bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Positive Contrast Scope Insensitivity
Authors: Voichek Guy , Novemsky Nathan
Published: August 2024

When consumers compare a worse product to a better product, negative contrast can make the worse product less attractive, and positive contrast can make the better product more attractive. We show that positive contrast is relatively scope insensitive: the size of the difference between products affects negative contrast but not positive contrast. Even when the difference between products is small enough to make negative contrast negligible, positive contrast remains strong. This means that when consumers compare a product to a slightly worse product, contrast makes the better product more attractive without making the worse product any less attractive. The asymmetry occurs because consumers are less likely to consider the size of the difference between products when evaluating the better product than when evaluating the worse product, such that nudging consumers to consider the size of the difference eliminates the asymmetry.
Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment questionnaire specifically tailored for greater trochanteric pain syndrome for the Dutch population
Authors: Van Quickenborne Damien , Van Der Straeten Catherine , Burssens Arne , Audenaert Emmanuel
Published: August 2024

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a highly prevalent condition characterized by lateral hip and thigh pain. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (VISA) questionnaire specifically tailored for GTPS (VISA-G) questionnaire was developed for the purpose of assessing and quantifying the severity of symptoms related to gluteal tendinopathy or GTPS. It is commonly used in research and clinical settings to evaluate the impact of GTPS on patient function and quality of life. The VISA-G questionnaire was developed for English-speaking populations. Before this questionnaire can be used in non-English-speaking populations, it has to be translated and validated for a particular population. The current study aimed to translate and validate the VISA-G questionnaire for a Dutch-speaking context (VISA-G-Dutch). In this study, we conducted a comprehensive process involving forward and back translation, along with a thorough comparison with other established hip-related questionnaires. The COSMIN checklist was used to ensure uniformity in the validation study. A sample of 100 participants, 50 symptomatic and 50 asymptomatic, completed the VISA-G-Dutch, Harris Hip Score, Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Oxford Hip Score, and Nonarthritic Hip Score questionnaires. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were measured. Construct validity was assessed through positive correlations between the VISA-G-Dutch and gold standard questionnaires. Strong internal consistency and test–retest reliability correlations were found in both the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups. The test–retest reliability also demonstrated strong positive correlations for the symptomatic group. The standard error of measurement was ∼2.3 for the symptomatic group. These results prove that the VISA-G-Dutch is a reliable and valid tool for assessing GTPS and gluteal tendinopathy in Dutch-speaking individuals, providing clinicians with a valuable assessment tool.
New insights into Oropouche: expanding geographic spread, mortality, vertical transmission, and birth defects
Authors: Huits Ralph , Waggoner Jesse J , Castilletti Concetta
Published: August 2024

Oropouche virus (OROV) is an arbovirus transmitted by midges that is now emerging outside the Amazon region. For the first time, fatal cases were reported, and possible vertical transmission of OROV is under investigation. Knowledge gaps remain concerning the natural history of OROV infection, host immune response and vector competence.
Dual nematode infection in Brassica nigra affects shoot metabolome and aphid survival in distinct contrast to single-species infection
Authors: Pajar Jessil Ann , Otto Pius , Leonar April Lyn , Döll Stefanie , van Dam Nicole M
Published: August 2024

Previous studies showed that aphid performance was compromised on Brassica nigra infected by root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus penetrans, Pp), but less, or positively influenced by root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) infection. These experiments were on single-species nematode infections, but roots can be infected naturally with several nematode species simultaneously. We performed greenhouse assays to assess the effects of single [Meloidogyne incognita (Mi) or Pp] and concurrent (MP) nematode infections on aphid performance. Using targeted and untargeted profiling of leaf and phloem metabolomes, we examined how single and concurrent nematode infections affect shoot metabolomes, and elucidated the possible consequences for aphid performance. We found that the metabolic response to double-infection is different from that to single-species infections. Moreover, Mi and Pp infections triggered discrete changes in B. nigra leaf and phloem metabolic profiles. Both Pp and MP infections reduced aphid survival, suggesting that the biological effect could primarily be dominated by Pp-induced changes. This concurred with increased indole glucosinolates and hydroxycinnamic acid levels in the leaves, in particular the putative involvement of salicylic acid-2-O-β-d-glucoside. This study provides evidence that concurrent infection by different nematode species, as is common in natural environments, is associated with distinct changes in aboveground plant metabolomes, which are linked to differences in the survival of an aboveground herbivore.
Compost tea enhances volatile content in tomato fruits via SlERF.E4-activated SlLOX expression
Authors: Li Wenxin , Quan Jiajia , Wen Yongshuai , Gao Meng , Li Jianming
Published: August 2024

