bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On statistical inference with high-dimensional sparse CCA
Authors: Laha Nilanjana , Huey Nathan , Coull Brent , Mukherjee Rajarshi
Published: November 2023

We consider asymptotically exact inference on the leading canonical correlation directions and strengths between two high-dimensional vectors under sparsity restrictions. In this regard, our main contribution is developing a novel representation of the Canonical Correlation Analysis problem, based on which one can operationalize a one-step bias correction on reasonable initial estimators. Our analytic results in this regard are adaptive over suitable structural restrictions of the high-dimensional nuisance parameters, which, in this set-up, correspond to the covariance matrices of the variables of interest. We further supplement the theoretical guarantees behind our procedures with extensive numerical studies.
Immunoassay testing for barbiturates using alternative matrices in postmortem tissues from cats and dogs
Authors: Valerio Courtney , Romano Megan C , Sarma Rupam , Stern Adam W
Published: November 2023

The barbiturate drug pentobarbital is commonly used by veterinarians for the euthanasia of domestic animals. During the veterinary forensic autopsy, it is sometimes necessary to determine whether the animal was chemically euthanized with pentobarbital. The use of a human immunochromatographic test for barbiturate screening utilizing dog or cat urine has been previously validated; however, the use of alternative matrices for this purpose is yet to be explored when urine is not available. Postmortem heart, liver, spleen, skeletal muscle, blood and/or urine samples from 20 dogs and 26 cats with a reported chemical euthanasia status were processed using two different methods, bead homogenization and sonication, and screened for barbiturates using a human immunochromatographic test. There was 100% agreement of the immunochromatographic test results using the sonication method with the reported euthanasia status of both dogs and cats. Using the bead homogenization method, agreement with the reported euthanasia status was 93.3% and 96.7% for dogs and cats, respectively, due to invalid test results from four dog and two cat samples. A subset of liver samples (10 canine and 10 feline) was analyzed via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and there was 100% agreement between the immunochromatographic test results and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry results for both cats and dogs. Overall, our results support the use of a variety of alternative matrices for barbiturate screening in cats and dogs.
Planococcus ficus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) movement and demography: methods for generating cohorts for laboratory studies
Authors: Sisterson Mark S , Uchima Sean Y
Published: November 2023

Planococcus ficus (Signoret) is a worldwide pest of grapevine. Mealybugs overwinter under bark and move into the grape canopy as the season progresses. Because crawlers are more active than later stages, mealybug movement behavior is likely to be stage specific. To quantify P. ficus demography and movement behavior, a series of laboratory experiments were conducted. First, P. ficus populations were monitored on grapevine seedlings to describe survival, change in size, timing of male pupation, and timing of oviposition over a 6-wk period. Subsequently, cohorts of mealybugs were generated by infesting grapevines with crawlers and holding infested grapevines for a specified duration of 0 (crawlers), 1, 2, 3, or 4 wk. Crawlers (0-wk) were more likely to move upwards and towards a light source, than all other age cohorts tested. Further, mealybugs from 4-wk-old cohorts were more likely to move downward than all other age cohorts tested. Results suggest that crawlers are more likely to move to the top of grapevines by moving upwards and orienting towards either the sun or the moon than all other age cohorts tested, whereas older gravid females are more likely to move downward. Passive movement of mealybugs on farm machinery or animals requires surviving a host free period. To quantify risk of passive movement, establishment rates and effects of starvation on each age cohort were quantified. Larger and older mealybugs were more likely to establish on grapevines than smaller and younger mealybugs. Further, mealybug longevity in absence of food was greater for older cohorts compared to younger cohorts. Crawlers survived an average of 2 days without food, whereas females from 4-wk-old cohorts survived for an average of 11 days without food. Further, 70% of starved females from 4-wk-old cohorts deposited fertile eggs. In the absence of food, some mealybugs from cohorts aged 2-, 3-, and 4-wk formed pupa with viable males emerging. Adult males from starved nymphs lived for an average of 3 days post-emergence. Results provide methods for producing cohorts of mealybugs of predictable size and stage and provides insight into P. ficus demography and movement behavior.
Trends in hip preservation surgery in Japan from 2014 to 2019 with a focus on hip arthroscopic surgery
Authors: Fukushima Kensuke , Ogata Yuka , Ohashi Yoshihisa , Koyama Tomohisa , Uchiyama Katsufumi , Takahira Naonobu , Takaso Masashi
Published: November 2023

