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"The Clutch Gene" and The Tethered Runner Paradox: A Multi-Disciplinary Meta-Analysis of Social Entrainment, Aerodynamic Drag, and Psychological Inhibition in Competitive Overtaking
Full text linkIn the domain of competitive endurance running, a counter-intuitive yet pervasive phenomenon frequently emerges: an athlete, having expended significant metabolic and cognitive resources to bridge the gap to a leading competitor, frequently decelerates upon making contact, matching the rival’s pace rather than maintaining the velocity differential required to complete the overtaking maneuver. This "settling" effect—colloquially referred to as "getting stuck" or "tethering"—represents a complex intersection of biomechanics, fluid dynamics, and social psychology. This meta-analysis synthesizes a broad range of peer-reviewed literature to deconstruct the mechanisms behind this behavior. We examine the roles of spontaneous interpersonal synchronization (social entrainment), the metabolic allure of aerodynamic drag reduction (drafting), and the cognitive load of executive decision-making under physiological stress. By integrating Dynamical Systems Theory with the Psychobiological Model of Endurance, this report provides a unified theoretical framework for understanding why the act of catching a runner often triggers an unconscious inhibition of speed, effectively trapping the pursuer in a suboptimal attractive state
Mechanistic insights into recruitment and regulation of the RNA helicase UPF1 in replication-dependent histone mRNA decay
Full text linkMetazoan histone mRNAs are a unique class of mRNAs that lack the poly(A) tail present in all other eukaryotic transcripts. Instead, they end in a conserved stem-loop (SL) structure, necessitating a decay mechanism that is distinct from deadenylation-initiated degradation. Here, combining structural and functional approaches, we elucidate molecular mechanisms of initiation of histone mRNA decay. At the end of S-phase, the RNA helicase UPF1, the exoribonuclease 3’hExo and stem-loop binding protein SLBP all contribute to histone mRNA degradation, although how they are mechanistically coupled remained unknown. The cryoEM structure of an UPF1:SL RNA complex, presented here, shows that binding of UPF1 partially melts the RNA stem in the absence of ATP, harnessing the free energy derived from RNA-binding to unwind RNA. This melting event primes the SL-RNA for decay by 3’hExo. Using biochemical and cellular analyses, we demonstrate that SLBP directly engages the UPF1 helicase core to attenuate its unwinding activity and prevent premature degradation. Activation of UPF1 at a later stage promotes SL-RNA decay. We provide direct evidence that UPF1, SLBP and 3’hExo form a degradosome-like assembly that functionally couples SL unwinding and degradation, highlighting a dynamic and intricate network of UPF1-centric interactions that orchestrates timely histone mRNA decay
Graceful Degradation Survey 2022
Full text linkThis dataset contains the results of a 2022 survey of digital humanities practitioners. The following description comes from the consent document:
"Background and Purpose: The purpose of this research is to survey those who work on digital humanities projects in order to learn how many digital humanities projects decline, expire, or disappear, and another goal is to assess how it feels to do this work in the awareness of its tenuousness. Procedure: Participants will complete a Qualtrics online survey. The survey is estimated to take under 20 minutes and consists of multiple choice and open-ended questions. No personal information will be retained as the survey is anonymous. Data will be viewed through the Qualtrics dashboard, and the PI will aim to share anonymized results with other researchers via conference and publication. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in this research study. Risks and Discomforts: The risks and discomforts involved in this study are believed to be minimal. Benefits: Research is designed to gain new knowledge that will be beneficial to society. Participants may benefit from reflecting on their own project management experience. The greater benefit to society is an increased understanding of how to improve management of academic and public-facing digital humanities projects, including sustainability practices.
