Furthermore, the mix of policy instruments employed by governments to implement PA policy to date has been dominated by soft (e.g. communication) rather than hard options (e.g. fiscal). To progress in PA promotion, we need to move beyond health outcome and intervention evidence generation (e.g. focus on testing efficacy in highly controlled settings), to more complex, real world, politically informed, multi-sector, scale-up and policies, while concurrently collecting data to evaluate such efforts (e.g. natural experiments and evaluations of the policy process). PA programs may benefit from greater incorporation of public policy considerations, so that proposed interventions and policies are designed with potential political constraints in mind. We conclude by providing a call to action to advance the understanding of the role of politics in PA, in order to develop politically informed action on PA.
Development of secure infrastructure for advancing generative artificial intelligence research in healthcare at an academic medical center
Authors: Ng Madelena Y , Helzer Jarrod , Pfeffer Michael A , Seto Tina , Hernandez-Boussard Tina
Published: January 2025

Background

Generative AI, particularly large language models (LLMs), holds great potential for improving patient care and operational efficiency in healthcare. However, the use of LLMs is complicated by regulatory concerns around data security and patient privacy. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a secure infrastructure that allows researchers to safely leverage LLMs in healthcare while ensuring HIPAA compliance and promoting equitable AI.

Materials and Methods

We implemented a private Azure OpenAI Studio deployment with secure API-enabled endpoints for researchers. Two use cases were explored, detecting falls from electronic health records (EHR) notes and evaluating bias in mental health prediction using fairness-aware prompts.

Results

The framework provided secure, HIPAA-compliant API access to LLMs, allowing researchers to handle sensitive data safely. Both use cases highlighted the secure infrastructure’s capacity to protect sensitive patient data while supporting innovation.

Discussion and Conclusion

This centralized platform presents a scalable, secure, and HIPAA-compliant solution for healthcare institutions aiming to integrate LLMs into clinical research.
Cross-cutting families: how parent politics shape political communication and socialization practices
Authors: Van Duyn Emily , Pool Kirsten
Published: January 2025

Many families in the United States hold divergent political beliefs, which may cause relational issues between parents and affect the political socialization of their child(ren). Through a mixed-methods approach, we first assess data from in-depth interviews (N = 30) with parents in cross-cutting romantic relationships, or relationships where partners hold different political beliefs, to inductively explore the connection between parent politics and political socialization within the family. We find that parent political differences shape parent political communication, which is related to the political socialization of their child(ren). Drawing from these interviews, we employ survey data of cross-cutting and politically similar parents in the U.S. (N = 484), offering complementary evidence that cross-cutting parent relationships are negatively associated with expressiveness and political socialization, and that the relationship with political socialization is mediated by parent expressiveness. These findings showcase the role that parent disagreement plays in family political communication and political socialization.
Robotic-assisted excision of left para-aortic paraganglioma: a novel approach
Authors: Tan Jack Kang , Ramsingh Jason
Published: January 2025

Paragangliomas, a type of extra-adrenal tumour, albeit rare, are dangerous due to their high metastatic potential and risk of hypertensive crisis from massive catecholamine release. It typically presents with sympathetic overdrive symptoms such as diaphoresis, headache, and palpitation, accompanied by substantially high plasma metanephrines level and mass on contrasted computed tomography abdomen and pelvis, whilst some are found incidentally. In this report, we discuss a case of an extra-adrenal lesion located near susceptible major structures with extensive vascularisation, in a patient with near-death experience. Complete excision of the pulsatile mass with minimal bleeding and no complications, was made possible utilizing the da Vinci Robotic System. Robotic surgery, being a part of a multidisciplinary approach, leads to better patient outcomes and shorter hospitalisations. Moreover, it offers enhanced dexterity and improved depth perception compared to conventional methods. However, further studies are needed to validate its application in standard practice.
Long-term immunogenicity of a single-dose live recombinant chimeric Japanese encephalitis vaccine in adults
Authors: Mills Deborah J , Gyawali Narayan , Nammunige Nirupama A , Mills Christine , Devine Gregor J , Lau Colleen L , Furuya-Kanamori Luis
Published: January 2025

Background

Japanese encephalitis virus is a leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia, with high case-fatality rate and morbidity. Although the live recombinant Japanese encephalitis chimeric vaccine (Imojev®) offers strong initial immunity, data on long-term efficacy beyond 5 years remain limited.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study on adults vaccinated with Imojev® at a specialist travel clinic in Brisbane, Australia. Participants were stratified based on the time since vaccination: 2–5 years and >5 years. Neutralizing antibody titres were measured using the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT50), with titres ≥10 indicating seropositivity.

