bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraguild species presence alters Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and Aphidius gifuensis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) foraging responses
Authors: Yu Xiao-fei , Wang Xiong , Gou Jian-yu , Shen Xiu-xian , Wu Hui-zi , Huang Chun-yang , Yang Mao-fa
Published: July 2024

The predatory gall midge, Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani), and tobacco aphid cocoon wasp, Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead, are important natural enemies of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Predation by A. aphidimyza and A. gifuensis can regulate M. persicae; however, how interspecific interference competition affects their foraging efficiency is unknown. Here, we investigated the consumption and parasitization abilities of A. aphidimyza 3rd instar larva and A. gifuensis adults under various conditions. Consumption of parasitized aphids by A. aphidimyza 3rd instar larvae was significantly lower than that of nonparasitized controls, with a substantial increase in handling time. The presence of A. gifuensis adults did not significantly affect the predation capacity of A. aphidimyza larvae. Relative to controls, A. aphidimyza larvae predation trace (PT) and imago activity significantly decreased A. gifuensis parasitism rates at different aphid densities. Further, A. aphidimyza larvae PT increased the A. gifuensis handling time of M. persicae, whereas the presence of A. aphidimyza adults had the opposite effect. Coexistence with heterospecific natural enemies reduced the parasitic capacity of A. gifuensis, whereas A. aphidimyza larvae predation capability was influenced to a lesser extent. Our results demonstrate that intraguild interactions strongly influence the predatory and parasitic efficacy of A. aphidimyza and A. gifuensis, although the effect on A. gifuensis was more pronounced. For effective biological control of M. persicae using A. aphidimyza and A. gifuensis, we recommend releasing A. aphidimyza first to mitigate intraguild predation and enhance the overall success of the pest control program.
A single CAA interrupt in a DNA three-way junction containing a CAG repeat hairpin results in parity-dependent trapping
Authors: Cadden Gillian M , Wilken Svea J , Magennis Steven W
Published: July 2024

An increasing number of human disorders are attributed to genomic expansions of short tandem repeats (STRs). Secondary DNA structures formed by STRs are believed to play an important role in expansion, while the presence of nucleotide interruptions within the pure repeat sequence is known to delay the onset and progression of disease. We have used two single-molecule fluorescence techniques to analyse the structure and dynamics of DNA three-way junctions (3WJs) containing CAG repeat hairpin slipouts, with and without a single CAA interrupt. For a 3WJ with a (CAG)10 slipout, the CAA interrupt is preferentially located in the hairpin loop, and the branch migration dynamics are 4-fold slower than for the 3WJ with a pure (CAG)10, and 3-fold slower than a 3WJ with a pure (CAG)40 repeat. The (CAG)11 3WJ with CAA interrupt adopts a conformation that places the interrupt in or near the hairpin loop, with similar dynamics to the pure (CAG)10 and (CAG)11 3WJs. We have shown that changing a single nucleotide (G to A) in a pure repeat can have a large impact on 3WJ structure and dynamics, which may be important for the protective role of interrupts in repeat expansion diseases.
GIBBERELLIN PERCEPTION SENSOR 2 reveals genesis and role of cellular GA dynamics in light-regulated hypocotyl growth
Authors: Griffiths Jayne , Rizza Annalisa , Tang Bijun , Frommer Wolf B , Jones Alexander M
Published: July 2024

The phytohormone gibberellic acid (GA) is critical for environmentally sensitive plant development including germination, skotomorphogenesis, and flowering. The Förster resonance energy transfer biosensor GIBBERELLIN PERCEPTION SENSOR1, which permits single-cell GA measurements in vivo, has been used to observe a GA gradient correlated with cell length in dark-grown, but not light-grown, hypocotyls. We sought to understand how light signaling integrates into cellular GA regulation. Here, we show how the E3 ligase CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENESIS1 (COP1) and transcription factor ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) play central roles in directing cellular GA distribution in skoto- and photomorphogenic hypocotyls, respectively. We demonstrate that the expression pattern of the GA biosynthetic enzyme gene GA20ox1 is the key determinant of the GA gradient in dark-grown hypocotyls and is a target of COP1 signaling. We engineered a second generation GPS2 biosensor with improved orthogonality and reversibility. GPS2 revealed a previously undetectable cellular pattern of GA depletion during the transition to growth in the light. This GA depletion partly explains the resetting of hypocotyl growth dynamics during photomorphogenesis. Achieving cell-level resolution has revealed how GA distributions link environmental conditions with morphology and morphological plasticity. The GPS2 biosensor is an ideal tool for GA studies in many conditions, organs, and plant species.
A module involving HIGH LEAF TEMPERATURE1 controls instantaneous water use efficiency
Authors: Xiao Chuanlei , Guo Huimin , Li Ruiying , Wang Yuehua , Yin Kaili , Ye Peipei , Hu Honghong
Published: July 2024

