bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen-dependent binding of the transcription factor PBF1 contributes to the balance of protein and carbohydrate storage in maize endosperm
Authors: Ning Lihua , Wang Yuancong , Shi Xi , Zhou Ling , Ge Min , Liang Shuaiqiang , Wu Yibo , Zhang Tifu , Zhao Han 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Fluctuations in nitrogen (N) availability influence protein and starch levels in maize (Zea mays) seeds, yet the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Here, we report that N limitation impacted the expression of many key genes in N and carbon (C) metabolism in the developing endosperm of maize. Notably, the promoter regions of those genes were enriched for P-box sequences, the binding motif of the transcription factor prolamin-box binding factor 1 (PBF1). Loss of PBF1 altered accumulation of starch and proteins in endosperm. Under different N conditions, PBF1 protein levels remained stable but PBF1 bound different sets of target genes, especially genes related to the biosynthesis and accumulation of N and C storage products. Upon N-starvation, the absence of PBF1 from the promoters of some zein genes coincided with their reduced expression, suggesting that PBF1 promotes zein accumulation in the endosperm. In addition, PBF1 repressed the expression of sugary1 (Su1) and starch branching enzyme 2b (Sbe2b) under normal N supply, suggesting that, under N-deficiency, PBF1 redirects the flow of C skeletons for zein toward the formation of C compounds. Overall, our study demonstrates that PBF1 modulates C and N metabolism during endosperm development in an N-dependent manner.
MIF is a common genetic determinant of COVID-19 symptomatic infection and severity
Authors: Shin J J , Fan W , Par-Young J , Piecychna M , Leng L , Israni-Winger K , Qing H , Gu J , Zhao H , Schulz W L , Unlu S , Kuster J , Young G , Liu J , Ko A I , Baeza Garcia A , Sauler M , Wisnewski A V , Young L , Orduña A , Wang A , Ocskay K , Garcia-Blesa A , Hegyi P , Armstrong M E , Mitchell P D , Bernardo D , Garami A , Kang I , Bucala R 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundGenetic predisposition to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may contribute to its morbidity and mortality. Because cytokines play an important role in multiple phases of infection, we examined whether commonly occurring, functional polymorphisms in macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) are associated with COVID-19 infection or disease severity.AimTo determine associations of common functional polymorphisms in MIF with symptomatic COVID-19 or its severity.MethodsThis retrospective case–control study utilized 1171 patients with COVID-19 from three tertiary medical centers in the USA, Hungary and Spain, together with a group of 637 pre-pandemic, healthy control subjects. Functional MIF promoter alleles (-794 CATT5-8,rs5844572), serum MIF and soluble MIF receptor levels, and available clinical characteristics were measured and correlated with COVID-19 diagnosis and hospitalization. Experimental mice genetically engineered to express human high- or low-expression MIF alleles were studied for response to coronavirus infection.ResultsIn patients with COVID-19, there was a lower frequency of the high-expression MIF CATT7 allele when compared to healthy controls [11% vs. 19%, odds ratio (OR) 0.54 [0.41–0.72], P &lt; 0.0001]. Among inpatients with COVID-19 (n = 805), there was a higher frequency of the MIF CATT7 allele compared to outpatients (n = 187) (12% vs. 5%, OR 2.87 [1.42–5.78], P = 0.002). Inpatients presented with higher serum MIF levels when compared to outpatients or uninfected healthy controls (87 ng/ml vs. 35 ng/ml vs. 29 ng/ml, P &lt; 0.001, respectively). Among inpatients, circulating MIF concentrations correlated with admission ferritin (r = 0.19, P = 0.01) and maximum CRP (r = 0.16, P = 0.03) levels. Mice with a human high-expression MIF allele showed more severe disease than those with a low-expression MIF allele.ConclusionsIn this multinational retrospective study of 1171 subjects with COVID-19, the commonly occurring -794 CATT7MIF allele is associated with reduced susceptibility to symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection but increased disease progression as assessed by hospitalization. These findings affirm the importance of the high-expression CATT7MIF allele, which occurs in 19% of the population, in different stages of COVID-19 infection.
TrkA+ Neurons Induce Pathologic Regeneration After Soft Tissue Trauma
Authors: Cherief Masnsen , Negri Stefano , Qin Qizhi , Pagani Chase A , Lee Seungyong , Yang Yunzhi Peter , Clemens Thomas L , Levi Benjamin , James Aaron W 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a dynamic, complex pathologic process that often occurs after severe polytrauma trauma, resulting in an abnormal mesenchymal stem cell differentiation leading to ectopic bone growth in soft-tissues including tendons, ligaments, and muscles. The abnormal bone structure and location induce pain and loss of mobility. Recently, we observed that NGF (Nerve growth factor)-responsive TrkA (Tropomyosin receptor kinase A)-expressing nerves invade sites of soft-tissue trauma, and this is a necessary feature for heterotopic bone formation at sites of injury. Here, we assayed the effects of the partial TrkA agonist Gambogic amide (GA) in peritendinous heterotopic bone after extremity trauma. Mice underwent HO induction using the burn/tenotomy model with or without systemic treatment with GA, followed by an examination of the injury site via radiographic imaging, histology, and immunohistochemistry. Single-cell RNA Sequencing confirmed an increase in neurotrophin signaling activity after HO-inducing extremity trauma. Next, TrkA agonism led to injury site hyper-innervation, more brisk expression of cartilage antigens within the injured tendon, and a shift from FGF to TGFβ signaling activity among injury site cells. Nine weeks after injury, this culminated in higher overall levels of heterotopic bone among GA-treated animals. In summary, these studies further link injury site hyper-innervation with increased vascular ingrowth and ultimately heterotopic bone after trauma. In the future, modulation of TrkA signaling may represent a potent means to prevent the trauma-induced heterotopic bone formation and improve tissue regeneration.
Amoxicillin did not Reduce Modic Change Oedema in Patients with Chronic Low Back pain - subgroup Analyses of a Randomised Trial (the AIM study)
Authors: Kristoffersen Per Martin , Vetti Nils , Grøvle Lars , Brox Jens Ivar , Haugli Bråten Lars Christian , Grotle Margreth , Julsrud Haugen Anne , Rolfsen Mads Peder , Froholdt Anne , Skouen Jan Sture , Lutro Olav , Marchand Gunn Hege , Anke Audny , Zwart John-Anker , Storheim Kjersti , Assmus Jörg , Espeland Ansgar 
Published: October 2022

