bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of oral mucosa dose and volume parameters with Grade 3 mucositis, in patients treated with volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy for oropharyngeal cancer?
Authors: Bansal Anshuma , Bedi Neeru , Kaur Ripanpreet , Singh Gurpreet , Benipal Raja Paramjeet Singh , Dangwal Vinod
Published: December 2022

Background

Oral mucositis is the dose-limiting toxicity of chemoradiation in oropharyngeal cancer patients, which can be minimized by giving constraints to oral mucosa. However, the constraints defined in literature are extrapolated from chemoradiation in head and neck cancers as a whole. This study aims to determine oral mucosa dose-volume parameters that can predict grade ≥ 3 acute oral mucositis in oropharyngeal cancer patients treated with volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy.

Methods

This prospective study was done in 52 patients of locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer treated with Volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy. Dose-volume histogram data were extracted and then acute oral mucosa toxicity was analysed. Receiver operating characteristic analysis and logistic regression were carried out to determine predictive factors for grade ≥ 3 mucositis.

Results

Grade ≥ 3 acute oral mucositis occurred in 57.6% (30/52) patients in the study. V30Gy > 53.35% (P = 0.005) was an independent dosimetric factor related to grade ≥ 3 acute toxicity. In the receiver operating characteristic curve, the area under V30Gy was 0.770 (P = 0.001); the cut-off value of V30 was 46.23% (sensitivity, 0.80; specificity, 0.91).

Conclusions

Dose-volume histogram analysis predicts V30 > 53.35% as independent factors for grade ≥ 3 acute oral mucositis in patients with oropharyngeal cancers treated with Volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy. Studies in future with more patient number can further validate the above results.
Computable Clinical Phenotyping of Postacute Sequelae of COVID-19 in Pediatrics Using Real-World Data
Authors: Fashina Tomini A , Miller Christine M , Paintsil Elijah , Niccolai Linda M , Brandt Cynthia , Oliveira Carlos R
Published: December 2022

Many questions remain unanswered concerning the long-term effects of COVID-19 on children. In this report, we describe a computable phenotyping algorithm for identifying children and adolescents with postacute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) and pilot this tool to characterize the clinical epidemiology of pediatric PASC in a large healthcare delivery network.
Study of the inclusion complexes formed between 4-phenylbutyrate and α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrin in solution and evaluation on their taste-masking properties
Authors: Commey Kindness , Nakatake Akari , Enaka Airi , Nishi Koji , Tsukigawa Kenji , Yamaguchi Koki , Ikeda Hirohito , Iohara Daisuke , Hirayama Fumitoshi , Otagiri Masaki , Yamasaki Keishi
Published: December 2022

Objectives

4-Phenylbutyrate (PB), which is used in the management of urea cycle disorders, has an unpleasant taste leading to poor patient compliance. Existing PB formulations though helpful, have some limitations in their use. This study reports on attempts to mask this unpleasant taste by complexing PB with cyclodextrins (CDs) to improve patient compliance.

Methods

α, β and γCD were used as CDs. Phase solubility studies, circular dichroism, 1H-NMR spectroscopy, including ROESY, and molecular modelling were used to investigate and characterize the PB–CD interactions in solution. The taste-masking effect of the CDs was evaluated using in vitro taste sensor measurements.

Key findings

PB interacts with α, β and γCD in solution to form 1:1, 1:1 and 1:2 CD: PB inclusion complexes, respectively, with stability constants in the order αCD > βCD > γCD. Taste evaluation revealed that the CDs significantly mask the taste of PB through the formation of the inclusion complexes. Notably, αCD masked the bitter taste of PB to 30% of the initial taste at a 1:1 molar ratio.

Conclusion

αCD significantly masks the unpleasant taste of PB in solution and can be used to formulate PB to address the limitations of existing formulations and improve patient compliance and quality of life.
Two MYB activators of anthocyanin biosynthesis exhibit specialized activities in petiole and fruit of diploid strawberry
Authors: Luo Xi , Plunkert Madison , Teng Zi , Mackenzie Kathryn , Guo Lei , Luo Yaguang , Hytönen Timo , Liu Zhongchi
Published: December 2022

The R2R3-MYB transcription factor FveMYB10 is a major regulator of anthocyanin pigmentation in the red fruits of strawberry. fvemyb10 loss-of-function mutants form yellow fruits but still accumulate purple-colored anthocyanins in the petioles, suggesting that anthocyanin biosynthesis is under distinct regulation in fruits and petioles. From chemical mutagenesis in the diploid wild strawberry Fragaria vesca, we identified a green petioles (gp)-1 mutant that lacks anthocyanins in petioles. Using mapping-by-sequencing and transient functional assays, we confirmed that the causative mutation resides in a FveMYB10-Like (FveMYB10L) gene and that FveMYB10 and FveMYB10L function independently in the fruit and petiole, respectively. In addition to their tissue-specific regulation, FveMYB10 and FveMYB10L respond differently to changes in light quality, produce distinct anthocyanin compositions, and preferentially activate different downstream anthocyanin biosynthesis genes in their respective tissues. This work identifies a new regulator of anthocyanin synthesis and demonstrates that two paralogous MYB genes with specialized functions enable tissue-specific regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in fruit and petiole tissues.
Fine-tuned nitric oxide and hormone interface in plant root development and regeneration
Authors: Sanchez-Corrionero Alvaro , Sánchez-Vicente Inmaculada , Arteaga Noelia , Manrique-Gil Isabel , Gómez-Jiménez Sara , Torres-Quezada Isabel , Albertos Pablo , Lorenzo Oscar
Published: December 2022

