bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of a Standard Versus Postures-Only Yoga Session: Potential Self-Regulatory and Neurophysiological Mechanisms of an Ancient Practice
Authors: Gust Charleen J , Bryan Angela D 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
It is well-recognized that maintaining a regular yogic practice is associated with numerous physical and psychological health benefits. However, few studies have explored the possible psychological and neurophysiological mediators through which the component parts of yoga—ethics, breath regulation, postures, and meditation—work to produce salutary effects.

Purpose
To address this gap, we conducted a cluster randomized trial to test the following set of theory-based mechanisms: emotion regulation for ethics, self-control for breath regulation, discomfort and distress tolerance for postures, and mindfulness for meditation. We also explored yoga’s effects on the autonomic nervous system by examining salivary acetylcholinesterase levels.

Methods
Participants (N = 260) were randomly assigned in clusters (n = 37) to a single, hour-long standard or postures-only yoga class.

Results
Findings suggest that a single yoga class may confer both psychological and neurophysiological benefits, yet there were few differences between the two types of yoga classes. Pre- to post-session main effects of time, all in the expected direction, emerged for five of eight theoretical mediators, as well as for salivary acetylcholinesterase levels. Time X condition interactions observed for three of the mediators—cognitive reappraisal, discomfort tolerance, and expressive suppression—along with findings from the exploratory mediation analysis suggest potential unique benefits of the two yoga sessions for certain outcomes.

Conclusions
Additional studies are needed to replicate these results and to test other potential mediators and/or primary outcomes through which yoga might work to promote health.
dHICA: a deep transformer-based model enables accurate histone imputation from chromatin accessibility
Authors: Wen Wen , Zhong Jiaxin , Zhang Zhaoxi , Jia Lijuan , Chu Tinyi , Wang Nating , Danko Charles G , Wang Zhong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Histone modifications (HMs) are pivotal in various biological processes, including transcription, replication, and DNA repair, significantly impacting chromatin structure. These modifications underpin the molecular mechanisms of cell-type-specific gene expression and complex diseases. However, annotating HMs across different cell types solely using experimental approaches is impractical due to cost and time constraints. Herein, we present dHICA (deep histone imputation using chromatin accessibility), a novel deep learning framework that integrates DNA sequences and chromatin accessibility data to predict multiple HM tracks. Employing the transformer architecture alongside dilated convolutions, dHICA boasts an extensive receptive field and captures more cell-type-specific information. dHICA outperforms state-of-the-art baselines and achieves superior performance in cell-type-specific loci and gene elements, aligning with biological expectations. Furthermore, dHICA’s imputations hold significant potential for downstream applications, including chromatin state segmentation and elucidating the functional implications of SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms). In conclusion, dHICA serves as a valuable tool for advancing the understanding of chromatin dynamics, offering enhanced predictive capabilities and interpretability.
The Impact of Group Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy on Disease Severity and Psychosocial Functioning in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Kalogeropoulou Maria , Karaivazoglou Katerina , Konstantopoulou Georgia , Vinni Eleni , Sotiropoulos Christos , Tourkochristou Evanthia , Aggeletopoulou Ioanna , Lourida Theoni , Labropoulou Efthymia , Diamantopoulou Georgia , Mouzaki Athanasia , Assimakopoulos Konstantinos , Gourzis Philippos , Thomopoulos Konstantinos , Theocharis Georgios , Triantos Christos 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often report symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as impaired quality of life (QoL). To date, there are few studies on the effect of psychotherapy on psychological functioning and clinical outcome in patients with IBD. The aim of this prospective, randomized, controlled study was to investigate the effect of a brief psychotherapeutic intervention on psychological distress, QoL, sexual functioning, and inflammation and disease activity indices in patients with IBD.

Methods
Participants were randomized to receive either group cognitive behavioral therapy or treatment as usual (controls) and were assessed at baseline and after 6 months using psychometric instruments to assess psychological distress, QoL, and sexual functioning. In addition, laboratory measurements, including levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), cytokines, and calprotectin, and calculations of disease activity indices were performed during the 2 study periods.

Results
A total of 80 participants took part in the study. Patients who received psychotherapy reported a significant decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms; a significant improvement in physical functioning, general health, vitality, social functioning, and mental health; and a decrease in physical pain and role limitations caused by emotional problems. CRP levels and the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI) also decreased significantly at follow-up compared to controls.

Conclusions
Group cognitive behavioral therapy is proving to be an important component of holistic care for IBD patients, as it can significantly improve not only patients’ psychosocial functioning but also their clinical course by inhibiting inflammation and reducing disease activity.

