bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between occupational physical activity and left ventricular structure and function over 25 years in CARDIA
Authors: Quinn Tyler D , Lane Abbi , Pettee Gabriel Kelley , Sternfeld Barbara , Jacobs David R , Smith Peter , Barone Gibbs Bethany 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Aims
Leisure time physical activity (LTPA) confers cardiovascular health benefits, while occupational physical activity (OPA) may have paradoxically negative health associations. This study tested the explanatory hypothesis that unfavourable cardiac remodelling may result from chronic OPA-induced cardiovascular strain.

Methods and results
Longitudinal associations of OPA and left ventricular (LV) structure and function were examined in 1462 participants {50.0% female, 56.4% White, aged 30.4 ± 3.4 years at baseline [Year 5 exam (1990–91)]} from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study. Left ventricular structure and function were measured as LV mass (LVMi), end-diastolic volume (LVEDVi), end-systolic volume (LVESVi), ejection fraction (LVEF), stroke volume (LVSVi), and e/a-wave ratio (EA ratio) via echocardiography at baseline and 25 years later. Occupational physical activity was reported at seven exams during the study period as months/year with ‘vigorous job activities such as lifting, carrying, or digging’ for ≥5 h/week. The 25-year OPA patterns were categorized into three trajectories: no OPA (n = 770), medium OPA (n = 410), and high OPA (n = 282). Linear regression estimated associations between OPA trajectories and echocardiogram variables at follow-up after adjusting for baseline values, individual demographic/health characteristics, and LTPA. Twenty-five-year OPA exposure was not significantly associated with LVMi, LVEDVi, LVSVi, or EA ratio (P &gt; 0.05). However, higher LVESVi (β = 1.84, P &lt; 0.05) and lower LVEF (β = −1.94, P &lt; 0.05) were observed at follow-up among those in the high- vs. no-OPA trajectories.

Conclusion
The paradoxically adverse association of OPA with cardiovascular health was partially supported by null or adverse associations between high OPA and echocardiogram outcomes. Confirmation is needed using more precise OPA measures.
Identification of concealed cardiomyopathy using next-generation sequencing–based genetic testing in Korean patients initially diagnosed with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation
Authors: Jeong Joo Hee , Kim Yun Gi , Oh Suk-Kyu , Lee Hyoung Seok , Choi Yun Young , Min Kyongjin , Shim Jaemin , Park Yae Min , Kim Jun-Hyung , Oh Yong-Seog , Kim Nam-Ho , Pak Hui-Nam , On Young Keun , Park Hyung Wook , Hwang Gyo-Seung , Kim Dae-Kyeong , Park Young-Ah , Park Hyoung-Seob , Cho Yongkeun , Oh Seil , Choi Jong-Il , Kim Young-Hoon 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Aims
Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF) is a disease in which the cause of ventricular fibrillation cannot be identified despite comprehensive clinical evaluation. This study aimed to investigate the clinical yield and implications of genetic testing for IVF.

Methods and results
This study was based on the multi-centre inherited arrhythmia syndrome registry in South Korea from 2014 to 2017. Next-generation sequencing–based genetic testing was performed that included 174 genes previously linked to cardiovascular disease. A total of 96 patients were clinically diagnosed with IVF. The mean age of the onset was 41.2 ± 12.7 years, and 79 patients were males (82.3%). Of these, 74 underwent genetic testing and four (5.4%) of the IVF probands had pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants (each having one of MYBPC3, MYH7, DSP, and TNNI3). All pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were located in genes with definite evidence of a cardiomyopathy phenotype, either hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.

