bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipidmanagement bei Typ-2-Diabetes mellitus
Authors: Brandts Julia
Published: October 2024

Patienten mit Typ-2-Diabetes (T2 D) weisen ein doppelt so hohes Risiko für kardiovaskuläre Ereignisse auf wie die Allgemeinbevölkerung, ein Risiko, das teilweise durch Senkung von Apolipoprotein-B100-haltigen Lipoproteinen reduziert werden könnte. Allerdings erreichen wenige die empfohlenen LDL-Cholesterin-Zielwerte aufgrund hoher Ausgangswerte, Therapieunverträglichkeiten und ärztlicher Risikounterschätzung. Der SCORE2-Diabetes bietet eine präzise Risikobewertung, indem er konventionelle und diabetesspezifische Faktoren einbezieht. Behandlungsbasis bilden weiterhin Statine, doch oft sind Kombinationstherapien mit Ezetimib oder Bempedoinsäure nötig. PCSK9-Inhibitoren sind eine effektive Option für Hochrisikopatienten. Durch den strategischen Einsatz dieser Therapieansätze kann das Management von Lipiden bei T2D-Patienten erheblich verbessert und damit das Risiko für kardiovaskuläre Ereignisse reduziert werden.
Positive Effekte einer frühen Diabetestherapie greifen lebenslang
Authors: Manuela Richter
Published: October 2024

Eine frühzeitige Diagnose und die darauffolgende intensivierte Therapie bei Typ-2-Diabetes kann das Risiko für schwerwiegende gesundheitliche Komplikationen wie Sterblichkeit, Herzinfarkt und Durchblutungsstörungen deutlich verringern. Dies zeigt eine neue Langzeitstudie in „The Lancet“, die den nachhaltigen Nutzen einer frühen Intervention auch nach über 2 Jahrzehnten bestätigt. Die Ergebnisse untermauern die Forderung der Deutschen Diabetes Gesellschaft (DDG) nach verstärkten Screening-Maßnahmen, um einen Typ-2-Diabetes frühzeitig zu erkennen und zu behandeln.
The Influence of Facial Injury during the First World War on the Development of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Britain and Germany
Authors: Weiss Lina , Monsch Gian-Marco , Speth Marlene , Saleh Hesham
Published: October 2024

In the First World War (WW1), different types of injuries became both political and economic factors for the main belligerent countries. This work illustrates the special role facial injuries played during and after the war and the profound impact they had on the field of Plastic Surgery in Britain and Germany.

This is a historical work based on primary and secondary sources. English and German material was used to compile an overview of the development of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as a specialty during WW1 and up to the Second World War (WW2).

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery had the task of reconstructing male beauty and personalities, restoring the most intense, disfigured reminders of a terrible war in homes and the public. Looking at the significant role the specialty played during the war, remarkably, most of the contributors struggled to find financial support to develop designated specialized departments in the inter-war period. The specialty's connection to the emotional subject of facial disfigurement did not work in its favor at a time when people wanted to forget the horrors of the war.

The developments in Britain and Germany during the WW1 were less isolated than often described and the inter-war period saw much effort for international collaboration. The different developments of WW2 further illustrate how essential the efforts of a strong group of individuals and support from authorities were for the evolution of Plastic Surgery as a specialty.
Cardiorespiratory Stability in Critically Ill Preterm Infants following Dexmedetomidine Initiation
Authors: Sullivan Brynne A. , Howard Paige , Kendrick Hayley , Zeller Brandy , McPherson Christopher , Vesoulis Zachary A.
Published: October 2024

Objective This study aimed to evaluate cardiorespiratory status in preterm infants receiving dexmedetomidine using high-resolution physiologic data.

Study Design We analyzed preterm infants with continuous heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) data for 24 hours preceding and 48 hours following dexmedetomidine initiation. Invasive arterial blood pressure (ABP), when available, was analyzed.

Results In 100 infants with a mean gestational age of 28 weeks and high baseline illness severity, mean HR decreased from 152 to 141 beats per minute while mean SpO2 increased from 91 to 93% in the 48 hours after dexmedetomidine initiation (p < 0.01). In 57 infants with continuous ABP monitoring, mean ABP increased from 40 to 42 mm Hg (p = 0.01). Vasoactive-inotropic support increased before and after initiation.

Conclusion We observed cardiorespiratory changes in critically ill preterm infants following dexmedetomidine initiation; mean HR decreased and mean SpO2 increased in the 48 hours after initiation. In a subset, mean ABP increased along with vasoactive-inotropic support.

Key Points
Ultrasonography can be more informative than computed tomography for diagnosing radial head fractures: An illustrative case series
Authors: Schöll Eckehart , Jakob Marcel , Vach Werner
Published: October 2024

Ultrasonography is increasingly being discussed as an alternative to X-rays in emergency department settings. Systematic comparisons of the 2 modalities are often based on the use of computed tomography as a reference. When diagnosing patients with elbow trauma, the physicians at our emergency department experienced that ultrasonography can be more informative than cone beam computed tomography for identifying radial head fractures. Our goal is to share this experience with the scientific community.