Clinical Trial Registration
clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03667586
An economic test for an unlawful agreement to adopt a third-party’s pricing algorithm
Authors: Harrington Joseph E 
Published: September 2024

SUMMARY
Artificial intelligence has helped fuel a growing market in the supply of pricing algorithms by software developers. While there is an efficiency rationale for outsourcing pricing, anticompetitive concerns have been expressed when competitors in a market adopt the same pricing algorithm. These concerns have resulted in private litigation claiming a third-party company (who developed the pricing algorithm) and firms (who adopted it) had an unlawful agreement. This study develops an empirical test for determining whether firms’ adoption decisions are coordinated. If adoption decisions are coordinated then adopters’ average price is increasing in the number of adopting firms, while if adoption decisions are independent then adopters’ average price does not depend on the number of adopting firms. This test could provide economic evidence to support a claim of an unlawful agreement between a third-party developer and adopting firms.
Admixture in the fungal pathogen Blastomyces
Authors: Jofre Gaston I , Dagilis Andrius J , Sepúlveda Victoria E , Anspach Tayte , Singh Ashutosh , Chowdhary Anuradha , Matute Daniel R 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Blastomyces is an emerging primary fungal pathogen that affects patients worldwide. The evolutionary processes that have resulted in the current diversity in the genus remain largely unexplored. We used whole-genome sequences from 99 Blastomyces isolates, including 2 sequenced in this study using long-read technologies, to infer the phylogenetic relationships between Blastomyces species. We find that 5 different methods infer 5 different phylogenetic trees. Additionally, we find gene tree discordance along the genome with differences in the relative phylogenetic placement of several species of Blastomyces, which we hypothesize is caused by introgression. Our results suggest the urgent need to systematically collect Blastomyces samples around the world and study the evolutionary processes that govern intraspecific and interspecific variation in these medically important fungi.
Three-dimensional shear-wave velocity structure of the Adana–Iskenderun basins by ambient noise tomography
Authors: Bakırcı Taciser , Kaslilar Ayse , Kocaoğlu Argun 
Published: September 2024

SUMMARY
We construct a 3-D shear-wave velocity model for the crustal structure and the geometry of the Adana and Iskenderun basins by using ambient noise tomography of Rayleigh waves. For this purpose, we compute interstation Green's functions and measure the group velocity dispersion in the period range of 8–25 s. Then Rayleigh wave group velocity maps obtained by tomographic inversion are used to derive a shear wave velocity model by linearized inversion. Both Rayleigh wave group velocity maps and the 3-D shear-wave velocity structure are correlated with the geology and the major tectonic features of the region. Cross sections taken from the velocity model suggest a sediment thickness of up to 11 km in the wedge-shaped Adana Basin with the velocity ranging between 2.4 and 2.9 km s−1. The horseshoe-like high velocities surrounding the basin correspond to the Taurus Mountains in the west and north, and the Amanos Mountains in the east. In the region, down to a depth of 35 km the crustal velocity varies between 2.9 and 3.7 km s−1. Our investigations reveal the detailed 3-D basin geometry and crustal structure that can be beneficial for hazard assessment, geodynamic modelling as well as hydrocarbon exploration studies.
Model-based translation of results from in vitro to in vivo experiments for afabicin activity against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Saporta Raphaël , Nielsen Elisabet I , Menetrey Annick , Cameron David R , Nicolas-Metral Valérie , Friberg Lena E 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Translation of experimental data on antibiotic activity typically relies on pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) indices. Model-based approaches, considering the full antibiotic killing time course, could be an alternative.

Objectives
To develop a mechanism-based modelling framework to assess the in vitro and in vivo activity of the FabI inhibitor antibiotic afabicin, and explore the ability of a model built on in vitro data to predict in vivo outcome.

Methods
A PK/PD model was built to describe bacterial counts from 162 static in vitro time–kill curves evaluating the effect of afabicin desphosphono, the active moiety of the prodrug afabicin, against 21 Staphylococcus aureus strains. Combined with a mouse PK model, outcomes of afabicin doses of 0.011–190 mg/kg q6h against nine S. aureus strains in a murine thigh infection model were predicted, and thereafter refined by estimating PD parameters.

Results
A sigmoid Emax model, with EC50 scaled by the MIC described the afabicin desphosphono killing in vitro. This model predicted, without parameter re-estimation, the in vivo bacterial counts at 24 h within a ±1 log margin for most dosing groups. When parameters were allowed to be estimated, EC50 was 38%–45% lower in vivo, compared with in vitro, within the studied MIC range.

