bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inspiratory muscle training improves cardiopulmonary function in patients after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Xu Lin , Wei Jiafu , Liu Jiani , Feng Yuan , Wang Lu , Wang Shiqi , Li Qiao , He Sen , Chen Yong , Peng Yong , Bao Yun , Yang Xuemei , He Chengqi , Chen Mao , Wei Quan
Published: November 2022

Aims

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) can increase the strength or endurance of the diaphragm and accessory muscles of inspiration, yet there is no evidence that endorses the role of IMT in patients of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This study for the first time tested the effects of IMT plus usual cardiac rehabilitation (CR) function in patients after TAVR.

Methods and results

A double-blinded, randomized controlled, single-centre clinical trial was undertaken. Participants who had a confirmed diagnosis of valve heart disease and were clinically stable after TAVR were recruited and received a CR programme during the hospital stay. A total of 96 patients were recruited and randomly assigned to the IMT + CR group (n = 48) or the CR group (n = 48) in a 1:1 ratio. The group difference in the primary outcome, the 6-min walk distance at the discharge of the hospital, significantly favoured the IMT + CR group (mean difference −33.52, 95% CI: −64.42 to −2.62, P = 0.034). The significant difference was maintained at the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups (mean difference: 41.51, 95% CI: 1.82–81.21, P = 0.041). In addition, the mean hospital stays of subjects in the IMT + CR group was 11 days, which was significantly shorter than the 12.5 days in the CR group (P = 0.016). Sensitivity analysis using per-protocol analysis supported these findings. No adverse treatment-related events were reported.

Conclusion

Compared with usual CR, IMT plus CR can effectively improve exercise endurance, pulmonary ventilation function, and inspiratory muscle strength in patients after TAVR and shorten the length of hospital stay.
Serum uric acid significantly improves the accuracy of cardiovascular risk score models
Authors: Moshkovits Yonatan , Tiosano Shmuel , Kaplan Alon , Kalstein Maia , Bayshtok Gabriella , Kivity Shaye , Segev Shlomo , Grossman Ehud , Segev Amit , Maor Elad , Fardman Alexander
Published: November 2022

Aims

This study evaluated the impact of serum uric acid (sUA) on the accuracy of pooled cohort equations (PCE) model, Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation 2 (SCORE2), and SCORE2-older persons.

Methods and results

We evaluated 19 769 asymptomatic self-referred adults aged 40–79 years free of cardiovascular disease and diabetes who were screened annually in a preventive healthcare setting. sUA levels were expressed as a continuous as well as a dichotomous variable (upper sex-specific tertiles defined as high sUA). The primary endpoint was the composite of death, acute coronary syndrome, or stroke, after excluding subjects diagnosed with metastatic cancer during follow-up. Mean age was 50 ± 8 years and 69% were men. During the median follow-up of 6 years, 1658 (8%) subjects reached the study endpoint. PCE, SCORE2, and high sUA were independently associated with the study endpoint in a multivariable model (P < 0.001 for all). Continuous net reclassification improvement analysis showed a 13% improvement in the accuracy of classification when high sUA was added to either PCE or SCORE2 model (P < 0.001 for both). sUA remained independently associated with the study endpoint among normal-weight subjects in the SCORE2 model (HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.6) but not among overweight individuals (P for interaction = 0.01). Subgroup analysis resulted in a significant 16–20% improvement in the model performance among normal-weight and low-risk subjects (P < 0.001 for PCE; P = 0.026 and P < 0.001 for SCORE2, respectively).

Conclusion

sUA significantly improves the classification accuracy of PCE and SCORE2 models. This effect is especially pronounced among normal-weight and low-risk subjects.
Income differences in partial life expectancy between ages 35 and 64 from 1988 to 2017: the contribution of living arrangements
Authors: Knop Jade , Martikainen Pekka , Remes Hanna , Tarkiainen Lasse
Published: November 2022

Background

Socioeconomic differences in mortality among the working-age population have increased in several high-income countries. The aim of this study was to assess whether changes in the living arrangement composition of income groups have contributed to changing income differences in life expectancy during the past 30 years.

Methods

We used Finnish register data covering the total population to calculate partial life expectancies between ages 35 and 64 by income quartile in 1988–2017. The contribution of living arrangements to these differences was assessed by direct standardization. Decomposition methods were used to determine the extent of life expectancy differences due to external (accidental, violent and alcohol-related) causes of death.

Results

The life expectancy gap between the highest and lowest income quartile increased until 2003–07, but decreased thereafter. The contribution of living arrangements to these differences remained mostly stable: 36–39% among men and 15–23% among women. Those living without children consistently showed the greatest life expectancy differences by income. External causes of death significantly contributed to income differences in life expectancy.

Conclusions

The living arrangement composition of income groups explained part of the differences in life expectancy, but not their changes. Our results on the contribution of external causes of death imply that both the persistent income gradient in mortality as well as the mortality disparities by living arrangements are at least partially related to similar selection or causal mechanisms.
Perinatal mortality in Ireland: inequalities by socio-economic group and country of birth
Authors: Duffy Katie , Connolly Sheelah , Nolan Anne , Maître Bertrand
Published: November 2022

Background

While perinatal mortality rates have decreased in Ireland in recent years, it is not known if this reduction was shared equally among all groups. The aim of this study is to examine inequalities in perinatal mortality by country of birth and socio-economic group in Ireland between 2004 and 2019.

