bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and psoriasis in a large population-based cohort: a cross-sectional analysis of The Tromsø Study 2015–16
Authors: Jenssen Marita , Furberg Anne-Sofie , Jorde Rolf , Wilsgaard Tom , Danielsen Kjersti 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Case–control studies indicate an association between lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and psoriasis. Data from larger population-based cohorts including mild cases are sparse.

Objectives
To investigate the association between 25(OH)D and psoriasis in a large population-based cohort, and assess possible effect modification by overweight.

Methods
Data from the Tromsø Study 2015–16 (Tromsø7), which included 19 520 participants from the general population aged 40–79 years, were subjected to a cross-sectional analysis. We assessed the shapes of the relationships between 25(OH)D and psoriasis using fractional polynomials. Odds ratios (ORs) for lifetime and active psoriasis were estimated using logistic regression. Adjusted models included month of blood sampling, body mass index (BMI), age and sex. Two-way and additive interaction between BMI and 25(OH)D were explored.

Results
From a total of 19 520 participants [10 203 women (52.3%); mean age 56.3 years (SD 10.4); mean 25[OH]D, 63.4 nmol L−1 (SD 21.9)], 2088 (10.7%) reported lifetime psoriasis and 1179 (6.0%) reported active psoriasis the past 12 months. There was no association between 25(OH)D and lifetime psoriasis [OR per 10 nmol L−1 increase in 25(OH)D 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.99–1.04]. The relationship between 25(OH)D and active psoriasis was suggested to be nonlinear, but the model was not significant (P = 0.098). There was evidence for a superadditive effect (i.e. larger than the sum of the factors) of BMI &gt; 27.5 kg m−2 and 25(OH)D &lt; 25 nmol L−1 on the odds for active psoriasis (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.18–3.12), but not for lifetime psoriasis (OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.93–2.15). There was no evidence for two-way interaction between BMI and 25(OH)D.

Conclusions
This large population-based study found no significant relationship between 25(OH)D and psoriasis. The analysis may have been underpowered to detect a threshold effect in the lower 25(OH)D spectrum. Interaction analysis indicates that high BMI and vitamin D deficiency combined increase the odds of active psoriasis more than the sum of these factors, with an estimated 92% higher odds for active psoriasis in participants with BMI &gt; 27.5 kg m−2 and 25(OH)D &lt; 25 nmol L−1. Providing advice to prevent vitamin D deficiency may be considered in the follow-up of overweight patients with psoriasis.
Prognostic impact of lymph node characteristics after therapeutic neck dissection for classic N1 papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Van Den Heede Klaas , Brusselaers Nele , Breddels Esmee , Gaujoux Sébastien , Buffet Camille , Menegaux Fabrice , Chereau Nathalie 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
The impact of lymph node characteristics on mortality and recurrence remains controversial. This study evaluated the prognostic impact of lymph node characteristics in a large, homogenous cohort of patients with therapeutic neck dissection for clinically N1 classic papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).

Methods
All consecutive adult patients with therapeutic central and lateral neck dissection for PTC at a French referral centre were prospectively enrolled from January 2000 until June 2021. The primary outcome was the impact of lymph node characteristics in predicting a disease event (persistence or recurrence), using univariable and multivariable logistic regression modelling.

Results
A total of 462 patients were included. Lymph node capsular rupture was seen in 260 patients (56.3 per cent). Median maximum lymph node size was 15 (i.q.r. 9–23) mm. The median central, lateral, and total lymph node ratio (LNR) was 0.50 (i.q.r. 0.22–0.75), 0.15 (i.q.r. 0.07–0.29), and 0.26 (i.q.r. 0.14–0.41), respectively. After a median follow-up of 93 (i.q.r. 50–149) months, 182 (39.4 per cent) patients had a disease event. After multivariable analysis, the number of harvested lymph node &gt;35 (OR 2.33 (95 per cent c.i. 1.10–4.95)), presence of lymph node capsular rupture (OR 1.92 (1.17–3.14)), and total LNR &gt;0.20 (OR 2.37 (1.08–5.19)) and &gt;0.40 (OR 4.92 (1.61–15.03)) predicted a disease event. An LNR of 0.20 predicted a disease event with a sensitivity of 80.8 per cent and a specificity of 50.4 per cent.