Aroma volatiles, essential for tomato fruit flavor, have been reported to accumulate more abundantly in fruits from plants cultivated with compost tea. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which compost tea regulates aroma volatile synthesis in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit remains elusive. Here, we found that compost tea treatment significantly increased the content of volatiles derived from fatty acids in tomato fruit. Transcriptional analysis revealed that compost tea treatment up-regulated the expression of linolenic acid metabolic pathway LOX genes (SlLOXD and SlLOXE). Furthermore, overexpression of SlLOXD and SlLOXE enhanced the volatiles in fruit, while compost tea treatment failed to increase volatiles content in loxd and loxe mutants. Interestingly, compost tea treatment increased the level of ACC, a precursor of ethylene. Treatment with an ethylene signaling inhibitor 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) negated the aroma enhancement effect of compost tea on tomato fruits. SlERF.E4, a transcription factor responsive to ethylene signaling, was found to bind to the promoters of SlLOXD and SlLOXE. Overexpression of SlERF.E4 led to increased expression of SlLOXD and SlLOXE, as well as elevated fruit volatile content. Indeed, aroma enhancement in the SlERF.E4-overexpressed tomatoes was not affected by 1-MCP. These findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the improvement of flavor in organic fruits and provide valuable insights for the development of strategies in organic agriculture.
Correlation between sporogenesis and lipopeptide production in Paenibacillus elgii
Authors: da Costa Rosiane Andrade , Andrade Isadora Emanoela Pereira Costa , de Araújo Thiago Fellipe , Fulgêncio Débora Luiza Albano , Mendonça Marise Leite , Rocha Gabriel Iudy Yamaguchi , dos Santos Raiana Moreira , Barreto Cristine Chaves
Published: August 2024

Pelgipeptins, tridecaptins, and elgicins are among the antimicrobials produced by Paenibacillus elgii. Growth in complex media is commonly applied to obtain lipopeptides from culture’s supernatant, but it requires further purification. This study aimed to improve the yield of pelgipeptins and tridecaptins using chemically defined media. The kinetics of antimicrobial lipopeptide yield in chemically defined media were evaluated in P. elgii AC13. Pelgipeptins were detected in the supernatant and the culture pellet, but tridecaptins were mainly associated with cell debris or endospores. We investigated whether removing Ca2+ would impair P. elgii sporogenesis, consequently improving the yield of tridecaptin. The kinetics of both lipopeptides in the presence and absence of Ca2+ were quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated and further correlated with the cell cycle. The impairment of P. elgii AC13 sporogenesis had no effect on tridecaptin production, which remained undetected in the supernatant of the culture. On the other hand, the yield of pelgipeptin in a Ca2+-free medium increased. We showed for the first time that the removal of Ca2+ interrupted the sporogenesis in P. elgii and improved the yield of pelgipeptins. However, Ca2+ absence had no effect on tridecaptin yield, which is possibly degraded or associated with other cell debris components.
Cell surface protein–protein interaction profiling for biological network analysis and novel target discovery
Authors: Chen Jiaojiao , Fang Maoxin , Li Yuwei , Ding Haodong , Zhang Xinyu , Jiang Xiaoyi , Zhang Jinlan , Zhang Chengcheng , Lu Zhigang , Luo Min
Published: August 2024

The secretome is composed of cell surface membrane proteins and extracellular secreted proteins that are synthesized via secretory machinery, accounting for approximately one-third of human protein-encoding genes and playing central roles in cellular communication with the external environment. Secretome protein–protein interactions (SPPIs) mediate cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation, as well as stimulus- or cell-specific responses that regulate a diverse range of biological processes. Aberrant SPPIs are associated with diseases including cancer, immune disorders, and illness caused by infectious pathogens. Identifying the receptor/ligand for a secretome protein or pathogen can be a challenging task, and many SPPIs remain obscure, with a large number of orphan receptors and ligands, as well as viruses with unknown host receptors, populating the SPPI network. In addition, proteins with known receptors/ligands may also interact with alternative uncharacterized partners and exert context-dependent effects. In the past few decades, multiple varied approaches have been developed to identify SPPIs, and these methods have broad applications in both basic and translational research. Here, we review and discuss the technologies for SPPI profiling and the application of these technologies in identifying novel targets for immunotherapy and anti-infectious agents.
Theoretical investigation of interstellar 3-pyrroline: formation and, rotational and vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Pandey Anshika , Vats Akant , Srivastav Satyam , Pathak Amit , Singh K A P
Published: August 2024

The recent detection of CN-functionalized aromatics partly addresses the long-standing mystery of the apparent absence of five- and six-membered rings in interstellar environments. Nitrogen (N)-heterocycles, which are crucial as the fundamental structures of nucleobases, have been a focus of these aromatic searches due to their biological significance. Although N-heterocycles have not been conclusively detected in astrophysical environments, their presence in chondrites and meteorites signifies their interstellar and circumstellar connection. Precise spectral data identify the unique signatures of molecules, confirming their presence in space. In this light, this work reports an extensive computational investigation on interstellar 3-pyrroline, a five-membered ring N-heterocycle. This includes an alternative formation route in cold interstellar environments and highly accurate rotational and vibrational spectroscopy. The results indicate that 3-pyrroline can form on dust grain surfaces from vinyl cyanide, as its formation from pyrrole through double hydrogenation may lead to the formation of pyrrole itself via an H2-abstraction process. 3-Pyrroline’s rotational transition at 52.3 GHz offers a potential tool for its detection in cold interstellar regions. Additionally, the strongest infrared (IR) features of 3-pyrroline at 16.09 and $\sim$3.50 $\mu$m are observable with JWST. The provided data are crucial for laboratory identification and future interstellar observations of 3-pyrroline at both radio and IR wavelengths.
Modulating bacterial function utilizing A knowledge base of transcriptional regulatory modules
Authors: Shin Jongoh , Zielinski Daniel C , Palsson Bernhard O
Published: August 2024

