bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spinal inhibitory neurons degenerate before motor neurons and excitatory neurons in a mouse model of ALS
Authors: Montañana-Rosell Roser , Selvan Raghavendra , Hernández-Varas Pablo , Kaminski Jan M. , Ahlmark Dana B. , Kiehn Ole , Allodi Ilary
Published: September 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the progressive loss of somatic motor neurons. Major focus has been directed to motor neuron intrinsic properties as a cause for degeneration while less attention has been given to the contribution of spinal interneurons. In the present work, we applied multiplexing detection of transcripts and machine learning-based image analysis to investigate the fate of multiple spinal interneuron populations during ALS progression in the SOD1G93Amouse model. The analysis showed that spinal inhibitory interneurons are affected early in disease, before motor neurons death, and are characterized by a slow progressive degeneration, while excitatory interneurons are affected later with a steep progression. Moreover, we report differential vulnerability within inhibitory and excitatory subpopulations, with interneurons directly projecting onto motor neurons being preferentially affected. Our study reveals a strong interneuron involvement in ALS development with interneuron specific degeneration. This points to differential involvement of diverse spinal neuronal circuits that eventually may be determining for motor neuron degeneration.

Teaser

A new approach to study the motor neuron disorder Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis shows the early and differential dysregulation of spinal interneurons.
Dual role of Toxoplasma gondii ROP5 and ROP18 for NLRP3 inhibition
Authors: Murillo-Leon Mateo , Bastidas Quintero Aura Maria , Singh Shishir , Mueller Xochitl , Gorka Oliver , Saller Benedikt , Arenas Soto AIlan Farid , Campos Claudia , Gomez-Marin Jorge Enrique , Gross Olaf , Pfeffer Klaus , Howard Jonathan Charles , Taylor Gregory A. , Steinfeldt Tobias
Published: September 2023

Inflammasome activation leads release of IL-1b, a proinflammatory cytokine that drives antimicrobial immune responses. Toxoplasma gondii has been shown to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome but the trigger has not yet been identified. Here we provide evidence that vacuolar disruption is a prerequisite for NLRP3 activation. T. gondii type I ROP5 and ROP18 protect the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (PVM) and thereby inhibit inflammasome activation and IL-1b release. Besides protection of the PVM, we demonstrate an additional function of ROP5 and ROP18 for NLRP3 inhibition. We demonstrate the molecular mechanism of this inhibition includes direct interaction with GBP5. In conclusion, T. gondii ROP5 and ROP18 inhibit IL-1β production by protection of the intracellular replicative niche of the parasite and by actively subverting NLRP3 activation. Our findings provide further insight into the intricate mechanisms governing inflammasome activation and inhibition, enhancing our understanding of the complex dynamics during T. gondii infection.
A Novel Fluorogenic Spin Probe for Real-time Monitoring of Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species (mROS) Generation in anin vitroStroke Model
Authors: Hou Shanshan , Bi Yue , Li Chunyan , Shan Zhiying , Bi Lanrong
Published: September 2023

The extent of oxidative damage caused by a stroke can be assessed by monitoring mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS), which can further aid in early diagnosis and evaluation of treatment efficacy. Mitochondrial ROS have been identified as a potential biomarker for stroke, as they are known to cause oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in brain tissue. However, monitoring reversible mROS levels has been challenging due to the lack of appropriate probes. In this study, we developed a fluorogenic spin probe, Mito-RT-ROS, based on the rhodamine skeleton, which demonstrated good sensitivity for reversible monitoring of mROS in a physiological environment such as starvation and recovery. We also evaluated the probe’s efficacy in anin vitrostroke model for real-time tracking of mROS generation in a pathological setting.
CaMKIIa+ neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis modulate pace of natural reward seeking depending on internal state
Authors: Huijgens Patty T. , Heijkoop Roy , Vanderschuren Louk J.M.J. , Lesscher Heidi M.B. , Snoeren Eelke M.S.
Published: September 2023

This study aims to investigate the underlying neurobiological mechanisms that regulate natural reward seeking behaviors, specifically in the context of sexual behavior and sucrose self-administration. The role of CaMKIIa+ neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) was explored using chemogenetic silencing and -stimulation. Additionally, the study examined how these effects interacted with the internal state of the animals. Through detailed behavioral analysis, it was demonstrated that CaMKIIa+ neurons in the BNST play a significant role in the regulation of both sexual behavior and sucrose self-administration. Although the behavioral outcome measures differed between the two behaviors, the regulatory role of the CaMKIIa+ neurons in the BNST was found to converge on the modulation of the pacing of engagement in these behaviors in male rats. Moreover, our study confirmed that the internal physiological state of the animal affects how the BNST modulates these behaviors. These findings suggest that different types of natural rewards may recruit a similar brain circuitry to regulate the display of motivated behaviors. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the neural mechanisms underlying natural reward seeking and sheds light on the interconnected nature of reward-related behaviors in male rats.