Study Design.
Exploratory subgroup analyses of a randomised trial (Antibiotics In Modic changes (AIM) study).

Objective.
To assess the effect of amoxicillin versus placebo in reducing Modic change (MC) oedema in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP).

Summary of Background Data.
The AIM study showed a small, clinically insignificant effect of amoxicillin on pain-related disability in patients with chronic LBP and MC type 1 (oedema type) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods.
A total of 180 patients were randomised to receive 100 days of amoxicillin or placebo. MC oedema was assessed on MRI at baseline and one-year follow-up. Per-protocol analyses were conducted in subgroups with MC oedema on short tau inversion recovery (STIR) or T1/T2-weighted MRI at baseline. MC oedema reductions (yes/no) in STIR and T1/T2-series were analysed separately. The effect of amoxicillin in reducing MC oedema was analysed using logistic regression adjusted for prior disc surgery. To assess the effect of amoxicillin versus placebo within the group with the most abundant MC oedema on STIR at baseline (‘STIR3’ group), we added age, STIR3 (yes/no), and STIR3×treatment group (interaction term) as independent variables and compared the marginal means (probabilities of oedema reduction).

Results.
Compared to placebo, amoxicillin did not reduce MC oedema on STIR (volume/intensity) in the total sample with oedema on STIR at baseline (odds ratio 1.0, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) [0.5, 2.0]; n=141) or within the STIR3 group (probability of oedema reduction 0.69, 95%CI [0.47, 0.92] with amoxicillin and 0.61, 95%CI [0.43, 0.80] with placebo; n=41). Compared with placebo, amoxicillin did not reduce MC oedema in T1/T2-series (volume of the type 1 part of MCs) (odds ratio 1.0, 95%CI [0.5, 2.3], n=104). Oedema declined in >50% of patients in both treatment groups.

Conclusions.
From baseline to one-year follow-up, amoxicillin did not reduce MC oedema compared with placebo.

