bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transnational Human Rights Violations: Addressing the Evolution of Globalized Repression through National Human Rights Institutions
Authors: Chubb Andrew , Roberts Lyer Kirsten
Published: August 2024

Transnational Human Rights Violations (THRV) are infringements of individual rights that originate outside the jurisdiction in which they take effect. Ranging from violent and criminal forms of transnational repression through to coercion against targets’ family members abroad, digital surveillance, and legal intimidation, THRVs today generate widespread and systemic constraints on the exercise of human rights in jurisdictions around the world. At present, however, targets of THRVs typically find few avenues through which to raise complaints, receive assistance or pursue redress. This article proposes a new domestic institutional mechanism to directly address this situation. It first examines the mutually reinforcing, additive effects of transnational surveillance, coercion and censorship in the digital era. Next, it identifies relevant human rights standards showing state responsibilities to monitor and counter THRVs within their jurisdiction, and the growing recognition of additive, systemic effects of THRVs on broad populations. The third section examines policy responses in the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, and international organizations, noting that none has adequately addressed the contemporary nature and scope of THRVs as international standards require. The final section argues that to meet their obligations, states should establish Transnational Rights Protection Offices (TRPOs) to provide a clear contact point for targets to raise complaints and receive support; monitor and report on the situation of THRVs taking effect within the state’s jurisdiction; advise and inform government departments on THRV issues; and develop evidence-based policy recommendations. We conclude by laying out the rationale for its institutional status within National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs).
Frequency shift in binary microlensing
Authors: Sarbaz Samaneh , Rahvar Sohrab
Published: August 2024

Gravitational microlensing with binary lensing is one of the channels for detecting exoplanets. Due to the degeneracy of the lens parameters for the binary microlensing, additional features such as parallax and finite-size effects need to identify the lens parameters. The frequency-shift effect as the relativistic analogy of the gravity assist for the photons, is an extra observation that provides additional constraint between the lens parameters. In this work, we extend the application of the frequency-shift effect to binary microlensing and derive the frequency shift during the lensing and caustic crossing. The frequency shift for the binary lens is of the order of ${\Delta \nu }/{\nu }\sim 10^{-12}$. We also investigate the feasibility of detecting this effect by employing cross-correlation methods.
SDSS-IV MaNGA: stellar rotational support in disc galaxies versus central surface density and stellar population age
Authors: Wang Xiaohan , Luo Yifei , Faber S M , Koo David C , Mao Shude , Westfall Kyle B , Lu Shengdong , Wang Weichen , Bundy Kevin , Boardman N , Avila-Reese Vladimir , Fernández-Trincado José G , Lane Richard R
Published: August 2024

We investigate how the stellar rotational support changes as a function of spatially resolved stellar population age ($D_n4000$) and relative central stellar surface density ($\Delta \Sigma _1$) for MaNGA isolated/central disc galaxies. We find that the galaxy rotational support indicator $\lambda _{R_\mathrm{e}}$ varies smoothly as a function of $\Delta \Sigma _1$ and $D_n4000$. $D_n4000$ versus $\Delta \Sigma _1$ follows a ‘J-shape’, with $\lambda _{R_\mathrm{e}}$ contributing to the scatters. In this ‘J-shaped’ pattern rotational support increases with central $D_n4000$ when $\Delta \Sigma _1$ is low but decreases with $\Delta \Sigma _1$ when $\Delta \Sigma _1$ is high. Restricting attention to low-$\Delta \Sigma _1$ (i.e. large-radius) galaxies, we suggest that the trend of increasing rotational support with $D_n4000$ for these objects is produced by a mix of two different processes, a primary trend characterized by growth in $\lambda _{R_\mathrm{e}}$ along with mass through gas accretion, on top of which disturbance episodes are overlaid, which reduce rotational support and trigger increased star formation. An additional finding is that star-forming galaxies with low $\Delta \Sigma _1$ have relatively larger radii than galaxies with higher $\Delta \Sigma _1$ at fixed stellar mass. Assuming that these relative radii rankings are preserved while galaxies are star forming then implies clear evolutionary paths in central $D_n4000$ versus $\Delta \Sigma _1$. The paper closes with comments on the implications that these paths have for the evolution of pseudo-bulges versus classical bulges. The utility of using $\rm D_n4000$–$\Delta \Sigma _1$ to study $\lambda _{R_\mathrm{e}}$ reinforces the notion that galaxy kinematics correlate both with structure and with stellar-population state, and indicates the importance of a multidimensional description for understanding bulge and galaxy evolution.
A complex node of the cosmic web associated with the massive galaxy cluster MACS J0600.1-2008
Authors: Furtak Lukas J , Zitrin Adi , Richard Johan , Eckert Dominique , Sayers Jack , Ebeling Harald , Fujimoto Seiji , Laporte Nicolas , Lagattuta David , Limousin Marceau , Mahler Guillaume , Meena Ashish K , Andrade-Santos Felipe , Frye Brenda L , Jauzac Mathilde , Koekemoer Anton M , Kohno Kotaro , Espada Daniel , Lu Harry , Massey Richard , Niemiec Anna
Published: August 2024