Abstract Figure
Inferring inter-chromosomal rearrangements and ancestral linkage groups from synteny
Authors: Mackintosh Alexander , de la Rosa Pablo Manuel Gonzalez , Martin Simon H. , Lohse Konrad , Laetsch Dominik R.
Published: September 2023

Chromosome rearrangements shape the structure of the genome and influence evolutionary processes. Inferring ancestral chromosomes and rearrangements across a phylogenetic tree is therefore an important analysis within evolutionary genetics. One approach to this inference problem is to focus on synteny information, i.e. the co-occurrence of loci on the same chromosome. Although algorithms for inferring ancestral linkage groups (ALGs) and inter-chromosomal rearrangements from synteny have been previously described, they have seldom been applied to modern genome data. Here we implement these algorithms in a command-line tool,syngraph, and evaluate their performance using simulations that include a mix of different rearrangements and types of error. We show that ALGs and rearrangements can be recovered when the rearrangement frequency per-branch is well below the number of chromosomes. We demonstrate that competing models of rearrangement can be inferred by comparing observed results to simulations. Finally, we reanalyse genome assemblies of rhabditid nematodes and find that independent fusions of the same ALGs pose a challenge that is difficult to overcome without gene-order information. Our simulations and analysis of real data demonstrate both the promise and limitations of using synteny information to infer patterns of genome evolution.
Nucleic Acid Mediated Activation of a Short Prokaryotic Argonaute Immune System
Authors: Kottur Jithesh , Malik Radhika , Aggarwal Aneel K.
Published: September 2023

The continual pressure of invading DNA has led bacteria to develop numerous immune systems, including a short prokaryotic Argonaute (pAgo) TIR-APAZ system (SPARTA) that is activated by invading DNA to unleash its TIR domain for NAD(P)+hydrolysis. To gain a molecular understanding of this activation process, we resolved a crystal structure of SPARTA heterodimer in the absence of guide RNA/target ssDNA at 2.66Å resolution and a cryo-EM structure of the SPARTA oligomer (tetramer of heterodimers) bound to guide RNA/target ssDNA at nominal 3.15-3.35Å resolution. The crystal structure provides a high-resolution view of the TIR-APAZ protein and the MID-PIWI domains of short pAgo - wherein, the APAZ domain emerges as equivalent to the N, L1 and L2 regions of long pAgos and the MID domain has a unique insertion (insert57). A comparison to cryo-EM structure reveals regions of the PIWI (loop10-9) and APAZ (helix αN) domains that reconfigure to relieve auto-inhibition to permit nucleic acid binding and transition to an active oligomer. Oligomerization is accompanied by the nucleation of the TIR domains in a parallel-strands arrangement for catalysis. Together, the structures provide a visualization of SPARTA before and after RNA/ssDNA binding and reveal the basis of SPARTA’s active assembly leading to NAD(P)+degradation and abortive infection.
Metabolic adaptation pilots the differentiation of human hematopoietic cells
Authors: Racine Laëtitia , Parmentier Romuald , Niphadkar Shreyas , Chhun Julie , Martignoles Jean-Alain , Delhommeau François , Laxman Sunil , Paldi Andras
Published: September 2023

A continuous supply of energy and metabolic intermediates is an essential prerequisite for survival and the highest priority for the cell. We hypothesize that cell differentiation is a process of optimization of energy flow in a changing environment through phenotypic adaptation. A mechanistic basis of this hypothesis is provided by the established link between core energy metabolism and epigenetic covalent modifications of chromatin. This hypothesis predicts that early metabolic perturbations impact subsequent differentiation. To test this, we induced transient metabolic perturbations in undifferentiated human hematopoietic cells using pharmacological inhibitors targeting key metabolic reactions. We recorded changes in chromatin structure and gene expression, as well as phenotypic alterations by single-cell ATAC and RNA sequencing, time-lapse microscopy and flow cytometry. Our observations suggest that these metabolic perturbations are shortly followed by alterations in chromatin structure, leading to changes in gene expression. We also show that these transient fluctuations alter the differentiation potential of the cells.
Flatworm transcriptomes reveal widespread parasitism by histophagous ciliates
Authors: Woodcock M. Ryan , Powers Kaleigh , Snead Kirsten , Pellettieri Jason
Published: September 2023