Conclusion
Next-generation sequencing–based genetic testing identified pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in 5.4% of patients initially diagnosed with IVF, suggesting that genetic testing with definite evidence genes of cardiomyopathy may enable molecular diagnosis in a minority of patients with IVF. Further clinical evaluation and follow-up of patients with IVF with positive genotypes are needed to unveil concealed phenotypes, such as the pre-clinical phase of cardiomyopathy.
Natural Canopy Disturbance Patterns and Ecological Silviculture in the Alabama Fall Line Hills
Authors: Baker Aurora C , Phillips David L , Goode J Davis , Hart Justin L 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
As a natural disturbance-based approach to silviculture is increasingly embraced by forest managers, quantitative reference conditions of natural disturbance patterns are paramount. We used LiDAR data to quantify resultant structural patterns from an EF3 tornado on the Oakmulgee Ranger District of Talladega National Forest in the Alabama Fall Line Hills, USA. We found the zone of catastrophic disturbance totaled 123 ha, had a mean width of 360 m, and residual trees were randomly distributed. This zone was buffered by an edge zone of intermediate-severity disturbance where trees were removed individually and in groups. The edge zone averaged 220 m in width. In total, the study area included seventy-nine stands and the percentage of stand area damaged ranged from &lt; 1% to 94%. We suggest that clearcut, seed tree, and shelterwood with reserves regeneration methods may be appropriate analogs to natural canopy disturbance in the Fall Line Hills region. These catastrophic disturbance entries should be buffered from undisturbed neighborhoods by a system that retains mature forest structures and would constitute a zone of intermediate-severity disturbance. Our approach may be used as a template to expand our understanding of natural canopy disturbance patterns in other regions and forest types.
Study Implications: In regions where tornadoes are a natural component of the disturbance regime, including much of the southeastern United States, we suggest that clearcut, seed tree, or shelterwood with reserves regeneration methods may be used to approximate the zone of catastrophic disturbance that corresponds to the tornado track. We observed that reserve tree spatial patterns were random, but residual trees could be selected based on desired species or protection of important biophysical features such as seeps. Surrounding the catastrophic disturbance zone was an edge zone of intermediate-severity disturbance where trees were removed individually and in variably sized groups. We suggest that the structural patterns documented in this edge zone may be created through variable retention harvesting.
Transvection between nonallelic genomic positions in Drosophila
Authors: Blum Jacob A , Wells Michelle , Huxley-Reicher Zina , Johnson Justine E , Bateman Jack R 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In Drosophila, pairing of maternal and paternal homologous chromosomes can permit trans-interactions between enhancers on one homolog and promoters on another, an example of transvection. Although trans-interactions have been observed at many loci in the Drosophila genome and in other organisms, the parameters that govern enhancer action in trans remain poorly understood. Using a transgenic reporter system, we asked whether enhancers and promoters at nonallelic, but nearby, genomic positions can communication in trans. Using one transgenic insertion carrying the synthetic enhancer GMR and another nearby insertion carrying the hsp70 promoter driving a fluorescent reporter, we show that transgenes separated by 2.6 kb of linear distance can support enhancer action in trans at the 53F8 locus. Furthermore, transvection between the nonallelic insertions can be augmented by a small deletion flanking one insert, likely via changes to the paired configuration of the homologs. Subsequent analyses of other insertions in 53F8 that carry different transgenic sequences demonstrate that the capacity to support transvection between nonallelic sites varies greatly, suggesting that factors beyond the linear distance between insertion sites play an important role. Finally, analysis of transvection between nearby nonallelic sites at other genomic locations shows evidence of position effects, where one locus supported GMR action in trans over a linear distance of over 10 kb, whereas another locus showed no evidence of transvection over a span &lt;200 bp. Overall, our data demonstrate that transvection between nonallelic sites represents a complex interplay between genomic context, interallelic distance, and promoter identity.
Genetic analysis of pericarp pigmentation variation in Corn Belt dent maize
Authors: Schoemaker Dylan L , Qiu Yinjie , de Leon Natalia , Hirsch Candice N , Kaeppler Shawn M 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The US standard for maize commercially grown for grain specifies that yellow corn can contain at maximum 5% corn of other colors. Inbred parents of commercial hybrids typically have clear pericarp, but transgressive segregants in breeding populations can display variation in pericarp pigmentation. We identified 10 doubled haploid biparental populations segregating for pigmented pericarp and evaluated qualitative genetic models using chi-square tests of observed and expected frequencies. Pigmentation ranged from light to dark brown color, and pigmentation intensity was quantitatively measured across 1,327 inbred lines using hue calculated from RGB pixel values. Genetic mapping was used to identify loci associated with pigmentation intensity. For 9 populations, pigmentation inheritance best fit a hypothesis of a 2- or 3-gene epistatic model. Significant differences in pigment intensity were observed across populations. W606S-derived inbred lines with the darkest pericarp often had clear glumes, suggesting the presence of a novel P1-rw allele, a hypothesis supported by a significant quantitative trait locus peak at P1. A separate quantitative trait locus region on chromosome 2 between 221.64 and 226.66 Mbp was identified in LH82-derived populations, and the peak near p1 was absent. A genome-wide association study using 416 inbred lines from the Wisconsin Diversity panel with full genome resequencing revealed 4 significant associations including the region near P1. This study supports that pericarp pigmentation among dent maize inbreds can arise by transgressive segregation when pigmentation in the parental generation is absent and is partially explained by functional allelic variation at the P1 locus.
Multidimensional Sleep Health Problems Across Middle and Older Adulthood Predict Early Mortality
Authors: Lee Soomi , Mu Christina X , Wallace Meredith L , Andel Ross , Almeida David M , Buxton Orfeu M , Patel Sanjay R 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Having multiple sleep problems is common in adulthood. Yet, most studies have assessed single sleep variables at one timepoint, potentially misinterpreting health consequences of co-occurring sleep problems that may change over time. We investigated the relationship between multidimensional sleep health across adulthood and mortality.

