bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the prevalence of potential and actionable drug‐gene interactions in Irish primary care: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Johnson L. , Youssef E. , O'Shea J. , Thornley T. , Gallagher J. , Ledwidge M. , Ryan C.
Published: June 2024

Aims

Pharmacogenetics (PGx) is increasingly recognized as a strategy for medicines optimisation and prevention of adverse drug reactions. According to guidelines produced by the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) and the Dutch Pharmacogenetic Working Group (DPWG), most medicines with drug‐gene interactions (DGIs) are prescribed in primary care. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of potential and actionable DGIs involving all medicines dispensed in Irish primary care.

Methods

Dispensings of 46 drugs to General Medical Services (GMS) patients in the Health Service Executive Primary Care Reimbursement Service Irish pharmacy claims database from 01 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 were analysed to estimate the national prevalence of total dispensings and incidence of first‐time dispensings of drugs with potential DGIs according to the CPIC and/or DPWG guidelines. Phenotype frequency data from the UK Biobank and the CPIC were used to estimate the incidence of actionable DGIs.

Results

One in five dispensings (12 443 637 of 62 754 498, 19.8%) were medicines with potential DGIs, 1 878 255 of these dispensed for the first time. On application of phenotype frequencies and linked guideline based therapeutic recommendations, 2 349 055 potential DGIs (18.9%) required action, such as monitoring and guarding against maximum dose, drug or dose change. One in five (369 700, 19.7%) first‐time dispensings required action, with 139 169 (7.4%) requiring a change in prescribing. Antidepressants, weak opioids and statins were most commonly identified as having actionable DGIs.

Conclusions

This study estimated a high prevalence of DGIs in primary care in Ireland, identifying the need and opportunity to optimize drug therapy through PGx testing.
An agent‐based model of consumer demand
Authors: Tsiatsios Georgios Alkis , Kollias Iraklis , Leventides John , Melas Evangelos
Published: June 2024

This paper studies an agent‐based model of consumer demand. Agents are heterogeneous with respect to their preferences and incomes. There are two basic ingredients in the model. The first ingredient is a metric that captures the degree of heterogeneity between agents. The second ingredient is a serial computer algorithm that is used in order to compute a terminal consumption bundle at which income is exhausted and overall utility is maximized. Agents are clustered into heterogeneous groups based on their preferences and incomes. We extract information about the evolution of consumer expenditure under different price regimes and the buildup of optimal demand for varying levels of income and preference parameter values. These features cannot be obtained in the classical framework of static utility maximization. Our agent‐based data‐driven methodology can be applied to any relevant data set and so provide a reliable model for forecasting demand given some agent characteristics.
Large‐scale deviations between realized and fundamental thermal niches in global seaweed distributions
Authors: Laeseke Philipp , Martínez Brezo D.‐C. , Bischof Kai
Published: June 2024

Aim

Climate change has profound effects on species' distributions, and it is crucial to understand how well physiological limits correspond to distribution patterns to provide realistic estimations of future range shifts and/or extinctions. Seaweeds are foundation species of global coastal ecosystems, and sea surface temperature is a main predictor to explain their distributions and redistributions under global warming. We here test the hypothesis that, in contrast to other marine ectotherms, physiological knowledge of temperature niches is a weak predictor for seaweed distributions.

Location

Global.

Time Period

Present (1984–2019).

Taxa

Seaweeds.

Methods

We analysed the predictive power of physiological temperature limits to predict real‐world distributions in 126 globally distributed seaweed species with linear and generalized linear mixed models.

Results

In 72% of the species, there was a difference of ≥|2|°C between the physiological and the realized thermal limits. Both, thermal underfilling (distributional thermal limits narrower than the physiological limits) and overfilling (distributional thermal limits wider than the physiological limits) were present. Thus, in only 28% of the species the physiological limits corresponded to the distributional limits. While heat‐tolerance is a significant predictor for upper distributional temperature limits, we found no relationship between cold‐tolerance and lower distributional temperature limits and the latter two seem to be independent.

Main Conclusions

Physiological thermal limits have limited predictive power for seaweed distributions and deviations may be large. Especially cold‐tolerances are a weak predictor, and forecasting of migrations under changing global conditions (e.g. towards the poles) will need special attention. This indicates that responses towards climate change might be highly variable between seaweed species and difficult to predict. Further, nearly 60% of the investigated species had populations which are close to or beyond their reported upper survival limits and are thus probably under threat of eradication by elevation of sea surface temperature.
The significance of local government in disaster management for international migrants: the case of Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture
Authors: Kobayashi Yasuko Hassall
Published: June 2024

