bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical properties and in vitro activity of SrHPO4 modified magnesium oxychloride bone cement
Authors: Feng Jinlun , Liao Jianguo , Ma Tingting , Guo Wenjie , Chen Junying , He Xiaofang , Liu Haohuai
Published: December 2023

In response to the shortcomings of magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC), which has excellent with outstanding mechanical properties and favorable bioactivity but poor water resistance, strontium hydrogen phosphate (SrHPO4) was used as a water resistance modifier for MOC in the paper, and the effects of SrHPO4 on the strength, water resistance, in vitro degradation and bioactivity of MOC were investigated; the results showed that SrHPO4 could enhance the water resistance of MOC, in which the initial strength of MOC containing 4.0 wt% SrHPO4 was 92.3 ± 2.5 MPa, and the strength was still 8.2 ± 0.9 MPa after 84 d of immersion in SBF solution; the degradation experiments of the samples in SBF solution showed that the degradation of SrHPO4-MOC was controlled, and the low alkaline environment created by the degradation promoted the deposition of hydroxyapatite on the cement surface, it indicated that SrHPO4-MOC material had good degradation properties and bioactivity; cell experiments showed that compared with MOC, SrHPO4-MOC was noncytotoxic and could promote cell proliferation, which was expected to be a new material for bone repair.
Quantum circuits for measuring weak values, Kirkwood–Dirac quasiprobability distributions, and state spectra
Authors: Wagner Rafael , Schwartzman-Nowik Zohar , Paiva Ismael L , Te’eni Amit , Ruiz-Molero Antonio , Barbosa Rui Soares , Cohen Eliahu , Galvão Ernesto F
Published: December 2023

Weak values and Kirkwood–Dirac (KD) quasiprobability distributions have been independently associated with both foundational issues in quantum theory and advantages in quantum metrology. We propose simple quantum circuits to measure weak values, KD distributions, and spectra of density matrices without the need for post-selection. This is achieved by measuring unitary-invariant, relational properties of quantum states, which are functions of Bargmann invariants, the concept that underpins our unified perspective. Our circuits also enable experimental implementation of various functions of KD distributions, such as out-of-time-ordered correlators and the quantum Fisher information in post-selected parameter estimation, among others. An upshot is a unified view of nonclassicality in all those tasks. In particular, we discuss how negativity and imaginarity of Bargmann invariants relate to set coherence.
Eating on the Ground
Authors: Stein Sarah Abrevaya
Published: December 2023

The picnic blanket is lumpy, the ants bite, and the food’s sandy, but you see so much more when you’re eating on the ground. The picnic and the portable camera came of age together in late Ottoman society, and “vernacular” picnic photographs are a ubiquitous feature of the Sephardic photo album. This essay converses with the children, women, men, and objects that appear in these images, considering how Sephardic Jews relaxed and ate in nature at a time when so much was shifting around them—and whether the scattered, globally diasporic, families-owned archive of the Sephardic photo album can be united to restore a lived, dusty, lusty image of late and post-Ottoman Jewish life.
ReConPlot: an R package for the visualization and interpretation of genomic rearrangements
Authors: Espejo Valle-Inclán Jose , Cortés-Ciriano Isidro
Published: December 2023

Motivation

Whole-genome sequencing studies of human tumours have revealed that complex forms of structural variation, collectively known as complex genome rearrangements (CGRs), are pervasive across diverse cancer types. Detection, classification, and mechanistic interpretation of CGRs requires the visualization of complex patterns of somatic copy number aberrations (SCNAs) and structural variants (SVs). However, there is a lack of tools specifically designed to facilitate the visualization and study of CGRs.

Results

We present ReConPlot (REarrangement and COpy Number PLOT), an R package that provides functionalities for the joint visualization of SCNAs and SVs across one or multiple chromosomes. ReConPlot is based on the popular ggplot2 package, thus allowing customization of plots and the generation of publication-quality figures with minimal effort. Overall, ReConPlot facilitates the exploration, interpretation, and reporting of CGR patterns.

Availability and implementation

The R package ReConPlot is available at https://github.com/cortes-ciriano-lab/ReConPlot. Detailed documentation and a tutorial with examples are provided with the package.
The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Cancer: A Review, With Special Focus on Colorectal Neoplasia and Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Anderson Sean M , Sears Cynthia L
Published: December 2023

The gut microbiome has coevolved with humans to aid in physiologic functions and prevent disease. An increasing prevalence of gut dysbiosis in modern society exists and has strong linkages to multiple disease processes common in the developed world. Mechanisms for microbiome-human interactions that impact host homeostasis include bacterial metabolite/toxin production, biofilm formation with mucous layer infiltration, and host immune system modulation. Most of this crosstalk occurs at the epithelial layer of the gut, and as such the role of these interactions in the induction of colorectal cancer—a highly prevalent disease globally and one undergoing significant epidemiologic shifts—is under increasing scrutiny. Although multiple individual gut bacteria have been hypothesized as possible driver organisms in the oncogenic process, no bacterium has been definitively identified as a causal agent of colorectal cancer, suggesting that host lifestyle factors, microbiome community interactions, and the mucosal and/or systemic immune response may play a critical role in the process. Recent evidence has emerged implicating the ubiquitous human pathogen Clostridioides difficile as a possible promoter of colorectal cancer through chronic toxin-mediated cellular changes. Although much remains to be defined regarding the natural history of infections caused by this pathogen and its potential for oncogenesis, it provides a strong model for the role of both individual bacteria and of the gut microbial community as a whole in the development of colorectal cancer.
The Relationship Between the Microbiome and Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Nhu Nguyen T Q , Young Vincent B
Published: December 2023

