bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of durable humoral and T cell immunity in myeloma patients following COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Twumasi Clement , Moore Sally , Sadler Ross , Jeans Sally , Varghese Sherin , Turner Alison , Agarwal Gaurav , Larham Jemma , Gray Nathanael , Carty Oluremi , Barrett Joe , Bowcock Stella , Oppermann Udo , Gamble Vicky , Cook Gordon , Kyriakou Chara , Drayson Mark , Basu Supratik , McDonald Sarah , McKinley Shelagh , Gooding Sarah , Javaid Muhammad K. , Ramasamy Karthik
Published: December 2023

Objective

To describe determinants of persisting humoral and cellular immune response to the second COVID‐19 vaccination among patients with myeloma.

Methods

This is a prospective, observational study utilising the RUDYstudy.org platform. Participants reported their second and third COVID‐19 vaccination dates. Myeloma patients had an Anti‐S antibody level sample taken at least 21 days after their second vaccination and a repeat sample before their third vaccination.

Results

60 patients provided samples at least 3 weeks (median 57.5 days) after their second vaccination and before their third vaccination (median 176.0 days after second vaccine dose). Low Anti‐S antibody levels (<50 IU/mL) doubled during this interval (p = .023) and, in the 47 participants with T‐spot data, there was a 25% increase negative T‐spot tests (p = .008). Low anti–S antibody levels prior to the third vaccination were predicted by lower Anti‐S antibody level and negative T‐spot status after the second vaccine. Independent determinants of a negative T‐spot included increasing age, previous COVID infection, high CD4 count and lower percentage change in Anti‐S antibody levels.

Conclusions

Negative T‐spot results predict low Anti‐S antibody levels (<50 IU/mL) following a second COVID‐19 vaccination and a number of biomarkers predict T cell responses in myeloma patients.
What is the meta‐analytic evidence for life‐history trade‐offs at the genetic level?
Authors: Chang Chia‐chen , Moiron Maria , Sánchez‐Tójar Alfredo , Niemelä Petri T. , Laskowski Kate L.
Published: December 2023

Understanding the evolutionary mechanisms underlying the maintenance of individual differences in behavior and physiology is a fundamental goal in ecology and evolution. The pace‐of‐life syndrome hypothesis is often invoked to explain the maintenance of such within‐population variation. This hypothesis predicts that behavioral traits are part of a suite of correlated traits that collectively determine an individual's propensity to prioritize reproduction or survival. A key assumption of this hypothesis is that these traits are underpinned by genetic trade‐offs among life‐history traits: genetic variants that increase fertility, reproduction and growth might also reduce lifespan. We performed a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis to summarize the evidence for the existence of genetic trade‐offs between five key life‐history traits: survival, growth rate, body size, maturation rate, and fertility. Counter to our predictions, we found an overall positive genetic correlation between survival and other life‐history traits and no evidence for any genetic correlations between the non‐survival life‐history traits. This finding was generally consistent across pairs of life‐history traits, sexes, life stages, lab vs. field studies, and narrow‐ vs. broad‐sense correlation estimates. Our study highlights that genetic trade‐offs may not be as common, or at least not as easily quantifiable, in animals as often assumed.
Rapid administration of undiluted loading doses of levetiracetam
Authors: Martinez Sydni , Bonnin Sophia S. , Radosevich John , Haller J. Tyler
Published: December 2023

Objective

Rapid administration of antiseizure medications is a critical concept in the treatment of status epilepticus. Although undiluted levetiracetam (LEV) doses of up to 2500 mg have been evaluated, minimal data exist to support the safety of loading doses up to 4500 mg. This study will evaluate intravenous (IV) push administration of undiluted LEV from 2500 to 4500 mg for safety outcomes as well as tolerability.

Methods

This is a retrospective, observational, cohort analysis of adult patients who received at least one loading dose of undiluted IV push LEV from October 15, 2019, to April 30, 2022, at a large academic medical center in Phoenix, Arizona. Relevant outcomes include the safety and tolerability of rapid administration of undiluted LEV at higher loading doses.

Results

We evaluated 518 loading doses in 518 unique patients included during the study period. LEV was a new medication for witnessed or suspected seizures in 80.3% of patients, with 31.2% having a documented history of epilepsy or seizure disorder. At the time of LEV administration, 52.9% of patients were on a general medicine floor, 34.3% were in the intensive care unit, and 12.7% were in the emergency department. The median loading dose of LEV was 3600 mg (3000–4000 mg), with 4000 mg being the most common loading dose given. Peripheral IV lines were documented as the only available line in 78.6% of patients for loading dose administration. No adverse events associated with LEV administration were documented.

