bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epilepsy and long-term risk of arrhythmias
Authors: Wang Jie , Huang Peiyuan , Yu Qingwei , Lu Jun , Liu Pinbo , Yang Yiping , Feng Zeying , Cai Jingjing , Yang Guoping , Yuan Hong , Tang Haibo , Lu Yao 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims
Previous evidence has mainly supported transient changes in cardiac function during interictal or peri-ictal phases in people with epilepsy, but the long-term risk of cardiac arrhythmias is poorly described. This study aimed to assess the long-term association of epilepsy with cardiac arrhythmias, considering the potential role of genetic predisposition and antiseizure medications (ASMs) in any associations observed.

Methods
This population-based study evaluated UK Biobank data for individuals recruited between 2006 and 2010. Cox proportional hazards models and competing risk models were used to examine the association of epilepsy history with the long-term incidence risk of cardiac arrhythmias and arrhythmias subtypes. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) were calculated to investigate the effect of genetic susceptibility. The role of ASMs was also evaluated by integrating observational and drug target Mendelian randomization (MR) evidence.

Results
The study included 329 432 individuals, including 2699 people with epilepsy. Compared with those without epilepsy, people with epilepsy experienced an increased risk of all cardiac arrhythmias [hazard ratio (HR) 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21–1.53], atrial fibrillation (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.08–1.46), and other cardiac arrhythmias (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.34–1.81). The associations were not modified by genetic predisposition as indicated by PRS. Competing and sensitivity analyses corroborated these results. Individuals with epilepsy using ASMs, especially carbamazepine and valproic acid, were at a higher risk for cardiac arrhythmias. This observation was further supported by drug target MR results (PSMR &lt; .05 and PHEIDI &gt; .05).