Plant root growth and developmental capacities reside in a few stem cells of the root apical meristem (RAM). Maintenance of these stem cells requires regenerative divisions of the initial stem cell niche (SCN) cells, self-maintenance, and proliferative divisions of the daughter cells. This ensures sufficient cell diversity to guarantee the development of complex root tissues in the plant. Damage in the root during growth involves the formation of a new post-embryonic root, a process known as regeneration. Post-embryonic root development and organogenesis processes include primary root development and SCN maintenance, plant regeneration, and the development of adventitious and lateral roots. These developmental processes require a fine-tuned balance between cell proliferation and maintenance. An important regulator during root development and regeneration is the gasotransmitter nitric oxide (NO). In this review we have sought to compile how NO regulates cell rate proliferation, cell differentiation, and quiescence of SCNs, usually through interaction with phytohormones, or other molecular mechanisms involved in cellular redox homeostasis. NO exerts a role on molecular components of the auxin and cytokinin signaling pathways in primary roots that affects cell proliferation and maintenance of the RAM. During root regeneration, a peak of auxin and cytokinin triggers specific molecular programs. Moreover, NO participates in adventitious root formation through its interaction with players of the brassinosteroid and cytokinin signaling cascade. Lately, NO has been implicated in root regeneration under hypoxia conditions by regulating stem cell specification through phytoglobins.
The Library and Commonplace Books of Mary Booth of Dunham Massey (1704–1772)
Authors: Potten Edward
Published: December 2022

This paper offers a detailed case study of Mary Booth as book owner and book user using two primary sources: her surviving library and her commonplace books. Booth’s fastidious approach to marking her books, coupled with the fortunate survival of the two houses where those books ultimately came to rest, allows for the reconstruction of her library almost in its entirety. Her commonplace books present an unusually rich record of her reading. Together, these sources offer a rare insight into the life, education, and book use of an early eighteenth-century gentlewoman, a rare comparator against which other women’s collections and habits of reading can be assessed.
Origins of B-type stars at high Galactic latitudes based on abundances and kinematics
Authors: Liu Zhicun , Cui Wenyuan , Zhao Gang , Liu Chao , Luo Changqing , Alexeeva Sofya
Published: December 2022

The spectral analysis and kinematic studies of faint blue stars of O and B types above the mid-plane of the Milky Way can lead to a better understanding of their populations and origins. In this paper, we present an analysis of the chemical composition and kinematics of 17 B-type stars. Our sample includes 13 B-type stars with |Z| > 0.5 kpc and |b| ≥ 20°, three B-type stars with |Z| ≤ 0.5 kpc and |b| < 20°, and a hot post-asymptotic giant branch (post-AGB) star without infrared excess, in the Milky Way. Our analysis rests on medium-resolution spectra and non-local thermodynamic equilibrium tlusty model atmospheres. The ages and masses of the stars are obtained using solar-metallicity PARSEC isochrones, and we calculate their velocities and Galactic trajectories using galpy and data from the Gaia EDR3. The larger projected rotational velocities and results of abundance analysis of 16 B-type stars indicate that they are likely to be B-type stars of normal Population I. The three B-type stars with |Z| ≤ 0.5 kpc and |b| < 20° can be formed in the Galactic disc. The origins of the 13 B-type stars with |Z| > 0.5 kpc and |b| ≥ 20° are as follows. (i) Analysis of the C and Mg abundances, kinematics and orbits show that 10 of them originate in the Galactic disc at different Galactocentric distances. They may be scattered from the disc via the binary ejection mechanism or the dynamical ejection mechanism. (ii) The three stars presenting abnormal C or Mg abundances and counter-rotating Vϕ might be post-AGB stars accreted from a disrupted satellite of the Milky Way.
Formation of black holes in the pair-instability mass gap: hydrodynamical simulations of a head-on massive star collision
Authors: Ballone Alessandro , Costa Guglielmo , Mapelli Michela , MacLeod Morgan , Torniamenti Stefano , Pacheco-Arias Juan Manuel
Published: December 2022

