bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Risk of Home Hypertension in a Normotensive Population: The Ohasama Study
Authors: Nakayama Shingo , Satoh Michihiro , Metoki Hirohito , Murakami Takahisa , Tatsumi Yukako , Asayama Kei , Hara Azusa , Hirose Takuo , Tsubota-Utsugi Megumi , Kikuya Masahiro , Mori Takefumi , Hozawa Atsushi , Imai Yutaka , Ohkubo Takayoshi
Published: October 2022

Background

We investigated the association between ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and the risk of home hypertension in a normotensive population and whether considering ambulatory BP improves the 10-year prediction model for home hypertension risk, which was developed in the previous Ohasama Study.

Methods

In this prospective study, we followed up with 410 participants (83.2% women; age, 53.6 years) without a home and ambulatory hypertension in the general population of Ohasama, Japan. The Cox model was used to assess the hazard ratios (HRs) for home hypertension (home BP ≥ 135/≥85 mmHg or the initiation of antihypertensive treatment) and model improvement.

Results

During a mean 14.2-year follow-up, 225 home hypertension incidences occurred. The HR (95% confidence interval) for home hypertension incidence per 1-SD higher (=6.76 mmHg) 24-hour systolic BP (SBP) was 1.59 (1.33 to 1.90), after adjustments for possible confounding factors, including baseline home SBP. Harrell’s C-statistics increased from 0.72 to 0.73 (P = 0.11) when 24-hour SBP was added to the basic 10-year home hypertension prediction model, which includes sex, age, body mass index, smoking status, office SBP, and baseline home SBP. Continuous net reclassification improvement (0.53, P < 0.0001) and integrated discrimination improvement (0.028, P = 0.0014) revealed improvement in the model.

Conclusions

A total of 24-hour SBP could be an independent predictor of future home hypertension. Home BP and 24-hour BP can longitudinally influence each other in the long term.
Comparison of the Memory Complaints Inventory and the PAI Cognitive Bias Scale in a Military Sample
Authors: Armistead-Jehle Patrick , Ingram Paul B
Published: October 2022

Objective

The Memory Complaints Inventory (MCI) is a stand-alone memory-based symptom validity test (SVT). The measure is promising and has been used with relative frequency, but requires additional research (Armistead-Jehle & Shura, 2022). The current study sought to expand the empirical base of the MCI by comparing it to the Cognitive Bias Scale, a new symptom validity measure assessing cognitive over reporting on the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI).

Method

Retrospective review of 273 military service members seen for neuropsychological evaluation and administered both the PAI and MCI.

Results

Area under the curve values for the MCI overall mean score and MCI implausible scales for a PAI Cognitive Bias Scale (CBS) cut score of >14 were large in effect (0.77 and 0.78, respectively). The effect size between those that passed and failed the CBS on the mean of MCI scales was also large (d = 1.13). Classification statistics indicated that a cut score of 52% on the mean MCI scales and 29% on the mean MCI implausible subscales indicated specificities of 0.94 and 0.93 and sensitivities of 0.30 and 0.29, respectively.

Conclusions

These data support the MCI as a cognitive SVT relative to the PAI CBS. We offer guidance on how to integrate these SVT measures in military samples.
Scene-selective brain regions respond to embedded objects of a scene
Authors: Aminoff Elissa M , Durham Tess
Published: October 2022

Objects are fundamental to scene understanding. Scenes are defined by embedded objects and how we interact with them. Paradoxically, scene processing in the brain is typically discussed in contrast to object processing. Using the BOLD5000 dataset (Chang et al., 2019), we examined whether objects within a scene predicted the neural representation of scenes, as measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging in humans. Stimuli included 1,179 unique scenes across 18 semantic categories. Object composition of scenes were compared across scene exemplars in different semantic scene categories, and separately, in exemplars of the same scene category. Neural representations in scene- and object-preferring brain regions were significantly related to which objects were in a scene, with the effect at times stronger in the scene-preferring regions. The object model accounted for more variance when comparing scenes within the same semantic category to scenes from different categories. Here, we demonstrate the function of scene-preferring regions includes the processing of objects. This suggests visual processing regions may be better characterized by the processes, which are engaged when interacting with the stimulus kind, such as processing groups of objects in scenes, or processing a single object in our foreground, rather than the stimulus kind itself.
Differential Patterns by Area-Level Social Determinants of Health in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)–Related Mortality and Non–COVID-19 Mortality: A Population-Based Study of 11.8 Million People in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Wang Linwei , Calzavara Andrew , Baral Stefan , Smylie Janet , Chan Adrienne K , Sander Beate , Austin Peter C , Kwong Jeffrey C , Mishra Sharmistha
Published: October 2022

Background

Social determinants of health (SDOH) have been associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes. We examined patterns in COVID-19–related mortality by SDOH and compared these patterns to those for non–COVID-19 mortality.