Unicellular ciliates likeTetrahymenaare best known as free-living bacteriovores, but many species are facultative or obligate parasites. These ‘histophages’ feed on the tissues of hosts ranging from planarian flatworms to commercially important fish and the larvae of imperiled freshwater mussels. Here, we developed a novel bioinformatics pipeline incorporating the nonstandard ciliate genetic code and used it to search for Ciliophora sequences in 34 publicly available Platyhelminthes EST libraries. From 2,615,036 screened ESTs, we identified nearly 6,000 high-confidence ciliate transcripts, supporting parasitism of seven additional flatworm species. We also cultured and identifiedTetrahymenafrom nine terrestrial and freshwater planarians, including invasive earthworm predators from the genusBipaliumand the widely studied regeneration modelsDugesia japonicaandSchmidtea mediterranea. A cophylogenetic reconstruction provides strong evidence for coevolution of histophagous Ciliophora with their Platyhelminthes hosts. We further report the antiprotozoal aminoglycoside paromomycin expelsTetrahymenafromS. mediterranea, providing new opportunities to investigate the effects of this relationship on planarian biology. Together, our findings raise the possibility that invasive flatworms constitute a novel dispersal mechanism forTetrahymenaparasites and position the Platyhelminthes as an ideal model phylum for studying the ecology and evolution of histophagous ciliates.
Synaptic tagging and capture underlie neuronal co-allocation and temporal association memory in behaving mice
Authors: Sakai Y , Brizard B , Zapata J , Zenelaj X , Tanti A , Camus V , Belzung C , Surget A
Published: September 2023

Episodic memory has the ability to link distinct memories formed at temporal proximity (minutes-hours) into a coherent episodic representation. The neuronal mechanisms supporting such time associations remain however to be understood. The synaptic tagging and capture hypothesis (STC) provides a theoretical framework in which plasticity-related proteins produced for consolidating a memory trace at a synapse can potentially benefit to the consolidation of another trace at another synapse of the same neuron, thereby promoting neuronal co-allocations and temporal associations of memory traces. STC has however never been demonstrated in behaving animals, leaving its existence and functional relevance for memory formation unknown. We therefore investigated STC-like mechanisms in freely-behaving mice by recording hippocampal CA1 neurons during encoding and retrieval of distinct events. We found that reactivation of engram neurons at retrieval and the stability of place cells were strongly impaired by protein synthesis inhibition during encoding, but strikingly, were rescued in neurons that were coactive at another encoding close in time, having potentially benefitted from proteins produced at temporal proximity, as predicted by STC hypothesis. All our results together provide the first evidence of STC-like mechanisms in behaving animals and reveal an instrumental role of STC for time association of memory traces.
Building resilience in early career mental health professionals
Authors: Nelson Rosalyn , Baker Felicity , Burrell Joanna , Hardy Gillian
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Resilience can protect against workplace stress, benefit psychological wellbeing and promote effective clinical practice in mental health professionals. The purpose of this study was to consider the feasibility and acceptability of resilience training for trainee mental health professionals based on the skills-based model of personal resilience (Baker et al., 2021). The study also aimed to explore the impact of the training on resilience, wellbeing and burnout.

Design/methodology/approach

In a within-subject 10-week follow-up study, mixed methods were used to evaluate the one-day resilience training for trainee mental health professionals working in services in the UK.

Findings

The intervention was found to be acceptable to attendees, with high levels of satisfaction reported. Resilience was evaluated through self-report measures at three-time points. Resilience scores at follow-up were significantly higher than pre- and post-intervention scores. The secondary outcomes of wellbeing and burnout did not significantly improve.

Research limitations/implications

Preliminary support was found for the feasibility and acceptability of resilience training for trainee mental health practitioners. Audience-specific adaptations and follow-up groups to aid skills practice and implementation may further enhance benefits to resilience. Resilience interventions may supplement practitioner training to improve resilience. Resilience is associated with higher wellbeing and lower burnout. The impact of resilience training on overall wellbeing and burnout remains uncertain; however, newly learned resilience skills may take time to benefit wellbeing.

Originality/value

A key contribution of this study is to provide evidence regarding the feasibility of implementing the skills-based model of personal resilience, outlined in Baker et al. (2021), in a learning environment.
“The roughest form of social work:” How court officials justify bail decisions
Authors: Winter Alix S. , Clair Matthew
Published: September 2023

Growing research has analyzed quantitative patterns of bail decisions and outcomes, but we know far less about how court officials justify their bail decisions. To enhance understanding of how bail decisions—and their resulting pretrial outcomes—are generated, we interviewed 104 judges, prosecutors, and public defenders in a northeastern state. Court officials in our study reported three primary justifications at bail: ensuring defendants return to court, preventing crime, and lessening harm. The first two justifications have been suggested in the literature, but the latter is novel and encompasses two secondary justifications: lessening criminal legal system harm and lessening societal harm. We show how these justifications and the decisions they enable blend risk management with rehabilitation and emerge from court officials’ shared assumption of defendants’ social marginality but varied beliefs about what to do about such marginality pretrial. Each justification allows for distinct, but at times overlapping, bail decisions. We discuss the implications of our findings for theories of court official decision‐making, research on racial and socioeconomic inequality, and bail reform policy.
Modification of anthracnose severity in açaí seedlings by the endophytic fungus Hypoxylon anthochroum strain 2.4996
Authors: dos Santos Prado Laryssa , Mendes Bruna Alice Feitosa , da Silva Fábio Ítalo Nascimento , de Lima Antonia Jerlene Martins , do Vale Moreira José Genivaldo , Carvalho Marcia Eugenia Amaral , Carvalho Clarice Maia , Peters Leila Priscila
Published: September 2023