Synthetic biology enables the reprogramming of cellular functions for various applications. However, challenges in scalability and predictability persist due to context-dependent performance and complex circuit-host interactions. This study introduces an iModulon-based engineering approach, utilizing machine learning-defined co-regulated gene groups (iModulons) as design parts containing essential genes for specific functions. This approach identifies the necessary components for genetic circuits across different contexts, enhancing genome engineering by improving target selection and predicting module behavior. We demonstrate several distinct uses of iModulons: (i) discovery of unknown iModulons to increase protein productivity, heat tolerance and fructose utilization; (ii) an iModulon boosting approach, which amplifies the activity of specific iModulons, improved cell growth under osmotic stress with minimal host regulation disruption; (iii) an iModulon rebalancing strategy, which adjusts the activity levels of iModulons to balance cellular functions, significantly increased oxidative stress tolerance while minimizing trade-offs and (iv) iModulon-based gene annotation enabled natural competence activation by predictably rewiring iModulons. Comparative experiments with traditional methods showed our approach offers advantages in efficiency and predictability of strain engineering. This study demonstrates the potential of iModulon-based strategies to systematically and predictably reprogram cellular functions, offering refined and adaptable control over complex regulatory networks.
Elucidation of the molecular mechanism of the breakage-fusion-bridge (BFB) cycle using a CRISPR-dCas9 cellular model
Authors: Singh Manrose , Raseley Kaitlin , Perez Alexis M , MacKenzie Danny , Kosiyatrakul Settapong T , Desai Sanket , Batista Noelle , Guru Navjot , Loomba Katherine K , Abid Heba Z , Wang Yilin , Udo-Bellner Lars , Stout Randy F , Schildkraut Carl L , Xiao Ming , Zhang Dong
Published: August 2024

Chromosome instability (CIN) is frequently observed in many tumors. The breakage-fusion-bridge (BFB) cycle has been proposed to be one of the main drivers of CIN during tumorigenesis and tumor evolution. However, the detailed mechanism for the individual steps of the BFB cycle warrants further investigation. Here, we demonstrate that a nuclease-dead Cas9 (dCas9) coupled with a telomere-specific single-guide RNA (sgTelo) can be used to model the BFB cycle. First, we show that targeting dCas9 to telomeres using sgTelo impedes DNA replication at telomeres and induces a pronounced increase of replication stress and DNA damage. Using Single-Molecule Telomere Assay via Optical Mapping (SMTA-OM), we investigate the genome-wide features of telomeres in the dCas9/sgTelo cells and observe a dramatic increase of chromosome end fusions, including fusion/ITS+ and fusion/ITS−. Consistently, we also observe an increase in the formation of dicentric chromosomes, anaphase bridges, and intercellular telomeric chromosome bridges (ITCBs). Utilizing the dCas9/sgTelo system, we uncover many interesting molecular and structural features of the ITCB and demonstrate that multiple DNA repair pathways are implicated in the formation of ITCBs. Our studies shed new light on the molecular mechanisms of the BFB cycle, which will advance our understanding of tumorigenesis, tumor evolution, and drug resistance.
Sports, Gigs, and TikToks: Multichannel Advertising of Oral Nicotine Pouches
Authors: Sun Tianze , Tattan-Birch Harry
Published: August 2024

Implications

This commentary highlights the aggressive advertising strategies being used to market oral nicotine pouches, including through online media, motorsport sponsorships, and out-of-home adverts. We underscore the need for balanced policy measures that maintain access to reduced harm alternatives for existing tobacco and nicotine users while minimizing exposure to youth and nonusers.
Association Between Iron, Folate, and Zinc Deficiencies During Pregnancy and Low Birth Weight: Systematic Review of Cohort Studies
Authors: da Silva Nadine P , de O. Mercês Roseane , Magalhães Emilly S , Oliveira Clotilde A , de O. Campos Renata , Santos Marcos P , dos Santos Djanilson B , da M. Santana Jerusa
Published: August 2024

Context

Iron, folate, and zinc deficiencies during the gestational period may be associated with negative perinatal outcomes, such as low birth weight (LBW), but these relationships are not yet fully established in the scientific literature and require further investigation.

Objective

To systematically review the scientific production to investigate the association between iron, folate, and zinc deficiencies during pregnancy and LBW.

Data Sources

The search was carried out using high-sensitivity descriptors in the English, Portuguese, and Spanish languages, combined with Boolean operators, adapted to each of the following indexed databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, LILACS via BVS, CENTRAL, and Web of Science. The eligibility criteria followed the PECOS (population, exposure, comparator, outcome, study) strategy.

Data Extraction

Data extraction was performed using an Excel spreadsheet with the study variables of interest. Subsequently, the information was analyzed and summarized in a table. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to perform the risk-of-bias analysis.

Data Analysis

A total of 21 042 references were identified, of which 7169 related to folate, 6969 to iron, and 6904 to zinc. After eligibility criteria application, 37 articles were included in this study, of which 18 referred to zinc nutritional status, 10 related to iron, and 9 related to folate. Studies of iron (40%), folate (66.66%), and zinc (50%) revealed a positive association between deficiencies of these micronutrients and LBW. The overall methodological quality of the studies included in this review was considered high.