Methods

Residents of Ontario, Canada, aged ≥20 years were followed from 1 March 2020 to 2 March 2021. COVID-19–related death was defined as death within 30 days following or 7 days prior to a positive COVID-19 test. Area-level SDOH from the 2016 census included median household income; proportion with diploma or higher educational attainment; proportion essential workers, racially minoritized groups, recent immigrants, apartment buildings, and high-density housing; and average household size. We examined associations between SDOH and COVID-19–related mortality, and non-COVID-19 mortality using cause-specific hazard models.

Results

Of 11 810 255 individuals, we observed 3880 COVID-19–related deaths and 88 107 non–COVID-19 deaths. After accounting for demographics, baseline health, and other area-level SDOH, the following were associated with increased hazards of COVID-19–related death (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: lower income (1.30 [1.04–1.62]), lower educational attainment (1.27 [1.07–1.52]), higher proportions essential workers (1.28 [1.05–1.57]), racially minoritized groups (1.42 [1.08–1.87]), apartment buildings (1.25 [1.07–1.46]), and large vs medium household size (1.30 [1.12–1.50]). Areas with higher proportion racially minoritized groups were associated with a lower hazard of non–COVID-19 mortality (0.88 [0.84–0.92]).

Conclusions

Area-level SDOH are associated with COVID-19–related mortality after accounting for demographic and clinical factors. COVID-19 has reversed patterns of lower non–COVID-19 mortality among racially minoritized groups. Pandemic responses should include strategies to address disproportionate risks and inequitable coverage of preventive interventions associated with SDOH.
Growth differentiation factor 15 and cardiovascular risk: individual patient meta-analysis
Authors: Kato Eri Toda , Morrow David A , Guo Jianping , Berg David D , Blazing Michael A , Bohula Erin A , Bonaca Marc P , Cannon Christopher P , de Lemos James A , Giugliano Robert P , Jarolim Petr , Kempf Tibor , Kristin Newby L , O’Donoghue Michelle L , Pfeffer Marc A , Rifai Nader , Wiviott Stephen D , Wollert Kai C , Braunwald Eugene , Sabatine Marc S
Published: October 2022

Aims

Levels of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), a cytokine secreted in response to cellular stress and inflammation, have been associated with multiple types of cardiovascular (CV) events. However, its comparative prognostic performance across different presentations of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains unknown.

Methods and results

An individual patient meta-analysis was performed using data pooled from eight trials including 53 486 patients. Baseline GDF-15 concentration was analyzed as a continuous variable and using established cutpoints (<1200 ng/L, 1200–1800 ng/L, > 1800 ng/L) to evaluate its prognostic performance for CV death/hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and their components using Cox models adjusted for clinical variables and established CV biomarkers. Analyses were further stratified on ASCVD status: acute coronary syndrome (ACS), stabilized after recent ACS, and stable ASCVD. Overall, higher GDF-15 concentration was significantly and independently associated with an increased rate of CV death/HHF and MACE (P < 0.001 for each). However, while GDF-15 showed a robust and consistent independent association with CV death and HHF across all presentations of ASCVD, its prognostic association with future myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke only remained significant in patients stabilized after recent ACS or with stable ASCVD [hazard ratio (HR): 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17–1.31 and HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05–1.28 for MI and stroke, respectively] and not in ACS (HR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.90–1.06 and HR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.39–1.92, respectively).

Conclusion

Growth differentiation factor 15 consistently adds prognostic information for CV death and HHF across the spectrum of ASCVD. GDF-15 also adds prognostic information for MI and stroke beyond clinical risk factors and cardiac biomarkers but not in the setting of ACS.
An overview of Personalized Medicine landscape and policies in the European Union
Authors: Beccia F , Hoxhaj I , Castagna C , Strohäker T , Cadeddu C , Ricciardi Walter , Boccia S
Published: October 2022

Background

The spread of Personalized Medicine (PM) over the last decade defined a revolution in healthcare systems. PM is among the priorities of the European Commission’s research agenda, which funded the IC2PerMed international project aiming to integrate China into the International Consortium of PM (ICPerMed). In the context of this project, we mapped the existing policies related to PM in the European Union (EU) and at the EU Member States (EU-MS) level.

Methods

PubMed, Google Scholar, Google, Microsoft and national and international institutions’ official repositories were searched in order to identify documents on PM-related policies, programmes and action plans at the EU and EU-MS level, published up to December 2020.

Results

We identified 28 policies in the EU aimed at improving public health promoting and fostering PM implementation, through some actions including the standardization of good medical practice, use of big data and digital innovation, data sharing and cross-border interoperability, healthcare sustainability, disease prevention and patients’/citizens’ engagement. We identified 23 policies at EU-MS level which, notwithstanding national differences, have a common focus, such as patient-tailored treatment and targeted prevention, education of healthcare workers, research and innovation, big data harmonization and healthcare system sustainability.