Significance

Rapid IV administration of undiluted doses of LEV is both safe and tolerable in loading doses of 2500–4500 mg, allowing for rapid drug administration in the setting of status epilepticus.
Methane and nitrous oxide emissions during biochar‐composting are driven by biochar application rate and aggregate formation
Authors: Harrison Brendan P. , Gao Si , Thao Touyee , Gonzales Melinda L. , Williams Kennedy L. , Scott Natalie , Hale Lauren , Ghezzehei Teamrat , Diaz Gerardo , Ryals Rebecca A.
Published: December 2023

Manure is a leading source of methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and ammonia (NH3) emissions, and alternative manure management practices can help society meet climate goals and mitigate air pollution. Recent studies show that biochar‐composting can substantially reduce emissions from manure. However, most studies test only one type of biochar applied at a single application rate, leading to high variation in emission reductions between studies. Here, we measured greenhouse gas and NH3 emissions during biochar‐composting of dairy manure with biochar applied at 5% or 20%, by mass, and made from walnut shells, almond shells, or almond clippings. We found little difference in emissions between biochar type. However, we found that the 20% application rates increased CH4 emissions and decreased N2O and NH3 emissions, resulting in a net reduction in global warming potential (GWP). We attribute this result to biochar increasing the formation of compost aggregates, which likely acted as anaerobic reactors for methanogenesis and complete denitrification. Biochar may have further fueled CH4 production and N2O consumption by acting as an electron shuttle within aggregates. We recommend lower application rates, as we found that the 5% treatments in our study led to a similar reduction in GWP without increasing CH4 emissions.
Exploring associations of greenery, air pollution and walkability with cardiometabolic health in people at midlife and beyond
Authors: Carver Alison , Beare Richard , Knibbs Luke D , Mavoa Suzanne , Grocott Kaya , Wheeler Amanda J , Srikanth Velandai , Andrew Nadine E
Published: December 2023

Aim

To examine associations of neighborhood greenery, air pollution and walkability with cardiometabolic disease in adults aged ≥45 years in the Frankston–Mornington Peninsula region, Victoria, Australia.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, ecological study design was used. We assessed mean annual neighborhood greenery using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index; air pollution (fine particulate matter of diameter ≤2.5 μm [PM2.5] and NO2) using land‐use regression models; and walkability using Walk Score (possible values 0–100). Medically diagnosed diabetes (~95% type‐2), heart disease and stroke were self‐reported in the Australian Census (2021). Multivariable regression was used to model associations between environmental exposures and area‐level (neighborhood) cardiometabolic disease prevalence (age group ≥45 years), with socioeconomic status, age and sex as covariates. Air pollution was examined as a mediator of associations between greenery and disease prevalence.

Results

Our sample comprised 699 neighborhoods with the following mean (SD) values: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index 0.47 (0.09), PM2.5, 8.5 (0.6) μg/m3 and NO2, 5.2 (1.6) ppb. Disease prevalences were: heart disease, mean 8.9% (4.5%); diabetes, mean 10.3% (4.7%); and stroke, median 1.2% (range 0–10.9%). Greenery was negatively associated with diabetes (β = −5.85, 95% CI −9.53, −2.17) and stroke prevalence (β = −1.26, 95% CI −2.11, −0.42). PM2.5 and NO2 were positively associated with diabetes (β = 1.59, 95% CI 1.00, 2.18; β = 0.42, 95% CI 0.22, 0.62) and stroke prevalence (β = 0.15, 95% CI 0.01, 0.29; β = 0.06, 95% CI 0.01, 0.10). The association between greenery and diabetes was partially mediated by PM2.5 (mediated effect −5.38, 95% CI −7.84, −3.03).

Conclusions

Greenery and air pollutants were associated with lower and higher prevalence, respectively, of self‐reported diabetes and, to a lesser extent, stroke. These ecological findings require further exploration with stronger, longitudinal study designs to inform public health policy and directions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 208–214.
Understanding very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEOIBD) in relation to inborn errors of immunity
Authors: Hall Caroline H. T. , de Zoeten Edwin F.
Published: December 2023

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are multifactorial diseases which are caused by the combination of genetic predisposition, exposure factors (environmental and dietary), immune status, and dysbiosis. IBD is a disease which presents at any age, ranging from newborns to the elderly. The youngest of the pediatric IBD population have a more unique presentation and clinical course and may have a different etiology. Very early onset IBD (VEOIBD) patients, designated as those diagnosed prior the age of 6, have distinct features which are more frequent in this patient population including increased incidence of monogenetic causes for IBD (0%–33% depending on the study). This proportion is increased in the youngest subsets, which is diagnosed prior to the age of 2. To date, there are approximately 80 monogenic causes of VEOIBD that have been identified and published. Many of these monogenic causes are inborn errors of immunity yet the majority of VEOIBD patients do not have an identifiable genetic cause for their disease. In this review, we will focus on the clinical presentation, evaluation, and monogenic categories which have been associated with VEOIBD including (1) Epithelial cell defects (2) Adaptive immune defects, (3) Innate Immune/Bacterial Clearance and Recognition defects, and (4) Hyperinflammatory and autoinflammatory disorders. We will highlight differential diagnosis of VEOIBD presentations, as well as evaluation and treatment, which will be helpful for those who study and care for VEOIBD patients outside of the pediatric gastroenterology field. This is a fast‐moving field of research which has grown significantly based on knowledge that we gain from our patients. These scientific findings have identified novel mucosal biology pathways and will continue to inform our understanding of gastrointestinal biology.
It takes a safe village to raise a child—a commentary on Dana McCoy et al. (2023)
Authors: Stams Geert Jan , van der Helm Peer
Published: December 2023