Disaster research predominantly focuses on citizens, not on migrants. This tilted spotlight needs to be readjusted, since many advanced countries around the world have become immigration countries, and safeguarding the lives of migrants at times of disaster has become an important and immediate policy issue. Hence, this research concentrates on disaster management to protect the lives of migrants in a disaster‐prone and de facto immigration country. The particular country and event in question are Japan and the northern Osaka earthquake of June 2018. More than 100 migrants who lived near the earthquake's epicentre rushed to an evacuation shelter managed by the local municipal government of Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture. While non‐governmental organisations attract more attention, this paper centres on a local government and demonstrates the key role that it can play in both bridging and building networks across different communities, and thus in safeguarding the lives of migrants at times of disaster.
Global and regional burden of vaccine‐induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia, 1969–2023: Comprehensive findings with critical analysis of the international pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Lee Sooji , Jo Hyesu , Woo Selin , Jeong Yi Deun , Lee Hayeon , Lee Kyeongmin , Lee Jinseok , Kim Hyeon Jin , Kang Jiseung , Jacob Louis , Smith Lee , Rahmati Masoud , López Sánchez Guillermo F. , Dragioti Elena , Son Yejun , Kim Soeun , Yeo Seung Geun , Park Jaeyu , Yon Dong Keon
Published: June 2024

Objective

The scarcity of studies on vaccine‐induced thrombosis and thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) limits the comprehensive understanding of vaccine safety on a global scale. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess the global burden of vaccine‐induced TTS, identify the vaccines most associated with it, and suggest clinical implications regarding vaccination.

Methods

This study employed the World Health Organization international pharmacovigilance database, extracting records of vaccine‐induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia from 1969 to 2023 (total reports, n > 130 million). Global reporting counts, reported odds ratios (ROR), and information components (IC) were calculated to identify the association between 19 vaccines and the occurrence of vaccine‐induced TTS across 156 countries.

Results

We identified 24 233 cases (male, n = 11 559 [47.7%]) of vaccine‐induced TTS among 404 388 reports of all‐cause TTS. There has been a significant increase in reports of vaccine‐induced TTS events over time, with a noteworthy surge observed after 2020, attributed to cases of TTS associated with COVID‐19 vaccines. Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines were associated with most TTS reports (ROR [95% confidence interval], 2.87 [2.75–3.00]; IC [IC0.25], 1.51 [1.43]), followed by hepatitis B (HBV, 2.23 [2.07–2.39]; 1.15 [1.03]), rotavirus diarrhea (1.95 [1.78–2.13]; 0.81 [0.53]), encephalitis (1.80 [1.50–2.16]; 0.84 [0.53]), hepatitis A (1.67 [1.50–1.86]; 0.73 [0.55]), adenovirus Type 5 vector‐based (Ad5‐vectored) COVID‐19 (1.64 [1.59–1.68]; 0.69 [0.64]), pneumococcal (1.57 [1.49–1.66]; 0.65 [0.56]), and typhoid vaccines (1.41 [1.12–1.78]; 0.49 [0.11]). Concerning age and sex‐specific risks, reports of vaccine‐induced TTS were more associated with females and younger age groups. The age group between 12 and 17 years exhibited significant sex disproportion. Most of these adverse events had a short time to onset (days; mean [SD], 4.99 [40.30]) and the fatality rate was 2.20%, the highest rate observed in the age group over 65 years (3.79%) and lowest in the age group between 0 and 11 years (0.31%).

Conclusion

A rise in vaccine‐induced TTS reports, notably MMR, HBV, and rotavirus diarrhea vaccines, was particularly related to young females. Ad5‐vectored COVID‐19 vaccines showed comparable or lower association with TTS compared to other vaccines. Despite the rarity of these adverse events, vigilance is essential as rare complications can be fatal, especially in older groups. Further studies with validated reporting are imperative to improve the accuracy of assessing the vaccine‐induced TTS for preventive interventions and early diagnosis.
Industrial heterogeneity, governance structure and firm value
Authors: Amin Qazi Awais , Cumming Douglas
Published: June 2024

We examine the impact of corporate governance on firm value by using a unique research approach ‘sector‐wise analyses’ by employing a data set of listed firms in Taiwan. We investigate whether the unique dynamics of each industrial sector could differently affect internal corporate governance (CG) practice. In addition, we investigate the moderating effect of block ownership on the relationships between CG and firm value. Our results show that CG and firm value relationships significantly differ across industrial sectors and conclude that the CG model is not one‐size‐fits‐all for industrial sectors—while observed a significant impact of block ownership as a moderating variable.
Rubble persistence under ocean acidification threatened by accelerated bioerosion and lower‐density coral skeletons
Authors: Webb Alice E. , Palacio‐Castro Ana M. , Cooke Kenzie , Eaton Katherine R. , Chomitz Benjamin , Soderberg Nash , Chakraborty Morgan , Zagon Zachary , Boyd Albert , Kiel Patrick M. , DeMerlis Allyson , Perry Chris T. , Enochs Ian C.
Published: June 2024