MACS J0600.1-2008 (MACS0600) is an X-ray-luminous, massive galaxy cluster at $z_{\mathrm{d}}=0.43$, studied previously by the REionization LensIng Cluster Survey and ALMA Lensing Cluster Survey projects which revealed a complex, bimodal mass distribution and an intriguing high-redshift object behind it. Here, we report on the results of a combined analysis of the extended strong lensing (SL), X-ray, Sunyaev–Zeldovich (SZ), and galaxy luminosity-density properties of this system. Using new JWST and ground-based Gemini-N and Keck data, we obtain 13 new spectroscopic redshifts of multiply-imaged galaxies and identify 12 new photometric multiple-image systems and candidates, including two multiply-imaged $z\sim 7$ objects. Taking advantage of the larger areal coverage, our analysis reveals an additional bimodal, massive SL structure which we measure spectroscopically to lie adjacent to the cluster and whose existence was implied by previous SL-modelling analyses. While based in part on photometric systems identified in ground-based imaging requiring further verification, our extended SL model suggests that the cluster may have the second-largest critical area and effective Einstein radius observed to date, $A_{\mathrm{crit}}\simeq 2.16\, \mathrm{arcmin}^2$ and $\theta _{\mathrm{E}}=49.7^{\prime \prime }\pm 5.0^{\prime \prime }$ for a source at $z_{\mathrm{s}}=2$, enclosing a total mass of $M(\lt \theta _{\mathrm{E}})=(4.7\pm 0.7)\times 10^{14}\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$. These results are also supported by the galaxy luminosity distribution, and the SZ and X-ray data. Yet another, probably related massive cluster structure, discovered in X-rays 5 arcmin (1.7 Mpc) further north, suggests that MACS0600 is part of an even larger filamentary structure. This discovery adds to several recent detections of massive structures around SL galaxy clusters and establishes MACS0600 as a prime target for future high-redshift surveys with JWST.
Broad-Band X-Ray Analysis of NGC 3227
Authors: Newman Jared , Tsuruta Sachiko , Liebmann Andrew C , Kunieda Hideyo , Haba Yoshito
Published: August 2024

Previously in Project A we carried out analysis of the data obtained by observations of the 1.5 Seyfert galaxy NGC 3227—the two observations performed by XMM-Newton in 2000 and 2006 and six observations by Suzaku in 2008. In the current paper, Project B, our work was extended to joint XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations in 2016 as well as a NuSTAR observation in 2017. In Project A a unified model was constructed. The model consists of a hard power law ($\Gamma _{\mathrm{ Hard}}=1.4{\!-\!}1.7$) which is interpreted as the Comptonized emission from the corona above an accretion disk. In the high flux states an additional soft excess component dominates, which is consistent with either a power law ($\Gamma _{\mathrm{ Soft}}=3.3{\!-\!}3.85$) or warm Comptonization. These emissions are absorbed by a partially covering material and warm absorbers. A reflection component and several emission lines are also present. In Project B, the model presented in Project A was applied to more recent observations. It was found that this model remains valid. Our conclusion is that this model is consistent, valid with the long observations from 2000 to 2017 and over the broad frequency band from 0.3 keV to 50 keV.
Current Mental Health Clients’ Religious/Spiritual Beliefs and Practices: A National Survey
Authors: Oxhandler Holly K , Polson Edward C , Pearce Michelle , Vieten Cassandra , Pargament Kenneth I
Published: August 2024

This article describes the results of a cross-sectional survey of current mental health clients’ religious/spiritual beliefs and practices, as well as how clients perceive such practices as influencing their mental health. A total of 989 self-identified mental health clients across the United States completed an anonymous online survey in 2018. This survey included several items and instruments to measure clients’ religious affiliation, religious/spiritual beliefs and practices, and a new set of items to assess the degree to which clients perceive their religious/spiritual practices impacting their mental health. The results of descriptive, correlation, and chi-square analyses indicate religion/spirituality (RS) play a nuanced and complex role in most clients’ lives, with a majority reporting positive views related to their RS and indicating they consider their religious/spiritual practices to be helpful when it comes to their mental health. Further, there are several noteworthy similarities and differences between mental health clients’ religious/spiritual beliefs and practices as compared with those of the general U.S. population during 2018 as well as a national sample of licensed clinical social workers in 2013. Based on these findings, implications and considerations are discussed for social work practitioners serving mental health clients, and for educators training the next generation of social workers.
Magnolin alleviates cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis via Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Ince Sinan , Demirel Hasan Huseyin , Demirkapi Ezgi Nur , Kucukkurt Ismail , Eryavuz Abdullah , Arslan-Acaroz Damla , Acaroz Ulas , Tureyen Ali
Published: August 2024