Antibiotics have benefitted human health since their introduction nearly a century ago. However, the rise of antibiotic resistance may portend the dawn of the “post-antibiotic age.” With the narrow pipeline for novel antimicrobials, we need new approaches to deal with the rise of multidrug resistant organisms. In the last 2 decades, the role of the intestinal microbiota in human health has been acknowledged and studied widely. Of the various activities carried out by the gut microbiota, colonization resistance is a key function that helps maintain homeostasis. Therefore, re-establishing a healthy microbiota is a novel strategy for treating drug resistance organisms. Preliminary studies suggest that this is a viable approach. However, the extent of their success still needs to be examined. Herein, we will review work in this area and suggest where future studies can further investigate this method for dealing with the threat of antibiotic resistance.
Disparities in the non-laboratory INTERHEART risk score and its components in selected countries of Europe and sub-Saharan Africa: analysis from the SPICES multi-country project
Authors: Hassen Hamid Y , Abrams Steven , Musinguzi Geofrey , Rogers Imogen , Dusabimana Alfred , Mphekgwana Peter M , Bastiaens Hilde ,   Scaling-up Packages of Interventions for Cardiovascular diseases in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa (SPICES) study investigators, Bastiaens Hilde , Hassen Hamid Y , Aerts Naomi , Anthierens Sibyl , Van Royen Kathleen , Masquillier Caroline , Le Reste Jean Yves , Le Goff Delphine , Perraud Gabriel , van Marwijk Harm , Ford Elisabeth , Grice-Jackson Tom , Rogers Imogen , Nahar Papreen , Gibson Linda , Bowyer Mark , Nkengateh Almighty , Musinguzi Geofrey , Ndejjo Rawlance , Nuwaha Fred , Sodi Tholene , Mphekgwana Peter M , Malema Nancy , Kgatla Nancy , Mothiba Tebogo M
Published: December 2023

Aims

Accurate prediction of a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is vital to initiate appropriate intervention. The non-laboratory INTERHEART risk score (NL-IHRS) is among the tools to estimate future risk of CVD. However, measurement disparities of the tool across contexts are not well documented. Thus, we investigated variation in NL-IHRS and components in selected sub-Saharan African and European countries.

Methods and results

We used data from a multi-country study involving 9309 participants, i.e. 4941 in Europe, 3371 in South Africa, and 997 in Uganda. Disparities in total NL-IHRS score, specific subcomponents, subcategories, and their contribution to the total score were investigated. The variation in the adjusted total and component scores was compared across contexts using analysis of variance. The adjusted mean NL-IHRS was higher in South Africa (10.2) and Europe (10.0) compared to Uganda (8.2), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The prevalence and per cent contribution of diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure were lowest in Uganda. Score contribution of non-modifiable factors was lower in Uganda and South Africa, entailing 11.5% and 8.0% of the total score, respectively. Contribution of behavioural factors to the total score was highest in both sub-Saharan African countries. In particular, adjusted scores related to unhealthy dietary patterns were highest in South Africa (3.21) compared to Uganda (1.66) and Europe (1.09). Whereas, contribution of metabolic factors was highest in Europe (30.6%) compared with Uganda (20.8%) and South Africa (22.6%).

Conclusion

The total risk score, subcomponents, categories, and their contribution to total score greatly vary across contexts, which could be due to disparities in risk burden and/or self-reporting bias in resource-limited settings. Therefore, primary preventive initiatives should identify risk factor burden across contexts and intervention activities need to be customized accordingly. Furthermore, contextualizing the risk assessment tool and evaluating its usefulness in different settings are recommended.
The Political Scar of Epidemics
Authors: Eichengreen Barry , Saka Orkun , Aksoy Cevat Giray
Published: December 2023

Epidemic exposure in an individual's ‘impressionable years’ (ages 18 to 25) has a persistent negative effect on confidence in political institutions and leaders. This loss of trust is associated with epidemic-induced economic difficulties, such as lower income and unemployment later in life. It is observed for political institutions and leaders only and does not carry over to other institutions and individuals. A key exception is a strong negative effect on confidence in public health systems. This suggests that the distrust in political institutions and leaders is associated with the (in)effectiveness of a government's healthcare-related response to epidemics. We show that the loss of political trust is largest for individuals who experienced epidemics under weak governments with low policymaking capacity, and confirm that weak governments in fact took longer to introduce policy interventions in response to COVID-19. We report evidence that the epidemic-induced loss of political trust discourages electoral participation in the long term.
Economic Distress and Children’s Mental Health: Evidence from the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort Study for Mental Conditions
Authors: Fontes L F , Mrejen M , Rache B , Rocha R
Published: December 2023

This paper assesses the effects of adverse economic shocks on children’s mental health. We rely on the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort Study for mental conditions, which provides an unprecedented array of data on psychopathology, life events, family medical history as well as parental behaviour and polygenic scores for mental disorders over a ten-year period. Our empirical strategy exploits parental job loss events over time in a difference-in-differences framework. We document that parental job loss significantly worsens children’s mental health, resulting in increased clinical diagnoses of mental disorders. These results are robust to several specifications and pre-trends. Heterogeneous results and mechanism analysis indicate that psychological distress in the household brought about by job loss events may be a key mechanism affecting children’s mental health.
The long-term impacts of opioid use before and after joint arthroplasty: matched cohort analysis of New Zealand linked register data
Authors: Pryymachenko Yana , Wilson Ross , Abbott John Haxby , Dowsey Michelle , Choong Peter
Published: December 2023

Background

Opioids are commonly used both before and after total joint arthroplasty (TJA).

