bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Single Nucleotide Variant in the PPARγ-homolog Eip75B Affects Fecundity in Drosophila
Authors: Hoedjes Katja M , Kostic Hristina , Flatt Thomas , Keller Laurent 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphisms are the most common type of genetic variation, but how these variants contribute to the adaptation of complex phenotypes is largely unknown. Experimental evolution and genome-wide association studies have demonstrated that variation in the PPARγ-homolog Eip75B has associated with longevity and life-history differences in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Using RNAi knockdown, we first demonstrate that reduced expression of Eip75B in adult flies affects lifespan, egg-laying rate, and egg volume. We then tested the effects of a naturally occurring SNP within a cis-regulatory domain of Eip75B by applying two complementary approaches: a Mendelian randomization approach using lines of the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel, and allelic replacement using precise CRISPR/Cas9-induced genome editing. Our experiments reveal that this natural polymorphism has a significant pleiotropic effect on fecundity and egg-to-adult viability, but not on longevity or other life-history traits. Our results provide a rare functional validation at the nucleotide level and identify a natural allelic variant affecting fitness and life-history adaptation.
High rates of psychological distress, mental health diagnoses and suicide attempts in people with chronic kidney disease in Ireland
Authors: Cogley Clodagh , Bramham Jessica , Bramham Kate , Smith Aoife , Holian John , O'Riordan Aisling , Teh Jia Wei , Conlon Peter , Mac Hale Siobhan , D'Alton Paul 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT

Background
People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience high levels of psychological distress, which is associated with higher mortality and adverse health outcomes. Little is known about the rates of a range of mental health difficulties or rates of suicide attempts in people with CKD.

Methods
Individuals with CKD (n = 268; age range 18–94 years, mean = 49.96 years) on haemodialysis (n = 79), peritoneal dialysis (n = 46), transplant recipients (n = 84) and who were not on renal replacement therapy (RRT; n = 59) were recruited through the Irish Kidney Association social media pages and three Irish hospitals. Participants completed surveys to gather demographics and mental health histories, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) to measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Results
A total of 23.5% of participants self-reported they had received a mental health diagnosis, with depression (14.5%) and anxiety (14.2%) being the most common, while 26.4% of participants had experienced suicidal ideation and 9.3% had attempted suicide. Using a clinical cut-off ≥8 on the HADS subscales, current levels of clinically significant anxiety and depression were 50.7% and 35.4%, respectively. Depression levels were slightly higher for those on haemodialysis compared with those with a transplant and those not on RRT. Depression, anxiety and having a mental health diagnosis were all associated with lower HRQoL.

Conclusions
People with CKD in Ireland experience high levels of psychological distress, mental health difficulties, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. The identification of and intervention for mental health difficulties in CKD should be prioritised in clinical care.
Do Tobacco Companies Have an Incentive to Promote “Harm Reduction” Products?: The Role of Competition
Authors: Levy David T , Thirlway Frances , Sweanor David , Liber Alex , Maria Sanchez-Romero Luz , Meza Rafael , Douglas Clifford E , Michael Cummings K 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Some cigarette companies have started to talk about replacing cigarettes with less harmful alternatives, which might include nicotine vaping products (NVPs), heated tobacco products (HTPs), and oral nicotine delivery products. We consider market competition as a primary driver of whether cigarette companies follow through on their stated intentions.

Aims and Methods
We focus on the behavior of cigarette companies in the United States. We compare competition in the pre- and post-2012 time periods, analyze the impact of the growth in NVPs on smoking prevalence and cigarette company profits, and examine the potential future role of competition.

Results
Since 2006, consumers have broadened their use of non-combustible nicotine delivery products (NCNDPs) to include, inter alia, NVPs, HTPs, and oral nicotine pouches. U.S. cigarette companies have acquired major stakes in each of these product categories which corresponds to a period of rapidly declining adult smoking prevalence, especially among younger adults (ages 18–24 years). The shifting dynamics of the nicotine product marketplace are also reflected in cigarette company stock prices. While cigarette companies are likely to promote HTPs and nicotine delivery products over NVPs, their incentives will be directly related to competition from independent firms, which in turn will depend on government regulation.