Results

Of the 103 participants, 47 were vaccinated 2–5 years prior and 56 were vaccinated ≥5 years prior to enrolment. All participants vaccinated within 5 years remain seropositive, whilst 52 of 56 (92.9%) vaccinated ≥5 years ago were seropositive. Four participants (7.1%) were seronegative post-vaccination, with time since vaccination ranging from 5 to 9 years. These seronegative individuals were vaccinated a median of 9.2 years ago, compared to 5.1 years for seropositive participants (P-value = 0.037). Aside from time since vaccination, no other factors (e.g. age, sex) were associated with seronegativity.

Conclusions

Imojev® provides durable immunity, with seropositivity exceeding 90% up to 10 years post-vaccination. However, waning immunity in a small proportion of individuals suggests that booster doses may be beneficial for high-risk travellers vaccinated over 5 years ago.
Partial imaging and Thomason conditionals
Authors: Cuenca Alba
Published: January 2025

The main goal of this article is to give an adequate semantic treatment of Thomason conditionals, that is, conditionals where the consequent asserts the agent’s ignorance or disbelief on the antecedent. These conditionals present a challenge to the conventional epistemic view of conditionals, as outlined by the Ramsey test. We argue that we can give a correct treatment of this type of conditional by taking a probabilistic approach and applying the probability function Jeffrey Imaging as a way of supposing the antecedent. We demonstrate how this method not only unifies the treatment of different types of conditionals while maintaining consistency with the Ramsey test’s core insights, but also sheds light on the general nature of partial supposition.
Exploring migrants’ willingness to renounce birthright citizenship in Italy: Do national identity, place of socialization, and instrumental approach matter?
Authors: Barbiano di Belgiojoso Elisa , Ortensi Livia Elisa
Published: January 2025

The relationship between citizenship and identity is complex, affecting migrants’ propensity to become citizens if the law of the destination or home country requires renouncing birthright citizenship. Renunciation of birthright citizenship is one of the main barriers to naturalization. However, previous research has underestimated migrants’ readiness to renounce their birthright citizenship, focusing mainly on the dual citizenship regulations of both destination and home countries. This article aims to fill this gap. Using a unique, nationally representative dataset, Social Condition and Integration of Foreigners, we analyse migrants’ intention to renounce their citizenship to become Italian, focusing on three dimensions: identity, place of socialization, and reason for naturalization. The results show that identification with the host country, longer socialization in Italy, and the desire for equality of status and rights are strongly associated with the willingness to renounce citizenship.
Reflection-dominated Compton-thick AGN candidates in the SRG/eROSITA Lockman Hole survey
Authors: Belvedersky M I , Bykov S D , Gilfanov M R , Medvedev P S , Sunyaev R A
Published: January 2025

We search for reflection-dominated Compton-thick active galactic nuclei (CT AGN) candidates in the Lockman Hole (LH) region using the data of SRG/eROSITA LH survey. We selected sources with anomalously hard photon indices in the 0.3–8.0 keV band, untypical for Type I AGN. In particular, we required that the upper end of the 90 per cent error interval did not exceed a fiducial boundary of $\Gamma =1.3$. We found 291 sources which constitute a rare sub-population among extragalactic X-ray sources detected by eROSITA in the LH field, $\approx 5~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. These sources constitute the eROSITA sample of CT AGN candidates in the LH field. We further divide the sources into three categories depending on the availability of reliable redshift and statistically significant detection of intrinsic absorption. We present two catalogues: the bright sample (37 sources) and the faint one (254). We estimate the fraction and sky density of reflection-dominated CT AGN candidates. We show examples of individual spectra and use stacking analysis to search for possible redshift evolution of their properties with redshift. We analyse combined eROSITA spectra of bright sources of different categories with a physically motivated spectral model UXCLUMPY and find them fully consistent with the fits to the $\sim 1$ Ms XMM–Newton data for one of our reflection-dominated CT candidates, Type 2 galaxy SRGe J105348.6+573032. The catalogues of CT AGN candidates could be a good starting point for planning future studies and follow-ups at all wavelengths.
Prospects for biological evolution on Hycean worlds
Authors: Mitchell Emily G , Madhusudhan Nikku
Published: January 2025