As the balance between erosional and constructive processes on coral reefs tilts in favor of framework loss under human‐induced local and global change, many reef habitats worldwide degrade and flatten. The resultant generation of coral rubble and the beds they form can have lasting effects on reef communities and structural complexity, threatening the continuity of reef ecological functions and the services they provide. To comprehensively capture changing framework processes and predict their evolution in the context of climate change, heavily colonized rubble fragments were exposed to ocean acidification (OA) conditions for 55 days. Controlled diurnal pH oscillations were incorporated in the treatments to account for the known impact of diel carbonate chemistry fluctuations on calcification and dissolution response to OA. Scenarios included contemporary pH (8.05 ± 0.025 diel fluctuation), elevated OA (7.90 ± 0.025), and high OA (7.70 ± 0.025). We used a multifaceted approach, combining chemical flux analyses, mass alteration measurements, and computed tomography scanning images to measure total and chemical bioerosion, as well as chemically driven secondary calcification. Rates of net carbonate loss measured in the contemporary conditions (1.36 kg m−2 year−1) were high compared to literature and increased in OA scenarios (elevated: 1.84 kg m−2 year−1 and high: 1.59 kg m−2 year−1). The acceleration of these rates was driven by enhanced chemical dissolution and reduced secondary calcification. Further analysis revealed that the extent of these changes was contingent on the density of the coral skeleton, in which the micro‐ and macroborer communities reside. Findings indicated that increased mechanical bioerosion rates occurred in rubble with lower skeletal density, which is of note considering that corals form lower‐density skeletons under OA. These direct and indirect effects of OA on chemical and mechanical framework‐altering processes will influence the permanence of this crucial habitat, carrying implications for biodiversity and reef ecosystem function.
Changepoint Analysis of Natural Attenuation in Groundwater Improves Forecasts of Time to Attain Goal
Authors: Ferrey Mark L. , William Bouchard Raymond , Wilson John T.
Published: June 2024

When a remedy is selected for groundwater contamination, the monitoring record is often evaluated to extract rate constants for attenuation of contaminants over time, and the rate constants are used to forecast a time when the concentrations will attain a clean‐up goal. These evaluations typically assume the rate constant does not change. Data from 11 monitoring wells at the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) were evaluated to test whether this assumption was valid for this site. A previous evaluation at this site (based on data from 1987 through 1999) extracted rate constants that would bring the concentrations of trichloroethylene (TCE) in the 11 wells to the maximum contaminant level (MCL) on or before 2013. By 2020, only four wells had reached the MCL. Piecewise linear regressions were used to model the relationship between time elapsed and concentration of TCE for each well, and to identify any changepoints in the rate of attenuation over time. Each well had at least one changepoint with different TCE attenuation rates on either side of the changepoints. The slope of the most recent segment after the last changepoint provides the best information to forecast concentrations in the future. For four of the wells, that forecast indicated that concentrations of TCE would never reach the MCL. Piecewise linear regression analysis proved to be a valuable tool to detect changes in rate constants, and to update forecasts of the time required for groundwater concentrations to reach a cleanup goal.
A role of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating female reproductive responses to temperature in a pest beetle
Authors: McCaw Beth A. , Leonard Aoife M. , Stevenson Tyler J. , Lancaster Lesley T.
Published: June 2024

Many species are threatened by climate change and must rapidly respond to survive in changing environments. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, can facilitate plastic responses by regulating gene expression in response to environmental cues. Understanding epigenetic responses is therefore essential for predicting species' ability to rapidly adapt in the context of global environmental change. Here, we investigated the functional significance of different methylation‐associated cellular processes on temperature‐dependent life history in seed beetles, Callosobruchus maculatus Fabricius 1775 (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). We assessed changes under thermal stress in (1) DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt1 and Dnmt2) expression levels, (2) genome‐wide methylation and (3) reproductive performance, with (2) and (3) following treatment with 3‐aminobenzamide (3AB) and zebularine (Zeb) over two generations. These drugs are well‐documented to alter DNA methylation across the tree of life. We found that Dnmt1 and Dnmt2 were expressed throughout the body in males and females, but were highly expressed in females compared with males and exhibited temperature dependence. However, whole‐genome methylation did not significantly vary with temperature, and only marginally or inconclusively with drug treatment. Both 3AB and Zeb led to profound temperature‐dependent shifts in female reproductive life history trade‐off allocation, often increasing fitness compared with control beetles. Mismatch between magnitude of treatment effects on DNA methylation versus life history effects suggest potential of 3AB and Zeb to alter reproductive trade‐offs via changes in DNA repair and recycling processes, rather than or in addition to (subtle) changes in DNA methylation. Together, our results suggest that epigenetic mechanisms relating to Dnmt expression, DNA repair and recycling pathways, and possibly DNA methylation, are strongly implicated in modulating insect life history trade‐offs in response to temperature change.
Impact of socioeconomic status on healthy immune responses in humans
Authors: Bertrand Anthony , Sugrue Jamie , Lou Tianai , Bourke Nollaig M , Quintana‐Murci Lluis , Saint‐André Violaine , O'Farrelly Cliona , Duffy Darragh ,   the Milieu Intérieur Consortium
Published: June 2024

Individuals with low socioeconomic status (SES) are at greater risk of contracting and developing severe disease compared with people with higher SES. Age, sex, host genetics, smoking and cytomegalovirus (CMV) serostatus are known to have a major impact on human immune responses and thus susceptibility to infection. However, the impact of SES on immune variability is not well understood or explored. Here, we used data from the Milieu Intérieur project, a study of 1000 healthy volunteers with extensive demographic and biological data, to examine the effect of SES on immune variability. We developed an Elo‐rating system using socioeconomic features such as education, income and home ownership status to objectively rank SES in the 1000 donors. We observed sex‐specific SES associations, such as females with a low SES having a significantly higher frequency of CMV seropositivity compared with females with high SES, and males with a low SES having a significantly higher frequency of active smoking compared with males with a high SES. Using random forest models, we identified specific immune genes which were significantly associated with SES in both baseline and immune challenge conditions. Interestingly, many of the SES associations were sex stimuli specific, highlighting the complexity of these interactions. Our study provides a new way of computing SES in human populations that can help identify novel SES associations and reinforces biological evidence for SES‐dependent susceptibility to infection. This should serve as a basis for further understanding the molecular mechanisms behind SES effects on immune responses and ultimately disease.
The impact of the human gut microbiome on the treatment of autoimmune disease
Authors: Nayak Renuka R. , Orellana Diego A.
Published: June 2024

