bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
iBT-Net: an incremental broad transformer network for cancer drug response prediction
Authors: Zhan Yongkang , Guo Jifeng , Philip Chen C L , Meng Xian-Bing
Published: July 2023

In modern precision medicine, it is an important research topic to predict cancer drug response. Due to incomplete chemical structures and complex gene features, however, it is an ongoing work to design efficient data-driven methods for predicting drug response. Moreover, since the clinical data cannot be easily obtained all at once, the data-driven methods may require relearning when new data are available, resulting in increased time consumption and cost. To address these issues, an incremental broad Transformer network (iBT-Net) is proposed for cancer drug response prediction. Different from the gene expression features learning from cancer cell lines, structural features are further extracted from drugs by Transformer. Broad learning system is then designed to integrate the learned gene features and structural features of drugs to predict the response. With the capability of incremental learning, the proposed method can further use new data to improve its prediction performance without retraining totally. Experiments and comparison studies demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of iBT-Net under different experimental configurations and continuous data learning.
Striking Ethical Balances: The Contribution of ‘Insider’ Practitioner–Academic Social Work Research in England
Authors: Ashworth Charlotte , Burke Nick
Published: July 2023

Clinical-academics are well established and expanding in English health settings. However, despite growing evidence that research-active organisations improve service quality and outputs, research by social work practitioners remains relatively rare in social work practice in England other than as part of qualifying or post-qualifying study. In this context, the National Institute for Health and Care Research developed new funding streams to support the development of ‘practitioner–academics’, as an equivalent to clinical-academics in health settings. As early career practitioner–academics, who undertake research whilst remaining employed in our social work organisations, we present a case for practitioner–academic research, via two small research projects within our teams based on creative methods and focus groups. These projects illustrate the benefits of practitioner–academics in the knowledge production process, improving access to hard-to-reach research areas, developing swift rapport, which facilitates the production of rich and reliable data, and providing a novel means to navigate ethical issues including researcher positionality and research sensitivity. We also highlight challenges around informed consent, employee roles and researcher bias, including where practitioners are critical of practice within their service areas or are exposed to criticism themselves.
When brain size matters: novel insights into brain volume control
Authors: Oegema Renske
Published: July 2023

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Aquaporin-4 and GPRC5B: old and new players in controlling brain oedema’ by Passchier et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awad146).
Prevalence and incidence of comorbid diseases and mortality risk associated with lichen planopilaris: a Korean nationwide population-based study
Authors: Lim Sung Ha , Kang Hyun , Heo Yeon-Woo , Lee Won-Soo , Lee Solam
Published: July 2023

Background

Various comorbid diseases have been reported in patients with lichen planopilaris (LPP); however, data regarding the risks of incident diseases and mortality are lacking.

Objectives

To investigate the risks of incident diseases and mortality associated with LPP.

Methods

This was a retrospective nationwide population-based study, using data from the National Health Insurance Service Database of Korea from 2002 to 2019. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with three or more documented medical visits for LPP were included. The adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for incident disease outcomes and mortality were compared with 1 : 20 age-, sex-, insurance type- and income-level-matched controls.

Results

In total, 2026 patients with LPP and 40 520 controls were analysed. The risks of incident systemic lupus erythematosus [aHR 1.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–3.03], psoriasis (aHR 3.42, 95% CI 2.83–4.14), rheumatoid arthritis (aHR 1.39, 95% CI 1.19–1.63), lichen planus (aHR, 10.07, 95% CI 7.17–14.15), atopic dermatitis (aHR 2.15, 95% CI 1.90–2.44), allergic rhinitis (aHR 1.29, 95% CI 1.13–1.49), thyroid diseases (hyperthyroidism: aHR 1.42, 95% CI 1.14–1.77, hypothyroidism aHR 1.19 95% CI 1.01–1.41, and thyroiditis: aHR, 1.35, 95% CI 1.08–1.69), nonmelanoma skin cancer (aHR 2.33, 95% CI 1.00–5.44) and vitamin D deficiency (aHR 1.23, 95% CI 1.03–1.47) were higher in patients with LPP. Patients with LPP had a higher mortality rate than controls (aHR 1.30, 95% CI 1.04–1.61), although the risk was not significant after adjusting for comorbidities (aHR 1.08, 95% CI 0.87–1.34).

