bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cutting off the King’s Head: Rethinking Authority in International Law
Authors: Zarbiyev Fuad
Published: July 2023

The renewed attention to the concept of authority in the literature of international law and international relations has allowed to gain a better understanding of the phenomenon of authority in international affairs. But even recent works remain focused on ‘authority figures’ in the form of persons, offices and institutions. Building on an approach proposed by Kim Scheppele and Karol Soltan, this article frames authority as a matter of attractiveness in a choice situation, showing a way to go beyond the dominant actor-focused conception of authority. What it proposes, in particular, is to revisit the existing understanding of authority by shifting the focus from authority figures to authoritative resources. The practice of authority assertions and authority contestations in international law shows that rather than being ‘agent-centered’, claims and challenges to authority primarily turn around attributes that pass for ‘authoritative resources’ in the relevant contexts.
Digital inequality in disconnection practices: voluntary nonuse during COVID-19
Authors: Nguyen Minh Hao , Hargittai Eszter
Published: July 2023

The pervasiveness of digital media renders people constantly connected. Digital inequality theory tends to focus on how socio-digital factors link to technology access, skills, uses, and opportunities derived from such use. It is not clear, however, whether this theoretical lens applies to a time of heightened connection when privilege may also explain intended disconnection. Drawing on data from 1,551 U.S. adults surveyed during the pandemic, we find that younger age, higher education, frequent Internet use, less dependable access, and better skills are related to partaking in voluntary nonuse (e.g., having technology-free moments, switching off the Internet). As digital disconnection emerges from a place of socio-digital privilege as well as disadvantage, in a society of technology abundance, new inequalities arise around who has the freedom to use it in moderation rather than use it at all. Our study extends theoretical notions from digital inequality to the realm of voluntary digital nonuse.
Popliteal endarterectomy at the leg level with venous enlargement patch: about 14 cases
Authors: Channane Hamid , Shaporov A , Sandica A , Atay S , Snopok I , Frunza T , Viebahn R
Published: July 2023

The incidence of lesions of the popliteal artery below the knee constitutes one of the greatest problems in revascularization of the lower limb. Firstly, this segment constitutes the departure of the leg tripod, decisive crossroads for a subsequent endovascular intervention. On the other hand, it constitutes a fairly used relay point in the event of an indication for a pedal bypass. It is assumed that the performance of a popliteal endarterectomy with an enlargement by medial approach in patients with a localized lesion at this level constitutes an effective therapeutic approach and can facilitate any gesture of crural bypass or endovascular dilation later. We present a retrospective review of all patients who underwent popliteal endarterectomy with venous patch plasty for localized popliteal disease in our institution over the past 3 years.
Transcriptome-wide association study coupled with eQTL analysis reveals the genetic connection between gene expression and flowering time in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chien Pei-Shan , Chen Pin-Hua , Lee Cheng-Ruei , Chiou Tzyy-Jen
Published: July 2023

Genome-wide association study (GWAS) has improved our understanding of complex traits, but challenges exist in distinguishing causation versus association caused by linkage disequilibrium. Instead, transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) detect direct associations between expression levels and phenotypic variations, providing an opportunity to better prioritize candidate genes. To assess the feasibility of TWAS, we investigated the association between transcriptomes, genomes, and various traits in Arabidopsis, including flowering time. The associated genes formerly known to regulate growth allometry or metabolite production were first identified by TWAS. Next, for flowering time, six TWAS-newly identified genes were functionally validated. Analysis of the expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) further revealed a trans-regulatory hotspot affecting the expression of several TWAS-identified genes. The hotspot covers the FRIGIDA (FRI) gene body, which possesses multiple haplotypes differentially affecting the expression of downstream genes, such as FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) and SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CO 1 (SOC1). We also revealed multiple independent paths towards the loss of function of FRI in natural accessions. Altogether, this study demonstrates the potential of combining TWAS with eQTL analysis to identify important regulatory modules of FRI-FLC-SOC1 for quantitative traits in natural populations.
On the minimum spin period of accreting pulsars
Authors: Çıkıntoğlu Sercan , Ekşi K Yavuz
Published: July 2023

The distribution of the spin frequencies of neutron stars in low-mass X-ray binaries exhibits a cut-off at 730 Hz, below the break-up frequency (mass-shedding limit) of neutron stars. The absence of submillisecond pulsars presents a problem, given that these systems are older than the spin-up time-scale. We examine models of the disc–magnetosphere interaction near torque equilibrium balanced by the torque due to gravitational wave emission. We note that field lines penetrating the disc beyond the inner radius reduce the maximum rotation frequency of the star, a result well known since the seminal work of Ghosh & Lamb. We show that the polar cap area corresponds to about half the neutron star surface area at the cut-off frequency if the inner radius is slightly smaller than the corotation radius. We then include the change in the moment of inertia of the star due to the accretion of mass and find that this effect further reduces the maximum rotation frequency of the star. Finally, we include the torque due to gravitational wave emission and calculate its contribution to the torque equilibrium. Our results suggest that all three processes are significant at the cut-off frequency, and that all of them must be considered in addressing the absence of submillisecond pulsars.
Dynamical effects of magnetic opacity in neutron star accretion columns
Authors: Sheng Xin , Zhang Lizhong , Blaes Omer , Jiang Yan-Fei
Published: July 2023