Drought stress inhibits plant growth and agricultural production. Improving plant instantaneous water use efficiency (iWUE), which is strictly regulated by stomata, is an effective way to cope with drought stress. However, the mechanisms of iWUE regulation are poorly understood. Through genetic screening for suppressors of mpk12-4, an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutant with a major iWUE quantitative trait locus gene MITOGEN-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE12 deleted, we identified HIGH LEAF TEMPERATURE1 (HT1). Genetic interaction and physiological analyses showed that MPK12 controls iWUE through multiple modules in a high CO2-induced stomatal closing pathway that regulate SLOW ANION CHANNEL-ASSOCIATED1 (SLAC1) activity. HT1 acts downstream of MPK12, whereas OPEN STOMATA1 (OST1) and GUARD CELL HYDROGEN PEROXIDE-RESISTANT1 (GHR1) function downstream of HT1 by activating SLAC1 in iWUE. Photosynthetic-CO2 response curves and biomass analyses under different water-supply conditions showed that HT1 dysfunction improved iWUE and also increased plant growth capacity, and products of HT1 putative orthologs from Brassica (Brassica napus) and rice (Oryza sativa) exhibited functions similar to that of Arabidopsis HT1 in iWUE and the CO2-signaling pathway. Our study revealed the mechanism of MPK12-mediated iWUE regulation in Arabidopsis and provided insight into the internal relationship between iWUE and CO2 signaling in guard cells and a potential target for improving crop iWUE and drought tolerance.
Epigenetic factors direct synergistic and antagonistic regulation of transposable elements in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hsieh Jo-Wei Allison , Yen Ming-Ren , Hung Fu-Yu , Wu Keqiang , Chen Pao-Yang
Published: July 2024

Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) HISTONE DEACETYLASE 6 (HDA6) and HISTONE DEMETHYLASES LSD-LIKE 1 (LDL1) and LDL2 synergistically regulate the expression of long non-coding RNAs associated with H3Ac and H3K4me2. The underlying mechanisms of such highly coordinated interactions among genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to this collaborative regulation remain largely unclear. We analyzed all transposable elements (TEs) across the Arabidopsis genome and the individual and combined roles of HDA6 and LDL1/LDL2 by dissecting multilayered epigenomes and their association with transcription. Instead of an individual synergistic effect, we observed dual synergistic and antagonistic effects, which are positively associated with H3Ac and H3K4me2 while maintaining a negative but moderate association with DNA methylation. Specifically, 2 modes of synergistic regulation were discovered in TEs: 74% are primarily regulated by HDA6, with less dependence on LDL1/LDL2, and the remaining 26% are co-regulated by both. Between the 2 modes, we showed that HDA6 has a strong effect on TE silencing, whereas LDL1/LDL2 plays a weaker yet crucial role in co-regulation with HDA6. Our results led to a model of epigenomic regulation—the differential de-repression between the 2 modes of synergistic regulation of TEs was determined by H3Ac and H3K4me2 levels, where TEs are in accessible chromatins free of DNA methylation, and this open chromatin environment precedes transcriptional changes and epigenome patterning. Our results discovered unbalanced effects of genetic factors in synergistic regulation through delicately coordinated multilayered epigenomes and chromatin accessibility.
Sex differences in patient-reported outcome measures and the association with clinical factors in axial spondyloarthritis patients treated with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors
Authors: Hellamand Pasoon , van de Sande Marleen G H , Nurmohamed Michael T , van Vollenhoven Ronald F , Hollick Rosemary J , Rotariu Ovidiu , Rotar Ziga , Pirkmajer Katja P , Nordström Dan , Hokkanen Anna-Mari , Michelsen Brigitte , Kvien Tore K , Glintborg Bente , Hetland Merete L , Østergaard Mikkel , Loft Anne G , Pavelka Karel , Zavada Jakub , Castrejon Isabel , Otero-Varela Lucia , Gudbjornsson Bjorn , Palsson Olafur , Olofsson Tor , Wallman Johan K , Ciurea Adrian , Nissen Michael J , Yildirim Tuba D , Onen Fatos , Codreanu Catalin , Mogosan Corina , Santos Maria J , Vieira-Sousa Elsa , Iannone Florenzo , Frediani Bruno , Ørnbjerg Lykke M , Twisk Jos W R , van der Horst-Bruinsma Irene E
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To investigate sex differences in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) among axSpA patients initiating their first TNFi and identify factors contributing to these disparities over the follow-up.

Methods

Data were included from 15 EuroSpA registries and consisted of axSpA patients initiating their first TNFi, with ≥2 measurements for each analysed PROM (BASDAI and BASFI, scale 0–100) taken at any time point. Linear mixed models were employed to analyse sex differences in PROMs over 24 months and to evaluate how baseline characteristics were related to the observed sex differences.

Results

We analysed 13 102 (38% women) in the BASDAI analyses and 10 623 (38% women) in the BASFI analyses. At follow-up, mean sex differences in BASDAI increased from 4.3 units at baseline (95% CI, 3.5–5.1) to 8.0 (7.2–8.8) at 6 months, and in BASFI from 2.2 (1.4–3.1) to 4.6 (3.6–5.5), with consistently worse scores in women. Baseline characteristics could not substantially account for the observed sex differences over time; however, the magnitude of the sex differences was reduced by HLA-B27 positivity, longer disease duration, and increased CRP levels, but increased by TNFi initiation in later years and peripheral arthritis.