This commentary on the study by McCoy et al. (2023) examining the negative effects of neighborhood violence on the development of toddlers growing up in the city of São Paulo (Brazil) interprets these outcomes from the perspective of ecological system theory, modern brain research, and the prospect of resilience. We argue that societies should give children the opportunity to grow up in a safe and sufficiently affluent social environment in order to give them a chance to achieve their full developmental potential. Governments and the health care system should, therefore, first and foremost invest in safe and stimulating child‐rearing environments, informed by scientific research.
Removing home hazards for older adults living in affordable housing: A stepped‐wedge cluster‐randomized trial
Authors: Krauss Melissa J. , Somerville Emily , Bollinger Rebecca M. , Chen Szu‐Wei , Kehrer‐Dunlap Abigail L. , Haxton Meghan , Yan Yan , Stark Susan L.
Published: December 2023

Background

Falls are the leading cause of injury, disability, premature institutionalization, and injury‐related mortality among older adults. Home hazard removal can effectively reduce falls in this population but is not implemented as standard practice. This study translated an evidence‐based home hazard removal program (HARP) for delivery in low‐income senior apartments to test whether the intervention would work in the “real world.”

Methods

From May 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020, a stepped‐wedge cluster‐randomized trial was used to implement the evidence‐based HARP among residents with high fall risk in 11 low‐income senior apartment buildings. Five clusters of buildings were randomly assigned an intervention allocation sequence. Three‐level negative‐binomial models (repeated measures nested within individuals, individuals nested within buildings) were used to compare fall rates between treatment and control conditions (excluding a crossover period), controlling for demographic characteristics, fall risk, and time period.

Results

Among 656 residents, 548 agreed to screening, 435 were eligible (high fall risk), and 291 agreed to participate and received HARP. Participants were, on average, 72 years, 67% female, and 76% Black. Approximately 95.4% of fall prevention strategies and modifications implemented were still used 3 months later. The fall rate (per 1000 participant‐days) was 4.87 during the control period and 4.31 during the posttreatment period. After adjusting for covariates and secular trend, there was no significant difference in fall rate (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.97, 95% CI 0.66–1.42). After excluding data collected during a hiatus in the intervention due to COVID‐19, the reduction in fall rate was not significant (IRR 0.93, 95% CI 0.62–1.40).

Conclusions

Although HARP did not significantly reduce the rate of falls, this pragmatic study showed that the program was feasible to deliver in low‐income senior housing and was acceptable among residents. There was effective collaboration between researchers and community agency staff.
Reactive oxygen species: Multidimensional regulators of plant adaptation to abiotic stress and development
Authors: Wang Pengtao , Liu Wen‐Cheng , Han Chao , Wang Situ , Bai Ming‐Yi , Song Chun‐Peng
Published: December 2023

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced as undesirable by‐products of metabolism in various cellular compartments, especially in response to unfavorable environmental conditions, throughout the life cycle of plants. Stress‐induced ROS production disrupts normal cellular function and leads to oxidative damage. To cope with excessive ROS, plants are equipped with a sophisticated antioxidative defense system consisting of enzymatic and non‐enzymatic components that scavenge ROS or inhibit their harmful effects on biomolecules. Nonetheless, when maintained at relatively low levels, ROS act as signaling molecules that regulate plant growth, development, and adaptation to adverse conditions. Here, we provide an overview of current approaches for detecting ROS. We also discuss recent advances in understanding ROS signaling, ROS metabolism, and the roles of ROS in plant growth and responses to various abiotic stresses.
The 3D muscle morphology and intramuscular innervation of the digital bellies of flexor digitorum profundus: Clinical implications for botulinum toxin injection sites
Authors: Campisi Emma S. , Tran John , Amara Catherine E. , Switzer‐McIntyre Sharon , Agur Anne M. R.
Published: December 2023