The cultivation of açai palm, which yields tasteful and nutritional fruits, has been stimulated by the high commercial values of açai pulps; however, the occurrence of anthracnose (a disease caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) on açaí nursery and orchards has been a challenge for the shift from açaí extractivism to its cultivation. The interaction among endophytic fungi and host can change the plant disease severity, facilitating infection by phytopathogens and increasing its damage to plants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the antagonistic activity of five endophytic fungi against C. gloeosporioides, as well as to evaluate the anthracnose severity in açaí seedlings in response to the inoculation of the most promising of the tested endophytic fungus. First, in vitro evaluation showed that most of the fungi were able to grow over C. gloeosporioides mycelia. The endophytic fungi Graphium sp. 2.4765 and Hypoxylon anthochroum 2.4996 recorded the highest rates of growth inhibition, 79.3% and 77.0%, respectively. Because H. anthochroum 2.4996 presented better in vitro growth and spore production, it was chosen for subsequent evaluations. Second, in planta evaluation showed that the inoculation of H. anthochroum 2.4996 in diseased plants enhanced both the necrotic area in leaflets and disease symptoms. Third, comparative analyses based on the cultural, micromorphological and molecular characteristics have shown that such strain is related to H. anthochroum. Overall, this study highlights the complexity of the plant–microbe interactions.
Differential genetic associations between dimensions of eating disorders and alcohol involvement in late adolescent twins
Authors: Qi Baiyu , Thornton Laura M. , Breiner Courtney E. , Kuja‐Halkola Ralf , Baker Jessica H. , Lichtenstein Paul , Lundström Sebastian , Agrawal Arpana , Bulik Cynthia M. , Munn‐Chernoff Melissa A.
Published: September 2023

Background

Twin studies have demonstrated shared genetic and environmental effects between eating disorders and alcohol involvement in adults and middle adolescents. However, fewer studies have focused on late adolescents or investigated a wide range of eating disorder dimensions and alcohol involvement subscales in both sexes. We examined genetic and environmental correlations among three eating disorder dimensions and two alcohol involvement subscale scores in late adolescent twins using bivariate twin models.

Methods

Participants were 3568 female and 2526 male same‐sex twins aged 18 years old from the Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden. The Eating Disorder Inventory‐2 (EDI) assessed the drive for thinness, bulimia, and body dissatisfaction. Alcohol involvement was assessed with the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test consumption (AUDIT‐C) and problem (AUDIT‐P) subscales.

Results

Only phenotypic and twin correlations in female twins met our threshold for twin modeling. The proportion of total variance for each trait accounted for by additive genetic factors ranged from 0.50 to 0.64 in female twins, with the rest explained by nonshared environmental factors and measurement error. Shared environmental factors played a minimal role in the variance of each trait. The strongest genetic correlation (ra) emerged between EDI bulimia and AUDIT‐P (ra = 0.46, 95% confidence interval: 0.37, 0.55), indicating that the proportion of genetic variance of one trait that was shared with the other trait was 0.21. Nonshared environmental correlations between eating disorder dimensions and alcohol involvement ranged from 0.03 to 0.13.

Conclusions

We observed distinct patterns of genetic and environmental effects for co‐occurring eating disorder dimensions and alcohol involvement in female vs. male twins, supporting sex‐specific treatment strategies for late adolescents with comorbid eating disorders and alcohol use disorder. Our findings emphasize the importance of assessing family history of multiple eating disorder dimensions while treating late adolescents with problematic alcohol use, and vice versa, to improve detection and treatment.
Brief report: Synthetic cannabinoid use among military personnel
Authors: Stogner John , Santangelo Orion , Baldwin Julie Marie
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) may function as a marijuana alternative for soldiers subject to frequent drug screens, yet no study has interviewed past military users of SCs.

Methods

Veterans participating in eight US veterans treatment courts were interviewed (n = 318; response rate = 54.9%). Thematic analyses were completed.

Results

Sixty‐five veterans (21.3%) reported SC use. Three major themes were identified: SCs were not a suitable marijuana replacement, the experience was unpleasant/problematic, and curiosity, sometimes paired with the perception of safely eluding drug screens, facilitated use.

Conclusion and Scientific Significance

While members of the military experimented with SCs, habitual use of SCs within the Armed Forces does not appear widespread. The perception that SCs are excluded from all urinalyses may contribute to experimentation, but the unpleasant experience generally discourages recurrent use.
Automated quantification of uveitic keratic precipitates by use of anterior segment optical coherence tomography
Authors: Pichi Francesco , Ometto Giovanni , Invernizzi Alessandro , Hay Steven , Chaudhry Hannah , Aljneibi Shaikha , Montesano Giovanni , Zicarelli Federico , Neri Piergiorgio
Published: September 2023

Background

Evaluation of ocular inflammation via common imaging modalities like optical coherence tomography (OCT) has emphasised cell visualisation, but automated detection of uveitic keratic precipitates (KPs) remains unexplored.