In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of magnolin (MAG) against oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) and its role in the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Rats were administered MAG (1 mg/kg, i.p.) for 14 days and CP (75 mg/kg, i.p.) on the 14th day. CP administration increased tissue damage, as evidenced by elevated levels of transaminases (aspartate and alanine), alkaline phosphatase, and renal parameters (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine). Additionally, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine and malondialdehyde levels were increased, whereas glutathione levels, along with catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, decreased in CP-treated rats. CP also down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2, HO-1, Nrf2, and NQO-1, while up-regulating Bax, Cas-3, TNF-α, Cox-2, iNOS, IL-6, IL-1β, and NFκB in liver and kidney tissues. In addition, CP treatment caused histopathological changes in heart, lung, liver, kidney, brain, and testis tissues. Treatment with MAG improved biochemical and oxidative stress parameters and prevented histopathological changes in CP-treated rats. Moreover, MAG suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis markers. In conclusion, MAG effectively prevented CP-induced toxicity by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, with its protective efficacy associated with the up-regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling.
A transcriptomic biomarker predictive of cell proliferation for use in adverse outcome pathway-informed testing and assessment
Authors: Corton J Christopher , Ledbetter Victoria , Cohen Samuel M , Atlas Ella , Yauk Carole L , Liu Jie
Published: August 2024

High-throughput transcriptomics (HTTr) is increasingly being used to identify molecular targets of chemicals that can be linked to adverse outcomes. Cell proliferation (CP) is an important key event in chemical carcinogenesis. Here, we describe the construction and characterization of a gene expression biomarker that is predictive of the CP status in human and rodent tissues. The biomarker was constructed from 30 genes known to be increased in expression in prostate cancers relative to surrounding tissues and in cycling human MCF-7 cells after estrogen receptor (ER) agonist exposure. Using a large compendium of gene expression profiles to test utility, the biomarker could identify increases in CP in (i) 308 out of 367 tumor vs. normal surrounding tissue comparisons from 6 human organs, (ii) MCF-7 cells after activation of ER, (iii) after partial hepatectomy in mice and rats, and (iv) the livers of mice and rats after exposure to nongenotoxic hepatocarcinogens. The biomarker identified suppression of CP (i) under conditions of p53 activation by DNA damaging agents in human cells, (ii) in human A549 lung cells exposed to therapeutic anticancer kinase inhibitors (dasatinib, nilotnib), and (iii) in the mouse liver when comparing high levels of CP at birth to the low background levels in the adult. The responses using the biomarker were similar to those observed using conventional markers of CP including PCNA, Ki67, and BrdU labeling. The CP biomarker will be a useful tool for interpretation of HTTr data streams to identify CP status after exposure to chemicals in human cells or in rodent tissues.
Narrative Accounts of Youth and Their Mothers With Chronic Headache
Authors: Lund Tatiana , Neville Alexandra , Jordan Abbie , Carter Bernie , Sumpton Janice , Noel Melanie
Published: August 2024

Objectives:

This study was the first to apply a socio-narratology framework to the narratives about child pain as told by youth with chronic pain and their parents, all of whom experience chronic headaches.

Background:

Storytelling is a powerful social transaction that occurs within systems (eg, families, clinical encounters) and is both shaped by, and can shape, the pain experience. Narrative can be harnessed as a clinical tool to aid in the ability to listen, understand, and improve clinical encounters.

Methods:

Twenty-six youth (aged 11 to 18 y) and their mothers, both with chronic headaches, recruited from a tertiary level pediatric pain clinic separately completed in-depth interviews about children’s pain journey narratives. Data were analyzed using narrative analysis, which incorporated elements of socio-narratology to compare similarities and differences between and within dyads’ narratives.

Results:

Five narrative types were generated: (1) The trauma origin story—parents, but not youth, positing traumatic events as the causal link to children’s pain; (2) mistreated by the medical system—neglect, harm, and broken promises resulting in learned hopelessness or relying on the family system; (3) the invalidated—invalidation of pain permeated youth’s lives, with mothers as empathic buffers; (4) washed away by the pain—challenges perceived as insurmountable and letting the pain take over; and (5) taking power back from pain—youth’s ability to live life and accomplish goals despite the pain.

Conclusion:

Findings support the clinical utility of narrative in pediatric pain, including both parents' and youths' narrative accounts to improve clinical encounters and cocreate more youth-centred, empowering narratives.
Reviewing Ethical Guidelines for the Care of Patients with Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders after 30 Years: Rethinking Our Approach at a Time of Transition
Authors: Allen Matthew B. , Siddiqui Shahla , Nwokolo Omonele , Kuza Catherine M. , Sadovnikoff Nicholas , Mann David G. , Souter Michael J.
Published: August 2024

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) opposes automatic reversal of do-not-resuscitate orders during the perioperative period, instead advocating for a goal-directed approach that aligns decision-making with patients’ priorities and clinical circumstances. Implementation of ASA guidelines continues to face significant barriers including time constraints, lack of longitudinal relationships with patients, and difficulty translating goal-focused discussion into concrete clinical plans. These challenges mirror those of advance care planning more generally, suggesting a need for novel frameworks for serious illness communication and patient-centered decision-making. This review considers ASA guidelines in the context of ongoing transitions to serious illness communication and increasingly multidisciplinary perioperative care. It aims to provide practical guidance for the practicing anesthesiologist while also acknowledging the complexity of decision-making, considering limitations inherent to anesthesiologists’ role, and outlining a need to conceptualize delivery of ethically informed care as a collaborative, multidisciplinary endeavor.
From traditional to targeted: the changing trajectory of therapies in dermatomyositis
Authors: Castillo Rochelle L. , Hashemi Kimberly , Rainone Elizabeth , Shaw Katharina S. , Vleugels Ruth Ann
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review

New breakthroughs in our understanding of dermatomyositis (DM) have spawned the recent development of novel agents that specifically target key drivers in DM immunopathogenesis. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of new and forthcoming therapies for DM and to highlight their mechanisms of action, best evidence to date, and potential impact on disease management.