Conclusion

In axSpA patients initiating their first TNFi, baseline sex differences in BASDAI and BASFI increased two-fold after 6 months of treatment and persisted thereafter, with worse scores in women. Several baseline characteristics moderated the sex differences, though none could fully account for them. These findings improve our understanding of sex differences and underscore their importance in axSpA.
Mouse developmental defects, but not paraganglioma tumorigenesis, upon conditional Complex II loss in early Sox10+ cells
Authors: Lewis Elizabeth P. , Al Khazal Fatimah , Wilbanks Brandon , Gades Naomi M. , Ortega‐Sáenz Patricia , López‐Barneo José , Adameyko Igor , Maher L. James
Published: July 2024

In humans, loss of heterozygosity for defective alleles of any of the four subunits of mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme succinate dehydrogenase (SDH, also Complex II of the electron transport chain) can lead to paraganglioma tumors in neuroendocrine cells. With the goal of developing mouse models of this rare disorder, we have developed various SDH conditional loss strategies. Based on recent lineage tracing studies, we hypothesized that conditional SDHC loss in early embryogenesis during migration of primordial neural crest cells that form the susceptible chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla might induce paraganglioma. We triggered low levels of detectable SDHC loss in Sox10+ cells at E11.5 of mouse development. We report that, rather than developing adrenal medulla paraganglioma (pheochromocytoma), offspring survived with evidence of neural crest cell dysfunction. Phenotypes included mild lower extremity gait anomalies suggestive of neural tube closure defects and patches of unpigmented fur consistent with neural crest‐derived melanocyte dysfunction. These defects were not observed in mice lacking Sdhc knockout. Our results add to existing data suggesting that, unlike humans, even early embryonic (Sox10‐driven) SDHx loss is inadequate to trigger paraganglioma in mice of the genetic backgrounds that have been investigated. Instead, low levels of tricarboxylic acid cycle‐deficient neural crest cells cause mild developmental defects in hind limb and melanocyte function. This new model may be of interest for studies of metabolism during early neural crest cell development.
A role for YAP/FOXM1/Nrf2 axis in oxidative stress and apoptosis of cataract induced by UVB irradiation
Authors: Hong Yingying , Sun Yang , Ainiwaer Maierdanjiang , Xiao Binghe , Zhang Shaohua , Ning Li , Zhu Xiangjia , Ji Yinghong
Published: July 2024

This study aims to investigate the hypothesis that Yes‐associated protein (YAP) significantly regulates antioxidant potential and anti‐apoptosis in UVB‐induced cataract by exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms. To investigate the association between YAP and cataract, various experimental techniques were employed, including cell viability assessment, Annexin V FITC/PI assay, measurement of ROS production, RT‐PCR, Western blot assay, and Immunoprecipitation. UVB exposure on human lens epithelium cells (HLECs) reduced total and nuclear YAP protein expression, increased cleaved/pro‐caspase 3 ratios, decreased cell viability, and elevated ROS levels compared to controls. Similar Western blot results were observed in in vivo experiments involving UVB‐treated mice. YAP knockdown in vitro demonstrated a decrease in the protein expression of FOXM1, Nrf2, and HO‐1, which correlated with the mRNA expression, accompanied by an increase in cell apoptosis, caspase 3 activation, and the release of ROS. Conversely, YAP overexpression mitigated these effects induced by UVB irradiation. Immunoprecipitation revealed a FOXM1‐YAP interaction. Notably, inhibiting FOXM1 decreased Nrf2 and HO‐1, activating caspase 3. Additionally, administering the ROS inhibitor N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) effectively mitigated the apoptotic effects induced by oxidative stress from UVB irradiation, rescuing the protein expression levels of YAP, FOXM1, Nrf2, and HO‐1. The initial findings of our study demonstrate the existence of a feedback loop involving YAP, FOXM1, Nrf2, and ROS that significantly influences the cell apoptosis in HLECs under UVB‐induced oxidative stress.
Perinatal Depression and Risk of Mortality: Nationwide, Register Based Study in Sweden
Authors: Hagatulah Naela , Bränn Emma , Oberg Anna Sara , Valdimarsdóttir Unnur A. , Shen Qing , Lu Donghao
Published: July 2024

(Abstracted from BMJ 2024;384:e075462)

Depression during pregnancy or within a year of delivery is known as perinatal depression and affects up to 20% of women. Previous studies have linked perinatal depression to an increased risk of suicide, though there is little information about the overall mortality associated with it.
Outcome of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Not Altered With Transatlantic Airplane Transfer: A Bicentric Matched Case-control Study
Authors: Martino Frédéric , Trainel Milan , Guillaume Jessica , Schaffar Aurélien , Escalard Simon , Pons Adrien , Engrand Nicolas
Published: July 2024

Objective:

It is recommended that ruptured cerebral aneurysms are treated in a high-volume center within 72 hours of ictus. We assessed the impact of long-distance aeromedical evacuation in patients presenting aSAH.

Methods:

This case-control study compared patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) who had a 6750 km air transfer from Guadeloupe (a Caribbean island) to Paris, France, for neurointerventional management in a tertiary center with a matched cohort from Paris region treated in the same center over a 10-year period (2010 to 2019). The 2 populations were matched on age, sex, World Federation of Neurological Surgeons score, and Fisher score. The primary outcome was a 1-year modified Rankin Scale score ≤3. Secondary outcomes included time from diagnosis to securing aneurysm, 1-year mortality, and a cost analysis.