Autoimmune (or rheumatic) diseases are increasing in prevalence but selecting the best therapy for each patient proceeds in trial‐and‐error fashion. This strategy can lead to ineffective therapy resulting in irreversible damage and suffering; thus, there is a need to bring the promise of precision medicine to patients with autoimmune disease. While host factors partially determine the therapeutic response to immunosuppressive drugs, these are not routinely used to tailor therapy. Thus, non‐host factors likely contribute. Here, we consider the impact of the human gut microbiome in the treatment of autoimmunity. We propose that the gut microbiome can be manipulated to improve therapy and to derive greater benefit from existing therapies. We focus on the mechanisms by which the human gut microbiome impacts treatment response, provide a framework to interrogate these mechanisms, review a case study of a widely‐used anti‐rheumatic drug, and discuss challenges with studying multiple complex systems: the microbiome, the human immune system, and autoimmune disease. We consider open questions that remain in the field and speculate on the future of drug–microbiome–autoimmune disease interactions. Finally, we present a blue‐sky vision for how the microbiome can be used to bring the promise of precision medicine to patients with rheumatic disease.
Exploring the Impact of a Nontoxic Foliar Fungal Endophyte on Regrowth Post‐Defoliation in Tall Fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) Plants
Authors: Ueno Andrea C. , Casas Cecilia , Hourcastagne Martín , Gundel Pedro E.
Published: June 2024

Plants employ various strategies to mitigate the impact of herbivory and one such strategy involves the associations with fungal endophytes. Some cool‐season forage grasses benefit from protection against herbivores by Epichloë fungal endophytes. However, since the maintenance of symbiosis relies on the plant, costs of hosting endophytes have been also observed. This becomes particularly crucial when forage varieties, inoculated with endophytes that are nontoxic to livestock but still protect host against insect herbivores, experience significant foliage loss (defoliation). We investigated the impact of a nontoxic Epichloë endophyte on the responses of tall fescue plants to defoliation across two morphotype varieties, Continental and Mediterranean, and different seasonal contexts. Under specific defoliation treatments, endophyte‐symbiotic plants showed reduced postdefoliation recovery, indicating the costs of hosting the endophyte for host plants. However, these conditions were not the most severe for plant growth. Regardless of the endophyte's presence, plants from Continental morphotype exhibited superior recovery than those from Mediterranean morphotype, an effect that was more pronounced in summer. Notably, the endophyte promoted plant growth after defoliation in winter for both morphotypes. Our study offers insights into mitigating endophyte‐associated costs on plant recovery postdefoliation by strategically managing cutting intensity and frequency, considering the seasonal variation.
Impact of TiB2 source on the microstructure and properties of TiB2–SiC–B4C ceramics
Authors: Smith Steven M. , Filipovic Suzana , Fahrenholtz William G. , Hilmas Gregory E. , Baldisserri Carlo , Silvestroni Laura
Published: June 2024

To date, the thermal and electrical properties of three‐phase ceramics containing a boride phase, silicon carbide, and boron carbide have not been studied in detail. Further, the effect of the source of the boride powder has also not been investigated. This study produced three‐phase ceramics containing titanium diboride, silicon carbide, and boron carbide using three different TiB2 sources: commercial powder, TiB2 synthesized by boro/carbothermal reduction, or (Ti,Cr)B2 synthesized by boro/carbothermal reduction to address the effect of the TiB2 source. Ceramics containing synthesized TiB2 or (Ti,Cr)B2 reached >99% relative density, while the ceramic produced from commercial powder reached ∼93% relative density. The addition of Cr reduced both the thermal and electrical conductivities, but had little effect on the Vickers hardness. The (Ti,Cr)B2–SiC–B4C ceramic had a thermal conductivity of ∼33 W/m K, an electrical conductivity of ∼105 S/m, and a hardness of ∼61 GPa at 0.49 N. The highest hardness of ∼66 GPa at a load of 0.49 N was for the TiB2–SiC–B4C ceramic made with synthesized TiB2 powder.
Supporting self‐determination of individuals with severe or profound intellectual and multiple disabilities according to relatives and healthcare professionals: A concept mapping study
Authors: Kúld P. B. , Frielink N. , Schuengel C. , Embregts P. J. C. M.
Published: June 2024

Background

This study aimed to identify perspectives of relatives and healthcare professionals regarding self‐determination support for people with severe or profound intellectual and multiple disabilities, highlighting agreements and differences in their viewpoints.