All patients diagnosed with a radial head fracture in our emergency department between January 2021 and November 2022 were identified. The images of 18 cases in which both point-of-care ultrasonography and cone beam computed tomography had been used were reviewed by us. Eight examples were selected illustrating the variation in coincidence or discrepancy between ultrasonography and computed tomography.

The 8 examples illustrate that ultrasonography can be more informative than cone beam computed tomography or vice versa.

The joint application of ultrasonography and computed tomography is advisable if a correct diagnosis of the extent and components of radial head fractures is of uttermost importance.
Prospective randomized trial comparing conventional and underwater endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial colorectal neoplasms
Authors: Nagata Mitsuru , Namiki Masayuki , Fujikawa Tomoaki , Munakata Hiromi
Published: October 2024

Background and study aims This study compared procedure-related outcomes of conventional and underwater endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for superficial colorectal neoplasms (SCNs).

Patients and methods In this single-center, randomized controlled trial, patients with SCNs meeting the indications of the Japanese guidelines for ESD were randomly assigned to undergo conventional ESD (CESD) or underwater ESD (UESD) performed by an expert. The primary endpoint was dissection speed, defined as the specimen area per ESD time.

Results We analyzed the data of 69 and 70 CESD and UESD cases,
respectively; however, no significant differences were found in median dissection speed (17.4
and 19.9 mm2/min, respectively; P=0.19). Multiple
regression analysis revealed that the suitable positional relationship between the lesion and
the direction of gravity (nongravity side for CESD and gravity side for UESD) was
independently and positively associated with dissection speed (P<0.001). En bloc resection was achieved without perforation in all cases. The
incidence of post-ESD coagulation syndrome was not significantly different between the two
groups (4.3% vs. 2.9%, respectively; P=0.68).

Conclusions UESD did not expedite dissection speed in the overall
patient population. CESD and UESD may be complementary in the colorectum depending on the
positional relationship between the lesion and the direction of gravity.
The Role of CRISPR/Cas9 in Revolutionizing Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy Treatment: Opportunities and Obstacles
Authors: Ali Ahsan , Rahman Md Yakeen , Sheikh Danish
Published: October 2024

Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X-linked disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration, leading to loss of ambulation, respiratory failure, and premature death. It affects approximately 1 in 3,500 live male births and is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which impairs muscle fiber stability. Current treatments are limited to managing symptoms and slowing disease progression, with no curative therapies available. The advent of CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology has introduced a promising approach for directly correcting the genetic mutations responsible for DMD. This review explores the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 as a transformative therapy for DMD, highlighting its successes in preclinical models, the challenges associated with its delivery, and the obstacles to its clinical application. While preclinical studies demonstrate the efficacy of CRISPR/Cas9 in restoring dystrophin expression and improving muscle function, significant hurdles remain, including optimizing delivery methods and ensuring long-term safety.
Total Temporomandibular Joint Replacement by Samsid Customized Joint Prosthesis: A Case Report with 16 Years of Follow-Up
Authors: Chaware Suresh
Published: October 2024

Total temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) is a surgical intervention employed for the management of advanced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, particularly when autogenous grafts are not recommended. With stainless steel implant of glenoid fossa attempted for the correction of ankylosis in the 1960s, total TMJR—which minimizes foreign body reaction and consists of highly biocompatible materials such as Cr-Co-Mo alloy, titanium, and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene—began to be applied. These alloplastic prostheses are available in both standardized and customized forms, comprising components for the mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa. The present case report presents India's first TMJR in a 12-year-old female patient with TMJ ankylosis. Total TMJR was done in her with India's first customized TMJ prosthesis (Samsid TMJ prosthesis), which was designed and manufactured by the author for the first time in India. This study presents a 16-year follow-up of customized TMJR, addressing TMJ ankylosis. Our research showcases the long-term success of Samsid TMJ prostheses in improving pain, oral function, diet, and overall quality of life. The case report also highlights the potential of Samsid TMJ prostheses as a valuable solution for TMJ patients, emphasizing the importance of tailored solutions for lasting joint function restoration. The results presented indicate that the Samsid patient-fitted total TMJR system remains a secure, efficient, and dependable long-term treatment option for the particular patient demographic examined in this research.
The (Un)Reliability of Intuitions
Authors: Timmerman Travis , Schukraft Jason , Fischer Bob
Published: October 2024

This chapter addresses the degree to which people should trust their intuitions about animals’ welfare ranges. If intuitions are fairly reliable here, then perhaps a complex methodology for producing welfare range estimates is unnecessary. Unfortunately, as we show, intuitions about welfare ranges are highly unreliable. We begin by developing general criteria that determine the degree to which any intuition is (un)reliable. We then review the philosophical literature that invokes intuitions about welfare ranges, as well as the survey data that track various intuitions the public has about animals. The criteria we defend show all such intuitions to be highly unreliable. We do allow that certain types of intuitions are reliable in some, but not all contexts. Still, the unreliability of intuitions about animals’ welfare ranges demands that we seek a more reliable methodology, at least with respect to this issue.
The risks and benefits of managing obesity in older adults
Authors: Carroll Dana G
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This review discusses weight loss considerations in overweight and obese older adults.