Conclusion
This study revealed the higher risk of cardiac arrhythmias persists long term in people with epilepsy, especially among those using carbamazepine and valproic acid. These findings highlight the need for regular heart rhythm monitoring and management in people with epilepsy in order to reduce the risk of further cardiovascular complications.
Introducing Myth to Foreign Policy Analysis: The Blair Poodle Myth and Its Impact on Constructions of the “Special Relationship”
Authors: Eason Thomas 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis article introduces the concept of political myth to foreign policy analysis. It explains how myth can influence the construction of foreign policy events and decisions and creates a new lens that analysts can use to study this. To do that, this article draws upon conceptual literature on political myth to explain what myth is and how it shapes discursive constructions of the world. Adopting an interpretivist approach, it then uses the concept as a lens to analyze the impact that the Blair Poodle myth has had on the construction of the US–UK “special relationship” from 2002 to 2022 and considers how this has influenced the diplomatic behavior of five UK prime ministers. It finds that the myth has been integral to negative constructions of the “special relationship” over the past twenty years and has inspired political action, including protests, resignations, and more formal diplomatic engagement with the United States.
Preparation and characterization of octenyl succinic anhydride nano starch from tiger nut meals
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhang Rui , Huang Zhenyu , Cai Ming , Lou Wenyu , Wang Yan , Gharsallaoui Adem , Roubik Hynek , Yang Kai , Sun Peilong 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) is an ideal raw material for oil extraction, but starch-rich tiger nut meal, a by-product of oil extraction, has not been fully utilized. For this, starch was isolated from tiger nut meal, and then starch nanoparticles were prepared by gelatinization, ultrasonication and nanoprecipitation under different conditions. The preparation parameters were optimized by measuring the particle size with dynamic light scattering, and the physicochemical properties of native starch and nano starch were evaluated. The results showed that, compared to native starch, starch nanoparticle (nano starch) has a higher amylose content (39.05%), solubility (56.13%), and swelling power (58.01%). Furthermore, native starch and nano starch were esterified with octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA), respectively, conferring amphiphilic properties. The effects of OSA modification on the resistant starch content, thermal properties, and microstructure of starches were characterized. The resistant starch content of tiger nut native starch increased by 10.81% after OSA modification, while the resistant starch content of OSA nano starch increased to 37.76%. Compared to native starch, the gelatinization temperature of OSA nano starch decreased by 2.7 °C and nano starch decreased by 5.68 °C. OSA modified nano starch showed a unique microstructure, such as a slender fiber structure and a regular oblate structure. The hydrophobic OSA groups aggregated to form hydrophobic cavities with a hydrophilic surface in the aqueous phase. The findings presented in this investigation provide a better understanding of the design and development of OSA nano starch and provide valuable guidance to further enhance the added value of tiger nuts and future applications in the food industry.
Searching and visualizing genetic associations of pregnancy traits by using GnuMoM2b
Authors: Yan Qi , Guerrero Rafael F , Khan Raiyan R , Surujnarine Andy A , Wapner Ronald J , Hahn Matthew W , Raja Anita , Salleb-Aouissi Ansaf , Grobman William A , Simhan Hyagriv , Blue Nathan R , Silver Robert , Chung Judith H , Reddy Uma M , Radivojac Predrag , Pe’er Itsik , Haas David M 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) are major risk factors for women's health during pregnancy and even in the years after pregnancy. Due to the heterogeneity of APOs, only few genetic associations have been identified. In this report, we conducted genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of 479 traits that are possibly related to APOs using a large and racially diverse study, Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be (nuMoM2b). To display extensive results, we developed a web-based tool GnuMoM2b (https://gnumom2b.cumcobgyn.org/) for searching, visualizing, and sharing results from a GWAS of 479 pregnancy traits as well as phenome-wide association studies of more than 17 million single nucleotide polymorphisms. The genetic results from 3 ancestries (Europeans, Africans, and Admixed Americans) and meta-analyses are populated in GnuMoM2b. In conclusion, GnuMoM2b is a valuable resource for extraction of pregnancy-related genetic results and shows the potential to facilitate meaningful discoveries.
Let the People Speak! What Kind of Civil Society Inclusion Leads to Durable Peace?
Authors: Cuhadar Esra , Druckman Daniel 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In this article, building on the earlier research on procedural justice (PJ) and civil society inclusion, we assess the effectiveness of various civil society inclusion modalities based on their impact on durable peace (DP). A set of hypotheses concerning civil society inclusion is evaluated using the fifty-case peace agreement dataset assembled by Druckman and Wagner (2019). Their study showed that PJ was a key predictor of DP. We take their model as the base and add inclusion variables step by step using a hierarchical regression model. Results show that inclusive commissions (ICs) add significant explained variance to the prediction of DP. None of the other modalities add significant variance to the prediction. A possible explanation is that ICs ensure the continuation of civil society inclusion between the negotiation and implementation phases of a peace process. As well, they optimize breadth and depth in an inclusive negotiation process. The article concludes with discussions of next steps in the research and develops implications for policy makers.
Within-field spatial patterns of Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and spatial associations with stink bugs and their injury in field corn
Authors: Bryant Tim B , Greene Jeremy K , Reay-Jones Francis P F 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a cosmopolitan pest in the field crop landscape in the southeastern United States. Field corn (Zea mays L.) is the most important midseason host for H. zea where intensive selection pressure occurs for resistance to insecticidal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Because spatial patterns of H. zea in field corn have not been extensively studied, field corn was sampled for H. zea larvae and injury in 2021 and 2022. Patterns of spatial aggregation were identified in a number of fields in both larval populations and injury. Aggregation of H. zea larvae was less common at R5 than at R2. Associations between the spatial patterns of H. zea and the variability in crop phenology were identified in some fields, with positive associations between plant height and H. zea larvae, indicating that ovipositing H. zea moths avoid areas with reduced plant height and delayed reproductive maturity. Additionally, negative spatial associations between stink bug ear injury and H. zea larvae and their injury were found in a small number of cases, indicating some spatial interactions between the two pest complexes and their injury. Results from these studies provide valuable insight into the spatial patterns of H. zea in field corn. An understanding of the local dispersal and population dynamics of H. zea can be used to help further improve integrated pest management and insect resistance management programs for this major polyphagous pest.
‘These are my principles. If you don’t like them I have others.’ On justifications of foreign investment protection under international law
Authors: Zarbiyev Fuad 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This article aims to show that the mainstream discourse of the international law of foreign investment protection has adjusted itself to changing historical circumstances in a way that brings to light its strategic and ideological character. It argues, in particular, that the justifications offered in defence of foreign investment protection under international law appear to have been pretextual rather than principled, having been offered to provide reasons capable of flying at a particular point in time in light of the attending circumstances rather than to serve as an analytically sound, empirically grounded, and diachronically consistent framework.
Clinical practice guidelines of the Japan Research Committee of the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare for Intractable Vasculitis for the management of microscopic polyangiitis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis: The 2023 update – secondary publication
Authors: Sada Ken-ei , Nagasaka Kenji , Kaname Shinya , Nango Eishu , Kishibe Kan , Dobashi Hiroaki , Hiromura Keiju , Kawakami Tamihiro , Bando Masashi , Wada Takashi , Amano Koichi , Murakawa Yohko , Harigai Masayoshi 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Objective
To revise the 2017 clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for the management of microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) to reflect advancements in the field.