Level of Evidence.
Level 2.
Current laser therapy options for endoscopic treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Zollinger Benjamin W. , Shoen Ezra J. , Gresham Charles F. , Whalen Michael J. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Endoscopic management via retrograde ureteroscopic laser ablation of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) has become the preferred treatment modality for low-risk tumors. The most popular ablative lasers over the past 15–20 years have been the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) and neodymium (Nd:YAG) lasers, but recently the thulium (Th:YAG) laser has emerged as a potential alternative. This review compares the mechanism of action, physiological properties and effects, and oncologic outcomes of Ho:YAG/Nd:YAG lasers versus the Th:YAG laser for UTUC treatment. Potential advantages of the Th:YAG laser over existing technologies are outlined, followed by a discussion of emerging laser technologies in UTUC management.
Recruitment of Temporal Aqueous Outflow Channels After Bent Needle Ab-Interno Goniectomy Demonstrated by Aqueous Angiography
Authors: Dada Tanuj , Bukke Anand Naik , Huang Alex S. , Sharma Namrata , Verma Saurabh 
Published: October 2022

Purpose:
To demonstrate the utility of operating on the temporal trabecular meshwork with in vivo-aqueous angiography demonstrating new aqueous outflow channels.

Method:
In a patient with primary open angle glaucoma, nuclear sclerosis, and medically uncontrolled intraocular pressure, Indocyanine green aqueous angiography (0.5%) was performed to visualize baseline functional aqueous outflow channels. This was followed by 30 degrees bent needle ab-interno goniectomy in the temporal quadrant, where no aqueous outflow channels were initially visualized. Aqueous angiography was repeated using 2% fluorescein to visualize aqueous outflow channels after bent needle ab-interno goniectomy.

Results:
Prebent needle ab-interno goniectomy, aqueous angiography revealed functional outflow channels in the nasal quadrant although none were visible in the temporal quadrant. Postbent needle ab-interno goniectomy in temporal quadrant aqueous angiography demonstrated 2 new aqueous outflow channels.

Conclusion:
In a patient with open angle glaucoma, following temporal quadrant ab-interno goniectomy, the recruitment of aqueous outflow channels was demonstrated using aqueous angiography.
Perimetric Comparison Between the IMOvifa and Humphrey Field Analyzer
Authors: Nishida Takashi , Eslani Medi , Weinreb Robert N. , Arias Juan , Vasile Cristiana , Mohammadzadeh Vahid , Moghimi Sasan 
Published: October 2022

Précis:
IMO visual function analyzer (IMOvifa), a binocular perimeter, has similar output to the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA), but reduced the measurement time.

Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of IMOvifa, a perimeter that performs binocular visual field (VF) testing, and to compare its results with standard automated perimetry.

Methods:
All patients underwent HFA 24–2 SITA-Fast and IMOvifa 24–2 AIZE-Rapid on the same day. Mean deviation (MD), pattern SD (PSD), foveal threshold, and visual field index (VFI) were compared between the 2 perimeters using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, Pearson correlation, and Bland-Altman plot. Measurement time for performing VF for both eyes was also collected for each device.

Results:
In this cross-sectional study, 138 eyes (including 25 healthy, 48 glaucoma suspects, and 65 primary open angle glaucoma) of 69 patients were evaluated. Measurement time was significantly faster for IMOvifa compared with HFA (256 vs. 419 s, P<0.001). No significant differences were seen in MD and VFI between HFA and IMOvifa (both P>0.05). Significant differences were seen in mean PSD 3.2 (2.7, 3.6) dB for HFA versus 4.1 (3.5, 4.6) for IMOvifa (P<0.001), and foveal threshold 33.9 (33.1, 34.6) dB for HFA versus 30.6 (29.3, 31.9) dB for IMOvifa (P<0.001). Pearson r was strong for MD (r=0.90, P<0.001), PSD (r=0.78, P<0.001), and VFI (r=0.94, P<0.001). The mean difference (95% limits of agreement) was −0.1 (−3.8, 3.5) dB for MD, −0.4 (−3.4, 2.5) dB for PSD, and 0.1 (−8.9, 9.1) dB for VFI, respectively.

Conclusions:
IMOvifa reduced measurement time by 39%. MD, PSD, and VFI values for IMOvifa showed good agreement with HFA SITA-Fast strategy. This perimeter reduced fatigue for both patient and examiner. Additional studies are needed to determine whether it will be useful for routine VF testing.
Effect of extracts from Saussurea laniceps on skin photoaging
Authors: Zheng Bowen , Xia Yujie , Ruan Guanghong , Zhang Shuling , Ni Macili , Qu Hongye 
Published: October 2022

Objective:
Photoaging is caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Saussurea laniceps Hand.-Mazz (SL) has long been used in Tibetan folk medicine. We evaluated the anti-photoaging effect of extracts from SL on model animal skin.