Conclusions
Although cigarette companies will back alternatives to combusted tobacco when threatened by competition, the prospects for their lasting conversion to NCNDPs will depend on the extent of such competition, which will be influenced by government regulation of tobacco products.

Implications
Regulations that limit competition from independent firms while also protecting cigarette company profits risk slowing or even reversing recent declines in smoking, especially among youth and young adults. Regulations that reduce the appeal and addictiveness of combusted tobacco products, such as higher cigarette taxes or a reduced nicotine standard, will encourage smokers to quit and/or switch to less harmful non-combusted forms of tobacco. The regulation of non-combustible nicotine delivery products and cigarettes should be proportionate to their relative risks, so that smokers have incentives to switch from combustibles to safer alternatives, and cigarette companies have incentives to promote safer products.
The Gynandropsis gynandra genome provides insights into whole-genome duplications and the evolution of C4 photosynthesis in Cleomaceae
Authors: Hoang Nam V , Sogbohossou E O Deedi , Xiong Wei , Simpson Conor J C , Singh Pallavi , Walden Nora , van den Bergh Erik , Becker Frank F M , Li Zheng , Zhu Xin-Guang , Brautigam Andrea , Weber Andreas P M , van Haarst Jan C , Schijlen Elio G W M , Hendre Prasad S , Van Deynze Allen , Achigan-Dako Enoch G , Hibberd Julian M , Schranz M Eric 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Gynandropsis gynandra (Cleomaceae) is a cosmopolitan leafy vegetable and medicinal plant, which has also been used as a model to study C4 photosynthesis due to its evolutionary proximity to C3 Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Here, we present the genome sequence of G. gynandra, anchored onto 17 main pseudomolecules with a total length of 740 Mb, an N50 of 42 Mb and 30,933 well-supported gene models. The G. gynandra genome and previously released genomes of C3 relatives in the Cleomaceae and Brassicaceae make an excellent model for studying the role of genome evolution in the transition from C3 to C4 photosynthesis. Our analyses revealed that G. gynandra and its C3 relative Tarenaya hassleriana shared a whole-genome duplication event (Gg-α), then an addition of a third genome (Th-α, +1×) took place in T. hassleriana but not in G. gynandra. Analysis of syntenic copy number of C4 photosynthesis-related gene families indicates that G. gynandra generally retained more duplicated copies of these genes than C3T. hassleriana, and also that the G. gynandra C4 genes might have been under positive selection pressure. Both whole-genome and single-gene duplication were found to contribute to the expansion of the aforementioned gene families in G. gynandra. Collectively, this study enhances our understanding of the polyploidy history, gene duplication and retention, as well as their impact on the evolution of C4 photosynthesis in Cleomaceae.
Deadly acceleration in dehydration of Eucalyptus viminalis leaves coincides with high-order vein cavitation
Authors: Tonet Vanessa , Carins-Murphy Madeline , Deans Ross , Brodribb Timothy J 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Xylem cavitation during drought is proposed as a major driver of canopy collapse, but the mechanistic link between hydraulic failure and leaf damage in trees is still uncertain. Here, we used the tree species manna gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) to explore the connection between xylem dysfunction and lethal desiccation in leaves. Cavitation damage to leaf xylem could theoretically trigger lethal desiccation of tissues by severing water supply under scenarios such as runaway xylem cavitation, or the local failure of terminal parts of the leaf vein network. To investigate the role of xylem failure in leaf death, we compared the timing of damage to the photosynthetic machinery (Fv/Fm decline) with changes in plant hydration and xylem cavitation during imposed water stress. The water potential at which Fv/Fm was observed to decline corresponded to the water potential marking a transition from slow to very rapid tissue dehydration. Both events also occurred simultaneously with the initiation of cavitation in leaf high-order veins (HOV, veins from the third order above) and the analytically derived point of leaf runaway hydraulic failure. The close synchrony between xylem dysfunction and the photosynthetic damage strongly points to water supply disruption as the trigger for desiccation of leaves in this hardy evergreen tree. These results indicate that runaway cavitation, possibly triggered by HOV network failure, is the tipping agent determining the vulnerability of E. viminalis leaves to damage during drought and suggest that HOV cavitation and runaway hydraulic failure may play a general role in determining canopy damage in plants.
Inequity in exercise-based interventions for adults with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review
Authors: Jenkins Natalie , Jhundoo Nishita , Rainbow Philippa , Sheehan Katie Jane , Bearne Lindsay Mary 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Objectives
This systematic review describes the extent to which PROGRESS-Plus equity factors were considered in the eligibility criteria of trials of exercise interventions for adults with RA.