Methods

Data for the analysis was obtained from the National Perinatal Reporting System dataset, which includes all births (including stillbirths) in Ireland. The rate and risk ratios for perinatal death were calculated for mothers’ socio-economic group and country of birth for two time periods (2004–11 and 2012–19). Adjustment was made for mothers’ age, marital status, parity and country of birth/socio-economic group. A total of 995 154 births and 5710 perinatal deaths were included in the analysis.

Results

With the exception of African born mothers, the perinatal mortality rate decreased for all groups over time; however, inequalities persisted. Relative to Irish born mothers, the risk for African born mothers increased from 1.63 to 2.00 over time. Adjusting for other variables including socio-economic status reduced but did not eliminate this elevated relative risk. Mothers who were classified as unemployed or engaged in home duties had a higher risk of a perinatal death relative to higher professional mothers, with the relative risk remaining relatively constant over time.

Conclusions

Reducing inequalities in health is a key objective of the Irish government. Further research is required to identify why perinatal mortality continues to be higher in some groups so that targeted action can be implemented.
Bacterial gut microbiomes of aculeate brood parasites overlap with their aculeate hosts’, but have higher diversity and specialization
Authors: Ronchetti Federico , Polidori Carlo , Schmitt Thomas , Steffan-Dewenter Ingolf , Keller Alexander
Published: November 2022

Despite growing interest in gut microbiomes of aculeate Hymenoptera, research so far focused on social bees, wasps, and ants, whereas non-social taxa and their brood parasites have not received much attention. Brood parasitism, however, allows to distinguish between microbiome components horizontally transmitted by spill-over from the host with such inherited through vertical transmission by mothers. Here, we studied the bacterial gut microbiome of adults in seven aculeate species in four brood parasite–host systems: two bee-mutillid (host–parasitoid) systems, one halictid bee–cuckoo bee system, and one wasp–chrysidid cuckoo wasp system. We addressed the following questions: (1) Do closely related species possess a more similar gut microbiome? (2) Do brood parasites share components of the microbiome with their host? (3) Do brood parasites have different diversity and specialization of microbiome communities compared with the hosts? Our results indicate that the bacterial gut microbiome of the studied taxa was species-specific, yet with a limited effect of host phylogenetic relatedness and a major contribution of shared microbes between hosts and parasites. However, contrasting patterns emerged between bee–parasite systems and the wasp–parasite system. We conclude that the gut microbiome in adult brood parasites is largely affected by their host–parasite relationships and the similarity of trophic food sources between hosts and parasites.
Novel genome sequences and evolutionary dynamics of the North American anopheline species Anopheles freeborni, Anopheles crucians, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, and Anopheles albimanus
Authors: Henderson Cory , Kemirembe Karen , McKeand Sage , Bergey Christina , Rasgon Jason L
Published: November 2022

Anopheles mosquitoes are the principal vectors for malaria and lymphatic filariasis, and evidence for arboviral transmission under laboratory and natural contexts has been demonstrated. Vector management approaches require an understanding of the ecological, epidemiological, and biological contexts of the species in question, and increased interest in gene drive systems for vector control applications has resulted in an increased need for genome assemblies from understudied mosquito vector species. In this study, we present novel genome assemblies for Anopheles crucians, Anopheles freeborni, Anopheles albimanus, and Anopheles quadrimaculatus and examine the evolutionary relationship between these species. We identified 790 shared single-copy orthologs between the newly sequenced genomes and created a phylogeny using 673 of the orthologs, identifying 289 orthologs with evidence for positive selection on at least 1 branch of the phylogeny. Gene ontology terms such as calcium ion signaling, histone binding, and protein acetylation identified as being biased in the set of selected genes. These novel genome sequences will be useful in developing our understanding of the diverse biological traits that drive vectorial capacity in anophelines.
Endo-anesthesia: a primer
Authors: Bazerbachi Fateh , White Rodger M , Forbes Nauzer , Goudra Basavana , Abu Dayyeh Barham K , Chandrasekhara Vinay , Sweitzer BobbieJean
Published: November 2022

Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy has witnessed a Cambrian explosion of techniques, indications, and expanding target populations. GI endoscopy encompasses traditional domains that include preventive measures, palliation, as alternative therapies in patients with prohibitive risks of more invasive procedures, and indicated primary treatments. But, it has expanded to include therapeutic and diagnostic interventional endosonography, luminal endoscopic resection, third space endotherapy, endohepatology, and endobariatrics. The lines between surgery and endoscopy are blurred on many occasions within this paradigm. Moreover, patients with high degrees of co-morbidity and complex physiology require more nuanced peri-endoscopic management. The rising demand for endoscopy services has resulted in the development of endoscopy referral centers that offer these invasive procedures as directly booked referrals for regional and rural patients. This further necessitates specialized programs to ensure appropriate evaluation, risk stratification, and optimization for safe sedation and general anesthesia if needed. This landscape is conducive to the organic evolution of endo-anesthesia to meet the needs of these focused and evolving practices. In this primer, we delineate important aspects of endo-anesthesia care and provide relevant clinical and logistical considerations pertaining to the breadth of procedures.
Does High-Velocity Resistance Exercise Elicit Greater Physical Function Benefits Than Traditional Resistance Exercise in Older Adults? A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of 79 Trials
Authors: Lopez Pedro , Rech Anderson , Petropoulou Maria , Newton Robert U , Taaffe Dennis R , Galvão Daniel A , Turella Douglas J P , Freitas Sandro R , Radaelli Régis
Published: November 2022