Methods

Anterior segment (AS)‐OCT dense volumes of the corneas of patients with uveitic KPs were collected at three timepoints: with active (T0), clinically improving (T1), and resolved (T2) inflammation. At each visit, visual acuity and clinical grading of the anterior chamber cells were assessed. A bespoke algorithm was used to create an en face rendering of the KPs and to calculate their volume and a ratio of the volume of precipitates over the analysed area. The variation of AS‐OCT‐derived measurements over time was assessed, and compared with clinical grading.

Results

Twenty eyes from 20 patients (13 females, mean age 39 years) were studied. At T0, the mean volume of the corneal KPs was 0.1727 mm3, and it significantly reduced to 0.1111 mm3 (p = 0.03) only at T2. The ratio between the volume of the KPs and the corneal area decreased from T0 (0.007) to T1 (0.006; p = 0.2) and T2 (0.004; p = 0.009). There was a statistically significant correlation between the AC cell count and the AS‐OCT volume measurements of the KPs at the three time points.

Conclusions

AS‐OCT can image uveitic KPs and through a bespoke algorithm we were able to create an en face rendering allowing us to extrapolate their volume. We found that objective quantification of KPs correlated with inflammatory cell counts in the anterior chamber.
How much cannabis is used in a joint in Australia? An experimental investigation into use by potency and frequency
Authors: Dawson Danielle , Stjepanovic Daniel , Lorenzetti Valentina , Hall Wayne D. , Leung Janni
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Cannabis use is highly prevalent in Australia, yet current survey metrics measure tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure with limited accuracy. Often survey items measure cannabis quantity by assuming specific modes of use (i.e., ‘how many joints do you use?’), which fail to capture variations in cannabis use and the diverse modes of use (e.g., joints, cones, spliffs). This study investigated how much cannabis is used in these modes of administration in an Australian sample.

Methods

Participants (N = 31, Mage = 25.77; 51% university students) completed the Roll a Joint Paradigm in which they rolled joints, spliffs and packed cones as they would typically, using oregano as ‘cannabis.’ Participants then prepared each again but with cannabis of higher or lower potency.

Results

The amount of cannabis used across different modes of administration was variable: joints (range 0.10–1.25 g), spliffs (range 0.12–1.21 g) and cones (range 0.03–0.41 g). Participants who used cannabis daily rolled three times the amount of cannabis into a joint.

Discussion and Conclusions

The amount of cannabis used in common modes of administration may be highly variable. Daily use may be associated using larger quantities of cannabis. Titration attempts based on potency were not proportional or consistent across modes of administration. The results indicate people may adjust the quantity of cannabis based on perceived potency, however, not proportional to THC concentration. Inconsistency in the amount of cannabis used based on potency and within different modes of administration may represent a problem for self‐report metrics which ask participants to report cannabis use in joints.
Historical geographies of alternative, and non‐formal education: Learning from the histories of Black education
Authors: Fairless Nicholson Jacob
Published: September 2023

Shining a light on the various non‐formal education spaces that have garnered attention in geographies of education over the past two decades, this review takes stock of how historical spaces of education and learning have become a key focus of this body of work. In so doing, the review signals prominent and emergent themes around which scholarship in this subdiscipline has cohered: most notably, geographies of citizenship and morality in informal education spaces, and the radical pedagogic practices of alternative education spaces. As well as looking back, the review also signals two areas that scholars in the field should consider engaging with more closely: Black education and decolonial education. Analysing literature in history and sociology on the Black education movement in Britain, the paper calls for geographies of education to engage more closely with work published in cognate disciplines and not to overlook the relational nature of decolonial education in global north contexts.
Compensation and carbon assurance: Evidence from the United Kingdom
Authors: Simic Stefan , Luo Le , Datt Rina
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the influence of compensation on companies' decision to undertake carbon assurance. Using a sample of 1326 firm‐year observations from the United Kingdom between 2010 and 2018, this study finds that firms that include corporate sustainability incentive terms in executive compensation packages, firms that have higher director compensation and firms that have been involved in compensation controversies are more likely to undertake voluntary carbon assurance. Additional analyses show that the United Kingdom's mandatory greenhouse gas emissions reporting mandate, industry and gender diversity of the board of directors play significant moderating roles in the relationship between compensation and voluntary carbon assurance. The results of this study will help investors, managers and regulators better understand the factors that influence the growing carbon assurance market.
Effect of loneliness on mental health and cognition: A study on middle‐aged and older adults in India
Authors: Mishra Bijeta , Dhaka Suman
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The article assesses the impact of loneliness and age on the mental health and cognitive functioning of individuals aged 45 and above in the Indian context. The mediating effect of marital status and age on the way loneliness impacts individuals’ cognition and mental health is examined.