Secondary hip osteoarthritis due to hip dysplasia is common among Japanese populations. This study aimed to investigate the number of hip preservation surgeries performed in Japan and assess trends, by age and sex, from 2014 to 2019, focusing on hip arthroscopic surgery, based on the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan (NDB). We downloaded the files ‘Number of calculations by division, sex, and age group’ under ‘operation (code K)’ from 2014 to 2019 from the NDB Open Data Japan database. Data on hip preservation surgeries were extracted, including the number for each surgical procedure and its incidence per year, calculated as the number of surgeries performed for each 10-year age group and by sex, regarding hip arthroscopic surgery. Overall, 14 891 hip preservation surgeries were performed in Japan over the study period, with pelvic osteotomy being the most common procedure. Although the incidence of hip preservation surgeries decreased from 2014 to 2019, there was a specific 1.54-fold higher incidence in hip arthroscopic procedures in 2019 compared to 2014. Hip arthroscopic labral repair was performed more frequently than synovectomy. The highest incidence of hip arthroscopic surgery was in the 40- to 49-years age group, with no difference in incidence between sexes (P = 0.951). In Japan, pelvic osteotomy was performed more often as a hip preservation surgery than hip arthroscopic surgery. Although hip arthroscopic surgery was developed in Japan, its use has not increased from 2017 to 2019.
A guide to facilitate the creation of a femoral tunnel for arthroscopic ligamentum teres reconstruction: a three-dimensional computed tomography study
Authors: Ismailoglu Abdul Veli , Ismailoglu Pelin , Zeynalov Samir I , Ozdogmus Omer , Yildizhan Saliha Elif , Bayramoglu Alp , Kayaalp Asim
Published: November 2023

The ideal femoral tunnel passing through the centre of the femoral neck targeted to the footprint of the ligamentum teres (LT) is established during the LT reconstruction surgery with the free-hand technique. We aimed to quantitatively determine the entry site and define the angular orientation of the ideal femoral tunnel with its relevance to the femoral valgus angle (FVA) and the femoral anteversion angle (FAA) to facilitate the creation of an ideal femoral tunnel during the LT reconstruction surgery. A total of 60 randomly selected CT images were obtained to reconstruct three-dimensional femur models. A virtual reamer representing the ideal femoral tunnel was placed in the femur models. The femur length, FVA, FAA, the femoral tunnel anterior angle, the femoral tunnel superior angle and the skin- and bony-entry sites were measured. The femoral tunnel angular orientation was strongly correlated with the FVA and the FAA. Mathematical formulas were defined by which entry site of the reamer and the anterior and superior angulation of the femoral tunnel could be estimated before the surgery. The mean skin-entry site was 67.3 mm distal and 0.1 mm anterior to the centre of the greater trochanter’s superior border. The angular orientation of the femoral tunnel using FVA and FAA can be easily estimated using mathematical formulas before LT reconstruction surgery. The entry site and angular orientation of the femoral tunnel described in this study can be used to reduce dependency on the usage of fluoroscopy and the workload on the surgeon during the LT reconstruction surgery.
Modal expansions of ririgs
Authors: Nagy AgustÍn L , Zuluaga Botero William J
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we introduce the variety of $I$-modal ririgs. We characterize the congruence lattice of its members by means of $I$-filters, and we provide a description of $I$-filter generation. We also provide an axiomatic presentation for the variety generated by chains of the subvariety of contractive $I$-modal ririgs. Finally, we introduce a Hilbert-style calculus for a logic with $I$-modal ririgs as an equivalent algebraic semantics and we prove that such a logic has the parametrized local deduction-detachment theorem.
Morphological diversity of cancer cells predicts prognosis across tumor types
Authors: Sali Rasoul , Jiang Yuming , Attaranzadeh Armin , Holmes Brittany , Li Ruijiang
Published: November 2023

Background

Intratumor heterogeneity drives disease progression and treatment resistance, which can lead to poor patient outcomes. Here, we present a computational approach for quantification of cancer cell diversity in routine hematoxylin-eosin–stained histopathology images.

Methods

We analyzed publicly available digitized whole-slide hematoxylin-eosin images for 2000 patients. Four tumor types were included: lung, head and neck, colon, and rectal cancers, representing major histology subtypes (adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas). We performed single-cell analysis on hematoxylin-eosin images and trained a deep convolutional autoencoder to automatically learn feature representations of individual cancer nuclei. We then computed features of intranuclear variability and internuclear diversity to quantify tumor heterogeneity. Finally, we used these features to build a machine-learning model to predict patient prognosis.

Results

A total of 68 million cancer cells were segmented and analyzed for nuclear image features. We discovered multiple morphological subtypes of cancer cells (range = 15-20) that co-exist within the same tumor, each with distinct phenotypic characteristics. Moreover, we showed that a higher morphological diversity is associated with chromosome instability and genomic aneuploidy. A machine-learning model based on morphological diversity demonstrated independent prognostic values across tumor types (hazard ratio range = 1.62-3.23, P < .035) in validation cohorts and further improved prognostication when combined with clinical risk factors.

Conclusions

Our study provides a practical approach for quantifying intratumor heterogeneity based on routine histopathology images. The cancer cell diversity score can be used to refine risk stratification and inform personalized treatment strategies.
In vivo assessment of black seed oil single dose on prednisolone pharmacokinetics
Authors: Abutaima Rana , Al-ebini Yousef , Alkofahi Ahmad , Alshishani Anas , Thiab Samar , Alagammai Kumarappan C , Khalid Mohammad
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To investigate the effect of blackseed oil (BSO) single dose on prednisolone pharmacokinetics via p-gp inhibition.