We present relativistic radiation magnetohydrodynamic simulations of supercritical neutron star accretion columns in Cartesian geometry, including temperature-dependent polarization-averaged Rosseland mean opacities accounting for classical electron scattering in a magnetic field. Just as in our previous pure Thomson scattering simulations, vertical oscillations of the accretion shock and horizontally propagating entropy waves (photon bubbles) are present in all our simulations. However, at high magnetic fields ≳1012 G, the magnetic opacities produce significant differences in the overall structure and dynamics of the column. At fixed accretion rate, increasing the magnetic field strength results in a shorter accretion column, despite the fact that the overall opacity within the column is larger. Moreover, the vertical oscillation amplitude of the column is reduced. Increasing the accretion rate at high magnetic fields restores the height of the column. However, a new, slower instability takes place at these field strengths because they are in a regime where the opacity increases with temperature. This instability causes both the average height of the column and the oscillation amplitude to substantially increase on a time-scale of ∼10 ms. We provide physical explanations for these results, and discuss their implications for the observed properties of these columns, including mixed fan-beam/pencil-beam emission patterns caused by the oscillations.
Time-varying Na iD absorption in ILRTs as a probe of circumstellar material
Authors: Byrne R A , Fraser M , Cai Y-Z , Reguitti A , Valerin G
Published: July 2023

Intermediate-luminosity red transients (ILRTs) are a class of observed transient posited to arise from the production of an electron-capture supernova from a super-asymptotic giant branch star within a dusty cocoon. In this paper, we present a systematic analysis of narrow Na i D absorption as a means of probing the circumstellar environment of these events. We find a wide diversity of evolution in ILRTs in terms of line strength, time-scale, and shape. We present a simple toy model designed to predict this evolution as arising from ejecta from a central supernova passing through a circumstellar environment wherein Na ii is recombining to Na i over time. We find that while our toy model can qualitatively explain the evolution of a number of ILRTs, the majority of our sample undergoes evolution more complex than predicted. The success of using the Na i D doublet as a diagnostic tool for studying circumstellar material will rely on the availability of regular high-resolution spectral observations of multiple ILRTs, and more detailed spectral modelling will be required to produce models capable of explaining the diverse range of behaviours exhibited by ILRTs. In addition, the strength of the Na i D absorption feature has been used as a means of estimating the extinction of sources, and we suggest that the variability visible in ILRTs would prevent such methods from being used for this class of transient, and any others showing evidence of variability.
Multiple Origins and Genomic Basis of Complex Traits in Sighthounds
Authors: Li Wu-Lue , Liu Yan-Hu , Li Jin-Xiu , Ding Meng-Ting , Adeola Adeniyi C , Isakova Jainagul , Aldashev Almaz A , Peng Min-Sheng , Huang Xuezhen , Xie Guoli , Chen Xi , Yang Wei-Kang , Zhou Wei-Wei , Ghanatsaman Zeinab Amiri , Olaogun Sunday C , Sanke Oscar J , Dawuda Philip M , Hytönen Marjo K , Lohi Hannes , Esmailizadeh Ali , Poyarkov Andrey D , Savolainen Peter , Wang Guo-Dong , Zhang Ya-Ping
Published: July 2023

Sighthounds, a distinctive group of hounds comprising numerous breeds, have their origins rooted in ancient artificial selection of dogs. In this study, we performed genome sequencing for 123 sighthounds, including one breed from Africa, six breeds from Europe, two breeds from Russia, and four breeds and 12 village dogs from the Middle East. We gathered public genome data of five sighthounds and 98 other dogs as well as 31 gray wolves to pinpoint the origin and genes influencing the morphology of the sighthound genome. Population genomic analysis suggested that sighthounds originated from native dogs independently and were comprehensively admixed among breeds, supporting the multiple origins hypothesis of sighthounds. An additional 67 published ancient wolf genomes were added for gene flow detection. Results showed dramatic admixture of ancient wolves in African sighthounds, even more than with modern wolves. Whole-genome scan analysis identified 17 positively selected genes (PSGs) in the African population, 27 PSGs in the European population, and 54 PSGs in the Middle Eastern population. None of the PSGs overlapped in the three populations. Pooled PSGs of the three populations were significantly enriched in “regulation of release of sequestered calcium ion into cytosol” (gene ontology: 0051279), which is related to blood circulation and heart contraction. In addition, ESR1, JAK2, ADRB1, PRKCE, and CAMK2D were under positive selection in all three selected groups. This suggests that different PSGs in the same pathway contributed to the similar phenotype of sighthounds. We identified an ESR1 mutation (chr1: g.42,177,149 T > C) in the transcription factor (TF) binding site of Stat5a and a JAK2 mutation (chr1: g.93,277,007 T > A) in the TF binding site of Sox5. Functional experiments confirmed that the ESR1 and JAK2 mutation reduced their expression. Our results provide new insights into the domestication history and genomic basis of sighthounds.
Change in volumetric tumor growth rate after cytotoxic therapy is predictive of overall survival in recurrent glioblastoma
Authors: Oshima Sonoko , Hagiwara Akifumi , Raymond Catalina , Wang Chencai , Cho Nicholas S , Lu Jianwen , Eldred Blaine S C , Nghiemphu Phioanh L , Lai Albert , Telesca Donatello , Salamon Noriko , Cloughesy Timothy F , Ellingson Benjamin M
Published: July 2023

