bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
30. Commercial law
Authors: Beheshti Reza , Saintier Séverine , Thomas Sean
Published: September 2024

This chapter considers the current state and future of commercial law. It starts with how the commercial law of England and Wales is the product of a long process of doctrinal development, by courts and Parliament. The structure of commercial law involves the Sale of Goods Act 1979 (SGA), the death of sales, and a new codification. The chapter also looks into the impact of Brexit and digitalisation on commercial law, which includes the emergence of gig economies, sharing economies, and circular economies. It cites how the radicalness of commercial actors' responses to the digital revolution is slowly being matched by legal thinking.
Sensory Dysfunction, Microbial Infections, and Host Responses in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Bathini Praveen , Brai Emanuele , Balin Brian J , Bimler Lynn , Corry David B , Devanand Davangere P , Doty Richard L , Ehrlich Garth D , Eimer William A , Fulop Tamas , Hahn David L , Hammond Christine J , Infanti Joseph , Itzhaki Ruth , Lathe Richard , Little Christopher Scott , McLeod Rima , Moein Shima T , Nelson Amy R , Perry George , Shemesh Or A , Tanzi Rudolph E , Webley Wilmore C , Schultek Nikki M , Alberi Auber Lavinia
Published: September 2024

Sensory functions of organs of the head and neck allow humans to interact with the environment and establish social bonds. With aging, smell, taste, vision, and hearing decline. Evidence suggests that accelerated impairment in sensory abilities can reflect a shift from healthy to pathological aging, including the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurological disorders. While the drivers of early sensory alteration in AD are not elucidated, insults such as trauma and infections can affect sensory function. Herein, we review the involvement of the major head and neck sensory systems in AD, with emphasis on microbes exploiting sensory pathways to enter the brain (the “gateway” hypothesis) and the potential feedback loop by which sensory function may be impacted by central nervous system infection. We emphasize detection of sensory changes as first-line surveillance in senior adults to identify and remove potential insults, like microbial infections, that could precipitate brain pathology.
Hospital employees’ perception of Joint Commission International Accreditation: effect of re-accreditation
Authors: Zhang HongFan , Huang Siou-Tang , Bittle Mark J , Shi LeiYu , Engineer Lilly , Chiu Herng-Chia
Published: September 2024

Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation is a recognized leader in healthcare accreditation worldwide. It aims to improve quality of care, patient safety, and organizational performance. Many hospitals do not apply for re-accreditation after JCI status expires. Understanding employees’ perceptions of JCI accreditation would benefit hospital management. We aimed to examine whether re-accredited hospital employees perceived more significant benefits and were more likely to recommend JCI to other hospitals than ex-accredited employees. This is a prospective cross-sectional study with a comparison group design. Survey questionnaires, developed from a qualitative study, included perceptions of challenges, benefits, and overall rating of JCI accreditation. An electronic-based questionnaire was distributed to physicians, nurses, medical technicians, and administrative staff in five private Obstetrics and Gynecology hospitals in China, March–April 2023. Descriptive and linear regression analyses were performed. The statistically significant level is P-value <.05. Of 2326 employees, 1854 (79.7%) were included in the study after exclusions, 1195 were re-accredited, and 659 were ex-accredited. Perceptions of JCI accreditation were positive, as both groups reported a mean score >4.0 regarding the overall benefits. Adjusted for covariates, re-accredited employees were more willing to recommend JCI accreditation to other hospitals than ex-accredited employees. Re-accredited employees perceived greater benefits of JCI accreditation and were more willing to recommend it to other hospitals, suggesting that perceived benefits contribute to a desire to maintain and sustain JCI accreditation. Employee participation is vital for its effective implementation. Employees’ perceived challenges and benefits may provide insights for healthcare leaders considering pursuing and reapplying for JCI accreditation.
Metabolite release by nitrifiers facilitates metabolic interactions in the ocean
Authors: Bayer Barbara , Liu Shuting , Louie Katherine , Northen Trent R , Wagner Michael , Daims Holger , Carlson Craig A , Santoro Alyson E
Published: September 2024