Methods
Electronic databases were searched for published (Cinahl, Embase, Medline, Physiotherapy Evidence Database), unpublished (Opengrey) and registered ongoing (International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number registry) randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of exercise interventions for adults with RA. Two authors independently performed study selection and quality assessment (Cochrane risk of bias tool).

Results
A total of 9696 records were identified. After screening, 50 trials were included. All trials had either some concerns or high risk of bias and reported at least one PROGRESS-Plus equity factor within the eligibility criteria; this included place of residence, personal characteristics (age and disability), language, sex, social capital, time-dependent factors or features of relationship factors. Where reported, this equated to exclusion of 457 of 1337 potential participants (34%) based on equity factors.

Conclusion
This review identified the exclusion of potential participants within exercise-based interventions for people with RA based on equity factors that might affect health-care opportunities and outcomes. This limits the generalizability of results, and yet this evidence is used to inform management and service design. Trials need to optimize participation, particularly for people with cardiovascular conditions, older adults and those with cognitive impairments. Reasons for exclusions need to be justified. Further research needs to address health inequalities to improve treatment accessibility and the generalizability of research findings.

PROSPERO registration
CRD42021260941.
The behavioural epidemiology of sedentary behaviour in inflammatory arthritis: where are we, and where do we need to go?
Authors: Fenton Sally A M , O’Brien Ciara M , Kitas George D , Duda Joan L , Veldhuijzen van Zanten Jet J C S , Metsios George S 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In the last decade, studies into sedentary behaviour in inflammatory arthritis have raised important questions regarding its role in this condition. Specifically, evidence is needed on whether sedentary behaviour might exacerbate adverse inflammatory arthritis outcomes, and whether reducing sedentary behaviour might offer an effective avenue for self-management in this population. Research exploring these important research questions is still very much in its infancy and lacks the direction and scientific rigour required to inform effective intervention design, delivery and evaluation. Behavioural epidemiology refers to research that aims explicitly to understand and influence health behaviour patterns to prevent disease and improve health. To this end, the Behavioural Epidemiology Framework specifies a focused approach to health behaviour research, which leads to the development of evidence-based interventions directed at specific populations. In this review, we introduce the Behavioural Epidemiology Framework in the context of research into sedentary behaviour in inflammatory arthritis and ask: where are we, and where do we need to go?
Quality standards for the care of people with giant cell arteritis in secondary care
Authors: Coath Fiona L , Bukhari Marwan , Ducker Georgina , Griffiths Bridget , Hamdulay Shahir , Hingorani Melanie , Horsburgh Candy , Jones Colin , Lanyon Peter , Mackie Sarah , Mollan Susan , Mooney Janice , Nair Jagdish , Patil Ajay , Robson Joanna , Saravanan Vadivelu , O’Sullivan Eoin P , Whitlock Madeline , Mukhtyar Chetan B 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Objective
GCA is the commonest primary systemic vasculitis in adults, with significant health economic costs and societal burden. There is wide variation in access to secondary care GCA services, with 34% of hospitals in England not having any formal clinical pathway. Quality standards provide levers for change to improve services.