Recent detections of carbon-bearing molecules in the atmosphere of a candidate Hycean world, K2-18 b, with JWST are opening the prospects for characterising potential biospheres on temperate exoplanets. Hycean worlds are a recently theorised class of habitable exoplanets with ocean covered surfaces and hydrogen-rich atmospheres. Hycean planets are thought to be conducive for hosting microbial life under conditions similar to those in the Earth’s oceans. In the present work we investigate the potential for biological evolution on Hycean worlds and their dependence on the thermodynamic conditions. We find that a large range of evolutionary rates and origination times are possible for unicellular life in oceanic environments for a relatively marginal range in environmental conditions. For example, a relatively small (10 K) increase in the average ocean temperature can lead to over twice the evolutionary rates, with key unicellular groups originating as early as ∼1.3 billion years from origin of life. On the contrary, similar decreases in temperatures can also significantly delay the origination times by several billion years. This delay in turn could affect their observable biomarkers such as dimethylsulfide, which is known to be produced predominantly by Eukaryotic marine phytoplankton in Earth’s oceans. Therefore, Hycean worlds that are significantly cooler than Earth may be expected to host simpler microbial life than Earth’s oceans and may show weaker biosignatures, unless they orbit significantly older stars than the Sun. Conversely, Hycean worlds with warmer surface temperatures than Earth are more likely to show stronger atmospheric biosignatures due to microbial life if present.
Shared Selection and Genetic Architecture Drive Strikingly Repeatable Evolution in Long-Term Experimental Hybrid Populations
Authors: Owens Gregory L , Caseys Celine , Mitchell Nora , Hübner Sariel , Whitney Kenneth D , Rieseberg Loren H
Published: January 2025

The degree to which evolution repeats itself has implications regarding the major forces driving evolution and the potential for evolutionary biology to be a predictive (vs. solely historical) science. To understand the factors that control evolutionary repeatability, we experimentally evolved four replicate hybrid populations of sunflowers at natural sites for up to 14 years and tracked ancestry across the genome. We found that there was very strong negative selection against introgressed ancestry in several chromosomes, but positive selection for introgressed ancestry in one chromosome. Further, the strength of selection was influenced by recombination rate. High recombination regions had lower selection against introgressed ancestry due to more frequent recombination away from incompatible backgrounds. Strikingly, evolution was highly parallel across replicates, with shared selection driving 88% of variance in introgressed allele frequency change. Parallel evolution was driven by both high levels of sustained linkage in introgressed alleles and strong selection on large-effect quantitative trait loci. This work highlights the repeatability of evolution through hybridization and confirms the central roles that natural selection, genomic architecture, and recombination play in the process.
The influence of signal strength on conscious and nonconscious neural processing of emotional faces
Authors: Schlossmacher Insa , Herbig Marie , Dellert Torge , Straube Thomas , Bruchmann Maximilian
Published: January 2025

Consciously perceived emotional relative to neutral facial expressions evoke stronger early and late event-related potential (ERP) components. However, the extent of nonconscious neural processing of emotional information in faces is still a matter of debate. One possible reason for conflicting findings might relate to threshold effects depending on the sensory strength of stimuli. In the current study, we investigated this issue by manipulating the contrast of fearful and neutral faces presented with or without continuous flash suppression (CFS). Low, medium, and high contrasts were calibrated individually so that faces were consciously perceived at all contrast levels if presented without CFS. With CFS, however, low- and medium-contrast faces remained nonconscious, while high-contrast faces broke the suppression. Without CFS, ERPs showed an increased early negativity and late positivity in response to fearful vs. neutral faces regardless of contrast. Under CFS, we observed differential early negativities for suppression-breaking high-contrast fearful vs. neutral faces. For nonconscious faces, however, the contrast level modulated the difference between fearful and neutral faces, showing enhanced early negativities only at medium contrast and an inverted effect at low contrast. Additional analysis of late positivities provided evidence for the absence of an effect at low and medium contrast, while at high-contrast, fearful faces elicited a larger positivity than neutral ones. Taken together, our findings demonstrate the significance of stimulus strength for nonconscious emotion processing under CFS, implying that early negative ERP differences between neutral and fearful faces depend on stimulus contrast near the detection threshold.
Exploitation Through Racialization
Authors: McGee Dan
Published: January 2025