Conclusions

The definition of an integrated regulatory framework is essential to turn PM into an opportunity for citizens and patients with the involvement of all the stakeholders. This work can provide a valuable tool for decision-makers to define common approaches, priorities for research, development and increase international collaboration, which could overcome the fragmented European scenario and align the future direction on PM.
Patterns of regional recurrence according to molecular subtype in patients with pN2 breast cancer treated with limited field regional irradiation
Authors: Cho Won Kyung , Park Won , Jeong Yuri , Kim Haeyoung , Kim Nalee
Published: October 2022

Objective

There is little evidence regarding the radiotherapy modification based on molecular subtypes in breast cancer. This study aimed to identify the risk and patterns of regional recurrence according to molecular subtype in patients with pN2 breast cancer.

Methods

We identified 454 patients who underwent radical surgery for breast cancer with 4–9 axillary lymph node metastases. All patients underwent axillary lymph node dissection, adjuvant chemotherapy and limited-field regional nodal irradiation. The rates and patterns of regional recurrence were compared between the following three subgroups: luminal type (estrogen receptor- and/or progesterone receptor-positive), HER2-type (estrogen receptor- and progesterone receptor-negative and HER2-positive) and triple-negative type (estrogen receptor-, progesterone receptor- and HER2-negative).

Results

Regional recurrence occurred in 18/454 patients (4%). The risk of regional recurrence was higher in the triple-negative (hazard ratio 7.641) and HER2-type (hazard ratio 4.032) subtypes than in the luminal subtype. The predominant pattern of regional recurrence was inside the radiotherapy field in triple-negative breast cancer and outside the radiotherapy field in HER2-type and luminal-type cancers.

Conclusions

In patients with pN2 breast cancer, the risk of regional recurrence was higher in the triple-negative and HER2-type than in the luminal type. In-field recurrence was predominant in triple-negative cancer, while out-field recurrence was frequent in luminal and HER2-type breast cancers.
Debuccalization in Gulf Pidgin Arabic: OT Parallelism or Harmonic Serialism
Authors: Alqahtani Mufleh , Almoaily Mohammad
Published: October 2022

The current study examines debuccalization in Gulf Pidgin Arabic (GPA), which targets pharyngeal fricatives, /ʕ/ and /ħ/, based on the analysis of feature geometry and Optimality Theory (henceforth OT). This study relies on data elicited from interviews with 10 GPA speakers from two linguistic backgrounds, Bengali and Malayalam. This study concludes that /ʕ/ is debuccalized to [ʔ] and /ħ/ to [h] in onset position. Debuccalization is also seen as a step prior to the deletion of pharyngeal fricatives in the coda position. The process of debuccalization is shown through a feature geometric representation of which the Retracted Tongue Root [RTR], as an articulator feature dominated by the pharyngeal place node in pharyngeal fricatives is prone to inertness. [RTR] inertness and the loss of pharyngeal place node are peculiar to the deletion of pharyngeal fricatives in the coda position. Parallelism, as an OT model, is shown to be able to account for debuccalization in the onset in GPA while Harmonic Serialism, as another OT model, is capable of accounting for a serial derivation of which debuccalization of pharyngeal fricatives in the coda position represents the first step prior to consonant deletion.
Infrastructural developmentalism and its many types of global law: a comparative look at the UN Sustainable Development Goals and China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Rodiles Alejandro
Published: October 2022

We are currently witnessing the evolution of two gigantic development programmes: the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Perceived and real differences notwithstanding, both place infrastructures at the heart of global development. The present article analyses the relations between this new developmental thinking and law. The fluid rearrangement of public and private, formal and informal legal frameworks spurred by BRI indicate the emergence of a transnational legal infrastructure both tied to and facilitated by a material pragmatism at odds with China’s rhetorical embracement of international law as we know it. The implementation infrastructure of SDGs, for its part, reveals a resilience-driven style of governance difficult to reconcile with the futurity attaching to the idea of law. While these findings would suggest a retreat from international law, the present article argues that many types of global law are emerging and resurfacing from infrastructural developmentalism.
Recruitment of hard coral communities on giant clam shells (Cardiidae: Tridacna) differ from surrounding reef habitats at a tourist destination in the Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Mehrotra Rahul , Allchurch Alyssa , Monchanin Coline , Scott Chad M
Published: October 2022

Giant clams are organisms of significant ecological importance on coral reefs. They are known to help maintain oligotrophic conditions on reefs, to act as potential reservoirs of symbiotic dinoflagellates and as a consequence of their large, dense shells, to contribute to reef structural complexity. Despite this, little work has been done to investigate the utility of giant clam shells for coral recruitment. Here, we quantify scleractinian coral growth on living and dead giant clams around the Thai island of Koh Tao, a site with a history of environmental and anthropogenic pressure related to tourism. Transect surveys at 15 reefs around the island yielded 739 clams, of which 120 were found to support coral recruits. A total of 270 distinct corals were recorded between depths of 2.1 and 8 m (none were found at depths shallower than 2 m), with 29% found on dead shells and 71% on living clams. Differences were found in the community structure of hard corals found on clam shells vs those found in surrounding reef environments, with mushroom corals (Fungiidae) and Stylocoeniella being significantly more abundant on clam shells than on the natural reef. In contrast, corals abundant on surrounding reefs (e.g. Acropora and Porites) were disproportionately better represented on the reef than on clam shells. This suggests that giant clam shells may play a significant role in the succession of coral reefs with certain corals being preferentially supported over others.
ATM-mediated ELL phosphorylation enhances its self-association through increased EAF1 interaction and inhibits global transcription during genotoxic stress
Authors: Pal Sujay , Yadav Dipika , Biswas Debabrata
Published: October 2022