Methods

Three groups of rats (n = 5) were orally administered the vehicle, verapamil (50 mg/kg) or BSO (5 ml/kg) 15 min prior to prednisolone (5 mg/kg) administration. Blood samples were collected over 24 h and quantified. Non-compartmental analysis was employed to calculate maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), area under the curve (AUC0-last), time to reach Cmax (Tmax), apparent clearance (CL/F), and half-life (t1/2). Statistical significance was considered at p<0.05.

Results

Prednisolone Cmax and AUC0-last decreased by 65% and 25% in the BSO group compared to the negative control (P < .0001, .0029, respectively) while they increased by 1.75-folds and 8-folds in verapamil group (P < .0001). Tmax was achieved at 0.16, 0.5, and 0.25 h in the negative control, verapamil, and BSO-treated groups, respectively. CL/F in the treatment group was 1.3-fold and 10-fold higher compared to the negative and positive control, respectively, whereas the t1/2 remained comparable.

Conclusion

Administration of BSO decreased prednisolone Cmax and AUC0-last in rats indicating that there is a herb-drug interaction; however, p-gp inhibition cannot be concluded. Patients relying on folk medicine in chronic illnesses treatment might need to avoid combining BSO with prednisolone.
Communal Minute Books: Writing, Ethnography, and History of the War in Peru in the 1980s
Authors: Del Pino Huamán Ponciano
Published: November 2023

This article addresses how Peruvian highland society constructed a local history of the Shining Path war through its responses as well as the recording (and non-recording) of events in communal minute books. Through three case studies of communities in the mid-1980s in Ayacucho, it assesses the cultural and political reach of writing in the production of communal historical knowledge, narratives of the past, and collective identity. The writing of and in community minute books configures the boundaries of the war narrative within these locales, particularly during the crucial period referred to in Quechua as tikrakuy, when communities changed their allegiance and went from supporting the insurgency to fighting it. During and after tikrakuy, a great part of the civilian population openly chose a side and intervened in the war, engaging in acts of violence. This article studies how the foundational violence of tikrakuy led to the emergence of a new political formation and social order. It also broadens the discussion on the participation of the civilian population in the war and its place in wartime collective violence.
Bayesian Integration of Probability and Nonprobability Samples for Logistic Regression
Authors: Salvatore Camilla , Biffignandi Silvia , Sakshaug Joseph W , Wiśniowski Arkadiusz , Struminskaya Bella
Published: November 2023

Probability sample (PS) surveys are considered the gold standard for population-based inference but face many challenges due to decreasing response rates, relatively small sample sizes, and increasing costs. In contrast, the use of nonprobability sample (NPS) surveys has increased significantly due to their convenience, large sample sizes, and relatively low costs, but they are susceptible to large selection biases and unknown selection mechanisms. Integrating both sample types in a way that exploits their strengths and overcomes their weaknesses is an ongoing area of methodological research. We build on previous work by proposing a method of supplementing PSs with NPSs to improve analytic inference for logistic regression coefficients and potentially reduce survey costs. Specifically, we use a Bayesian framework for inference. Inference relies on a probability survey with a small sample size, and through the prior structure we incorporate supplementary auxiliary information from a less-expensive (but potentially biased) NPS survey fielded in parallel. The performance of several strongly informative priors constructed from the NPS information is evaluated through a simulation study and real-data application. Overall, the proposed priors reduce the mean-squared error (MSE) of regression coefficients or, in the worst case, perform similarly to a weakly informative (baseline) prior that does not utilize any nonprobability information. Potential cost savings (of up to 68 percent) are evident compared to a probability-only sampling design with the same MSE for different informative priors under different sample sizes and cost scenarios. The algorithm, detailed results, and interactive cost analysis are provided through a Shiny web app as guidance for survey practitioners.
Evaluating WIC Engagement and Food Insecurity Among Active Duty Military Families
Authors: Zven Sidney E , Graziose Brian , Smith Kristen , Sorensen Ian , Hisle-Gorman Elizabeth , Chokshi Binny
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Nearly a quarter of active duty service members identified as food insecure in a 2022 Department of Defense report. Food insecurity impacts military readiness, retention, and recruitment. The Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal food supplementation program that can mitigate food insecurity for service members with children less than 5 years of age. To date, there is a lack of standardized screening for WIC eligibility or enrollment for service members and their families. This project sought to evaluate WIC awareness and enrollment as well as the prevalence of food insecurity at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Materials and Methods

A 26-question survey was developed to assess WIC awareness, source of WIC information, food insecurity, and nutritional insecurity. Our team developed and utilized a novel WIC screening algorithm to rapidly screen families for WIC eligibility. These tools were administered to families presenting for care at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center pediatrics and obstetric outpatient clinics during the month of July 2022. This study was approved by the institutional review board at Walter Reed.