Objective

The objective of this study was to estimate the long-term effects of pre- and perioperative opioid use in patients undergoing TJA.

Methods

We used linked population datasets to identify all (n =18,666) patients who had a publicly funded TJA in New Zealand between 2011 and 2013. We used propensity score matching to match individuals who used opioids either before surgery, during hospital stay, or immediately post-discharge with individuals who did not based on a comprehensive set of covariates. Regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of opioid use on health and socio-economic outcomes over 5 years.

Results

Opioid use in the 3 months prior to surgery was associated with significant increases in healthcare utilization and costs (number of hospitalizations 6%, days spent in hospital 14.4%, opioid scripts dispensed 181%, and total healthcare costs 11%). Also increased were the rate of receiving social benefits (2 percentage points) and the rates of opioid overdose (0.5 percentage points) and mortality (3 percentage points). Opioid use during hospital stay or post-discharge was associated with increased long-term opioid use, but there was little evidence of other adverse effects.

Conclusions

Opioid use before TJA is associated with significant negative health and economic consequences and should be limited. This has implications for opioid prescribing in primary care. There is little evidence that peri- or post-operative opioid use is associated with significant long-term detriments.
Neuromuscular Dysfunction Precedes Cognitive Impairment in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Brisendine Matthew H , Nichenko Anna S , Bandara Aloka B , Willoughby Orion S , Amiri Niloufar , Weingrad Zach , Specht Kalyn S , Bond Jacob M , Addington Adele , Jones Ronald G , Murach Kevin A , Poelzing Steven , Craige Siobhan M , Grange Robert W , Drake Joshua C
Published: December 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) develops along a continuum that spans years prior to diagnosis. Decreased muscle function and mitochondrial respiration occur years earlier in those that develop AD; however, it is unknown what causes these peripheral phenotypes in a disease of the brain. Exercise promotes muscle, mitochondria, and cognitive health and is proposed to be a potential therapeutic for AD, but no study has investigated how skeletal muscle adapts to exercise training in an AD-like context. Utilizing 5xFAD mice, an AD model that develops ad-like pathology and cognitive impairments around 6 mo of age, we examined in vivo neuromuscular function and exercise adapations (mitochondrial respiration and RNA sequencing) before the manifestation of overt cognitive impairment. We found 5xFAD mice develop neuromuscular dysfunction beginning as early as 4 mo of age, characterized by impaired nerve-stimulated muscle torque production and compound nerve action potential of the sciatic nerve. Furthermore, skeletal muscle in 5xFAD mice had altered, sex-dependent, adaptive responses (mitochondrial respiration and gene expression) to exercise training in the absence of overt cognitive impairment. Changes in peripheral systems, specifically neural communication to skeletal muscle, may be harbingers for AD and have implications for lifestyle interventions, like exercise, in AD.
Expression profiles of oviductal mRNAs and lncRNAs in the follicular phase and luteal phase of sheep (Ovis aries) with 2 fecundity gene (FecB) genotypes
Authors: Chen Weihao , Li Zhifeng , Zhong Rongzhen , Sun Wei , Chu Mingxing
Published: December 2023

FecB (also known as BMPR1B) is a crucial gene in sheep reproduction, which has a mutation (A746G) that was found to increase the ovulation rate and litter size. The FecB mutation is associated with reproductive endocrinology, such mutation can control external estrous characteristics and affect follicle-stimulating hormone during the estrous cycle. Previous researches showed that the FecB mutation can regulate the transcriptomic profiles in the reproductive-related tissues including hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary during the estrous cycle of small-tailed Han (STH) sheep. However, little research has been reported on the correlation between FecB mutation and the estrous cycle in STH sheep oviduct. To investigate the coding and noncoding transcriptomic profiles involved in the estrous cycle and FecB in the sheep oviduct, RNA sequencing was performed to analyze the transcriptomic profiles of mRNAs and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the oviduct during the estrous cycle of STH sheep with mutant (FecBBB) and wild-type (FecB++) genotypes. In total, 21,863 lncRNAs and 43,674 mRNAs were screened, the results showed that mRNAs had significantly higher expression levels than the lncRNAs, and the expression levels of these screened transcripts were lower in the follicular phase than they were in the luteal phase. Among them, the oviductal glycoprotein gene (OVGP1) had the highest expression level. In the comparison between the follicular and luteal phases, 57 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and 637 DE mRNAs were detected, including FSTL5 mRNA and LNC_016628 lncRNA. In the comparison between the FecBBB and FecB++ genotypes, 26 DE lncRNAs and 421 DE mRNAs were detected, including EEF1D mRNA and LNC_006270 lncRNA. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional enrichment analysis indicated that the DE mRNAs were enriched mainly in terms related to reproduction such as the tight junction, SAGA complex, ATP-binding cassette, nestin, and Hippo signaling pathway. The interaction network between DE lncRNAs and DE mRNAs indicated that LNC_018420 may be the key regulator in sheep oviduct. Together, our results can provide novel insights into the oviductal transcriptomic function against a FecB mutation background in sheep reproduction.
New insights into the (epi)genetics of twinning
Authors: van Dongen Jenny , Hubers Nikki , Boomsma Dorret I
Published: December 2023