Results:

Among 128 consecutive aSAH transferred from Guadeloupe, 93 were matched with 93 patients from the Paris area. The proportion of patients with 1-year modified Rankin Scale ≤3 (75% vs 82%, respectively; P= 0.5) and 1-year mortality (18% vs 14%, respectively; P= 0.2) was similar in the Guadeloupe and Paris groups. The median (interquartile range: Q1, Q3) time from diagnosis to securing the aneurysm was higher in the patients from Guadeloupe than those from Paris (48 [30, 63] h vs 23 [12, 24] h, respectively; P< 0.001). Guadeloupean patients received mechanical ventilation (58% vs 38%; P< 0.001) and external ventricular drainage (55% vs 39%; P= 0.005) more often than those from Paris. The additional cost of treating a Guadeloupe patient in Paris was estimated at 7580 Euros or 17% of the estimated cost in Guadeloupe.

Conclusions:

Long-distance aeromedical evacuation of patients with aSAH from Guadeloupe to Paris resulted in a 25-hour increase in time to aneurysm coiling embolization time but did not impact 1-year functional outcomes or mortality.
Improving Time to Antibiotics for Long-Bone Open Fractures: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Heslin Samita M. , King Candice , Schwaner Robert , Vosswinkel James , Singer Adam , Morley Eric J.
Published: July 2024

Open fractures, which are exposed to the external environment, are at a high risk of infection. Administering antibiotics within 60 minutes of emergency department (ED) arrival is crucial to prevent infection. However, this is difficult to achieve due to high ED patient volumes. The purpose of our project was to improve time to antibiotics for patients presenting with long-bone open fractures at a Level 1 trauma center ED. We used the Lean Six Sigma Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control project framework to guide our efforts. Our interventions composed of developing educational initiatives, creating an electronic medical record order set, and restructuring the ED workflow to prioritize long-bone open fractures for immediate evaluation and antibiotic administration in our critical care zone. After our intervention, the time to antibiotics for long-bone open fractures improved significantly, decreasing from 76 to 40 minutes (p < .001), with the percentage of patients receiving antibiotics within 60 minutes of ED arrival increasing from 64% to 92% (p < .001). Age, sex, mechanism of injury, antibiotic choice, and location of the open fracture remained consistent between the two groups. Our results highlight the successful application of process improvement methodologies in improving antibiotic administration time for long-bone open fractures.
Implementation of an Evidence-Based Treatment Protocol and Order Set for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
Authors: Luzum Nathan Robert , Beckius Anna , Heinrich Thomas W. , Stoner Kimberly
Published: July 2024

Background:

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is highly prevalent in hospital inpatients. Recent evidence supports use of phenobarbital and gabapentin in certain patients, and screening tools for severe withdrawal risk can be used to guide care. Inpatients with AWS should also be considered for evidence-based treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Purpose:

The purpose of this quality improvement study was to monitor clinical outcomes and prescribing habits after updating an electronic order set for inpatient AWS management at a large, academic hospital.

Methods:

Protocol updates included use of the Prediction of Alcohol Withdrawal Severity Scale, phenobarbital and gabapentin protocols, and linkage to treatment resources. Data were collected for 10 months before and 14 months after implementation.

Results:

Intensive care unit (ICU) transfer rate decreased by 2.3%, whereas length of stay and readmissions were not significantly different. In patients treated with the order set, ICU transfer and length of stay outcomes were superior. Patients treated through the order set were more likely to receive evidence-based treatment for AWS and AUD.

Conclusions:

Electronic order sets can promote evidence-based practice for AWS. The updated protocol will remain in place at the study institution, with future efforts focused on education and ease of use to increase order set utilization.
Lymphadenopathy Tissue Sampling by EUS-Guided Fine-Needle Biopsy Contributes to Meeting the Conditions for Genomic Profiling
Authors: Sugimoto Mitsuru , Takagi Tadayuki , Suzuki Rei , Konno Naoki , Asama Hiroyuki , Sato Yuki , Irie Hiroki , Nakamura Jun , Takasumi Mika , Hashimoto Minami , Kato Tsunetaka , Hashimoto Yuko , Hikichi Takuto , Ohira Hiromasa
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims:

EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) performed with a Franseen needle or Fork-tip needle enables greater tissue acquisition. However, it is unknown whether EUS-FNB could contribute to lymphadenopathy genomic profiling. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of EUS-FNB using a Franseen or Fork-tip needle for tissue acquisition and genomic profiling in patients with lymphadenopathy.

Patients and Methods:

Patients with abdominal lymphadenopathy who underwent EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA)/EUS-FNB were included in this study. The amount of acquired tissue and its suitability for genomic profiling were compared between FNA and FNB. Specimen quality was evaluated by a widely used pathologic adequacy scoring system (0: insufficient; 1 to 2: cytologic; 3: limited histologic; 4 to 5: sufficient histologic). The criteria of FoundationOne CDx (F1CDx) and NCC Oncopanel (NOP) were used to assess the suitability for genomic profiling.

Results:

In total, 72 patients underwent EUS-FNA, and the other 20 patients underwent EUS-FNB. The pathologic adequacy score and suitability for genomic profiling based on the criteria were significantly higher for FNB than for FNA [histologic adequacy score: 5 (4 to 5) versus 3 (0 to 5), P<0.01; F1CDx: 16.7% vs. 0%, P=0.01; NOP: 66.7% vs. 7.5%, P<0.01]. In multivariate analysis, EUS-FNB was identified as the only factor that influenced the suitability for genomic profiling based on the above-mentioned criteria (odds ratio 19.5, 95% CI: 3.74-102, P<0.01).