Conclusions

Patients with LPP had a higher risk of various diseases following LPP diagnosis. Close follow-up is needed to optimize comprehensive patient care.
Insula-cingulate structural and functional connectivity: an ultra-high field MRI study
Authors: Cormie Matthew A , Kaya Batu , Hadjis Georgia E , Mouseli Pedram , Moayedi Massieh
Published: July 2023

The insula and the cingulate are key brain regions with many heterogenous functions. Both regions are consistently shown to play integral roles in the processing of affective, cognitive, and interoceptive stimuli. The anterior insula (aINS) and the anterior mid-cingulate cortex (aMCC) are two key hubs of the salience network (SN). Beyond the aINS and aMCC, previous 3 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging studies have suggested both structural connectivity (SC) and functional connectivity (FC) between other insular and cingulate subregions. Here, we investigate the SC and FC between insula and cingulate subregions using ultra-high field 7T diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). DTI revealed strong SC between posterior INS (pINS) and posterior MCC (pMCC), and rs-fMRI revealed strong FC between the aINS and aMCC that was not supported by SC, indicating the likelihood of a mediating structure. Finally, the insular pole had the strongest SC to all cingulate subregions, with a slight preference for the pMCC, indicative of a potential relay node of the insula. Together these finding shed new light on the understanding of insula-cingulate functioning, both within the SN and other cortical processes, through a lens of its SC and FC.
Preserving the Future of Infectious Diseases: Why We Must Address the Decline in Compensation for Clinicians and Researchers
Authors: Swartz Talia H , Aberg Judith A
Published: July 2023

Infectious diseases (ID) physicians play a pivotal role in patient care and public health, yet concerns are mounting about their under-compensation compared with other medical specialties. This trend sees ID physicians, including new graduates, receiving lower remuneration than their general and hospital medicine peers, despite their significant contributions. The persistent disparity in compensation has been identified as a key factor behind the declining interest in the ID specialty among medical students and residents, potentially threatening patient care quality, research advancement, and diversity within the ID workforce. This viewpoint underscores the urgent need for the ID community to rally behind the Infectious Diseases Society of America in advocating for fair compensation for ID physicians and researchers. While focusing on wellness and work–life balance is vital, it is critical to address compensation, a significant source of distress for physicians. Failure to confront the issue of under-compensation promptly may jeopardize the future growth and sustainability of the ID specialty.
Lessons From COVID-19 for Pandemic Preparedness: Proceedings From a Multistakeholder Think Tank
Authors: Narayanasamy Shanti , Curtis Lesley H , Hernandez Adrian F , Woods Christopher W , Moody M Anthony , Sulkowski Mark , Turbett Sarah E , Baden Lindsey R , Gulick Roy M , Pau Alice K , Adam Stacey J , Marks Peter , Stockbridge Norman L , Dobbins John R , Krofah Esther , Leav Brett , Pang Phil , Roessig Lothar , Vedin Ola , Waldstreicher Joanne , Berman Stacey Cromer , Cremisi Henry , Schofield Lesley , Gandhi Rajesh T , Naggie Susanna
Published: July 2023

While the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to present global challenges, sufficient time has passed to reflect on lessons learned and use those insights to inform policy and approaches to prepare for the next pandemic. In May 2022, the Duke Clinical Research Institute convened a think tank with thought leaders from academia, clinical practice, the pharmaceutical industry, patient advocacy, the National Institutes of Health, the US Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to share, firsthand, expert knowledge of the insights gained from the COVID-19 pandemic and how this acquired knowledge can help inform the next pandemic response. The think tank focused on pandemic preparedness, therapeutics, vaccines, and challenges related to clinical trial design and scale-up during the early phase of a pandemic. Based on the multi-faceted discussions, we outline 10 key steps to an improved and equitable pandemic response.
Ethnicity, consanguinity, and genetic architecture of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Allouba Mona , Walsh Roddy , Afify Alaa , Hosny Mohammed , Halawa Sarah , Galal Aya , Fathy Mariam , Theotokis Pantazis I , Boraey Ahmed , Ellithy Amany , Buchan Rachel , Govind Risha , Whiffin Nicola , Anwer Shehab , ElGuindy Ahmed , Ware James S , Barton Paul J R , Yacoub Magdi , Aguib Yasmine
Published: July 2023

Aims

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by phenotypic heterogeneity that is partly explained by the diversity of genetic variants contributing to disease. Accurate interpretation of these variants constitutes a major challenge for diagnosis and implementing precision medicine, especially in understudied populations. The aim is to define the genetic architecture of HCM in North African cohorts with high consanguinity using ancestry-matched cases and controls.

Methods and results

Prospective Egyptian patients (n = 514) and controls (n = 400) underwent clinical phenotyping and genetic testing. Rare variants in 13 validated HCM genes were classified according to standard clinical guidelines and compared with a prospective HCM cohort of majority European ancestry (n = 684). A higher prevalence of homozygous variants was observed in Egyptian patients (4.1% vs. 0.1%, P = 2 × 10−7), with variants in the minor HCM genes MYL2, MYL3, and CSRP3 more likely to present in homozygosity than the major genes, suggesting these variants are less penetrant in heterozygosity. Biallelic variants in the recessive HCM gene TRIM63 were detected in 2.1% of patients (five-fold greater than European patients), highlighting the importance of recessive inheritance in consanguineous populations. Finally, rare variants in Egyptian HCM patients were less likely to be classified as (likely) pathogenic compared with Europeans (40.8% vs. 61.6%, P = 1.6 × 10−5) due to the underrepresentation of Middle Eastern populations in current reference resources. This proportion increased to 53.3% after incorporating methods that leverage new ancestry-matched controls presented here.