Microbial chemoautotroph-heterotroph interactions may play a pivotal role in the cycling of carbon in the deep ocean, reminiscent of phytoplankton-heterotroph associations in surface waters. Nitrifiers are the most abundant chemoautotrophs in the global ocean, yet very little is known about nitrifier metabolite production, release, and transfer to heterotrophic microbial communities. To elucidate which organic compounds are released by nitrifiers and potentially available to heterotrophs, we characterized the exo- and endometabolomes of the ammonia-oxidizing archaeon Nitrosopumilus adriaticus CCS1 and the nitrite-oxidizing bacterium Nitrospina gracilis Nb-211. Nitrifier endometabolome composition was not a good predictor of exometabolite availability, indicating that metabolites were predominately released by mechanisms other than cell death/lysis. Although both nitrifiers released labile organic compounds, N. adriaticus preferentially released amino acids, particularly glycine, suggesting that its cell membranes might be more permeable to small, hydrophobic amino acids. We further initiated co-culture systems between each nitrifier and a heterotrophic alphaproteobacterium, and compared exometabolite and transcript patterns of nitrifiers grown axenically to those in co-culture. In particular, B vitamins exhibited dynamic production and consumption patterns in nitrifier-heterotroph co-cultures. We observed an increased production of vitamin B2 and the vitamin B12 lower ligand dimethylbenzimidazole by N. adriaticus and N. gracilis, respectively. In contrast, the heterotroph likely produced vitamin B5 in co-culture with both nitrifiers and consumed the vitamin B7 precursor dethiobiotin when grown with N. gracilis. Our results indicate that B vitamins and their precursors could play a particularly important role in governing specific metabolic interactions between nitrifiers and heterotrophic microbes in the ocean.
Prevalence of streptomycin and tetracycline resistance and increased transmissible third-generation cephalosporin resistance in Salmonella enterica isolates derived from food handlers in Japan from 2006 to 2021
Authors: Ohata Natsuki , Noda Mamoru , Ohta Kenji , Hatta Moritaka , Nakayama Tatsuya
Published: September 2024

Aims

The increasing prevalence of AmpC β-lactamase (AmpC)- and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- producing food pathogens is a serious public health concern. AmpC- and ESBL-producing Salmonella species pose a high risk of food contamination. This study aimed to investigate changes in the prevalence of Salmonella among food handlers in Japan from 2006 to 2021 using 100 randomly selected isolates from 2006, 2012, 2018, and 2021 with different serotypes and antimicrobial resistance patterns.

Methods and results

The average Salmonella isolation rate was 0.070% (19 602/27 848 713). Serotyping revealed that the most common serotypes were Enteritidis in 2006, Infantis in 2012, Agoueve/Cubana in 2018, and Schwarzengrund in 2021. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that Salmonella isolates exhibited the highest resistance to streptomycin (<40%), followed by tetracycline (<20%–40%). Moreover, 6% of the Salmonella isolates produced cephalosporinases with the blaCMY-2, blaCTX-M-14, and blaTEM genes. The annual incidence of cephalosporin resistance has increased. Plasmid conjugation assays revealed that cephalosporin-resistant Salmonella spp. transmitted their resistance to Escherichia coli. Additionally, plasmid genome analysis showed that the insertion sequence IS26 was encoded in the upstream and downstream regions of blaCTX-M-14 and qnrS1 in the IncHI1 plasmid, which could be transmitted to other bacteria.

Conclusions

The tested Salmonella isolates showed high resistance to specific antibiotics, with differences in resistance depending on the serotype. Further increase and spread of transmissible cephalosporin-resistant strains should be noted.
The I4790K mutation of the ryanodine receptor is responsible for anthranilic diamide resistance in field populations of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)
Authors: Pudasaini Rameshwor , Chang Cheng , Chen Mu-Hsin , Dai Shu-Mei
Published: September 2024

Insecticide resistance in Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is a major constraint on the global production of cruciferous crops. For effective management of insecticide resistance, it is necessary to develop a molecular detection tool for predicting insecticide resistance levels based on the mutation frequency of target sites. In this study, a susceptible strain (SHggt) of P. xylostella was subjected to chlorantraniliprole and tetraniliprole selection under laboratory conditions to obtain the CHLSel and TETSel strains, respectively, to determine their resistance development, cross-resistance and mutation frequencies of the P. xylostella ryanodine receptor (PxRyR). In addition, the tetraniliprole resistance and the mutation frequencies of the PxRyR from 7 field populations were evaluated. Continuous selection over 30 generations resulted in resistance ratios (RRs) of 7,073.2-fold and 6,971.0-fold for the CHLSel and TETSel strains, respectively, and thousandfold increases in cross-resistance to unexposed diamides, e.g., cyantraniliprole and flubendiamide, were observed. For the field populations, three out of seven populations have developed more than thousandfold resistance to tetraniliprole. Among the three investigated target site mutations in PxRyR, only I4790K was detected in both laboratory-selected strains. However, 2 mutations, I4790K and G4946E, were detected in field populations. A positive correlation between RRs and K allele frequencies was observed in the laboratory-selected/relaxed strains and field populations of P. xylostella. These results suggest a possible link between the development of anthranilic diamide resistance and the frequency of the PxRyR I4790K mutation, which can be used to develop effective strategies for diamide resistance management in P. xylostella.
Molecular identification of predation on the Dubas bug (Hemiptera: Tropiduchidae) in Oman date palms: density-dependent response to prey
Authors: Athey Kacie J , Chapman Eric G , Al-Khatri Salem , Moktar Abdel Moneim , Obrycki John J
Published: September 2024