The detection of the binary black hole merger GW190521, with primary black hole mass $85^{+21}_{-14} {\rm M}_{\odot }$, proved the existence of black holes in the theoretically predicted pair-instability gap ($\sim 60-120 \, {\rm M}_{\odot }$) of their mass spectrum. Some recent studies suggest that such massive black holes could be produced by the collision of an evolved star with a carbon–oxygen core and a main sequence star. Such a post-coalescence star could end its life avoiding the pair-instability regime and with a direct collapse of its very massive envelope. It is still not clear, however, how the collision shapes the structure of the newly produced star and how much mass is actually lost in the impact. We investigated this issue by means of hydrodynamical simulations with the smoothed particle hydrodynamics code StarSmasher, finding that a head-on collision can remove up to 12 per cent of the initial mass of the colliding stars. This is a non-negligible percentage of the initial mass and could affect the further evolution of the stellar remnant, particularly in terms of the final mass of a possibly forming black hole. We also found that the main sequence star can plunge down to the outer boundary of the core of the primary, changing the inner chemical composition of the remnant. The collision expels the outer layers of the primary, leaving a remnant with an helium-enriched envelope (reaching He fractions of about 0.4 at the surface). These more complex abundance profiles can be directly used in stellar evolution simulations of the collision product.
CALSAGOS: Clustering algorithms applied to galaxies in overdense systems
Authors: Olave-Rojas D E , Cerulo P , Araya-Araya P , Olave-Rojas D A
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we present CALSAGOS: Clustering ALgorithmS Applied to Galaxies in Overdense Systems which is a PYTHON package developed to select cluster members and to search, find, and identify substructures. CALSAGOS is based on clustering algorithms, and was developed to be used in spectroscopic and photometric samples. To test the performance of CALSAGOS, we use the S-PLUS’s mock catalogues, and we found an error of 1–6 per cent on member selection depending on the function that is used. Besides, CALSAGOS has a F1-score of 0.8, a precision of 85 per cent and a completeness of 100 per cent in the identification of substructures in the outer regions of galaxy clusters (r > r200). The F1-score, precision, and completeness of CALSAGOS fall to 0.5, 75, and 40 per cent when we consider all substructure identifications (inner and outer) due to the function that searches, finds, and identifies the substructures works in 2D, and cannot resolve the substructures projected over others.
DNA–TCP complex structures reveal a unique recognition mechanism for TCP transcription factor families
Authors: Zhang Yi , Xu Yong-ping , Nie Ju-kui , Chen Hong , Qin Genji , Wang Bo , Su Xiao-Dong
Published: December 2022

Plant-specific TCP transcription factors are key regulators of diverse plant functions. TCP transcription factors have long been annotated as basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factors according to remote sequence homology without experimental validation, and their consensus DNA-binding sequences and protein–DNA recognition mechanisms have remained elusive. Here, we report the crystal structures of the class I TCP domain from AtTCP15 and the class II TCP domain from AtTCP10 in complex with different double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). The complex structures reveal that the TCP domain is a distinct DNA-binding motif and the homodimeric TCP domains adopt a unique three-site recognition mode, binding to dsDNA mainly through a central pair of β-strands formed by the dimer interface and two basic flexible loops from each monomer. The consensus DNA-binding sequence for class I TCPs is a perfectly palindromic 11 bp (GTGGGNCCCAC), whereas that for class II TCPs is a near-palindromic 11 bp (GTGGTCCCCAC). The unique DNA binding mode allows the TCP domains to display broad specificity for a range of DNA sequences even shorter than 11 bp, adding further complexity to the regulatory network of plant TCP transcription factors.
Initiation at AUGUG and GUGUG sequences can lead to translation of overlapping reading frames in E. coli
Authors: Kohl Maximilian P , Kompatscher Maria , Clementi Nina , Holl Lena , Erlacher Matthias D
Published: December 2022

During initiation, the ribosome is tasked to efficiently recognize open reading frames (ORFs) for accurate and fast translation of mRNAs. A critical step is start codon recognition, which is modulated by initiation factors, mRNA structure, a Shine Dalgarno (SD) sequence and the start codon itself. Within the Escherichia coli genome, we identified more than 50 annotated initiation sites harboring AUGUG or GUGUG sequence motifs that provide two canonical start codons, AUG and GUG, in immediate proximity. As these sites may challenge start codon recognition, we studied if and how the ribosome is accurately guided to the designated ORF, with a special focus on the SD sequence as well as adenine at the fourth coding sequence position (A4). By in vitro and in vivo experiments, we characterized key requirements for unambiguous start codon recognition, but also discovered initiation sites that lead to the translation of both overlapping reading frames. Our findings corroborate the existence of an ambiguous translation initiation mechanism, implicating a multitude of so far unrecognized ORFs and translation products in bacteria.
Optimized high-throughput screening of non-coding variants identified from genome-wide association studies
Authors: Morova Tunc , Ding Yi , Huang Chia-Chi F , Sar Funda , Schwarz Tommer , Giambartolomei Claudia , Baca Sylvan C , Grishin Dennis , Hach Faraz , Gusev Alexander , Freedman Matthew L , Pasaniuc Bogdan , Lack Nathan A
Published: December 2022

The vast majority of disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) identified from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are localized in non-coding regions. A significant fraction of these variants impact transcription factors binding to enhancer elements and alter gene expression. To functionally interrogate the activity of such variants we developed snpSTARRseq, a high-throughput experimental method that can interrogate the functional impact of hundreds to thousands of non-coding variants on enhancer activity. snpSTARRseq dramatically improves signal-to-noise by utilizing a novel sequencing and bioinformatic approach that increases both insert size and the number of variants tested per loci. Using this strategy, we interrogated known prostate cancer (PCa) risk-associated loci and demonstrated that 35% of them harbor SNPs that significantly altered enhancer activity. Combining these results with chromosomal looping data we could identify interacting genes and provide a mechanism of action for 20 PCa GWAS risk regions. When benchmarked to orthogonal methods, snpSTARRseq showed a strong correlation with in vivo experimental allelic-imbalance studies whereas there was no correlation with predictive in silico approaches. Overall, snpSTARRseq provides an integrated experimental and computational framework to functionally test non-coding genetic variants.
CK2 promotes jasmonic acid signaling response by phosphorylating MYC2 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhu Jiang , Wang Wen-Shu , Yan Da-Wei , Hong Li-Wei , Li Ting-Ting , Gao Xiang , Yang Yun-Huang , Ren Feng , Lu Ying-Tang , Yuan Ting-Ting
Published: December 2022