Spontaneous dizygotic (DZ) twins, i.e. twins conceived without the use of ARTs, run in families and their prevalence varies widely around the globe. In contrast, monozygotic (MZ) twins occur at a constant rate across time and geographical regions and, with some rare exceptions, do not cluster in families. The leading hypothesis for MZ twins, which arise when a zygote splits during preimplantation stages of development, is random occurrence. We have found the first series of genes underlying the liability of being the mother of DZ twins and have shown that being an MZ twin is strongly associated with a stable DNA methylation signature in child and adult somatic tissues. Because identical twins keep this molecular signature across the lifespan, this discovery opens up completely new possibilities for the retrospective diagnosis of whether a person is an MZ twin whose co-twin may have vanished in the early stages of pregnancy. Here, we summarize the gene finding results for mothers of DZ twins based on genetic association studies followed by meta-analysis, and further present the striking epigenetic results for MZ twins.
Prevalence and determinants of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 in Liberia
Authors: Gwaikolo Cozie , Sackie-Wapoe Yatta , Badio Moses , Glidden David V , Lindan Christina , Martin Jeffrey
Published: December 2023

Background

Evidence from resource-rich settings indicates that many people continue to have persistent symptoms following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, called post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Only a few studies have described PASC in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We aimed to describe PASC in Liberia.

Methods

We randomly sampled all people who were reported from the most populous county to the Liberian Ministry of Health (MOH) as having a laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from June to August 2021. We interviewed individuals by phone 3 to 6 months later. Those with persistence of at least one symptom were considered to have PASC.

Results

From among 2848 people reported to the MOH from Montserrado County during the period of interest, we randomly selected 650; of these, 548 (84.3%) were reached and 505 (92.2%) of those who were contacted were interviewed. The median age was 38 years (interquartile range (IQR), 30–49), and 43.6% were female. During acute infection, 40.2% were asymptomatic, 53.9% had mild/moderate disease and 6.9% had severe/critical disease. Among the 59.8% (n = 302) who were initially symptomatic, 50.2% (n = 152) reported at least one persistent symptom; the most common persistent symptoms were fatigue (21.2%), headache (16.2%) and cough (12.6%); 40.1% reported that PASC significantly affected their daily activities. Being hospitalized with moderate disease [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR), 2.00 (95% CI, 1.59 to 2.80] or severe/critical disease [aPR, 2.11 (95% CI, 1.59 to 2.80)] was associated with PASC, compared with those not hospitalized. Females were more likely than males to report persistent fatigue [aPR, 1.67 (95% CI, 1.08 to 2.57)].

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that persistent symptoms may have affected a large proportion of people with initially symptomatic COVID-19 in west Africa and highlight the need to create awareness among infected people and health care professionals.
Embracing the Brave New World: A Response to Demekas and Grippa
Authors: Gruenewald Seraina , Knijp Gerdie , Schoenmaker Dirk , van Tilburg Rens
Published: December 2023

In the article ‘Walking a Tightrope: Financial Regulation, Climate Change, and the Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy’ in the Journal of Financial Regulation, Demekas and Grippa (2022) argue that it is dangerous to give central banks and financial regulators a ‘promotional’ role in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

In this article we argue that both climate change and the transition to a low-carbon economy are clear and present dangers for financial stability. Accelerating the transition through proper risk management, both of micro and macro risks, should therefore be what regulators should do. Regulators should accept that they need to act with incomplete information. We agree with Demekas and Grippa that financial supervisors should not be the only, or even first, game in town. Nevertheless, we disagree that the effect of their action will be negligible. Financial supervisors should embrace the brave new world and play their role in addressing climate and environmental risks within the financial system.
Nitrogen addition alters aboveground C:N:P stoichiometry of plants but not for belowground in an Inner Mongolia grassland
Authors: Wang Ziqi , Wang Jie , Wu Honghui , Yang Tian , An Yixin , Zhang Yunlong , Bian Jianlin , Li Ying , Ren Haiyan , Lkhagva Ariuntsetseg , Wang Xu , Yu Qiang
Published: December 2023