Conclusion
Disease persistence or recurrence after thyroidectomy with therapeutic neck dissection for classic PTC with preoperative nodal disease appears to depend on number of harvested lymph node, presence of lymph node capsular rupture, and total LNR.
Functional connectivity in autism spectrum disorder evaluated using rs-fMRI and DKI
Authors: Nagai Yasuhito , Kirino Eiji , Tanaka Shoji , Usui Chie , Inami Rie , Inoue Reiichi , Hattori Aki , Uchida Wataru , Kamagata Koji , Aoki Shigeki 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
We evaluated functional connectivity (FC) in patients with adult autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI). We acquired rs-fMRI data from 33 individuals with ASD and 33 healthy controls (HC) and DKI data from 18 individuals with ASD and 17 HC. ASD showed attenuated FC between the right frontal pole (FP) and the bilateral temporal fusiform cortex (TFusC) and enhanced FC between the right thalamus and the bilateral inferior division of lateral occipital cortex, and between the cerebellar vermis and the right occipital fusiform gyrus (OFusG) and the right lingual gyrus, compared with HC. ASD demonstrated increased axial kurtosis (AK) and mean kurtosis (MK) in white matter (WM) tracts, including the right anterior corona radiata (ACR), forceps minor (FM), and right superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). In ASD, there was also a significant negative correlation between MK and FC between the cerebellar vermis and the right OFusG in the corpus callosum, FM, right SLF and right ACR. Increased DKI metrics might represent neuroinflammation, increased complexity, or disrupted WM tissue integrity that alters long-distance connectivity. Nonetheless, protective or compensating adaptations of inflammation might lead to more abundant glial cells and cytokine activation effectively alleviating the degeneration of neurons, resulting in increased complexity. FC abnormality in ASD observed in rs-fMRI may be attributed to microstructural alterations of the commissural and long-range association tracts in WM as indicated by DKI.
PROCESS Trial: Effect of Duloxetine Premedication for Postherpetic Neuralgia Within 72 Hours of Herpes Zoster Reactivation—A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhao Chunmei , Zhang Tingjie , Zhu Qian , Chen Zheng , Ren Hao , Shrestha Niti , Meng Lan , Shen Ying , Luo Fang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common chronic complication of herpes zoster (HZ) and results in severe refractory neuropathic pain. This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of premedication with duloxetine in the prevention of PHN.

Methods
The PROCESS trial is a multicenter, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint trial used a 1:1 duloxetine:control ratio. Adults 50 years or older with HZ who presented with vesicles within 72 hours were recruited. The primary outcome was the incidence of PHN at 12 weeks. PHN was defined as any pain intensity score other than 0 mm on the visual analog scale (VAS) at week 12 after the onset of the rash. The secondary outcomes were the number of participants with VAS &gt;0 and VAS ≥3. The modified intention-to-treat (mITT) principle and per-protocol (PP) principle were used for the primary outcome analysis.

Results
A total of 375 participants were randomly assigned to the duloxetine group and 375 were assigned to the control group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of PHN in the duloxetine group compared with the control group in the mITT analysis (86 [22.9%] of 375 vs 108 [28.8%] of 375; P = .067). PP analysis produced similar results. However, there were significant differences between the 2 groups in the number of participants with VAS &gt;0 and VAS ≥3 (P &lt; .05 for all comparisons).