Mammalian cells immediately inhibit transcription upon exposure to genotoxic stress to avoid fatal collision between ongoing transcription and newly recruited DNA repair machineries to protect genomic integrity. However, mechanisms of this early transcriptional inhibition are poorly understood. In this study, we decipher a novel role of human EAF1, a positive regulator of ELL-dependent RNA Polymerase II-mediated transcription in vitro, in regulation of temporal inhibition of transcription during genotoxic stress. Our results show that, besides Super Elongation Complex (SEC) and Little Elongation Complex (LEC), human ELL (aka ELL1) also forms a complex with EAF1 alone. Interestingly, contrary to the in vitro studies, EAF1 inhibits ELL-dependent RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription of diverse target genes. Mechanistically, we show that intrinsic self-association property of ELL leads to its reduced interaction with other SEC components. EAF1 enhances ELL self-association and thus reduces its interaction with other SEC components leading to transcriptional inhibition. Physiologically, we show that upon exposure to genotoxic stress, ATM-mediated ELL phosphorylation-dependent enhanced EAF1 association results in reduced ELL interaction with other SEC components that lead to global transcriptional inhibition. Thus, we describe an important mechanism of dynamic transcriptional regulation during genotoxic stress involving post-translational modification of a key elongation factor.
PubChem 2023 update
Authors: Kim Sunghwan , Chen Jie , Cheng Tiejun , Gindulyte Asta , He Jia , He Siqian , Li Qingliang , Shoemaker Benjamin A , Thiessen Paul A , Yu Bo , Zaslavsky Leonid , Zhang Jian , Bolton Evan E
Published: October 2022

PubChem (https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) is a popular chemical information resource that serves a wide range of use cases. In the past two years, a number of changes were made to PubChem. Data from more than 120 data sources was added to PubChem. Some major highlights include: the integration of Google Patents data into PubChem, which greatly expanded the coverage of the PubChem Patent data collection; the creation of the Cell Line and Taxonomy data collections, which provide quick and easy access to chemical information for a given cell line and taxon, respectively; and the update of the bioassay data model. In addition, new functionalities were added to the PubChem programmatic access protocols, PUG-REST and PUG-View, including support for target-centric data download for a given protein, gene, pathway, cell line, and taxon and the addition of the ‘standardize’ option to PUG-REST, which returns the standardized form of an input chemical structure. A significant update was also made to PubChemRDF. The present paper provides an overview of these changes.
Translational alterations in pancreatic cancer: a central role for the integrated stress response
Authors: Shin Sauyeun , Solorzano Jacobo , Liauzun Mehdi , Pyronnet Stéphane , Bousquet Corinne , Martineau Yvan
Published: October 2022

mRNA translation is a key mechanism for cancer cell proliferation and stress adaptation. Regulation of this machinery implicates upstream pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, RAS/MEK/ERK and the integrated stress response (ISR), principally coordinating the translation initiation step. During the last decade, dysregulation of the mRNA translation process in pancreatic cancer has been widely reported, and shown to critically impact on cancer initiation, development and survival. This includes translation dysregulation of mRNAs encoding oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Hence, cancer cells survive a stressful microenvironment through a flexible regulation of translation initiation for rapid adaptation. The ISR pathway has an important role in chemoresistance and shows high potential therapeutic interest. Despite the numerous translational alterations reported in pancreatic cancer, their consequences are greatly underestimated. In this review, we summarize the different translation dysregulations described in pancreatic cancer, which make it invulnerable, as well as the latest drug discoveries bringing a glimmer of hope.
Influence of Disclosed and Undisclosed Funding Sources in Tobacco Harm Reduction Discourse: A Social Network Analysis
Authors: Vassey Julia , Hendlin Yogi H , Vora Manali , Ling Pamela
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Tobacco harm reduction (THR) discourse has been divisive for the tobacco control community, partially because it sometimes aligns public health and tobacco industry interests. Industry funding is contentious as it influences study outcomes, and is not always disclosed in scientific publications. This study examines the role of disclosed and undisclosed industry support on THR publications via social network analysis.

Methods

We reviewed 826 English-language manuscripts (1992–2016) to determine disclosed and undisclosed industry (pharmaceutical, tobacco, and e-cigarette) and non-industry (including government) support received by 1405 authors. We used social network analysis to identify the most influential authors in THR discourse by assessing the number of their collaborators on publications, the frequency of connecting other authors in the network, and tendency to form groups based on the presence of sponsorship disclosures, sources of funding, and THR stance.

