bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mass spectrometry and split luciferase complementation assays reveal the MecA protein interactome of
Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Qin Hua , Anderson David , Zou Zhengzhong , Higashi Dustin , Borland Christina , Kreth Jens , Merritt Justin 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

MecA is a highly conserved adaptor protein encoded by prokaryotes from the
Bacillota
phylum. MecA mutants exhibit similar pleiotropic defects in a variety of organisms, although most of these phenotypes currently lack a mechanistic basis. MecA mediates ClpCP-dependent proteolysis of its substrates, but only several such substrates have been reported in the literature and there are suggestions that proteolysis-independent regulatory mechanisms may also exist. Here, we provide the first comprehensive characterization of the MecA interactome and further assess its regulatory role in Clp-dependent proteolysis. Untargeted coimmunoprecipitation assays coupled with mass spectrometry revealed that the MecA ortholog from the oral pathobiont
Streptococcus mutans
likely serves as a major protein interaction network hub by potentially complexing with >100 distinct protein substrates, most of which function in highly conserved metabolic pathways. The interactome results were independently verified using a newly developed prokaryotic split luciferase complementation assay (SLCA) to detect MecA protein-protein interactions
in vivo
. In addition, we further develop a new application of SLCA to support
in vivo
measurements of MecA relative protein binding affinities. SLCA results were independently verified using targeted coimmunoprecipitation assays, suggesting the general utility of this approach for prokaryotic protein-protein interaction studies. Our results indicate that MecA indeed regulates its interactome through both Clp-dependent proteolysis as well as through an as-yet undefined proteolysis-independent mechanism that may affect more than half of its protein interactome. This suggests a significant aspect of the MecA regulatory function still has yet to be discovered.

IMPORTANCE

Despite multiple decades of study, the regulatory mechanism and function of MecA have remained largely a mystery. The current study provides the first detailed roadmap to investigate these functions in other medically significant bacteria. Furthermore, this study developed new genetic approaches to assay prokaryotic protein-protein interactions
via
the split luciferase complementation assay (SLCA). SLCA technology is commonly employed in eukaryotic genetic research but has not yet been established for studies of bacterial protein-protein interactions. The SLCA protein binding affinity assay described here is a new technological advance exclusive to the current study and has not been reported elsewhere.
Supplemental Material: Resolving pressure differences within the Grand Canyon Precambrian basement: Implications for Proterozoic tectonics
Authors: Autrey-Mulligan Suzanne , al. et 
Published: January 2024