Conclusions

Iron, folate, and zinc deficiencies are still present during gestation. Nevertheless, the association between deficiencies of these micronutrients and LBW is still contradictory, and more studies are needed, as is efficient nutritional monitoring before and during gestation.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021284683.
REPRESSOR OF UV-B PHOTOMORPHOGENESIS proteins target ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 5 for degradation to promote early plant development
Authors: Singh Deeksha , Mitra Oihik , Mahapatra Kalyan , Raghuvanshi Akshat Singh , Kulkarni Rucha , Datta Sourav
Published: August 2024

REPRESSOR OF UV-B PHOTOMORPHOGENESIS 1 (RUP1) and REPRESSOR OF UV-B PHOTOMORPHOGENESIS 2 (RUP2) are WD-40 domain-containing proteins that have been extensively characterized for their role in UV-B signaling. However, the roles of the RUP proteins outside the canonical UV-signaling pathway are less known. Here, we identify that RUP1 and RUP2 play important roles in ABA signaling to regulate seed germination and early seedling development in Arabidopsis thaliana. Our protein interaction studies confirmed that RUP1 and RUP2 physically interact with ABA INSENSITIVE 5 (ABI5). In the presence of abscisic acid, rup1, rup2, and rup1rup2 exhibited reduced germination and seedling establishment compared with the wild type. Germination and seedling establishment in rup1rup2abi5-8 were similar to abi5-8, suggesting that RUP1 and RUP2 suppress ABA-mediated inhibition of germination and early seedling development in an ABI5-dependent manner. The DDB1-binding WD40 protein RUP2 promoted the ubiquitination of ABI5 to regulate its degradation. ABI5, in turn, establishes a negative feedback loop to inhibit the expression of RUP1/RUP2. ABI5 also inhibited the direct binding of ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) to the promoters of RUP1 and RUP2 under ABA. This study highlights the coordinated action of RUP1, RUP2, ABI5, and HY5 in regulating early plant development.
Eye tracking is more sensitive than skin conductance response in detecting mild environmental stimuli
Authors: Khazaei Saman , Faghih Rose T
Published: August 2024

The skin conductance (SC) and eye tracking data are two potential arousal-related psychophysiological signals that can serve as the interoceptive unconditioned response to aversive stimuli (e.g. electric shocks). The current research investigates the sensitivity of these signals in detecting mild electric shock by decoding the hidden arousal and interoceptive awareness (IA) states. While well-established frameworks exist to decode the arousal state from the SC signal, there is a lack of a systematic approach that decodes the IA state from pupillometry and eye gaze measurements. We extract the physiological-based features from eye tracking data to recover the IA-related neural activity. Employing a Bayesian filtering framework, we decode the IA state in fear conditioning and extinction experiments where mild electric shock is used. We independently decode the underlying arousal state using binary and marked point process (MPP) observations derived from concurrently collected SC data. Eight of 11 subjects present a significantly (P-value <0.001) higher IA state in trials that were always accompanied by electric shock (CS+US+) compared to trials that were never accompanied by electric shock (CS−). According to the decoded SC-based arousal state, only five (binary observation) and four (MPP observation) subjects present a significantly higher arousal state in CS+US+ trials than CS− trials. In conclusion, the decoded hidden brain state from eye tracking data better agrees with the presented mild stimuli. Tracking IA state from eye tracking data can lead to the development of contactless monitors for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
Demographic consequences of social movements: local protests delay marriage formation in Ethiopia
Authors: Andriano Liliana , Ebbinghaus Mathis
Published: August 2024

Despite their significance, life-course dynamics are rarely considered as consequences of social movements. We address this shortcoming by investigating the relationship between protest and marriage formation in Ethiopia. Building on scholarship in social movements and insights from family demography, we argue that exposure to protest delays marriage formation. To test our theoretical arguments, we created an original panel dataset using georeferenced data from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey. We combined the marriage histories of 4,398 young women with fine-grained measures of exposure to local protests that we compiled from two conflict datasets covering events between 2002 and 2016. Using discrete-time event history analyses, we find that protest delays first-marriage formation. Additional analyses suggest that political uncertainty and disruptions in interethnic marriages cannot explain this effect. Instead, we provide tentative evidence that protest delays marriage formation by preoccupying large segments of the marriageable population, rendering them unavailable for this critical life-course transition. Our findings pave the way for scholarship on the demographic outcomes of protest and contribute to understanding marriage patterns in a country where the timing of marriage has far-reaching social consequences.
One-Level versus Two-Level Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) from L4-S1
Authors: Singh Manjot , Knebel Ashley , Kuharski Michael J. , Nassar Joseph , Callanan Tucker , Basques Bryce A. , Kuris Eren O. , Diebo Bassel G. , Daniels Alan H.
Published: August 2024

Study Design.

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective.

Compare outcomes in patients undergoing one-level or two-level anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) at L4-S1.

Background.

Although ALIF may deliver restoration of lumbar lordosis and improvement in clinical outcomes, it also carries risk of complications including major vascular injury. Whether one-level and two-level ALIF offers similar outcomes is not known.

Methods.