Results

About 284 (20%) out of 1405 authors were supported by industry. Industry-sponsored authors were more central and influential in the network: with twice as many publications (Median = 4), 1.25 as many collaborators on publications (Median = 5), and higher likelihood of connecting other authors and thus having more influence in the network, compared to non-industry-sponsored authors. E-cigarette industry-sponsored authors had the strongest association with undisclosed industry support.

Conclusions

Authors with industry support exerted a stronger influence on the THR scientific discourse than non-industry-supported authors. Journals should continue adhering to strict policies requiring conflicts of interest disclosures. An increase in public health spending on tobacco control research may be necessary to achieve funding parity.
Evidence of self-selection and spatial mismatch in interregional migration: the case of Italy
Authors: Biagi Bianca , Detotto Claudio , Faggian Alessandra
Published: October 2022

Selective migration does not necessarily imply a unique unidirectional or ‘synchronized’ flow from the poorer to the richer regions. Indeed, migration is selective to individual characteristics of migrants, but also places. Therefore, it is likely that migrants with different skill levels, age, and gender select different destinations—irrespective of regional disparities—with a greater degree of synchronization by similar individuals. The article explores these processes in Italy using inter-provincial migration flows (NUTS3) data for the years 1975, 1985, 1995, and 2005 and dividing migrants into 18 categories based on their human capital (proxied by education), age, and gender. Findings confirm the hypothesis of selective migration flows with clear-cut differences in choosing locations according to individual characteristics.
Prefrontal influences on the function of the neural circuitry underlying anxious temperament in primates
Authors: Kenwood Margaux M , Oler Jonathan A , Tromp Do P M , Fox Andrew S , Riedel Marissa K , Roseboom Patrick H , Brunner Kevin G , Aggarwal Nakul , Murray Elisabeth A , Kalin Ned H
Published: October 2022

Anxious temperament, characterized by heightened behavioral and physiological reactivity to potential threat, is an early childhood risk factor for the later development of stress-related psychopathology. Using a well-validated nonhuman primate model, we tested the hypothesis that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is critical in regulating the expression of primate anxiety-like behavior, as well as the function of subcortical components of the anxiety-related neural circuit. We performed aspiration lesions of a narrow ‘strip’ of the posterior orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) intended to disrupt both cortex and axons entering, exiting and coursing through the pOFC, particularly those of the uncinate fasciculus (UF), a white matter tract that courses adjacent to and through this region. The OFC is of particular interest as a potential regulatory region because of its extensive reciprocal connections with amygdala, other subcortical structures and other frontal lobe regions. We validated this lesion method by demonstrating marked lesion-induced decreases in the microstructural integrity of the UF, which contains most of the fibers that connect the ventral PFC with temporal lobe structures as well as with other frontal regions. While the lesions resulted in modest decreases in threat-related behavior, they substantially decreased metabolism in components of the circuit underlying threat processing. These findings provide evidence for the importance of structural connectivity between the PFC and key subcortical structures in regulating the functions of brain regions known to be involved in the adaptive and maladaptive expression of anxiety.
The intermediate in a nitrate-responsive ω-amidase pathway in plants may signal ammonium assimilation status
Authors: Unkefer Pat J , Knight Thomas J , Martinez Rodolfo A
Published: October 2022

A metabolite of ammonium assimilation was previously theorized to be involved in the coordination of the overall nitrate response in plants. Here we show that 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline, made by transamination of glutamine, the first product of ammonium assimilation, may be involved in signaling a plant’s ammonium assimilation status. In leaves, 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline met four foundational requirements to be such a signal. First, when it was applied to foliage, enzyme activities of nitrate reduction and ammonium assimilation increased; the activities of key tricarboxylic acid cycle-associated enzymes that help to supply carbon skeletons for amino acid synthesis also increased. Second, its leaf pools increased as nitrate availability increased. Third, the pool size of its precursor, Gln, reflected ammonium assimilation rather than photorespiration. Fourth, it was widely conserved among monocots, dicots, legumes, and nonlegumes and in plants with C3 or C4 metabolism. Made directly from the first product of ammonium assimilation, 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline acted as a nitrate uptake stimulant. When 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline was provided to roots, the plant’s nitrate uptake rate approximately doubled. Plants exogenously provided with 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline to either roots or leaves accumulated greater biomass. A model was constructed that included the proposed roles of 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline as a signal molecule of ammonium assimilation status in leaves, as a stimulator of nitrate uptake by roots and nitrate downloading from the xylem. In summary, a glutamine metabolite made in the ω-amidase pathway stimulated nitrate uptake by roots and was likely to be a signal of ammonium assimilation status in leaves. A chemical synthesis method for 2-hydroxy-5-oxoproline was also developed.
The herbaceous peony transcription factor WRKY41a promotes secondary cell wall thickening to enhance stem strength
Authors: Tang Yuhan , Lu Lili , Huang Xingqi , Zhao Daqiu , Tao Jun
Published: October 2022