Methods:
The total ethanol extract of SL (ESL) was evaluated for antiphotoaging activity in Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice, and the appearance, pathological features, and changes in relevant indicators for photoaging were assessed. High-, medium-, and low-dose ESL (experimental groups) and vitamin E (positive control group) were orally administered to the mice for 8 weeks. The average exposure times to UV rays in the ESL-treated, vitamin E-treated, and model ICR mice were gradually prolonged up to a total exposure dose of 142.5 J/cm2 for UVA and 20.52 J/cm2 and UVB. The model group was treated with UV rays only, whereas the normal group was treated with neither drugs nor UV rays.

Results:
After 8 weeks, the appearance and pathological changes in the experimental groups and positive control group showed greater improvement than those in the model group. Analysis of biochemical parameters showed that the levels of superoxide dismutase (371.42 ± 65.68, 302.77 ± 44.59, 287.03 ± 59.82), glutathione peroxidase (82.66 ± 42.52, 75.23 ± 31.81, 72.19 ± 22.82), and hydroxyproline (2.83 ± 0.32, 2.59 ± 0.45, 2.60 ± 0.50) were significantly higher in the experimental groups (High dose group, Medium dose group, Low dose group) than those indexes in the model group (251.87 ± 40.81, 40.80 ± 30.92, 2.17 ± 0.37, P<0.05).

Conclusion:
These results indicate that ESL has anti-photoaging effects and provides scientific evidence that SL has potential as a new anti-photoaging agent.
Sleep Latency and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Retired Career Florida Firefighters
Authors: Testoff Addison C. , Schaefer Solle Natasha , Shafazand Shirin , Louzado-Feliciano Paola , Lee David J. , Koru-Sengul Tulay , Kobetz Erin N. , Caban-Martinez Alberto J. 
Published: October 2022

Objective
Our objective was to estimate the association of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sleep latency among retired firefighters.

Methods
Baseline health survey data collected from retried career Florida firefighters participating in an ongoing prospective cohort study from 2017 to 2021 were analyzed. Risk for PTSD was assessed using a four-item primary care PTSD screening construct, and sleep onset latency was assessed by self-reported length of time to fall asleep.

Results
Among the 500 participants, 8.0% screened positive for PTSD risk and 37.6% had prolonged sleep onset latency (≥20 minutes to fall asleep). Retired firefighters with PTSD risk were 2.7 times more likely (adjusted odds ratio, 2.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.27–5.75) to have prolonged sleep latency compared with those without PTSD risk while controlling for covariates.

Conclusions
Retired firefighters who screen positive for PTSD risk are three times more likely to report delayed sleep onset latency.
How Does the Effect of the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Model Vary Based on Surgical Volume and Costs of Care?
Authors: Ko Hyunkyu , Martin Brook I. , Nelson Richard E. , Pelt Christopher E. 
Published: October 2022

Background:
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation revised the comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) program, a mandatory 90-day bundled payment for lower extremity joint replacement, in December 2017, retaining 34 of the original 67 metropolitan statistical areas with higher volume and historic episode payments.

Objectives:
We describe differences in costs, quality, and patient selection between hospitals that continued to participate compared with those that withdrew from CJR before and after the implementation of CJR.

Research Design:
We used a triple difference approach to compare the magnitude of the policy effect for elective admissions between hospitals that were retained in the CJR revision or not, before and after the implementation of CJR, and compared with hospitals in nonparticipant metropolitan statistical areas.

Subjects:
694,275 Medicare beneficiaries undergoing elective lower extremity joint replacement from January 1, 2013 to August 31, 2017

Measures:
The treatment effect heterogeneity of CJR.

Results:
Hospitals retained in the CJR policy revision had a greater reduction in 90-day episode-of-care cost compared with those that were allowed to discontinue (−$846, 95% CI: −$1,338, −$435) and had greater cost reductions in the more recent year (2017). We also found evidence that retained CJR hospitals disproportionately reduced treating patients who were older than 85 years.