Results

A total of 108 (25%) of the 432 surveyed participants were eligible for WIC, with odds of WIC eligibility increasing for lower-ranking and younger service members. Of the 432 participants, 354 (81.9%) were aware of WIC. Enlisted service members were more likely than officers to know about WIC (P = 0.03), and of the 354 participants aware of WIC, a higher proportion of enlisted rank respondents learned about WIC from a military source (P = 0.01). Among the 108 participants eligible for WIC, only 38 (35.2%) reported being enrolled in WIC. Among WIC-eligible respondents who knew about WIC, being enrolled in the WIC program was not associated with rank, branch of service, sponsor gender, or sponsor age.

Conclusions

Despite proven efficacy, WIC remains an underutilized resource for eligible military families. Our results show that a standardized screening approach at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center increased identification of WIC-eligible active duty service members by 180%, with approximately $150,000 a year in increased food supplementation benefits. Military healthcare and readiness leaders should embrace efforts to increase knowledge of, referral to, and enrollment in WIC to increase family health, well-being, and military family readiness.
Characterizing X-ray, UV, and optical variability in NGC 6814 using high-cadence Swift observations from a 2022 monitoring campaign
Authors: Gonzalez A G , Gallo L C , Miller J M , Kammoun E S , Ghosh A , Pottie B A
Published: November 2023

We present the first results of a high-cadence Swift monitoring campaign (3–4 visits per day for 75 d) of the type 1.5 Seyfert galaxy NGC 6814 characterizing its variability throughout the X-ray and ultraviolet (UV)/optical wavebands. Structure function analysis reveals an X-ray power law ($\alpha =0.5^{+0.2}_{-0.1}$) that is significantly flatter than the one measured in the UV/optical bands (〈α〉 ≈ 1.5), suggesting different physical mechanisms driving the observed variability in each emission region. The structure function break-time is consistent across the UV/optical bands (〈τ〉 ≈ 2.3 d), suggesting a very compact emission region in the disc. Correlated short time-scale variability measured through cross-correlation analysis finds a lag–wavelength spectrum that is inconsistent with a standard disc reprocessing scenario (τ ∝ λ4/3) due to significant flattening in the optical wavebands. Flux–flux analysis finds an extremely blue active galactic nucleus (AGN) spectral component (Fν ∝ λ−0.85) that does not follow a standard accretion disc profile (Fν ∝ λ−1/3). While extreme outer disc truncation (Rout = 202 ± 5 rg) at a standard accretion rate ($\dot{m}_{\mathrm{Edd}}=0.0255\pm 0.0006$) may explain the shape of the AGN spectral component, the lag–wavelength spectrum requires more modest truncation ($R_{\mathrm{out}}=1382^{+398}_{-404}\,r_g$) at an extreme accretion rate ($\dot{m}_{\mathrm{Edd}}=1.3^{+2.1}_{-0.9}$). No combination of parameters can simultaneously explain both results in a self-consistent way. Our results point towards the possibility of a non-standard disc geometry in NGC 6814.
On the possibility to detect gravitational waves from post-merger supermassive neutron stars with a kilohertz detector
Authors: Chen Yikang , Liu Bin , Ai Shunke , Lan Lin , Gao He , Yuan Yong , Zhu Zong-Hong
Published: November 2023

The detection of a secular post-merger gravitational wave (GW) signal in a binary neutron star (BNS) merger serves as strong evidence for the formation of a long-lived post-merger neutron star (NS), which can help constrain the maximum mass of NSs and differentiate NS equations of state. We specifically focus on the detection of GW emissions from rigidly rotating NSs formed through BNS mergers, using several kilohertz GW detectors that have been designed. We simulate the BNS mergers within the detecting limit of LIGO-Virgo-KARGA O4 and attempt to find out on what fraction the simulated sources may have a detectable secular post-merger GW signal. For kilohertz detectors designed in the same configuration of LIGO A+, we find that the design with peak sensitivity at approximately 2 kHz is most appropriate for such signals. The fraction of sources that have a detectable secular post-merger GW signal would be approximately $0.94{\!-\!}11~{{ \rm per\ cent}}$ when the spin-downs of the post-merger rigidly rotating NSs are dominated by GW radiation, while it would be approximately $0.46{\!-\!}1.6~{{ \rm per\ cent}}$ when the contribution of electromagnetic (EM) radiation to the spin-down processes is non-negligible. We also estimate this fraction based on other well-known proposed kilohertz GW detectors and find that, with advanced design, it can reach approximately $12{\!-\!}45~{{ \rm per\ cent}}$ for the GW-dominated spin-down case and $4.7{\!-\!}16~{{\rm per\ cent}}$ when both the GW and EM radiations are considered.
Parallel Nonfunctionalization of CK1δ/ε Kinase Ohnologs Following a Whole-Genome Duplication Event
Authors: Evans-Yamamoto Daniel , Dubé Alexandre K , Saha Gourav , Plante Samuel , Bradley David , Gagnon-Arsenault Isabelle , Landry Christian R
Published: November 2023