Jasmonic acid (JA) signaling plays a pivotal role in plant development and defense. MYC2 is a master transcription factor in JA signaling, and was found to be phosphorylated and negatively regulated by MAP kinase and receptor-like kinase. However, the kinases that positively regulate MYC2 through phosphorylation and promote MYC2-mediated activation of JA response have not been identified. Here, we identified CK2 as a kinase that phosphorylates MYC2 and thus regulates the JA signaling. CK2 holoenzyme can interact with MYC2 using its regulatory subunits and phosphorylate MYC2 at multiple sites with its catalytic subunits. Inhibition of CK2 activity in a dominant-negative plant line, CK2mut, repressed JA response. On the other hand, increasing CK2 activity by overexpression of CKB4, a regulatory subunit gene of CK2, enhanced JA response in a MYC2-dependent manner. Substitution of the Ser and Thr residues at phosphorylation sites of MYC2 by CK2 with Ala impaired MYC2 function in activating JA response. Further investigations evidenced that CK2 facilitated the JA-induced increase of MYC2 binding to the promoters of JA-responsive genes in vivo. Our study demonstrated that CK2 plays a positive role in JA signaling, and reveals a previously undiscovered mechanism that regulates MYC2 function.
The effects of fatty acid–based dietary interventions on circulating bioactive lipid levels as intermediate biomarkers of health, cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular disease risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Calderón-Pérez Lorena , Companys Judit , Solà Rosa , Pedret Anna , Valls Rosa M
Published: December 2022

Context

Dietary fatty acids (FAs), primarily n-3 polyunsaturated FAs, have been associated with enrichment of the circulating bioactive lipidome and changes in the enzymatic precursor lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) mass; however, the magnitude of this effect remains unclear.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of different dietary FAs on the bioactive lipid profile of healthy participants and those with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD risk factors.

Data sources

PubMed, SCOPUS and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant articles published between October 2010 and May 2022.

Data extraction

Data were screened for relevance and then retrieved in full and evaluated for eligibility by 2 reviewers independently.

Data analysis

The net difference in the bioactive lipid mean values between the endpoint and the baseline, and the corresponding SDs or SEs, were used for the qualitative synthesis. For the meta-analysis, a fixed-effects model was used.

Results

Twenty-seven randomized clinical trials (representing >2560 participants) were included. Over 78% of the enrolled participants had ≥1 associated CVD risk factor, whereas <22% were healthy. In the meta-analysis, marine n-3 supplements (dose range, 0.37–1.9 g/d) significantly increased pro-inflammatory lysophosphatidylcholines (lyso-PCs; for lyso-PC(16:0): mean, +0.52 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.02–1.01] µM; for lyso-PC(18:0): mean, +0.58 [95%CI, 0.09–1.08] µM) in obese participants. Additionally, n-3 supplementation (1–5.56 g/d) decreased plasma Lp-PLA2 mass, a well-known inflammation marker, in healthy (–0.35 [95%CI, –0.59 to –0.10] ng/mL), dyslipidemic (–0.36 [95%CI, –0.47 to –0.25] ng/mL), and stable coronary artery disease participants (–0.52 [95%CI, –0.91 to –0.12] ng/mL).

Conclusions

Daily n-3 provided as EPA+DHA supplements and consumed from 1 to 6 months reduced plasma Lp-PLA2 mass in healthy participants and those with CVD and CVD risk factors, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect. However, the saturated lyso-PC response to n-3 was impaired in obese participants.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021218335
The Sustainabilitarian Approach
Authors: Roemer John E.
Published: December 2022

This chapter discusses foundational issues of intergenerational ethics in a model with only two generations and endogenous growth. We argue that many important questions can be studied in this simple model, rather than the usual model with an infinite or unknown number of generations. We begin by criticizing (undiscounted) utilitarianism as giving rise to a ‘utility monster’ when there is endogenous growth, and then propose that economists have dealt with this problem by discounting utilities of future generations. We argue that the usual choice of discount factor is far too small (that is, utilities of future generations are discounted too much). There is a ‘discount-factor fallacy’ which holds that the discount factor applied in intergenerational analysis should be the same as the one individuals apply to maximizing their utility over a lifetime. We present in contrast a definition of sustainability and of growth sustainability. The latter’s objective is to maximize the utility of the first generation subject to guaranteeing a rate utility growth of g per generation. We finally discuss how to discount the sustainabilitarian objective, which can be done if there is a positive probability π that each generation might be the last one.

Key words: discounted utilitarianism, discount factor size, endogenous growth, sustainability, growth sustainability
Jane Mansbridge, Beyond Adversary Democracy
Authors: Beerbohm Eric
Published: December 2022

Rules of order can perform two kinds of work in a democratic setting: they can be regulative, taking conflicts among groups for granted, or they can be constitutive, making possible the formation of new ways of relating to each other as equals. Jane Mansbridge’s now classic Beyond Adversary Democracy is a vivid possibility proof for the latter kind of democratic theory. Its mix of participant observation and case studies showed how the rules of order can make a group that is marked by its equal standing. In doing so, Mansbridge’s work anticipated two core literatures in political theory. It pointed to the deliberative turn in democratic theory and the relational turn in debates about distributive equality. At the same time, it modeled a way of doing political theory that integrates analytic and ethnographic approaches.
Factors associated with change in health-related quality of life in people with gout: a 3-year prospective cohort study in primary care
Authors: Watson Lorraine , Belcher John , Nicholls Elaine , Chandratre Priyanka , Blagojevic-Bucknall Milica , Hider Samantha , Lawton Sarah A , Mallen Christian D , Muller Sara , Rome Keith , Roddy Edward
Published: December 2022

Objective

To describe factors associated with change in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in people living with gout in primary care.