Nitrogen (N) deposition exhibits significant impacts on ecosystem functions and processes. Previous studies have indicated that N addition has an impact on the stoichiometry of plant leaf C:N:P ratios. However, few studies have focused on effects of N addition on belowground systems. This study aims to examine the impact of 7 years of N addition on above- and belowground C:N:P stoichiometry at plant community level in a temperate grassland located in Inner Mongolia. A 7-year field N addition experiment was conducted, which included six treatments: Cont: control; N1: 0.4 mol·m−2 N; N2: 0.8 mol·m−2 N; N3: 1.6 mol·m−2 N; N4: 2.8 mol·m−2 N; N5: 4 mol·m−2 N with six replicates. Above- and belowground plant biomass and C:N:P stoichiometry were measured and analyzed. Our results showed that N addition resulted in a reduction of aboveground C concentration, but an increase in aboveground N and P concentrations, with a decrease in C:N and C:P ratios and an increase in N:P ratio. Furthermore, the aboveground C, N, and P pools all exhibited an increase as a result of N addition. However, N addition did not have any significant effect on belowground C, N, P concentrations, ratios, pools, or stoichiometric characteristics in the soil layers of 0–10, 10–30, 30–50, and 50–100 cm. These results suggest that increasing levels of N deposition significantly alter the aboveground C:N:P stoichiometry at the plant community level, which may affect functions and processes in the grassland ecosystem, but have little effect on belowground C:N:P stoichiometry.
Effects of the combination of Lactobacillus helveticus and isomalto-oligosaccharide on survival, gut microbiota, and immune function in Apis cerana worker bees
Authors: Fang Pingping , Lei Qingzhi , Lv Mingkui , Xu Le , Dong Kun , Zhao Wenzheng , Yue Dan , Cao Zhenhui , Lin Qiuye
Published: December 2023

The adult worker bees were fed sucrose syrup or sucrose syrup supplemented with Lactobacillus helveticus KM7, prebiotic isomalto-oligosaccharide (IMO), or L. helveticus KM7 combined with IMO. Survival rate, gut microbiota, and gene expression of gut antimicrobial peptides in worker honey bees were determined. Administration of L. helveticus KM7 and IMO significantly increased the survival rate in worker bees relative to bees fed sucrose only. Then, higher concentration of both lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacterium in the gut and lower counts of gut fungi, Enterococcus, and Bacteroides–Porphyromonas–Prevotella were observed in bees fed the combination of KM7 and IMO compared with control bees. The combination of L. helveticus KM7 with IMO showed a greater or comparable modulating effect on those bacteria relative to either KM7 or IMO alone. Furthermore, the combination treatment of L. helveticus KM7 and IMO enhanced mRNA expression of antimicrobial peptide genes, including Abaecin, Defensin, and the gene encoding prophenoloxidase (PPO) in the gut compared with both control bees and those either L. helveticus KM7 or IMO alone. These results suggest that the combination of L. helveticus KM7 and IMO synergistically modifies the gut microbiota and immunity and consequently improves the survival rate of Apis cerana adult workers.
Scanning for dark matter subhaloes in Hubble Space Telescope imaging of 54 strong lenses
Authors: Nightingale James W , He Qiuhan , Cao Xiaoyue , Amvrosiadis Aristeidis , Etherington Amy , Frenk Carlos S , Hayes Richard G , Robertson Andrew , Cole Shaun , Lange Samuel , Li Ran , Massey Richard
Published: December 2023

The cold dark matter (DM) model predicts that every galaxy contains thousands of DM subhaloes; almost all other DM models include a physical process that smooths away the subhaloes. The subhaloes are invisible, but could be detected via strong gravitational lensing, if they lie on the line of sight to a multiply imaged background source, and perturb its apparent shape. We present a predominantly automated strong lens analysis framework, and scan for DM subhaloes in Hubble Space Telescope imaging of 54 strong lenses. We identify five DM subhalo candidates, including two especially compelling candidates (one previously known in SLACS0946 + 1006) where a subhalo is favoured after all of our tests for systematics. We find that the detectability of subhaloes depends upon the assumed parametric form for the lens galaxy’s mass distribution, especially its degree of azimuthal freedom. Using separate components for DM and stellar mass reveals two DM subhalo candidates and removes four false positives compared to the single power-law mass model that is common in the literature. We identify 45 lenses without substructures, the number of which is key to statistical tests able to rule out models of, for example, warm or self-interacting DM. Our full analysis results are available at https://github.com/Jammy2211/autolens_subhalo.
Orbit decay in encounters between anisotropic spherical galaxies of equal mass
Authors: Saleh Lucas , Barnes Joshua E
Published: December 2023

We investigate the effect of radial anisotropy on the rate of orbit decay in parabolic encounters of identical spherical galaxies. Our galaxy models have Hernquist density profiles and Osipkov–Merritt velocity distributions. We find that radially anisotropic models merge in as little as half the time of their isotropic counterparts. Anisotropic models are more susceptible to tidal deformation; this accelerates the transfer of orbital angular momentum to internal degrees of freedom. Even during the initial approach, the anisotropic models become more distorted, and arrive at pericentre already having lost substantial amounts of angular momentum. Our results may have implications for estimates of merger rates and the persistence of tidal tails.
MUSE observations of the optical nebula surrounding the central compact object in the Vela Junior supernova remnant
Authors: Suherli Janette , Safi-Harb Samar , Seitenzahl Ivo R , Ghavamian Parviz , Ho Wynn C G , Li Chuan-Jui , Ruiter Ashley J , Sutherland Ralph S , Vogt Frédéric P A
Published: December 2023