Whole-genome duplication (WGD) followed by speciation allows us to examine the parallel evolution of ohnolog pairs. In the yeast family Saccharomycetaceae, HRR25 is a rare case of repeated ohnolog maintenance. This gene has reverted to a single copy in Saccharomyces cerevisiae where it is now essential, but has been maintained as pairs in at least 7 species post-WGD. In S. cerevisiae, HRR25 encodes the casein kinase 1δ/ε and plays a role in a variety of functions through its kinase activity and protein–protein interactions (PPIs). We hypothesized that the maintenance of duplicated HRR25 ohnologs could be a result of repeated subfunctionalization. We tested this hypothesis through a functional complementation assay in S. cerevisiae, testing all pairwise combinations of 25 orthologs (including 7 ohnolog pairs). Contrary to our expectations, we observed no cases of pair-dependent complementation, which would have supported the subfunctionalization hypothesis. Instead, most post-WGD species have one ohnolog that failed to complement, suggesting their nonfunctionalization or neofunctionalization. The ohnologs incapable of complementation have undergone more rapid protein evolution, lost most PPIs that were observed for their functional counterparts and singletons from post-WGD and non-WGD species, and have nonconserved cellular localization, consistent with their ongoing loss of function. The analysis in Naumovozyma castellii shows that the noncomplementing ohnolog is expressed at a lower level and has become nonessential. Taken together, our results indicate that HRR25 orthologs are undergoing gradual nonfunctionalization.
Playfulness and the meaningful life: an active inference perspective
Authors: Kiverstein Julian , Miller Mark
Published: November 2023

Our paper takes as its starting point the recent proposal, at the core of this special issue, to use the active inference framework (AIF) to computationally model what it is for a person to live a meaningful life. In broad brushstrokes, the AIF takes experiences of human flourishing to be the result of predictions and uncertainty estimations along many dimensions at multiple levels of neurobiological organization. Our aim in this paper is to explain how AIF models predict that uncertainty can sometimes, under the right conditions, be conducive to the experiences of flourishing. Our focus is on playfulness, because playful individuals have learned a high-level prior that in certain safe contexts, uncertainty and error should be tolerated and explored. They have expanded the phenotypic bound on the amount of surprise they are prepared to tolerate in their lives. The positive embracing of uncertainty has a number of positive knock-on effects for the kind of lives playful individuals are able to lead. First, a playful individual attends to the world in a way that is open and expansive, a mode of attending that is effortless and therefore conducive to being in the present. This openness to the present moment allows for deep engagement and participation in experience that can furnish a renewed appreciation for life. Second, playful individuals will actively seek out spaces at the edge of their own abilities and will therefore be more likely to grow and develop in their skills and relationships in ways that contribute to their living a good life. Finally, playful agents seek out situations in which they can monitor, observe, and learn from their own affective responses to uncertainty. Thus, uncertainty becomes something familiar to them that they not only learn to tolerate but also enjoy positively exploring, in ways that provide them opportunities to grow. For these three reasons, we will argue that playfulness and openness to experiences of uncertainty and the unknown may be important ingredients in human flourishing.
Multi-region calcium imaging in freely behaving mice with ultra-compact head-mounted fluorescence microscopes
Authors: Xue Feng , Li Fei , Zhang Ke-ming , Ding Lufeng , Wang Yang , Zhao Xingtao , Xu Fang , Zhang Danke , Sun Mingzhai , Lau Pak-Ming , Zhu Qingyuan , Zhou Pengcheng , Bi Guo-Qiang
Published: November 2023

To investigate the circuit-level neural mechanisms of behavior, simultaneous imaging of neuronal activity in multiple cortical and subcortical regions is highly desired. Miniature head-mounted microscopes offer the capability of calcium imaging in freely behaving animals. However, implanting multiple microscopes on a mouse brain remains challenging due to space constraints and the cumbersome weight of the equipment. Here, we present TINIscope, a Tightly Integrated Neuronal Imaging microscope optimized for electronic and opto-mechanical design. With its compact and lightweight design of 0.43 g, TINIscope enables unprecedented simultaneous imaging of behavior-relevant activity in up to four brain regions in mice. Proof-of-concept experiments with TINIscope recorded over 1000 neurons in four hippocampal subregions and revealed concurrent activity patterns spanning across these regions. Moreover, we explored potential multi-modal experimental designs by integrating additional modules for optogenetics, electrical stimulation or local field potential recordings. Overall, TINIscope represents a timely and indispensable tool for studying the brain-wide interregional coordination that underlies unrestrained behaviors.
In vivo maternal haploid induction system in cotton
Authors: Long Lu , Feng Ya-Mei , Shang Shen-Zhai , Zhao Jing-Ruo , Hu Gai-Yuan , Xu Fu-Chun , Song Chun-Peng , Jin Shuang-Xia , Gao Wei
Published: November 2023

The ghdmp mutant of cotton, generated through the CRISPR system, exhibits a haploid induction rate of 1.06% in F1 progeny as the haploid inducer line.
Aitongping patch could alleviate cancer pain via suppressing microglia activation and modulating the miR-150-5p/CXCL12 signaling
Authors: Chen Yunlong , Wu Mianhua
Published: November 2023

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of the Aitongping formula for treating cancer pain.