Methods

In a UK prospective cohort study, adults with a diagnosis of gout registered with 20 general practices completed the Gout Impact Scale (GIS; scale 0–100), 36-item Short Form Physical Function subscale (PF-10; 0–100) and HAQ Disability Index (HAQ-DI; 0–3) via postal questionnaires at baseline and 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. Linear mixed modelling was used to investigate factors associated with changes in HRQOL over 3 years.

Results

A total of 1184 participants responded at baseline (adjusted response 65.6%); 990 (83.6%) were male, with a mean age of 65.6 years (s.d. 12.5). A total of 818, 721, 696 and 605 responded at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months, respectively. Factors associated with worse disease-specific and generic HRQOL over 3 years were flare frequency (five or more flares; GIS subscales, PF-10), oligo/polyarticular flares (GIS subscales, PF-10, HAQ-DI), worse pain (GIS subscales, PF-10, HAQ-DI), body pain (GIS subscales, PF-10, HAQ-DI) and more severe depression (GIS subscales, PF-10, HAQ-DI) (P ≤ 0.05). More severe anxiety was associated with worse disease-specific HRQOL only (GIS subscales). Older age (PF-10), being female (PF-10, HAQ-DI) and BMI (HAQ-DI) were associated with worse generic HRQOL (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

Gout-specific, comorbid and sociodemographic factors were associated with change in HRQOL over a 3-year period, highlighting people at risk of worse outcomes who could be targeted for interventions.
Immune complex-mediated neutrophil activation in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: Michailidou Despina , Johansson Linda , Kuley Runa , Wang Ting , Hermanson Payton , Rantapää-Dahlqvist Solbritt , Lood Christian
Published: December 2022

Objective

Neutrophils are important in host defence. However, neutrophils are also linked to inflammation and organ damage. The purpose of this study was to assess whether markers of neutrophil activation are increased in PMR.

Methods

Levels of immune complexes (IC), calprotectin and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were measured in plasma of healthy individuals (n = 30) and patients with PMR (n = 60), at flare and upon treatment with glucocorticoids using ELISA. Plasma-mediated neutrophil activation was assessed in presence of an FcγRIIA inhibitory antibody (IV.3).

Results

Plasma levels of calprotectin and NETs were elevated in PMR (P < 0.001). Mechanistically, neutrophil activation was driven by ICs, present in plasma, able to up-regulate neutrophil activation markers CD66b and CD11b (P < 0.0001) in an FcγRIIA-dependent manner (P < 0.01). Of note, circulating levels of IC correlated with plasma induced CD66b and CD11b (r = 0.51, P = 0.004, and r = 0.46, P = 0.01, respectively) and decreased after glucocorticoid therapy. In contrast to NETs, calprotectin significantly decreased after glucocorticoid therapy (P < 0.001) and was higher in PMR without overlapping GCA compared with patients with overlapping disease (P = 0.014). Interestingly, musculoskeletal involvement was associated with elevated levels of calprotectin before initiation of glucocorticoid therapy (P = 0.036).

Conclusions

Neutrophil activation, including NET formation, is increased in PMR, through IC-mediated engagement of FcγRIIA. Clinically, neutrophil activation is associated with musculoskeletal involvement, with calprotectin, but not NETs, being a biomarker of treatment response in PMR patients. In all, IC-mediated neutrophil activation is a central process in PMR pathogenesis identifying potential novel therapeutic targets (FcγRIIA), as well as soluble markers for disease monitoring (calprotectin).
‘Amate ma non generate’: Sexual Pleasure and Marital Hygiene in Paolo Mantegazza’s Sexual Science
Authors: Campani Francesca
Published: December 2022

By exploring the links between popular marital medicine and Paolo Mantegazza’s sexual science, this article will shed light on the positive discourses on sexual pleasure that circulated during the second half of the nineteenth century in Italy. By doing so, it aims to draw attention to popular medicine’s contribution to the emergence of modern ideas on sexuality. First, the article will show how nineteenth-century marital sexual guides were influenced by eighteenth-century embryology, which considered mutual sexual pleasure as necessary for procreation. Second, it will demonstrate how, in Mantegazza’s sexual science, pleasure acquired importance in itself, as demonstrated by his committed advocacy of methods of contraception that safeguarded pleasure for both partners. Finally, the article will argue that the sexualisation of marriage in the 1920s can be understood as part of a long-standing positive discourse on pleasure embedded in the genre of marital sexual guides.
Contribution of post-trauma insomnia to depression and posttraumatic stress disorder in women service members: findings from the Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Carlson Gwendolyn C , Sharifian Neika , Jacobson Isabel G , LeardMann Cynthia A , Rull Rudolph P , Martin Jennifer L ,   Millennium Cohort Study Team, Belding Jenn , Boparai Satbir , Carey Felicia R , Castañeda Sheila F , Villalobos Javier , Geronimo-Hara Toni Rose , Kolaja Claire , Magallon Sandra , Rivera Anna , Roesch Scott , Seay Julia , Sheppard Beverly , Daniel Trone , Jennifer Walstrom , Wooten Nikki , Zhu Katie
Published: December 2022

Study Objectives

We examined whether women service members and veterans who reported recent combat and/or sexual trauma experiences had a greater risk of insomnia compared with women who did not report these recent experiences, and whether insomnia would be associated with a greater risk of mental health outcomes.