Current US guidelines do not address weight loss in older adults. Waist circumference rather than body mass index (BMI) may be a more accurate assessment tool for obesity in older adults. Weight loss interventions are not recommended in overweight older adults due to the decreased mortality in this population (known as the “obesity paradox”). While weight loss in obese older adults may be beneficial, it is not without risks. The greatest risks include loss of muscle mass, decline in bone mineral density, and development of sarcopenic obesity. Weight loss interventions may be considered in older adults with a BMI of greater than 30 kg/m2 who have metabolic derangements, cardiovascular disease, and/or functional impairments after carefully weighing the risks against the benefits of weight loss and the impact of interventions on the patient’s quality of life. Medicare provides limited benefits for weight loss interventions. In older adults, there is no consensus on which lifestyle interventions are best for weight loss and there is a paucity of data on the use of weight loss medications. Careful consideration should be given before utilizing medications for weight loss in older adults given the enhanced adverse effect profiles, interactions, contraindications, and costs.

Conclusion

Weight loss in older adults should be approached differently from that in the general adult population. More data are needed on the efficacy and safety of weight loss medications in older adults.
A type II toxin–antitoxin system, ECs3274-ECs3275, in enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157
Authors: Sasaki Yuka , Mogi Yuna , Yoshioka Mizuki , Liu Ke , Otsuka Yuichi
Published: October 2024

The toxin–antitoxin (TA) genetic module controls various bacterial events. Novel toxins with different functions are still being discovered. This study aimed to determine whether the ECs3274-ECs3275 gene pair encoded by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 functions as a TA system. To characterize this putative TA system, we analyzed the growth of E. coli expressing ECs3274, ECs3275, or both; the interaction between ECs3274 and ECs3275 using bacterial adenylate cyclase two-hybrid assays; and the DNA-binding ability of ECs3274 using gel-mobility shift assays. We observed that the ECs3274 antitoxin interacted with the ECs3275 toxin, was destabilized by Lon protease, and repressed its promoter activity via its helix-turn-helix (HTH) motif. These properties are consistent with those of typical type II TA antitoxins. Interestingly, ECs3275 has an HTH motif not observed in other TA toxins and is necessary for ECs3275 toxicity, suggesting that ECs3275 may exert its toxicity by regulating the expression of specific genes.
A comprehensive review of approaches for spatial domain recognition of spatial transcriptomes
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Geng Aoyun , Duan Hao , Cui Feifei , Zou Quan , Zhang Zilong
Published: October 2024

In current bioinformatics research, spatial transcriptomics (ST) as a rapidly evolving technology is gradually receiving widespread attention from researchers. Spatial domains are regions where gene expression and histology are consistent in space, and detecting spatial domains can better understand the organization and functional distribution of tissues. Spatial domain recognition is a fundamental step in the process of ST data interpretation, which is also a major challenge in ST analysis. Therefore, developing more accurate, efficient, and general spatial domain recognition methods has become an important and urgent research direction. This article aims to review the current status and progress of spatial domain recognition research, explore the advantages and limitations of existing methods, and provide suggestions and directions for future tool development.
Bergmann’s rule in global terrestrial vertebrates
Authors: Guo Qinfeng , Qian Hong , Liu Pengcheng , Zhang Jian
Published: October 2024

To date, whether Bergmann’s rule, initially developed for individual species or closely related taxa, can be applied to broader taxa remains elusive. Using global distribution data for birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, both species- and assemblage-based, we examined the role of species richness and related climate variables in shaping body size patterns across the globe and the Northern Hemisphere only and whether the temperature–body size relationship had a phylogenetic signal. The results show that when species in all four classes were combined, body size increased with latitude but declined with temperature, consistent with Bergmann’s rule. Each group showed somewhat unique patterns but was mostly consistent with Bergmann’s rule. The body size–temperature relationships were not constrained by phylogenetic relatedness. Warmer places had both large and many small-bodied species, whereas cold places had proportionally more large species. The temperature-dependent variations in body size have important implications for macroecology under climate change.
Bipolar disorder among individuals with atopic dermatitis: a case–control study in the All of Us Research Program
Authors: Wride Anthony Mitchel , Chen Gloria F , Fan Ryan , Leasure Audrey C , Jones Stephen Scott , Levey Daniel F , Damsky William , Cohen Jeffrey M
Published: October 2024

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) has been associated with psychiatric comorbidities.

Objectives

To characterize the association between AD and bipolar disorder (BPD) with a case–control study of the National Institutes of Health All of Us Research Program.

Methods

We used Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine diagnostic codes to identify cases of AD. Four age-, sex- and race/ethnicity-matched controls were found for each case using propensity score matching. After controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, income, smoking status and depression, the relationship between AD and BPD was evaluated using logistic regression.