Methods

We enrolled 60 cancer patients with Numeric Rating Scale above 4 and grouped them randomly as a Control group (N = 30) and a Patch group (N = 30). We also established bone cancer mice models via tumor implantation. And the animal groups were established as a Sham group, a tumor cell implantation (TCI) group, a TCI + Patch group, and a Patch group.

Results

After the validation of successful tumor implantation, we identified candidate miRNAs and genes that were dysregulated in TCI mice and compared their expressions between different mice groups. We also observed the effect of Aitongping patch in vitro in mice primary microglia. The time to disease progression and cancer stability were prolonged by Aitongping patch in cancer patients. And the daily morphine dose was lower, and patients’ quality of life was improved in the Patch group. Moreover, Aitongping patch alleviated cancer pain and inhibited microglia activation after the successful implantation of bone tumor in TCI mice. We also observed the dysregulation of miR-150-5p and chemokine CXC motif ligand 12 (CXCL12) mRNA in TCI mice. And CXCL12 was found to be targeted by miR-150-5p. Aitongping patch was found to upregulate miR-150-5p and downregulate CXCL12 in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusion

Aitongping patch could alleviate cancer pain via suppressing microglia activation, and the downregulation of miR-150-5p, as well as the upregulation of CXCL12 mRNA and protein, induced by tumor implantation or lipopolysaccharide stimulation, was restored by Aitongping treatment.
Effect of basal metabolic rate on rheumatoid arthritis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Qin , Liu Ang , Huang Cheng , Xiong ZhenCheng , Cheng Qi , Zhang Jun , Lin Jun , Yang Huilin
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Basal metabolic rate (BMR) as one of the most basic and significant indicators of metabolism has been associated with human health. Previous studies showed that the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is linked to BMR; however, the causal relationship between BMR and RA is unknown. Thus, we aimed to explore the causal relationship between BMR and RA as well as RA-related factors.

Methods

Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed on collected genome-wide association studies information. The effect of horizontal pleiotropy was detected by MR-PRESSO and MR-Radial. Five MR analysis methods were applied, including inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, and simple mode. Four sensitivity analysis methods were used for the validation of the significant MR analysis results. A two-component mixture of regressions method was additionally used to validate single nucleotide polymorphisms and to verify results.

Results

Genetically, there is a causal effect of BMR on overall RA (odds ratio = 1.25, 95% confidence interval: 1.07–1.47, PIVW = .006), seropositive RA (odds ratio = 1.20, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.44, PIVW = .035), and seronegative RA (odds ratio = 1.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.04–1.78, PIVW = .023). Sensitivity analyses validated the robustness of the above associations. No evidence supported the effect of RA on BMR. Moreover, BMR showed no causal relationship with rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and matrix metallopeptidase 3.

Conclusion

MR results implied the causal effect of BMR on RA and raised our attention to the importance of BMR in RA’s pathology.
Roundtable: How do We Connect Public Administration and Human Rights?
Authors: Roberts Alasdair , Resh William , Basu Rumki , Onyango Gedion , Sullivan Helen , Peci Alketa , Kapucu Naim , Schomaker Rahel , Mele Valentina
Published: November 2023

Global recognition that there are universal human rights and that governments have a duty to respect them, was one of the most important developments of the 20th century. In this century, though, human rights are challenged in many places. What role do scholars and practitioners in public administration play in protecting human rights? This question has not received adequate attention in the field. In this roundtable, nine scholars explore the different ways in which public administration scholarship and practice may contribute to the advancement of fundamental human rights. A general theme is the need within our field for more systematic attention to the subject of human rights. Contributors identify topics that deserve particular attention, such as the protection of democracy, the provision of services essential to personal security and development, and the empowerment of Indigenous peoples.
Sleep inequities and associations between poor sleep and mental health for school-aged children: findings from the New Zealand Health Survey
Authors: Muller Diane , Signal T Leigh , Shanthakumar Mathangi , Paine Sarah-Jane
Published: November 2023

In Aotearoa/New Zealand, ethnic inequities in sleep health exist for young children and adults and are largely explained by inequities in socioeconomic deprivation. Poor sleep is related to poor mental health for these age groups but whether sleep inequities and associations with mental health exist for school-aged children is unclear. We aimed to (1) determine the prevalence of poor sleep health including sleep problems by ethnicity, (2) examine social determinants of health associated with poor sleep, and (3) investigate relationships between poor sleep and mental health for 5–14-year-olds using cross-sectional New Zealand Health Survey data (n = 8895). Analyses included weighted prevalence estimates and multivariable logistic regression. Short sleep was more prevalent for Indigenous Māori (17.6%), Pacific (24.5%), and Asian (18.4%) children, and snoring/noisy breathing during sleep was more prevalent for Māori (29.4%) and Pacific (28.0%) children, compared to European/Other (short sleep 10.2%, snoring/noisy breathing 17.6%). Ethnicity and neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation were independently associated with short sleep and snoring/noisy breathing during sleep. Short sleep was associated with increased odds of anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and activity-limiting emotional and psychological conditions after adjusting for ethnicity, deprivation, age, and gender. In addition, long sleep was independently associated with increased odds of depression. These findings demonstrate that for school-aged children ethnic inequities in sleep exist, socioeconomic deprivation is associated with poor sleep, and poor sleep is associated with poor mental health. Sociopolitical action is imperative to tackle social inequities to support sleep equity and mental health across the lifecourse.
A preliminary framework for managing sleep inertia in occupational settings
Authors: Kovac Katya , Vincent Grace E , Paterson Jessica L , Hilditch Cassie J , Ferguson Sally A
Published: November 2023