Methods

We analyzed two waves of survey data (2011–2013, Time 1 [T1] and 2014–2016, Time 2 [T2]) from 26 443 current and former women service members from the Millennium Cohort Study. We assessed recent traumas in the past 3 years, and probable insomnia at T1 and probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression at T2. A longitudinal mediation model was used to quantify separate indirect effects of recent traumas on mental health outcomes through probable insomnia.

Results

Women who had experienced recent sexual assault (odds ratio [OR] = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.24–2.10), sexual harassment (OR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.05–1.41), and combat (OR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.20–1.49) at T1 had a greater risk of probable insomnia at T1 compared with women who had not recently experienced these events. Probable insomnia at T1, in turn, was associated with probable depression (OR = 2.66; 95% CI = 2.31–3.06) and PTSD (OR = 2.57; 95% CI = 2.27–2.90) at T2. Recent combat experience did not moderate the associations of recent sexual trauma with insomnia or mental health outcomes.

Conclusions

Insomnia contributes to the risk of subsequent mental health conditions following trauma. The diagnosis and treatment of post-trauma insomnia should be prioritized to mitigate the development of posttraumatic mental health conditions.
A randomized-controlled trial of a digital, small incentive-based intervention for working adults with short sleep
Authors: Ong Ju Lynn , Massar Stijn A A , Lau TeYang , Ng Ben K L , Chan Lit Fai , Koek Daphne , Cheong Karen , Chee Michael W L
Published: December 2022

Study Objectives

We evaluated the efficacy of a digitally delivered, small and scalable incentive-based intervention program on sleep and wellbeing in short-sleeping, working adults.

Methods

A 22-week, parallel-group, randomized-controlled trial was conducted on 21–40 y participants gifted with FitbitTM devices to measure sleep for ≥2 years, as part of a broader healthy lifestyle study. About 225 short sleepers (141 males; average time-in-bed, TIB < 7h) were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to Goal-Setting or Control groups. The Goal-Setting group received health vouchers (~USD 0.24) for meeting each sleep goal (i.e. increasing weeknight TIB by 30 min/sleeping before midnight).The study spanned three phases: (1) 2-week Baseline, (2) 10-week Intervention, and (3) 10-week Follow-Up. Wellbeing questionnaires were administered on Weeks 1–2, 11–12, and 21–22.

Results

Baseline weeknight TIB (mean ± SD) was 387 ± 43 min (Goal-Setting) and 399 ± 44 min (Control), while bedtime was 00:53 ± 01:13 (Goal-Setting), and 00:38 ± 00:56 (Control). No difference in sleep outcomes was observed at study endpoints, but exploratory week-by-week analysis showed that on Weeks 3–5, TIB in the Goal-Setting group increased (9–18 min; ps < 0.05) while on Week 5, bedtimes shifted earlier (15 min; p < 0.01) compared to Baseline. Morning sleepiness was reduced in the Goal-Setting group (mean[SEM] = −3.17(1.53); p = 0.04) compared to Baseline, although between-group differences were not significant (p = 0.62). Main barriers to sleeping longer were work hours (35%), followed by leisure activities (23%) and family commitments (22%).

Conclusion

Our program resulted in encouraging subjective sleep improvements and short-term sleep extension, but sustained transformation of sleep will probably require structural measures to overcome significant obstacles to sleep.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04878380 (hiSG Sleep Health Study (hiSG-SHS); https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04878380)
Technology use as a sleep-onset aid: are adolescents using apps to distract themselves from negative thoughts?
Authors: Daniels Alexandra , Pillion Meg , Rullo Benita , Mikulcic Jessica , Whittall Hannah , Bartel Kate , Kahn Michal , Gradisar Michael , Bauducco Serena V
Published: December 2022

Study Objectives

The aim of this study was to; (1) explore whether adolescents use technology as distraction from negative thoughts before sleep, (2) assess whether adolescents who perceive having a sleep problem use technology as distraction more compared to adolescents without sleep complaints, and (3) collect qualitative information about which devices and apps adolescents use as a distraction.

Methods

This study used a mixed-methods cross-sectional design, where 684 adolescents (M = 15.1, SD = 1.2, 46% female) answered both quantitative and qualitative questions about their sleep (perceived sleep problem, sleep onset time (SOT), and sleep onset latency [SOL]) and technology use as distraction from negative thoughts.

Results

The majority of adolescents answered “yes” or “sometimes” using technology as a distraction from negative thoughts (23.6% and 38.4%). Adolescents who answered “yes” to using technology as distraction were more likely to report having a sleep problem, longer SOL, and later SOT, compared to adolescents who answered “no”. The most popular device to distract was the phone, because of its availability, and the most common apps used for distraction included YouTube, Snapchat, and music apps.