Methods

Data were obtained from the pilot wave of Longitudinal Ageing Study in India, and scores of 1578 participants were considered for analysis. Standardised and validated measures were employed to measure loneliness, mental health and cognition of the participants. Multivariate analysis was employed to investigate the impact of loneliness and age on cognition and mental health. Structural equation modelling was used for evaluating the mediating effect of age and marital status.

Results

Loneliness significantly impacted mental health and global cognitive function, whereas age significantly impacted episodic memory and total cognition. Marital status had a significant mediating role on the impact of loneliness on individuals’ mental health and cognitive functioning.

Discussion

Fostering social support among lonely individuals might help mitigate loneliness, enhance their mental health status, and slow down cognitive decline.
Isolated JUP plakoglobin gene mutation with left ventricular fibrosis in familial arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zinkovsky Daniel , Sood Michael R.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a rare inherited disorder usually affecting the right ventricle (RV), characterized by fibro‐fatty tissue replacement of the healthy ventricular myocardium. It often predisposes young patients to ventricular tachycardia, heart failure, and/or sudden cardiac death. However, recent studies have suggested predominantly left ventricle (LV) involvement with variable and/or atypical manifestations. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has emerged as the noninvasive gold standard for the diagnosis of ARVC.

Case Summary

A 21‐year‐old athletic male with a family history of unknown ventricular arrhythmias, presented with near syncope, chest pain, and exertional palpitations. He had an initial work‐up that was grossly unremarkable including an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram and a CMR study. Six months later, he presented again with recurrent symptoms of presyncope during exercise and his ECG demonstrated new findings of a terminal activation delay in his precordial leads. He had markedly elevated cardiac biomarkers, (troponin I > 100 ng/dl, normal value < 0.04 ng/dl) and demonstrated ventricular tachycardia with a right bundle branch morphology. An endomyocardial biopsy did not reveal any pathology. A follow‐up CMR demonstrated the new development and prominent left ventricular epicardial scar in the lateral wall.

The patient underwent familial genetic testing, which confirmed the presence of an isolated junction plakoglobin (JUP) gene mutation and showed multiple genes consistent with ARVC in his mother. Thus, he manifested a partial transmission of only one abnormal gene for ARVC and exhibited a markedly different expression in his disease without evidence of typical right‐sided heart pathology. A third CMR study was performed, which showed partial improvement in myocardial fibrosis after exercise cessation.

Conclusion

We present a case of a young athletic male with a newly diagnosed isolated JUP gene mutation and a genetically diagnosed family history of ARVC. During his course, he demonstrated the progression of new, atypical, left ventricular fibrosis. This case demonstrates a complex interplay between genetic penetrance, phenotypical heterogeneity, and lifestyle factors such as exercise in disease progression and provides insight into the natural course of an isolated JUP mutation. Although rare, clinicians should have a high threshold for the clinical suspicion of ARVC or variants of this disorder even in the absence of classic right‐sided pathologies.
Feasibility and safety of left bundle branch area pacing in patients with septal hypertrophy
Authors: Özpak Emine , Van Heuverswyn Frederic , Timmermans Frank , De Pooter Jan
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) aims to provide physiological ventricular activation during pacing. Left ventricular septal hypertrophy (LVSH) might be challenging for LBBAP due to the thickness of the interventricular septum and potential presence of septal scar. This study assesses the feasibility, safety, and outcome of LBBAP in patients with LVSH using primarily stylet‐driven leads (SDL).

Methods

Adult patients with LVSH who underwent LBBAP between March 2019 and November 2022 were enrolled. Baseline patient characteristics, procedural data and postprocedural results were collected. The feasibility of LBBAP in LVSH patients was compared to a cohort of LBBAP patients with normal septal wall thickness (NST).

Results

Seventeen LVSH and 133 NST patients underwent LBBAP with successful implantation achieved in 15 LVSH patients (88%). Mean implant depth was 17.2 ± 1.9 mm, with 53% proven left bundle branch (LBB) capture. Paced QRS duration (146 ± 14 ms) and V6 R‐wave peak time (V6 RWPT; 79 ± 20 ms) were comparable between patients with and without septal hypertrophy, although patients with NST had higher rates of proven LBB capture (71% vs. 53%). In LVSH pacing thresholds (0.6 ± 0.3 V at 0.4 ms) and R‐wave amplitude (13.9 ± 5.6 mV) were favorable and remained stable at follow‐up. At 12 months, 87% of patients had stable or improved left ventricular ejection fraction.