I develop a model of the social construction of race. Racial categories emerge from labour conflict when elites privilege intrinsically irrelevant traits to divide workers against each other and extract workers’ surplus. I show that elites use colour to grant unequal rights and track these rights across generations because it is heritable, observable, and relatively immutable. Depending on the demographic conditions the elites face, the system of racialization manifests either as ‘ancestry-based’ or ‘colour-based’ categories. This approach to the social construction of race provides a unified explanation of skin tone inequality, racial homophily in marriage, the social status of mixed-race people, the ‘psychological wage’ of Jim Crow, and legal restrictions on manumission. I test for historical variations in racial boundaries using census data from the United States and Brazil and for differential patterns of skin tone inequality between ancestry-based and colour-based systems using survey data from across the Americas.
Covering groups of minimal exponent
Authors: Sambonet Nicola
Published: January 2025

Presenting a finite group by a free product of finite cyclic groups the Hopf formula for the Schur multiplier also affords a covering group, and the cover has a minimal exponent, provided that the presentation preserves the orders of the generators. This condition corresponds to a covering projection between Δ-complexes, and so a presentation by a Fuchsian group generated by elliptic elements corresponds to a covering projection between compact oriented surfaces.
XopAE Effector from Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis Targets HSP20-Like p23 Cochaperone to Suppress Plant Basal Immunity
Authors: Gomez De la Cruz Diana , Castillo Darwin A. , Trujillo B. Cesar A. , Medina Cesar A. , Hurtado Valentina , Gil Juliana , Padmanabhan Meenu , Restrepo Silvia , Dinesh-Kumar Savithramma P. , Germain Hugo , Lopez Camilo , Bernal Adriana
Published: January 2025

Pathogenic bacteria use Type 3 effector proteins to manipulate host defenses and alter metabolism to favor their survival and spread. The non-model bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis (Xpm) causes devastating disease in cassava. The molecular role of Type 3 effector proteins from Xpm in causing disease is largely unknown. Here, we report that the XopAE effector from Xpm suppresses plant defense responses. Our results showed that XopAE is a suppressor of basal defenses such as callose deposition and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). XopAE targets a small heat shock protein (Mep23-1 cochaperone) in cassava and its homolog Atp23-1 in Arabidopsis. XopAE localizes to the nucleus and in scattered points throughout the cell border, while Mep23-1 shows a nucleocytoplasmic localization. Upon interaction, XopAE hijacks Mep23-1 to the scattered points throughout the cell border and they also interact in nucleus. Our results indicate that the interaction between XopAE and Mep23-1 is essential for suppressing basal plant defense. This study is one of the first to address the molecular mechanisms deployed by Xpm to cause disease in cassava, a non-model crop plant.
Danshensu sodium salt alleviates muscle atrophy via CaMKII‐PGC1α‐FoxO3a signaling pathway in D‐galactose‐induced models
Authors: Lim Pooreum , Woo Sang Woo , Han Jihye , Lee Young Lim , Shim Jae Ho , Kim Hyeon Soo
Published: January 2025