Conclusions

This study shows that many adolescents use technology to distract themselves from negative thoughts, which may help them manage the sleep-onset process. Thus, distraction may be one mechanism explaining how sleep affects technology use, rather than vice versa.
Isolates of Phytophthora sansomeana Display a Range of Aggressiveness on Soybean Seedlings
Authors: Hebb Linda M. , Bradley Carl A. , Telenko Darcy E. P. , Wise Kiersten , Dorrance Anne E.
Published: December 2022

Soilborne oomycete pathogens of soybean are a constant concern, especially at the seedling growth stage. In a survey for Phytophthora sojae, 126 isolates of Phytophthora sansomeana were recovered through soil bating between 2016 and 2018, of which 42 were from Indiana, 9 were from Kentucky, and 75 were from Ohio. A subset of P. sansomeana isolates, along with check isolates of Phytophthora sojae, Pythium irregulare, and Pythium ultimum var. ultimum, were selected for pathogenicity testing using Petri plate, tray test, and greenhouse cup assays. The average seed rot score for P. sansomeana-infected seeds in the Petri plate assay was 2.3 on a scale from 0 to 3, with 3 indicating complete colonization with little to no germination of seeds. In the tray test assay, the mean lesion development on the seedling tap root for P. sansomeana was 4.9 mm, compared with 46.0 mm for P. sojae. In the greenhouse cup assay, the average root rot score of P. sansomeana was 2.1 on a scale from 1 to 5, where a score of 5 indicates no germination. Based on these assays, P. sansomeana isolates were more aggressive seed rotters than P. sojae and Pythium isolates. Conversely, they developed smaller tap root lesions on soybean seedlings than P. sojae and less severe root rot compared with isolates of Py. irregulare and Py. ultimum. This research reinforces the importance of selecting a diverse panel of isolates to screen for resistance in host plants, as well as selecting effective management strategies against multiple seedling pathogens.
The Impact of Collaborative Online International Learning on Intercultural Sensitivity Among Nursing Students in the United States and Japan
Authors: Niitsu Kosuke , Kondo Akiko , Abuliezi Renaguli , Dyba Natalia A.
Published: December 2022

Collaborative online international learning (COIL) is a curricular approach that allows students to collaborate across cultures using various communication technologies. Little is known about the influence of COIL on intercultural sensitivity, a key competency for nursing students to better serve increasingly diverse patient populations. We implemented COIL in undergraduate nursing courses in the United States and Japan and examined its impact on intercultural sensitivity using the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS) as a pretest and posttest. The results of a pairedt-test indicated ISS total scores significantly increased after COIL, supporting its use in nursing education courses.
Changes to Outflow Structures After Pilocarpine in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Compared With Healthy Individuals Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Chen Liwen , Chen Zhiqi , Deng Chaohua , Chen Wei , Zhang Hong , Wang Junming
Published: December 2022

Précis:

Lower response of aqueous outflow pathway structures after pilocarpine could be observed in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients, which is likely to be helpful for understanding intraocular pressure (IOP) evaluation in glaucoma.

Purpose:

To evaluate the morphologic changes in the trabecular meshwork (TM), Schlemm canal (SC), scleral spur (SS), and ciliary muscle after miosis in patients with POAG and healthy individuals.

Methods:

A total of 30 patients with POAG and 26 healthy controls were recruited. All participants underwent complete ophthalmologic examinations, including IOP and swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT), before and 1 hour after the local administration of pilocarpine (2%). OCT measurements included TM thickness and width, SC diameter and area, SS length, ciliary muscle thickness, and ciliary muscle angle (CMA).

Results:

Pilocarpine administration induced a decline in IOP (15.6±2.3–14.6±2.2 mm Hg), decrease in nasal SS length (196.31±47.75–171.52±33.93 μm), decrease in TM thickness (90.18±16.43–83.02±13.74 μm), and increase in SC diameter (134.84±32.28–162.08±48.67 μm) and SC area (3851.37±1455.07–4801.39±1762.37 μm2 ) among healthy controls. In contrast, no significant changes in IOP and OCT measurements were found in patients with POAG. At baseline, CMA was independently correlated with IOP in normal eyes. After miosis, the change in TM thickness was independently correlated with changes in IOP in normal eyes; in eyes with POAG, changes in SS length and CMA were independently associated with changes in IOP.

Conclusions:

Topical pilocarpine-induced morphologic changes to outflow pathway structures in healthy individuals without significant changes in POAG. The lower response observed in patients with glaucoma may be relevant to understanding IOP changes.
Laboratory Safety of Dupilumab, and Its Effect on Inflammatory Biomarkers, in Chinese Adults With Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: An Analysis of a Randomized, Double-Blind Phase III Study
Authors: Zhao Yan , Wu Li-Ming , Lu Qian-Jin , Gao Xing-Hua , Zhu Xiao-Hong , Yao Xu , Li Lin-Feng , Li Wei , Ding Yang-Feng , Song Zhi-Qiang , Liu Ling-Ling , Dang Ning-Ning , Zhang Chun-Lei , Liu Xiao-Ming , Gu Jun , Wang Jin-Yan , Geng Song-Mei , Liu Quan-Zhong , Guo Yi-Feng , Dong Li , Li Shelley , Xu Christine , O’Malley John T. , Laws Elizabeth , Amin Nikhil , Bansal Ashish , Wang Min , Zhang Jian-Zhong
Published: December 2022

Objective:

Limited information is available on the use of dupilumab for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in the Chinese population.