Background

A systematic review and network meta-analysis was undertaken to examine the effectiveness of different modes of resistance exercise velocity in fast walking speed, timed-up and go, 5-times sit-to-stand, 30-second sit-to-stand, and 6-minute walking tests in older adults.

Methods

CINAHL, Embase, LILACS, PubMed, Scielo, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases were searched up to February 2022. Eligible randomized trials examined the effects of supervised high-velocity or traditional resistance exercise in older adults (ie, ≥60 years). The primary outcome for this review was physical function measured by fast walking speed, timed-up and go, 5-times sit-to-stand, 30-second sit-to-stand, and 6-minute walking tests, while maximal muscle power and muscle strength were secondary. A random-effects network meta-analysis was undertaken to examine the effects of different resistance exercise interventions.

Results

Eighty articles describing 79 trials (n = 3 575) were included. High-velocity resistance exercise was the most effective for improving fast walking speed (standardized mean difference [SMD] −0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.00 to 0.87), timed-up and go (SMD −0.76, 95% CI: −1.05 to −0.47), and 5-times sit-to-stand (SMD −0.74, 95% CI: −1.20 to −0.27), while traditional resistance exercise was the most effective for 30-second sit-to-stand (SMD 1.01, 95% CI: 0.68 to 1.34) and 6-minute walking (SMD 0.68, 95% CI: 0.34 to 1.03).

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence that resistance exercise velocity effects are specific in older adults, as evidenced by physical function test dependence. We suggest that prescriptions based on the velocity of contraction should be individualized to address the specific functional needs of participants.
Revisiting the effects of an inoculation treatment on psychological reactance: a conceptual replication and extension with self-report and psychophysiological measures
Authors: Clayton Russell B , Compton Josh , Reynolds-Tylus Tobias , Neumann Dominik , Park Junho
Published: November 2022

Research published by Richards and Banas and Richards et al. demonstrated that an inoculation treatment given to participants prior to their exposure to a series of freedom-threatening persuasive health messages mitigates audiences’ freedom-threat perceptions, state psychological reactance, and behavioral intentions. We sought to conceptually replicate the studies by Richards and Banas and Richards et al. with a sample of ever-vapers who were either assigned to an inoculation condition or control condition and then exposed to a series of dogmatic anti-vaping messages while psychophysiological responses were recorded. In doing so, we also sought to replicate the pattern of results observed by Clayton et al. and Clayton who used the same stimuli, methods, and measures. The results from our study provided a successful conceptual replication of each of these studies, with a few exceptions that are discussed. This study provides greater confidence in recent psychological reactance findings and the efficacy of an inoculation treatment for circumventing psychological reactance.
Role of alcohol media literacy in alcohol use among children and adolescents: a systematic review
Authors: Park Sunhee , Lee Haein , Kim Junghee
Published: November 2022

Enhancing alcohol media literacy (AML) is a critical strategy to attenuate negative effects of alcohol-related media messages. We aimed to systematically review previous studies on AML in children and adolescents. Through database and hand searches, we identified four non-experimental and 13 experimental studies. From the 17 studies, we extracted data on theoretical framework, AML measures, intervention contents and main findings. Our review revealed the following. First, nine and four studies used a single theory and at least two theories, respectively. The most frequently used theory was the Message Interpretation Process model. Second, 13 studies assessed AML using participant self-reporting or evaluators’ ratings of participant performance, but no study reported validities of AML measures. Eight studies assessed tobacco or general media literacy as well as AML. Third, all experimental studies used three to five media literacy core concepts proposed by the Center for Media Literacy in AML interventions. Finally, all non-experimental studies found strong cross-sectional associations between higher AML and improved drinking outcomes; all experimental studies found strong intervention effects, such as an increase in AML or improvement in drinking outcomes. In addition, intervention effects differed across participants’ gender and drinking experiences. Given our review, health professionals should implement strategies to enhance children and adolescents’ AML. Future research should investigate (i) causal inferences in non-experimental studies, (ii) long-term intervention effects in experimental studies and (iii) differences in intervention effects across participants’ characteristics, while using solid theoretical frameworks and multidimensional AML concepts.
Interaction of AcMADS68 with transcription factors regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in red-fleshed kiwifruit
Authors: Liu Yanfei , Lv Guowen , Yang Yaqi , Ma Kangxun , Ren Xiaolin , Li Mingjun , Liu Zhande
Published: November 2022