Background

Alterations in tumor growth rate (TGR) in recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM) after treatment may be useful for identifying therapeutic activity. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of volumetric TGR alterations on overall survival (OS) in rGBM treated with chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy (RT).

Methods

Sixty-one rGBM patients treated with chemotherapy with or without concomitant radiation therapy (RT) at 1st or 2nd recurrence were retrospectively examined. Pre- and post-treatment contrast enhancing volumes were computed. Patients were considered “responders” if they reached progression-free survival at 6 months (PFS6) and showed a decrease in TGR after treatment and “non-responders” if they didn’t reach PFS6 or if TGR increased.

Results

Stratification by PFS6 and based on TGR resulted in significant differences in OS both for all patients and for patients without RT (P < 0.05). A decrease of TGR (P = 0.009), smaller baseline tumor volume (P = 0.02), O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase promoter methylation (P = 0.048) and fewer number of recurrences (P = 0.048) were significantly associated with longer OS after controlling for age, sex and concomitant RT.

Conclusion

A decrease in TGR in patients with PFS6, along with smaller baseline tumor volume, were associated with a significantly longer OS in rGBM treated with chemotherapy with or without radiation. Importantly, all patients that exhibited PFS6 also showed a measurable decrease in TGR.
Correlates of eating behaviors in adolescence: a systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Vidal Raquel , Rivera-Navarro Jesús , Gravina Leyre , Díez Julia , Franco Manuel
Published: July 2023

Context

Nutrition plays a critical role in adolescence. Adolescents are vulnerable to the impact of different factors that distance them from healthy habits, increasing their risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. Qualitative methodologies allow for a better understanding of these factors.

Objective

This systematic review aims to consolidate qualitative research evidence from the past 10 years to analyze the facilitators and barriers influencing adolescents’ eating behaviors.

Data Sources

Databases searched for relevant studies were Scopus, Medline/PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science.

Data Extraction

A total of 4176 records were identified. The authors used the GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research) quality-assessment tool.

Results

Fifty articles with qualitative or mixed methodologies were finally included. The most applied techniques were focus groups and semi-structured interviews. The factors influencing adolescents’ diets were classified into 4 dimensions: individual, social, community, and macrosystem factors. The most influential were the following—(1) at the individual level: gender (facilitator or barrier), taste and appearance of food (barrier), and lack of time (barrier); (2) at the social level: parents’ and caregivers’ influence (facilitator or barrier), peer group influence (barrier), and socioeconomic position (barrier); (3) at the community level: school food environment (facilitator or barrier), neighborhood food environment (barrier), household food environment (facilitator or barrier), food insecurity (barrier), and availability and affordability of ultra-processed foods (barrier); and (4) at the macrosystem level: digital tools (facilitator or barrier).

Conclusions

This systematic review identified several facilitators and barriers influencing eating behaviors among adolescents. Qualitative research provides a rich source of knowledge to inform interventions aimed at improving adolescents' diets. Qualitative research is very useful for collecting researches that help to implement intervention programs that improve adolescent nutrition.
Implications of Contact Days in the Treatment of Relapsed Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Bojanini Leyla , Gupta Neel , Khaki Ali Raza
Published: July 2023

This commentary remarks on a recently published study assessing clinic contact days for patients enrolled in the Canadian Cancer Trials Group LY.12 clinical trial.
Detached and continuous circumstellar matter in Type Ibc supernovae from mass eruption
Authors: Tsuna Daichi , Takei Yuki
Published: July 2023

Some hydrogen-poor supernovae (SNe) are found to undergo interaction with dense circumstellar matter (CSM) that may originate from mass eruption(s) just prior to core-collapse. We model the interaction between the remaining star and the bound part of the erupted CSM that eventually falls back to the star. We find that while fallback initially results in a continuous CSM down to the star, feedback processes from the star can push the CSM to large radii of ≳1015 cm for several years after the eruption. In the latter case, a tenuous bubble surrounded by a dense and detached CSM extending to ≳1016 cm is expected. Our model offers a natural unifying explanation for the diverse CSM structures seen in hydrogen-poor SNe, such as Type Ibn/Icn SNe that show CSM signatures soon after explosion, and the recently discovered Type Ic SNe 2021ocs and 2022xxf (the “Bactrian”) with CSM signatures seen only at late times.
Physcomitrium patensSUN2 Mediates MTOC Association with the Nuclear Envelope and Facilitates Chromosome Alignment during Spindle Assembly
Authors: Yoshida Mari W , Oguri Noiri , Goshima Gohta
Published: July 2023