Methods
Similar to the 2017 CPG, the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system was adopted for this revision. The intended users of this CPG include patients diagnosed with MPA or GPA in Japan and their families and healthcare professionals, including specialists and non-specialists. Based on a scoping review, four clinical questions (CQs) of the 2017 guidelines were modified, and six new CQs were added.

Results
We suggest a combination of glucocorticoid and cyclophosphamide or rituximab for remission induction therapy. In cases where cyclophosphamide or rituximab is used, we suggest the use of avacopan over high-dose glucocorticoid. Furthermore, we suggest against the use of plasma exchange in addition to the standard treatment in severe cases of MPA/GPA. Finally, we suggest the use of glucocorticoid and rituximab over glucocorticoid and azathioprine for remission maintenance therapy.

Conclusions
The recommendations have been updated based on patient preference, certainty of evidence, benefit and risk balance, and cost.
Tailored machine learning models for functional RNA detection in genome-wide screens
Authors: Klapproth Christopher , Zötzsche Siegfried , Kühnl Felix , Fallmann Jörg , Stadler Peter F , Findeiß Sven 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The in silico prediction of non-coding and protein-coding genetic loci has received considerable attention in comparative genomics aiming in particular at the identification of properties of nucleotide sequences that are informative of their biological role in the cell. We present here a software framework for the alignment-based training, evaluation and application of machine learning models with user-defined parameters. Instead of focusing on the one-size-fits-all approach of pervasive in silico annotation pipelines, we offer a framework for the structured generation and evaluation of models based on arbitrary features and input data, focusing on stable and explainable results. Furthermore, we showcase the usage of our software package in a full-genome screen of Drosophila melanogaster and evaluate our results against the well-known but much less flexible program RNAz.
Development of a rabbit human glioblastoma model for testing of endovascular selective intra-arterial infusion (ESIA) of novel stem cell-based therapeutics
Authors: Kan Peter , Srinivasan Visish M , Gumin Joy , Garcia Roberto , Chen Stephen R , Johnson Jeremiah N , Collins Dalis E , Chen Melissa M , Ledbetter Daniel , Huse Jason , Evan Luna Zean Aaron , Robledo Ariadna , Vasandani Viren , Rao Abhijit , Singh Sanjay K , Shpall Elizabeth J , Fueyo Juan , Gomez-Manzano Candelaria , Lang Frederick F 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Endovascular selective intra-arterial (ESIA) infusion of cellular oncotherapeutics is a rapidly evolving strategy for treating glioblastoma. Evaluation of ESIA infusion requires a unique animal model. Our goal was to create a rabbit human GBM model to test IA infusions of cellular therapies and to test its usefulness by employing clinical-grade microcatheters and infusion methods to deliver mesenchymal stem cells loaded with an oncolytic adenovirus, Delta-24-RGD (MSC-D24).