In red-fleshed kiwifruit, anthocyanin pigmentation is a crucial commercial trait. The MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) complex and other transcription factors regulate its accumulation. Herein, a new SEP gene, AcMADS68, was identified as a regulatory candidate for anthocyanin biosynthesis in the kiwifruit by transcriptome data and bioinformatic analyses. AcMADS68 alone could not induce the accumulation of anthocyanin both in Actinidia arguta fruit and tobacco leaves. However, in combination with AcMYBF110, AcMYB123, and AcbHLH1, AcMADS68 co-overexpression increased anthocyanin biosynthesis, whereas its silencing reduced anthocyanin accumulation. The results of the dual-luciferase reporter, firefly luciferase complementation, yeast two-hybrid and co-immunoprecipitation assays showed that AcMADS68 could interact with both AcMYBF110 and AcMYB123 but not with AcbHLH1, thereby co-regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis by promoting the activation of the target genes, including AcANS, AcF3GT1, and AcGST1. Moreover, AcMADS68 also could activate the promoter of AcbHLH1 surported by dual-luciferase reporter and yeast one-hybrid assays, thereby further amplifying the regulation signals from the MBW complex, thus resulting in enhanced anthocyanin accumulation in the kiwifruit. These findings may facilitate better elucidation of various regulatory mechanisms underlying anthocyanin accumulation and contribute to the quality enhancement of red-fleshed kiwifruit.
The Pythium periplocum elicitin PpEli2 confers broad-spectrum disease resistance by triggering a novel receptor-dependent immune pathway in plants
Authors: Yang Kun , Wang Yi , Li Jialu , Du Yaxin , Zhai Ying , Liang Dong , Shen Danyu , Ji Rui , Ren Xuexiang , Peng Hao , Jing Maofeng , Dou Daolong
Published: November 2022

Elicitins are microbe-associated molecular patterns produced by oomycetes to elicit plant defense. It is still unclear whether elicitins derived from non-pathogenic oomycetes can be used as bioactive molecules for disease control. Here, for the first time we identify and characterize an elicitin named PpEli2 from the soil-borne oomycete Pythium periplocum, which is a non-pathogenic mycoparasite colonizing the root ecosystem of diverse plant species. Perceived by a novel cell surface receptor-like protein, REli, that is conserved in various plants (e.g. tomato, pepper, soybean), PpEli2 can induce hypersensitive response cell death and an immunity response in Nicotiana benthamiana. Meanwhile, PpEli2 enhances the interaction between REli and its co-receptor BAK1. The receptor-dependent immune response triggered by PpEli2 is able to protect various plant species against Phytophthora and fungal infections. Collectively, our work reveals the potential agricultural application of non-pathogenic elicitins and their receptors in conferring broad-spectrum resistance for plant protection.
Computer-Aided Imaging Analysis of Probe-Based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy With Molecular Labeling and Gene Expression Identifies Markers of Response to Biological Therapy in IBD Patients: The Endo-Omics Study
Authors: Iacucci Marietta , Jeffery Louisa , Acharjee Animesh , Grisan Enrico , Buda Andrea , Nardone Olga M , Smith Samuel C L , Labarile Nunzia , Zardo Davide , Ungar Bella , Hunter Stuart , Mao Ren , Cannatelli Rosanna , Shivaji Uday N , Parigi Tommaso Lorenzo , Reynolds Gary M , Gkoutos Georgios V , Ghosh Subrata
Published: November 2022

Background

We aimed to predict response to biologics in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using computerized image analysis of probe confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) in vivo and assess the binding of fluorescent-labeled biologics ex vivo. Additionally, we investigated genes predictive of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) response.

Methods

Twenty-nine patients (15 with Crohn’s disease [CD], 14 with ulcerative colitis [UC]) underwent colonoscopy with pCLE before and 12 to 14 weeks after starting anti-TNF or anti-integrin α4β7 therapy. Biopsies were taken for fluorescein isothiocyanate–labeled infliximab and vedolizumab staining and gene expression analysis. Computer-aided quantitative image analysis of pCLE was performed. Differentially expressed genes predictive of response were determined and validated in a public cohort.

Results

In vivo, vessel tortuosity, crypt morphology, and fluorescein leakage predicted response in UC (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [AUROC], 0.93; accuracy 85%, positive predictive value [PPV] 89%; negative predictive value [NPV] 75%) and CD (AUROC, 0.79; accuracy 80%; PPV 75%; NPV 83%) patients. Ex vivo, increased binding of labeled biologic at baseline predicted response in UC (UC) (AUROC, 83%; accuracy 77%; PPV 89%; NPV 50%) but not in Crohn’s disease (AUROC 58%). A total of 325 differentially expressed genes distinguished responders from nonresponders, 86 of which fell within the most enriched pathways. A panel including ACTN1, CXCL6, LAMA4, EMILIN1, CRIP2, CXCL13, and MAPKAPK2 showed good prediction of anti-TNF response (AUROC >0.7).