Results

We identified 13 431 AD cases and 53 724 matched controls. Participants with AD were more likely than controls to have BPD (7.8% vs. 4.6%, P < 0.001). After adjusting for demographics and comorbidities, we observed a significant association (odds ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.37–1.62; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Compared with individuals without AD, individuals with AD have 1.49-fold increased odds of having BPD. Further investigation is needed to gain a better understanding of this association.
Bidirectional association of sleep disorders with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Koh Jin Hean , Lim Claire Yi Jia , Yam Kvan Jie Ming , Yeo Brian Sheng Yep , Ng Adele Chin Wei , Loh Shaun Ray Han , Hsu Pon Poh , Gooley Joshua , Tan Chieh Suai , Toh Song Tar
Published: October 2024

Background

Published studies have suggested a link between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and sleep disorders, although the exact nature of this association has not been uniformly described. Clarifying this relationship may facilitate evidence-based interventions that address the interplay between these disease entities. Such interventions could prevent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) from worsening CKD and improve the quality of life for CKD patients by reducing the risk of developing OSA. Therefore, the objective of this meta-analysis is to assess the bidirectional association between sleep disorders and CKD.

Methods

Following a PROSPERO-registered protocol, three blinded reviewers conducted a systematic review of the Medline/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL) databases for observational studies pertaining to the relationship between sleep disorders and CKD. A meta-analysis was conducted in risk ratios (RRs).

Results

From 63 studies (26 777 524 patients), OSA [RR 1.68; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.45 to 1.93], albuminuria (RR 1.54; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.99), restless leg syndrome (RLS) (RR 1.88; 95% CI 1.48 to 2.38) and insomnia (RR 1.24; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.54) were significantly associated with CKD. There was a significant association between OSA (RR 1.77; 95% CI 1.56 to 2.01) with incident CKD. There was a significant association of OSA (RR 1.74; 95% CI 1.55 to 1.96), RLS (RR 1.73; 95% CI 1.32 to 2.25) and insomnia (RR 1.14; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.27) in patients with CKD compared with healthy controls. CKD was also significantly associated with incident OSA (RR 1.60; 95% CI 1.35 to 1.89).

Conclusion

The bidirectional associations of obstructive sleep apnea with CKD remained consistent across different stages of CKD, modes of diagnosis of sleep disorder and geographical region. A bidirectional association was observed between CKD and obstructive sleep apnea, RLS and insomnia. The treatment of sleep disorders may reduce the risk of CKD, and vice versa.
SesamumGDB: a comprehensive platform for Sesamum genetics and genomics analysis
Authors: Hengchun Cao , Hui Guo , Weifei Yang , Guiting Li , Ming Ju , Yinghui Duan , Qiuzhen Tian , Qin Ma , Xiaoxu Feng , Zhanyou Zhang , Haiyang Zhang , Hongmei Miao
Published: October 2024

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L., 2n = 26) is a crucial oilseed crop cultivated worldwide. The ancient evolutionary position of the Sesamum genus highlights its value for genomics and molecular genetics research among the angiosperms of other genera. However, Sesamum is considered a small orphan genus with only a few genomic databases for cultivated sesame to date. The urgent need to construct comprehensive, curated genome databases that include genus-specific gene resources for both cultivated and wild Sesamum species is being recognized. In response, we developed Sesamum Genomics Database (SesamumGDB), a user-friendly genomic database that integrates extensive genomic resources from two cultivated sesame varieties (S. indicum) and seven wild Sesamum species, covering all three chromosome groups (2n = 26, 32, and 64). This database showcases a total of 352 471 genes, including 6026 related to lipid metabolism and 17 625 transcription factors within Sesamum. Equipped with an array of bioinformatics tools such as BLAST (basic local alignment search tool) and JBrowse (the Javascript browser), SesamumGDB facilitates data downloading, screening, visualization, and analysis. As the first centralized Sesamum genome database, SesamumGDB offers extensive insights into the genomics and genetics of sesame, potentially enhancing the molecular breeding of sesame and other oilseed crops in the future.

Database URL: http://www.sgbdb.com/sgdb/
The effective elastic thickness along the Emperor Seamount Chain and its tectonic implications
Authors: Watts Anthony B , Wessel Pål , Xu Chong
Published: October 2024

The Hawaiian–Emperor Seamount Chain, a pre-eminent example of a hotspot-generated intraplate seamount chain, provides key constraints not only on the kinematics of plates but also on their rigidity. Previous studies have shown that the effective elastic thickness, Te, a proxy for the long-term strength of the lithosphere, changes abruptly at the Hawaiian–Emperor ‘bend’ from low values (∼16 km) at the Emperor Seamounts to high values (∼27 km) at the Hawaiian Ridge. To better constrain Te along the poorly explored Emperor Seamounts we have used a free-air gravity anomaly and bathymetry gridded data set, together with fully 3-D elastic plate (flexure) models, to estimate the continuity of Te and volcano load and infill densities along 1000 profiles spaced 2 km apart of the chain. Results show that Te generally decreases northwards along the chain. The decrease is most systematic between Ojin and Jimmu guyots where Te depends on the age of the lithosphere at the time of volcano loading and is controlled by the 340 and 400 °C oceanic isotherms. The largest variation from these isotherms occurs at the northern and southern ends of the chain where Te is smaller than expected suggesting the influence of pre-existing, older, loads. We use these results to constrain the subsidence, flexural tilt, rheological properties and tectonic setting along the seamount chain. We found an excess subsidence in the range 1.2–2.4 km, a tilt as large as 2–3°, oceanic lithosphere that is weaker than it is seawards of the weak zone at subduction zones, and a tectonic setting at Detroit and Koko seamounts that, despite their forming an integral part of the hotspot generated seamount chain, retains a memory of their proximity to earlier loads associated with plume influenced mid-oceanic ridges.
Sense or Sensibility? Netizens’ Choice of Social Media Comments in an Authoritarian Regime
Authors: Wong Stan Hok-Wui , Liang Jiachen
Published: October 2024