Conclusions
Although absolute prevention of PHN does not occur, this trial found that premedication with duloxetine can reduce pain associated with HZ, and therefore can have clinically relevant benefits.
Clinical Trials Registration. Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04313335. Registered on 18 March 2020.
Globalisation and agri-food trade
Authors: Luckstead Jeff 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This study utilises structural gravity models to examine the impact of globalisation on distance in agricultural and processed food trade, the relative effects of international distance and home bias effects. The results show that larger internal distances lower domestic sales. The home bias effect is substantially larger in agricultural commodities compared to processed agricultural commodities. Omitted variable bias is observed in friction variables when the relative intra-national distance and home market bias are excluded. After controlling for relative intra-national trade costs and the home bias effect, globalisation does not lead to a smaller impact of distance on trade. Substantial heterogeneity exists when analysing individual commodities.
Assessing left atrial intramyocardial fat infiltration from computerized tomography angiography in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Saglietto Andrea , Falasconi Giulio , Soto-Iglesias David , Francia Pietro , Penela Diego , Alderete José , Viveros Daniel , Bellido Aldo Francisco , Franco-Ocaña Paula , Zaraket Fatima , Turturiello Darío , Marti-Almor Julio , Berruezo Antonio 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Aims
Epicardial adipose tissue might promote atrial fibrillation (AF) in several ways, including infiltrating the underlying atrial myocardium. However, the role of this potential mechanism has been poorly investigated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of left atrial (LA) infiltrated adipose tissue (inFAT) by analysing multi-detector computer tomography (MDCT)-derived three-dimensional (3D) fat infiltration maps and to compare the extent of LA inFAT between patients without AF history, with paroxysmal, and with persistent AF.

Methods and results
Sixty consecutive patients with AF diagnosis (30 persistent and 30 paroxysmal) were enrolled and compared with 20 age-matched control; MDCT-derived images were post-processed to obtain 3D LA inFAT maps for all patients. Volume (mL) and mean signal intensities [(Hounsfield Units (HU)] of inFAT (HU −194; −5), dense inFAT (HU −194; −50), and fat-myocardial admixture (HU −50; −5) were automatically computed by the software. inFAT volume was significantly different across the three groups (P = 0.009), with post-hoc pairwise comparisons showing a significant increase in inFAT volume in persistent AF compared to controls (P = 0.006). Dense inFAT retained a significant difference also after correcting for body mass index (P = 0.028). In addition, more negative inFAT radiodensity values were found in AF patients. Regional distribution analysis showed a significantly higher regional distribution of LA inFAT at left and right superior pulmonary vein antra in AF patients.

Conclusion
Persistent forms of AF are associated with greater degree of LA intramyocardial adipose infiltration, independently of body mass index. Compared to controls, AF patients present higher LA inFAT volume at left and right superior pulmonary vein antra.
Association between accelerometer-derived physical activity and incident cardiac arrest
Authors: Qiu Shuangfa , Xing Zhenhua 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Aims
Studies on objectively measured physical activity (PA) have investigated acute cardiovascular outcomes but not cardiac arrest (CA). Our study aimed to investigate the dose–response relationship between accelerometer-measured PA and CA by intensity of PA.

Methods and results
This prospective cohort study included 98 893 UK Biobank participants whose PA data were measured using wrist-worn accelerometers. Total PA volume was measured using the average overall acceleration. Minutes per week of light PA (LPA), moderate PA (MPA), and vigorous PA (VPA) were recorded. The incident CA was identified using diagnostic codes linked to hospital encounters and death records. Cox proportional hazard models with restricted cubic splines were used to study the associations, including sex differences. During the follow-up period (median: 7.31 years; interquartile range: 6.78–7.82 years), 282 incident CAs (0.39 per 1000 person-years) occurred. Total PA was inversely related to CA risk. The CA risk decreased sharply until the time spent in MPA or VPA reached ∼360 min or 20 min per week, respectively, after which it was relatively flat. The LPA was not associated with CA risk. Subgroup analyses showed a more pronounced association between PA and a reduced risk of CA in women compared to men.