Sleep inertia, the temporary period of impairment experienced upon waking, is a safety hazard that has been implicated in serious work-related incidents resulting in injuries as well as the loss of life and assets. As such, sleep inertia warrants formal management in industries where personnel are required to undertake their role soon after waking (e.g. emergency services, engineers, and health care). At present, there is a lack of practical, evidence-based guidance on how sleep inertia could be formally managed at an organizational level. We propose a preliminary framework for managing sleep inertia based on the translation of research findings into specific work procedure modifications/control mechanisms. Within the framework, work procedure modifications/control mechanisms to manage sleep inertia are organized into three levels: (1) modifications/controls that eliminate the chance of sleep inertia, (2) modifications/controls that reduce sleep inertia severity, and (3) modifications/controls that manage the risk of errors during sleep inertia. Practical considerations, limitations, and areas of further research are highlighted for each modification/control to help determine how readily each control measure could be implemented by industries at present. A guide for organizations to use this preliminary framework of sleep inertia management is put forward, as well as the next research priorities to strengthen the utility and evidence base of the framework.

This paper is part of the Sleep and Circadian Rhythms: Management of Fatigue in Occupational Settings Collection.
Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance may be associated with potential psychological harms in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Narasimman Manasa , Hernaez Ruben , Cerda Vanessa , Lee MinJae , Sood Anubha , Yekkaluri Sruthi , Khan Aisha , Quirk Lisa , Liu Yan , Kramer Jennifer R. , Craddock Lee Simon , Murphy Caitlin C. , Tiro Jasmin A. , Singal Amit G.
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims:

The value of HCC surveillance is determined by the balance between benefits and harms; however, no studies have enumerated psychological harms.

Approach and Results:

We fielded surveys measuring psychological harms to patients with cirrhosis in a multicenter randomized trial of HCC surveillance outreach. All patients with positive or indeterminate surveillance results and matched patients with negative results were invited to complete surveys measuring (1) depression through the Patient Health Questionnaire-ninth version, (2) anxiety through State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, (3) HCC-specific worry through Psychological Consequences Questionnaire, and (4) decisional regret. Patients were classified into 4 groups: true positive (TP), false positive (FP), indeterminate, and true negative (TN). Multivariable longitudinal regression analysis using the generalized estimating equation method was performed to compare the means of measures across groups. We conducted 89 semistructured interviews in a subset of patients stratified by health system and test results. Of 2872 patients in the trial, 311 completed 1+ follow-up survey (63 FP, 77 indeterminate, 38 TP, and 133 TN). Moderate depression decreased in TN patients, increased in TP, and had intermittent but mild increases in those with FP and indeterminate results. High anxiety temporarily increased in patients with TP results but resolved over time and was stable in those with FP and indeterminate results. Decisional regret was low and did not differ across groups. In semistructured interviews, patients reported apprehension, anxiety, emotional distress, and coping related to HCC surveillance.

Conclusions:

Psychological harms of HCC surveillance appear mild but differ by test result. Future research should determine the impact of psychological harms on the value of HCC surveillance programs.
Effects of rurality on distance and time traveled to receive vaccination against Mpox — New Mexico and Idaho 2022–2023
Authors: Stadelman-Behar Anna M. , Cahill Megan E. , Newell Katherine , Sievers Marla , Gehre Mika , Carter Kris K. , Sosin Daniel M. , Torrone Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2023

We compared mpox vaccination access between urban and rural residents who received ≥1 JYNNEOS dose using immunization data in Idaho and New Mexico. Rural residents traveled five times farther and three times longer than urban residents to receive mpox vaccination. Increasing mpox vaccine availability to healthcare facilities might increase uptake.
Facility HIV Self-Testing in Outpatient Departments: An Assessment of Characteristics and Concerns of Outpatients Who Opt Out of Testing in Malawi
Authors: Shaba Frackson , Balakasi Kelvin T. , Offorjebe Ogechukwu A. , Nyirenda Mike , Wong Vincent J. , Gupta Sundeep K. , Hoffman Risa M. , Dovel Kathryn
Published: November 2023

Background:

Facility HIV self-testing (HIVST) in outpatient departments can dramatically increase testing among adult outpatients. However, it is still unclear why populations opt out of facility HIVST and reasons for opt outing. Using data from a parent facility HIVST trial, we sought to understand individual characteristics associated with opting out of facility HIVST and reported reasons for not testing.