Adults who underwent one-level L4-L5 or L5-S1 ALIF and two-level L4-S1 ALIF at a single academic institution were identified. Patient demographics, procedural characteristics, improvement in spinopelvic alignment, and one-year postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and complications were compared. Multivariate regression analyses, accounting for age, gender, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), were also performed.

Results.

In total, 158 ALIF patients (111 one-level and 47 two-level) were included, with mean age of 51.4 years, 57.0% female, mean CCI of 1.2, and mean follow-up of 27.0 months. Surgical time (147.3 min vs. 124.6 min, P=0.002) and hospital length of stay (3.5 d vs. 2.9 d, P=0.036) were higher for two-level ALIF. One-year postoperatively, two-level ALIF patients had more caudal apex of lordosis (P=0.016) and 4.1 mm (P=0.002) and 2.0 mm (P=0.019) higher L4-L5 anterior and posterior disc heights, respectively. PROMs were not statistically different across groups (P>0.05). Finally, two-level ALIF patients were 10.9 times more likely to have in-hospital complications (P=0.040), such as intraoperative vascular injury (11.1% vs. 1.5%, P=0.040) or postoperative ileus (7.4% vs. 0.0%, P=0.027), than one-level ALIF patients.

Conclusion.

In this investigation with greater than one-year follow-up, two-level ALIF in the L4-S1 spine had higher procedural time, length of stay, and approach-related complications than one-level ALIF. Although there were minor improvements in alignment with two-level ALIF, PROMs were comparable with improvements from baseline to last follow-up. These findings may help surgeons carefully weigh the risks and benefits of one- versus two-level ALIF when determining surgical plans for patients.

Level of Evidence.

IV
Role of lifestyle factors on the development and long-term prognosis of pneumonia and cardiovascular disease in the Chinese population
Authors: Hu Yizhen , Sun Qiufen , Han Yuting , Yu Canqing , Guo Yu , Sun Dianjianyi , Pang Yuanjie , Pei Pei , Yang Ling , Chen Yiping , Du Huaidong , Wang Mengwei , Stevens Rebecca , Chen Junshi , Chen Zhengming , Li Liming , Lv Jun ,   On behalf of the China Kadoorie Biobank Collaborative Group
Published: August 2024

Background:

Whether adherence to a healthy lifestyle is associated with a lower risk of developing pneumonia and a better long-term prognosis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate associations of individual and combined lifestyle factors (LFs) with the incidence risk and long-term prognosis of pneumonia hospitalization.

Methods:

Using data from the China Kadoorie Biobank study, we used the multistate models to investigate the role of five high-risk LFs, including smoking, excessive alcohol drinking, unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity, and unhealthy body shape, alone or in combination in the transitions from a generally healthy state at baseline to pneumonia hospitalization or cardiovascular disease (CVD, regarded as a reference outcome), and subsequently to mortality.

Results:

Most of the five high-risk LFs were associated with increased risks of transitions from baseline to pneumonia and from pneumonia to death, but with different risk estimates. The greater the number of high-risk LFs, the higher the risk of developing pneumonia and long-term mortality risk after pneumonia, with the strength of associations comparable to that of LFs and CVD. Compared to participants with 0–1 high-risk LF, the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for transitions from baseline to pneumonia and from pneumonia to death in those with five high-risk LFs were 1.43 (1.28–1.60) and 1.98 (1.61–2.42), respectively. Correspondingly, the respective HRs (95% CIs) for transitions from baseline to CVD and from CVD to death were 2.00 (1.89–2.11) and 1.44 (1.30–1.59), respectively. The risk estimates changed slightly when further adjusting for the presence of major chronic diseases.

Conclusion:

In this Chinese population, unhealthy LFs were associated with an increased incidence and long-term mortality risk of pneumonia.
Navigating the Depths of Cardiovascular Effects on Submariners
Authors: Mahmood Ramsha , Patel Meet A. , Anamika F.N.U. , Shaik Tanveer , Aggarwal Priyanka , Garg Nikita , Kamboj Suryabir Singh , Gupta Vasu , Jain Rohit
Published: August 2024

The environment of the submariner is inherently endowed with several health risk factors, namely confinement, inactivity, caloric excess, and circadian disruption, among others, during deployment. Metabolic disturbances, increased cardiovascular risk, and sleep deprivation are associated with interrupting circadian rhythms due to routines contributing to physiological and cognitive abnormalities. Additionally, submariners face vitamin deficits of vitamin D and vitamin B12 due to little exposure to sunlight and poor nutrition. It is associated with cardiovascular dysfunctions, endothelial dysfunctions, metabolic abnormalities, and a greater cardiovascular risk. Moreover, high obesity prevalence has been noted among submariners. Such cases were attributed to leptin resistance, body fat deposits, and lifestyle statistics. Other risk factors to the cardiovascular system, like changes in heart rate variability and heart functions, have been witnessed. These health challenges can be mitigated by adopting proactive steps to address submariners’ specific health needs. Such measures should include the prevention of stable circadian rhythms, vitamin intake, lifestyle, and cardiovascular health. By addressing these issues, submariners’ well-being will be upheld, and their vulnerability to cardiovascular diseases and other health-related complications will be lessened.
RimabotulinumtoxinB: An Update
Authors: Song Teresa , Marmur Ellen S.
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Botulinum type-A toxin is a well established aesthetic and medical treatment. While the usage of type-B toxin is less common, there is a growing interest in using type-B toxin, especially in those who are treatment resistant.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the primary FDA-approved clinical applications of rimabotulinumtoxinB, along with established and emerging off-label clinical indications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Articles were reviewed from PubMed database and Food and Drug Adminstration guidelines.