Method

Following a concept mapping study, online focus group meetings yielded statements on self‐determination support from relatives (residential facilities:n = 6, family homes:n = 7) and healthcare professionals (residential facilities:n = 9, family home:n = 5). Participants clustered and rated statements, resulting in four concept maps interpreted by experts (N = 6).

Results

The 285 statements were categorised into 5–7 clusters per map, revealing key strategies for self‐determination support: communication and choice making (facilitated by aids), sensitivity, familiarity, and collaboration among involved parties.

Conclusion

Each group placed different emphasis on these strategies, highlighting importance of continuous support in their implementation. Future research should prioritise practical implementations of these strategies to enhance self‐determination.
AAV mediated repression of Neat1 lncRNA combined with F8 gene augmentation mitigates pathological mediators of joint disease in haemophilia
Authors: Sarangi Pratiksha , Senthilkumar Mohankumar B. , Amit Sonal , Kumar Narendra , Jayandharan Giridhara R.
Published: June 2024

Haemophilic arthropathy (HA), a common comorbidity in haemophilic patients leads to joint pain, deformity and reduced quality of life. We have recently demonstrated that a long non‐coding RNA, Neat1 as a primary regulator of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 3 and MMP13 activity, and its induction in the target joint has a deteriorating effect on articular cartilage. In the present study, we administered an Adeno‐associated virus (AAV) 5 vector carrying an short hairpin (sh)RNA to Neat1 via intra‐articular injection alone or in conjunction with systemic administration of a capsid‐modified AAV8 (K31Q) vector carrying F8 gene (F8‐BDD‐V3) to study its impact on HA. AAV8K31Q‐F8 vector administration at low dose, led to an increase in FVIII activity (16%–28%) in treated mice. We further observed a significant knockdown of Neat1 (~40 fold vs. untreated injured joint, p = 0.005) in joint tissue of treated mice and a downregulation of chondrodegenerative enzymes, MMP3, MMP13 and the inflammatory mediator‐ cPLA2, in mice receiving combination therapy. These data demonstrate that AAV mediated Neat1 knockdown in combination with F8 gene augmentation can potentially impact mediators of haemophilic joint disease.
Associations of mid‐to‐late‐life inflammation with late‐life mobility and the influences of chronic comorbidities, race, and social determinants of health: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Parker Kirby G. , Windham B. Gwen , Blackshear Chad , Walker Keenan A. , Parker Sara B. , Hoogeveen Ron C. , Ballantyne Christie M. , Kucharska‐Newton Anna , Palta Priya , Selvin Elizabeth , Vassilaki Maria , Mosley Thomas H. , Griswold Michael E.
Published: June 2024

Background

Relationships of midlife inflammation with late‐life mobility and influences of chronic health conditions, race, and social determinants of health (SDoH) on these relationships are poorly understood.

Methods

Among 4758 community‐dwelling participants (41% men, 20% Black), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) was measured over 20+ years: in midlife at study visit 2 (V2: 1990–1992, 47–68 years); at V4 (1996–1998, 53–74 years); and with concurrent late‐life 4‐m gait speed at V5 (2011–2013, 67‐88 years, mean 75 years). SDoH measures included race, the national‐rank area deprivation index, education, and income. We examined associations of late‐life gait speed with midlife hsCRP (V2 continuous and clinically high ≥3 mg/L), with 20‐year hsCRP history from midlife (V2–V5 average continuous hsCRP and clinically high ≥3 mg/L) and with inflammation accumulation (visits and years with high hsCRP). Regression models adjusted for demographic, cardiovascular, and SDoH measures; effect modification by the presence of other common chronic conditions (obesity, diabetes, hypertension) and race were examined, with and without accounting for SDoH.

Results

High midlife hsCRP was associated with slower late‐life gait speed, even among those without chronic conditions in midlife: −4.6 cm/s (95% CI: −6.4, −2.8). Importantly, sustained high hsCRP was associated with a 20‐year slowing of −10.0 cm/s (−14.9, −5.1) among those who never experienced obesity, diabetes, or hypertension over the 20‐year period. Associations were similar between Black participants, −3.8 cm/s (−6.9, −0.7) and White participants −3.3 (−4.5, −2.2) per interquartile range of midlife hsCRP; effect modifications by chronic conditions and race were unsupported throughout. Results were robust to accounting for SDoH or otherwise; however, worse SDoH was associated with higher inflammation and slower gait speed in both Black and White participants.

Conclusions

Inflammation in midlife may contribute to clinically meaningful late‐life slowing of gait speed, even among otherwise healthy‐appearing adults and regardless of race and socioeconomic disadvantage. Regular monitoring and interventions for inflammation may be warranted from midlife.
Sustained IL‐6 and sTNF‐αR1 levels after hip fracture predict 5‐year mortality: A prospective cohort study from the Baltimore Hip Studies
Authors: Câmara Saionara M. A. , Hochberg Marc C. , Miller Ram , Ryan Alice S. , Orwig Denise , Gruber‐Baldini Ann L. , Guralnik Jack , Magder Laurence S. , Feng Zhaoyong , Falvey Jason R. , Beamer Brock A. , Magaziner Jay
Published: June 2024

Background

Persistent inflammation is associated with adverse health outcomes, but its impact on mortality has not been investigated previously among hip fracture patients. This article aims to investigate the influence of changes in levels of cytokines in the 2 months after a hip fracture repair on 5‐year mortality.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study from the Baltimore Hip Studies (BHS) with 191 community‐dwelling older men and women (≥65 years) who had recently undergone surgical repair of an acute hip fracture, with recruitment from May 2006 to June 2011. Plasma interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor1 (sTNFα‐R1), and interleukin‐1 receptor agonist (IL‐1RA) were obtained within 22 days of admission and at 2 months. All‐cause mortality over 5 years was determined. Logistic regression analysis tested the associations between the cytokines' trajectories and mortality over 5 years, adjusted for covariates (age, sex, education, body mass index, lower extremity physical activities of daily living, and Charlson comorbidity index).