While the Internet in China is subjected to heavy state regulations, Chinese netizens can still access online comments that deviate from official discourse on many issues. To prevent online discussions from getting out of hand, the Chinese government uses soft propaganda such as online comments to channel public opinions. Which type of online comments appeal to Chinese netizens? Using a survey experimental design, we examine the appeal of 4 distinct types of online comments on certain policies. We find that our survey respondents spend significantly more time in consuming emotional comments that deviate from official discourse. When it comes to the effect on attitude, however, we find that deviating-emotional comments are no more persuasive than deviating-informational comments. Our results call into question the effectiveness of China’s state propaganda in channeling online public opinions while highlighting the importance of alternative information in shaping public opinions in an authoritarian context.
Multicenter randomized phase III study of high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation versus observation for patients with newly diagnosed peripheral T-cell lymphoma who achieved complete metabolic response after induction therapy (JCOG2210, TRANSFER study)
Authors: Kita Ryosuke , Shimada Kazuyuki , Machida Ryunosuke , Sekita Tetsuya , Sasaki Keita , Ishitsuka Kenji , Fukuda Haruhiko , Maruyama Dai , Munakata Wataru , Nagai Hirokazu ,   Japan Clinical Oncology Group Lymphoma Study Group
Published: October 2024

Patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma demonstrated a poor prognosis after obtaining a complete response with induction treatment compared to those with B-cell lymphoma. Once it relapsed, curative treatment is frequently limited to invasive treatments with significant treatment-related mortality, including allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The limitations of these treatment choices indicate the necessity for developing optimal consolidation therapies to prevent relapse. This multicenter randomized phase III trial aims to confirm the superiority of the high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation over observation alone in terms of progression-free survival for patients with newly diagnosed peripheral T-cell lymphoma who achieved complete metabolic response after induction therapy. A total of 140 patients from 52 hospitals will be enrolled in Japan over 5.5 years. This trial is registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials as jRCTs031240169 (https://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCTs031240169).
Genetic architecture of phosphorus use efficiency across diverse environmental conditions: insights from maize elite and landrace lines
Authors: Roller Sandra , Würschum Tobias
Published: October 2024

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for all crops. Thus, a better understanding of the genetic control of phosphorus use efficiency evident in physiological, developmental, and morphological traits and its environmental plasticity is required to establish the basis for maintaining or enhancing yield while making agriculture more sustainable. In this study, we utilized a diverse panel of maize (Zea mays L.), including 398 elite and landrace lines, phenotyped across three environments and two phosphorus fertilization treatments. We performed genome-wide association mapping for 13 traits, including phosphorus uptake and allocation, that showed a strong environment dependency in their expression. Our results highlight the complex genetic architecture of phosphorus use efficiency as well as the substantial differences between the evaluated genetic backgrounds. Despite harboring more of the identified quantitative trait loci, almost all of the favorable alleles from landraces were found to be present in at least one of the two elite heterotic groups. Notably, we also observed trait-specific genetic control even among biologically related characteristics, as well as a substantial plasticity of the genetic architecture of several traits in response to the environment and phosphorus fertilization. Collectively, our work illustrates the difficulties in improving phosphorus use efficiency, but also presents possible solutions for the future contribution of plant breeding to improve the phosphorus cycle.
Studying binary systems in Omega Centauri with MUSE – I. Detection of spectroscopic binaries
Authors: Wragg F , Kamann S , Saracino S , Latour M , Dreizler S , Martens S , Seth A , Vaz D , van de Ven G
Published: October 2024

NGC 5139 ($\omega$ Cen) is the closest candidate of a nuclear star cluster that has been stripped of its host galaxy in the Milky Way. Despite extensive studies through the last decades, many open questions about the cluster remain, including the properties of the binary population. In this study, we use MUSE multi-epoch spectroscopy to identify binary systems in $\omega$ Cen. The observations span 8 yr, with a total of 312 248 radial velocity measurements for 37 225 stars. Following the removal of known photometric variables, we identify 275 stars that show RV variations, corresponding to a discovery fraction of $1.4\pm 0.1~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. Using dedicated simulations, we find that our data are sensitive to $70 \pm 10~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the binaries expected in the sample, resulting in a completeness-corrected binary fraction of $2.1\pm 0.4~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ in the central region of $\omega$ Cen. We find similar binary fractions for all stellar evolutionary stages covered by our data, the only notable exception being the blue straggler stars, which show an enhanced binary fraction. We also find no distinct correlation with distance from the cluster centre, indicating a limited amount of mass segregation within the half-light radius of $\omega$ Cen.
Wavelet analysis of low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations in MAXI J1803−298 observed with Insight-HXMT and NICER
Authors: Jin Y J , Chen X , Zhu H F , Jiang Z J , Zhang L , Wang W
Published: October 2024