Plant cells lack centrosomes and instead utilize acentrosomal microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) to rapidly increase the number of microtubules at the onset of spindle assembly. Although several proteins required for MTOC formation have been identified, how the MTOC is positioned at the right place is not known. Here, we show that the inner nuclear membrane protein SUN2 is required for MTOC association with the nuclear envelope (NE) during mitotic prophase in the moss Physcomitrium patens. In actively dividing protonemal cells, microtubules accumulate around the NE during prophase. In particular, regional MTOC is formed at the apical surface of the nucleus. However, microtubule accumulation around the NE was impaired and apical MTOCs were mislocalized in sun2 knockout cells. Upon NE breakdown, the mitotic spindle was assembled with mislocalized MTOCs. However, completion of chromosome alignment in the spindle was delayed; in severe cases, the chromosome was transiently detached from the spindle body. SUN2 tended to localize to the apical surface of the nucleus during prophase in a microtubule-dependent manner. Based on these results, we propose that SUN2 facilitates the attachment of microtubules to chromosomes during spindle assembly by localizing microtubules to the NE. MTOC mispositioning was also observed during the first division of the gametophore tissue. Thus, this study suggests that microtubule–nucleus linking, a well-known function of SUN in animals and yeast, is conserved in plants.
Extremely low daylight sea-crossing flights of a nocturnal migrant
Authors: Norevik Gabriel , Åkesson Susanne , Hedenström Anders
Published: July 2023

Understanding the trade-off between energy expenditure of carrying large fuel loads and the risk of fuel depletion is imperative to understand the evolution of flight strategies during long-distance animal migration. Global flyways regularly involve sea crossings that may impose flight prolongations on migrating land-birds and thereby reduce their energy reserves and survival prospects. We studied route choice, flight behavior, and fuel store dynamics of nocturnally migrating European nightjars (Caprimulgus europaeus) crossing water barriers. We show that barrier size and groundspeed of the birds influence the prospects of extended daylight flights, but also that waters possible to cross within a night regularly result in diurnal flight events. The nightjars systematically responded to daylight flights by descending to about a wingspan's altitude above the sea surface while switching to an energy-efficient flap-glide flight style. By operating within the surface–air boundary layer, the nightjars could fly in ground effect, exploit local updraft and pressure variations, and thereby substantially reduce flight costs as indicated by their increased proportion of cheap glides. We propose that surface-skimming flights, as illustrated in the nightjar, provide an energy-efficient transport mode and that this novel finding asks for a reconsideration of our understanding of flight strategies when land-birds migrate across seas.
Barriers and challenges to police and Crown Prosecution Service joint working on rape and serious sexual offence cases: A police perspective
Authors: Gekoski Anna , Davies Kari , Allen Katherine
Published: July 2023

There is scant academic research on the challenges encountered by the police when working with the Crown Prosecution Service on rape and serious sexual offence cases; yet this relationship plays a crucial part in improving appropriate case outcomes. This qualitative study aims to further knowledge in this area, using interview data from 50 police officers from four forces across England and Wales, analysed using thematic analysis. Four main challenges with police/CPS working were found: (i) poor communication and relationships, exacerbated by a reliance on electronic systems; (ii) not obtaining early advice; (iii) the CPS driving victim-focused investigations; and (iv) issues with DG6 and disclosure. However, areas of good practice were also found, including: early advice clinics; enhanced early advice; joint police/CPS training/meetings; case progression trackers; and discussions regarding reasonable lines of inquiry.
New-onset atrial fibrillation in seropositive rheumatoid arthritis: association with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs treatment
Authors: Kim Hyung Woo , Han Minkyung , Jung Inkyung , Ahn Sung Soo
Published: July 2023

Objective

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a potentially lethal complication that leads to increased hospitalization, disability and mortality. Furthermore, the risk of cardiovascular disease is increased in RA. We evaluated whether DMARD treatment is associated with incident AF in patients with seropositive RA (SPRA).

Methods

The South Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database was used to identify patients newly diagnosed with SPRA between 2010 and 2020. A nested case-control analysis was performed to match AF-affected patients to unaffected controls for age, sex, follow-up duration, and index year of SPRA diagnosis at a 1:4 ratio. Adjusted conditional logistic regression was used to identify the predictive factors for AF.

Results

Of the 108 085 patients with SPRA, 2,629 (2.4%) developed new-onset AF, and the proportion of females was ∼67%. In the matched population, pre-existing comorbidities of hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure were associated with increased risk of AF. Meanwhile, the use of methotrexate (MTX) decreased the risk of incident AF [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 0.89], whereas the use of leflunomide (LEF) increased AF (aOR, 1.21). In a subgroup of patients aged ≥50 years, LEF and adalimumab increased the occurrence of AF, while MTX decreased AF in males and LEF increased this risk in females.