Conclusion

The results of the study indicate that LBBAP in patients with LVSH is safe and feasible and no lead‐related complications were observed despite a mean implant depth exceeding 15 mm. LBBAP using SDL results in favorable pacing and electrocardiographic characteristics in LVSH patients, comparable to patients with NST.
Option Momentum
Authors: HESTON STEVEN L. , JONES CHRISTOPHER S. , KHORRAM MEHDI , LI SHUAIQI , MO HAITAO
Published: September 2023

This paper investigates the performance of option investments across different stocks by computing monthly returns on at‐the‐money straddles on individual equities. We find that options with high historical returns continue to significantly outperform options with low historical returns over horizons ranging from 6 to 36 months. This phenomenon is robust to including out‐of‐the‐money options or delta‐hedging the returns. Unlike stock momentum, option return continuation is not followed by long‐run reversal. Significant returns remain after factor risk adjustment and after controlling for implied volatility and other characteristics. Across stocks, trading costs are unrelated to the magnitude of momentum profits.
Perceptions of haemodialysis nurses regarding patients' and families' loss and grief
Authors: Marcussen Jette , Madsen Rikke , Bonner Ann , Agerskov Hanne
Published: September 2023

Background

The experience of loss and grief in patients' lives with life‐long treatment in haemodialysis, and in their families' lives is a major cause of mental health problems. In practice, nurses often describe a lack of time and limited knowledge of how to provide nursing care in situations of loss and grief, thus finding out from nurses' perspectives of what competencies they need to provide care would be useful for the development of nursing practice.

Objectives

To develop knowledge in a nursing perspective of competencies to provide care for patients and their families, who experience grief linked to loss due to kidney failure, haemodialysis and/or death.

Design

The study took a phenomenological‐hermeneutical approach. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted 12 nurses caring for patients receiving haemodialysis with no kidney transplantation option and family members. Ricoeur's interpretation theory involving naïve reading, structural analysis and critical interpretation and discussion was used for analysis.

Results

Four themes emerged of nurse's experiences: (1) patient's loss and grief in everyday life, (2) dealing with supportive conversations when caring for patients, (3) families' losses are resulting in grief reactions and (4) importance of close relationships when caring for families.

Conclusions

To nurses, patients on haemodialysis and their families have multiple loss and grief experiences. Nurses' working in kidney care need to develop competencies to support patients and families to cope with grief and loss. Further research is needed to develop these competencies and then to implement in education and practice.
Dynamics of imprinted genes and their epigenetic mechanisms in castor bean seed with persistent endosperm
Authors: Han Bing , Li Yelan , Wu Di , Li De‐Zhu , Liu Aizhong , Xu Wei
Published: September 2023

Genomic imprinting refers to parent‐of‐origin‐dependent gene expression and primarily occurs in the endosperm of flowering plants, but its functions and epigenetic mechanisms remain to be elucidated in eudicots. Castor bean, a eudicot with large and persistent endosperm, provides an excellent system for studying the imprinting.

Here, we identified 131 imprinted genes in developing endosperms and endosperm at seed germination phase of castor bean, involving into the endosperm development, accumulation of storage compounds and specially seed germination.

Our results showed that the transcriptional repression of maternal allele of DNA METHYLTRANSFERASE 1 (MET1) may be required for maternal genome demethylation in the endosperm. DNA methylation analysis showed that only a small fraction of imprinted genes was associated with allele‐specific DNA methylation, and most of them were closely associated with constitutively unmethylated regions (UMRs), suggesting a limited role for DNA methylation in controlling genomic imprinting. Instead, histone modifications can be asymmetrically deposited in maternal and paternal genomes in a DNA methylation‐independent manner to control expression of most imprinted genes.

These results expanded our understanding of the occurrence and biological functions of imprinted genes and showed the evolutionary flexibility of the imprinting machinery and mechanisms in plants.
Spatio‐Temporal Variation in the Bid–Rent Functions of Long‐Term and Short‐Term Rentals: Evidence from South‐East Queensland, Australia
Authors: Sigler T. , Zou Z. , Corcoran J. , Charles‐Edwards E.
Published: September 2023

Platform‐mediated short‐term rentals (STRs) are a relatively new addition to the housing landscape, providing accommodation on a temporal scale that falls between hotel stays and long‐term rentals (LTRs). Given the potential for STR hosts to charge significantly higher nightly rates for the same property than they might through an LTR lease enumerated in months or years, many have asked whether a ‘gap’ exists between the two, and how persistent this may be over space and time. In this paper, we modify and validate classical bid–rent theory to investigate spatial variation in the rent gap between STRs and LTRs over time in two distinct contexts in Queensland, Australia. We conduct statistical analyses on STR data against LTR data from local property records in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, identifying a significant rent gap, particularly close to high‐amenity areas. We find strong evidence of distance decay in the rent gap, with rents converging with increasing distance in most cases, indicating that STRs only ‘outcompete’ LTRs near high‐amenity areas, which in this analysis are the central business districts (Brisbane) and the beach (Sunshine Coast). We also find that the rent gap increases as properties get larger in size, and over time. These findings carry implications for policy aiming to balance the needs of multiple stakeholders and political agendas against planning frameworks prescribing where short‐term accommodation is best situated.
Income inequality and pandemics: insights from HIV/AIDS and COVID-19—a multicountry observational study
Authors: Ataguba John Ele-Ojo , Birungi Charles , Cunial Santiago , Kavanagh Matthew
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Assess the relationship between income inequality and HIV incidence, AIDS mortality and COVID-19 mortality.