Central compact objects (CCOs), neutron stars found near the centre of some supernova remnants (SNRs), have been almost exclusively studied in X-rays and are thought to lack the wind nebulae typically seen around young, rotation-powered pulsars. We present the first, spatially resolved, morphological and spectroscopic study of the optical nebula observed at the location of CXOU J085201.4−461753, the CCO in the heart of the Vela Junior SNR. It is currently the only Galactic CCO with a spatially coincident nebula detected at optical wavelengths, whose exact nature remains uncertain. New Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer integral field spectroscopy data confirm that the nebula, shaped like a smooth blob extending 8 arcsec in diameter, is dominated by [N ii]${\lambda } {\lambda }$6548, 6583 emission. The data reveal a distinct and previously unobserved morphology of the H ${\alpha }$ emission, exhibiting an arc-like shape reminiscent of a bow shock nebula. We observe a significantly strong [N ii] emission relative to H ${\alpha }$, with the [N ii]${\lambda } {\lambda }$6548, 6583 up to 34 times the intensity of the H ${\alpha }$ emission within the optical nebula environment. Notably, the [N ii] and H ${\alpha }$ structures are not spatially coincident, with the [N ii] nebula concentrated to the south of the CCO and delimited by the H ${\alpha }$ arc-like structure. We detect additional emission in [N i], He i, [S ii], [Ar iii], [Fe ii], and [S iii]. We discuss our findings in the light of a photoionization or Wolf–Rayet nebula, pointing to a very massive progenitor and further suggesting that very massive stars do not necessarily make black holes.
Democratic Despotism, Democratic Culture, and the Democratic Ideal
Authors: Gooding-Williams Robert
Published: December 2023

In this paper, I outline Du Bois’s WWI-era theory of democracy, which comprises three parts: first, an historically specific explanation of the racially exclusionist character of the modern struggle for democracy; second, a justification of universal suffrage; and third, an account of democratic culture, the promotion of which he believed was necessary to supplement the enfranchisement of black people where white supremacy still threated the achievement of justice.
Contribution of tRNA sequence and modifications to the decoding preferences of E. coli and M. mycoides tRNAGlyUCC for synonymous glycine codons
Authors: Kompatscher Maria , Bartosik Karolina , Erharter Kevin , Plangger Raphael , Juen Fabian Sebastian , Kreutz Christoph , Micura Ronald , Westhof Eric , Erlacher Matthias D
Published: December 2023

tRNA superwobbling, used by certain bacteria and organelles, is an intriguing decoding concept in which a single tRNA isoacceptor is used to decode all synonymous codons of a four-fold degenerate codon box. While Escherichia coli relies on three tRNAGly isoacceptors to decode the four glycine codons (GGN), Mycoplasma mycoides requires only a single tRNAGly. Both organisms express tRNAGly with the anticodon UCC, which are remarkably similar in sequence but different in their decoding ability. By systematically introducing mutations and altering the number and type of tRNA modifications using chemically synthesized tRNAs, we elucidated the contribution of individual nucleotides and chemical groups to decoding by the E. coli and M. mycoides tRNAGly. The tRNA sequence was identified as the key factor for superwobbling, revealing the T-arm sequence as a novel pivotal element. In addition, the presence of tRNA modifications, although not essential for providing superwobbling, was shown to delicately fine-tune and balance the decoding of synonymous codons. This emphasizes that the tRNA sequence and its modifications together form an intricate system of high complexity that is indispensable for accurate and efficient decoding.
The previously uncharacterized RnpM (YlxR) protein modulates the activity of ribonuclease P in Bacillus subtilis in vitro
Authors: Wicke Dennis , Neumann Piotr , Gößringer Markus , Chernev Aleksandar , Davydov Swetlana , Poehlein Anja , Daniel Rolf , Urlaub Henning , Hartmann Roland K , Ficner Ralf , Stülke Jörg
Published: December 2023

Even though Bacillus subtilis is one of the most studied organisms, no function has been identified for about 20% of its proteins. Among these unknown proteins are several RNA- and ribosome-binding proteins suggesting that they exert functions in cellular information processing. In this work, we have investigated the RNA-binding protein YlxR. This protein is widely conserved in bacteria and strongly constitutively expressed in B. subtilis suggesting an important function. We have identified the RNA subunit of the essential RNase P as the binding partner of YlxR. The main activity of RNase P is the processing of 5′ ends of pre-tRNAs. In vitro processing assays demonstrated that the presence of YlxR results in reduced RNase P activity. Chemical cross-linking studies followed by in silico docking analysis and experiments with site-directed mutant proteins suggest that YlxR binds to the region of the RNase P RNA that is important for binding and cleavage of the pre-tRNA substrate. We conclude that the YlxR protein is a novel interaction partner of the RNA subunit of RNase P that serves to finetune RNase P activity to ensure appropriate amounts of mature tRNAs for translation. We rename the YlxR protein RnpM for RNase P modulator.
Two open reading frames of Rht-B1b acting as brake and throttle contributed to wheat Green Revolution
Authors: Chen Yaoyu , Yang Zhe , Wang Huanhuan , Xia Chuan , Zhang Lichao , Sun Jiaqiang , Kong Xiuying , Liu Xu
Published: December 2023

The 5′-open reading frame (ORF) acts as an upstream ORF to restrict overaccumulation of the 3′-ORF encoding protein of the Reduced height-B1b gene to moderately reduce plant height in wheat.
m-Type thioredoxin regulates cytochrome b6f complex of photosynthesis
Authors: Chen Qi , Xiao Yixian , Wu Zeyi , Ming Yu , Xiao Wang , Wang Hong-Bin , Jin Hong-Lei
Published: December 2023