Conclusion

Studying consanguineous populations reveals novel insights with relevance to genetic testing and our understanding of the genetic architecture of HCM.
Oral Self-Care, Pneumococcal Vaccination, and Pneumonia Among Japanese Older People, Assessed With Machine Learning
Authors: Inoue Yuko , Cooray Upul , Ishimaru Miho , Saito Kousuke , Takeuchi Kenji , Kondo Katsunori , Aida Jun
Published: July 2023

Background

Pneumonia is a leading cause of death worldwide. It is a particularly serious burden in older people, as they tend to have a weakened immune response. Identifying the role of oral self-care and pneumococcal vaccination in healthy, independent older people can aid pneumonia prevention among them. This study investigated the associations between oral self-care, pneumococcal vaccination, and pneumonia experience among independent older people.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used data from the 2016 Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. We used machine learning to examine the association between oral self-care and the experience of pneumonia over the previous year, stratified by pneumococcal vaccination. The covariates were sex, age, years of education, equivalent annual income, medical history of stroke, oral health status (choking, dryness, number of teeth), and smoking status. The analysis included 17 217 independent older people aged 65 and over.

Results

The prevalence of pneumonia experienced among those who brushed their teeth once or less per day was 4.5% and 5.3% for those with and those without pneumococcal vaccinations, respectively. In the unvaccinated group, the odds ratio of pneumonia experience for those who brushed their teeth once or less a day was 1.57 (95% confidence interval: 1.15–2.14) compared to those who brushed their teeth 3 or more times a day. By contrast, there was no significant association between the frequency of toothbrushing and the experience of pneumonia among people who received pneumococcal vaccination.

Conclusions

Oral care influenced the experience of pneumonia among independent older people who did not receive pneumococcal vaccination.
A RE-AIM framework analysis of a sports club health promotion MOOC: the PROSCeSS MOOC
Authors: Tézier Benjamin , Lucas Quitterie , Johnson Stacey , Vuillemin Anne , Lemonnier Fabienne , Rostan Florence , Guillemin Francis , Van Hoye Aurélie
Published: July 2023

Acquisition of health promotion (HP) skills and knowledge is essential for interventions development in this field. In sports clubs (SC), little HP training exists even though it was requested by SC actors. In response, the PROSCeSS (PROmotion de la Santé au sein du Clubs SportifS) MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) was developed to support actors of HP in the SC in the development of HP interventions. The present study evaluates the MOOC’s effectiveness and learning process. The RE-AIM framework, measuring reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance was used to structure this study. Surveys were sent before and after the MOOC to the 2814 learners. Among the 502 (18%) respondents to the pre-survey, 80% reported belonging to a SC as a coach (35%) or manager (25%). The 14% of pre-survey respondents who completed the post-survey increased their HP knowledge score by 42% and their confidence to implement HP actions by 6%. Results present the strategies considered most important and feasible by the learners and the main barriers to the implementation of HP actions in the SC. This study shows that MOOC appears to be an appealing (93% of learners were satisfied) and effective solution (as long as it is followed) to develop HP knowledge and skills of SC actors in HP, meeting their needs and constraints. Although improvements should be made (especially in terms of promoting adoption), this type of educational format should be encouraged to support the HP potential of SC.
Teaching Australian high school students to think critically about health claims: a cluster randomized trial
Authors: Cusack L , Jones M , Desha L , Hoffmann T C
Published: July 2023

Making informed health decisions requires knowledge and skills in appraising health claims, and teaching adolescents these skills may prepare them for future decision-making. This cluster randomized trial evaluated the effectiveness of an educational intervention on students’ ability to identify and appraise health claims. Nine Australian high schools (4 control and 5 intervention) were recruited, comprising 974 students (382 control and 592 intervention) in Grades 7–10. Intervention impact was evaluated through baseline and follow-up evaluation. Follow-up mean scores on questions (maximum score of 25) from the Claim Evaluation Tools database (primary outcome) showed minimal between-group difference (intervention versus control: 14.4 versus 13.6; difference 0.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.6 to 3.1; P = 0.52). Change scores were only slightly higher in the intervention group (difference 1.2 [95% CI −0.7 to 3.1; P = 0.21]). Between-group differences for secondary outcomes were also minimal. Most intervention group students ‘trusted’ and ‘liked’ the programme and found the content ‘easy’ and ‘helpful’. Most teacher feedback was positive, some noting challenges of covering content in allocated time and maintaining student engagement. It is unlikely that the assessed educational intervention had a large effect. Future research priorities are suggested.
Chilling stress drives organ-specific transcriptional cascades and dampens diurnal oscillation in tomato
Authors: Agarwal Tina , Wang Xiaojin , Mildenhall Frederick , Ibrahim Iskander M , Puthiyaveetil Sujith , Varala Kranthi
Published: July 2023