<p>Sample descriptions, methods, Table S1 (previous P-T), Table S2 (sample information). Table S3 (bulk compositions), Table S4 (garnet compositions), Table S5(Raman data), Table S6 (GC21-17 data), Table S7 (Isomekes), Table S8 (standard data), Table S9 (melt model), Table S10 (uncertainty), Figure S1 (GC21-1), Figure S2 (GC21-3), Figure S3 (GC21-4), Figure S4 (GC21-9), Figure S5 (GC21-17), Figure S6 (melt textures), Figure S7 (garnet images), Figure S8 (EMPA map), Figure S9 (KDE), Figure S10 (KDE GC21-17), Figure S11 (pseudosections), and Figure S12 (melt models). </p>
Therapeutic advances in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Brown Philip , Pratt Arthur G , Hyrich Kimme L 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common immune mediated inflammatory diseases. People with rheumatoid arthritis present with pain, swelling, and stiffness that typically affects symmetrically distributed small and large joints. Without effective treatment, significant joint damage, disability, and work loss develop, owing to chronic inflammation of the joint lining (synovium). Over the past 25 years, the management of this condition has been revolutionized, resulting in substantially higher levels of disease remission and better long term outcomes. This improvement reflects a paradigm shift towards early and aggressive pharmacological intervention coupled with a proliferation in treatment choice, in turn related to enhanced pathobiological understanding and the advent of new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis. Following an overview of these developments from a historical perspective, and with a general audience in mind, this review focuses on newer, targeted treatments in an ever evolving landscape. The review highlights ongoing areas of debate and unmet need, including the proportion of patients with persistent, difficult-to-treat disease, despite recent advances. Also discussed are personalized, strategic approaches to individual patients, the role for imaging in clinical decision making, and the goal of sustained, drug free remission and disease prevention in the future.
Association between brain imaging biomarkers and continuous glucose monitoring-derived glycemic control indices in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Inoue Chikako , Kusunoki Yoshiki , Ohigashi Mana , Osugi Keiko , Kitajima Kazuhiro , Takagi Ayako , Inoue Maki , Yagi Chisako , Tsunoda Taku , Kakutani Miki , Kadoya Manabu , Konishi Kosuke , Katsuno Tomoyuki , Koyama Hidenori 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionAlthough type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with alterations in brain structure, the relationship between glycemic control indices and brain imaging markers remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-derived glycemic control indices and brain imaging biomarkers assessed by MRI.Research design and methodsThis cross-sectional study included 150 patients with T2DM. The severity of cerebral white matter lesions (WMLs) was assessed using MRI for deep and subcortical white matter and periventricular hyperintensities. The degree of medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) was assessed using voxel-based morphometry. Each participant wore a retrospective CGM for 14 consecutive days, and glycemic control indices, such as time in range (TIR) and glycemia risk index (GRI), were calculated.ResultsThe proportion of patients with severe WMLs showed a decreasing trend with increasing TIR (Pfor trend=0.006). The proportion of patients with severe WMLs showed an increasing trend with worsening GRI (Pfor trend=0.011). In contrast, no significant association was observed between the degree of MTA and CGM-derived glycemic control indices, including TIR (Pfor trend=0.325) and GRI (Pfor trend=0.447).ConclusionsThe findings of this study indicate that the severity of WMLs is associated with TIR and GRI, which are indices of the quality of glycemic control.Trial registration numberUMIN000032143.
Role of vitamin D supplementation in modifying outcomes after surgery: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Patel Akshay , Caruana Edward J , Hodson James , Morrison Rory , Khor Bo , Gysling Savannah , Trevis Jason , Mangel Tobin , Benson Ruth , Zakeri Roxanna , Manders Jennifer , Vaja Ricky , Rogers Luke , Baker Paul , Pournaras Dimitri J , Thickett David , Hewison Martin , Naidu Babu , Lim Eric 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThere is increasing evidence to suggest vitamin D plays a role in immune and vascular function; hence, it may be of biological and clinical relevance for patients undergoing major surgery. With a greater number of randomised studies being conducted evaluating the impact of vitamin D supplementation on surgical patients, it is an opportune time to conduct further analysis of the impact of vitamin D on surgical outcomes.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Trials Register were interrogated up to December 2023 to identify randomised controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation in surgery. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. A narrative synthesis was conducted for all studies. The primary outcome assessed was overall postoperative survival.ResultsWe screened 4883 unique studies, assessed 236 full-text articles and included 14 articles in the qualitative synthesis, comprising 1982 patients. The included studies were highly heterogeneous with respect to patient conditions, ranging from open heart surgery to cancer operations to orthopaedic conditions, and also with respect to the timing and equivalent daily dose of vitamin D supplementation (range: 0.5–7500 mcg; 20–300 000 IU). No studies reported significant differences in overall survival or postoperative mortality with vitamin D supplementation. There was also no clear evidence of benefit with respect to overall or intensive care unit length of stay.DiscussionNumerous studies have reported the benefits of vitamin D supplementation in different surgical settings without any consistency. However, this systematic review found no clear evidence of benefit, which warrants the supposition that a single biological effect of vitamin D supplementation does not exist. The observed improvement in outcomes in low vitamin D groups has not been convincingly proven beyond chance findings.Trial registration numberCRD42021232067.
Advancing language concordant care: a multimodal medical interpretation intervention
Authors: Sharfuddin Nazia , Mathura Pamela , Mac Amanda , Ling Emily , Tan Merve , Khatib Emad , Suranyi Yvonne , Kassam Narmin 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundEnsuring language concordant care through medical interpretation services (MIS) allows for accurate information sharing and positive healthcare experiences. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a regional halt of in-person interpreters, leaving only digital MIS options, such as phone and video. Due to longstanding institutional practices, and lack of accessibility and awareness of these options, digital MIS remained underused. A Multimodal Medical Interpretation Intervention (MMII) was developed and piloted to increase digital MIS usage by 25% over an 18-month intervention period for patients with limited English proficiency.MethodsApplying quality improvement methodology, an intervention comprised digital MIS technology and education was trialled for 18 months. To assess intervention impact, the number of digital MIS minutes was measured monthly and compared before and after implementation. A questionnaire was developed and administered to determine healthcare providers’ awareness, technology accessibility and perception of MIS integration in the clinical workflow.ResultsDigital MIS was used consistently from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020) and over the subsequent 18 months. The total number of minutes of MIS use per month increased by 44% following implementation of our intervention. Healthcare providers indicated that digital MIS was vital in facilitating transparent communication with patients, and the MMII ensured awareness of and accessibility to the various MIS modalities.ConclusionImplementation of the MMII allowed for an increase in digital MIS use in a hospital setting. Providing digital MIS access, education and training is a means to advance patient-centred and equitable care by improving accuracy of clinical assessments and communication.
Risk of sound-induced hearing loss from exposure to video gaming or esports: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Dillard Lauren K , Mulas Peter , Der Carolina , Fu Xinxing , Chadha Shelly 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThere is little information on whether video gaming might be a modifiable risk factor for hearing loss and/or tinnitus, despite the plausibility of these relationships given that video games are often played at high-intensity sound levels and for long periods of time.ObjectiveTo synthesise current evidence related to relationships between gaming and the potential risk of hearing loss and/or tinnitus.DesignSystematic scoping reviewData sourcesWe searched three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE) in January 2023 for peer-reviewed articles, and searched grey literature sources, from inception to 2023.Eligibility criteriaObservational, mixed-methods, trials, or case studies published in (or that could be translated into) English, Spanish or Chinese were eligible for inclusion. Studies were included if they evaluated relationships of gaming with hearing loss and/or tinnitus.Data extraction and synthesisTwo reviewers extracted and verified study data, which are synthesised in tables and in the text.ResultsFourteen peer-reviewed studies were included, 11 of which were cohort studies and 3 of which were non-cohort observational studies. Across studies, the prevalence of gaming ranged from 20% to 78%. In general, the average measured sound levels of video games nearly exceeded, or exceeded, permissible sound exposure limits, and on average, individuals played video games for approximately 3 hours per week. Among the five peer-reviewed studies that evaluated associations or correlations of gaming with hearing loss or tinnitus, four reported significant associations or correlations with gaming and hearing loss or tinnitus.ConclusionsThe limited available evidence suggests that gaming may be a common source of unsafe listening, which could place many individuals worldwide at risk of permanent hearing loss and/or tinnitus. Additional research on these relationships is needed along with steps to promote safe listening among gamers.
Maternal anaemia during early pregnancy and the risk of neonatal outcomes: a prospective cohort study in Central China
Authors: Chen Yige , Zhong Taowei , Song Xinli , Zhang Senmao , Sun Mengting , Liu Xiaoying , Wei Jianhui , Shu Jing , Liu Yiping , Qin Jiabi 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to explore the association between anaemia during early pregnancy and the risk of neonatal outcomes.MethodsWe collected clinical data from pregnant women (≥18 years) who received their first antenatal care between 8 and 14 weeks of gestation in Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital. Multiple logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline regression models were used to analyse the association between anaemia during early pregnancy and the risk of neonatal outcomes. In addition, sensitivity analysis was further performed to assess the robustness of the results.ResultsThe prospective cohort study ultimately included 34 087 singleton pregnancies. In this study, the rate of anaemia during early pregnancy was 16.3%. Our data showed that there was a positive relationship between the rate of preterm birth, low birth weight as well as small for gestational age (SGA) and the severity of maternal anaemia (Ptrend<0.05). After adjustment, the association of early pregnancy anaemia and haemoglobin (Hb) levels with the risk of preterm birth (mild anaemia adjusted OR (aOR) 1.37 (95% CI 1.25 to 1.52), moderate anaemia aOR 1.54 (95% CI 1.35 to 1.76) and severe anaemia aOR 4.03 (95% CI 2.67 to 6.08), respectively), low birth weight (mild anaemia aOR 1.61 (95% CI 1.44 to 1.79), moderate anaemia aOR 2.01 (95% CI 1.75 to 2.30) and severe anaemia aOR 6.11 (95% CI 3.99 to 9.36), respectively) and SGA (mild anaemia aOR 1.37 (95% CI 1.25 to 1.52), moderate anaemia aOR 1.54 (95% CI 1.35 to 1.76) and severe anaemia aOR 2.61 (95% CI 1.74 to 4.50), respectively; Pnon-linear<0.05) was observed. However, no association was found between early pregnancy anaemia or Hb levels and the risk of congenital malformations. Sensitivity analysis verified the stability of the results.ConclusionsMaternal anaemia during early pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and SGA and their rates may increase with the severity of maternal anaemia.Trial registration numberChiCTR1800016635.
Maintaining remission in Crohn’s disease post surgery: what can we learn from Cochrane?
Authors: Gordon Morris 
Published: January 2024