Conclusions
The developed PK/PD model described the time course of afabicin activity across experimental conditions and bacterial strains. This model showed translational capacity as parameters estimated on in vitro time–kill data could well predict the in vivo outcome for a wide variety of doses in a mouse thigh infection model.
BACH to the ferroptosis
Authors: Tokunaga Fuminori 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent phospholipid peroxidation and is closely related to various diseases. System Xc−, a cystine/glutamate antiporter, and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) are key molecules in ferroptosis. Erastin and RSL3, known as inhibitors of system Xc− and GPX4, respectively, are commonly used as ferroptosis inducers. Broad-Complex, Tramtrack and Bric a brac (BTB) and Cap‘n’collar (CNC) homology 1 (BACH1), a heme-binding transcription repressor, promotes pro-ferroptotic signalling, and therefore, Bach1-deficient cells are resistant to ferroptosis. Irikura et al. (Ferroptosis model system by the re-expression of BACH1. J. Biochem. 2023;174:239–52) constructed Bach1-re-expressing immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblasts (iMEFs) from Bach1−/− mice, which induce ferroptosis simply through the depletion of 2-mercaptoethanol from the culture medium. Transcriptional repression by re-expressed BACH1 induces suppressed glutathione synthesis and increases labile iron. Furthermore, ferroptosis initiated by BACH1-re-expressing iMEFs is propagated to surrounding cells. Thus, the BACH1-re-expression system is a novel and powerful tool to investigate the cellular basis of ferroptosis.
Pastor Nevers Mumba’s Quest to Actualize the Declaration of Zambia as a Christian Nation through “Zambia Shall Be Saved” Campaign, 1993–2021
Authors: Cheyeka Austin Mumba 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This article is grounded in the findings from qualitative and interpretivist research based on secondary and primary data. Two analytic frameworks have been used to make sense of the data. The first is Stephen Ellis and Gerrie ter Haar’s hypothesis that politics in sub-Saharan African societies cannot be fully understood without reference to religious ideas therein; and the second is the notion of African Political Theology which, according to Emmanuel Katongole, means going beyond addressing realities of violence, civil unrest, poverty, tribalism, and corruption, but deploying the story of salvation in Jesus as a concrete social, material, political, and economic reality in the African social imaginary for the construction of modern Africa. The article argues that through “Zambia Shall be Saved” orations from 1993 to date, Pastor Nevers Mumba has been calling for actualizing the declaration of Zambia as a Christian Nation (henceforth referred to as “Declaration”) made by President Frederick Chiluba in 1991. Katongole’s understanding of African Political Theology provides an invaluable lens for conceptualizing Mumba’s “Zambia Shall be Saved” discourse. The Declaration remains a topical issue among Zambian and international analysts and the significance of this particular article lies in the fact that it relates Mumba’s cry of “Zambia Shall be Saved” to the new conversation on “Actualizing the Declaration” coined by the government of the republic of Zambia in 2016. Overall, the article seeks to contribute to an ongoing discourse on Zambia’s Christian nationhood.
Impact of COVID-19 on 2021 cancer incidence rates and potential rebound from 2020 decline
Authors: Howlader Nadia , Chen Huann-Sheng , Noone Anne-Michelle , Miller Daniel , Byrne Jeffry , Negoita Serban , Cronin Kathleen A , Mariotto Angela B 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to substantial declines in cancer incidence rates in 2020, likely because of disruptions in screening and diagnostic services. This study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on cancer incidence rates in the United States using 2021 incidence data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. The analysis compared observed 2021 cancer incidence rates with expected prepandemic trends, evaluating changes by individual cancer site and stage. Although incidence overall and in many cancer sites the rates were close to prepandemic levels, they did not exhibit a recovery that incorporated the delayed diagnoses from 2020. There were exceptions, however, such as metastatic breast cancer, which showed significantly higher observed rates than expected (rate ratio = 1.09, 95% confidence interval = 1.04 to 1.13). Ongoing monitoring and targeted interventions are needed to address the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care and outcomes.
A comparison of some existing and novel methods for integrating historical models to improve estimation of coefficients in logistic regression
Authors: Boonstra Philip S , Orozco del Pino Pedro 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Model integration refers to the process of incorporating a fitted historical model into the estimation of a current study to increase statistical efficiency. Integration can be challenging when the current model includes new covariates, leading to potential model misspecification. We present and evaluate seven existing and novel model integration techniques, which employ both likelihood constraints and Bayesian informative priors. Using a simulation study of logistic regression, we quantify how efficiency—assessed by bias and variance—changes with the sample sizes of both historical and current studies and in response to violations to transportability assumptions. We also apply these methods to a case study in which the goal is to use novel predictors to update a risk prediction model for in-hospital mortality among pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients. Our simulation study and case study suggest that (i) when historical sample size is small, accounting for this statistical uncertainty is more efficient; (ii) all methods lose efficiency when there exist differences between the historical and current data-generating mechanisms; (iii) additional shrinkage to zero can improve efficiency in higher-dimensional settings but at the cost of bias in estimation.
Βελό́στασις in LXX Jeremiah 28:27 (51:27): A Conjectural Emendation
Authors: Keenan Andrew T 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In LXX Jer. 28:27 (51:27) there is a semantic mismatch between the Greek βελόστασις, an ‘emplacement for the discharge of missiles’, and the Hebrew טִפְסָר, a ‘tablet writer’. Rather than viewing this reading as a mistake made by the translator, alternative solutions will be suggested. A consideration of several additional factors recommends a conjectural emendation. It will be proposed that the conjectural emendation may resolve the semantic discrepancy between the LXX Jer. 28:27 and the MT.
The Association of Calcium Derangements With 24-Hour Outcomes in the Deployed Combat Setting
Authors: Nguyen Matthew M , Givens Melissa L , Fisher Andrew D , Rizzo Julie A , Ditzel Ricky M , Braverman Maxwell A , April Michael D , Schauer Steven G 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Calcium derangements remain poorly characterized in the combat trauma population. We describe the incidence of emergency department (ED) calcium derangements, associated physiologic derangements, and 24-hour mortality from the deployed combat setting.