Spasticity of flexor digitorum profundus is frequently managed with botulinum toxin injections. Knowledge of the 3D morphology and intramuscular innervation of the digital bellies of flexor digitorum profundus is necessary to optimize the injections. The purpose of this study was to digitize and model in 3D the contractile and connective tissue elements of flexor digitorum profundus to determine muscle morphology, model and map the intramuscular innervation and propose sites for botulinum toxin injection. Fiber bundles (FBs)/aponeuroses and intramuscular nerve branches were dissected and digitized in 12 formalin embalmed cadaveric specimens. Cartesian coordinate data were reconstructed into 3D models as in situ to visualize and compare the muscle morphology and intramuscular innervation patterns of the bellies of flexor digitorum profundus. The 3rd, 4th and 5th digital bellies were superficial to the 2nd digital belly and located adjacent to each other in all specimens. Each digital belly had distinct intramuscular innervation patterns. The 2nd digital belly received intramuscular branches from the anterior interosseus nerve (AIN). The superior half of the 3rd digital belly was innervated intramuscularly by the ulnar nerve (n = 4) or by both the anterior interosseus and ulnar nerves (n = 1). The inferior half of the belly received dual innervation from the anterior interosseus and ulnar nerves in 2 specimens, or exclusively from the AIN (n = 2) or the ulnar nerve (n = 1). The 4th digital belly was innervated by intramuscular branches of the ulnar nerve. One main branch, after coursing through the 4th digital belly, entered the lateral aspect of the 5th digital belly and arborized intramuscularly. The morphology of the FBs, aponeuroses and intramuscular innervation of the digital bellies of FDP were mapped and modelled volumetrically in 3D as in situ. Previous studies were not volumetric nor identified the course of the intramuscular nerve branches within each digital belly. Based on the intramuscular innervation of each of the digital bellies, one possible optimized botulinum toxin injection location was proposed. This injection location, at the junction of the superior and middle thirds of the forearm, would be located in dense nerve terminal zones of the anterior interosseus and ulnar nerves. Future anatomical and clinical investigations are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of these anatomical findings in the management of spasticity.
A dermocosmetic regimen is able to mitigate skin sensitivity induced by a retinoid‐based fixed combination treatment for acne: Results of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Khammari Amir , Kerob Delphine , Demessant Ann’ Laure , Nioré Margot , Dréno Brigitte
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Topical retinoids cause retinoid‐induced skin discomfort (RISD) mainly during the first weeks of use leading to noncompliance and premature treatment discontinuation. A dermocosmetic (DC) may help to reduce treatment‐related signs and symptoms and improve adherence.

Objectives

To assess the benefit of a DC regimen compared to a routine skin care regimen (RC) by reducing RISD signs and symptoms induced by a retinoid/benzoyl peroxide fixed‐drug combination in subjects with acne.

Materials and Methods

Double‐blind, randomized, comparative study in subjects ≥16 years with mild to moderate acne candidates to a topical adapalene/BPO fixed drug combination (A/BPO). Evaluations took place at Day 0, 7, 14, 28, and 84 and included erythema, desquamation, burning, itching and stinging and RISD (SD, a composite score of local treatment‐related signs and symptoms and acne severity. Subjects used daily the DC or RC together with the fixed combination for 84 days.

Results

Eighty‐eight subjects were included, the mean age was 21 years; 84% were females. At Day 0 the SD score was 0.8 in both groups. A statistically significant difference in terms of skin sensitivity with DC compared to RC (1.6 points, vs. 2.4 points p < 0.05) was observed at Day 14. Clinical sign and symptom scores were more reduced with DC than with RC at all time points. Acne severity improved in both groups.

Conclusion

DC significantly reduces A/BPO‐related RISD compared to RC, especially during the first 14 days of treatment, without interfering with the clinical efficacy of the treatment, thus helping to maintain treatment adherence.
How Do Shoppers Respond to Noisy Signals on Price Changes? Evidence from a Field Experiment in Online Supermarket Shopping*
Authors: Eliaz Kfir , Oren‐Kolbinger Orli , Weisburd Sarit
Published: December 2023

What is the effect on the demand for both discounted and nondiscounted products, when promotional material informs shoppers that some product categories feature discounts? We address this question by conducting a field experiment on a website for online grocery shopping. We find that shoppers who had purchased in a certain food category prior to the experiment responded to noisy promotional information by purchasing items in the discounted category that they had already purchased in the past, regardless of whether the item purchased was currently discounted. Our results suggest that coarse information on discounts increases both consumer spending and seller revenue.
A Mendelian randomization study between chronic periodontitis and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Tan Li , He Yunbo , Wang Tianyi , Gao Xianhua , Fan Wei , Fan Bing
Published: December 2023

Background and Objective

Observational studies have suggested a potential association between non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and chronic periodontitis (CP). However, these studies are prone to confounding factors. The aim of this study was to assess the causal relationship between NAFLD and CP using a two‐sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis method.

Methods

Datasets of CP and NAFLD were retrieved from the European database, and instrumental variables (IVs) related to exposure were selected for the MR analysis. Sensitivity tests, including heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy tests, were conducted to ensure the consistency of the selected IVs, following which the analysis results were visualized.

Results

Genetic variants associated with CP and NAFLD were identified as IVs, and the MR assessment was performed using the summary data (CP: 3046 cases and 195 395 controls; NAFLD: 894 cases and 217 898 controls). CP increased the risk of NAFLD (inverse variance weighted [IVW], b = 0.132 > 0, p = .006 < .05), whereas the reverse was not observed (IVW, b = −0.024 < 0, p = .081 > .05). The sensitivity analysis indicated no heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy.