Risk of Type II Diabetes Mellitus Among B‐Cell Non‐Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivors
Full text linkPurpose Advancing therapies have increased B‐cell Non‐Hodgkin's Lymphoma (B‐NHL) patient survival. However, data are limited on the risk of type II diabetes mellitus (type II DM) in adult survivors following treatment. This study examines the risk of type II DM among a Utah population of B‐NHL survivors, compared to the general population. Methods A cohort of 3529 adult survivors diagnosed with B‐NHL in Utah between 1997 and 2013 in the Utah Cancer Registry and 13,339 individuals from the general population were identified using the Utah Population Database (UPDB). Multivariate Cox Proportional Hazard models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for developing type II DM, stratified for time post‐diagnosis. Results Compared to the cancer‐free population, B‐NHL survivors had an overall increased risk of developing type II DM (HR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.32, 1.69), largely within the first year (HR: 4.41; 95% CI: 3.52, 5.52) following diagnosis. Older B‐NHL survivors were more likely to develop type II DM at any time compared to survivors < 40 years [40–65 years (HR: 2.66; 95% CI 1.48–4.79); ≥ 65 years (HR: 3.77; 95% CI 2.09–6.78)]. Obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2) survivors had a 4.06‐fold increase in the risk of type II DM compared to normal BMI (18–24.9 kg/m2) cancer survivors. Cancer treatment did not increase the risk of type II DM compared to no treatment. Conclusions Adult B‐NHL cancer survivors were at an overall increased risk of developing type II DM compared to the general population, within the first year and overall, following a cancer diagnosis. This study provides evidence suggesting the importance of obesity prevention and improvement in care management oversight for B‐NHL survivorship and DM outcomes
CoxMDS: multiple data splitting for high-dimensional mediation analysis with survival outcomes in epigenome-wide studies
Full text linkCausal mediation analysis investigates whether the effect of an exposure on an outcome operates through intermediate variables known as mediators. Although progress has been made in high-dimensional mediation analysis, current methods do not reliably control the false discovery rate (FDR) in finite samples, especially when mediators are moderately to highly correlated or follow non-Gaussian distributions. These challenges frequently arise in DNA methylation studies. We introduce CoxMDS, a multiple data splitting method that uses Cox proportional hazards models to identify putative causal mediators for survival outcomes. CoxMDS ensures finite-sample FDR control even in the presence of correlated or non-Gaussian mediators. Through simulations, CoxMDS is shown to maintain FDR control and achieve higher statistical power compared with existing approaches. In applications to DNA methylation data with survival outcomes, CoxMDS identified eight CpG sites in The Cancer Genome Atlas that are consistent with the hypothesis that DNA methylation may mediate the effect of smoking on lung cancer survival, and two CpG sites in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative that are consistent with the hypothesis that DNA methylation may mediate the effect of smoking on time to Alzheimer’s disease conversion
Burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its attributable risk factors in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2021: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Full text linkBackground Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a major global health challenge, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the burden of COPD by age, sex and Sociodemographic Index (SDI), in addition to its attributable risk factors across 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. Methods This study is a systematic analysis of data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 from 1990 to 2021 across 204 countries and territories. The study calculates age-standardised rates (ASRs) for prevalence, deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) by adjusting rates to a global age distribution and computed estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) for these ASRs and the relative COPD burden, while also exploring the relationships between the SDI and age-standardised DALYs per 1000 population via linear regression. Results In 2021, there were an estimated 213.4 million prevalent COPD cases globally, with an ASR of 2512.9 per 100 000. From 1990 to 2021, the EAPC for ASRs in prevalence was −0.044%, while the EAPC for percentage in prevalence was 1.224%. COPD caused 3.7 million deaths, with an ASR of 45.2 per 100 000, and 79.8 million DALYs, with an ASR of 940.7 per 100 000. The leading risk factor for COPD globally was particulate matter pollution, where it accounted for 41.7% of the global DALYs. Appreciable geographical and demographic variations were observed, with North America exhibiting the greatest ASRs for prevalence and South Asia showing the greatest ASRs for death rates. Conclusions The study highlights the persistent and evolving global burden of COPD, emphasising the significant impact of environmental factors such as particulate matter pollution. It underscores the need for targeted public health interventions and resource allocation, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries, to mitigate the growing COPD challenge. To enhance COPD management, the recommendations include implementing regional plans to mitigate particulate pollution, strengthening surveillance of air quality and health outcomes, developing integrated health strategies and supporting a global framework for air quality improvement
Metrics and Management in Modern Dental Medicine: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of Key Performance Indicators, Clinical Quality Measures, and the DSO Economic Model
Full text linkThe landscape of dental medicine is undergoing a profound structural transformation, characterized by a shift from the traditional solo practitioner model to consolidated, data-driven group practices and Dental Support Organizations (DSOs). This evolution is not merely organizational but represents a fundamental change in how dental care is measured, managed, and valued. As the industry consolidates, the reliance on heuristic management has been replaced by rigorous adherence to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Clinical Quality Measures (CQMs). This meta-analysis synthesizes current peer-reviewed literature and industry reports to provide an exhaustive examination of the metrics that define success in modern dentistry.