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) (Arecales: Arecaceae) is the most economically important crop in Oman with an annual production of >360,000 tons of fruit. The Dubas bug (Ommatissus lybicus de Bergevin) (Hemiptera: Tropiduchidae) is one of the major pests of date palms, causing up to a 50% reduction in fruit production. Across the course of 2 seasons, a variety of arthropod predators living in the date palm canopy were investigated for possible biological control of Dubas bugs, given the growing interest in nonchemical insect pest control in integrated pest management. We collected ~6,900 arthropod predators directly from date palm fronds from 60 Omani date palm plantations and tested them for Dubas bug predation using PCR-based molecular gut content analysis. We determined that ≥56 species of arthropod predators feed on the Dubas bug. We found that predatory mites, ants, and the entire predator community combined showed a positive correlation between predation detection frequency and increasing Dubas bug density. Additionally, there was a significant impact of season on gut content positives, with the spring season having a significantly higher percentage of predators testing positive for Dubas bug, suggesting this season could be the most successful time to target conservation biological control programs utilizing a diverse suite of predators.
Preoperative prediction of early mortality after surgery for spinal metastases
Authors: Kamoda Hiroto , Tsukanishi Toshinori , Kinoshita Hideyuki , Hagiwara Yoko , Endo Yuji , Takahashi Hiroki , Takeda Kosuke , Hirashima Tetsuya , Ishii Takeshi , Yonemoto Tsukasa
Published: September 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to provide a convenient preoperative prediction of the risk of early postoperative mortality.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included patients who underwent surgery for spinal metastasis at our hospital between 2009 and 2021. Preoperative blood test data of all patients were collected, and the survival time was calculated by dividing the blood data. A multivariate analysis was conducted using a Cox proportional hazards model to identify prognostic factors.

Results

The study population included 83 patients (average: 64.5 years), 22 of whom died within 3 months. The most common lesion was the thoracic spine, and incomplete paralysis was observed in 57 patients. The surgical methods included posterior implant fixation (n = 17), posterior decompression (n = 31), and posterior decompression with fixation (n = 35). In the univariate analysis, the presence of abnormal values was significantly associated with postoperative survival in six preoperative blood collection items (hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, albumin, white blood cell, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and lactate dehydrogenase). In a multivariate analysis, four test items (hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, white blood cell, and lactate dehydrogenase) were identified as independent prognostic factors.

Comparing cases with ≥3 abnormal values among the above four items (high-risk group; n = 23) and those with ≤2 (low-risk group; n = 60), there was a significant difference in survival time. In addition, it was possible to predict cases of early death within 3 months after surgery with 73% sensitivity and 89% specificity.

Conclusions

The study showed that four preoperative blood test abnormalities (hemoglobin, C-reactive protein white blood cell, and lactate dehydrogenase) indicated the possibility of early death within 3 months after surgery.
Regeneration and colonization abilities of invasive and native Myriophyllum species under different fragment types and lengths
Authors: Zou Min , Lin Xiao-Wen , Wu Xiao-Dong , Qin Yuan , Ge Xu-Guang , Hou Jian-Jun , Li Xiao-Xia , Peng Shuang
Published: September 2024

Alien invasive species usually have strong regeneration and colonization abilities. However, whether invasive species have advantages in terms of regeneration and colonization abilities over native species requires further exploration. In this study, the effects of fragment types (with and without apical tips) and lengths (5, 10 and 15 cm) on the regeneration and colonization abilities of the invasive Myriophyllum aquaticum and native M. spicatum in China were studied. Fragments of M. aquaticum and M. spicatum without apical tips had an advantage in branch formation, and their regeneration ability was stronger than that of fragments with apical tips. With longer initial fragments, the root length of M. aquaticum was longer and its colonization ability was stronger. This resulted in an increase in plant length, stem node number and biomass, with an increase in fragment length. However, the colonization ability of M. spicatum was not stronger with longer fragments. On the whole, native M. spicatum had stronger regeneration and colonization abilities than the invasive species M. aquaticum. However, M. aquaticum had a higher survival rate and plant length, enabling it to quickly occupy living spaces. Our results suggest that management needs to be strengthened for both M. aquaticum and M. spicatum to avoid biological invasion.
Child mental health treatment access and retention in integrated primary care and traditional outpatient services
Authors: Joseph Hannah L , Zhang Li Fang , Best Candace , Bancroft Christina , James Madison , Kapoor Shreeti , Drescher Christopher F , Davis Catherine L
Published: September 2024

Introduction

There are disparities in child mental health treatment access and treatment retention in terms of race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), and insurance coverage. Institutions have invested in the integrated primary care (IPC) treatment model with the goal of improving treatment access and promoting child mental health equity.

Objective

This study compared treatment attendance in an outpatient psychiatry clinic (OPC) versus an IPC clinic to assess whether the IPC was associated with reduced disparities in access to care and treatment retention.

Methods

This study assessed whether there were differences in who is connected to care from the intake appointment to first follow-up appointment.

Results

Results showed that the IPC clinic served a more diverse patient population than the OPC clinic in terms of SES, race, and ethnicity. Differences in treatment attendance in the IPC and OPC were also found. After controlling for race, ethnicity, insurance, and distance from patient’s home zip code to clinic, the IPC treatment setting was associated with poorer intake and follow-up appointment attendance.