Methods
Participants from the Midlife in the United States Study reported sleep characteristics in 2004–2006 (MIDUS-2; M2) and in 2013–2014 (MIDUS-3; M3). We calculated a composite score of sleep health problems across 5 dimensions: Regularity, Satisfaction, Alertness, Efficiency, and Duration (higher = more problems). Two separate models for baseline sleep health (n = 5 140; median follow-up time = 15.3 years) and change in sleep health (n = 2 991; median follow-up time = 6.4 years) to mortality were conducted. Cox regression models controlled for sociodemographics and key health risk factors (body mass index, smoking, depressive symptoms, diabetes, and hypertension).

Results
On average, 88% of the sample reported having one or more sleep health problems at M2. Each additional sleep health problem at M2 was associated with 12% greater risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04–1.21), but not heart disease-related mortality (HR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.99–1.31). An increase in sleep health problems from M2 to M3 was associated with 27% greater risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.005–1.59), and 153% greater risk of heart disease mortality (HR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.37–4.68).

Conclusions
More sleep health problems may increase the risk of early mortality. Sleep health in middle and older adulthood is a vital sign that can be assessed at medical checkups to identify those at greater risk.
Multisectoral Collaborations to Increase Recruitment and Retention of Diverse Older Adults in Biomedical Research
Authors: Wong Roger , Grullon Jason R , McNamara Sarah E , Smith Nancy H , Dillenbeck Colleen A , Royal Kathy , Brangman Sharon A 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Older adults, especially minoritized racial-ethnic groups, are historically underrepresented in biomedical research. This study summarizes the development and assesses the impact of a review board involving a multisectoral group of stakeholders with the goal of increasing the diversity of older adults in biomedical research.

Methods
A 25-member board of community members, caregivers, researchers, and clinicians from Upstate New York reviewed 3 projects presented by researchers, clinician-scientists, and a pharmaceutical company between January and December 2022. For each biomedical research project, the reviews provided guidance to increase the recruitment and retention of diverse older adults engaged in the study. Review board members and presenters completed surveys to provide feedback on their experience in this collaboration.

Results
There was consistent positive feedback from all members and presenters. From member surveys, feedback trended positive in meetings throughout the year. Community members and caregivers initially indicated discomfort in expressing their views; however, these concerns subsided over time. Presenters had a very positive experience in the review board’s impact on their recruitment strategy and study design, and therefore very likely to use this service again. Recommendations were made to adjust membership criteria, presentation format, and funding to sustain this effort.