Conclusions

Higher mucosal binding of the drug target is associated with response to therapy in UC. In vivo, mucosal and microvascular changes detected by pCLE are associated with response to biologics in inflammatory bowel disease. Anti-TNF–responsive UC patients have a less inflamed and fibrotic state pretreatment. Chemotactic pathways involving CXCL6 or CXCL13 may be novel targets for therapy in nonresponders.
Digital health and capability maturity models—a critical thematic review and conceptual synthesis of the literature
Authors: Liaw Siaw-Teng , Godinho Myron Anthony
Published: November 2022

Objective

A literature review of capability maturity models (MMs) to inform the conceptualization, development, implementation, evaluation, and mainstreaming of MMs in digital health (DH).

Methods

Electronic databases were searched using “digital health,” “maturity models,” and related terms based on the Digital Health Profile and Maturity Assessment Toolkit Maturity Model (DHPMAT-MM). Covidence was used to screen, identify, capture, and achieve consensus on data extracted by the authors. Descriptive statistics were generated. A thematic analysis and conceptual synthesis were conducted.

Findings

Diverse domain-specific MMs and model development, implementation, and evaluation methods were found. The spread and pattern of different MMs verified the essential DH foundations and five maturity stages of the DHPMAT-MM. An unanticipated finding was the existence of a new category of community-facing MMs. Common characteristics included:

1. A dynamic lifecycle approach to digital capability maturity, which is:

a. responsive to environmental changes and may improve or worsen over time;

b. accumulative, incorporating the attributes of the preceding stage; and

c. sequential, where no maturity stage must be skipped.

2. Sociotechnical quality improvement of the DH ecosystem and MM, which includes:

a. investing in the organization’s human, hardware, and software resources and

b. a need to engage and improve the DH competencies of citizens.

Conclusions

The diversity in MMs and variability in methods and content can create cognitive dissonance. A metamodel like the DHPMAT-MM can logically unify the many domain-specific MMs and guide the overall implementation and evaluation of DH ecosystems and MMs over the maturity lifecycle.
Optimization of Extraction and Quality Evaluation of Abri Herba by Response Surface Methodology Combined with Quantitative Analysis of Multi-Components by a Single Marker
Authors: Shen Yajun , Li Hengyang , Ding Xiaoying , Zhan Zhilai , An Qi , Zheng Yuguang , Zhang Dan
Published: November 2022

Background

Abri Herba (AH) is a famous medicinal and edible traditional Chinese medicine, which is usually used for liver disease. To date, few studies have been conducted on the ultrasonic extraction (UAE) process for AH and the application of quality analysis of multi-components by the single-marker (QAMS) method to evaluate the quality.

Objective

To optimize the UAE process for AH, and develop and validate the quality evaluation of AH by the QAMS method.

Methods

The UAE conditions of AH were optimized by response surface methodology with the total contents of protocatechuic acid, hydantoin, gardeniaine, vicenin-2, salvoside and isosalvoside as indicators, the ultrasonic time, methanol concentration and liquid to material ratio as parameters. The content of protocatechuic acid, hypaphorine, abrine, vicenin-2, schaftoside, and isoschaftoside in 12 batches of AH was first determined by the external standard method (ESM) using HPLC. After that, based on abrine as the internal standard, the relative correction factors (RCF) for protocatechuic acid, hypaphorine, vicenin-2, schaftoside and isoschaftoside were established, and the ESM method was used to verify the QAMS method.

Results

The results show that the optimal extraction process parameters for AH are an ultrasonic time of 22 min, a methanol concentration of 45%, and liquid to material ratio of 26 (mL/g). The QAMS results show that the relative correction factor has good reproducibility, and there is no significant difference between the results of the ESM method and the QAMS method for each chemical constituent, indicating that the research is feasible.

Conclusion

The optimized extraction process of AH and the established QAMS-based quality control method are stable and can be used for the quality control of AH.

Highlights

A response surface methodology was used to optimize the ultrasonic extraction process for AH, and a QAMS method was established for evaluating the quality of AH.
The (Non-)Status of ‘Duldung’: Non-Deportability in Germany and the Politics of Limitless Temporariness
Authors: Schütze Theresa
Published: November 2022

One of the ways in which states deal with the issue of non-deportability is limbo-statuses. This article examines the German status of Duldung (toleration) as a case study, which stands out in international comparison for its longevity and its broad administrative application. Based on a comprehensive study of federal policy on Duldung and accompanying political discourses starting from 1962 until 2019, it presents an in-depth analysis of the shifts and continuities in the policies of Duldung in Germany. In the trajectory of the Duldung status, I identify its different functions for German national migration policy, thereby revisiting explanations offered by Böcker and Vogel on the existence of residential limbo-statuses. I conclude that Duldung presents a flexible tool to integrate conflicting policy interests, specifically economic interests, while maintaining a policy of disenfranchisement that characterizes Duldung as an instrument of deterrence. Ultimately, I offer a critique of the exclusionary character of Duldung, rooted in the fiction of temporary stay.
The Association Between Loneliness and Maladaptive Moods and Beliefs: A Pilot Study in U.S. Veterans
Authors: Lwi Sandy J , Larsen Jary , Jenkins Mark , Swick Diane
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Loneliness is a powerful predictor of several medical and psychiatric conditions that are highly prevalent in Veterans, including depression and PTSD. Despite this, few studies have examined loneliness in Veterans or how best to intervene upon Veteran loneliness. Additional empirical research is needed in these areas in order to define clear intervention targets and improve Veteran care.