Historically, dental practice success was gauged by gross production and patient volume. However, the rise of private equity investment and corporate management structures has introduced sophisticated financial metrics, primarily Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA), as the primary arbiter of value. Simultaneously, the clinical domain is witnessing a parallel revolution. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics is shifting clinical quality from subjective assessment to objective, quantifiable outcomes.
This report analyzes three critical dimensions of dental practice management: financial performance benchmarks, operational efficiency metrics, and clinical quality indicators. By juxtaposing the operational realities of private practice with the scalable strategies of DSOs, we elucidate the divergent and converging pathways of the profession. Furthermore, we examine the efficacy of emerging technologies, specifically AI, in bridging the gap between operational efficiency and clinical excellence.
Current trends indicate that the "corporatization" of dentistry is not merely an economic consolidation but a standardization of care delivery. Sociological analyses frame this as a process of "rationalization," borrowing from Ritzer's theory of McDonaldisation, where efficiency, predictability, calculability, and control become the guiding principles of clinical environments.1 While critics argue this threatens professional autonomy and the doctor-patient relationship 2, proponents suggest that the scale of DSOs allows for the implementation of quality assurance metrics and safety protocols that are often cost-prohibitive for solo practitioners.3 The tension between these viewpoints forms a critical backdrop for understanding the KPIs discussed in this report
Turbo Charge Your CME and CPD Operations Using Generative AI Tools
Full text linkThe growing acceptance and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI (Gen AI) across industries provides an opportunity for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) professionals to expand their skillset out of a soon-to-be need for more efficiency and/or an expanded role. There are many indicators of this prediction for a decrease in employment across industry sectors that utilise AI with certain demographics being affected more than others. “White-collar” or more aptly termed, knowledge workers, are especially vulnerable to these changes. While the challenges of this field are well known to the reader and support the need for the roles of CPD providers in general; AI has established itself as a truly disruptive technology that has affected nearly every major industry in which even this one is not immune. A 2025 report by McKinsey found that 92% of companies plan to invest more in AI over the next 3 years with only 1% believing their investments have reached maturity. CPD professionals are equipped with a wide array of skills with arguably one of the most proficient being administrative management
More than Medicine:�The Complex Choreography of Community Overdose Response
No full textA presentation at FDA Grand Rounds, January 20, 2026, to share findings from a qualitative study of overdose reversal by people who use drugs.
Admixture Mapping Analysis Reveals Genetic Determinants of the Human Plasma Proteome
Full text linkProtein profiling and genetic findings can be integrated to define the genetic architecture of the circulating proteome in chronic diseases. Most self-identified African American (AA) individuals have both African and European genetic ancestry. Admixture mapping can detect genomic association regions in which causal variants exist with substantial differences in allele frequency or effect sizes between genetic ancestries. We performed admixture mapping of the circulating proteome in 1,989 participants from the Jackson Heart Study (JHS), investigating the relation of local African ancestry within genomic regions with levels of circulating proteins. We conditioned protein-local ancestry association models on variants previously found to be associated with those proteins in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We replicated findings in 196 AA participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). 62 proteins were associated with local African ancestry. 21 of 62 remained statistically significant after conditioning on protein-associated variants observed in previous GWAS. 48 of 54 available protein-local ancestry associations replicated in MESA. Proteins associated with local African ancestry included chemokines, factors associated with vascular biology and inflammation, and other biologically interesting proteins. Admixture associations unexplained by previously reported protein-associated variants in conditional analysis suggest the existence of causal variants missed by standard GWAS techniques