Improving chilling tolerance in cold-sensitive crops, e.g. tomato, requires knowledge of the early molecular response to low temperature in these under-studied species. To elucidate early responding processes and regulators, we captured the transcriptional response at 30 minutes and 3 hours in the shoots and at 3 hours in the roots of tomato post-chilling from 24°C to 4°C. We used a pre-treatment control and a concurrent ambient temperature control to reveal that majority of the differential expression between cold and ambient conditions is due to severely compressed oscillation of a large set of diurnally regulated genes in both the shoots and roots. This compression happens within 30 minutes of chilling, lasts for the duration of cold treatment, and is relieved within 3 hours of return to ambient temperatures. Our study also shows that the canonical ICE1/CAMTA-to-CBF cold response pathway is active in the shoots, but not in the roots. Chilling stress induces synthesis of known cryoprotectants (trehalose and polyamines), in a CBF-independent manner, and induction of multiple genes encoding proteins of photosystems I and II. This study provides nuanced insights into the organ-specific response in a chilling sensitive plant, as well as the genes influenced by an interaction of chilling response and the circadian clock.
Gender as a cause of violent conflict
Authors: Prügl Elisabeth
Published: July 2023

The article argues that gender can be understood to cause violent conflict, although the literatures on civil war and conflict transformation are largely silent on the matter. The problem is an understanding of causation as explaining regularities, which fails to grasp how gender, in intersection with other markers of difference, is productive and performative. Building on philosophical realism, the article introduces the concept of social mechanisms and reformulates it to become compatible with constructivist and poststructuralist theorizing. It develops the notion of ‘intersectionally-gendered mechanisms’ to bring into view the productive force of gender and proposes that gender, in intersection with other axes of differentiation, operates as a causal driver of violent conflicts. It suggests a pragmatist approach that understands causes as the reasons people provide for why things are happening, which connects to feminist methodologies that are committed to change and to understanding the world from situated contexts. Drawing on existing feminist literature it then identifies three exemplary intersectionally-gendered mechanisms driving conflict dynamics: masculinist protection, masculinist competition, and mobilization for survival. It concludes by drawing out the implications of this approach for mainstreaming gender into peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
Lithium-ion battery smoothing power fluctuation strategy for DC microgrid
Authors: Cheng Jingjing , Zhou Minglong
Published: July 2023

Microgrids containing renewable energy, energy storage systems and loads have been widely used because of their advantages of environmental friendliness. The role of the energy storage system is to balance the power fluctuation of renewable energy and load and maintain the stability of the power of the microgrid. At present, a large number of studies point out that the use of lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors (SCs) composed of hybrid energy storage system has better performance. In this paper, we use high-capacity lithium-ion batteries instead of SCs to smooth the microgrid power fluctuations: when the microgrid power fluctuations are small, low-capacity lithium-ion batteries will be alone to smooth the power fluctuations; when the microgrid power fluctuations are medium, low-capacity and high-capacity batteries will be decomposed by wavelet packets to suppress power fluctuations; and when the microgrid power fluctuations are large, high-capacity batteries will smooth out power fluctuations on their own. The contribution of this paper is that we use high-capacity lithium-ion batteries instead of SCs because SCs are very expensive and their features are very small. The effect of the strategy proposed in this paper is verified by simulation. The battery can quickly stabilize the sudden increase in bus fluctuations; if the actual situation is considered, the time will be shorter.
Safety, Immunogenicity, and Regimen Selection of Ad26.RSV.preF–Based Vaccine Combinations: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 1/2a Study
Authors: Comeaux Christy A , Bart Stephan , Bastian Arangassery Rosemary , Klyashtornyy Vladislav , De Paepe Els , Omoruyi Edmund , van der Fits Leslie , van Heesbeen Roy , Heijnen Esther , Callendret Benoit , Sadoff Jerald
Published: July 2023

Background

Ad26.RSV.preF is an adenovirus serotype 26 vector–based respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine encoding a prefusion conformation-stabilized RSV fusion protein (preF) that demonstrated robust humoral and cellular immunogenicity and showed promising efficacy in a human challenge study in younger adults. Addition of recombinant RSV preF protein might enhance RSV-specific humoral immune responses, especially in older populations.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1/2a study compared the safety and immunogenicity of Ad26.RSV.preF alone and varying doses of Ad26.RSV.preF–RSV preF protein combinations in adults aged ≥60 years. This report includes data from cohort 1 (initial safety, n = 64) and cohort 2 (regimen selection, n = 288). Primary immunogenicity and safety analyses were performed 28 days postvaccination (cohort 2) for regimen selection.

Results

All vaccine regimens were well tolerated, with similar reactogenicity profiles among them. Combination regimens induced greater humoral immune responses (virus-neutralizing and preF-specific binding antibodies) and similar cellular ones (RSV-F–specific T cells) as compared with Ad26.RSV.preF alone. Vaccine-induced immune responses remained above baseline up to 1.5 years postvaccination.