With data observed by the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (Insight-HXMT) and the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER), we study low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) of the black hole candidate MAXI J1803−298 during the 2021 outburst. Based on the hardness–intensity diagram and the difference in the QPOs properties, type-C and type-B QPOs are found in the low-hard state and soft-intermediate state, respectively. After searching for and classifying QPOs in the Fourier domains, we extract the QPO component and study it with wavelet analysis. The QPO and no-QPO time intervals are separated by the confidence level, so that the S-factor, which is defined as the ratio of the QPO time interval to the total length of the good time interval, is calculated. We found S-factors decrease with QPOs frequency for type-C QPOs but stay stable around zero for type-B QPOs. The relation of S-factor of type-C QPOs and photon energy and the correlation of S-factor and counts are also studied. Different correlations between the S-factor and counts for different energy bands indicate different origins of QPOs in high- and low-energy bands, which may be due to a dual-corona scenario.
Homeworking experiences of neuro-divergent workers: systematic review
Authors: Brooks S K , Hall C E , Rogers M B , Greenberg N
Published: October 2024

Background

Working from home (WFH) is becoming more common, but little is known about how it specifically affects neuro-divergent workers’ psychological and occupational well-being.

Aims

This review aimed to explore the experiences of neuro-divergent staff WFH, including the challenges they face; the potential benefits of homeworking for this specific population and the support systems they require.

Methods

We searched six electronic databases, as well as reference lists of included papers, one preprint server and Google, for literature on neuro-divergent workers’ experiences of WFH. Results were synthesized using thematic analysis.

Results

We reviewed 25 studies (mostly based on data collected during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic), finding very little research statistically analysing the impact of WFH on well-being or productivity, or comparing the impact of WFH across neuro-divergent and neuro-typical populations. The (mostly qualitative) findings showed that neuro-divergent participants described various benefits and challenges of the sensory environment at home; the reduction of commuting; increased flexibility and lack of routine when homeworking; the reduction of ‘masking’ behaviours; lack of in-person social contact and increased use of technology.

Conclusions

The findings emphasize the importance of not assuming a one-size-fits-all approach to homeworking and suggest managers should be mindful of workers’ individual preferences for working whilst ensuring that all employees are appropriately supported. The results can inform future research and provide insights for employers to help them create more inclusive work environments.
Markups and Inequality
Authors: Boar Corina , Midrigan Virgiliu
Published: October 2024

We characterize optimal product market policy in an unequal economy in which firm ownership is concentrated and markups increase with firm market shares. We study the problem of a utilitarian regulator who designs revenue-neutral interventions in the product market. We show that optimal policy increases product market concentration. This is because policies that encourage larger producers to expand improve allocative efficiency, increase the demand for labour and equilibrium wages. We derive these results both in a static Mirrleesian setting in which we impose no constraints on the shape of interventions, as well as in a dynamic economy with wealth accumulation. In our dynamic economy optimal policy reduces wealth and income inequality by redistributing market share and profits from medium-sized businesses, which are primarily owned by relatively rich entrepreneurs, to larger diversified corporate firms.
Gender-specific associations between sleep stages and cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Taporoski Tâmara P , Beijamini Felipe , Alexandria Shaina J , Aaby David , Krieger Jose E , von Schantz Malcolm , Pereira Alexandre C , Knutson Kristen L
Published: October 2024

Study Objectives

Sleep characteristics are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and both sleep and CVD risk vary by gender. Our objective was to examine associations between polysomnographic sleep characteristics and CVD risk after excluding moderate-severe sleep apnea, and whether gender modifies these associations.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study with at-home polysomnography in adults in Brazil (n = 1102 participants with apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) <15 events/hour). Primary exposures were N3, REM, wake after sleep onset (WASO), arousal index, and AHI, and outcomes were blood pressure (BP) and lipid levels.

Results

Associations between sleep and BP varied by gender. In women, more N3 was associated with lower systolic BP (−0.40 mmHg per 10 minutes, 95% CI: −0.71, −0.09), lower diastolic BP (−0.29 mmHg per 10 minutes, 95% CI: −0.50, −0.07), and lower odds of hypertension (OR 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89, 0.98). In men, more WASO was associated with higher systolic BP (0.41 mmHg per 10 minutes, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.74) and higher odds of hypertension (OR 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.14). No interactions by gender were observed for lipids. More WASO was associated with lower total cholesterol (−0.71 per 10 minutes, 95% CI: −1.37, −0.05). Higher AHI was associated with higher total cholesterol (+0.97 per event/hour, 95% CI: 0.24, 1.70) and higher LDL (+0.84 per event/hour, 95% CI: 0.04, 1.64).