Recent findings

Strategies that either counteract dysregulated interferon signaling [via the inhibition of interferon β, the type I interferon receptor subunit 1 (IFNAR1), or janus kinase (JAK)–signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) transduction] or induce durable autoreactive B cell depletion through chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy appear to hold the most promise for sustained remission in DM.

The trajectory of DM treatments is rapidly evolving, fueled by the unparalleled insights provided by multiomic studies and big data analysis pipelines. Targeted therapies that maximize both efficacy and safety have the potential to complement or replace traditional immunosuppressives and revolutionize the approach to the management of DM.
Intraoperative Subperiosteal Elevation of the Ulnar Nerve Is a Safe and Effective Way to Minimize Postoperative Ulnar Neuritis in Distal Humerus Fractures
Authors: Sinkler Margaret A. , Fortier Luc M. , Ayad Mina , Arza Ramon , Napora Joshua , Ochenjele George
Published: August 2024

OBJECTIVES:

To describe subperiosteal elevation of the ulnar nerve and compare to anterior transposition and in situ decompression techniques.

METHODS:

Design:

Retrospective comparative study.

Setting:

Urban Level 1 trauma center.

Patient Selection Criteria:

Distal humerus fractures (Orthopaedic Trauma Association/AO 13) treated with open reduction internal fixation between 2014 and 2022.

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:

Rate of preoperative and postoperative neuritis grouped by the management of the ulnar nerve. During subperiosteal elevation, the ulnar nerve was identified and raised off the ulna subperiosteally and mobilized submuscularly anterior to the medial epicondyle to protect the nerve. The nerve was released only laterally off the triceps, and the medial soft tissue attachment is maintained. The main outcome measurements was rate of neuritis documented within physical examination.

RESULTS:

Within the 125 patients, 35 underwent subperiosteal elevation (mean age of 56 ± 21 years, 57% female), 63 in situ decompression (mean age of 60 ± 18 years, 46% female), and 27 anterior transposition (mean age of 55 ± 20 years, 59% female). Preoperative ulnar neuritis was present in 34%, 21%, and 33% of patients treated with subperiosteal elevation, in situ decompression, and anterior transposition, respectively (P = 0.26). At postoperative evaluation, symptom resolution occurred in 100%, 69%, and 33% of patients treated with subperiosteal elevation, in situ decompression, and anterior transposition, respectively (P = 0.003). New cases of postoperative ulnar neuritis occurred in 6%, 8%, and 26% of patients treated with subperiosteal elevation, in situ decompression, and anterior transposition, respectively (P = 0.054). Subperiosteal elevation outperformed anterior transposition regarding postoperative ulnar neuritis (P = 0.019) and symptom resolution (P = 0.002) and performed similarly to in situ decompression (P > 0.05). On multiple regression analysis, anterior transposition was an independent risk factor for postoperative neuritis (OR = 5.2, P = 0.023).

CONCLUSIONS:

Subperiosteal elevation is an effective way to minimize postoperative neuritis and similar to an in situ decompression during distal humerus fracture fixation. Based on the results of this cohort, authors recommended that anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve be used with caution due to its association with postoperative ulnar neuritis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Clinical and Radiographic Results of a Retrograde Nail—Washer Combination Versus Lateral Locked Plating for Distal Femur Fractures
Authors: Shaath M. Kareem , Kerr Matthew S. , Haidukewych George J.
Published: August 2024

OBJECTIVES:

The objective of this study was to report outcomes of the Retrograde Femoral Nail-Advanced with Lateral Attachment Washer (RFNA-LAW) (Synthes, Paoli, PA) compared with laterally locked plates (LLP) when treating AO/OTA type 33 distal femoral fractures.

METHODS:

Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Setting:

Single, academic, Level-1 Trauma Center.

Patient Selection Criteria:

All adult patients who had fixation of an AO/OTA type 33 distal femoral fracture with the RFNA-LAW combination or LLP from 2018 to 2023 with follow-up to union or a minimum of 1 year.

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:

The main outcome measure was union. Secondary outcomes included implant failure, infection, and alignment immediately postoperatively and at final follow-up. Primary and secondary outcome measures were compared between the RFNA-LAW and LLP groups.