Methods
The multidisciplinary steering committee were asked to anonymously put forward up to five aspects of service essential for best practice. Responses were qualitatively analysed to identify common themes, subsequently condensed into domain headings, and ranked in order of importance. Quality standards and metrics for each domain were drafted, requiring a minimum 75% agreement.

Results
13 themes were identified from the initial suggestions. Nine quality standards with auditable metrics were developed from the top 10 themes. Patient Access, glucocorticoid use, pathways, ultrasonography, temporal artery biopsy, PET scan access, rheumatology/ophthalmology expertise, education, multidisciplinary working have all been covered in these quality standards. Access to care is a strand that has run through each of the developed standards. An audit tool was developed as part of this exercise.

Conclusion
These are the first consensus auditable quality standards developed by clinicians from rheumatology and ophthalmology, nursing representatives and involvement of a patient charity. We hope that these standards will be adopted by commissioning bodies to provide levers for change from the improvement of patient care of individuals with GCA.
Predictors of long-term functional outcomes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis–enthesitis-related arthritis: a single centre experience
Authors: Ravichandran Naveen , Guleria Shivika , Mohindra Namita , Aggarwal Amita 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Long-term functional outcomes in enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) is limited from developing countries. We assessed the clinical and genetic factors that predicted the long-term functional outcome in ERA.

Methods
Patients with ERA having ≥5 years of disease and &gt;16 years of age were included in this cross-sectional study. Data on clinical features within 6 months of disease onset was collected from hospital records. Bath indices, HAQ Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and World Health Organization’s Quality of Life (WHO-QOL) were assessed at last visit. Poor functional outcome (PFO) was defined as BASFI &gt; 1.5 or HAQ-DI &gt; 1. Persistent disease activity (PDA) was defined as BASDAI ≥ 4. Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) and IL-23 receptor single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping was performed with the TaqMan method and HLA-B27 by PCR.

Results
One hundred and eighty-one patients [170 male, median (interquartile range) age of disease onset 12.5 (10–15) years, disease duration 7 (5–11) years] were recruited. There was a delay in diagnosis of 3 (1–5) years. The median Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS)-ESR, BASDAI, HAQ-DI and BASFI at inclusion were 2.6 (1.8–3.6), 2.6 (1–5.2), 0.5 (0–0.5) and 1.6 (0.3–3.2), respectively. BASFI and HAQ-DI correlated with ASDAS-ESR, ASDAS-CRP and WHO-QOL-BREF. Those with PFO (n = 98) had a longer delay in diagnosis (4 vs 2 years, P &lt; 0.001), lower prevalence of arthritis at onset [odds ratio (OR) = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1, 0.8], higher prevalence of ERAP1 (rs27044) allele C (OR = 7.2; 95% CI: 1.5, 33.7) and higher disease activity currently. Delay in diagnosis (OR = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.4) was the sole predictor of PFO in multivariate analysis. One-third of patients had PDA. Tarsitis at disease onset was the sole predictor of PDA (OR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.009, 5.4).

Conclusions
PFO was seen in one-half of JIA-ERA in the long-term and was associated with active disease with delay in diagnosis as its sole predictor.
Compounded sulfamethoxazole improved the prognosis of dermatomyositis patients positive with anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5
Authors: Liu Lijun , Zhang Yinli , Liu Shengyun , Wang Cong , Zhang Lei , Guan Wenjuan , Zhang Xin , Li Wei , Shu Xiaoming , Li Tianfang 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Mortality of dermatomyositis patients positive with anti-melanoma differentiation-related gene 5 antibody (anti-MDA5-DM) is alarming, especially during the first several months. Infection is an important cause of early death. As there are no reports regarding the effect of prophylactic use of compounded sulfamethoxazole (coSMZ; each tablet contains 400 mg of sulfamethoxazole and 80 mg of trimethoprim) in anti-MDA5-DM patients, we conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy of coSMZ in reducing the incidence of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP).