Sarcopenia is an age‐related muscle atrophy syndrome characterized by the loss of muscle strength and mass. Although many agents have been used to treat sarcopenia, there are no successful treatments to date. In this study, we identified Danshensu sodium salt (DSS) as a substantial suppressive agent of muscle atrophy. We used a D‐galactose (DG)‐induced aging‐acceleration model, both in vivo and in vitro, to confirm the effect of DSS on sarcopenia. DSS inhibits the expression of muscle atrophy‐related factors (MuRF1, MAFbx, myostatin, and FoxO3a) in DG‐induced mouse C2C12 and human skeletal muscle cells. Additionally, DSS restored the diameter of reduced C2C12 myotubes. Next, we demonstrated that DSS stimulates AMPK and PGC1α through CaMKII. DSS inhibits the translocation of FoxO3a into the nucleus, thus inhibiting muscle atrophy in a calcium‐dependent manner. DSS initiated the protein–protein interaction between FoxO3a and PGC1α. The reduction of the PGC1α‐FoxO3a interaction by DG was restored by DSS. Also, DSS suppressed increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by DG. In animal models, DSS administration improved mouse muscle mass and physical performance (grip strength and hanging test) under DG‐induced accelerated aging conditions. These findings demonstrated that DSS attenuates muscle atrophy by inhibiting the expression of muscle atrophy‐related factors. Therefore, DSS may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of sarcopenia.
Maternal milk cell components are uptaken by infant liver macrophages via extracellular vesicle mediated transport
Authors: Doerfler Rose , Yerneni Saigopalakrishna , LoPresti Samuel , Chaudhary Namit , Newby Alexandra , Melamed Jilian R. , Malaney Angela , Whitehead Kathryn A.
Published: January 2025

Milk is a multifaceted biofluid that is essential for infant nutrition and development, yet its cellular and bioactive components, particularly maternal milk cells, remain understudied. Early research on milk cells indicated that they cross the infant's intestinal barrier and accumulate within systemic organs. However, due to the absence of modern analytical techniques, these studies were limited in scope and mechanistic analysis. To overcome this knowledge gap, we have investigated the transintestinal transport of milk cells and components in pups over a 21‐day period. Studies employed a mT/mG foster nursing model in which milk cells express a membrane‐bound fluorophore, tdTomato. Using flow cytometry, we tracked the transport of milk cell‐derived components across local and systemic tissues, including the intestines, blood, thymus, mesenteric lymph nodes, and liver. These experiments identified milk‐derived fluorescent signals in intestinal epithelial and immune cells as well as liver macrophages in 7‐day‐old pups. However, the minute numbers of macrophages in mouse milk suggest that maternal cells are not systemically accumulating in the infant; instead, pup macrophages are consuming milk cell membrane components, such as apoptotic bodies or extracellular vesicles (EVs). Ex vivo experiments using primary macrophages support this hypothesis, showing that immune cells preferentially consumed EVs over milk cells. Together, these data suggest a more complex interplay between milk cells and the infant's immune and digestive systems than previously recognized and highlight the need for future research on the role of milk cells in infant health.
Isolated Tibial Tubercle Fracture With and Without Combined Patellar Tendon Avulsion: Early Outcomes, Complications, and Reoperations
Authors: Schultz Rebecca J. , Amaral Jason Z. , Parham Matthew J. , Lee Tiffany M. , Kitziger Raymond L.﻿ , McKay Scott D. , Touban Basel M.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Tibial tubercle fractures (TTF) are uncommon injuries, comprising <3% of proximal tibial fractures. Rarely, they occur in conjunction with patellar tendon avulsion (PTA). We aimed to compare reoperation rates and short-term postoperative outcomes in patients with TTF versus combined injuries.

Methods:

A retrospective review of patients presenting to a single tertiary pediatric hospital with a TTF who underwent open treatment and fixation of tibial tuberosity fractures was performed. Demographics, operative details, injury patterns, complications, and postoperative milestones were analyzed. Operative reports were reviewed to identify concomitant PTA. Outcomes analyzed included reoperation rates, weeks to full weight-bearing (FWB), full range of motion (FROM), and return to sport (RTS). Patients with <4 months of clinical follow-up were excluded from the analysis.

Results:

We identified 117 fractures in 111 patients (mean age: 13.75 ± 1.27, 5% female). One-hundred and one fractures were isolated TTF and 16 were combined TTF with PTA. There was no significant difference in secondary surgery (P=0.13) or complication rates (P=0.20). The duration in the hinged knee brace was significantly higher in the combined injury group (12.95 wk) than in the isolated injury group (9.77 wk) (P=0.0024). There was no significant difference in time to FWB (P=0.25), FROM (P=0.86) or time to RTS (P=0.40).