Conclusion

Although the number of subjects developing new-onset AF was small, MTX decreased and LEF increased incident AF in patients with RA. Especially, a distinct pattern of AF risk with DMARDs usage was observed according to age and sex.
Healthy sleep practices for shift workers: consensus sleep hygiene guidelines using a Delphi methodology
Authors: Shriane Alexandra E , Rigney Gabrielle , Ferguson Sally A , Bin Yu Sun , Vincent Grace E
Published: July 2023

Study Objectives

The unique requirements of shift work, such as sleeping and working at variable times, mean that current sleep hygiene guidelines may be inappropriate for shift workers. Current guidelines may also contradict fatigue management advice (e.g. advising against daytime napping). The present study utilized a Delphi methodology to determine expert opinion regarding the applicability of current guidelines for shift workers, the appropriateness of the term “sleep hygiene,” and develop tailored guidelines for shift workers.

Methods

The research team reviewed current guidelines and existing evidence to draft tailored guidelines. Seventeen individual guidelines, covering sleep scheduling, napping, sleep environment, bedtime routine, substances, light exposure, diet, and exercise were drafted. Experts from sleep, shift work, and occupational health fields (n = 155) were invited to review the draft guidelines using a Delphi methodology. In each round, experts voted on individual guidelines, with 70% agreement considered consensus. Where consensus was not reached, written feedback from experts was discussed and incorporated into subsequent iterations.

Results

Of the experts invited, 68 (44%) agreed to participate, with 55 (35%) completing the third (final) round. Most experts (84%) agreed that tailored guidelines were required for shift workers. Consensus was reached on all guidelines after three rounds. One additional guideline (sleep inertia) and an introductory statement were developed, resulting in a final set of 18 individual guidelines, termed “healthy sleep practices for shift workers.”

Conclusions

This is the first study to develop tailored sleep hygiene guidelines for shift workers. Future research should investigate the acceptability and effectiveness of these guidelines amongst shift workers.
Armed Citizens on the Border: How Guns Fuel Anti-Immigration Politics in America
Authors: Elcioglu Emine Fidan
Published: July 2023

To make a nation on stolen land using enslaved labor, the early American state relied on gun and immigration policy to create a well-armed white settler population. This legacy continues to animate modern conservativism, which is staked on supporting gun-friendly and anti-immigrant policies. Despite this history and ongoing political reality, however, the sociology of migration has largely ignored the relationship between firearms and immigration politics. To explore this relationship, the current study draws on 20 months of ethnographic data from the U.S.-Mexico border. I show how contemporary American gun culture bolsters anti-immigrant organizations through two mechanisms. First, gun shows and shooting ranges are important sites of recruitment among anti-immigrant groups. Second, the thrill of handling firearms mitigates the monotony of everyday anti-immigrant activism, while also easing the disenchantment that participants may otherwise feel about the effectiveness of their actions in bringing about long-term change. The article concludes by urging scholars of American politics to be mindful of the legacies of settler-colonialism and to take seriously the reinforcing effects of guns on nativist politics.
Emotional Distress in a Marginalized Population as a Function of Household-Level Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Lushin Victor , Rivera Rebecca , Chandler Marquis , Rees Jo , Rzewinski Justyna
Published: July 2023

Low-income, underrepresented communities of color are disproportionally affected by emotional distress. Little is known about malleable, household-level determinants of emotional distress, addressable by feasible, stigma-neutral interventions. The present study addressed this knowledge gap by analyzing secondary data from a cross-sectional community needs assessment survey in a marginalized urban community (N = 677). Relying on dominance analyses, authors found that, on average, the largest household-level contributions to respondents’ emotional distress included exposures to fellow household members’ alcohol use and anger-driven behaviors. Both determinants are arguably feasible to address via household-level interventions and community-level preventive efforts. Household members’ physical and serious mental illness and drug use were moderately associated with respondents’ emotional distress; household cohesion and communications, residential overcrowding, and child behavior played a minimal role. Article concludes with a discussion of public health implications of the results.
The synthetic dye malachite green found in food induces cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in four different mammalian cell lines from distinct tissuesw
Authors: de Almada Vilhena Andryo O , Lima Karina M M , de Azevedo Luana F C , Rissino Jorge D , de Souza Augusto C P , Nagamachi Cleusa Y , Pieczarka Julio C
Published: July 2023