RESULTS

Facial rhytids tend to use a higher conversion ratio between type A and type B toxin, due to type B toxin's weaker affinity to muscles and higher affinity for sweat glands. Specially, a 1:100 to 1:50 ratio was utilized for glabellar rhytids, a 1:25 to 1:50 ratio for periocular rhytids, a 1:50 to 1:66.6 ratio for cervical dystonia, a 1:20 to 1:50 ratio for hyperhidrosis, and a 1:25 to 30 ratio for sialorrhea.

CONCLUSION

Type B toxin has demonstrated its safety and efficacy in treating facial rhytids, cervical dystonia, sialorrhea and hyperhidrosis, with potential for novel applications under investigation. Regardless of injection location and clinical applications, dry mouth and dysphagia remained the most common side effects. Across all indications, type B toxin appeared to have a faster onset of action, a dose-dependent clinical duration, and a dose-dependent adverse effect profile.
Mitigating Immunogenicity by Coordinating Botulinum Toxin Treatments Between Aesthetics and Therapeutics
Authors: Gollomp Stephen M. , Khalifian Saami , Gokhale Samantha
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Aesthetic use of botulinum toxin (BoNT) has expanded greatly beyond conventional low-dose (20 U) treatments, leading to some patients receiving doses previously reserved for therapeutic uses. The resulting risks are compounded in patients who receive BoNT for both aesthetic and therapeutic indications. Implementing tools for risk management is a high priority to prevent reduced treatment duration and effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE

To highlight the immunogenic risks of higher doses, with special attention to the compounding risks of resistance in patients with overlapping BoNT treatments from aesthetic and therapeutic indications.

METHODS

Authors examined the literature on current practices to provide a side-by-side comparison of BoNT doses for aesthetic and therapeutic indications.

RESULTS

Aesthetic BoNT doses used in combination treatments of multiple areas or single treatments of large muscle areas can meet or exceed those observed in therapeutic treatments.

CONCLUSION

Physicians have a responsibility to incorporate risk management and open dialog into their BoNT treatment plans to maximize effectiveness and longevity of treatments.
Neuromodulators in Skin of Color: An International Review
Authors: Mora Hurtado Arielle Carolina , Elbuluk Nada , Taylor Susan C.
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

As the racial/ethnic diversity of the US population grows, it is imperative for dermatologists to recognize the nuances in the aesthetic treatment of diverse populations.

OBJECTIVE

This comprehensive review explores the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) in skin of color (SOC) populations and highlights variations in aging patterns, skin properties, and aesthetic concerns in SOC populations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of PubMed/MEDLINE databases from 2004 to 2024 was performed using combinations of the terms botulinum toxin, SOC, Fitzpatrick, race/ethnicity, and Asian, Latin American, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, African, and Pacific countries.

RESULTS

Twenty-three articles examining the use of BTX-A in SOC populations were identified. Twelve studies were from East Asia, 5 from the United States and/or Canada, 3 from South Asia/Southeast Asia, 2 from South America, and 1 from the Middle East. Available data suggest that BTX-A is efficacious and well tolerated in SOC populations.

CONCLUSION

Increased SOC representation in clinical trials may guide the development of tailored treatment approaches to optimize aesthetic outcomes for patients with SOC. A comprehensive knowledge of the variations in aging patterns, skin properties, and aesthetic concerns across SOC populations is essential for providing culturally sensitive cosmetic dermatologic care for diverse populations.
Aesthetic Considerations for Neuromodulator Use in Transgender Patients
Authors: Rambhia Pooja H. , Keaney Terrence , Chang Yunyoung C. , Chapas Anne , MacGregor Jennifer
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

The aesthetic dimension of transgender experiences involves various aspects linked to the visual representation and expression of one's gender identity. Nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, such as neuromodulators, have consequently become a viable treatment option for patients with gender dysphoria because of the ability to yield significant, although temporary, results with minimal associated risks and downtime.

OBJECTIVE

To comprehensively review literature pertaining to the aesthetic considerations for use of neuromodulators in transgender and nonbinary individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature review of PubMed/MEDLINE for studies was published through January 2024 for nonsurgical facial and body modification using neuromodulators. Searches were conducted with relevant keywords. Peer-reviewed articles and their references published within the past 10 years were given emphasis in the review.

RESULTS

Based on the limited publications to date, the authors prepared a comprehensive review on indications for neuromodulator treatment in this population, including brow positioning, lower face contouring, lip eversion, trapezius slimming, and leg contouring.

CONCLUSION

Dermatologists play a crucial role in facilitating the achievement of gender affirmation goals.
Neuromodulators in Men
Authors: Minokadeh Ardalan , Matarasso Seth L. , Jones Derek H.
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Botulinum toxin treatment is gaining popularity among men for cosmetic purposes driven by workplace competition and a desire for confidence and youthfulness. Because of the unique features of male facial anatomy, careful consideration is necessary during assessment and treatment execution.