Conclusions

N3 is more strongly associated with BP in women, which is consistent with other studies demonstrating gender differences in BP control and CVD risk and adds a novel risk factor. Longitudinal and interventional studies are required to determine whether changes in N3 result in BP changes.
Role of mechanosensitive channel Piezo1 protein in intestinal inflammation regulation: A potential target
Authors: Jiang Qinlei , Li Zhenyu , Dang Dan , Wei Jiaqi , Wu Hui
Published: October 2024

The intestine is a hollow tract that primarily transports and digests food. It often encounters mechanical forces and exotic threats, resulting in increased intestinal inflammation attributed to the consistent threat of foreign pathogens. Piezo1, a mechanosensitive ion channel, is distributed broadly and abundantly in the intestinal tissue. It transduces mechanical signals into electrochemical signals and participates in many critical life activities, such as proliferation, differentiation, cell apoptosis, immune cell activation, and migration. Its effect on inflammation has been discussed in detail in systems, such as musculoskeletal (osteoarthritis) and cardiac (myocarditis), but the effects on intestinal inflammation remain unelucidated. Piezo1 regulates mucosal layer and epithelial barrier homeostasis during the complex intestinal handling of foreign antigens and tissue trauma. It initiates and spreads immune responses and causes distant effects of inflammation in the vascular and lymphatic systems, but reports of the effects of Piezo1 in intestinal inflammation are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to discuss the role of Piezo1 in intestinal inflammation and explore novel therapeutic targets.
Safety Profile of COVID-19 Vaccines in HIV Patients Undergoing ART and Their Impact on Immune Recovery and HIV Reservoirs
Authors: Song Bing , Wang Xinhua , Shen Lin , Cheng Juan , Tian Jing , Zhang Chunjie , Zhao Zhuanghong , Zhou Yuting , Liang Rong , Zhou Zihan , Yang Xinyi , Suo Xuhai , Jiang Tianjun , Huang Huihuang , Guan Qun , Yang Ying , Bai Bingke
Published: October 2024

Background:

While some studies have reported the impact of COVID-19 vaccines on immune recovery and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reservoirs in persons living with HIV (PLWH), their findings remain inconsistent. Furthermore, limited data exist on the safety of multiple COVID-19 vaccines among PLWH. This study aimed to investigate the safety of heterological COVID-19 vaccine administration in PLWH receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) and its effects on HIV reservoirs and immune recovery. Such an investigation can help provide a basis for vaccinations against COVID-19 in PLWH.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, PLWH receiving ART were recruited from the outpatient clinic of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Fifth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital from September 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. Fifty-three PLWH receiving ART were vaccinated against COVID-19, with 35 receiving an inactivated vaccine (IN group) and 18 receiving a recombinant protein (CHO cells) vaccine (CHO group) as the third dose. We assessed the changes in liver and kidney functions, blood lipids, and other laboratory parameters at 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 13 months after the first vaccination dose. We also monitored CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts using flow cytometry at 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 13 months after the first vaccination dose, as well as levels of cell-associated HIV DNA (CA HIV DNA) and cell-associated HIV RNA (CA HIV RNA) in peripheral blood using the corresponding quantitative detection kits at 0, 2, and 8 months after the first vaccination dose.

Results:

No severe adverse events related to either type of COVID-19 vaccine were observed in HIV patients, irrespective of their CD4+ T cell levels. Both the IN and CHO groups showed significant increases in CD4+ T cell counts during follow-up, CD4+ T cells increased from 438 ± 45 cells/μL to 557 ± 48 cells/μL in the CHO group, while in the IN group, it increased from 448 ± 34 cells/μL to 572 ± 39 cells/μL (both P < 0.001). CA HIV DNA initially decreased and then increased in both groups. CA HIV RNA levels showed significantly decreased in both group after three doses of vaccination (P < 0.01 in CHO group and P < 0.001 in IN group). CD8+ T cells increased from 608 ± 77 cells/μL to 812 ± 116 cells/μL in the CHO group (P < 0.01), while in the IN group, it increased from 702 ± 71 cells/μL to 852 ± 68 cells/μL(P < 0.001) from baseline to the 13 month of following up.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 booster vaccine is safe for PLWH on ART, although it may affect HIV reservoirs and CD8+ T cell counts.
Value of using artificial intelligence derived clusters by health and social care need in Primary Care: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Holt Sian , Simpson Glenn , Santer Miriam , Everitt Hazel , Farmer Andrew , Zhou Kuangji , Qian Zhiling , Davies Firoza , Dambha-Miller Hajira , Morrison Leanne
Published: October 2024

Purpose

People living with MLTCs attending consultations in primary care frequently have unmet social care needs (SCNs), which can be challenging to identify and address. Artificial intelligence (AI) derived clusters could help to identify patients at risk of SCNs. Understanding the views of people living with MLTCs and those involved in their care can help inform the design of effective interventions informed by AI-derived clusters to address SCNs.