Conclusions:

EUS-FNB performed using Franseen or Fork-tip needles may result in greater lymphadenopathy tissue acquisition and thus enhanced suitability for genomic profiling compared with EUS-FNA.
Endoscopic Surveillance of Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia
Authors: Yoon Ji Yoon , Katcher Erik , Cohen Ella , Ward Stephen C. , Rouphael Carol , Itzkowitz Steven H. , Wang Christina P. , Kim Michelle K. , Shah Shailja C.
Published: July 2024

Background:

Gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) is a precancerous condition. Limited data exist on real-world clinical practice relative to guidelines.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate adherence to GIM risk stratification and identify factors associated with follow-up endoscopy.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted manual chart review of patients with histologically confirmed GIM at an urban, tertiary medical center were identified retrospectively and details of their demographics, Helicobacter pylori, biopsy protocol, endoscopic/histologic findings, and postendoscopy follow-up were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with follow-up endoscopy.

Results:

Among 253 patients, 59% were female, 37% non-Hispanic White (NHW), 26% Hispanic, 16% non-Hispanic Black (NHB). The median age at index endoscopy was 63.4 years (IQR: 55.9 to 70.0), with median follow-up of 65.1 months (IQR: 44.0 to 72.3). H. pylori was detected in 21.6% patients at index EGD. GIM extent and subtype data were frequently missing (22.9% and 32.8%, respectively). Based on available data, 26% had corpus-extended GIM and 28% had incomplete/mixed-type GIM. Compared with NHW, Hispanic patients had higher odds of follow-up EGD (OR=2.48, 95% CI: 1.23-5.01), while NHB patients had 59% lower odds of follow-up EGD (OR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.18-0.96). Corpus-extended GIM versus limited GIM (OR=2.27, 95% CI: 1.13-4.59) was associated with follow-up EGD, but GIM subtype and family history of gastric cancer were not.

Conclusions:

We observed suboptimal risk stratification among patients with GIM and notable race and ethnic disparities with respect to endoscopic surveillance. Targeted interventions are needed to improve practice patterns and mitigate observed disparities.
The Comparison of the Clinical Efficacy and Drug Tissue Distribution of Furazolidone and Tetracycline-quadruple Therapy in Helicobacter pylori Eradication
Authors: Peng Xiaoyin , Liang Yumei , Liu Yan , Zhang Juan , Chen Yong , Zhang Qi , Zeng Xiangchun , Huang Li
Published: July 2024

Objective:

Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) is considered a main causative organism of gastric ulcers, gastric cancer and duodenal ulcers. The current treatment relies on a combination of antimicrobial agents and acid suppressant agents, but the eradication effect is not satisfactory. To clarify the concentration of antibiotics at the lesion site, we investigate the clinical efficacy and drug tissue distribution of the combination therapy of furazolidone and tetracycline in eradicating H. Pylori.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with H. pylori infection (n = 60) were randomized to either group A or B. Bismuth potassium citrate capsules 220 mg, omeprazole enteric-coated capsules 20 mg, amoxicillin capsules 1000 mg, each twice per day, and furazolidone tablets 500 mg were administered to group A. Group B was treated with bismuth potassium citrate capsules 220 mg, omeprazole enteric-coated capsules 20 mg, amoxicillin capsules 1000 mg, and tetracycline tablets 500 mg each twice per day for 2 weeks. The serum and gastric juice, gastric antrum, gastric horn, and gastric body samples were taken under a gastroscope on the 14th day. The antimicrobial concentrations in serum and tissue samples were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results:

In the negative group of furazolidone, the concentrations of gastric antrum, gastric body, and gastric angle were significantly higher than those in the positive group (P = 0.017, 0.015, and 0.028). The concentrations of furazolidone in gastric fluid, gastric antrum, gastric angle, and gastric body were ∼421 times, 82 times, 17 times, and 51 times higher than those in serum, respectively. The concentrations of tetracycline in the serum and gastric angle of the tetracycline negative group were significantly higher than those in the positive group (P = 0.036 and 0.042), and the tetracycline concentrations in the gastric horn and gastric body were about 4 and 6 times higher than those in the serum, respectively. The concentration of amoxicillin in group B was higher than that in group A, especially in serum, gastric juice, gastric angle, and gastric body (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Furazolidone is mainly concentrated and sequentially distributed in gastric juice, gastric antrum, and gastric body tissue, and tetracycline is mainly distributed in serum, gastric angle, and gastric body, whereas amoxicillin is mainly distributed in serum, gastric juice, gastric angle, and gastric body. Improving the concentration and tissue distribution of antibacterial drugs in the human gastric mucosa is the key to ensuring the ideal eradication rate of quadruple therapy.
Donor selection in allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Barriga Francisco , Lima Alberto Cardoso Martins
Published: July 2024

Purpose of review

Recent progress in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) characterization, increased accrual of unrelated donors and cord blood units, and a new platform for haploidentical transplantation have resulted in the widespread availability of donors for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Recent findings

Advances in HLA typing have identified an increasing number of loci and alleles that are crucial for successful transplantation. Newer HLA A, B, C, DRB1, and DQB1 alleles, DPB1 mismatches, and HLA B leader sequence matching are incorporated into donor selection algorithms. Donor selection is highly relevant because of recently published conflicting studies using different donor types. These studies are largely retrospective and compare patients with different diseases and stages, conditioning regimens, graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis, and time periods. A broad consensus indicates that the best donor is an available matched sibling, followed by a matched unrelated donor, and then alternative donors such as haploidentical, mismatched unrelated, and cord blood units. This consensus is being challenged by other factors, such as donor age, patient condition, urgency of transplantation, and costs involved.