Conclusions

The IPC model may be more accessible to historically underserved youth, but the treatment setting does not inherently eliminate disparities in child mental health treatment retention. Replication of this study has the potential to contribute to the external validity of study findings, improve quality assurance policies, and develop equitable workflow policies. Future research is needed to identify factors that can improve treatment attendance for populations who face greater retention barriers and to shine light on ways that healthcare systems may inadvertently maintain disparity in treatment retention.
Twenty-three new Heartbeat Star systems discovered based on TESS data
Authors: Li Min-Yu , Qian Sheng-Bang , Zhou Ai-Ying , Zhu Li-Ying , Liao Wen-Ping , Zhao Er-Gang , Shi Xiang-Dong , Li Fu-Xing , Sun Qi-Bin
Published: September 2024

Heartbeat stars (HBSs) are ideal astrophysical laboratories to study the formation and evolution of binary stars in eccentric orbits and the internal structural changes of their components under strong tidal action. We discover 23 new HBSs based on TESS photometric data. The orbital parameters, including orbital period, eccentricity, orbital inclination, argument of periastron, and epoch of periastron passage of these HBSs, are derived by using a corrected version of Kumar et al.'s model based on the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method. The preliminary results show that these HBSs have orbital periods in the range from 2.7 to 20 d and eccentricities in the range from 0.08 to 0.70. The eccentricity-period relation of these objects shows a positive correlation between eccentricity and period and also shows the existence of orbital circularization. The Hertzsprung–Russell diagram shows that the HBSs are not all located in a particular area. The distribution of the derived parameters suggests a selection bias within the TESS survey towards HBSs with shorter periods. These objects are a very useful source to study the structure and evolution of eccentricity orbit binaries and to extend the TESS HBS catalog.
Separating states in astronomical sources using hidden Markov models: with a case study of flaring and quiescence on EV Lac
Authors: Zimmerman Robert , van Dyk David A , Kashyap Vinay L , Siemiginowska Aneta
Published: September 2024

We present a new method to distinguish between different states (e.g. high and low, quiescent and flaring) in astronomical sources with count data. The method models the underlying physical process as latent variables following a continuous-space Markov chain that determines the expected Poisson counts in observed light curves in multiple passbands. For the underlying state process, we consider several autoregressive processes, yielding continuous-space hidden Markov models of varying complexity. Under these models, we can infer the state that the object is in at any given time. The continuous state predictions from these models are then dichotomized with the help of a finite mixture model to produce state classifications. We apply these techniques to X-ray data from the active dMe flare star EV Lac, splitting the data into quiescent and flaring states. We find that a first-order vector autoregressive process efficiently separates flaring from quiescence: flaring occurs over 30 per cent–40 per cent of the observation durations, a well-defined persistent quiescent state can be identified, and the flaring state is characterized by higher plasma temperatures and emission measures.
Simulating cardiac fluid dynamics in the human heart
Authors: Davey Marshall , Puelz Charles , Rossi Simone , Smith Margaret Anne , Wells David R , Sturgeon Gregory M , Segars W Paul , Vavalle John P , Peskin Charles S , Griffith Boyce E
Published: September 2024

Cardiac fluid dynamics fundamentally involves interactions between complex blood flows and the structural deformations of the muscular heart walls and the thin valve leaflets. There has been longstanding scientific, engineering, and medical interest in creating mathematical models of the heart that capture, explain, and predict these fluid–structure interactions (FSIs). However, existing computational models that account for interactions among the blood, the actively contracting myocardium, and the valves are limited in their abilities to predict valve performance, capture fine-scale flow features, or use realistic descriptions of tissue biomechanics. Here we introduce and benchmark a comprehensive mathematical model of cardiac FSI in the human heart. A unique feature of our model is that it incorporates biomechanically detailed descriptions of all major cardiac structures that are calibrated using tensile tests of human tissue specimens to reflect the heart’s microstructure. Further, it is the first FSI model of the heart that provides anatomically and physiologically detailed representations of all four cardiac valves. We demonstrate that this integrative model generates physiologic dynamics, including realistic pressure–volume loops that automatically capture isovolumetric contraction and relaxation, and that its responses to changes in loading conditions are consistent with the Frank–Starling mechanism. These complex relationships emerge intrinsically from interactions within our comprehensive description of cardiac physiology. Such models can serve as tools for predicting the impacts of medical interventions. They also can provide platforms for mechanistic studies of cardiac pathophysiology and dysfunction, including congenital defects, cardiomyopathies, and heart failure, that are difficult or impossible to perform in patients.
Majeed syndrome: first description in a patient of central-European ancestry
Authors: Drago Enrico , Bertoni Arinna , Grossi Alice , Damasio Maria Beatrice , Anfigeno Lorenzo , Miano Maurizio , Papa Riccardo , Volpi Stefano , Ceccherini Isabella , Gattorno Marco , Caorsi Roberta
Published: September 2024

Objectives

We present the first case of a Majeed syndrome in a girl of central-European ancestry.

Methods

Patient’s medical records were reviewed. A next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel for autoinflammatory diseases was performed and the mutation was confirmed by Sanger analysis. Freshly isolated monocytes were activated with lipopolysaccharide ± ATP. The concentration of inflammatory cytokines was assessed in monocyte supernatants.