Malachite green (MG) is a synthetic dye that uses ranges from its application as a tissue dye to that as an antiparasitic in aquaculture. Several studies have reported the presence of this compound in food dyes and in the meat of fish raised in captivity for human consumption, suggesting risks both for the end user and for as those who handle these products because of MG toxic properties described in the literature. Here we evaluated the cytotoxic and genotoxic profiles of MG in four different cell lines (ACP02, L929, MNP01, and MRC-5). Two of these cell lines are stomach cells (normal and cancer lineages) and the potential ingestion of MG makes this a relevant cell type. Cells were treated with MG at concentrations ranging from 0.1 μM to 100 μM, and tested by MTT assay, a differential apoptosis/necrosis assay (EB/OA), the micronucleus test (MN), and the comet assay. MG exhibits dose-dependent cytotoxicity toward all of the tested cell types; higher concentrations of MG cause cell necrosis, while lower concentrations induce apoptosis. MG has a genotoxic profile increasing the rates of micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges, nuclear buds, and DNA fragmentation; L929 and MRC-5 showed more sensibility than ACP02 and MNP01. HighlightsMalachite green (MG) exhibits a dose-dependent toxic pattern in vitro.High concentrations of MG cause apoptosis and necrosis in vitro.MG has genotoxic potential, inducing DNA breaks/fragmentation.MG must be handled with extreme prudence.
Germination and Invasion of Paraphoma radicina on Roots of a Susceptible and a Resistant Alfalfa Cultivar (Medicago sativa)
Authors: Dang Shu Zhong , Zhang Hai Juan , Li Yan Zhong
Published: July 2023

Alfalfa Paraphoma root rot (APRR) ( Paraphoma radicina) is a recently described alfalfa disease widely distributed in China, first reported in 2020. So far, the resistance levels of 30 alfalfa cultivars to APRR have been characterized; however, the resistance mechanisms among these cultivars remain unknown. In the present study, the alfalfa resistance mechanisms against APRR were investigated by studying the difference of P. radicina infecting susceptible (Gibraltar) and resistant (Magnum II) alfalfa cultivars under the light microscope and scanning electronic microscope. The conidial germination and germ tube growth in the root exudates of different resistant cultivars were also compared. The results revealed that conidial germination, germ tube development, and P. radicina penetration into root tissues of resistant plants were delayed. In susceptible and resistant cultivars, P. radicina infected roots by penetrating epidermal cells and the intercellular space between epidermal cells. During the infection process, germ tubes penetrated the root surface directly or formed appressoria. However, the penetration percentage on the susceptible cultivar was significantly higher than on the resistant cultivar, irrespective of the infection route. Moreover, disintegrated conidia and germ tubes were observed on resistant cultivar roots at 48 h postinoculation. The conidial germination and germ tube growth in root exudates of susceptible cultivars were significantly higher than in resistant cultivars. The current findings implied that the alfalfa resistance mechanism might be related to root exudates. These findings could provide insights into the alfalfa resistance mechanism following P. radicina infection.
Why Are There So Few Women Medical School Deans? Debunking the Myth That Shorter Tenures Drive Disparities
Authors: Gottlieb Amy S. , Roy Brita , Herrin Jeph , Holaday Louisa W. , Weiss Jasmine , Salazar Michelle C. , Okoli Ngozi , Nagarkatti Nupur , Otridge Jeremy , Pomeroy Claire
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Gender disparities among the senior echelons of academic medicine are striking and persistent. The role of medical school dean has been particularly immune to gender diversity, and limited prior research identified women’s shorter decanal tenures as a potential driver. The authors assessed gender differences in tenure length of deanships in the current era to elucidate this finding.

Method

From October 2020 to June 2021, the authors collected information about medical school deanships that were held from January 1, 2006, to June 30, 2020. All schools were members of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The authors collected data from online public records and augmented their findings via direct outreach to medical schools. They used time-to-event analyses before and after adjustment for interim vs permanent status of the initial appointment, school ownership (public/private), and school size to assess for gender differences in length of deanship tenure during the study period. The unit of analysis was deanships, and the primary outcome was length of deanships measured in years.

Results

Authors included data on 528 deanships. Women held 91 (17%) of these terms. Men held the majority of permanent deanships (n = 352 [85%]). A greater percentage of the deanships held by women were interim only (n = 27 [30%]) compared with men (n = 85 [20%]). In unadjusted and adjusted analyses, there were no significant gender differences in length of deanship tenures.

Conclusions

Analysis of appointments of AAMC-member medical school deans from 2006 to 2020 revealed that women have remained in their deanships as long as their male counterparts. The myth about women deans’ shorter longevity should no longer be promulgated. Academic medicine should consider novel solutions to addressing women’s persistent underrepresentation in the dean role, including employing the gender proportionality principle used in the business and legal communities.
Imaging cardiac hypertrophy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and its differential diagnosis
Authors: Rashdan Lana , Hodovan James , Masri Ahmad
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review

The aim of this study was to review imaging of myocardial hypertrophy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and its phenocopies. The introduction of cardiac myosin inhibitors in HCM has emphasized the need for careful evaluation of the underlying cause of myocardial hypertrophy.

Recent findings

Advances in imaging of myocardial hypertrophy have focused on improving precision, diagnosis, and predicting prognosis. From improved assessment of myocardial mass and function, to assessing myocardial fibrosis without the use of gadolinium, imaging continues to be the primary tool in understanding myocardial hypertrophy and its downstream effects. Advances in differentiating athlete's heart from HCM are noted, and the increasing rate of diagnosis in cardiac amyloidosis using noninvasive approaches is especially highlighted due to the implications on treatment approach. Finally, recent data on Fabry disease are shared as well as differentiating other phenocopies from HCM.