RESULTS:

Forty-eight patients (19 female) with a mean age of 56 years (range 19–94 years) were in the RFNA-LAW group. Fifty-three patients (29 female) with a mean age of 66 years (24–91 years) were in the LLP group. There were no significant differences when comparing body mass index, diabetes, smoking status, mechanism of injury, or fracture classification between groups (P > 0.05). There was no difference in immediate, postoperative alignment (P = 0.49). When comparing anatomic lateral distal femoral angle measurements at final follow-up, there was significantly more malalignment in the LLP group (P = 0.005). There were 8 implant failures (15%) in the LLP group compared with 1 in the RFNA-LAW group (2%) (P = 0.02). There were 14 reoperations (26%) in the LLP group compared with 4 (8%) in the RFNA-LAW group (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS:

The Retrograde Nail Advanced—Lateral Attachment Washer combination demonstrated a high union rate when treating complex fractures of the distal femur. When compared with lateral locked plating, this implant combination demonstrated significantly lower rates of nonunion and reoperation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
SGPP2 is activated by SP1 and promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression
Authors: Yang Xi , Wang Chen
Published: August 2024

The late diagnosis and easy metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma (LADC) remains a challenge. SGPP2 is reported to modulate cell processes in many cancers. However, the roles and molecular mechanisms of SGPP2 in LADC are unclear. Online bioinformatics tools GEPIA, CPTAC, and K-M plotter were used to analyze the expression of SGPP2 and the prognosis in LADC. JASPAR and PROMO were used to predict the transcription factors of SGPP2. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR and western blot were used to detect the levels of SGPP2 in LADC cell lines and tissues. Cell counting kit-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, and transwell assay were used to detect cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion. The anti-cancer effect of SGPP2 silence was evaluated in the LADC xenograft model. It was found that SGPP2 was highly expressed and related to the poor prognosis of LADC patients. Elevated SGPP2 expression was detected in LADC cell lines and tissues. The chi-square test indicated that the expression of SGPP2 was positively related to tumor, node, metastasis grades and lymph node metastasis. Knocking down SGPP2 significantly inhibited LADC cell viability, and invasion, but induced apoptosis. The anti-tumor effects of SGPP2 were verified in vivo. The upstream transcription factor of SGPP2 was predicted to be SP1, which was highly expressed in LADC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of SP1 partly rescued the inhibition of SGPP2-shRNA in cell growth, colony formation, and invasion capabilities, and decreased apoptotic cell number in LADC cells. This study demonstrated that SGPP2, activated by SP1, promotes LADC cell proliferation and invasion, and suppresses apoptosis in LADC.
The impact of green space on nonaccidental and cause-specific mortality in the Adventist Health Study-2 population
Authors: Hreha Holly , Spencer-Hwang Rhonda , Knutsen Synnove , Shavlik David
Published: August 2024

Background:

There is growing interest in evaluating the long-term health effects of neighborhood environments, particularly green space. However, only a limited body of research further incorporates multiple ambient air pollutants.

Methods:

This study looked at the relationship between green space, as measured by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, and mortality adjusted by key confounders in the Adventist Health Study-2, a longitudinal cohort study from 2002 to 2015, across the contiguous United States (N = 67,400). We used Cox proportional hazard regression models to assess the risk of nonaccidental, cardiovascular disease (CVD), ischemic heart disease (IHD), and respiratory disease mortality from green space around subjects’ home address under multiple covariate and pollutant adjustments.

Results:

We found a 0.1 unit increase in the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index was associated with nonaccidental (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.96 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93, 0.99]), CVD (HR: 0.94 [95% CI: 0.90, 0.98]), and IHD (HR: 0.87 [95% CI: 0.81, 0.94]) mortality, with the greatest precision in fully adjusted three-pollutant models using the 1000-m buffer. Effect estimates were strengthened in urban areas, when incorporating seasons, and for females. However, all associations between green space and respiratory mortality were null.

Conclusion:

This study supports evidence that increased neighborhood green space is inversely associated with nonaccidental, CVD, and IHD mortality, where the inclusion of multiple environmental covariates had a greater impact on effect estimate magnitude and precision than adjustment by individual lifestyle and health factors.
A Novel Automated Aspiration of Subretinal Fluid Method During Scleral Buckling For Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Authors: Zhu Kai , Gu Yonghao , Li Xiaojun , Zhou Enliang , He Qin , Gu Qihong
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

The goal of the study is to introduce a modified technique for the removal of subretinal fluid during scnt

leral buckling (SB) to treat rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

Methods:

This case series study was comprised of 18 cases of RRD patients suffering from a novel automated aspiration of subretinal fluid method during SB. The cases took place from July 2023 to November 2023 at the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC. Preoperative and intraoperative situations were evaluated, and spectral-domain optical coherence (SDOCT) and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy were used to observe the absorption of SRF in the early postoperative period.

Results:

The SRF method’s automated aspiration primarily eliminated the SRF of all 18 RRD cases during SB surgery, leading to retinal reattachment, as showed by SLO. The method did not cause extensive intraoperative hemorrhage and had no risk of retinal incarceration or other complications. The SDOCT showed that the height of SRF in the macular area decreased in 10 cases (66.67%), leaving just a thin layer; was completely cleared in two cases (13.33%); had just a macular single bleb in one case (6.67%); and had several blebs left in two cases (13.33%).