METHODS

The peer-reviewed literature on male facial anatomy in relation to neuromodulator treatment was analyzed with a particular emphasis on studies involving male subjects and the use of botulinum toxin type A.

RESULTS

Anatomic differences in muscle mass and contraction patterns between men and women help guide treatment. Men appear to require higher doses for effective treatment of facial wrinkles and, in the case of glabellar lines, often require double the standard dose for women. Treatment of the frontalis muscle in men, responsible for forehead creases, requires precise dosage and placement to avoid brow ptosis. The lateral canthal wrinkles are often the first area that men seek consultation for. Although FDA approval for lower face regions is lacking, off-label use can still be considered.

CONCLUSION

Successful botulinum toxin treatment in men necessitates understanding facial anatomy, customized treatment plans, and appropriate dosing. Further research is warranted to refine protocols and enhance outcomes for male patients.
IncobotulinumtoxinA for Aesthetic Treatments: Review and Recommendations From Latin America
Authors: de Sanctis Pecora Carla , Trindade de Almeida Ada , Figueredo Vinicius , Hirano Cyro , Bugallo Alejandra , Cortés Cristina , Welsh Esperanza C. , Spada Julieta , Heredia Nicolás , de La Fuente Victoria , Muniz Mariana
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

As new aesthetic treatment techniques are developed, the understanding of botulinum toxin type A safety and treatment outcomes continues to evolve.

OBJECTIVE

This article was developed to provide a comprehensive up-to-date reference for clinicians using incobotulinumtoxinA (INCO; Xeomin/Bocouture, Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany) for aesthetic treatments.

PATIENTS AND METHODS/MATERIALS

A Latin American panel of 11 physicians was assembled to discuss and develop recommendations on the use of INCO for aesthetic treatment based on the literature review and their private medical practice.

RESULTS

The panel found that INCO is a highly purified botulinum toxin, without other clostridial proteins (hemagglutinins and nonhemagglutinins). IncobotulinumtoxinA has proven its efficacy and duration over time, maintaining response after multiple treatment cycles.

CONCLUSION

This recommendation provides up-to-date information on the use of INCO for aesthetic treatment, focusing on the differential properties of this product regarding its purity, performance, customization, and patient satisfaction.
Versatility of OnabotulinumtoxinA in Aesthetic Medicine
Authors: Brin Mitchell F. , Maltman John , Chapman Mary Ann , Sangha Sara
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

OnabotulinumtoxinA is an injectable product that was introduced into medicine in the 1970s and has been the subject of thousands of clinical and nonclinical publications.

OBJECTIVE

To review the data related to the versatility of onabotulinumtoxinA in medical aesthetics.

METHODS

PubMed was searched to identify literature evaluating the effects of onabotulinumtoxinA, with preference given to randomized, placebo-controlled trials and safety meta-analyses.

RESULTS

OnabotulinumtoxinA is effective and safe across multiple facial indications, racial and ethnic groups, age groups, genders, and facial line severities. Patient-reported outcomes have been prioritized in aesthetic clinical trials and indicate high patient satisfaction and appearance-related psychological outcomes. Integrated safety meta-analysis and immunogenicity analyses have documented acceptable adverse event rates and low immunogenicity of onabotulinumtoxinA.

CONCLUSION

OnabotulinumtoxinA is a versatile aesthetic product supported by a strong literature base and positive physician and patient-reported outcomes that reflect a meaningful impact on patient’s quality of life.
Mechanisms and metabolic consequences of adipocyte progenitor replicative senescence
Authors: Lin Tonghui , Mohammad Aftab , Kolonin Mikhail G. , Eckel-Mahan Kristin L.
Published: August 2024

In recent decades, obesity has become a worldwide epidemic. As a result, the importance of adipose tissue (AT) as a metabolically active storage depot for lipids and a key mediator of body-wide metabolism and energy balance has been increasingly recognized. Emerging from the studies of AT in metabolic disease is a recognition of the importance of the adipocyte progenitor cell (APC) population of AT being the gatekeeper of adipocyte function. APCs have the capability to self-renew and undergo adipogenesis to propagate new adipocytes capable of lipid storage, which is important for maintaining a healthy fat pad, devoid of dysfunctional lipid droplet hypertrophy, inflammation, and fibrosis, which is linked to metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Like other dividing cells, APCs are at risk for undergoing cell senescence, a state of irreversible cell proliferation arrest that occurs under a variety of stress conditions, including DNA damage and telomere attrition. APC proliferation is controlled by a variety of factors, including paracrine and endocrine factors, quality and timing of energy intake, and the circadian clock system. Therefore, alteration in any of the underlying signaling pathways resulting in excessive proliferation of APCs can lead to premature APC senescence. Better understanding of APCs senescence mechanisms will lead to new interventions extending metabolic health.
Pregnancy and fertility in people with cystic fibrosis following lung transplantation
Authors: Taylor-Cousar Jennifer L. , Sole Amparo , Jain Raksha
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to summarize available data on fertility, fertility preservation, pregnancy and parenthood following lung transplantation for people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF).