Imaging hypertrophy in HCM and ruling out other phenocopies is central to the care of patients with HCM. This space will continue to rapidly evolve, as disease-modifying therapies are under investigation and being advanced to the clinic.
Histone Variants and Their Chaperones in Hematological Malignancies
Authors: Kirkiz Ecem , Meers Oliver , Grebien Florian , Buschbeck Marcus
Published: July 2023

Epigenetic regulation occurs on the level of compacting DNA into chromatin. The functional unit of chromatin is the nucleosome, which consists of DNA wrapped around a core of histone proteins. While canonical histone proteins are incorporated into chromatin through a replication-coupled process, structural variants of histones, commonly named histone variants, are deposited into chromatin in a replication-independent manner. Specific chaperones and chromatin remodelers mediate the locus-specific deposition of histone variants. Although histone variants comprise one of the least understood layers of epigenetic regulation, it has been proposed that they play an essential role in directly regulating gene expression in health and disease. Here, we review the emerging evidence suggesting that histone variants have a role at different stages of hematopoiesis, with a particular focus on the histone variants H2A, H3, and H1. Moreover, we discuss the current knowledge on how the dysregulation of histone variants can contribute to hematopoietic malignancies.
Comparison of Short-Term Infectious Rates Related to Implantable Venous Port Placement With and Without Prophylactic Antibiotic Administration
Authors: Frimpong Richard G. , Takahashi Edwin A. , Thant Minn T.
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study is to determine the rate of short-term central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) related to port placement in patients who received prophylactic intravenous antibiotics compared with those who did not receive prophylactic antibiotics. A retrospective review of 545 consecutive patients who underwent implantable port placement at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, from May 2020 to June 2021 was conducted. A total of 270 patients underwent port placement with prophylactic antibiotics administration. A total of 275 patients underwent port placement without the administration of antibiotics. The rate of short-term or 30-day CLABSI in both groups was reviewed. Indications for port placement included vascular access for chemotherapy and need for long-term vascular access for intravenous hydration, intravenous immunoglobulin infusion, electroconvulsive therapy, and photophoresis. Short-term infections occurred in a total of 3 of 545 patients (0.55%). Rate of short-term infection in patients who had port placement without prophylactic antibiotics was 2 of 275 (0.72%). Rate of short-term infection in patients who underwent port placement with prophylactic antibiotics was 1 of 270 (0.37). All 3 patients presented with bacteremia and were treated with port explantation and intravenous antibiotics. Overall, 30-day CLABSI in 545 patients who underwent port placement was 0.55%. There was no significant difference in the rate of short-term infections in the group who received prophylactic antibiotics (0.37%) compared with patients who did not receive any preprocedural antibiotics (0.72%).
Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome Associated With a New Diagnosis of HIV
Authors: Molin Andrea , Tsang Daniel , Hirsch Brooke , Weber Devin
Published: July 2023

Opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by rapid saccadic eye movements, focal myoclonus, and gait disturbances. Both neoplastic and infectious processes have been found to be associated with OMS. In this report, we present a case of OMS in the setting of a new diagnosis of HIV. After diagnosis, the patient was initiated on antiretroviral therapy in addition to clonazepam with some improvement in her neurological symptoms. It was not until she was started on prednisone as an outpatient that her symptoms completely resolved and she returned to her functional baseline.
Oral administration of 4′-demethyl nobiletin inhibits dry skin-induced mechanical alloknesis
Authors: Toyama Sumika , Tominaga Mitsutoshi , Komiya Eriko , Kusano Shuichi , Kaneko Takahide , Takamori Kenji
Published: July 2023

Mechanical alloknesis develops with dry skin and reduces the quality of life of people afflicted. Nobiletin (NOB) is a major citrus flavonoid with various health benefits. We investigated whether oral administration of NOB or 4’-demethyl NOB inhibits dry skin-induced alloknesis in a mouse model. As a result, both treatments were effective to inhibit mechanical alloknesis. These compounds may be promising candidates to lead to the development of therapeutic agents for mechanical alloknesis.
The indications and results of the use of teduglutide in patients with short bowel
Authors: El Khatib Myriam , Billiauws Lore , Joly Francisca
Published: July 2023

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a rare condition defined as a reduced residual functional small intestinal length to less than 200 cm often resulting from extensive intestinal resection, and can lead to chronic intestinal failure (CIF). Patients with SBS-CIF are unable to absorb sufficient nutrients or fluids to maintain metabolic homeostasis through oral or enteral intake and require long-term parenteral nutrition and/or fluids and electrolytes. However, complications may arise from both SBS-IF and life-sustaining intravenous support, such as intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD), chronic renal failure, metabolic bone disease and catheter-related complications. An interdisciplinary approach is required to optimize intestinal adaptation and decrease complications. In the last two decades, glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) analogs have sparked pharmacological interest as a potential disease-modifying therapy for SBS-IF. Teduglutide (TED) is the first developed and marketed GLP-2 analog for SBS-IF. It is approved in the United States, Europe, and Japan for use in adults and children with SBS-IF who are intravenous supplementation dependent. This article discusses the indications, candidacy criteria and results of the use of TED in patients with SBS.
The importance of fat-free mass and constituent tissue-organs in the control of human appetite
Authors: Hopkins Mark , Blundell John E.
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review

Traditional models of human appetite focus on the contribution of adipose tissue and the gastrointestinal tract, both of which exert mainly inhibitory influences. The purpose of this review is to consider the biological factors that influence the drive to eat.