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that the automated aspiration of the SRF method is effective, controllable, and beneficial for retinal reattachment, especially in the early postoperative period. Complications with this method were rare.
Optic Nerve Amyloid Deposition Disguised as Optic Nerve Sheath Meningioma
Authors: Bineshfar Niloufar , Clauss Kevin D. , Tan Charissa , Dubovy Sander R. , Tse David T.
Published: August 2024

Localized orbital amyloidosis is a rare clinical entity. Periocular and orbital amyloid deposits are mainly located at the lacrimal apparatus, eyelid, conjunctiva, ocular adnexa, extraocular muscles, and levator palpebrae muscle. In this article, the authors report an unusual case of optic nerve amyloid deposition in an 82-year-old African American woman who presented with vertical diplopia. MRI revealed an enhancing mass from the optic nerve sheath, and CT showed foci of calcifications suggestive of optic nerve meningioma. However, an incisional biopsy demonstrated lymphoproliferative disease with focal optic nerve sheath amyloid deposition confirmed by histologic Congo red staining and immunohistochemistry.
Arsenicicoccus bolidensis, an Unusual Cause for Early-Onset Sepsis in a Term Neonate
Authors: Bengtsson Bengt-Ola S. , van Houten John P.
Published: August 2024

Arsenicicoccus is a gram-positive, non–spore-forming facultatively anaerobic coccus growing in clusters, named after its ability to reduce arsenic from As (V) to As (III). The geographical distribution of Arsenicicoccus isolates is globally diverse and includes soil, avian, and marine sources. No adult cases and only 1 pediatric case of Arsenicicoccus bacteremia have so far been reported. We describe a term neonate with early-onset sepsis and positive blood culture for gram-positive cocci in clusters and the final identification of Arsenicicoccus bolidensis. This is the first described case of Arsenicicoccus causing early-onset sepsis in a neonate. The case illustrates the importance of performing genetic sequencing studies to detect taxonomic misclassification of microorganisms of slow growth and of equivocal identity in the setting of clinical illness when antibiotic susceptibility testing is needed.
Purulent Pericarditis Caused by Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae in a Patient With Autoinflammatory Polyserositis
Authors: Schwartz Laura , Masters Madison , Groginski Taylor , Ozolin Jordan , Pataroque Kaitlin , Panaccione Sophia , Johnson Jennie , Cunha Cheston , Stockwell Philip
Published: August 2024

Haemophilus influenzae is a rare cause of purulent pericarditis. We present the case of a 26-year-old woman with known autoinflammatory disease who presented to a community hospital with chest pain and was found to have pericarditis, initially thought to be inflammatory. She subsequently developed a worsening effusion with tamponade physiology and was transferred to a tertiary care hospital, where she was treated with emergent pericardiocentesis. Purulent pericardial effusion and empyema were found. Cultures grew nontypeable H. influenzae. After treatment with antibiotics and creation of a pericardial window, she recovered fully. Although purulent pericarditis is uncommon, it should be considered in patients with pericarditis not responding to anti-inflammatory treatment, particularly in those who are immunocompromised.
Hepatitis C Virus Infection and COVID-19 Inpatient Mortality
Authors: Goble Spencer R. , Debes Jose D.
Published: August 2024

Background

The impact of chronic HCV infection on outcomes in patients with COVID-19 remains unclear as studies have showed mixed results. We aimed to determine if HCV infection impacted outcomes in COVID-19 hospitalizations.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed hospitalizations for COVID-19 in the year 2020 using the National Inpatient Sample database. ICD-10 codes were used to establish a primary diagnosis of COVID-19 and to determine patients with a history of HCV infection. Outcomes were compared between those with and without a history of HCV using logistical regression analysis, controlled for age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index.

Results

A total of 1,050,720 hospitalizations for COVID-19 were identified, 8040 (0.8%) of which occurred in individuals with a diagnosis of HCV infection. Mortality (OR = 1.04; 95% CI, 0.90–1.22; P = 0.549) and intubation (OR = 1.14; 95% CI, 0.98–1.33, P = 0.092) rates were not significantly increased in patients with a diagnosis of HCV after adjusting for confounders. Mortality was increased in the HCV cohort when it was restricted to those with cirrhosis (adjusted OR = 1.42; 95% CI, 1.05–1.91; P = 0.023) and decompensated cirrhosis (adjusted OR = 2.38; 95% CI, 1.51–3.76, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Whereas cirrhosis was associated with mortality in those hospitalized with COVID-19, HCV in the absence of cirrhosis was not a risk factor for COVID-19 mortality.
Integrating Community-Based Doulas into the Maternity Health Care System in an Urban Hospital
Authors: Schubert Mary , Logsdon M. Cynthia , Sears Clara , Miller Edward , Alobaydullah Ahmed Abdulmohsen , Lain Kristine L.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States are higher than peer countries. These adverse events disproportionally affect Black women.

Local problem:

Rates of maternal morbidity and mortality among Black childbearing women in West Louisville, Kentucky are higher than rates in Kentucky and the United States.

Methods:

We conducted a quality improvement project to evaluate the effectiveness of adding doulas to the health care teams at the Norton downtown hospital to address health disparities and other challenges identified by Black childbearing women related to communication and health care system barriers.

Intervention:

Three culturally congruent doulas were hired and integrated into the health care teams in one large health care organization.

Results:

Participants in the doula program had lower no-show rates for postpartum visits compared with non-participants. No-show rates for prenatal visits were the same for both groups. Rates of diagnosed preeclampsia, hypertension, and chronic hypertension were similar among doula program participants and those who did not participate. Narrative data indicated that program participants and health professionals were generally pleased with the doula program and there was positive feedback from the community.