Depleting m-type thioredoxin disrupts plant cell redox, impacting cytochrome b6f in photosynthesis, hindering photosynthesis, and stunting growth.
Positive and negative information effects on consumer preferences for lab grown meat
Authors: Kovacs Kent F , Kemper Nathan , Nayga Rodolfo M , Yang Wei , Blumenberg Aryn
Published: December 2023

We examine the effect of information framing on consumers’ preferences for In-vitro (or lab grown) meat (IVM). Our choice experiment uses eight choice tasks that vary across five attributes: production method (IVM or conventional), carbon trust label, organic label, animal welfare label, and price. We investigate four information treatments: (1) neutral (baseline), (2) positive, (3) negative, and (4) both positive and negative combined. Negative information framing leads consumers to require the largest discount to accept IVM, while positive information significantly reduces the discount required. Without positive information, food retailers should expect to offer steep discounts to attract customers to IVM.
Hypoxia‐inducible microRNA‐155 negatively regulates epithelial barrier in eosinophilic esophagitis by suppressing tight junction claudin‐7
Authors: Markey Gary E. , Ryan Sinéad , Furuta Glenn T. , Menard‐Katcher Calies , McNamee Eoin N. , Masterson Joanne C.
Published: December 2023

MicroRNA (miRNA)‐mediated mRNA regulation directs many homeostatic and pathological processes, but how miRNAs coordinate aberrant esophageal inflammation during eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is poorly understood. Here, we report a deregulatory axis where microRNA‐155 (miR‐155) regulates epithelial barrier dysfunction by selectively constraining tight junction CLDN7 (claudin‐7). MiR‐155 is elevated in the esophageal epithelium of biopsies from patients with active EoE and in cell culture models. MiR‐155 localization using in situ hybridization (ISH) in patient biopsies and intra‐epithelial compartmentalization of miR‐155 show expression predominantly within the basal epithelia. Epithelial miR‐155 activity was evident through diminished target gene expression in 3D organotypic cultures, particularly in relatively undifferentiated basal cell states. Mechanistically, generation of a novel cell line with enhanced epithelial miR‐155 stable overexpression induced a functionally deficient epithelial barrier in 3D air–liquid interface epithelial cultures measured by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Histological assessment of 3D esophageal organoid cultures overexpressing miR‐155 showed notable dilated intra‐epithelial spaces. Unbiased RNA‐sequencing analysis and immunofluorescence determined a defect in epithelial barrier tight junctions and revealed a selective reduction in the expression of critical esophageal tight junction molecule, claudin‐7. Together, our data reveal a previously unappreciated role for miR‐155 in mediating epithelial barrier dysfunction in esophageal inflammation.
Evaluating the success of an inpatient PA and NP program through trends in ED consults
Authors: Stock Laura , Turcotte Justin , Johnson Andrea , Holbert Samuel E. , Siska Matthew , Pipkin Karen , Patton Chad
Published: December 2023

Objective:

We investigated the effect of an inpatient physician associate/assistant (PA) and NP program on consult volume, length of stay (LOS), and ED returns.

Methods:

A retrospective observational study of 4,118 orthopedic ED consults was conducted from January 2017 to March 2022. Univariate statistics were used to evaluate outcomes between cohorts and multivariate regression to evaluate the odds of an LOS of less than 24 hours.

Results:

After implementation of the PA and NP program, surgeon consults steadily declined and orthopedic consults increased markedly. Statistically significant differences were found in LOS of less than 24 hours and ED arrival-to-discharge time. Adjusting for case mix, patients were 47% more likely to be discharged within 24 hours. Survey results noted that more than 80% of surgeons felt on-call workload, disruptions to clinic and surgical schedules decreased, and quality of care increased.

Conclusions:

Implementation of an inpatient PA and NP program reduced orthopedic surgeon consults and hospital LOS while improving surgeon satisfaction with on-call workload, schedule disruptions, and quality of care.
A practical tool for managing change: Cross-sectional psychometric assessment of the safe surgery organizational readiness tool
Authors: Hayirli Tuna Cem , Meara John G. , Abahuje Egide , Alayande Barnabas , Augustin Sylvio , Barash David , Boatin Adeline A. , Kalolo Albino , Kengia James , Kingpriest Paul , Kissima Innocent , Lugazia Edwin R. , Mpirimbanyi Christophe , Ngonzi Joseph , Njai Abdoulie , Smith Victoria L. , Kapologwe Ntuli , Alidina Shehnaz
Published: December 2023

Background:

Strengthening health systems through planned safety and quality improvement initiatives is an imperative to achieve more equitable, resilient, and effective care. And yet, years of organizational behavior research demonstrate that change initiatives often fall short because managers fail to account for organizational readiness for change. This finding remains true especially among surgical safety and quality improvement initiatives in low- and middle-income countries. In this study, our aim was to psychometrically assess the construct validity and internal consistency of the Safe Surgery Organizational Readiness Tool (SSORT), a short survey tool designed to provide change leaders with insight into facility infrastructure that supports learning and readiness to undertake change.