Methods
Consecutive patients with new-onset anti-MDA5-DM from June 2018 to October 2021 in our centre were retrospectively reviewed for &gt;12 months. They were divided into two groups—coSMZ and non-coSMZ—based on the initial use of prophylactic coSMZ. Mortality and the incidence of severe infection within 12 months were compared between two groups.

Results
Compared with the non-coSMZ group (n = 93), the coSMZ group (n = 121) had lower mortality (18.8% vs 51.1%; P &lt; 0.001) and a lower incidence of PJP (6.8% vs 15.2%; P = 0.040) and fatal infection (16.1% vs 3.3%; P = 0.001) during the first 12 months from diagnosis. After adjusting for age, gender, disease duration, peripheral blood lymphocyte count, anti-MDA5 antibody titres, ground-glass opacity scores and treatments, an inverse association was revealed between the prophylactic use of coSMZ and incidence of PJP [adjusted odds ratio 0.299 (95% CI 0.102–0.878), P = 0.028].

Conclusion
Prophylactic use of coSMZ is an effective and safe way to improve the prognosis of anti-MDA5-DM patients by preventing the incidence of PJP.
Role of cooked green banana in home management of acute diarrhea in under-5 children
Authors: Islam Kamirul , Konar Mithun Chandra , Roy Atanu , Biswas Biswajit , Nayek Kaustav , Middya Subhasri 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background
Acute diarrhea is an important contributor to under-5 mortality. Green banana is traditionally used as a home-based remedy for diarrhea.

Objectives
To identify the effect of green banana on duration, recovery and prevention of severe dehydration in under-5 children with acute watery diarrhea with no/some dehydration.

Methods
This study was conducted in the rural field practice area of a tertiary care center between January 2020 and December 2021 in under-5 children presenting with acute diarrhea with no/some dehydration. One hundred fifty-three children were divided into group A (received cooked green banana supplementation along with standard management) and group B (received only standard management). Duration of diarrhea, proportion of children recovered, requirement of hospitalization, development of persistent diarrhea and number of diarrheal episodes in 1 year follow-up period were compared between two groups.

Results
Green banana supplementation was significantly associated with reduction in duration [median (interquartile range)—4 (1.5) day versus 5.5 (1) day, P &lt; 0.001] of diarrhea, less hospitalization (9.2% versus 22.1%, P = 0.03) and early recovery, both at day 3 (17.1% versus 3.9%, P = 0.007) and day 7 (90.8% versus 77.9%, P = 0.03). Green banana also protected children from the development of persistent diarrhea (7.9% versus 19.5%, P = 0.04). It also reduced future episodes of diarrhea by 40.5%.

Conclusion
Green banana supplementation could be a promising adjunct therapy in acute diarrhea and thereby it might reduce under-5 mortality.
Cash Transfers, Trust, and Inter-household Transfers: Experimental Evidence from Tanzania
Authors: Evans David K , Kosec Katrina 
Published: January 2023

AbstractInstitutionalized conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs may affect pre-existing, informal safety nets such as inter-household transfers and trust among community members. This study reports on a randomized controlled trial used to test the impact of CCTs on various measures of trust and informal safety nets within communities in Tanzania. It provides evidence that the introduction of a CCT program increased program beneficiaries’ trust in other community members and their perceived ability to access support from other households (e.g., childcare). Although CCTs reduced the total size of transfers to beneficiary households in the community in the short run (after 1.75 years of transfers), that reduction had disappeared 2.75 years after transfers began. Taken together, this evidence suggests that formal CCT programs do not necessarily crowd out informal safety nets in the longer term, and they may in fact boost trust and support across households.