Conclusion

The MR analysis suggested that CP could increase the risk of NAFLD among European populations.
Allometry, asymmetry and sexual dimorphism in blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus)
Authors: Merchant H. N. , Knapp A. , Knell R. J. , Hone D. W. E.
Published: December 2023

Hyper‐allometry, whereby an anatomical unit increases in size at a faster rate than other structures of the same organism, is considered to be an important feature of many sexually selected structures, with large ‘high‐quality’ animals carrying a feature that is proportionally larger than smaller, ‘low‐quality’ animals. When these structures are bilaterally symmetrical, it has been suggested that the degree of fluctuating asymmetry (deviation from perfect symmetry) acts as an indicator of the quality of the bearer. Bovids are useful models for testing sexual selection hypotheses due to their large horns and variety of reproductive systems. Here we use male and female specimens of the southern African blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) to assess the levels of allometry and fluctuating asymmetry in morphological features of the horns and skull. Males were found to be significantly larger than females for overall horn size, horn length and horn circumference and the horns were found to be isometric in both sexes. Directional asymmetry was found for horn length and horn circumference with the right being longer than the left side. These findings suggest that in C. taurinus the horns follow predicted patterns of variation for sexually selected traits, but that here fluctuating asymmetry may not be as important in sexual selection as previously suggested. Additionally, females did not differ greatly from males in variation and asymmetry and allometry, indicating their horns could be under sexual selection as a result of male choice, or that like males, they also engage in intraspecific combat as well.
Investigating the impact of x‐ray computed tomography imaging on soluble organic matter in the Murchison meteorite: Implications for Bennu sample analyses
Authors: Glavin Daniel P. , Eckley Scott A. , Aponte José C. , Berger Eve L. , Burton Aaron S. , Dworkin Jason P. , Elsila Jamie E. , Ferguson Frank T. , Furukawa Yoshihiro , Graham Heather V. , Koga Toshiki , Liss Michael , McLain Hannah L. , Naraoka Hiroshi , Oba Yasuhiro , Parker Eric T. , Righter Kevin , Schmitt‐Kopplin Philippe , Simkus Danielle N. , Takano Yoshinori , Connolly Harold C. , Lauretta Dante S.
Published: December 2023

X‐ray computed tomography (XCT) is a valuable reconnaissance tool for three‐dimensional imaging and identification of distinct lithologies in extraterrestrial samples. It will be used as part of the preliminary examination of samples returned from asteroid (101955) Bennu by the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS‐REx) mission. However, it must first be established whether x‐rays generated during XCT could degrade or alter the organic composition of the returned samples by radiolysis. To test this, we split a crushed sample of the Murchison CM2 meteorite, kept one portion as a control, and irradiated the other portion up to the maximum x‐ray dosage (~180 Gy) that a Bennu sample would experience during an XCT imaging experiment. We then extracted organic compounds from both splits and conducted (i) nontargeted soluble organic analyses to compare the chemical distributions of C‐, H‐, O‐, N‐, and S‐bearing species and (ii) targeted measurements to quantify the abundances of 96 individual soluble organic molecules that included protein amino acids, amines, carboxylic acids, hydroxy acids, carbonyl compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, sugars, and N‐heterocycles. We found that XCT imaging of the Murchison meteorite had no measurable impact on the relative abundances or enantiomeric compositions of most of the soluble organic compounds targeted in this study. Elevated total abundances of several soluble organic compound classes were observed in the XCT‐scanned Murchison sample relative to the control. This is likely related to particle size heterogeneity and specific surface area differences between the sample aliquots used for the extractions, rather than a result of the x‐ray exposure. Assuming the samples returned from asteroid Bennu by OSIRIS‐REx have a similar composition to carbonaceous chondrites, these data provide confidence that XCT will not significantly alter their soluble organic compositions.
Digital worker inquiry and the critical potential of participatory worker data science for on‐demand platform workers
Authors: Gallagher Cailean , Gregory Karen , Karabaliev Boyan
Published: December 2023

The knowledge that workers have of the systems they work under is an outcome of strategic choices by platforms and by workers themselves. Based on three initiatives undertaken by food distribution workers in Scotland, this article explores the obstacles that platform workers face when conducting inquiries into their systems of control, and investigates the potential for workers to overcome these obstacles through collaborative research projects. By drawing analogies from the history of workers' inquiries into changing labour processes, the article evaluates these three initiatives in light of previous efforts by workers to monitor complex and concealed management structures. It offers a new concept of ‘worker data science’ to describe the techniques, skills and methods that workers require to arrive at answers to questions that emerge through their inquiries, and concludes that such purposive science has the potential to equip workers to support one another and to resist and challenge some of the commands and calculations that emerge from platforms' hidden algorithmic systems.
The degenerate spouse: Eugenics and divorce in Arabella Kenealy's The Marriage Yoke (1904) and Gabriele Reuter's ‘Eines Toten Wiederkehr’ (1901)
Authors: Borrmann Fatima
Published: December 2023