Materials and Methods:

To demonstrate generalizability and achieve a large sample size (n=1,706) to conduct exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), a collaboration between seven surgical and anesthesia safety and quality improvement initiatives was formed. Collected survey data from health care workers were divided into pilot, exploration, and confirmation samples. The pilot sample was used to assess feasibility. The exploration sample was used to conduct EFA, while the confirmation sample was used to conduct CFA. Factor internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.

Results:

Results of the EFA retained 9 of the 16 proposed factors associated with readiness to change. CFA results of the identified 9 factor model, measured by 28 survey items, demonstrated excellent fit to data. These factors (appropriateness, resistance to change, team efficacy, team learning orientation, team valence, communication about change, learning environment, vision for sustainability, facility capacity) were also found to be internally consistent.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that communication, team learning, and supportive environment are components of change readiness that can be reliably measured prior to implementation of projects that promote surgical safety and quality improvement in low- and middle-income countries. Future research can link performance on identified factors to outcomes that matter most to patients.
The efficacy and safety of hydrotherapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lei Changjiang , Chen Haiting , Zheng Su , Pan Qingyun , Xu Jing , Li Yuan , Liu Yang
Published: December 2023

Background:

Currently, there is poor evidence of the effect of hydrotherapy on patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The authors performed a meta-analysis from randomized controlled trials to determine the efficacy and safety of a hydrotherapy program on measures of pain and knee function in individuals living with knee OA.

Methods:

A literature review included PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Science Citation Index, ScienceDirect, and Ovid. Studies evaluating the efficacy of hydrotherapy for knee OA up to August 2023 were included. The research was reported based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines to ensure the reliability and verity of results. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata/SE version 15.0.

Results:

A total of six randomized controlled trials were included for data extraction and meta-analysis. The present study revealed that there were significant differences between the two groups regarding the pain intensity at 1 week (WMD=−0.429; 95% CI: −0.679 to −0.179; P=0.001), 4 week (WMD=−0.308; 95% CI: −0.587 to −0.030; P=0.030) and 8 week (WMD=−0.724; 95% CI: −1.099 to −0.348, P<0.001). Furthermore, hydrotherapy was associated with improved outcome of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis index at 1 week (WMD=−3.314; 95% CI: −6.484 to −0.145, P=0.040), 4 week (WMD= −3.630; 95% CI: −6.893 to −0.366, P=0.029) and 8 week (WMD=−3.775; 95% CI: −7.315 to −0.235; P=0.037). No serious adverse events were observed in all patients who received hydrotherapy.

Conclusion:

Hydrotherapy is efficacious and safe for reducing pain and improving functional status in individuals with knee OA, without increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Spontaneous recurrent menstrual pneumothorax: a case report
Authors: Hirono Takae , Feng Ye , Wang Wenhui , Yu Huan
Published: December 2023

Introduction and importance:

Endometriosis is most commonly found in the pelvic area, ~12% of people have it in other areas or organs, which is known as extrapelvic endometriosis. Thoracic endometriosis, which is also classified as extrapelvic endometriosis, manifests with four distinct forms: catamenial pneumothorax, catamenial hemothorax, catamenial hemoptysis, or lung nodules. Catamenial pneumothorax is the most common clinical symptom of these; however, it is frequently neglected by clinicians and goes undiagnosed and untreated. As a result, it is critical to raise awareness of this medical condition among clinicians.

Case presentation:

The authors present a case report of a 34-year-old woman of reproductive age who had recurrent episodes of spontaneous pneumothorax during menstruation and underwent treatment with thoracoscopic surgery as well as gynaecological hormonal drugs including oral progesterone and dienogest throughout this time. Based on her symptoms, a catamenial pneumothorax caused by thoracic endometriosis was suspected.

Clinical discussion:

The clinical symptoms, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of Catamenial Pneumothorax are analyzed. Furthermore, the usage of gynaecological hormone medications in this condition has been discussed. The mechanisms of oral contraceptives and progestin-based medications are evaluated by comparing the patient’s treatment process, highlighting their pros and cons.

Conclusions:

Thoracoscopic surgery combined with postoperative gynaecological hormonal medications may be the most effective treatment for this issue. Several gynaecological hormonal medicines are available, each of which has its own set of pros and cons, and must be thoroughly evaluated as well as correctly tailored to the patient’s specific circumstances to have a positive therapeutic outcome.
Diagnosis of systemic sarcoidosis in a patient with bilateral granulomatous pan-uveitis: a case report
Authors: Thapaliya Shreeya , Pant Prashant , Paudel Sandip , Ghimire Sujha
Published: December 2023

Introduction and importance:

Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease usually presenting with features of hilar lymphadenopathy like persistent cough, dyspnoea, cough, night sweats. However, its first and only manifestation can be ocular symptoms consistent with uveitis.

Case presentation:

The authors present such association in a 53-year-old female who had ocular symptoms on and off, designated as uveitis. Despite medications, her symptoms rather flared up. On diagnostic assesement done years later, chest X-ray showed bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels were also raised, and the diagnosis of systemic sarcoidosis was confirmed.

Clinical discussion:

Eye involvement can occur way before the systemic presence of the disease is detected and can be present clinically as an isolated entity which makes diagnosis of underlying sarcoidosis a challenge.

Conclusion:

Consideringsarcoidosis as one of the differential diagnosis when attending patients with non-resolving uveitis remains the mainstay of this report.