Conclusions

All Ad26.RSV.preF–based regimens were well tolerated. A combination regimen comprising Ad26.RSV.preF, which elicits strong humoral and cellular responses, and RSV preF protein, which increases humoral responses, was selected for further development.

Clinical Trials Registration. NCT03502707.
A simple computerized Arduino-based control system for insect rotary flight mills
Authors: Casey Miles T , Machtley Scott A , Merten Paul V , Hagler James R
Published: July 2023

Flight mills are widely used to investigate insect flight behavior. As technology advances, the means to build a computerized control system for a flight mill has become more accessible in terms of both price and availability of components. However, the specialized electronics and programming knowledge required to build such a system can still present an obstacle to interested parties. Here, we describe a simple and inexpensive flight mill control system that can be easily assembled and operated without specialized experience. The hardware and software components are built around an Arduino single-board microcontroller, which outputs raw data in the form of timestamped detections of rotations of the flight mill arm. This control system is suitable both as the basis for new flight mills and for replacing outdated computer controls on existing flight mills. Additionally, it can be used with any rotary flight mill design that uses an electronic sensor to count rotations.
Counts, incidence rates, and trends of pediatric cancer in the United States, 2003-2019
Authors: Siegel David A , King Jessica B , Lupo Philip J , Durbin Eric B , Tai Eric , Mills Kathi , Van Dyne Elizabeth , Buchanan Lunsford Natasha , Henley S Jane , Wilson Reda J
Published: July 2023

Background

Cancer is a leading cause of death by disease among children and adolescents in the United States. This study updates cancer incidence rates and trends using the most recent and comprehensive US cancer registry data available.

Methods

We used data from US Cancer Statistics to evaluate counts, age-adjusted incidence rates, and trends among children and adolescents younger than 20 years of age diagnosed with malignant tumors between 2003 and 2019. We calculated the average annual percent change (APC) and APC using joinpoint regression. Rates and trends were stratified by demographic and geographic characteristics and by cancer type.

Results

With 248 749 cases reported between 2003 and 2019, the overall cancer incidence rate was 178.3 per 1 million; incidence rates were highest for leukemia (46.6), central nervous system neoplasms (30.8), and lymphoma (27.3). Rates were highest for males, children 0 to 4 years of age, Non-Hispanic White children and adolescents, those in the Northeast census region, the top 25% of counties by economic status, and metropolitan counties with a population of 1 million people or more. Although the overall incidence rate of pediatric cancer increased 0.5% per year on average between 2003 and 2019, the rate increased between 2003 and 2016 (APC = 1.1%), and then decreased between 2016 and 2019 (APC = –2.1%). Between 2003 and 2019, rates of leukemia, lymphoma, hepatic tumors, bone tumors, and thyroid carcinomas increased, while melanoma rates decreased. Rates of central nervous system neoplasms increased until 2017, and then decreased. Rates of other cancer types remained stable.

Conclusions

Incidence of pediatric cancer increased overall, although increases were limited to certain cancer types. These findings may guide future public health and research priorities.
Suppression of NLR-mediated plant immune detection by bacterial pathogens
Authors: Rufián José S , Rueda-Blanco Javier , Beuzón Carmen R , Ruiz-Albert Javier
Published: July 2023

The plant immune system is constituted of two functionally interdependent branches that provide the plant with an effective defense against microbial pathogens. They can be considered separate since one detects extracellular pathogen-associated molecular patterns by means of receptors on the plant surface, while the other detects pathogen-secreted virulence effectors via intracellular receptors. Plant defense depending on both branches can be effectively suppressed by host-adapted microbial pathogens. In this review we focus on bacterially driven suppression of the latter, known as effector-triggered immunity (ETI) and dependent on diverse NOD-like receptors (NLRs). We examine how some effectors secreted by pathogenic bacteria carrying type III secretion systems can be subject to specific NLR-mediated detection, which can be evaded by the action of additional co-secreted effectors (suppressors), implying that virulence depends on the coordinated action of the whole repertoire of effectors of any given bacterium and their complex epistatic interactions within the plant. We consider how ETI activation can be avoided by using suppressors to directly alter compromised co-secreted effectors, modify plant defense-associated proteins, or occasionally both. We also comment on the potential assembly within the plant cell of multi-protein complexes comprising both bacterial effectors and defense protein targets.
To bind or not to bind: how AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORs select their target genes
Authors: Rienstra Juriaan , Hernández-García Jorge , Weijers Dolf
Published: July 2023