During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, eugenics emphasised human intervention to rectify a perceived distortion of the ‘natural’ evolutionary progress. One of the interventions advocated by eugenicists was the prevention of marriages that were deemed incompatible. The union between the ‘fit’ and the ‘unfit’ was constantly propagated as the reason behind the degeneration of the race, especially in the wake of the rediscovery of Mendel's theories on heredity and the repudiation of Lamarckism. Both Arabella Kenealy's The Marriage Yoke (1904) and Gabriela Reuter's ‘Eines Toten Wiederkehr’ (1908) portray the tragedy of such a marriage to a ‘defective’ partner. Moreover, they emphasise the lost potential of this marriage, both for the individual and the nation, by also introducing healthier characters with whom a better eugenic match could have been made. Instead, the healthy partners are burdened by the care and nursing of their mentally and physically defective partners and children. In this article I will not only show how scientific discourses are echoed and mediated within the narrative, but also how they are used to advocate for social change.
Pocket pain following spinal cord stimulator generator implantation: A narrative review of this under‐reported risk
Authors: Burke Lindsay , Desai Mehul J.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a well‐established treatment option for chronic pain. Pain over the implantable pulse generator, or pocket pain, is an incompletely understood risk of SCS implantation which may limit the efficacy of treatment and patient quality of life. The goal of this narrative review is to analyze the literature to gain a more thorough understanding of the incidence and risk factors for the development of pocket pain to help guide treatment options and minimize its occurrence in the future.

Methods

A literature review was conducted investigating the development of pocket pain in patients with SCS for the management of a variety of pain conditions.

Results

In total, 305 articles were included in the original database search and 50 met the criteria for inclusion. The highest level of evidence for papers that specifically investigated pocket pain was level III. Four retrospective, observational analyses included pocket pain as a primary outcome. The remainder of the included studies listed pocket pain as an adverse event of SCS implantation.

Conclusions

There is a relative dearth of primary literature that examines the incidence, characteristics, and health economic implications of pocket pain in patients with SCS. This highlights the need for large‐scale, high‐quality prospective or randomized controlled trials examining pocket pain. This may ultimately help prevent and reduce pocket pain leading to improved efficacy of treatment and greater patient quality of life.
Differential aggressiveness of Austropuccinia psidii isolates from guava and rose apple upon cross‐inoculation
Authors: Morales João V. P. , Boufleur Thaís R. , Gonçalves Manoel P. , Parisi Marise C. M. , Loehrer Marco , Schaffrath Ulrich , Amorim Lilian
Published: December 2023

Myrtle rust, caused by Austropuccinia psidii, has been associated with more than 480 plant species belonging to the family Myrtaceae. Intraspecific variability in pathogenicity has been reported among isolates of A. psidii from different hosts. However, there are few studies that have comparatively quantified the disease in guava (Psidium guajava) and rose apple (Syzygium jambos). The objective of this work was to quantify the pathogenic variability of A. psidii isolates collected from guava and rose apple in Brazil and to investigate the mechanisms of infection and colonization of the pathogen at the cellular level. The monocyclic components of the rust disease were evaluated on young leaves of rose apple and guava plants cross‐inoculated with isolates from rose apple and guava. Pathogenic specialization of both A. psidii isolates for their respective hosts was confirmed in this work. The guava A. psidii isolate was able to infect and colonize rose apple leaf tissues but no sporulation occurred. Similarly, the rose apple A. psidii isolate infected guava plants but did not sporulate. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that lobed haustoria were present within rose apple leaves at 2 days post‐inoculation (dpi) with both isolates, which resulted in intense mesophyll colonization for both interactions at 9 dpi. The latter is remarkable because infection of rose apple with the guava A. psidii isolate did not result in mature rust pustules.
The prevalence and risk of depression in aged COVID‐19 survivors: a bibliometric and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lu Yangguang , Lou Jialing , Yu Bohuai , Bu Yiran , Ni Feitian , Lu Di
Published: December 2023