Surgery is a vital pillar in the management of Crohn’s disease and medical options for prevention of recurrence after surgery are a key consideration. The main classes of effective induction therapies have very different efficacy data for maintenance and this is more pronounced in the postsurgical setting.In this review article, the up-to-date Cochrane reviews on the topic are presented, including a network meta-analysis. The Cochrane evidence shows a high relapse rate in the first 5 years after surgery with placebo or no treatment. The reviews demonstrate that 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) agents are probably more effective than placebo on pairwise and network meta-analysis, with moderate certainty evidence of a number needed to treat (NNT) of 13. The Cochrane evidence demonstrates that adalimumab may be more effective than placebo on pairwise and network meta-analysis, with low certainty evidence of an NNT of 2. Thiopurine analogues may be effective on pairwise analysis, but may not be effective on network meta-analysis. There was no evidence to support the use of any other agent but these findings are of low and very low certainty.It is proposed that clinicians should consider adalimumab, 5-ASA and thiopurine analogue agents based on the findings of the Cochrane synthesis. The use of the evidence, including the Grading of Recomendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) certainty and magnitude of effect data, can support discussions with patients. Future research is needed to consider other therapies that are effective in medically induced maintenance given the low certainty of evidence limiting conclusions, either supporting or refuting their use.
Recreational cannabis legalization and pediatric exposures in Massachusetts, United States
Authors: Argandykov Dias , Raybould Toby A , Gervasini Alice , Hwabejire John , Flaherty Michael R 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionIn Massachusetts, US, medical cannabis legalisation was associated with increased paediatric cannabis exposure cases, including emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations. The impact of recreational cannabis legalisation (RCL) on paediatric exposures in Massachusetts has yet to be studied.MethodsTo compare the incidences before and after RCL in Massachusetts, US, we queried the data on paediatric cannabis exposure cases in 2016–2021 from the Centre for Healthcare and Analysis and Injury Surveillance Programme at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The pre-and post-legalisation phases comprised the periods between 2016–2018 and 2019–2021, respectively. Cannabis-related exposure cases included ED visits and hospitalizations among children and young adolescents of 0–19 years old.ResultsDuring the 6-year period (2016–2021), 2357 ED visits and 538 hospitalizations related to cannabis exposure among children and teenagers (0–19 years) were reported in Massachusetts. The incidence of ED visits for all age groups increased from 18.5 per 100 000 population before RCL to 31.0 per 100 000 population (incidence rate ratio (IRR), 1.6; 95% CI, 1.5 to 1.8). Children in the age groups of 0–5 and 6–12 years experienced the highest increase in cannabis-related ED visits. Additionally, the incidence of hospitalisation due to cannabis intoxication substantially increased following RCL (IRR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.8 to 2.7), a 126% increase.ConclusionsCannabis-related ED visits and hospitalizations among children and teenagers increased after recreational cannabis became legal in Massachusetts, US. Further efforts are warranted to prevent the unintentional impact of RCL, especially considering substantial increases in cannabis exposure cases among young children.
Analysis of the $$Z_b(10650)$$ state based on electromagnetic properties
Authors: Özdem Ulaş 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this study, the magnetic and quadrupole moments of the $$Z_b(10650)$$