Most plant growth and development processes are regulated in one way or another by auxin. The best-studied mechanism by which auxin exerts its regulatory effects is through the nuclear auxin pathway (NAP). In this pathway, Auxin Response Factors (ARFs) are the transcription factors that ultimately determine which genes become auxin regulated by binding to specific DNA sequences. ARFs have primarily been studied in Arabidopsis thaliana, but recent studies in other species have revealed family-wide DNA binding specificities for different ARFs and the minimal functional system of the NAP system, consisting of a duo of competing ARFs of the A and B classes. In this review, we provide an overview of key aspects of ARF DNA binding such as auxin response elements (TGTCNN) and tandem repeat motifs, and consider how structural biology and in vitro studies help us understand ARF DNA preferences. We also highlight some recent aspects related to the regulation of ARF levels inside a cell, which may alter the DNA binding profile of ARFs in different tissues. We finally emphasize the need to study minimal NAP systems to understand fundamental aspects of ARF function, the need to characterize algal ARFs to understand how ARFs evolved, how cutting-edge techniques can increase our understanding of ARFs, and which remaining questions can only be answered by structural biology.
Surgical Treatment of Focal Chondral Lesions of the Knee in the Military Population: Current and Future Therapies
Authors: Tropf Jordan G , Dickens Jonathan F , LeClere Lance E
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Chondral and osteochondral defects of the knee are common injuries in the military population that have a significant impact on readiness. Definitive treatment of these injuries is challenging since cartilage has a limited capacity for self-repair and regeneration. Management is particularly challenging in military patients who maintain a higher level of activity similar to athletes. Existing surgical techniques have variable results and often long recovery times, sparking the development of several new innovative technologies to return service members back to duty more quickly and effectively after cartilage injury. The purpose of this article is to review the current and future surgical treatments for chondral and osteochondral knee lesions and their relevance in managing these injuries in the military.

Methods

In this review article, we describe the current treatments for chondral and osteochondral defects of the knee, reporting on outcomes in military populations. We explore emerging treatment modalities for cartilage defects, reporting innovations, stage of research, and current data. Published results of each treatment option in military populations are reviewed throughout the article.

Results

This review includes 12 treatments for chondral lesions. Of these therapies, four are considered synthetic and the remaining are considered regenerative solutions. Regenerative therapies tend to perform better in younger, healthier populations with robust healing capacity. Success of treatment depends on lesions and patient characteristics. Nearly all modalities currently available in the USA were successful in improving patients from presurgical function in the short (<6 months) term, but the long-term efficacy is still challenged. Upcoming technologies show promising results in clinical and animal studies that may provide alternative options desirable for the military population.

Conclusions

The current treatment options for cartilage lesions are not entirely satisfactory, usually with long recovery times and mixed results. An ideal therapy would be a single procedure that possesses the ability to enable a quick return to activity and duty, alleviate pain, provide long-term durability, and disrupt the progression of osteoarthritis. Evolving technologies for cartilage lesions are expanding beyond currently available techniques that may revolutionize the future of cartilage repair.
Unravelling the structure of magnetized molecular clouds with SILCC-Zoom: sheets, filaments, and fragmentation
Authors: Ganguly Shashwata , Walch S , Seifried D , Clarke S D , Weis M
Published: July 2023

To what extent magnetic fields affect how molecular clouds (MCs) fragment and create dense structures is an open question. We present a numerical study of cloud fragmentation using the SILCC-Zoom simulations. These simulations follow the self-consistent formation of MCs in a few hundred parsec-sized region of a stratified galactic disc; and include magnetic fields, self-gravity, supernova-driven turbulence, as well as a non-equilibrium chemical network. To discern the role of magnetic fields in the evolution of MCs, we study seven simulated clouds, five with magnetic fields, and two without, with a maximum resolution of 0.1 parsec. Using a dendrogram, we identify hierarchical structures, which form within the clouds. Overall, the magnetized clouds have more mass in a diffuse envelope with a number density between 1 and 100 cm−3. We find that six out of seven clouds are sheet-like on the largest scales, as also found in recent observations, and with filamentary structures embedded within, consistent with the bubble-driven MC formation mechanism. Hydrodynamic simulations tend to produce more sheet-like structures also on smaller scales, while the presence of magnetic fields promotes filament formation. Analysing cloud energetics, we find that magnetic fields are dynamically important for less dense, mostly but not exclusively atomic structures (typically up to ∼100−1000 cm−3), while the denser, potentially star-forming structures are energetically dominated by self-gravity and turbulence. In addition, we compute the magnetic surface term and demonstrate that it is generally confining, and some atomic structures are even magnetically held together. In general, magnetic fields delay the cloud evolution and fragmentation by ∼ 1 Myr.
TESS light curves of cataclysmic variables – III – More superhump systems among old novae and nova-like variables
Authors: Bruch Albert
Published: July 2023