Methods:

We analyzed laboratory data from a previously published randomized, double-blind phase III trial (NCT03912259) to provide further insight into the safety of dupilumab in Chinese adults with moderate to severe AD. The trial participants received either 300 mg of dupilumab or placebo every 2 weeks for 16 weeks. Hematology, blood chemistry, serum thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) were evaluated.

Results:

In total, 82 participants received dupilumab and 83 received placebo. With the exception of eosinophil counts of >0.8 × 109/L, which were found less frequently with dupilumab (9.8%) than with placebo (18.7%), the hematology and blood chemistry values were generally stable in both treatment groups. There were no clinically significant differences between the dupilumab and placebo groups, and no participants developed treatment-emergent abnormalities of potential clinical significance. However, compared with placebo, greater decreases in serum lactate dehydrogenase (mean change, −97.4 vs. −33.5 IU/L), TARC (median percent change, −78.6% vs. −30.8%), and total IgE (median percent change, −53.4% vs. −0.2%) were observed with dupilumab than placebo at week 16.

Conclusion:

Dupilumab demonstrated a favorable laboratory safety profile in Chinese adults with moderate to severe AD.
Characterization of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis in Northwest China: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Xiao-Na , Peng Bin , Geng Song-Mei
Published: December 2022

Objective:

This study was performed to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) in Northwest China.

Methods:

The clinical data of patients with GPP were retrospectively collected in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2021 and analyzed using the chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test.

Results:

In total, 179 hospitalized patients were included. The male:female ratio was 1.16:1.00, and the mean age at onset was 35.05 ± 19.11 years. Psoriasis vulgaris was also present in 76.0% of patients, and a family history of psoriasis was present in 15.6%. The mean duration of hospitalization was 10.67 ± 4.31 days, and the mean duration of flares was 29.58 ± 24.32 days. Infections and suspected drugs were predisposing factors. A fever developed in 54.7% of patients, and pruritus developed in 70.9%. Some patients had involvement of the nails (38.0%), scalp (46.9%), and tongue (4.5%). Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and gallbladder-related disease were common comorbidities. The efficacy of acitretin was 84.7%, that of methotrexate was 66.7%, and that of cyclosporine was 100%. Fifteen patients were treated with secukinumab or adalimumab and responded well. The mean response time was 6.34 ± 2.91 days based on the combination treatments. The mean duration of the treatment regimen was 111.35 ± 94.25 days, and approximately 46.6% (n = 131) of patients developed recurrence.

Conclusion:

Our retrospective study showed that most cases of GPP were accompanied by psoriasis vulgaris and associated with fever or pruritus. Acitretin had good therapeutic efficacy, but recurrence should be noted. Biologics are increasingly becoming effective treatments, but their superiority and safety need further research.
Factors affecting the success of crystallized phenol treatment in sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease
Authors: Ulusoy Cemal , Nikolovski Andrej
Published: December 2022

There are 2 mainstays of sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease (SPD) treatment: non-operative and surgical. None of them was superior, and it was associated with some degree of recurrence. Crystallized phenol treatment is a non-operative procedure performed in outpatient settings. This retrospective study aimed to asses crystallized phenol treatment in patients with primary and recurrent SPD and the factors that influence disease recurrence. A total of 92 patients were included and followed up. Crystallized phenol was administered in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. All demographic, patient, sinus features, procedure and outcome data were recorded and analyzed for treatment success and factors for recurrence were identified. Between January 2019 and December 2021, 92 patients (77 male and 15 female) with a mean age of 28.4 were treated with 1, 2, or 3 doses of crystallized phenol. Recurrence rate after the procedure was 20.7%. Univariate regression analysis showed that the grade of hirsutism, initial presence of abscess, pit number and number of showers per week had statistically significant effect on recurrence. Multivariate logistic regression analysis pointed on the hirsutism grade (P = .008) and the number of pit openings (P = .003) as a statistically significant factors for recurrence. Crystallized phenol application for primary and recurrent SPD is safe, inexpensive and efficient non-operative method with few minor complications, even when is repeated. Factors responsible for the recurrence of the procedure are grade of hirsutism and sinus pit number.
Pharmacists’ role in multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment in adverse reactions: A case report of interferon alfa-2b induced severe lupus
Authors: Chen Hongxia , Qiu Xiaoyan , Wang Jingyi , Wei Hualing
Published: December 2022

Rationale:

Various side effects of interferon alfa-2b (IFN-α2b) have been reported. However, no relevant research has been conducted on the identification and treatment scheme selection for IFN-α2b induced severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Patient concerns:

A 41-years-old man with a long history of hepatitis B who developed severe active SLE after IFN-α2b therapy for 24 months, with complete and persistent remission of clinical and laboratory abnormalities after IFN-α2b withdrawal, was not observed.

Diagnosis:

The patient was diagnosed with interferon-associated lupus by a multidisciplinary team involving pharmacists, and lupus nephritis by renal biopsy.

Interventions:

Methylprednisolone (40 mg/day) with intravenous cyclophosphamide (600 mg/body weight) was initiated and the symptoms were partially relieved. Cyclophosphamide was increased from 600 mg to 850 mg at the pharmacist’s recommendation.

Outcomes:

The patient showed a favorable response to these therapies.

Lessons:

Clinical pharmacists collaborated with other members of the health care team to diagnose and treat adverse reactions, resulting in improved patient management.