Results

High levels of IL‐6 and sTNFα‐R1 at baseline with small or no decline at 2 months were associated with higher odds of 5‐year mortality compared with those with lower levels at baseline and greater decline at 2 months after adjustment for age, and other potential confounders (OR = 4.71, p = 0.01 for IL‐6; OR = 15.03, p = 0.002 for sTNFα‐R1). Similar results that failed to reach significance were found for IL‐1RA (OR = 2.40, p = 0.18). Those with higher levels of cytokines at baseline with greater decline did not have significantly greater mortality than the reference group, those with lower levels at baseline and greater decline.

Conclusion

Persistent elevation of plasma IL‐6 and sTNFα‐R1 levels within the first 2 months after hospital admission in patients with hip fracture is associated with higher 5‐year mortality. These patients may benefit from enhanced care and earlier intensive interventions to reduce the risk of death.
Why and How to Include Comparative Law Examples in Today's Business Law or Legal Environment Course
Authors: Murphy Tonia Hap
Published: June 2024

Increasing numbers of international students attend American universities. Many study business. This article advocates comparative law examples in an introductory Business Law or Legal Environment course, toward signaling respect and inclusion to international students and fostering in American students critical thinking and a global mindset. The article provides background on comparative law and suggestions for how to incorporate comparative law examples on the jury system, eminent domain, defamation, contract law, and employment at‐will.
Happiness and well‐being: Is it all in your head? Evidence from the folk
Authors: Kneer Markus , Haybron Daniel M.
Published: June 2024

Despite a voluminous literature on happiness and well‐being, debates have been stunted by persistent dissensus on what exactly the subject matter is. Commentators frequently appeal to intuitions about the nature of happiness or well‐being, raising the question of how representative those intuitions are. In a series of studies, we examined lay intuitions involving happiness‐ and well‐being‐related terms to assess their sensitivity to internal (psychological) versus external conditions. We found that all terms, including ‘happy’, ‘doing well’ and ‘good life’, were far more sensitive to internal than external conditions, suggesting that for laypersons, mental states are the most important part of happiness and well‐being. But several terms, including ‘doing well’, ‘good life’ and ‘enviable life’ were substantially more sensitive to external conditions than others, such as ‘happy’, consistent with dominant philosophical views of well‐being. Interestingly, the expression ‘happy’ was completely insensitive to external conditions for about two thirds of our participants, suggesting a purely psychological concept among most individuals. Overall, our findings suggest that lay thinking in this domain divides between two concepts, or families thereof: a purely psychological notion of being happy, and one or more concepts equivalent to, or encompassing, the philosophical concept of well‐being. In addition, being happy is dominantly regarded as just one element of well‐being. These findings have considerable import for philosophical debates, empirical research and public policy.
Diversity in the phyllosphere – greater than the sum of its parts?
Authors: Whitaker Briana K.
Published: June 2024

This article is a Commentary on Almeida et al. (2024); 243: 2416–2429.
Bowel‐associated dermatosis‐arthritis syndrome, a diagnostic challenge in a young child with very early‐onset inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Fiz Benito Esther , Feito Rodríguez Marta , Souza Rafaela de Moraes , López Eva Paola Sánchez , de Lucas Laguna Raúl
Published: June 2024

A 14‐month‐old girl with very early‐onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO‐IBD) was admitted with a flare of her bowel disease and subsequently developed high fevers, joint pain, and skin lesions during her hospitalization. Workup demonstrated bowel‐associated dermatosis‐arthritis syndrome in the setting of VEO‐IBD, a neutrophilic dermatosis rarely reported in children that can be challenging to diagnose and treat, with limited literature for patients under 2 years of age.
Comparative transcriptome reprogramming in oak galls containing asexual or sexual generations of gall wasps
Authors: Bellows E. , Heatley M. , Shah N. , Archer N. , Giles T. , Fray R.
Published: June 2024

Oak gall wasps have evolved strategies to manipulate the developmental pathways of their host to induce gall formation. This provides shelter and nutrients for the developing larva. Galls are entirely host tissue; however, the initiation, development, and physical appearance are controlled by the inducer. The underlying molecular mechanisms of gall formation, by which one or a small number of cells are reprogrammed and commit to a novel developmental path, are poorly understood. In this study, we sought a deeper insight into the molecular underpinnings of this process.

Oak gall wasps have two generations each year, one sexual, and one asexual. Galls formed by these two generations exhibit a markedly different appearance. We sequenced transcriptomes of both the asexual and sexual generations of Neuroterus quercusbaccarum and Neuroterus numismalis. We then deployed Nanopore sequencing to generate long‐read sequences to test the hypothesis that gall wasps introduce DNA insertions to determine gall development.