In this review, we will analyze the unique characteristics of each donor type, the HLA and non HLA factors that affect donor choices, and the outstanding comparative outcome studies of different donor usage in hematologic malignancies.
Orthopaedic Nurse Navigators and Total Joint Arthroplasty Preoperative Optimization
Authors: Kebeh Martha , Dlott Chloe C. , Kurek Donna , Tung Wei Shao , Morris Jensa C. , Wiznia Daniel H.
Published: July 2024

This article is the sixth in the Movement is Life series and focuses on insurance coverage and medication management in the perioperative period, 2 tangentially related variables that affect patient outcomes. Our aim is to use current practices and literature to develop recommendations for nurse navigators’ execution of preoperative optimization protocols related to payer status and medication management. Discussions with nurse navigators and a literature search were used to gather information and develop recommendations specific to optimizing payer status and medication management. Nurse navigators connected patients to resources and provided education regarding financial concerns and medications, and findings from the literature discussed insurance status among TJA patients. Nurse navigators can contribute to payer status and medication management optimization by providing patient education and resource referrals. In addition, we recommend conducting repeated medication reconciliation and developing awareness of financial resources and perioperative medication management guidelines.
Single-Center Experience With Endovascular Therapy in Acute Occlusion of ICAS
Authors: Chen Kechun , Zhou Yin , Guo Gang , Wu Qiuyi
Published: July 2024

Objectives:

The preferred endovascular therapy (EVT) for large-vessel occlusion in intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) is unknown. We compared the efficacy of preferred stent thrombectomy and preferred angioplasty in patients with acute large-vessel occlusion in ICAS.

Methods:

Data from consecutive EVT patients (May 2020 to September 2023) with acute middle cerebral artery occlusion in ICAS were retrospectively analyzed. Preferred angioplasty was performed if there was a preoperative “microcatheter first-pass effect;” otherwise, preferred stent thrombectomy was performed. Analyses were grouped according to the two EVT treatments. Clinical data of all patients, including the time from puncture to recanalization, rate of successful reperfusion, early neurological improvement, intracranial hemorrhage, and modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days, were recorded and analyzed.

Results:

Six-two patients were enrolled in this study (mean age was 60.66±13.21 y, 22.6% female). The preferred angioplasty group had a higher first-pass recanalization rate than the preferred stent thrombectomy group (61.3% vs. 21.9%, P<0.001) and a higher proportion of patients who were functionally independent (defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 3) at 90 days [odds ratio,3.681; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.009 to 13.428; P=0.048]. There was no significant difference between the groups in the time from puncture to recanalization, the frequency of successful reperfusion, and early neurological improvement, or intracranial hemorrhage (P>0.05).

Conclusions:

This study suggests that for acute middle cerebral artery occlusion in ICAS, preferred angioplasty may be a safe and effective procedure.
Does Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Administration Before Assisted Reproduction Techniques Improve Pregnancy Rates in Women With Endometriosis?
Authors: Panagodimou Evangelia K. , Kalogeropoulos Sotiris , Adonakis Georgios , Kaponis Apostolos
Published: July 2024

Importance

Axial downregulation with a 3- to 6-month administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a) prior to assisted reproduction techniques has been proposed in order to improve clinical pregnancy rates in women with endometriosis. Although reduced inflammation, improved oocyte quality, and restored endometrial receptivity have been postulated, further investigation of their actual benefit and mechanism of action is considered essential. In that direction, well-designed clinical trials regarding the role of GnRH-a in IVF are necessary.

Objective

The purpose of this review is to clarify whether GnRH-a administration prior to IVF-FET procedures improves pregnancy rates in women with endometriosis.

Evidence Acquisition

A literature review was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane, and Google Scholar and concluded on September 10, 2022.

Results

Two Cochrane meta-analyses and 16 selected studies present various interesting data of assisted reproduction technique procedures on patients with endometriosis-related infertility with or without depot GnRH-a pretreatment.

Conclusions

The regimen may have a positive clinical effect on cases of severe endometriosis (American Society for Reproductive Medicine stages III–IV), but their use is not routinely recommended in order to improve pregnancy rates.

Relevance

Endometriosis and infertility are closely related through various pathogenetic mechanisms. Endometriosis has been traditionally considered to negatively affect fundamental aspects of the in vitro fertilization–frozen embryo transfer procedure. Numerous interventions, both medical and surgical, have been proposed in order to improve IVF success rates, and the optimal management of these cases poses an ever pressing challenge.