Conclusion:

No current postoperative guidelines exist for combined TTF and PTA. Our data suggest that combined injury can be largely managed similarly to isolated TTF. However, combined injuries may require a longer bracing period.

Level of Evidence:

Level II prognostic study.
Double Povidone-Iodine 5% Preparation Before Cataract Surgery for Endophthalmitis Prevention
Authors: Odden Jamie L. , Winters Jacob , Zlotcavitch Leonid , Mammen Alex , Romanowski Eric G. , Shanks Robert M. Q. , Dhaliwal Deepinder K.
Published: January 2025

Objective:

To compare endophthalmitis rates after cataract extraction in patients with different preoperative prophylaxis: double povidone-iodine preparation with topical antibiotics versus a control group.

Methods:

All cases of postoperative endophthalmitis over the last 17 years were reviewed. Incidence rates of endophthalmitis for all cataract surgeries (current procedural terminology codes 66982 and 66984) performed by 26 surgeons were calculated. Cataract surgery combined with glaucoma and corneal procedures were excluded (1,347 surgeries). Incidence rates were compared for the study group (i.e., use of double povidone-iodine preparation) versus the control group. In the study group, two standard interventions were implemented: preoperative instillation of fluoroquinolone drops every 15 min for 1 hr and preoperative irrigation of conjunctival fornices and eyelashes with 10 cc of 5% povidone-iodine. In both the study and control group, povidone-iodine preparation was performed in the operating room, and postoperative fluoroquinolone drops were used.

Results:

From January 2005 to May 2022, no cases of endophthalmitis were identified out of 7,611 cataract extractions performed by three surgeons who used the double povidone-iodine preparation. Seven new cases of endophthalmitis were identified in the control group during the same time (7 out of 9,876=0.07%). Two of these cases had combined cataract surgery with endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation, and five cases had cataract surgery alone. Individual surgeon rates of endophthalmitis ranged from 0% to 0.29%.

Conclusion:

A double povidone-iodine preparation may provide more robust prophylaxis against postcataract extraction endophthalmitis than a single preparation.
Nd:YAG Laser Iridotomy Versus Surgical Iridectomy in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty: Comparison of Postoperative Outcome and Incidence of Ocular Hypertension
Authors: Steindor Friedrich , Hayawi Mohammed , Borrelli Maria , Strzalkowska Alicja , Menzel-Severing Johannes , Geerling Gerd
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

To evaluate outcome and incidence of ocular hypertension after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and DMEK combined with cataract surgery (triple DMEK) after Nd:YAG laser iridotomy (IO) and surgical iridectomy (IE).

Methods:

This is a single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent DMEK or triple DMEK surgery at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Germany, from January 2018 to June 2020 and had received either a prophylactic preoperative IO or an intraoperative IE. Patient demographic data; best corrected visual acuity; central corneal thickness; intraocular pressure (IOP); endothelial cell density; and complications such as occurrence of early postoperative IOP elevation, macular edema, rebubbling rate, and incidence of glaucoma were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 75 patients were included in each study arm with a follow-up of 22.04 ± 12.8 months. Best corrected visual acuity significantly increased postoperatively in both cohorts without significant differences. Early postoperative IOP elevation due to pupillary block was significantly more common in eyes with IO (33.3%, n = 25) than with IE (2.67%, n = 2, P < 0.001). The incidence of de novo glaucoma was 5.34% in both cohorts without significant differences in prevalence at the last follow-up (YAG IO cohort: 17.3%, IE cohort: 14.7%, P > 0.05). Rebubbling was required in 16% (n = 12) of eyes in each cohort (P > 0.999).

Conclusions:

Postoperative pupillary block after DMEK occurs significantly more often after preoperative Nd:YAG laser iridotomy compared with surgical intraoperative iridectomy but does not negatively affect long-term visual outcome or glaucoma incidence after DMEK.
Is There a Difference Between Seropositive and Seronegative Sjögren Disease Dry Eye?
Authors: Mohamed-Noriega Karim , Riega-Torres Janett , Ramírez-Paura Aldo Noé , Martínez-Delgado José Francisco , Álvarez-González Oscar Eduardo , Velasco-Sepúlveda Braulio H. , Morales-Wong Fernando , Garza-Elizondo Mario Alberto , Galarza-Delgado Dionicio Ángel , Mohamed-Hamsho Jesús
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

The study aims to compare dry eye disease (DED) prevalence and severity between seropositive and seronegative Sjögren disease (SjD).