We detected potential genome rearrangements but did not uncover any non‐host DNA insertions. Transcriptome analysis revealed that transcriptomes of the sexual generations of distinct species of wasp are more similar than inter‐generational comparisons from the same species of wasp.

Our results highlight the intricate interplay between the host leaves and gall development, suggesting that season and requirements of the gall structure play a larger role than species in controlling gall development and structure.
Sustainability and the sunlight of disclosure: ESG disclosure in three Asian financial centres
Authors: Phang Rachel , Chia Yaru
Published: June 2024

The prevailing paradigm of sustainable finance places great importance on environmental, social and governance (ESG) information and, therefore, on the mechanism of reporting and disclosure. This article presents, analyses and compares the approaches to ESG disclosure in three Asian financial centres: Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai. The article uncovers commonalities and divergences in the drivers, dynamics, content and trends of ESG disclosure in the selected jurisdictions. In doing so, it looks forwards, seeking to anticipate and shape the development of ESG disclosure in Asia. At the same time, it looks beyond ESG disclosure, remaining mindful that the mechanism itself is only a means toward, and should not constrain, the pursuit of the ultimate goal of sustainable development in Asia.
Afterword
Authors: Fraser Erica L.
Published: June 2024

This afterword brings the four articles in the cluster on “Gender in Russian and Soviet Military History” into conversation and suggests new ways to frame the theme.
Diversity, morphology, and phylogeny of freshwater mussels of the genus Nodularia (Bivalvia: Unionidae) from China, with descriptions of four new species
Authors: Wu Ruiwen , Liu Lili , Zhang Liping , Liu Xiongjun , Hu Zhengkun , Jin Dandong , Zhang Zepeng , Wu Xiaoping , Xie Zhicai , Li Zhengfei , Lopes‐Lima Manuel
Published: June 2024

Freshwater bivalves (Bivalvia, Unionida) are one of the most threatened groups of animals in the world. Defining species boundaries and understanding the phylogeny and genetic diversity of these species is key to guiding their conservation and management. However, the presence of significant phenotypic plasticity and convergence within this group complicates species delimitation. This includes the freshwater mussel genus Nodularia, endemic to East Asia, for which a comprehensive understanding of species diversity and phylogenetic relationships remains elusive due to inadequate sampling in previous studies, particularly in China, a widely recognized biodiversity hotspot for freshwater mussels. Here, we conduct comprehensive taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses of Nodularia species based on extensive sampling across 23 provinces in China and multiple data sources, including shell morphology, soft body anatomy, six‐gene (COI + ND1 + 16S + 18S + 28S + histone H3) and mitogenome datasets. The integrative systematics approach used here reveals 10 distinct species in this genus, four of which are new to science, i.e. Nodularia hanensis sp. nov., Nodularia huana sp. nov., Nodularia fusiformans sp. nov., Nodularia dualobtusus sp. nov. and two of which are new records for China, i.e. Nodularia dorri (Wattebled [Journal de Conchyliologie, 34, 1886, 54]) and Nodularia micheloti (Morlet [Journal de Conchyliologie, 34, 1886, 75]). We also propose that the nominal species Nodularia jourdyi (Morlet [Journal de Conchyliologie, 34, 1886, 75]) syn. nov. is a new synonym for Nodularia douglasiae (Griffith & Pidgeon, 1833) based on molecular data. BI, ML, and BEAST analyses based on the six‐gene dataset and mitochondrial phylogenomics consistently support the following phylogenetic relationships: (N. dorri + (N. hanensis sp. nov. + N. micheloti)) + (N. breviconcha + (N. huana sp. nov. + (N. fusiformans sp. nov. + ((N. nuxpersicae + N. nipponensis) + (N. dualobtusus sp. nov. + N. douglasiae))))). The molecular clock with fossil calibration indicates that Nodularia originated in the Late Cretaceous period (ca. 73.78 Mya). It then diverged into two independent clades during the Middle Paleogene (ca. 45.01 Mya), followed by a rapid burst of extant speciation during the Neogene (mean age 28.28 to 4.79 Mya). Nodularia breviconcha is the earliest differentiated taxon among the 10 Nodularia taxa, appearing during the Paleogene‐Neogene transition (28.28 Mya; 95% HPD = 14.35–48.44 Mya). Taken together, we provide a robust systematic framework for Nodularia species, addressing phylogenetic relationships, taxonomy, and evolutionary history of this group.
Cooling Heat Transfer Attributions of Supercritical CO2 in a Spiral Groove Tube Casing Heat Exchanger: A Numerical Investigation
Authors: Wang Dong , Deng Sensen , Tao Yinshuang , Jiang Tiancheng , Li Mengxue , Lu Yuehong
Published: June 2024