Materials and Methods
We analyzed adult casualties from 2007 to 2023 from the DoD Trauma Registry for U.S. military, U.S. contractor, and coalition casualties that had at least 1 ionized calcium value documented in the ED at a Role 2 or Role 3 military treatment facility. We constructed a series of multivariable logistic regression models to test for the association of hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia with physiological derangements, blood product consumption, and survival. Vital signs and other laboratory studies were based on the concurrent ED encounter.

Results
There were 941 casualties that met inclusion for this analysis with 26% (245) having at least 1 calcium derangement. Among those, 22% (211) had at least 1 episode of hypocalcemia and 5% (43) had at least 1 episode of hypercalcemia in the ED. The vast majority (97%, 917) received calcium at least once. Median composite injury severity scores were lower among those with no calcium derangement (8 versus 17, P &lt; .001). Survival was higher during the total hospitalization (98% versus 93%) among those with calcium derangements but similar at 24 hours (99% versus 98%, P = .059). After adjusting for confounder, any hypocalcemic measurement was associated with an elevated international normalized ratio (odds ratio 1.94, 95% CI 1.19–3.16), acidosis (1.66, 1.17–2.37), tachycardia (2.11, 1.42–3.15), hypotension (1.92, 1.09–3.38), depressed Glasgow coma scale (3.20, 2.13–4.81), elevated shock index (2.19, 1.45–3.31), submassive transfusion (3.97, 2.60–6.05), massive transfusion (4.22, 2.66–6.70), supermassive transfusion (3.65, 2.07–6.43), and all hospital stay mortality (2.30, 1.00–5.29). Comparatively, any hypercalcemic measurement was associated with acidosis (2.96, 1.39–6.32), depressed Glasgow coma scale (4.28, 1.81–10.13), submassive transfusion (3.40, 1.37–8.43), massive transfusion (6.25, 2.63–14.83), and supermassive transfusion (13.00, 5.47–30.85).

Conclusions
Both hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia in the ED were associated with physiological derangements and blood product use, with a greater extent observed in those with hypocalcemia compared to those with hypercalcemia. Prospective studies are underway to better explain and validate these findings.
Family Physician Education and Barriers to Promoting Smoking Cessation: A Multiservice Investigation
Authors: Domalaon Kryls , Valerio Christina 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. Brief discussions with doctors increase cessation rates by two-thirds, and physicians trained in smoking cessation are more likely to perform counseling. Multiple organizations also recommend connecting counseling with lung cancer screening (LCS), yet physicians and patients report a lack of such integration. We sought to characterize the education received and the barriers to providing smoking cessation counseling, and to determine its integration with LCS among military Family Medicine physicians.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional study of registered attendees of 2022 Uniformed Services Academy of Family Physicians Annual Conference. Our study aimed to: (1) Assess the amount of formal smoking cessation education during and after residency; (2) assess barriers to providing smoking cessation within the military health care system; and (3) assess if physicians connect smoking cessation counseling and LCS. Descriptive statistics with chi-squared analysis were used to analyze the survey results.

Results
With a response rate of 61% (n = 323/487), most participants reported receiving &lt;3 sessions of formal education during residency (72.9%) and &lt;3 h after residency (76.2%). Forty-eight percent cited their health care system never or rarely provided resources on smoking cessation. Time was the largest barrier to promoting smoking cessation (62.6%) and to integrating it with LCS (56.7%), although a considerable percentage also cited lack of supporting staff (34.3%). Furthermore, only 50.6% of respondents always reported counseling on smoking cessation with LCS.

Conclusion
Smoking cessation education is provided in family medicine residencies but rarely offered afterwards. Time and lack of support staff and resources are recognized as notable barriers within the military health care system. A large proportion of uniformed Family Medicine physicians also do not link LCS guidelines with patient education on tobacco cessation and resources. Further research is needed to guide interventions to overcome these challenges within the military health care system.