Conclusions
Lack of diversity for older adults represented in biomedical research contributes to ethical and generalizability ramifications. The positive feedback from all stakeholders in our multisectoral board of community members, caregivers, researchers, and clinicians offers a promising structure for developing similar strategies to increase diversity within and beyond biomedical aging research in other communities.
Gender Differences in Social Support Vary by Environment Among Older People With HIV in South Africa and Uganda
Authors: Kaufman Jennifer E , Brennan-Ing Mark , MacPhail Catherine , Minichiello Victor , Seeley Janet 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Sub-Saharan Africa is home to 3.7 million older adults living with HIV, who experience high rates of comorbid conditions. Formal services other than HIV clinical care are largely unavailable. Overall, women are the mainstay of informal social support networks, and older women with HIV may face burdens due to family caregiving expectations. Thus, it is important to understand the extent of informal support provided to older adults living with HIV, and how this is affected by gender.

Research Design and Methods
We examined differences in social networks, needs, social support and caregiving, and perceptions of support adequacy among women and men aged 50 and older living with HIV in Uganda (n = 101) and South Africa (n = 108), mostly rural and suburban populations, respectively. We used multiple regression to determine whether there was an association between gender and the amount of social support received and whether that varied by research site.

Results
Men were more likely than women to receive support from a partner. Women were more likely to live with offspring, both providing and receiving care. In South Africa but not Uganda, women received more help from family than men did. There was no gender difference in getting help from friends, but it was more common in Uganda. Living alone was strongly associated with less family help and more help from friends.

Discussion and Implications
Older women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa tend to be more heavily involved in social support exchanges—both providing and receiving care—than their male peers, but place matters. Interdependence is high in rural Uganda, where formal services are scarce and needs exceed resources. Given the projected growth in this population, stronger formal supports are needed for communities and older people with HIV, especially those who live alone.
The dynamic arms race during the early invasion of woodland strawberry by Botrytis cinerea revealed by dual dense high-resolution RNA-seq analyses
Authors: Bai Yibo , Wang Haibin , Zhu Kaikai , Cheng Zong-Ming 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Necrotrophic pathogens replicate massively upon colonizing plants, causing large-scale wilting and death of plant tissues. Understanding both mechanisms of pathogen invasion and host response processes prior to symptom appearance and their key regulatory networks is therefore important for defense against pathogen attack. Here, we investigated the mechanisms of interaction between woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca) leaves and gray mold pathogen (Botrytis cinerea) at 14 infection time points during the first 12 hours of the infection period using a dense, high-resolution time series dual transcriptomic analysis, characterizing the arms race between strawberry F. vesca and B. cinerea before the appearance of localized lesions. Strawberry leaves rapidly initiated strong systemic defenses at the first sign of external stimulation and showed lower levels of transcriptomic change later in the infection process. Unlike the host plants, B. cinerea showed larger-scale transcriptomic changes that persisted throughout the infection process. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified highly correlated genes in 32 gene expression modules between B. cinerea and strawberry. Yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays revealed that the disease response protein FvRLP2 from woodland strawberry interacted with the cell death inducing proteins BcXYG1 and BcPG3 from B. cinerea. Overexpression of FvRLP2 in both strawberry and Arabidopsis inhibited B. cinerea infection, confirming these genes’ respective functions. These findings shed light on the arms race process by which B. cinerea invades host plants and strawberry to defend against pathogen infection.
Adalimumab Drug Levels at Secondary Loss of Response Do Not Predict Response to Dose-intensification in Crohn’s Disease: A Retrospective, International Multicenter Study
Authors: Little Robert D , Swaine Adrian , Reynolds Rebecca , Gibson David J , Barrau Mathilde , D’Errico Francesca , Hampal Rumneek , Sparrow Miles P , Roblin Xavier , Irving Peter M , Ward Mark G 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
The exposure-response relationship is less established for adalimumab (ADA) compared with infliximab in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Evidence supporting therapeutic drug monitoring post dose-intensification of ADA is limited. We aimed to explore the association between ADA drug levels and Crohn’s disease (CD) activity at loss of response, and at 6 and 12 months post dose-intensification.