To improve the performance of the CO2 heat pump water heater, the spiral groove tube casing heat exchanger is used as a gas cooler. At present, the flow mode of supercritical CO2 (SCO2) flowing between inner and outer tube channels is mainly adopted. However, the efficiency of the gas cooler is studied rarely when the SCO2 flows in the inner tube channel (ITC). So, the heat transfer of SCO2 in the two flow channels are studied and compared in this paper. A physical model of the cooling heat transfer of SCO2 is established for the spiral groove tube casing. The impact of SCO2 pressure, the mass flow ratios of SCO2, and water on the heat transfer attributions of SCO2 in the tube are analyzed using numerical simulation. The conclusions designate that the flow channel in the exchanger can affect the heat transfer attributions of SCO2. When the mass flow ratio of SCO2 becomes lower, the average heat transfer coefficient (h) of SCO2 flowing between inner and outer tube channels is higher, with about 2.09%. As the mass flow ratio of SCO2 rises, the average h of SCO2 flowing in the ITC is higher, with about 3.90%. Moreover, both the safety performance of the system operation and the heat transfer attributions of the working medium should be considered; the flow mode of SCO2 flowing in the ITC is recommended.
Reactor wall effects in Si–Cl2–Ar atomic layer etching
Authors: Vella Joseph R. , Elgarhy Mahmoud A. I. , Hao Qinzhen , Donnelly Vincent M. , Graves David B.
Published: June 2024

This work complements our previous manuscript [J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A41, 062602 (2023)] where predictions from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of silicon–chlorine–argon (Si–Cl2–Ar) atomic layer etching (ALE) are compared to experiments. When etch product distributions for atomic chlorine (Cl) and silicon chlorides were initially compared to optical emission spectroscopy (OES) signals, it appeared that there was a discrepancy between the MD predictions and experimental results at higher ion fluences. Experiments showed a relatively long period of nearly constant Cl-containing etch products released from the ion-bombarded surface (referred to as the “plateau”) but this effect was not observed in MD simulations. In this report, we demonstrate that the “plateau” observed in the OES signals is most likely due to the desorption of Cl-containing etch products from the walls of the reactor and subsequent adsorption on the Si substrate. Experiments varying the gas residence time in the chamber while keeping incoming gas concentrations and pressure constant support this interpretation. We also conducted experiments with an additional Ar-only flow in the chamber to reduce the concentration of Cl-containing species on the chamber walls. For both sets of flow modification experiments, we observe results consistent with the hypothesis that Cl-containing species desorbing from chamber walls are a significant cause of the observed discrepancy between MD predictions and experimental observations. If the measured OES signals are corrected for this “additional” source of Cl-containing species at the surface, the MD predictions and measured OES signals are in excellent agreement. This further supports the predictive capability of MD simulations to accurately capture the relevant physical and chemical processes in plasma-assisted ALE processes. We provide an order of magnitude estimate of the required density of Cl-containing species that would account for the additional etch products observed. Finally, we discuss the implications of this effect on ALE in plasma nanofabrication.
An optoionic hydrogel with UV-regulated ion conductivity for reprogrammable iontronics: Logic processing and image sensing
Authors: Chen Jiehao , Huang Jiahe , Hu Yuhang
Published: June 2024

The development of smart hydrogels capable of actively controlling ion conductivity is of paramount importance for iontronics. Most current work in this field focuses on enhancing the hydrogels’ ion conductivity. Few successes have been seen in achieving spatial regulation of ion flow through external control. Among various controls, light gives the best spatial and temporal resolution for practical iontronic applications. However, developing hydrogels that can generate drastic ion concentration change upon photoirradiation for tunable conductivity is challenging. Very few molecules can enable photoion generation, and most of them are hydrophobic and low quantum yield. Here, we present an optoionic hydrogel that uses triphenylmethane leuconitrile (TPMLN) for ultraviolet-regulated ion conductivity. Through postpolymerization TPMLN synthesizing, we can incorporate high concentration of the hydrophobic TPMLN in hydrogels without compromising the hydrogel’s mechanical integrity. Upon light irradiation, the hydrogel’s local conductivity can change an unprecedented 10-fold. We also demonstrated soft optoionic devices that are capable of logic processing and photo imaging.
Conformal and conductive biofilm-bridged artificial Z-scheme system for visible light–driven overall water splitting
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Zhang Boyang , Zhang Jicong , Jiang Xiaoyu , Liu Kaiwei , Wang Haifeng , Yuan Xinyi , Xu Haiyi , Zheng Yijun , Ma Guijun , Zhong Chao
Published: June 2024

Semi-artificial Z-scheme systems offer promising potential toward efficient solar-to-chemical conversion, yet sustainable and stable designs are currently lacking. Here, we developed a sustainable hybrid Z-scheme system capable for visible light–driven overall water splitting by integrating the durability of inorganic photocatalysts with the interfacial adhesion and regenerative property of bacterial biofilms. The Z-scheme configuration is fabricated by drop casting a mixture of photocatalysts onto a glass plate, followed by the growth of biofilms for conformal conductive paste through oxidative polymerization of pyrrole molecules. Notably, the system exhibited scalability indicated by consistent catalytic efficiency across various sheet areas, resistance observed by remarkable maintaining of photocatalytic efficiency across a range of background pressures, and high stability as evidenced by minimal decay of photocatalytic efficiency after 100-hour reaction. Our work thus provides a promising avenue toward sustainable and high-efficiency artificial photosynthesis, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable energy solutions.