Stem bending or lodging caused by insufficient stem strength is an important limiting factor for plant production. Secondary cell walls play a crucial role in plant stem strength, but whether WRKY transcription factors can positively modulate secondary cell wall thickness are remain unknown. Here, we characterized a WRKY transcription factor PlWRKY41a from herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora), which was highly expressed in stems. PlWRKY41a functioned as a nucleus-localized transcriptional activator and enhanced stem strength by positively modulating secondary cell wall thickness. Moreover, PlWRKY41a bound to the promoter of the XYLOGLUCAN ENDOTRANSGLUCOSYLASE/HYDROLASE4 (PlXTH4) and activated the expression of PlXTH4. PlXTH4-overexpressing tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) had thicker secondary cell walls, resulting in enhanced stem strength, while PlXTH4-silenced P. lactiflora had thinner secondary cell walls, showing decreased stem strength. Additionally, PlWRKY41a directly interacted with PlMYB43 to form a protein complex, and their interaction induced the expression of PlXTH4. These data support that the PlMYB43-PlWRKY41a protein complex can directly activate the expression of PlXTH4 to enhance stem strength by modulating secondary cell wall thickness in P. lactiflora. The results will enhance our understanding of the formation mechanism of stem strength and provide a candidate gene to improve stem straightness in plants.
Memory loss at sleep onset
Authors: Lacaux Célia , Andrillon Thomas , Arnulf Isabelle , Oudiette Delphine
Published: October 2022

Every night, we pass through a transitory zone at the borderland between wakefulness and sleep, named the first stage of nonrapid eye movement sleep (N1). N1 sleep is associated with increased hippocampal activity and dream-like experiences that incorporate recent wake materials, suggesting that it may be associated with memory processing. Here, we investigated the specific contribution of N1 sleep in the processing of memory traces. Participants were asked to learn the precise locations of 48 objects on a grid and were then tested on their memory for these items before and after a 30-min rest during which participants either stayed fully awake or transitioned toward N1 or deeper (N2) sleep. We showed that memory recall was lower (10% forgetting) after a resting period, including only N1 sleep compared to N2 sleep. Furthermore, the ratio of alpha/theta power (an electroencephalography marker of the transition toward sleep) correlated negatively with the forgetting rate when taking into account all sleepers (N1 and N2 groups combined), suggesting a physiological index for memory loss that transcends sleep stages. Our findings suggest that interrupting sleep onset at N1 may alter sleep-dependent memory consolidation and promote forgetting.
Epidemiology, etiology and clinical associations of congenital heart disease identified during congenital rubella syndrome surveillance
Authors: Priyanka Priyanka , Vyas Varuna , Deora Surender , Nag Vijaya Lakshmi , Singh Kuldeep
Published: October 2022

Background

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a common congenital malformation. Antenatal rubella infection in the mother and genetic defects are important causes to which CHD are attributed. Exact contribution of antenatal rubella infection or genetic causes to CHD is still unknown.

Objective

To study the epidemiology, etiology and clinical associations of echocardiographically confirmed congenital heart disease in infants in Western Rajasthan enrolled in the congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) surveillance project. To study the utility of clinical diagnostic criteria in identifying congenital rubella infection.

Method

This was a prospective observational study, in which 251 patients with echocardiographically confirmed CHD were enrolled. Detailed clinical evaluation was done in all patients. Rubella serology was done in all patients. Genetic and other testing was done as appropriate.

Result

The hospital-based prevalence of CHD in infants was 1% at our center. Fifty-seven percent of the babies had acyanotic septal heart defects of which ventricular septal defect (VSD) was the most common (35%). Anti-rubella immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies were positive in 8.5% of the CHD patients. A clinically identifiable genetic cause was present in 3.6% of the cases. In patients who tested positive for anti-rubella IgM antibodies also, VSD was the most common (33%) CHD followed by Tetralogy of Fallot (13.2%).

Conclusion

CRS contributes to 8.5% of CHD. CRS is associated with a wide spectrum of CHD. The etiology of a large number of CHD remains elusive. Detailed studies on the cause and mechanism of development of CHD need to be undertaken.
Comparison of Professional Values Between Sophomore and Senior Nursing Students
Authors: Poreddi Vijayalakshmi , Reddy SaiNikhil , Birudu Raju
Published: October 2022

This cross-sectional comparative survey aimed to determine the level differences of professional nursing values in sophomore and senior nursing students using a demographic form and the Nurses Professional Values Scale-3. The mean score for nursing professional values was significantly higher (p < .001) among senior students (111.02, SD = 15.12) than sophomore students (99.46, SD = 12.56). However, professional values in the professional dimension require improvement. To ensure that future nurses integrate these values into professional practice, nurse educators must teach professional values by adopting innovative approaches
Remote Virtual Simulation With Prelicensure Nursing Students During Rapid Course Transition
Authors: Ward Nicole , deGravelles Pamela , McCormack Leslie , Capps Natalie , Riley Elizabeth
Published: October 2022