Continuing previous work on the identification and characterization of periodic and non-periodic variations in long and almost uninterrupted high cadence light curves of cataclysmic variables observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Telescope mission, the results on 23 nova-like variables and old novae out of sample of 127 such systems taken from the Ritter & Kolb catalogue are presented. All of them exhibit at least at some epochs either positive or negative (or both) superhumps, and in 19 of them superhumps were detected for the first time. The basic properties of the superhumps such as their periods, their appearance and disappearance, and their waveforms are explored. Together with recent reports in the literature, this elevates the number of known nova-like variables and old novae with superhumps by more than 50 per cent. The previous census of superhumps and the Stolz–Schoembs relation for these stars are updated. Attention is drawn to superhump properties in some stars that behave differently from the average, as well as to positive superhumps in high-mass ratio systems that defy theory. As a by-product, the orbital periods of 13 stars are either improved or newly measured, correcting previously reported erroneous values.
Uncovering Footprints of Natural Selection Through Spectral Analysis of Genomic Summary Statistics
Authors: Arnab Sandipan Paul , Amin Md Ruhul , DeGiorgio Michael
Published: July 2023

Natural selection leaves a spatial pattern along the genome, with a haplotype distribution distortion near the selected locus that fades with distance. Evaluating the spatial signal of a population-genetic summary statistic across the genome allows for patterns of natural selection to be distinguished from neutrality. Considering the genomic spatial distribution of multiple summary statistics is expected to aid in uncovering subtle signatures of selection. In recent years, numerous methods have been devised that consider genomic spatial distributions across summary statistics, utilizing both classical machine learning and deep learning architectures. However, better predictions may be attainable by improving the way in which features are extracted from these summary statistics. We apply wavelet transform, multitaper spectral analysis, and S-transform to summary statistic arrays to achieve this goal. Each analysis method converts one-dimensional summary statistic arrays to two-dimensional images of spectral analysis, allowing simultaneous temporal and spectral assessment. We feed these images into convolutional neural networks and consider combining models using ensemble stacking. Our modeling framework achieves high accuracy and power across a diverse set of evolutionary settings, including population size changes and test sets of varying sweep strength, softness, and timing. A scan of central European whole-genome sequences recapitulated well-established sweep candidates and predicted novel cancer-associated genes as sweeps with high support. Given that this modeling framework is also robust to missing genomic segments, we believe that it will represent a welcome addition to the population-genomic toolkit for learning about adaptive processes from genomic data.
Effects of dietary interventions on cardiovascular outcomes: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Doundoulakis Ioannis , Farmakis Ioannis T , Theodoridis Xenophon , Konstantelos Antonis , Christoglou Maria , Kotzakioulafi Evangelia , Chrysoula Lydia , Siargkas Antonis , Karligkiotis Apostolos , Kyprianou Georgia , Mastromanoli Eleni , Soulaidopoulos Stergios , Zafeiropoulos Stefanos , Antza Christina , Tsiachris Dimitris , Chourdakis Michail
Published: July 2023

Context

Next to a large body of epidemiological observational studies showing that the Mediterranean diet (MD) is an important lifestyle determinant of cardiovascular risk, there is less relevant evidence from well-conducted randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with hard cardiovascular outcomes.

Objective

The objective of the study was to identify the most effective dietary intervention for reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Data Sources

A systematic approach following PRISMA network meta-analyses reporting guidelines was applied to a search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase) without language restrictions, supplemented by scanning through bibliographies of studies and meetings’ abstract material. Inclusion criteria were RCTs conducted in an adult population, investigating the effects of different type of diets or dietary patterns on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular outcomes of interest.

Data Extraction

Data extraction for each study was conducted by 2 independent reviewers.

Data Analysis

A frequentist network meta-analysis using a random-effects model was conducted. Death from any cardiovascular cause was defined as the primary outcome. A total of 17 trials incorporating 83 280 participants were included in the systematic review. Twelve articles (n = 80 550 participants) contributed to the network meta-analysis for the primary outcome. When compared with the control diet, only the MD showed a reduction in cardiovascular deaths (risk ratio = 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.42–0.82). Additionally, MD was the sole dietary strategy that decreased the risk of major cardiovascular events, myocardial infarction, angina, and all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

MD may play a protective role against cardiovascular disease and death for primary and also secondary prevention.

Systematic Review Registration

Center for Open Science, https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5KX83
DNA metabarcoding reveals rangewide variation in aquatic diet of a riparian avian insectivore, the Prothonotary Warbler
Authors: Rogers Samantha L , Verrelli Brian C , Bukaveckas Paul A , Ames Elizabeth M , Youtz Joseph , Boves Than J , Johnson Erik I , Tonra Christopher M , Bulluck Lesley P
Published: July 2023