Design

Multicountry observational study.

Setting

217 countries for HIV/AIDS analysis, 151 countries for COVID-19 analysis.

Participants

Used three samples of national-level data: a sample of all countries with available data (global sample), a subsample of African countries (African sample) and a subsample excluding African countries (excluding African sample).

Main outcome measures

HIV incidence rate per 1000 people, AIDS mortality rate per 100 000 people and COVID-19 excess mortality rate per 100 000 people. The Gini index of income inequality was the primary explanatory variable.

Results

A positive and significant relationship exists between the Gini index of income inequality and HIV incidence across all three samples (p<0.01), with the effect of income inequality on HIV incidence being higher in the African sample than in the rest of the world. Also, a statistically positive association exists for all samples between income inequality and the AIDS mortality rate, as higher income inequality increases AIDS mortality (p<0.01). For COVID-19 excess mortality rate, a positive and statistically significant relationship exists with the Gini index for the entire sample and the excluding African sample (p<0.05), but the African sample alone did not deliver significant results (p<0.1).

Conclusion

COVID-19 excess deaths, HIV incidence and AIDS mortality are significantly associated with income inequality globally—more unequal countries have a higher HIV incidence, AIDS mortality and COVID-19 excess deaths than their more equal counterparts. Income inequality undercuts effective pandemic response. There is an urgent need for concerted efforts to tackle income inequality and to build pandemic preparedness and responses that are adapted and responsive to highly unequal societies, prioritising income inequality among other social determinants of health.
The Effect on Theatre Nurses for Rendering Perioperative Care to Patients Living with HIV in a South African Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Ngaledzani Rudzani Ifodia , Ndou-Mammbona Avhatakali Allga , Mavhandu-Mudzusi Azwihangwisi Helen
Published: September 2023

Purpose. The study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of how theatre nurses are being affected when they render perioperative care to patients living with HIV in a South African tertiary hospital. Background. There is a scarcity of studies that focus solely on the wellbeing of theatre nurses who render perioperative care to HIV patient due to the ramifications of the nurses’ fear of contracting HIV. Patients living with HIV often receive substandard care. Objectives. To establish how theatre nurses are being impacted when rendering perioperative care to patient living with HIV, the study followed a qualitative approach using an interpretative phenomenological analysis design. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews from ten theatre nurses who were purposively selected according to specific criteria. They voluntarily agreed to participate. An interpretive phenomenological analysis framework was used to analyse the data. Two main themes emerged from the data analysis, namely, the negative effect on nurses’ wellbeing and the impact that it had on them professionally. Results. The study revealed that the perioperative care of patients living with HIV had a negative impact on physical, mental, and social wellbeing of theatre nurses. Their compromised wellbeing in turn led to poor patient care, which put nurses at risk of losing their jobs and even potentially having to face litigation. The study further indicated that nurses did not receive psychological support from the management which further affected their health and professional performance. Conclusion. The study proposes that theatre nurses rendering perioperative care to people living with HIV should receive proper training and support; staff shortages should also be addressed. There is also an urgent need for appropriate and sufficient protective equipment. Such changes will be essential in order to mitigate the negative impact that their jobs have on their wellbeing and on them in their professional capacity.
Comparing Efficacies of Biopsy and Rapid Urease Testing for H. Pylori at a Single Institution
Authors: Hill Kathleen , Ohning Aiden V. , Mallory Jonathan P. , Self Stella , Schammel Christine M. G. , Meredith Jenny , Reddic John , Kent Patrick , Knight Jenny B.
Published: September 2023

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

infects
>
50
%

of the world’s population, leading to gastric cancer if left untreated. An estimated 26,000 gastric cancer cases will occur in the US in 2023, with 40% of cases becoming the primary cause of death. Invasive and noninvasive techniques are used to diagnose H. pylori infection; however, controversy exists regarding the “gold standard” for diagnosis. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of H. pylori invasive detection methods: stained biopsy and rapid urease test (RUT) at a single institution. For the study, 200 patients (100 H. pylori + and 100 H. pylori -) from a single institution that underwent gastric biopsies were selected and retrospectively evaluated for H. pylori status. Demographics and clinicopathologic data were collected, including diagnostic tests performed, treatment, and outcomes. Histology and RUT were highly positively and negatively correlative; however, disparate results occurred in 7% of samples which was significant (

p
<
0.001

). Of those that were H. pylori positive, 60% had a posttreatment test completed. Gastric cancer developed in 3 patients (1.5%), all of whom were H. pylori positive. Histology and RUT testing yield similar results; therefore, there is no efficacious reason to run both tests on patients. Since histology has greater sensitivity (>95%) and the ability to identify other gastropathies, it should be considered the “gold standard,” for the identification of H. pylori.