The advent of COVID-19 required educational programs to rapidly transition courses to the remote environment. A postpartum hemorrhage simulation used within a traditional prelicensure bachelor of science in nursing program was rapidly transitioned to the remote virtual format to meet required social distancing guidelines. This quasi-experimental study examined student knowledge before and after participation in a remote virtual simulation (RVS) with a postanalysis of student confidence and satisfaction. RVS can increase student knowledge and provide adequate student satisfaction. However, hands-on learning appears to result in higher student confidence and satisfaction compared to RVS.
Establishing Reliability of an Instrument Measuring Nursing Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning in a Service-Learning Clinical Environment
Authors: Lee Kinzie Jean
Published: October 2022

Currently there is no dedicated instrument for measuring nursing students’ beliefs and attitudes about learning clinical skills in the service-learning (SL) environment. The National League for Nursing Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale (SCLS) was adapted as an SL assessment and administered to students in their final semester of a prelicensure baccalaureate program. Findings from this psychometric evaluation indicate that the SCLS is a reliable instrument for measuring student self-confidence in learning. Establishment of this tool provides evidence to ensure that judgments made about SL educational practices in clinical nursing courses are beneficial and credible.
Body weight changes and bipolar disorder: a molecular pathway analysis
Authors: Calabró Marco , Briuglia Silvana , Crisafulli Concetta , Drago Antonio
Published: October 2022

Background

There is evidence suggesting a link between weight-related disorders and bipolar disorder (BD). The pathophysiology of the association includes psychological, social and psychotropic treatment-related variables, together with psychiatric comorbidity. Weight changes during BD may influence compliance to the treatment, quality of life and prognosis, and can modulate risk of death associated with, for example, diabetes or cardiovascular disorders.

Methods

The STEP-BD sample is analyzed through a hypothesis-free molecular pathway analysis in order to detect the molecular pathways that distinguish individuals who experience weight change during BD treatment from those who do not. A total of 618 individuals were available for the analysis, mean age = 41.19 ± 12.58, females = 351 (56.8%). Socioeconomic variables and treatment-related variables were included as clinical covariates. A cluster analysis in the genetic dataset provided the genetic covariate input to the study to avoid stratification factors.

Result

After applying the quality analysis that is typical for this kind of investigation, no Genome Wide Association Study significant finding was retrieved. Six molecular pathways were found to be significantly associated with weight change during the first 3 months of treatment after correction for multiple testing. Of those, CDC42 (R-HSA-9013148) participates in insulin synthesis and secretion and contributes to the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and Rac Family Small GTPase 1 (R-HSA-9013149) is involved in metabolic regulation of pancreatic islet β-cells and in diabetes pathophysiology.

Discussion

Pathways that are central in energy homeostasis may play a role to separate individuals with BD that will experience weight changes during treatment from those who will not. If confirmed, such finding can be instrumental in the identification of the correct preventive strategies and most correct treatment to increase compliance and efficacy in the treatment of BD.
Trazodone and Mianserin for Delirium
Authors: Kawano Sayoko , Ide Kentaro , Kodama Keisuke , Kikuchi Yuhei , Sugihara Hiromori , Fujisawa Daisuke , Uchida Hiroyuki , Mimura Masaru , Takeuchi Hiroyoshi
Published: October 2022

Background

Although antipsychotics are commonly used for delirium, their adverse effects are a serious concern in light of extrapyramidal symptoms and cardiovascular disturbances. In clinical practice, sedative antidepressants are frequently used as an alternative treatment for delirium; however, there is scarce evidence. Thus, we conducted a retrospective chart review to examine the use and effectiveness of trazodone and mianserin for delirium.

Methods

Patients who were admitted to a university hospital during 4 years and received either trazodone or mianserin on a regular schedule as monotherapy for the treatment of delirium were included. The rates of and times to the improvement of delirium were compared.

Results

Among 3971 patients who developed delirium, 379 (9.5%) and 341 (8.6%) patients received trazodone and mianserin on a regular schedule; 52 and 46 patients met the eligibility criteria (ie, monotherapy) for trazodone and mianserin, respectively. The percentages of patients 65 years or older were 86.5% (n = 45) for trazodone and 89.1% (n = 41) for mianserin. The rates of the improvement of delirium were 63.5% for trazodone and 50.0% for mianserin. Times to the improvement of delirium were 5.3 days (95% confidence interval, 3.2–7.4 days) for trazodone and 9.3 days (95% confidence interval, 5.3–13.3 days) for mianserin. There were no significant differences in the primary outcomes between the 2 groups (P = 0.17 and P = 0.13, respectively).

Conclusion

Considering potentially serious, sometimes lethal, adverse effects of antipsychotics, sedative antidepressants such as trazodone and mianserin may be a treatment option for delirium, especially in the elderly.
Factors Associated With Anal High-Grade Intraepithelial Lesions and Carcinoma Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women With HIV in Atlanta
Authors: Loerinc Leah B. , Scheel Amy M. , Thompson Amelia B. , Wall Kristin M. , Gillespie Scott E. , McCallum Molly E. , Flowers Lisa , Camacho-Gonzalez Andres F.
Published: October 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with anal high-grade intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and anal carcinoma among young men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) with HIV in Atlanta, GA, to better inform screening guidelines and preventative measures.