Riparian avian insectivores not only depend on terrestrial insect prey but also benefit from the inclusion of aquatic prey during critical life-history periods. Diets identified herein show that Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) nestlings were provisioned with aquatic prey throughout the breeding season across their range, but with variation in prey frequency of occurrence and taxonomy. Anthropogenic activity and climate change may impact the trophic link especially between aquatic and riparian habitats by altering the presence, abundance, and timing of prey availability. Thus, we used DNA metabarcoding of fecal samples to quantify the frequency of occurrence of nestling diet items at 9 sites across their breeding range that differed in expected aquatic prey consumption. We analyzed spatial and temporal differences in the occurrence and multivariate diet assemblages of each prey source. Lepidoptera was the predominant terrestrial prey occurring in diets across space and time, whereas emergent aquatic insects and freshwater mollusks in aquatic diet exhibited greater variation. The frequency of emergent aquatic prey occurrence in nestling diets ranged from 61% to 100% across sites and was greater for early-season nestlings. The seasonal decrease in aquatic prey consumption indicates a potential temporal shift in the nutritional landscape from aquatic to terrestrial prey sources and a possible nutritional phenological mismatch for early nestlings as climate change advances the timing of insect emergence. Our findings also suggest that Prothonotary Warblers respond to environmental variability by consuming alternative prey and argue for future research investigating the extent to which shifting diets have nutritional consequences for riparian nestlings.
Local food availability and nonbreeding carry-over effects affect breeding propensity and success of a tundra-nesting predator, the Long-tailed Jaeger
Authors: Seyer Yannick , Gauthier Gilles , Bêty Joël , Therrien Jean-François , Legagneux Pierre , Lecomte Nicolas
Published: July 2023

Reproduction of long-distance migrants can be affected by local conditions on the breeding grounds as well as those encountered during the nonbreeding season through carry-over effects. We show that this is true in Long-tailed Jaegers (Stercorarius longicaudus) because individuals that spent less time flying at sea during winter had a high breeding propensity and a reduced pre-laying interval, but breeding propensity and nesting success were also positively associated with food abundance at the breeding site. This seabird switches from a marine to a terrestrial lifestyle to breed in summer in the Arctic, where it primarily feeds on lemmings. We monitored jaeger reproduction and lemming densities on Bylot Island in the Canadian Arctic for 16 years, and we used geolocator to study annual movements. We assessed whether movement parameters (travel distance, migration duration, phenology, and number of flying bouts inferred by saltwater immersions) during the nonbreeding season affected the breeding propensity, phenology, and success of individuals. We also examined whether cyclic lemming fluctuations influenced Long-tailed Jaeger reproduction and whether nesting success affected the phenology of their outbound migration. We found that increased time spent flying during winter and early arrival at the breeding site reduced breeding propensity. Moreover, spending less time flying during winter shortened the pre-laying period, and advancing laying date increased nesting success. Birds may thus face a trade-off to minimize the relative costs associated with arriving too early and breeding too late. Local food availability had a strong effect on reproduction because breeding propensity and nesting success increased sharply with lemming abundance. Failed breeders advanced their outbound migration by 10 days on average compared to successful ones, but migration duration was similar. Therefore, the unpredictability of the highly seasonal Arctic environment, especially fluctuating food abundance, appears to be a strong driver of reproduction that can modulate the strength of carry-over effects.
“Restoring That Faith in My Shoulder”: A Qualitative Investigation of How and Why Exercise Therapy Influenced the Clinical Outcomes of Individuals With Rotator Cuff–Related Shoulder Pain
Authors: Powell Jared K , Costa Nathalia , Schram Ben , Hing Wayne , Lewis Jeremy
Published: July 2023

Objective

Rotator cuff–related shoulder pain (RCRSP) is the most common form of shoulder pain. Exercise therapy is a first-line recommended treatment for RCRSP. However, the causal mechanisms underpinning the benefits of exercise for RCRSP are not well understood. Moreover, how individuals with lived experience of RCRSP believe exercise helped or did not help them is unknown. This study aimed to gain insights into how individuals with RCRSP believe exercise influenced their shoulder pain and identify the clinical conditions that promoted or inhibited their beliefs.

Methods

This qualitative study was underpinned by a critical realist approach to thematic analysis. Participants were recruited using hybrid purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Each participant attended an online semi-structured interview. The data were coded by 2 members of the research team (J.K.P. and N.C.) and verified by a third (B.S.). Recruitment continued until theoretical sufficiency was achieved. Participants reviewed and validated preliminary causal explanations.

Results

Three causal explanations were consistently expressed by 11 participants to explain the benefits of exercise therapy: (1) shoulder strength; (2) changes to psychoemotional status; and (3) exercise has widespread health effects. However, the activation of these causal mechanisms depended on (1) the presence of a strong therapeutic relationship; (2) the provision of a structured and tailored exercise program; and (3) experiencing timely clinical progress.

Conclusion

Participants believed exercise improved their shoulder pain through associated health benefits, improved shoulder strength, and psychoemotional variables. Whether an exercise program was able to cause a clinical improvement for an individual with RCRSP was contingent on clinical contextual features. Thus, the clinical context that an exercise program is delivered within may be just as important as the exercise program itself.

Impact

Exercise is a recommended first-line intervention to manage RCRSP. The results of this study suggest that a positive experience and outcome with exercise for RCRSP is contingent on several clinical contextual features, such as a strong therapeutic relationship. The clinical context that an exercise program is prescribed and delivered within should be considered by clinicians.