Conclusions:

Integrating culturally congruent doulas into the health care system maximized their impact to address health and other challenges experienced by Black childbearing women.
Monitoring Postoperative Weight Changes following Reduction Mammaplasty in Adolescents
Authors: Doyle William N. , Jacobs Aaron , Duka Shae , Wojcik Randolph , Murphy Robert X. , Miles Marshall
Published: August 2024

Background:

Macromastia can limit a woman’s ability to exercise. Reduction mammaplasty has been reported to subjectively improve exercise capability and stimulate weight loss. Considering the lack of published quantitative data, the authors sought to examine change in weight and body mass index (BMI) in adolescent women following reduction mammaplasty.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review was performed of patients younger than 21 years who underwent reduction mammaplasty at the authors’ institution from 2015 through 2019.

Results:

Fifty-six patients with follow-up weight measurements were included in the analysis. The median follow-up time was 46.0 months. Only 22 patients (39.3%) experienced a decrease in BMI at final follow-up compared with baseline. Patients classified as having a healthy weight preoperatively (BMI, 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2) experienced a significant increase in BMI at 2-year, 3-year, 5-year, and final postoperative follow-up visits, compared with baseline. Patients classified as overweight (BMI, 25.0 to 29.99 kg/m2) or obese (≥30 kg/m2) did not experience significant BMI change at final postoperative follow-up.

Conclusions:

BMI and weight trended upward postoperatively regardless of BMI classification. Reduction mammaplasty alone is not sufficient to stimulate weight loss. Healthy lifestyle changes should be encouraged to help prevent weight gain in adolescent women following reduction mammaplasty.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Use of Perpendicular Plate of Ethmoid Split Technique in Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty
Authors: Kwon Kyung Won
Published: August 2024

In recent years, the perpendicular plate of ethmoid (PPE) has become a prominent choice for bone-grafting materials. This study introduces the PPE split technique for efficient removal of the bony septum or the harvesting of partial PPE for septal batten grafts in rhinoplasty and septoplasty, particularly suited for cases with thick PPE. Herein, this technique was employed to minimize septal defects and prevent complications while achieving harvested bony grafts of the desired effective thickness. In this retrospective study, 36 patients underwent surgery using the PPE split technique (22 septoplasties and 14 rhinoplasties). The procedure involved detaching the PPE from the septal cartilage and performing a vertical plane osteotomy with a number 10 scalpel blade to remove bony spurs or prepare batten grafts. Paranasal sinus CT revealed that the average anteroinferior PPE thickness was 3.46 mm. This technique was used for both bony batten graft harvesting (26 cases) and bony spur removal, and septum reshaping (10 cases). Successful PPE harvesting was achieved in all cases except for three, which experienced graft breakage. This study demonstrates the viability and effectiveness of the PPE split technique as a supplementary maneuver in septoplasty and rhinoplasty procedures. Its diverse applications include reshaping, correcting deviated septum, harvesting bony batten grafts, and providing support for an aesthetically pleasing nasal profile.
Effectiveness of Agomelatine in Generalized Anxiety Disorder Comorbid to Bipolar 1 Disorder in a Male Adolescent Patient
Authors: Kaçar Aysu , Karakuş Oğuz Bilal , Aydın Zeynep Ece , Adak İbrahim
Published: August 2024

Anxiety comorbidity in bipolar disorder (BD) is important and thus significantly affects the course of BD and its outcomes. The treatment of generalized anxiety disorder comorbid with BD involves certain challenges, as antidepressant medications, which are standard in the treatment of anxiety disorder, have the risk of shifting to manic episodes and rapid cycling. In this case report, the response to agomelatine treatment in generalized anxiety disorder comorbid with bipolar 1 disorder was evaluated.
Psychrosphaera algicola sp. nov. and Paraglaciecola algarum sp. nov., and reclassification of Pseudoalteromonas elyakovii, Pseudoalteromonas flavipulchra, and Pseudoalteromonas profundi as later heterotypic synonyms of P. distincta, P. maricaloris, and P. gelatinilytica
Authors: Bayburt Hülya , Choi Byeong Jun , Kim Jeong Min , Baek Ju Hye , Jeon Che Ok
Published: August 2024