Materials and Methods

In this pilot study, we used 62 Veterans’ self-reported loneliness and symptoms of post-traumatic stress to examine whether specific symptom clusters of post-traumatic stress were associated with greater loneliness. Post-traumatic stress was measured using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, and responses were further parsed into four symptom clusters: intrusions, avoidance, negative alterations in mood and cognition (excluding the social withdrawal item), and alterations in arousal and reactivity.

Results

Results revealed that only the negative alterations in mood and cognition symptom cluster was associated with increased Veteran loneliness, even after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, social isolation, and symptoms of depression. These analyses were also repeated using a subset of our sample (n = 29) who completed repeated measures of the PTSD Checklist. Results again revealed that the same symptom cluster predicted Veteran loneliness over 1 year later.

Conclusions

This pilot study demonstrates the value of a publicly available PTSD measure for identifying lonely Veterans and highlights how reducing negative alterations in mood and cognition may serve as a potentially critical target for future Veteran loneliness interventions.
Asynchronous accretion can mimic diverse white dwarf pollutants I: core and mantle fragments
Authors: Brouwers Marc G , Bonsor Amy , Malamud Uri
Published: November 2022

Polluted white dwarfs serve as astrophysical mass spectrometers – their photospheric abundances are used to infer the composition of planetary objects that accrete onto them. We show that due to asymmetries in the accretion process, the composition of the material falling onto a star may vary with time during the accretion of a single planetary body. Consequently, the instantaneous photospheric abundances of white dwarfs do not necessarily reflect the bulk composition of their pollutants, especially when their diffusion time-scales are short. In particular, we predict that when an asteroid with an iron core tidally disrupts around a white dwarf, a larger share of its mantle is ejected, and that the core/mantle fraction of the accreting material varies with time during the event. Crucially, this implies that the core fraction of differentiated pollutants cannot be determined for white dwarfs with short diffusion time-scales, which sample only brief episodes of longer accretion processes. The observed population of polluted white dwarfs backs up the proposed theory. More white dwarfs have accreted material with high Fe/Ca than low Fe/Ca relative to stellar abundance ratios, indicating the ejection of mantle material. Additionally, we find tentative evidence that the accretion rate of iron decreases more rapidly than that of magnesium or calcium, hinting at variability of the accreted composition. Further corroboration of the proposed theory will come from the upcoming analysis of large samples of young white dwarfs.
Asynchronous accretion can mimic diverse white dwarf pollutants II: water content
Authors: Brouwers Marc G , Buchan Andrew M , Bonsor Amy , Malamud Uri , Lynch Elliot , Rogers Laura , Koester Detlev
Published: November 2022

Volatiles, notably water, are key to the habitability of rocky planets. The presence of water in planetary material can be inferred from the atmospheric oxygen abundances of polluted white dwarfs, but this interpretation is often complex. We study the accretion process, and find that ices may sublimate and accrete before more refractory minerals reach the star. As a result, a white dwarf’s relative photospheric abundances may vary with time during a single accretion event, and do not necessarily reflect the bulk composition of a pollutant. We offer two testable predictions for this hypothesis: (1) cooler stars will more often be inferred to have accreted wet pollutants, and (2) there will be rare occurrences of accretion events with inferred volatile levels far exceeding those of pristine comets. To observationally test these predictions, we statistically constrain the water content of white dwarf pollutants. We find that in the current sample, only three stars show statistically significant evidence of water at the 2σ level, due to large typical uncertainties in atmospheric abundances and accretion states. In the future, an expanded sample of polluted white dwarfs with hydrogen-dominated atmospheres will allow for the corroboration of our theoretical predictions. Our work also shows the importance of interpreting pollutant compositions statistically, and emphasizes the requirement to reduce uncertainties on measured abundances to allow for statistically significant constraints on their water content.
From Easy to Hopeless—Predicting the Difficulty of Phylogenetic Analyses
Authors: Haag Julia , Höhler Dimitri , Bettisworth Ben , Stamatakis Alexandros
Published: November 2022

Phylogenetic analyzes under the Maximum-Likelihood (ML) model are time and resource intensive. To adequately capture the vastness of tree space, one needs to infer multiple independent trees. On some datasets, multiple tree inferences converge to similar tree topologies, on others to multiple, topologically highly distinct yet statistically indistinguishable topologies. At present, no method exists to quantify and predict this behavior. We introduce a method to quantify the degree of difficulty for analyzing a dataset and present Pythia, a Random Forest Regressor that accurately predicts this difficulty. Pythia predicts the degree of difficulty of analyzing a dataset prior to initiating ML-based tree inferences. Pythia can be used to increase user awareness with respect to the amount of signal and uncertainty to be expected in phylogenetic analyzes, and hence inform an appropriate (post-)analysis setup. Further, it can be used to select appropriate search algorithms for easy-, intermediate-, and hard-to-analyze datasets.
The Longitudinal Association Between Cigarette Coupon Receipt and Short-term Smoking Cessation Among US Adults
Authors: Oh Hayoung , Cook Steven , Siegel Leeann , Liber Alex , Levy David T , Fleischer Nancy L
Published: November 2022

Introduction

To help offset the increased price of cigarettes and promote brand loyalty, tobacco companies distribute coupons, particularly to price-sensitive consumers. Few studies, however, have examined the longitudinal association between coupon receipt and smoking cessation.