Conclusion
Accelerometer-measured PA, particularly MPA and VPA, was associated with a lower CA risk. Furthermore, a stronger association was observed in women than men.
Structure of plant–associated microeukaryotes in roots and leaves of aquatic and terrestrial plants revealed by blocking peptide-nucleic acid (PNA) amplification
Authors: Azadnia Avid , Mikryukov Vladimir , Anslan Sten , Hagh-Doust Niloufar , Rahimlou Saleh , Tamm Heidi , Tedersoo Leho 
Published: November 2023

AbstractStudies of plant–microbe interactions, including mutualistic, antagonistic, parasitic, or commensal microbes, have greatly benefited our understanding of ecosystem functioning. New molecular identification tools have increasingly revealed the association patterns between microorganisms and plants. Here, we integrated long-read PacBio single-molecule sequencing technology with a blocking protein-nucleic acid (PNA) approach to minimise plant amplicons in a survey of plant-eukaryotic microbe relationships in roots and leaves of different aquatic and terrestrial plants to determine patterns of organ, host, and habitat preferences. The PNA approach reduced the samples' relative amounts of plant reads and did not distort the fungal and other microeukaryotic composition. Our analyses revealed that the eukaryotic microbiomes associated with leaves and roots of aquatic plants exhibit a much larger proportion of non-fungal microorganisms than terrestrial plants, and leaf and root microbiomes are similar. Terrestrial plants had much stronger differentiation of leaf and root microbiomes and stronger partner specificity than aquatic plants.
Microbial degradation of naphthenic acids using constructed wetland treatment systems: metabolic and genomic insights for improved bioremediation of process-affected water
Authors: Reis Paula C J , Correa-Garcia Sara , Tremblay Julien , Beaulieu-Laliberté Aurélie , Muench Douglas G , Ahad Jason M E , Yergeau Etienne , Comte Jérôme , Martineau Christine 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Naphthenic acids (NAs) are a complex mixture of organic compounds released during bitumen extraction from mined oil sands that are important contaminants of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). NAs can be toxic to aquatic organisms and, therefore, are a main target compound for OSPW. The ability of microorganisms to degrade NAs can be exploited for bioremediation of OSPW using constructed wetland treatment systems (CWTS), which represent a possible low energy and low-cost option for scalable in situ NA removal. Recent advances in genomics and analytical chemistry have provided insights into a better understanding of the metabolic pathways and genes involved in NA degradation. Here, we discuss the ecology of microbial NA degradation with a focus on CWTS and summarize the current knowledge related to the metabolic pathways and genes used by microorganisms to degrade NAs. Evidence to date suggests that NAs are mostly degraded aerobically through ring cleavage via the beta-oxidation pathway, which can be combined with other steps such as aromatization, alpha-oxidation, omega-oxidation, or activation as coenzyme A (CoA) thioesters. Anaerobic NA degradation has also been reported via the production of benzoyl-CoA as an intermediate and/or through the involvement of methanogens or nitrate, sulfate, and iron reducers. Furthermore, we discuss how genomic, statistical, and modeling tools can assist in the development of improved bioremediation practices.
Particularized Preferences for Civilian Protection? A Survey Experiment
Authors: Hatz Sophia , Hultman Lisa 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Even as the protection of civilians becomes a widely held norm, there is substantial variation in public support for humanitarian policy efforts. We use a survey experiment in Sweden to gain insights into this puzzle. Our survey confirms that citizens generally support military, but particularly non-military, means of civilian protection. Yet, we also find that support is partly particularized. Specifying that civilians may have ties to extremist groups (as victims or supporters) reduces support for proposals to provide humanitarian aid, contribute to UN observer missions and accept refugees. We trace this reduced support to lower moral obligation and higher threat perceptions. In contrast to expectations, respondents do not prioritize the protection of co-nationals, or women and children. Manipulation checks suggest the explanation that perceptions of who constitutes a civilian are subjective. Our findings provide insights into the domestic political determinants of atrocity prevention abroad.
The Evolutionary Complexities of DNA Methylation in Animals: From Plasticity to Genetic Evolution