Results

A 2-year-old girl presented with pain in the lower limbs, increase of acute phase reactants and persistent microcytic anaemia. The MRI showed bilateral short time inversion recovery (STIR) hyper-intensity of the spongy osseous tissue of the femur, tibia, radius, ulna and astragalus. Bone marrow analysis revealed increased trilinear cellularity with signs of dyserythropoietic anaemia. The NGS panel detected the presence of two novel compound heterozygous mutations in the LPIN2 gene, confirmed by Sanger analysis. Treatment with anakinra was started with a prompt resolution of the clinical picture. Increased kinetics and concentration of IL-1β were observed in the patient’s monocytes compared with healthy controls, with a marked drop following the start of therapy. About 6 months after the start of the therapy, resolution of MRI findings, microcytic anaemia and dyserythropoiesis at bone marrow aspirate were observed.

Conclusion

We describe the first case of Majeed syndrome in a patient of central-European ancestry. The functional test on circulating monocytes before and after therapy with anakinra confirmed pathogenicity of the mutation and the role of LPIN2 in the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Anti-IL1 agents were effective, leading not only to the resolution of bone lesions but also to an improvement of dyserythropoiesis.
Psychosis Risk: Time to Look Empirically at a First-step Economical-pragmatic Way to Examine Anomalous Self-experience. Exploring the SQuEASE-11
Authors: Møller Paul , Nelson Barnaby , McGorry Patrick D , Mei Cristina , Amminger G Paul , Yuen Hok Pan , Kerr Melissa , Spark Jessica , Wallis Nicky , Polari Andrea , Baird Shelley , Buccilli Kate , Dempsey Sarah-Jane A , Ferguson Natalie , Formica Melanie , Krcmar Marija , Quinn Amelia L , Mebrahtu Yohannes , Ruslins Arlan , Street Rebekah , Dixon Lisa , Carter Cameron , Loewy Rachel , Niendam Tara A , Shumway Martha , Wannan Cassandra
Published: September 2024

Background

Since the late 1990s, there has been a worldwide surge of scientific interest in the pre-psychotic phase, resulting in the introduction of several clinical tools for early detection. The predictive accuracy of these tools has been limited, motivating the need for methodological and perspectival improvements. The EASE manual supports systematic assessment of anomalous self-experience, and proposes an overall model of understanding how most psychotic experiences may be initially generated on the basis of a unifying, fundamental, pre-reflective distortion of subjectivity.

Study Design

The EASE is time-consuming, so in order to spread the use of this essential perspective of psychosis risk we selected prototypical and frequent phenomena from the EASE, combining them into SQuEASE-11. To investigate this instrument for clinical relevance, basic psychometric properties, factor structure, and relationships with gold standard instruments and the full EASE, it was administered as an interview in the STEP intervention trial (Melbourne, Australia), with 328 clinical high-risk for psychosis (CHR-P) patients.

Study Results

The SQuEASE-11 had moderate internal consistency and revealed two correlated factors. Significant relationships were observed between the SQuEASE-11 and the widely used and validated instruments CAARMS, BPRS, SANS, MADRS, DACOBS, and SOFAS. The correlation with the full EASE was very strong.

Conclusions

These 11 items do not necessarily relate specifically to ipseity disturbance, but the SQuEASE-11 seems to be a clinically relevant and brief supplementary first-line interview in CHR-P subjects. It may give a qualified indication of the need for a complete EASE interview, and it may also, importantly, inform treatment planning.
Unintended institutionalization: how the politics of symbolic fiscal practices shapes economic policy
Authors: Labarca José Tomás
Published: September 2024

Sociologists and political economists frequently study the politics of economic ideas, but the official statistics that enable decision-making and shape public debate have been less scrutinized. This article theorizes symbolic fiscal practices—the conceptual and accounting conventions, procedures, techniques and devices underlying official budgetary information—as the object and means of different framing contests. To demonstrate the analytical value of this perspective, the article studies why and how the Public Sector Borrowing Requirement (PSBR) became the headline fiscal indicator of the UK in the 1970s. It argues the PSBR is a case of unintended institutionalization driven by the interplay between bureaucratic and economic-policy framing contests. Budgetary conventions, tables, labels and numbers are political objects. Their production, uses and understandings are neither pure reflections of economic-policy framing contests nor the sole result of bureaucratic framing contests. The politics of symbolic fiscal practices may thus influence economic policy in unexpected ways.
From single nucleotide variations to genes: identifying the genetic links between sleep and psychiatric disorders
Authors: Jia Ningning , Zhu Zhenhua , Liu Yane , Yin Xuyuan , Man Lijuan , Hou Wenlong , Zhang Huiping , Yu Qiong , Hui Li
Published: September 2024

Study Objectives

Sleep disorders and psychiatric disorders frequently coexist and interact, yet the shared genetic basis linking these two domains remains poorly understood.