Target audience

Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians

Learning objectives

After completing this activity, the learner will be better able to describe the relationship between endometriosis and infertility, including implication of assisted reproduction techniques; discuss the role of GnRH-a pretreatment in IVF-FET procedures, in terms of results and underlying mechanism of action; and explain limitations of existing data and the need for further research.
Comparison of Efficacy of Vaginal Misoprostol Versus a Synthetic Osmotic Dilator (Dilapan-S) for Cervical Preparation Before Operative Hysteroscopy: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Nair Aiswarya K. , Subbaiah Murali , Maurya Dilip Kumar
Published: July 2024

(Abstracted from Gynecol Minim Invasive Ther 12(2023) 225–229)

Standard procedure for treatment of uterine lesions includes operative hysteroscopy using the resectoscope. Cervical dilation is necessary before the procedure to prevent complications such as cervical laceration and uterine perforation.
Comprehensive Machine Learning-Based Preoperative Blood Features Predict the Prognosis for Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Wu Meixuan , Gu Sijia , Yang Jiani , Zhao Yaqian , Sheng Jindan , Cheng Shanshan , Xu Shilin , Wu Yongsong , Ma Mingjun , Luo Xiaomei , Zhang Hao , Wang Yu , Zhao Aimin
Published: July 2024

(Abstracted from BMC Cancer 2024;24:267)

Ovarian cancer has a low survival rate and is the number one cause of tumor-related deaths among gynecologic cancers in the United States. One of the primary reasons for the poor outcomes is that 75% of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients are diagnosed at advanced stages due to subtle clinical symptoms and a lack of robust screening tools.
Two Randomized Trials of Low-Dose Calcium Supplementation in Pregnancy
Authors: Dwarkanath Pratibha , Muhihi Alfa , Sudfeld Christopher R. , Wylie Blair J. , Wang Molin , Perumal Nandita , Thomas Tinku , Kinyogoli Shabani M. , Bakari Mohamed , Fernandez Ryan , Raj John-Michael , Swai Ndeniria O. , Buggi Nirmala , Shobha Rani , Sando Mary M. , Duggan Christopher P. , Masanja Honorati M. , Kurpad Anura V. , Pembe Andrea B. , Fawzi Wafaie W.
Published: July 2024

(Abstracted from N Engl J Med 2024;390:143–53)

Many maternal deaths globally are associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, which include preeclampsia. Several interventions have been investigated as possible preventive measures, one of which is calcium supplementation.
Postoperative Spindle Cell Nodule Mimicking Metastatic Lesion With Persistently Increasing 68Ga-FAPI-04 Uptake After Receiving Personalized Antigen Peptide Tumor Vaccine
Authors: Wang Yirong , Quan Zhiyong , Nie Yongzhan , Kang Fei , Wang Jing
Published: July 2024

A 59-year-old woman underwent radical surgery and chemotherapy for gastric adenocarcinoma. After the personalized antigen peptide tumor vaccine, a new nodular lesion, in the upper abdomen, was discovered during 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/MRI follow-up. To determine possible pseudoprogression, 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/MRI was repeated 39 days later, referring to immune PET response criteria in solid tumors. The lesion showed increased 68Ga-FAPI-04 uptake, whereas uptake in vaccine injection sites decreased, and was ultimately diagnosed as a postoperative spindle cell nodule.
Barriers and facilitators of evidence-based practice in the Portuguese context: perceptions of formal nursing leaders
Authors: Santos Diana , Cardoso Daniela , Cardoso Ana Filipa , Duque Filipa Margarida , Fernandes Beatriz , Sousa Rosário , Amaral António Fernando
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

Formal nursing leaders play an important role in promoting and sustaining evidence-based practice (EBP) in the clinical context, particularly by creating a conducive environment for change and increasing clinicians’ awareness of the positive results of EBP. However, nursing leaders encounter both barriers and facilitators in their work; therefore, it is important to understand their perceptions on this topic.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to understand the perceptions of formal nursing leaders about barriers and facilitators for EBP.

Methods:

A descriptive exploratory study with a qualitative approach was conducted. A convenience sample was obtained, consisting of formal nursing leaders from three Portuguese health care institutions. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Content analysis was conducted using MAXQDA Analytic Pro 2022 software.

Results:

Seventeen formal nursing leaders were interviewed. Five categories of EBP barriers were identified: (1) scarce resources and inefficient resource management; (2) non-conducive organizational culture; (3) distance between academia and the clinical context; (4) demotivation; and (5) resistance to change. Seven categories of EBP facilitators were identified: (1) availability of resources and efficient resource management; (2) conducive organizational culture; (3) partnerships between academia and the clinical context; (4) motivation and commitment; (5) leadership; (6) organization that regulates professional practice; and (7) multidisciplinary meetings.

Conclusions:

This study identified barriers and facilitators for EBP through the perceptions of formal nursing leaders. Collaborative multidisciplinary efforts by leaders, direct care professionals, academics, and researchers should be conducted to overcome barriers and strengthen facilitators for EBP.