To explore depression prevalence and related risk factors among elderly coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) survivors, while also evaluating research characteristics. We searched Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CNKI and Wanfang Data for studies that reported COVID‐19 and depression in older adults. ‘Bibliometrix’ facilitated bibliometric analysis and information visualisation. Random‐effects models merged depression prevalence and relevant risks. Publication bias and its impact were examined using funnel plots, Begg's test, Egger's linear regression, and trim‐and‐fill method. Meta‐regression, bubble plots, and Baujat plots probed heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis applied the leave‐one‐out method. The study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42023417706. The bibliometric analysis comprised 138 studies. Publication frequency peaked in the US, China, and Italy, reflecting significant growth. The meta‐analysis comprised 43 studies. Elderly COVID‐19 patients exhibit 28.33% depression prevalence (95% CI: 21.24–35.97). Severe cases (43.91%, 95% CI: 32.28–55.88) experienced higher depression prevalence than mild cases (16.45%, 95% CI: 11.92–21.50). Sex had no depression prevalence impact based on bubble plots. Notably, depression risk did not significantly differ between elderly and young COVID‐19 patients (odds ratio (OR) = 1.1808, 95% CI: 0.7323–1.9038). However, COVID‐19 infection emerged as a substantial elderly depression risk factor (OR = 1.8521, 95% CI: 1.2877–2.6639). Sensitivity analysis confirmed result robustness. Elderly COVID‐19 survivors are likely to develop depression symptoms with regional variations. Severe cases are associated with heightened depression prevalence. COVID‐19 infection stands out as a key elderly depression risk factor, while sex does not influence prevalence. The field's expansion necessitates sustained collaboration and extensive research endeavours.
Do stigma and efficacy mediate the association between training and suicide prevention behavior among Army noncommissioned officers?
Authors: Brooks Holliday Stephanie , Ayer Lynsay , Beckman Robin , Jaycox Lisa H. , Agniel Denis , Elinoff Daniel , Ramchand Rajeev , Hoch Emily , Wagner Lisa
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Rates of suicide in the Active Component of the military have significantly increased since 2010, with particularly high rates among Army service members. One element of the Army's approach to suicide prevention relies on noncommissioned officers (NCOs) as gatekeepers who have regular contact with soldiers. NCOs receive suicide prevention training, but there is limited evidence that such training leads to behavior change.

Methods

We surveyed 2468 Army NCOs participating in leadership development courses to determine (a) if training on suicide prevention and soft skills (e.g., active listening) was associated with gatekeeper behavior and use of soft skills; and (b) whether that association was explained by two potential barriers, stigma and perceptions of efficacy.

Results

Both the number of suicide prevention training topics and soft skills trained were associated with increased gatekeeper behavior; these relationships were explained in part by lower stigma and higher efficacy for use of soft skills. The use of interactive training methods and receiving coaching after training were not associated with stigma or efficacy, though both methods were associated with more frequent use of soft skills.

Conclusion

Results suggest that the content and format of training is important to preparing NCOs to fulfill a gatekeeper role.
Exploration of the biomarkers of comorbidity of psoriasis with inflammatory bowel disease and their association with immune infiltration
Authors: Ding Rui‐Lian , Zheng Yu , Bu Jin
Published: December 2023

Background

There was evidence that significant bidirectional associations between psoriasis and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), which influences management strategy of the patients, so the investigation on the mechanisms by which these two diseases co‐occur is important.

Methods

The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to download gene expression profiles of psoriasis and IBD. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between disease and health control groups for each data set were calculated, and Venn diagram was used to obtain for intersection. We performed Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis on the intersection, followed by developing a protein–protein interaction network and module construction, and identified hub genes by cytoHubba. Thereafter, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithms was used to identify the co‐biomarkers of psoriasis and IBD from the top 50 hub genes. The biomarkers were used to construct a screening model, the discriminatory capacity of which was verified by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. CIBERSORT algorithm was utilized to estimate the compositional patterns of immune cell infiltration in biomarkers of psoriasis and IBD. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to further evaluate the correlation between the identified biomarkers and immune cells.

Results

A total of 271 shared DEGs were screened. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the shared DEGs were mainly enriched in response to lipopolysaccharide, secretory granule lumen, cytokine activity, and interleukin (IL)‐17 signaling pathway. Fifty genes such as IL1B, IL6, were identified as hub genes, based on which, FOS, IFI44, MMP9, MNDA, PTGS2, S100A9, and STAT1 were identified as biomarkers of psoriasis. CCL20, CD274, CTGF, CXCL1, CXCL10, CXCL2, CXCL9, FCGR3B, FOS, GBP1, GZMB, IFI27, IFI6, IL1RN, ISG15, ISG20, LCN2, LILRB2, MMP12, MMP7, S100A8, TLR8, and TNFSF13B were identified as biomarkers of IBD. FOS was the common biomarker of psoriasis and IBD. Screening models were validated in the validation data set (Psoriasis: area under the curve (AUC) = 1.000, IBD: AUC = 0.870). Immunocyte infiltration analysis showed the macrophages cells, mast cells resting, and T cells CD4 memory activated have the common characteristics in psoriasis and IBD.

Conclusions

FOS may play a key role in the occurrence and development of psoriasis complicated with IBD and macrophages cells may be an entrance for treating this comorbidity.
Combination of dimethylmethoxy chromanol and turmeric root extract synergically attenuates ultraviolet‐induced oxidative damage by increasing endogenous antioxidants in HaCaT cells
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Zhong Ye , Li Nihong , Du Le , Ye Rui , Xie Yicheng , Hu Fan
Published: December 2023

Background

Repeated exposure to UV generates excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and damages the enzymatic antioxidant defense system including quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in skin. Topical application of antioxidants may prevent the undesired damage of cellular proteins, lipids and DNA in skin. Dimethylmethoxy chromanol (DMC) is a bioinspired molecule, designed to be a structural analog to the γ–tocopherol that is naturally present in vegetables and plants. Turmeric root extract (TRE) is from a plant in South Asia extensively used as a food spice & vegetable, and its main components are turmerones. As both DMC and TRE are strong antioxidants with complementary antioxidation mechanisms, the aim of this study was to investigate the enhanced protective effects of their combination on oxidative damage in HaCaT cells following UVB exposure.