Z
b

(
10650
)

state are determined using the compact diquark–antidiquark interpolating current through the QCD light-cone sum rule. The values that are obtained as a result of the analysis are as follows: $$\mu _{Z_b} = 2.35^{+0.34}_{-0.33}~\mu _N$$

μ

Z
b

=
2
.

35

-
0.33

+
0.34

μ
N

and $$\mathcal {D}_{Z_b} =(1.82^{+0.35}_{-0.31})\times 10^{-2}~\text{ fm}^2$$

D

Z
b

=

(
1
.

82

-
0.31

+
0.35

)

×

10

-
2

fm
2

. Examining the results obtained, it can be seen that the magnetic moments are large enough to be measured experimentally, while the quadrupole moment is obtained as a small but non-zero value, corresponding to a prolate charge distribution. The magnetic moment is the leading-order response of a bound system to a weak external magnetic field. It therefore provides an excellent platform to probe the internal structures of hadrons governed by the quark-gluon dynamics of QCD.
Reinforcement learning assisted recursive QAOA
Authors: Patel Yash J. , Jerbi Sofiene , Bäck Thomas , Dunjko Vedran 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn recent years, variational quantum algorithms such as the Quantum Approximation Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) have gained popularity as they provide the hope of using NISQ devices to tackle hard combinatorial optimization problems. It is, however, known that at low depth, certain locality constraints of QAOA limit its performance. To go beyond these limitations, a non-local variant of QAOA, namely recursive QAOA (RQAOA), was proposed to improve the quality of approximate solutions. The RQAOA has been studied comparatively less than QAOA, and it is less understood, for instance, for what family of instances it may fail to provide high-quality solutions. However, as we are tackling -hard problems (specifically, the Ising spin model), it is expected that RQAOA does fail, raising the question of designing even better quantum algorithms for combinatorial optimization. In this spirit, we identify and analyze cases where (depth-1) RQAOA fails and, based on this, propose a reinforcement learning enhanced RQAOA variant (RL-RQAOA) that improves upon RQAOA. We show that the performance of RL-RQAOA improves over RQAOA: RL-RQAOA is strictly better on these identified instances where RQAOA underperforms and is similarly performing on instances where RQAOA is near-optimal. Our work exemplifies the potentially beneficial synergy between reinforcement learning and quantum (inspired) optimization in the design of new, even better heuristics for complex problems.