Methods

We investigated the genetic correlation and overlap between seven sleep/circadian traits and three psychiatric disorders at the level of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), utilizing LDSC, HDL, and GPA. To identify potential polygenic single nucleotide variations (SNVs) within each trait pair, we used PLACO, while gene-level analyses were performed using MAGMA and POPS. Furthermore, the functions and biological mechanisms, enriched phenotypes, tissues, cellular features, and pathways were thoroughly investigated using FUMA, deTS, and enrichment analyses at the biological pathway level.

Results

Our study revealed extensive genetic associations and overlaps in all 21 trait pairs. We identified 18 494 SNVs and 543 independent genomic risk loci, with 113 confirmed as causative through colocalization analysis. These loci collectively spanned 196 unique chromosomal regions. We pinpointed 43 distinct pleiotropic genes exhibiting significant enrichment in behavioral/physiological phenotypes, nervous system phenotypes, and brain tissue. Aberrations in synaptic structure and function, neurogenesis and development, as well as immune responses, particularly involving the MAPK pathway, emerged as potential underpinnings of the biology of sleep/circadian traits and psychiatric disorders.

Conclusions

We identified shared loci and specific sets of genes between sleep/circadian traits and psychiatric disorders, shedding light on the genetic etiology. These discoveries hold promise as potential targets for novel drug interventions, providing valuable insights for the development of therapeutic strategies for these disorders.
Clinical and laboratory characteristics of Toxocara canis infection among children in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Ha Thieu V , Tang Hong K , Ngo Bach V , Le Truc P T , Le Duc H , Tran Y M L , Dang Duy K H , Vo Tien T N
Published: September 2024

Background

This study determines the clinical and paraclinical characteristics of children with Toxocara canis infection and serum eosinophil cut-off values for predicting toxocariasis in the group displaying symptoms of itching, urticaria and erythema.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted during March and April 2023 with a sample size of 986 children aged 3–15 y.

Results

In total, 140 (14.2%) of the 986 participants had anti-T canis antibodies. The most frequently experienced symptoms in this group were itching (10.1%), abdominal pain (8.2%) and urticaria (3.3%). The rate of IgE increased (37%), and the rates of mild and high eosinophilia were 38% and 2.2%, respectively. There were significant differences in IgE concentration and eosinophil count, and for both IgE concentration and eosinophil count between the two groups with and without toxocariasis. The optimal threshold for eosinophil to predict toxocariasis was 0.38 K/µL, with itching, urticaria and erythema resulting in a sensitivity of 61.5%, a specificity of 82.1% and a receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve) of 0.71.

Conclusions

This study confirmed a positive association between IgE concentration, eosinophil count and positive serology for T. canis. A general blood count, including eosinophils, is a simple test that can be performed in hospitals. Clinicians should target and screen for T.oxocara canis infection when children display clinical symptoms of itching, urticaria, erythema and eosinophilia.

Clinical trial registration number

NCT05208333
Identifying the Role of Flow-Mediated Dilatation Assessment in Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zormpas Georgios , Boulmpou Aristi , Potoupni Victoria , Siskos Fotios , Chatzipapa Nikoleta , Fragakis Nikolaos , Doumas Michael , Kassimis George , Vassilikos Vassilios , Papadopoulos Christodoulos E.
Published: September 2024

In the context of the global burden of cardiovascular disease, the development of novel, patient-targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies is of paramount importance. Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) comprise a subset of cardiovascular disease, with constantly increasing prevalence requiring urgent attention. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), a noninvasive method for the evaluation of endothelial function, has been previously implemented in patients with ACS. A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was conducted in order to identify all relevant studies assessing the implementation of FMD among patients with ACS. Our review reflects an effort to present all available data regarding the role of FMD to date, a valuable noninvasive and easy accessible diagnostic tool, in the prognosis of patients with ACS. FMD evaluation in patients with ACS reveals a decline in values, indicative of the presence of endothelial function among this distinct patient group. FMD has also been used to assess the response to various treatments, as well as to predict major adverse cardiovascular events. Dynamic responses to interventions highlights its potential in the evolving field of interventional cardiology.
Prophylactic Effect of Aspirin and Other Medicine on Cerebral Infarction for Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases Risk Factors: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gong Binfei , Ye Weijiang
Published: September 2024

Stroke, as a type of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cerebrovascular disease, has the risk of causing death or disability in patients. Aspirin, as an antipyretic and analgesic drug, can also treat or prevent CVDs. Previous studies have had conflicting results on the preventive effect of aspirin on cerebral infarction for patients with CVD risk factors. This review was carried out through a meticulous search of the Web of Science and PubMed databases. Articles were included or excluded based on predefined criteria. In terms of heterogeneity, a fixed effect model was utilized when I
2 was less than 50%. Conversely, if the studies were deemed clinically comparable, a random effect model was implemented. The findings suggest that medical intervention significantly mitigates the risk of cerebral infarction in patients predisposed to CVDs [odds ratio (OR), 0.85; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.74–0.98; P = 0.03]. Interestingly, the preventive efficacy of medication appears to be higher in men (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.72–0.94; P = 0.004) than in women (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.69–1.01; P = 0.06). However, in terms of stroke prevention, no significant difference was observed between the use of aspirin (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.76–1.06; P = 0.19) and other medications (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.31–1.38; P = 0.26).
SING IMT removal for unsatisfied patients: step-by-step surgery for a safe explant
Authors: Savastano Alfonso , D’Onofrio Nicola Claudio , Francione Giuseppe , Sasso Paola , Hu Lorenzo , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

To report three cases of Smaller-Incision New-Generation Implantable Miniature Telescope (SING-IMG) explantation and three-piece acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in patients affected by late-stage dry AMD.