Authors: Venney Clare J , Anastasiadi Dafni , Wellenreuther Maren , Bernatchez Louis 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The importance of DNA methylation in plastic responses to environmental change and evolutionary dynamics is increasingly recognized. Here, we provide a Perspective piece on the diverse roles of DNA methylation on broad evolutionary timescales, including (i) short-term transient acclimation, (ii) stable phenotypic evolution, and (iii) genomic evolution. We show that epigenetic responses vary along a continuum, ranging from short-term acclimatory responses in variable environments within a generation to long-term modifications in populations and species. DNA methylation thus unlocks additional potential for organisms to rapidly acclimate to their environment over short timeframes. If these changes affect fitness, they can circumvent the need for adaptive changes at the genome level. However, methylation has a complex reciprocal relationship with genetic variation as it can be genetically controlled, yet it can also induce point mutations and contribute to genomic evolution. When habitats remain constant over many generations, or populations are separated across habitats, initially plastic phenotypes can become hardwired through epigenetically facilitated mutagenesis. It remains unclear under what circumstances plasticity contributes to evolutionary outcomes, and when plastic changes will become permanently encoded into genotype. We highlight how studies investigating the evolution of epigenetic plasticity need to carefully consider how plasticity in methylation state could evolve among different evolutionary scenarios, the possible phenotypic outcomes, its effects on genomic evolution, and the proximate energetic and ultimate fitness costs of methylation. We argue that accumulating evidence suggests that DNA methylation can contribute toward evolution on various timescales, spanning a continuum from acclimatory plasticity to genomic evolution.
Realigning noncommunicable disease monitoring with health systems priorities in the Africa region
Authors: Boudreaux Chantelle , Salvi Devashri , Adler Alma J , Wroe Emily B , Coates Matthew M , Olsen Maia , Jain Yogesh , Mocumbi Ana O , Bukhman Gene 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The African region of the World Health Organization (WHO) recently adopted a strategy aimed at more comprehensive care for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the region. The WHO’s World Health Assembly has also newly approved several ambitious disease-specific targets that raise the expectations of chronic care and plans to revise and update the NCD-Global Action Plan. These actions provide a critically needed opportunity for reflection and course correction in the global health response to NCDs. In this paper, we highlight the status of the indicators that are currently used to monitor progress towards global goals for chronic care. We argue that weak health systems and lack of access to basic NCD medicines and technologies have prevented many countries from achieving the level of progress required by the NCD epidemic, and current targets do little to address this reality. We identify gaps in existing metrics and explore opportunities to realign the targets with the pressing priorities facing today’s health systems.
The haplotype-resolved telomere-to-telomere carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) genome reveals the correlation between genome architecture and gene expression
Authors: Lan Lan , Leng Luhong , Liu Weichao , Ren Yonglin , Reeve Wayne , Fu Xiaopeng , Wu Zhiqiang , Zhang Xiaoni 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) is one of the most valuable commercial flowers, due to its richness of color and form, and its excellent storage and vase life. The diverse demands of the market require faster breeding in carnations. A full understanding of carnations is therefore required to guide the direction of breeding. Hence, we assembled the haplotype-resolved gap-free carnation genome of the variety ‘Baltico’, which is the most common white standard variety worldwide. Based on high-depth HiFi, ultra-long nanopore, and Hi-C sequencing data, we assembled the telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome to be 564 479 117 and 568 266 215 bp for the two haplotypes Hap1 and Hap2, respectively. This T2T genome exhibited great improvement in genome assembly and annotation results compared with the former version. The improvements were seen when different approaches to evaluation were used. Our T2T genome first informs the analysis of the telomere and centromere region, enabling us to speculate about specific centromere characteristics that cannot be identified by high-order repeats in carnations. We analyzed allele-specific expression in three tissues and the relationship between genome architecture and gene expression in the haplotypes. This demonstrated that the length of the genes, coding sequences, and introns, the exon numbers and the transposable element insertions correlate with gene expression ratios and levels. The insertions of transposable elements repress expression in gene regulatory networks in carnation. This gap-free finished T2T carnation genome provides a valuable resource to illustrate the genome characteristics and for functional genomics analysis in further studies and molecular breeding.