Spanish abstract:

http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A242
Dart and the Taung juvenile: making sense of a century-old record of hominin evolution in Africa
Authors: Rowan John , Wood Bernard
Published: July 2024

The announcement in 1925 by Raymond Dart of the discovery of the Taung juvenile’s skull in a quarry in sub-Saharan Africa is deservedly a classic publication in the history of palaeoanthropology. Dart’s paper—which designated Taung as the type specimen of the early hominin species
Australopithecus africanus
—provided the first fossil evidence supporting Charles Darwin’s 1871 prediction that Africa was where the human lineage originated. The Taung juvenile’s combination of ape and human characteristics eventually led to a paradigm shift in our understanding of human evolution. This contribution focuses on the milieu in which Dart’s paper appeared (i.e. what was understood in 1925 about human evolution), the fossil evidence as set out by Dart, his interpretation of how a species represented by a fossilized juvenile’s skull fitted within prevailing narratives about human evolution and the significance of the fossil being found in an environment inferred to be very different from that occupied by living apes. We also briefly review subsequent fossil finds that have corroborated the argument Dart made for having discovered evidence of a hitherto unknown close relative of humans, and summarize our current understanding of the earliest stages of human evolution and its environmental context.
Electrostatic pollination by butterflies and moths
Authors: England Sam J. , Robert Daniel
Published: July 2024

Animals, most notably insects, generally seem to accumulate electrostatic charge in nature. These electrostatic charges will exert forces on other charges in these animals’ environments and therefore have the potential to attract or repel other objects, for example, pollen from flowers. Here, we show that butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) accumulate electrostatic charge while in flight. Then, using finite element analysis, we demonstrate that when within millimetres of a flower, the electrostatic charge of a lepidopteran generates an electric field in excess of 5 kV m
−1
, and that an electric field of this magnitude is sufficient to elicit contactless pollen transfer from flowers across air gaps onto the body of a butterfly or moth. Furthermore, we see that phylogenetic variations exist in the magnitude and polarity of net charge between different species and families and Lepidoptera. These phylogenetic variations in electrostatic charging correlate with morphological, biogeographical and ecological differences between different clades. Such correlations with biogeographical and ecological differences may reflect evolutionary adaptations towards maximizing or minimizing charge accumulation, in relation to pollination, predation and parasitism, and thus we introduce the idea that electrostatic charging may be a trait upon which evolution can act.
Comparative genome analyses of Staphylococcus aureus from platelet concentrates reveal rearrangements involving loss of type VII secretion genes
Authors: Ighem-Chi Sylvia , Flint Annika , Weedmark Kelly , Pagotto Franco , Ramirez-Arcos Sandra
Published: July 2024

Staphylococcus aureus has been involved in transfusion-transmitted fatalities associated with platelet concentrates (PCs) due to its heightened pathogenicity enhanced by genome-encoded virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. This may be facilitated by mobile genetic elements (MGEs) that can cause rearrangements. Several factors contribute to S. aureus virulence, including the type VII secretion system (T7SS), which is comprised of twelve genes, six of which form the T7SS core and are conserved across S. aureus strains. In this study, we conducted comparative genome analyses of five S. aureus isolates from PCs (CI/BAC/25/13/W, PS/BAC/169/17/W and PS/BAC/317/16/W were detected during PCs screening with the BACT/ALERT automated culture system, and ATR-20003 and CBS2016-05 were missed during screening and caused septic transfusion reactions). Multiple alignments of the genomes revealed evidence of rearrangements involving phage ɸSa3 in PS/BAC/169/17/W and PS/BAC/317/16/W. While the former had undergone translocation of its immune evasion cluster (IEC), the latter had lost part of the phage, leaving behind the IEC. This observation confirms S. aureus genome plasticity. Unexpectedly, strain CBS2016-05 was found to encode a pseudo-T7SS that had lost five of the conserved core genes (esxA, esaA, essA, esaB and essB) and contained a 5’ truncated essC. Since these genes are essential for the function of the T7SS protein transport machinery, which plays a key role in S. aureus virulence, CBS2016-05 probably compensates by recruiting other export mechanisms and/or alternative virulence factors, such as neutralizing immunity proteins. This study unravels genome rearrangements in S. aureus isolated from PCs and reports the first S. aureus isolate lacking conserved T7SS core genes.
Intestinal serotonergic vagal signaling as a mediator of microbiota-induced hypertension
Authors: de Araujo Alan , Sree Kumar Hemaa , Yang Tao , Plata Adriana Alviter , Dirr Elliott W. , Bearss Nicole , Baekey David M. , Miller Darren S. , Donertas-Ayaz Basak , Ahmari Niousha , Singh Arashdeep , Kalinoski Andrea L. , Garrett Timothy J. , Martyniuk Christopher J. , de Lartigue Guillaume , Zubcevic Jasenka
Published: July 2024

Hypertension is a pervasive global health challenge, impacting over a billion individuals worldwide. Despite strides in therapeutic strategies, a significant proportion of patients remain resistant to the currently available therapies. While conventional treatments predominantly focus on cardiac, renal, and cerebral targets, emerging research underscores the pivotal role of the gut and its microbiota. Yet, the precise mechanisms governing interactions between the gut microbiota and the host blood pressure remain unclear. Here we describe a neural host-microbiota interaction that is mediated by the intestinal serotonin (5-HT) signaling via vagal 5HT3a receptors and which is crucial for maintenance of blood pressure homeostasis. Notably, a marked decrease in both intestinal 5-HT and vagal 5HT3aR signaling is observed in hypertensive rats, and in rats subjected to fecal microbiota transplantation from hypertensive rats. Leveraging an intersectional genetic strategy in a Cre rat line, we demonstrate that intestinal 5HT3aR vagal signaling is a crucial link between the gut microbiota and blood pressure homeostasis and that recovery of 5-HT signaling in colon innervating vagal neurons can alleviate hypertension. This paradigm-shifting finding enhances our comprehension of hypertensive pathophysiology and unveils a promising new therapeutic target for combating resistant hypertension associated with gut dysbiosis.