Methods
Rabbits were immunosuppressed with mycophenolate mofetil, dexamethasone, and tacrolimus. They underwent stereotactic xenoimplantation of human GBM cell lines (U87, MDA-GSC-17, and MDA-GSC-8-11) into the right frontal lobe. Tumor formation was confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging, histologic, and immunohistochemistry analysis. Selective microcatheter infusion of MSC-D24 was performed via the ipsilateral internal carotid artery to assess model utility and the efficacy and safety of this approach.

Results
Twenty-five rabbits were implanted (18 with U87, 2 MDA-GSC-17, and 5 MDA-GSC-8-11). Tumors formed in 68% of rabbits (77.8% for U87, 50.0% for MDA-GSC-17, and 40.0% for MDA-GSC-8-11). On MRI, the tumors were hyperintense on T2-weighted image with variable enhancement (evidence of blood brain barrier breakdown). Histologically, tumors showed phenotypic traits of human GBM including varying levels of vascularity. ESIA infusion into the distal internal carotid artery of 2 ml of MSCs-D24 (107 cells) was safe in the model. Examination of post infusion specimens documented that MSCs-D24 homed to the implanted tumor at 24 hours.

Conclusions
The intracranial immunosuppressed rabbit human GBM model allows testing of ESIA infusion of novel therapeutics (eg, MSC-D24) in a clinically relevant fashion.
Evidence of a novel silencing effect on transgenes in the Arabidopsis thaliana sperm cell
Authors: Ohnishi Yukinosuke , Kawashima Tomokazu 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
We encountered unexpected transgene silencing in Arabidopsis thaliana sperm cells; transgenes encoding proteins with no specific intracellular localization (cytoplasmic proteins) were silenced transcriptionally or posttranscriptionally. The mRNA of cytoplasmic protein transgenes tagged with a fluorescent protein gene was significantly reduced, resulting in undetectable fluorescent protein signals in the sperm cell. Silencing of the cytoplasmic protein transgenes in the sperm cell did not affect the expression of either its endogenous homologous genes or cotransformed transgenes encoding a protein with targeted intracellular localization. This transgene silencing in the sperm cell persisted in mutants of the major gene silencing machinery including DNA methylation. The incomprehensible, yet real, transgene silencing phenotypes occurring in the sperm cell could mislead the interpretation of experimental results in plant reproduction, and this Commentary calls attention to that risk and highlights details of this novel cytoplasmic protein transgene silencing.
Which Investors Matter for Equity Valuations and Expected Returns?
Authors: Koijen Ralph S J , Richmond Robert J , Yogo Motohiro 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Based on an asset demand system, we develop a framework to quantify the impact of market trends and changes in regulation on asset prices, price informativeness, and the wealth distribution. Our leading applications are the transition from active to passive investment management and climate-induced shifts in asset demand. The transition from active to passive investment management had a large impact on equity prices but a small impact on price informativeness because capital did not flow from more to less informed investors on average. This finding is based on a new measure of investor-level informativeness that identifies which investors are more informed about future profitability. Climate-induced shifts in asset demand have a potentially large impact on equity prices and the wealth distribution, implying capital gains for passive investment advisors, pension funds, insurance companies, and private banking and capital losses for active investment advisors and hedge funds.
Dynamics of the rice yellow mottle disease in western Burkina Faso: Epidemic monitoring, spatio-temporal variation of viral diversity, and pathogenicity in a disease hotspot
Authors: Billard Estelle , Barro Mariam , Sérémé Drissa , Bangratz Martine , Wonni Issa , Koala Moustapha , Kassankogno Abalo Itolou , Hébrard Eugénie , Thébaud Gaël , Brugidou Christophe , Poulicard Nils , Tollenaere Charlotte 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) is a model in plant virus molecular epidemiology, with the reconstruction of historical introduction routes at the scale of the African continent. However, information on patterns of viral prevalence and viral diversity over multiple years at a local scale remains scarce, in spite of potential implications for crop protection. Here, we describe a 5-year (2015–9) monitoring of RYMV prevalence in six sites from western Burkina Faso (geographic areas of Bama, Banzon, and Karfiguela). It confirmed one irrigated site as a disease hotspot and also found one rainfed lowland (RL) site with occasional high prevalence levels. Within the studied fields, a pattern of disease aggregation was evidenced at a 5-m distance, as expected for a mechanically transmitted virus. Next, we monitored RYMV genetic diversity in the irrigated disease hotspot site, revealing a high viral diversity, with the current coexistence of various distinct genetic groups at the site scale (ca. 520 ha) and also within various specific fields (25 m side). One genetic lineage, named S1bzn, is the most recently emerged group and increased in frequency over the studied period (from 20 per cent or less in 2015–6 to more than 65 per cent in 2019). Its genome results from a recombination between two other lineages (S1wa and S1ca). Finally, experimental work revealed that three rice varieties commonly cultivated in Burkina Faso were not different in terms of resistance level, and we also found no significant effect of RYMV genetic groups on symptom expression and viral load. We found, however, that infection outcome depended on the specific RYMV isolate, with two isolates from the lineage S1bzn accumulating at the highest level at early infections. Overall, this study documents a case of high viral prevalence, high viral diversity, and co-occurrence of divergent genetic lineages at a small geographic scale. A recently emerged lineage, which comprises viral isolates inducing severe symptoms and high accumulation under controlled conditions, could be recently rising through natural selection. Following up the monitoring of RYMV diversity is required to confirm this trend and further understand the factors driving the local maintenance of viral diversity.
The Association of Cognitive Status and Post-Operative Opioid Prescribing in Older Adults
Authors: Shabet Christina L. , Bicket Mark C. , Blair Emilie , Hu Hsou Mei , Langa Kenneth M. , Kabeto Mohammed U. , Levine Deborah A. , Waljee Jennifer 
Published: August 2023