Materials and Methods

Cross-sectional retrospective chart review was completed for cisgender MSM and TW with HIV aged 13–25 years at the Grady Ponce and Family Youth Clinic in Atlanta, GA, from 2009 to 2020. High-grade anal disease was defined as anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) 2, 3, or anal carcinoma (AIN 2+). Associations between clinical and demographic factors with AIN 2+ were estimated using logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and associated 90% CIs are reported.

Results

One hundred nine MSM and TW with HIV who underwent anoscopy were included. One hundred three participants received anal biopsies, and 62% had AIN 2+. Being incompletely or unvaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV, 0–2 doses) relative to being fully vaccinated (3 doses; aOR = 5.85; 90% CI = 1.28–26.83; p = .06) and having ever received surgical treatment for anogenital HPV (aOR = 2.89; 90% CI = 1.10–7.65; p = .07) were associated with AIN 2+, controlling for age and CD4 T-cell count at time of biopsy.

Conclusions

Our study found a high prevalence of anal HSIL among young MSM and TW with HIV. Those who had ever received surgical treatment for anogenital HPV and those who were incompletely or unvaccinated against HPV were more likely to have HSIL. Our data emphasize the urgent need to improve HPV vaccination efforts and to pursue larger surveillance studies of anal HSIL and carcinoma among young MSM and TW with HIV.
Advances in percutaneous renal puncture: a comprehensive review of the literature
Authors: Tatanis Vasileios , Cracco Cecilia Maria , Liatsikos Evangelos
Published: October 2022

Purpose of review

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) constitutes the gold standard procedure for patients suffering from more than 2 cm renal stones. The puncture is a very critical step of PCNL, affecting manoeuvrability of the nephroscope, possibility to remove stone fragments, risk of bleeding and radiation exposure. The aim of the current review was to discuss the advances in percutaneous renal puncture.

Recent findings

Following technological evolution in medicine, there was a consistent development in the puncture techniques, aiming at the improvement of its efficacy and safety. The use of specific agents can improve ultrasonic guidance, making the challenging step of gaining access to the kidney easier for the experienced surgeon and more accessible for the resident urologist. Future developments in the electromagnetic and three-dimensional (3D) technology may establish a high level of accuracy with decreased rates of related complications, even in the hands of beginners.

The advances in percutaneous puncture can lead to improved safety and accuracy of this procedure decreasing the radiation exposure and the complication rate.
Adalimumab Therapy in Pediatric Crohn Disease: A 2-Year Follow-Up Comparing “Top-Down” and “Step-Up” Strategies
Authors: Payen Elise , Neuraz Antoine , Zenzeri Letizia , Talbotec Cécile , Abi Nader Elie , Chatenoud Lucienne , Chhun Stephanie , Goulet Olivier , Ruemmele Frank M. , Pigneur Bénédicte
Published: October 2022

Objectives:

European Crohn’s Colitis Organization (ECCO) and the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) guidelines recommend the early use of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) biologicals in pediatric Crohn disease (CD) patients with positive predictors for poor outcome. The objective of the present study was to compare early “Top-Down” use of adalimumab (ADA) immunomodulator/biologics-naive patients to conventional “Step-Up” management.

Methods:

One hundred and twenty consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CD and treated with ADA between 2008 and 2019 were included and allocated to the ADA-Top Down (n = 59) or ADA-Step Up group (n = 61). The primary endpoint was prolonged steroid-/enteral nutrition-free clinical remission at 24 months, defined by a weighted Pediatric Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (wPCDAI) < 12.5. Clinical and biological data were collected at 12 and 24 months.

Results:

At start of ADA, disease activity was comparable between the ADA-Top Down group and the ADA-Step Up group (wPCDAI = 31 ± 16 vs 31.3 ± 15.2, respectively, P = 0.84). At 24 months, the remission rate was significantly higher in the ADA-Top Down group (73% vs 51%, P < 0.01). After propensity score, the Top-Down strategy is still more effective than the Step-Up strategy in maintaining remission at 24 months [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.36, 95% CI (0.15–0.87), P = 0.02]. Patients in the ADA-Top Down group were mainly on monotherapy compared to patients in the ADA-Step Up group (53/55 vs 28/55 respectively, P < 0.001). Serum levels of ADA were higher in the ADA-Top Down group than in the ADA-Step Up group (12.8 ± 4.3 vs 10.4 ± 3.9 µg/mL, respectively, P < 0.01). There were no serious adverse events.

Conclusions:

Early use of ADA appears to be more effective in maintaining relapse-free remission at 2 years, while using it as monotherapy. These findings further favor the recommendation of early anti-TNF use in high-risk CD patients.