Methods

Qualitative study using semi-structured online and telephone interviews with 24 people living with MLTCs and 20 people involved in the care of MLTCs. Interviews were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

Results

Primary care was viewed as an appropriate place to have conversations about SCNs. However, participants felt health care professionals lack capacity to have these conversations and to identify sources of support. AI was perceived as a tool that could potentially increase capacity for this but only when supplemented with effective, clinical conversations. Interventions harnessing AI should be brief, be easy to use and remain relevant over time, to ensure no additional burden on clinical capacity. Interventions must allow flexibility to be used by multidisciplinary teams within primary care, frame messages positively and facilitate conversations that remain patient centered.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that AI-derived clusters to identify and support SCNs in primary care have perceived value, but there were some concerns including the need to consider personal context. AI derived clusters can be used as a tool to inform and prioritise effective clinical conversations.

Conference names, dates and locations for any prior presentations

British Journal of General Practice Research Conference, March 2024, London.

School of Academic Primary Care Southwest Conference, March 2024. Cardiff.

Faculty of Medicine Research Conference, June 2024. Southampton.
End-of-life care in hematological malignancies – a nationwide comparative study on the Swedish Register of Palliative Care
Authors: Skåreby Ellen , Fürst Per , von Bahr Lena
Published: October 2024

Background

Patients with hematological malignancies are less likely to be referred to specialized palliative care, and more likely to receive aggressive end-of-life care than patient with solid tumors. The Swedish Register of Palliative Care (SRPC) collects end-of-life care quality data from a majority of health facilities in Sweden. We here use the national data from the SRPC to evaluate the quality of end-of-life care in patients with hematological malignancies in Sweden.

Methods

In a retrospective, observational registry study all adult registered cancer deaths in the years 2011 to 2019 were included. For the main analysis, patients with unexpected deaths or co-morbidities were excluded. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for age and sex, were used.

Results

A total of 119 927 patients were included, 8 550 with hematological malignancy (HM) and 111 377 with solid tumor (ST), corresponding to 43% of all deaths due to HM and 61% of ST deaths during the observed period.

Significantly more ST patients than HM received end-of-life care in a specialized palliative unit (hospice, palliative ward or specialized home care), 54% vs 42% (p<0.001), and this difference could be seen also in the very old (80+). End-of-life care quality measures were significantly worse for HM patients than ST patients, which could partly be explained by the lower receipt of specialized palliative care. The most common symptom in both groups were pain, followed by anxiety. HM patients were less likely to achieve complete symptom relief (p<0.001) which appears to be related to the receipt of specialized palliative care.

Conclusion

Patients with hematological malignancies are more likely to die in emergency hospital and less likely to receive specialized palliative competence in end-of-life. This also translates into less qualitative end-of-life care and less efficient symptom relief.
Detecting Glaucoma Worsening Using Optical Coherence Tomography Derived Visual Field Estimates
Authors: Pham Alex T. , Bradley Chris , Hou Kaihua , Herbert Patrick , Unberath Mathias , Ramulu Pradeep Y. , Yohannan Jithin
Published: October 2024

Objective

Multiple studies have attempted to generate visual field (VF) mean deviation (MD) estimates using cross-sectional optical coherence tomography (OCT) data. However, whether such models offer any value in detecting longitudinal VF progression is unclear. We address this by developing a machine learning (ML) model to convert OCT data to MD and assessing its ability to detect longitudinal worsening.

Design

Retrospective, longitudinal study

Participants

A model dataset of 70,575 paired OCT/VFs to train an ML model converting OCT to VF-MD. A separate progression dataset of 4,044 eyes with ≥ 5 paired OCT/VFs to assess the ability of OCT-derived MD to detect worsening. Progression dataset eyes had two additional unpaired VFs (≥ 7 total) to establish a “ground truth” rate of progression defined by MD slope.

Methods

We trained an ML model using paired VF/OCT data to estimate MD measurements for each OCT scan (OCT-MD). We used this ML model to generate longitudinal OCT-MD estimates for progression dataset eyes. We calculated MD slopes after substituting/supplementing VF-MD with OCT-MD and measured the ability to detect progression. We labeled true progressors using a ground truth MD slope <0.5 dB/year calculated from ≥ 7 VF-MD measurements. We compared the area under the curve (AUC) of MD slopes calculated using both VF-MD (with <7 measurements) and OCT-MD. Because we found OCT-MD substitution had a statistically inferior AUC to VF-MD, we simulated the effect of reducing OCT-MD mean absolute error (MAE) on the ability to detect worsening.

Main Outcome Measures

AUC

Results

OCT-MD estimates had an MAE of 1.62 dB. AUC of MD slopes with partial OCT-MD substitution was significantly worse than the VF-MD slope. Supplementing VF-MD with OCT-MD also did not improve AUC, regardless of MAE. OCT-MD estimates needed an MAE ≤ 1.00 dB before AUC was statistically similar to VF-MD alone.

Conclusion

ML models converting OCT data to VF-MD with error levels lower than published in prior work (MAE: 1.62 dB) were inferior to VF-MD data for detecting trend-based VF progression. Models converting OCT data to VF-MD must achieve better prediction errors (MAE ≤ 1 dB) to be clinically valuable at detecting VF worsening.