Methods
We performed a retrospective study of adult patients with CD receiving dose-intensified weekly ADA following secondary loss of response at 3 tertiary centers across 5 years. ADA trough levels were analyzed using a drug-sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at loss of response, and 6 and 12 months after dose-intensification. Rates of clinical remission, objective remission (C-reactive protein &lt;5 mg/L, fecal calprotectin &lt;150 µg/g, or absence of inflammation at endoscopy or imaging), and ADA failure were investigated.

Results
A total of 131 CD patients were included, with a median disease duration of 9 (interquartile range, 4-17) years. 51% were biologic exposed prior to ADA and 50% received concomitant immunomodulators. Baseline drug levels measured at secondary loss of response did not discriminate between subsequent responders and non-responders at either 6 or 12 months post dose-intensification. However, both higher drug levels at 6 and 12 months and a higher increment from baseline were associated with improved outcomes. On receiver-operating characteristic analyses, post-escalation ADA drug levels &gt;10.7 µg/mL (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [AUROC], 0.66; P = .013) and &gt;10.9 µg/mL (AUROC, 0.67; P = .032) were associated with objective remission at 6 and 12 months, respectively.

Conclusions
Drug levels following dose-intensification rather than at the time of secondary loss of response were associated with subsequent CD remission.
Brazilian airway surgery survey indicates low overall numbers and need for improved teaching skills
Authors: Bibas Benoit Jacques , Minamoto Helio , Cardoso Paulo Francisco G , Cremonese Mariana Rodrigues , Pêgo-Fernandes Paulo Manuel , Terra Ricardo Mingarini 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The Brazilian Society of Thoracic Surgeons conducted an online survey to determine the number of surgeons that perform adult and paediatric airway surgery and to understand the practice patterns along the country.

METHODS
Active members were electronically invited to complete the questionnaire through the REDCapR platform. Invitations were sent from January to April 2020. The survey encompassed 40 questions that explored 4 different topics in the assessment of tracheal diseases: (i) surgeon’s demography; (ii) institutional profile, (iii) education and training in laryngo-tracheal surgery and (iv) preoperative and postoperative evaluation.

RESULTS
Eighty-nine percentage of the responders declared to perform tracheal surgery with a median of 5 tracheal resection procedures per year [interquartile range (IQR) 3–12]. Interaction with other specialties occurs in 37.3% of cases. Access to technology and devices is highly variable across the country. Resident training in airway surgery consists in traditional lectures in 97% of the cases. Training in animals (15.2%), cadavers (12.1%) and simulators (6.1%) are rare. Preoperatory evaluation encompasses flexible bronchoscopy (97.8%) and/or computed tomography (CT) scan of the airways (90.6%). Swallowing (20.1%) and voice (14.4%) disorders are rarely evaluated. Eighty-nine percentage of the surgeons consider bronchoscopy to be the preoperatory gold-standard exam, followed by CT scan (38.8%) and CT-3D reconstruction (37.4%).

CONCLUSIONS
Brazilian surgeons refer that airway resection and reconstruction are part of their current practice, but the total number of procedures per surgeon per year is low. Access to high-end technology and equipment is heterogenous. Training offered to residents in most academic institutions relies on traditional lectures.
Numerical analysis of a hybridized discontinuous Galerkin method for the Cahn–Hilliard problem
Authors: Kirk Keegan L A , Riviere Beatrice , Masri Rami 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The mixed form of the Cahn–Hilliard equations is discretized by the hybridized discontinuous Galerkin method. For any chemical energy density, existence and uniqueness of the numerical solution is obtained. The scheme is proved to be unconditionally stable. Convergence of the method is obtained by deriving a priori error estimates that are valid for the Ginzburg–Landau chemical energy density and for convex domains. The paper also contains discrete functional tools, namely discrete Agmon and Gagliardo–Nirenberg inequalities, which are proved to be valid in the hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin spaces.