Aims and Methods

Using adult data from waves 1–5 (2013–2019) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study, we examined the longitudinal association between coupon receipt and short-term smoking cessation. Multivariable discrete-time survival models were fit to an unbalanced person-period dataset for adult respondents (≥18 years) with current established smoking status at baseline (person n = 9472, risk period n = 29 784). Short-term smoking cessation was measured as discontinued cigarette use (no past 30-day cigarette use at follow-up) and self-reported complete quitting. Coupon receipt was measured as a time-varying exposure, measured in the wave preceding the outcome. Tobacco dependence and time-varying cigarette use intensity were controlled as potential confounders. Effect modification by age, sex, race-ethnicity, and education was assessed by examining interaction terms.

Results

We found that adults who received a coupon were 19% less likely to quit smoking compared to adults who did not receive a coupon, adjusting for covariates (adjusted hazard rate [aHR]: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.74–0.89). None of the interaction terms were statistically significant, suggesting that the association between coupon receipt and short-term smoking cessation may not differ across the sociodemographic groups that we examined.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results reveal that coupon receipt reduces the likelihood of short-term smoking cessation, and that this association does not differ by age, sex, race-ethnicity, or education.

Implications (97/100)

Tobacco companies distribute coupons for tobacco products to price-sensitive customers in the United States, and these coupons can be particularly effective in partly offsetting the impact of a tax increases and promoting brand loyalty. This study provides longitudinal evidence that coupon receipt is associated with a decrease in short-term smoking cessation among US adults who smoke cigarettes after adjusting for covariates and tobacco-related confounders. The findings from this study suggest that coupons are an effective tool for tobacco companies to prevent adults who smoke from quitting, and a national ban on coupons may help to facilitate smoking cessation.
Comparison of Four Clinical Prognostic Scores in Patients with Advanced Gastric and Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Ma Lucy X , Espin-Garcia Osvaldo , Bach Yvonne , Aoyama Hiroko , Allen Michael J , Wang Xin , Darling Gail E , Yeung Jonathan , Swallow Carol J , Brar Savtaj , Veit-Haibach Patrick , Kalimuthu Sangeetha , Wong Rebecca , Chen Eric X , O’Kane Grainne M , Jang Raymond W , Elimova Elena
Published: November 2022

Background

Prognostic scores that can identify patients at risk for early death are needed to aid treatment decision-making and patient selection for clinical trials. We compared the accuracy of four scores to predict early death (within 90 days) and overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic gastric and esophageal (GE) cancer.

Methods

Advanced GE cancer patients receiving first-line systemic therapy were included. Prognostic risks were calculated using: Royal Marsden Hospital (RMH), MD Anderson Cancer Centre (MDACC), Gustave Roussy Immune (GRIm-Score), and MD Anderson Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (MDA-ICI) scores. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze associations between prognostic scores and OS. The predictive discrimination was estimated using Harrell’s c-index. Predictive ability for early death was measured using time-dependent AUCs.

Results

In total, 451 patients with metastatic GE cancer were included. High risk patients had shorter OS for all scores (RMH high- vs. low–risk median OS 7.9 vs. 12.2 months, P < .001; MDACC 6.8 vs. 11.9 months P < .001; GRIm-Score 5.3 vs. 13 months, P < .001; MDA-ICI 8.2 vs. 12.2 months, P < .001). On multivariable analysis, each prognostic score was significantly associated with OS. The GRIm-Score had the highest predictive discrimination and predictive ability for early death.

Conclusions

The GRIm-Score had the highest accuracy in predicting early death and OS. Clinicians may use this score to identify patients at higher risk of early death to guide treatment decisions including clinical trial enrolment. This score could also be used as a stratification factor in future clinical trial designs.
Spatially-resolved expression landscape and gene-regulatory network of human gastric corpus epithelium
Authors: Dong Ji , Wu Xinglong , Zhou Xin , Gao Yuan , Wang Changliang , Wang Wendong , He Weiya , Li Jingyun , Deng Wenjun , Liao Jiayu , Wu Xiaotian , Lu Yongqu , Chen Antony K , Wen Lu , Fu Wei , Tang Fuchou
Published: November 2022

Molecular knowledge of human gastric corpus epithelium remains incomplete. Here, by integrated analyses using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), spatial transcriptomics and single-cell assay for transposase accessible chromatin sequencing (scATAC-seq) techniques, we uncovered the spatially-resolved expression landscape and gene-regulatory network of human gastric corpus epithelium. Specifically, we identified a stem/progenitor cell population in the isthmus of human gastric corpus, where EGF and WNT signaling pathways were activated. Meanwhile, LGR4, but not LGR5, was responsible for the activation of WNT signaling pathway. Importantly, FABP5 and NME1 were identified and validated crucial for both normal gastric stem/progenitor cells and gastric cancer cells. Finally, we explored the epigenetic regulation of critical genes for gastric corpus epithelium at chromatin state level, and identified several important cell type specific transcription factors. In summary, our work provides novel insights to systematically understand the cellular diversity and homeostasis of human gastric corpus epithelium in vivo.
Association between anti-SSSCA1 antibodies and cancer in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Wallwork Rachel S , Shah Ami A , Casciola-Rosen Livia
Published: November 2022