Methods:

Exit surveys were conducted with outpatients aged ≥15 years at 5 facilities in Central and Southern Malawi randomized to the facility HIVST arm of the parent trial. Outpatients were eligible for our substudy if they were offered HIVST and eligible for HIV testing (ie, never previously tested HIV positive and tested ≥12 months ago or never tested). Summary statistics and multivariate regression models were used.

Results:

Seven hundred seventy-one outpatients were included in the substudy. Two hundred sixty-three (34%) opted out of HIVST. Urban residency (adjusted risk ratios [aRR] 3.48; 95% CI: 1.56 to 7.76) and self-reported poor health (aRR 1.86; 95% CI: 1.27 to 2.72) were associated with an increased risk of opting out. Male participants had a 69% higher risk of opting out (aRR 1.69; 95% CI: 1.14 to 2.51), with risk being 38% lower among working male participants. Primary reasons for not testing were feeling unprepared to test (49·4%) and perceived low risk of HIV infection (30·4%)—only 2.6% believed that HIVST instructions were unclear, and 1.7% were concerned about privacy.

Conclusion:

Working, risky sexual behavior, rural residence, and good self-rated health were positively associated with opting out of HIVST among outpatients. Strategies to address internalized barriers, such as preparedness to test and perceived need to test, should be incorporated into facility HIVST interventions.
Brief Report: Incidence and Management of Complex Kidney Situations Among On-Demand and Daily HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Users
Authors: Liegeon Geoffroy , Brun Alexandre , Hamet Gwenn , Zeggagh Jeremy , Pintado Claire , Loze Bénédicte , Ponscarme Diane , Rozenbaum Willy , Molina Jean-Michel
Published: November 2023

Background:

We evaluated complex pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) situations linked to kidney issues in a cohort of on-demand and daily PrEP users.

Setting:

We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study in France including all PrEP users who received a tenofovir disoproxil (TD)—emtricitabine (FTC) prescription between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2019 with at least 1 creatinine measurement available before and after PrEP initiation.

Methods:

A complex kidney situation (CKS) was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/minute/1.73m2 on 2 consecutive measurements. We estimated the incidence of this event, described case management, and identified associated factors using a Cox model.

Results:

Three thousand one hundred and fourteen individuals were included in this study. Almost all were men (99%) with a median age of 35 years, 25% had an eGFR <90 mL/minute/1.73m2 at baseline, and 65% used on-demand PrEP. Nine users (0.29%) had a CKS at baseline; 8/9 initiated on-demand PrEP without renal function worsening after a median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow-up time of 14 months (7–31). Thirteen cases of CKS occurred during the follow-up for a 0.25 per 100 person-years incidence (95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.14; 0.45]). On-demand PrEP was used in 7/13 participants with no further episode of confirmed eGFR <60 mL/minute/1.73m2 after a 17-month median follow-up (IQR 4–18). CKS was associated with an age ≥50 years (hazard ratio [HR] 13, 95% CI: [4–39]) or with a baseline eGFR <90 mL/minute/1.73m2 (HR 34, 95% CI: [4–261]). 9/22 CKS were linked to high-protein intake for weight training.

Conclusions:

CKS were rare in our cohort. On-demand PrEP did not result in subsequent renal function worsening in these few situations.
The Association of HIV Control and Immunosuppression With Risk of Non–AIDS-Defining Cancer Risk Among Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Dickey Brittney L. , Yanik Elizabeth L. , Thompson Zachary , Burkholder Greer , Kitahata Mari M. , Moore Richard D. , Jacobson Jeff , Mathews W. Christopher , Christopoulos Katerina A. , Fleming Julia , Napravnik Sonia , Achenbach Chad , Coghill Anna E.
Published: November 2023

Background:

People living with HIV (PWH) are experiencing an increased prevalence of non–AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs). Our study investigated the association of immunosuppression and HIV control with NADCs among PWH on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the United States.

Methods:

Among patients across 8 clinical cohorts on ART between 1996 and 2016, we assessed immune function and HIV control using 3 parameterizations of CD4 count and HIV-RNA viral load (VL): (1) CD4 or VL at ART initiation; (2) change in CD4 or VL after ART initiation; and (3) proportion of follow-up time at CD4 >500 cells/µL or VL <50 copies/mL. Cox models were used to ascertain the association of these measures with risk of a viral NADC or nonviral NADC.

Results:

Among 29,568 patients on ART, there were 410 nonviral NADCs and 213 viral NADCs. PWH with a CD4 <200 cells/µL at ART initiation had an 80% elevated risk for developing a viral NADC. Each increase of 100 cells/µL in CD4 after ART initiation decreased risk by 14%. For viral and nonviral NADCs, 10% more follow-up time spent with a CD4 >500 cells/µL was associated with decreased risk [viral, adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.82; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.78 to 0.86; nonviral, aHR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.86 to 91], even after accounting for CD4 at ART initiation. When examining HIV control only, 10% more time with VL <50 copies/mL was significantly associated with decreased viral (aHR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.82 to 0.89) and nonviral NADC risk (aHR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.85 to 0.90).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that even for PWH on ART therapy, maintaining HIV control is associated with lower risk of both viral and nonviral NADCs.