Methods:

Prospective, consecutive, comparative cross-sectional cohort study. A total of 160 eyes of 80 patients with SjD by The American College of Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism 2016 criteria were included: 55 seropositive and 25 seronegative SjD. Associated SjD was excluded. Patients had dry eye tests performed. Generalized estimating equations were used to account for intereye correlation of the same participant.

Results:

Mean age was 52.2 ± 12.7, 96.3% were women, no differences were observed between groups (P > 0.05). Seronegative SjD had positive minor salivary gland biopsy more often (100% vs. 82%, P = 0.024), but with lower focus score (2.0 ± 1.2 vs. 4.1 ± 3.5, P = 0.006) than seropositive SjD group. DED prevalence was similar in seropositive and seronegative SjD (92.7% and 84%; P = 0.088). Only noninvasive break-up time (NIBUT) average was significantly reduced in seropositive SjD (6.6 ± 3.2 vs. 8.8 ± 2.4, P = 0.011), and the rest of the evaluated DED tests were not significant. In the seropositive group, nonstatistically significant trends toward more severe DED signs, including matrix metalloproteinase-9, osmolarity, Schirmer I without anesthesia, fluorescein tear break-up time, NIBUT first, and Sicca Ocular Staining Score, were observed. Both groups were highly symptomatic in ocular surface disease index score (43 ± 23 vs. 46 ± 30, P = 0.779) and had a reduction in quality of life in National Eye Institute visual health questionnaire-25 test (72 ± 21 vs. 70 ± 24, P = 0.650).

Conclusions:

Patients with seropositive SjD showed significantly reduced NIBUT and a trend of more severe DED signs. Patients with seronegative and seropositive SjD were similarly highly symptomatic, experienced important reductions in vision-related quality of life, and had similar DED prevalence.
Autoantibodies cause nociceptive sensitization in a mouse model of degenerative osteoarthritis
Authors: Guo Tian-zhi , Shi Xiaoyou , Li Xuanying , Li Wen-Wu , Wei Tzuping , Sahbaie Peyman , McAllister Tiffany N. , Angst Martin S. , Clark J. David , Kingery Wade S.
Published: January 2025

Previous preclinical and translational studies suggest that tissue trauma related to bony fracture and intervertebral disk disruption initiates the formation of pronociceptive antibodies that support chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions. This study tested this hypothesis in the monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) mouse model of osteoarthritis (OA) and extended the findings using OA patient samples. Monosodium iodoacetate was injected unilaterally into the knees of male and female wild-type (WT) and muMT mice (lacking B cells) to induce articular cartilage damage. Repeated nociceptive behavioral testing was performed, and serum was collected for antibody isolation and passive transfer experiments. Serum antibodies collected from patients with OA were tested in MIA-treated muMT mice. Biochemical analyses were performed on knee joint tissues. Monosodium iodoacetate–treated WT mice developed chronic ipsilateral hindlimb allodynia, hyperalgesia, and unweighting, but these pain behaviors were absent in MIA-treated muMT mice, indicating that cartilage injury–induced pain is B-cell dependent. IgM accumulation was observed in the knee tissues of MIA-treated mice, and intra-articular injection of IgM from MIA-treated mice into MIA-treated muMT mice caused nociceptive sensitization. Similarly, intra-articular injection of IgM from patients with OA was pronociceptive in muMT MIA mice and control subject IgM had no effect. Monosodium iodoacetate–injected joints demonstrate elevated levels of complement component 5a (C5a) and C5a receptor blockade using intra-articular PMX-53–reduced sensitization. These data suggest that MIA-treated mice and patients with OA generate pronociceptive antibodies, and further support the pronociceptive autoimmunity hypothesis for the transition from tissue injury to chronic musculoskeletal pain.