Objective

To define the clinical phenotype of SSc patients with antibodies against Sjogren’s syndrome (SS)/scleroderma autoantigen 1 (SSSCA1), and to examine the association between these antibodies and cancer in SSc patients.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study using data from 209 patients with SSc and cancer, and 205 SSc patients without cancer. All were randomly selected from the Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center Research Registry. Antibodies against SSSCA1 were assayed by immunoprecipitation of 35S-methionine-labelled protein generated by in vitro transcription and translation. We performed logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship between anti-SSSCA1 antibodies and cancer.

Results

Among the 414 study patients, 31 (7%) were anti-SSSCA1 antibody positive. Antibody-positive patients were more likely to have severe RP, a lower minimum ejection fraction, a trend towards more severe heart involvement and a lower baseline diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide percent predicted than anti-SSSCA1-negative patients. Patients with cancer were significantly more likely to be anti-SSSCA1 positive compared with those without cancer [22/209 (11%) vs 9/205 (4%), respectively; P = 0.018]. Among patients with cancer, there was a trend towards longer cancer–SSc interval in anti-SSSCA1-positive patients compared with anti-SSSCA1-negative patients. Patients with anti-SSSCA1 antibodies had an increased adjusted risk of cancer (odds ratio 2.46, 95% CI 1.06, 5.70) compared with anti-SSSCA1-negative patients.

Conclusions

These data suggest anti-SSSCA1 antibody status may be of utility as a cancer biomarker in SSc. Anti-SSSCA1-positive patients with SSc may be more likely to have severe Raynaud’s and cardiac involvement.
Is three-point index reliable in the follow-up of the distal radius metaphys fractures in the pediatric age group?
Authors: Kahraman Hamit Çağlayan , Şibar Kemal , Alemdaroğlu Kadir Bahadir , Subaşi İzzet Özay , Gökgöz Mehmet Burak
Published: November 2022

Three-point index (TPI), which can be used in the follow-up of conservative treatment, is an important indicator and reveals objective results about the fracture redisplacement. The hypothesis of the current study was that an initial TPI value of 0.6–0.8 may also be dangerous as it has the potential to exceed over 0.8 before a sufficient consolidation occurs and a prompt revision of the cast may prevent an upcoming displacement. This prospective controlled study 84 patients between 4 and 16 years of age, with radius distal metaphyseal fractures with more than 30% displacement or more than 15° initial angulation, were included. All of the patients in the groups had no redisplacement at 5–7 days and had TPI between 0.6 and 0.8. The patients who had cast replacement and adjusted TPI below 0.6 were included Group 1. The patients who had no cast replacement were included in Group 2. Redisplacement was observed in 8 of 38 (21%) patients in the Group 1 and in 27 of 46 (58%) patients in the Group 2 (P value 0.001). Redisplacement with cast revision was 2.8 times less (P < 0.005). The first reduction quality, fracture obliquity, renewed TPI values were found to be statistically significant for the prediction of redisplacement (P < 0.005). We recommend that the follow-up of the TPI is an important predictive factor in the conservative treatment of pediatric metaphyseal radius fractures. TPI may be renewed for protection of the fracture reduction when calculated in the gray zone which is 0.6–0.08.
Large Scale Ex Vivo Expansion of γδ T cells Using Artificial Antigen-presenting Cells
Authors: Boucher Justin C. , Yu Bin , Li Gongbo , Shrestha Bishwas , Sallman David , Landin Ana Marie , Cox Cheryl , Karyampudi Kumar , Anasetti Claudio , Davila Marco L. , Bejanyan Nelli
Published: November 2022

Higher γδ T cell counts in patients with malignancies are associated with better survival. However, γδ T cells are rare in the blood and functionally impaired in patients with malignancies. Promising results are reported on the treatment of various malignancies with in vivo expansion of autologous γδ T cells using zoledronic acid (zol) and interleukin-2 (IL-2). Here we demonstrated that zol and IL-2, in combination with a novel genetically engineered K-562 CD3scFv/CD137L/CD28scFv/IL15RA quadruplet artificial antigen-presenting cell (aAPC), efficiently expand allogeneic donor-derived γδ T cells using a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant protocol sufficient to achieve cell doses for future clinical use. We achieved a 633-fold expansion of γδ T cells after day 10 of coculture with aAPC, which exhibited central (47%) and effector (43%) memory phenotypes. In addition, >90% of the expanded γδ T cells expressed NKG2D, although they have low cell surface expression of PD1 and LAG3 inhibitory checkpoint receptors. In vitro real-time cytotoxicity analysis showed that expanded γδ T cells were effective in killing target cells. Our results demonstrate that large-scale ex vivo expansion of donor-derived γδ T cells in a GMP-like setting can be achieved with the use of quadruplet aAPC and zol/IL-2 for clinical application.