Objective:
To examine the differences in opioid prescribing by cognitive status following common elective surgical procedures among Medicare beneficiaries.

Background:
Older individuals commonly experience changes in cognition with age. Although opioid prescribing is common after surgery, differences in opioid prescribing after surgery by cognitive status are poorly understood.

Methods:
We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients ≥65 years participating in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) linked with Medicare claims data who underwent surgeries between January 2007 and November 2016 and had cognitive assessments before the index operation. Cognitive status was defined as normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or dementia. Outcomes assessed were initial perioperative opioid fill rates, refill rates, and high-risk prescriptions fill rates. The total amount of opioids filled during the 30-day postdischarge period was also assessed. Adjusted rates were estimated for patient factors using the Cochran-Armitage test for trend.

Results:
Among the 1874 patients included in the analysis, 68% had normal cognition, 21.3% had MCI, and 10.7% had dementia. Patients with normal cognition (58.1%) and MCI (54.5%) had higher initial preoperative fill rates than patients with dementia (33.5%) (P < 0.001). Overall, patients with dementia had similar opioid refill rates (21%) to patients with normal cognition (24.1%) and MCI (26.5%) (P = 0.322). Although prior opioid exposure did not differ by cognitive status (P = 0.171), among patients with high chronic preoperative use, those with dementia had lower adjusted prescription sizes filled within 30 days following discharge (281 OME) than patients with normal cognition (2147 OME) and MCI (774 OME) (P < 0.001; P = 0.009 respectively). Among opioid-naive patients, patients with dementia also filled smaller prescription sizes (97 OME) compared to patients with normal cognition (205 OME) and patients with MCI (173 OME) (P < 0.001 and P = 0.019, respectively).

Conclusions:
Patients with dementia are less likely to receive postoperative prescriptions, less likely to refill prescriptions, and receive prescriptions of smaller sizes compared to patients with normal cognition or MCI. A cognitive assessment is an additional tool surgeons can use to determine a patient’s individualized postoperative pain control plan.