Methods:

This is a single-center cohort study. Three patients with stable dry AMD previously implanted with SING-IMT failed to adapt to the device requesting its explantation. Surgical procedures were performed under peribulbar anesthesia, with careful removal of the SING-IMT telescope through a sclero-corneal tunnel of 8 mm and implantation of a three-piece acrylic IOL. Patients underwent pre and postoperative assessments, including visual acuity measurements, endothelial cell count and intraocular pressure. Patients were followed postoperatively for at least 6 months, with particular attention to IOL stability and posterior capsule integrity.

Results:

Postoperative assessments demonstrated positive outcomes, revealing no IOL dislocation or posterior capsular opacification after 6 months. Endothelial cell count diminished. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) returned to values before SING-IMT implantation.

Conclusions:

In our small cohort, SING-IMT explantation appeared to be a safe option. Despite promising visual outcomes, some patients might not adapt to SING-IMT. Further studies are needed to evaluate criteria to predict telescope adaptation.
Bilateral haptic disinsertion in a 3-piece intraocular lens managed with green endolaser welding: case report
Authors: Assaf Ahmed Hassan , Mahgoub Mohamed Moghazy , Samy Hams , Fawky Noha
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

This case report presents a unique instance of bilateral haptic disinsertion from a 3-piece intraocular lens (IOL), which was successfully resolved using argon laser welding.

Patient and Clinical Findings:

An 85-year-old man presented with bilateral haptic slippage of a 3-piece IOL after uneventful flanged intrascleral haptic fixation. The haptic flanges were noticed fixed to the sclera on the nasal and temporal sides while the IOL optic could be clearly identified resting on the retina by ultra-wide fundus photographs.

Diagnosis, Intervention, and Outcomes:

The IOL could be successfully retrieved into the anterior chamber after posterior vitrectomy, and the haptics of the IOL could be sequentially introduced into its original track in the IOL optic and fixed by welding with a green endolaser with 250 mW. A significant decentration was noticed, which was managed with the deformation of one of the optics using the endolaser until a satisfactory decentration could be achieved under the operating microscope.

Conclusions:

Green endolaser can be used for welding of haptics into the IOL haptic as a new intervention for the rare complication of bilateral haptic disinsertion from a 3-piece IOL.
An Integrative Review of the Literature Examining Sexual Relationship Power, Depressive Symptoms, Silencing the Self, and HIV Vulnerability for Women in the United States
Authors: Goodwyn Wanda L. , Caiola Courtney , Roberson Donna
Published: September 2024

The purpose of our integrative review was to synthesize the literature examining relationships between depressive symptoms, silencing the self (STS), sexual relationship power (SRP), and HIV vulnerability among women in the United States. Literature searches were conducted through CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, Sociological Abstracts, and SocINDEX. Integrative review methodology of Whittemore and Knafl guided the review process, and 37 articles met inclusion criteria. The Theory of Gender and Power, modified by Wingood and DiClemente, was the guiding framework to organize and synthesize findings. Primary findings suggest that depressive symptoms, STS, and SRP in relationships may individually influence women's vulnerability for acquiring HIV, yet research lags behind. Evidence documenting relationships between these factors is insufficient to draw generalizable conclusions. Findings suggest that the current literature on this topic does not reflect those women most highly affected by HIV and those who identify as African American or Black in the Southeast region of the United States.
Male infertility and obesity
Authors: Rasouli Melody A. , Dumesic Daniel A. , Singhal Vibha
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review

The increasing rate of obesity is having an adverse impact on male reproduction.

Recent findings

The negative effect of reactive oxygen species on male reproductive tissues and the age of onset of obesity are new areas of research on male infertility.

This review highlights how obesity impairs male reproduction through complex mechanisms, including metabolic syndrome, lipotoxicity, sexual dysfunction, hormonal and adipokine alterations as well as epigenetic changes, and how new management strategies may improve the reproductive health of men throughout life.
Continued contribution to atopic innovation with dupilumab
Authors: Wright Alex E. , Wood Will , Goyal Aakash
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review

Dupilumab is an emerging medication that has shown efficacy for multiple atopic conditions. This review provides insight into the common conditions that are treated, mechanism of action, and continued innovation with the medication.

Recent findings

There continues to be applicability of dupilumab in treating a growing number of atopic conditions. Increasingly younger patient populations with eosinophil based conditions are being approved for this therapy. It is also considered as an additional option treatment for patients who cannot tolerate oral therapy or have adverse effects from other agents. Patients with more severe conditions are finally finding symptom stability while also being able to reduce reliance on corticosteroids. Patients as young as 6 months of age have benefited from treatment.