Conclusions:
Hospitals that continued to participate in CJR after the policy revision achieved a greater cost reduction. However, the cost reductions were partly attributed to avoiding potential higher-cost patients, suggesting that a bundled payment policy might induce disparities in care delivery.
Seven Years, 3 Surveys, a Changed World: The State Public Health Workforce 2014-2021
Authors: Bogaert Kyle , Papillon Greg , Wyche Etheridge Kimberlee , Plescia Marcus , Gambatese Melissa , Pearsol Joanne L. , Mason Avia 
Published: October 2022

Context:
The COVID-19 pandemic and other public health challenges have increased the need for longitudinal data quantifying the changes in the state public health workforce.

Objective:
To characterize the state of governmental public health workforce among state health agency (SHA) staff across the United States and provide longitudinal comparisons to 2 prior fieldings of the survey.

Design:
State health agency leaders were invited to have their workforce to participate in PH WINS 2021. As in prior fieldings, participating agencies provided staff lists used to send e-mail invitations to employees to participate in this electronic survey.

Setting and Participants:
State health agency staff.

Main Outcome Measures:
PH WINS 2021 maintains the 4 primary domains from 2014 and 2017 (ie, workplace engagement, training needs assessment, emerging public health concepts, and demographics) and includes new questions related to the mental and emotional well-being; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on staff retention; and the workforce's awareness of and confidence in emerging public health concepts.

Results:
The percentage of SHA staff who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color increased from 30% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 29%-32%) to 35% (95% CI: 35%-37%) between 2014 and 2021. Staff younger than 31 years accounted for 11% (95% CI: 10%-12%) of the SHA workforce in 2021 compared with 8% in 2014 (95% CI: 8%-9%). From 2014 to 2021, staff who self-identify as a woman increased from 72% (95% CI: 71%-74%) to 76% (95% CI: 75%-77%). Overall, 22% (95% CI: 21%-23%) of the SHA workforce rated their mental health as poor/fair.

Conclusion:
The 2021 PH WINS results represent unique and current perspectives on the SHA workforce and can inform future public health infrastructure investments, research, and field practice to ensure a strong public health system.
Awareness of and Confidence to Address Equity-Related Concepts Across the US Governmental Public Health Workforce
Authors: Porter Jamila M. , Giles-Cantrell Brittany , Schaffer Kay , Dutta Elizabeth Arend , Castrucci Brian C. 
Published: October 2022

Objective:
To assess the governmental public health (GPH) workforce's awareness of and confidence to address health equity, social determinants of health (SDoH), and social determinants of equity (SDoE) in their work.

Design, Setting, and Participants:
A nationally representative population of US local and state GPH employees (n = 41 890) were surveyed through the 2021 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS 2021).

Main Outcome Measures:
Self-reported awareness and confidence were explored by self-identified racial and ethnic group identity, public health degree attainment, and supervisory status.

Results:
GPH employees reported higher levels of awareness across concepts (health equity—71%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 70.5—71.6; SDoH—62%, 95% CI: 62.3-63.5; SDoE—48%, 95% CI: 47.2-48.4) than confidence (health equity—48%, 95% CI: 47.8-49.0; SDoH—46%, 95% CI: 45.4-46.7; SDoE—34%, 95% CI: 33.4-34.6). Self-identified Black or African American employees reported higher confidence across all concepts (health equity—56%, 95% CI: 54.3-57.6; SDoH—52%, 95% CI: 50.8-54.1; SDoE—43%, 95% CI: 41.3-44.6) compared to other self-identified racial groups. Employees with a PH degree reported higher confidence across all concepts (health equity—65%, 95% CI: 63.8-68.8; SDoH—73%, 95% CI: 71.3-74.1; SDoE—39%, 95% CI: 36.9-40.1) compared with employees without a PH degree (health equity—45%, 95% CI: 44.8-46.1; SDoH—41%, 95% CI: 40.6-41.9; SDoE—33%, 95% CI: 32.6-33.8). We found an inverse relationship between supervisory status and confidence to address SDoE: Nonsupervisors reported higher confidence (35%, 95% CI: 29.2-31.9) than supervisors (31%, 95% CI: 29.2-31.9), managers (31%, 95% CI: 28.8-32.6), and executives (32%, 95% CI: 27.5-34.4).

Conclusion:
PH WINS 2021 reveals that GPH employees are aware of equity-related concepts but lack confidence to address them. Public health agencies should build employees' confidence by prioritizing and operationalizing equity internally and externally in collaboration with communities and partners.