Materials and methods

The effects of single and combined administrations of DMC and TRE on the SOD activity of HaCaT cells were evaluated by the SOD assay and qPCR. The NQO1 expression in the UVB‐treated HaCaT cells was analyzed by the Western Blot. Furthermore, a clinical test involving 24 subjects was conducted to evaluate the in vivo antioxidation efficacies of the serum formulated with the combination of DMC and TRE at the optimal weight ratio.

Results

SOD assay showed that pretreating DMC or TRE alone could not preserve the impaired HaCaT SOD activity after UVB treatment. DMC and TRE at 1:1 weight ratio was the optimal combination to enhance the HaCaT SOD activity by approximately more than 1‐fold compared with either of the single treated groups. No enhancement effect was observed at other mixing ratios. The 1:1 weight ratio was further proved to be optimal as this combination boosted the NQO1 expression by more than 50%, whereas no boosting effect was observed at other mixing ratios. The clinical test of the serum containing this optimal antioxidant combination demonstrated promising in vivo antioxidation efficacies after 4‐week use, including 7.16% improvement in skin lightening, 18.29% reduction in skin redness, 35.68% decrease in TEWL, 19.05% increase in skin gloss and 32.04% enhancement in skin firmness.

Conclusion

Collectively, our results indicated that the combination of DMC and TRE at 1:1 weight ratio attenuated the UV‐induced oxidative damage by synergistically boosting endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity in HaCaT cells. Therefore, this optimal antioxidant combination is a promising treatment to boost skin antioxidation defense system.
A comparative study of Glinka and Neuber approaches for fatigue strength assessment on 42CrMoS4‐QT specimens
Authors: Thumann Philipp , Buchner Stefan , Marburg Steffen , Wagner Marcus
Published: December 2023

In fatigue strength assessment, the methods based on ideal elastic stresses according to Basquin and the less established method based on elastic‐plastic stress quantities according to Manson, Coffin and Morrow are applied. The former calculates loads using linear‐elastic stresses, the latter requires elastic‐plastic evaluation parameters, such as stresses and strains. These can be determined by finite element analysis (FEA) with a linear‐elastic constitutive law, and subsequent conversion to elastic‐plastic loads, using the macro support formula by Neuber. In this contribution, an alternative approach to approximate elastic‐plastic parameters proposed by Glinka is compared to the the strain‐life method using Neuber's formula, as well as the stress‐life method of Basquin. Several component tests on 42CrMoS4‐QT specimens are investigated. To determine the input data for the fatigue strength evaluations, the entire test setup is computed by FEA. The nodal displacements from these validated full‐model simulations are used as boundary conditions for a submodel simulation of a notch, whose results serve as input for the fatigue strength assessments. It is shown that all approaches provide a reliable assessment of components. Our key result is that the strain‐life method using the concept by Glinka for notch stress computation, yields improved results in fatigue strength assessments.
Digital Jordanian Daily Newspapers Coverage of Climate Change
Authors: Abuhasirah Ramez , Salameh Rasha
Published: December 2023

This article aimed to identify the coverage of digital Jordanian daily newspapers of climate change issues and the framing used in published Journalism materials. A media survey methodology has been adopted to achieve the article's aim, using content analysis of 335 Journalism articles published on the websites Al-Ghad, Addustour, and Al-Rai. The results showed that the three digital Jordanian daily newspapers were interested in covering the issue of climate change and relied mainly on "reports" to provide information about the issue. Furthermore, it relied on persuasive methods to convince the reader of climate change and its adverse societal effects and raise environmental awareness to ensure sustainable development. The results also revealed that digital Jordanian daily newspapers framed the issue of climate change within the framing of the strategy, responsibility, and human interests. Finally, the results concluded that the digital Jordanian daily newspapers should avoid framing climate change within an episodic frame, as this process shapes and changes the public's interpretations and priorities towards climate issues.
The continuity equation for Hermitian metrics: Calabi estimates, Chern scalar curvature, and Oeljeklaus–Toma manifolds
Authors: Liang Shuang , Shen Xi Sisi , Smith Kevin
Published: December 2023

We prove local Calabi and higher order estimates for solutions to the continuity equation introduced by La Nave–Tian and extended to Hermitian metrics by Sherman–Weinkove. We apply the estimates to show that on a compact complex manifold, the Chern scalar curvature of a solution must blow up at a finite‐time singularity. Additionally, starting from certain classes of initial data on Oeljeklaus–Toma manifolds, we prove Gromov–Hausdorff and smooth convergence of the metric to a particular nonnegative (1,1)‐form as .