As atopic conditions become more prevalent, dupilumab has been shown to be successful in inducing remission of symptoms. Overall, it continues to be a promising treatment for reducing the burden of disease severity as well as improving the quality of life of affected children.
Grasshoppers do not flee from their alarmed predators but from non-alarmed ones
Authors: Parejo Deseada , Molina-Morales Mercedes , Avilés Jesús M.
Published: September 2024

Alarm calls produced by basal prey have a well-known informative value. In multi-predator communities, mesopredators, when faced with top predators, may emit alarm calls that could inform basal prey about their lowered predation risk. To test this unexplored possibility, we conducted one field and one mesocosm experiment in which we simulated alarm and non-alarm calls from little owls (
Athene noctua
) as mesopredators and measured their effects on grasshoppers as prey of little owls but not of top predators. In the field experiment, we found that grasshopper species were significantly more abundant in patches where we simulated either the presence of scared little owls (alarm treatment) or no owls (control treatment) compared to patches where the presence of non-scared little owls (non-alarm treatment) was simulated. In the mesocosm experiment, locusts (
Locusta migratoria
) moved significantly more to exposed areas when we simulated the presence of scared little owls (alarm treatment) or of a granivorous bird (control treatment), while they moved to sheltered areas when we simulated the presence of non-scared owls (non-alarm treatment). These results show that prey could cue on predators’ calls to assess their predation risk and make decisions, revealing unprecedented potential ecological consequences of alarm calls in invertebrate communities.
Ketogenic interventions restore cognition and modulate peripheral metabolic dysfunctions in Alzheimer’s disease mouse models
Authors: M’Bra Paule E. H. , Hamilton Laura K. , Moquin-Beaudry Gaël , Aubin Myriam , Mangahas Chenicka L. , Pratesi Federico , Brunet-Ratnasingham Elsa , Castonguay Anne , Mailloux Sophia , Galoppin Manon , Bernier Megan , Turri Marta , Vachon Annick , Mayhue Marian , Aumont Anne , Tétreault Martine , Plourde Mélanie , Fernandes Karl J.L.
Published: September 2024

Lifestyle factors modulate dementia risk. We investigated mechanisms of dementia risk reduction by emerging dietary ketogenic interventions. We show that distinct interventions, a medium-chain triglycerides (MCT)-enriched diet and a carbohydrate-free, high-fat diet (CFHF), improve cognition and dendritic spine density of memory-associated hippocampal neurons in two mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Only the CFHF diet drove increased circulating ketones, suggesting distinct underlying mechanisms. AD mice exhibited baseline and diet-induced susceptibility to peripheral metabolic disturbances that were improved by MCT and exacerbated by CFHF diets. Prominent AD-associated dysregulation of the liver transcriptome was largely restored by both interventions, but MCT also downregulated lipogenic enzymes and did not trigger a CFHF-like inflammatory signature. Novel AD- and diet-induced plasmatic changes in hormones and lipid species were identified. Thus, different ketogenic interventions yield cognitive benefits in AD models while showing intervention-specific modulation of peripheral metabolic defects, with implications for design of therapeutic ketogenic strategies.
Bradykinesia and postural instability in a model of prodromal Synucleinopathy with α-Synuclein aggregation in the gigantocellular nuclei
Authors: Theologidis Vasileios , Ferreira Sara A. , Jensen Nanna M. , Moreira Diana Gomes , Ahlgreen Ole A. , Hansen Mads W. , Rosenberg Emilie D. , Richner Mette , Faress Islam , Gram Hjalte , Jensen Poul H. , Borghammer Per , Nyengaard Jens R. , Romero-Ramos Marina , Vægter Christian B. , van de Berg Wilma D. J. , Van Den Berge Nathalie , Jan Asad
Published: September 2024

α-Synuclein (aSyn) accumulation within the extra-nigral neuronal populations in brainstem, including the gigantocellular nuclei (GRN/Gi) of reticular formation, is a recognized feature during the prodromal phase of Parkinson disease (PD). Accordingly, there is a burgeoning interest in animal model development for understanding the pathological significance of extra-nigral synucleinopathy, in relation to motor and/or non-motor symptomatology in PD. Here, we report an experimental paradigm for the induction of aSyn aggregation in brainstem, with stereotaxic delivery of pre-formed fibrillar (PFF) aSyn in the pontine GRN of transgenic mice expressing the mutant human Ala53Thr aSyn (M83 line). Our data show that PFF aSyn-induced aggregate pathology in GRN leads to progressive decline in spontaneous locomotion and an early phenotype of postural instability. This early phase of bradykinesia was followed by a moribund stage, characterized by worsening motor performance and impaired survival with substantial aSyn aggregation in several brain regions beyond the GRN. Collectively, our observations suggest an experimental framework for studying the pathological significance of aSyn aggregation in GRN in relation to features of movement disability in PD. With further refinements, we anticipate that this model holds promise as a test-bed for translational research in PD and related disorders.