Recent findings

In the era of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator use, oral therapies that positively impact fundamental CFTR protein abnormalities, the number of pregnancies has increased dramatically with a concomitant decrease in lung transplantation. Nonetheless, some pwCF still require lung transplantation as a life-saving measure, and a fraction of those individuals desires parenthood. Cystic fibrosis (CF) providers infrequently discuss fertility preservation with pwCF, and pwCF feel uneducated about their fertility options posttransplant. However, because the immunosuppression required to successfully maintain lung allografts may impact future fertility, pwCF should receive genetic and reproductive counseling prior to lung transplantation. While pregnancies posttransplantation are high-risk, selected females with CF may be able to pursue this path to parenthood.

Although there is a paucity of data specific to pwCF who have undergone lung transplantation, recently developed general guidelines should inform discussions regarding fertility, pregnancy and parenthood in pwCF who desire parenthood following lung transplantation for optimal shared decision-making.
Organomics
Authors: Salimi Yazdan , Hajianfar Ghasem , Mansouri Zahra , Sanaat Amirhosein , Amini Mehdi , Shiri Isaac , Zaidi Habib
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Non–small cell lung cancer is the most common subtype of lung cancer. Patient survival prediction using machine learning (ML) and radiomics analysis proved to provide promising outcomes. However, most studies reported in the literature focused on information extracted from malignant lesions. This study aims to explore the relevance and additional value of information extracted from healthy organs in addition to tumoral tissue using ML algorithms.

Patients and Methods

This study included PET/CT images of 154 patients collected from available online databases. The gross tumor volume and 33 volumes of interest defined on healthy organs were segmented using nnU-Net deep learning–based segmentation. Subsequently, 107 radiomic features were extracted from PET and CT images (Organomics). Clinical information was combined with PET and CT radiomics from organs and gross tumor volumes considering 19 different combinations of inputs. Finally, different feature selection (FS; 5 methods) and ML (6 algorithms) algorithms were tested in a 3-fold data split cross-validation scheme. The performance of the models was quantified in terms of the concordance index (C-index) metric.

Results

For an input combination of all radiomics information, most of the selected features belonged to PET Organomics and CT Organomics. The highest C-index (0.68) was achieved using univariate C-index FS method and random survival forest ML model using CT Organomics + PET Organomics as input as well as minimum depth FS method and CoxPH ML model using PET Organomics as input. Considering all 17 combinations with C-index higher than 0.65, Organomics from PET or CT images were used as input in 16 of them.

Conclusions

The selected features and C-indices demonstrated that the additional information extracted from healthy organs of both PET and CT imaging modalities improved the ML performance. Organomics could be a step toward exploiting the whole information available from multimodality medical images, contributing to the emerging field of digital twins in health care.
PET/CT Manifestations of a Case of Cavernous Hemangioma Misdiagnosed as Reproductive Tumor
Authors: Liu Tao , Cheng You , Huang Jian-Jiang , Shao Dan , Wang Si-yun
Published: August 2024

Cavernous hemangioma of mediastinum is a rare, benign tumor originating from vascular endothelial cells. It typically arises in the anterior mediastinum but has also been reported in the posterior mediastinum or the middle mediastinum, and occasionally involves both the anterior and middle compartments. We present the case of a 20-year-old man with a cavernous hemangioma of mediastinum initially misdiagnosed as a reproductive tumor by 18F-FDG PET/CT.
Increase 68Ga-FAPI Uptake in Urogenital Tuberculosis
Authors: Yu Qiuming , Xie Qiang , Zhu Xingxing , Wang Xuemei , Ni Ming
Published: August 2024

Urogenital tuberculosis is one of common sites of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. A 60-year-old man with an elevated prostate-specific antigen level underwent multiparametric MRI, which revealed abnormal signals in the prostate. However, the 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT results were unrevealing. Subsequent 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT imaging revealed intense radioactivity uptake in the prostate and mild radioactivity uptake in the left kidney, which was eventually proven due to tuberculosis.
A generalized Dean–Kawasaki equation for an interacting Brownian gas in a partially absorbing medium
Authors: Bressloff Paul C.
Published: August 2024

The Dean–Kawasaki (DK) equation is a stochastic partial differential equation (SPDE) for the global density

ρ
=

N

−
1

∑

j
=
1

N

δ
(
x
−

X
j

(
t
)
)

of a gas of

N

over-damped Brownian particles, where

X
j

(
t
)

is the position of the

j

th particle. In the thermodynamic limit

N
→
∞

with weak pairwise interactions, the expectation

⟨
ρ
⟩

with respect to the white noise processes converges in distribution to the solution of a McKean–Vlasov (MV) equation. In this article, we use an encounter-based approach to derive a generalized DK equation for an interacting Brownian gas on the half-line with a partially absorbing boundary at

x
=
0

. Each particle is independently absorbed when its local time

L
j

(
t
)

at

x
=
0

exceeds a random threshold

ℓ
^

j

. The global density is now summed over the set of particles that have not yet been absorbed, and expectations are taken with respect to the Gaussian noise and the random thresholds

ℓ
^

j

. Assuming the DK equation has a well-defined mean-field limit, we derive the corresponding MV equation on the half-line. We illustrate the theory by (i) analysing stationary solutions for a Curie–Weiss (quadratic) interaction potential and a totally reflecting boundary; and (ii) calculating the effective rate of particle loss in the weak absorption limit. Extensions to finite intervals and partially absorbing traps are also considered.