Recent findings

Fat-free mass is positively associated with objectively measured meal size and daily energy intake. These findings have been replicated in multiple populations across the life-course in laboratory and free-living studies. Studies have shown that the effect of fat-free mass is statistically mediated by resting metabolic rate, suggesting that energy expenditure per se may influence energy intake. A recent MRI study has reported that fasting hunger was associated with high metabolic rate organ (heart, liver, brain, kidneys) and skeletal muscle mass. Integrating measures of body composition at the tissue-organ level and markers of their metabolic function with appetitive measures could provide novel insight into the mechanisms that influence appetite.

These recent findings suggest that fat-free mass and resting metabolic rate are determinants of energy intake. Consideration of fat-free mass and energy expenditure as physiological sources of appetitive signals helps reconcile the mechanisms underpinning the inhibition of eating with those that drive eating.
Iron regulation and absorption in athletes: contemporary thinking and recommendations
Authors: Peeling Peter , McKay Alannah
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review

This review examines recent developments in our understanding of iron regulation/absorption around exercise, with specific attention paid towards the female athlete.

Recent findings

Building on the well accepted knowledge that hepcidin concentrations increase in the 3–6 h period following an acute bout of exercise, recent studies have shown that this links to a reduced fractional iron absorption from the gut during feedings provided 2 h postexercise. Further, a window of enhanced iron absorption has recently been identified to occur 30 min either side of exercise commencement/completion, which allows for strategic iron intake to optimize absorption around exercise. Finally, there is burgeoning evidence to show that iron status and iron regulation change throughout the menstrual cycle and with hormonal contraceptive use, which could have implications for iron status in female athletes.

Exercise can affect iron regulatory hormone activity, which subsequently impairs iron absorption, potentially contributing to the high rates of iron deficiency seen in athletes. Future research should continue to examine strategies to optimize iron absorption, with consideration to the timing, mode and intensity of exercise, the time of day, and in females, the menstrual cycle/menstrual status.
Medical management of hypertriglyceridemia in pancreatitis
Authors: Gligorijevic Nikola , Stefanovic-Racic Maja , Kershaw Erin E.
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review

Hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) should be considered in all cases of acute pancreatitis and triglyceride levels measured early, so that appropriate early and long-term treatment can be initiated.

Recent findings

In most cases of HTG-AP, conservative management (nothing by mouth, intravenous fluid resuscitation and analgesia) is sufficient to achieve triglyceride levels less than 500 mg/dl. Intravenous insulin and plasmapheresis are sometimes used, although prospective studies showing clinical benefits are lacking. Pharmacological management of hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) should start early and target triglyceride levels of less than 500 mg/dl to reduce the risk or recurrent acute pancreatitis. In addition to currently used fenofibrate and omega-3 fatty acids, several novel agents are being studied for long-term treatment of HTG. These emerging therapies focus mainly on modifying the action of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) through inhibition of apolipoprotein CIII and angiopoietin-like protein 3. Dietary modifications and avoidance of secondary factors that worsen triglyceride levels should also be pursued. In some cases of HTG-AP, genetic testing may help personalize management and improve outcomes.

Patients with HTG-AP require acute and long-term management of HTG with the goal of reducing and maintaining triglyceride levels to less than 500 mg/dl.
Posttraumatic Stress and Alexithymia
Authors: Putica Andrea , O'Donnell Meaghan L. , Agathos James , Felmingham Kim L. , Krug Isabel , Van Dam Nicholas T.
Published: July 2023

There is a demonstrated association between alexithymia and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, work has largely focused on male-dominant, high-risk occupation populations. We aimed to explore the relationship between posttraumatic stress (PTS) and alexithymia among 100 trauma-exposed female university students. Participants completed a Life Events Checklist, the PTSD Checklist for theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition)(PCL-5), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Multiple regressions were run to examine whether alexithymia was associated with each of the PCL-5 subscales. The TAS-20 total scores were associated with total PTS scores, β = 0.47,t(99)= 5.22,p< 0.001. On a subscale level, Difficulty in Identifying Feelings (DIF) was positively associated (β = 0.50 to 0.41) with all PCL-5 subscales except for Avoidance. Our results align with research showing that for women, the DIF subscale is most strongly associated with PTS, in contrast with the literature on male samples, showing strongest associations with the Difficulties in Describing Feelings subscale, suggesting sex differences in associations between PTS and alexithymia. Our study supports the universality of the associations between alexithymia and PTS.