Two Gram-negative, obligately aerobic, rod-shaped bacteria, strains G1-22T and G1-23T, were isolated from the phycosphere of a marine brown alga. Both strains exhibited catalase- and oxidase-positive activities. Strain G1-22T displayed optimal growth at 25 °C, pH 8.0, and 2.0–3.0% (w/v) NaCl, while strain G1-23T exhibited optimal growth at 25 °C, pH 8.0, and 4.0% NaCl. Ubiquinone-8 was identified as the sole isoprenoid quinone in both strains. As major fatty acids (> 5%), strain G1-22T contained C16 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
ω7c and/or C16 : 1
ω6c), summed feature 8 (C18 : 1
ω7c and/or C18 : 1
ω6c), C12 : 1 3-OH, and C10 : 0 3-OH, while strain G1-23T contained C16 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
ω7c and/or C16 : 1
ω6c), and C14 : 0. Phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and diphosphatidylglycerol were major polar lipids in both strains. Strains G1-22T and G1-23T had DNA G+C contents of 40.2 and 38.9 mol%, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA and genome sequences revealed that strains G1-22T and G1-23T formed distinct phylogenetic lineages within the genera Psychrosphaera and Paraglaciecola, respectively. Strain G1-22T showed closest relatedness to Psychrosphaera ytuae MTZ26T with 97.8% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, 70.2% average nucleotide identity (ANI), and a 21.5% digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) value, while strain G1-23T was most closely related to Paraglaciecola aquimarina KCTC 32108T with 95.6% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, 74.6% ANI, and a 20.1% dDDH value. Based on phenotypic and molecular characteristics, strains G1-22T and G1-23T are proposed to represent two novel species, namely Psychrosphaera algicola sp. nov. (type strain G1-22T=KACC 22486T=JCM 34971T) and Paraglaciecola algarum sp. nov. (type strain G1-23T=KACC 22490T=JCM 34972T), respectively. Additionally, based on the comparison of whole genome sequences, it is proposed that Pseudoalteromonas elyakovii, Pseudoalteromonas flavipulchra, and Pseudoalteromonas profundi are reclassified as later heterotypic synonyms of Pseudoalteromonas distincta, Pseudoalteromonas maricaloris, and Pseudoalteromonas gelatinilytica, respectively.
The effects of food-based versus supplement-based very low-energy diets on gut microbiome composition and health outcomes in women with high body mass index (The MicroFit Study): a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lane Melissa M , McGuinness Amelia J , Mohebbi Mohammadreza , Lotfaliany Mojtaba , Loughman Amy , O’Hely Martin , O’Neil Adrienne , Batti Jessica , Kotowicz Mark A , Berk Michael , Saunders Lucy , Page Richard , Beatti Sally , Marx Wolfgang , Jacka Felice N
Published: August 2024

Objective

To compare the effects of consuming food-based versus supplement-based very low-energy diet (VLED) programs on gut microbiome composition in women with a high body mass index (BMI).

Design

An investigator-initiated, single-blind, two-arm, parallel-group randomised controlled-feeding trial with computer-generated 1:1 randomisation. From May 2021 to February 2022, women aged 30– 65 years with BMI 30–45 kg/m2were recruited from southwest Victoria, Australia, and randomised to a three-week food-based or supplement-based VLED program. The primary outcome was between-group differential change in faecal microbiome alpha diversity (Shannon index) from baseline to week three, assessed using shotgun metagenomics. Outcome assessors, study investigators, and analysing statisticians were blinded to group allocation until analysis completion. Allocation concealment was managed by an independent researcher using a computer software system. Modified intention-to-treat (mITT) analyses using linear mixed-effects regression models estimated mean between-group differential changes, reported as beta-coefficient point estimates (β) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI), adjusted for multiple comparisons.

Results

Forty-seven participants were randomised (food-based: n=23, supplement-based: n=24). Of the 45 participants analysed, there was a between-group differential change in the Shannon index (mITT β: 0.37, 95%CI: 0.15 to 0.60) from baseline to week three, with a greater increase in the food-based group (mean change: 0.26, 95%CI: 0.09 to 0.44; n=23) versus supplement-based group (mean change: −0.10, 95%CI: −0.25 to 0.05; n=22). There were 27 non-serious adverse events (food-based: 8, supplement-based: 19), all non-serious.

Conclusion

A food-based VLED, with more whole food components and fewer highly processed industrial ingredients, increases gut microbiome diversity more than a supplement-based VLED.

Summary Box

What is already known on this topic

Dietary interventions can alter gut microbiome composition, but the impact of food processing, including in nutritionally balanced very low energy diets (VLEDs), is less understood.

What this study adds

This study shows that a food-based VLED, with more whole food components and fewer highly processed industrial ingredients, increases gut microbiome diversity more than a supplement-based VLED.

How this study might affect research, practice, or policy. Summarise the implications of this study

Our findings underscore the need for further research into how specific components and attributes of diets, both including and beyond nutritional composition, influence the gut microbiome.
ESPClust: Unsupervised identification of modifiers for the effect size profile in omics association studies
Authors: Pérez-Reche Francisco J. , Cheetham Nathan J. , Bowyer Ruth C.E. , Thompson Ellen J. , Tettamanzi Francesca , Menni Cristina , Steves Claire J.
Published: August 2024

High-throughput omics technologies have revolutionised the identification of associations between individual traits and underlying biological characteristics, but still use ‘one effect-size fits all’ approaches. While covariates are often used, their potential as effect modifiers often remains unexplored. To bridge this gap, we introduce ESPClust, a novel unsupervised method designed to identify covariates that modify the effect size of associations between sets of omics variables and outcomes. By extending the concept of moderators to encompass multiple exposures, ESPClust analyses the effect size profile (ESP) to identify regions in covariate space with different ESP, enabling the discovery of subpopulations with distinct associations. Applying ESPClust to insulin resistance and COVID-19 symptom manifestation, we demonstrate its versatility and ability to uncover nuanced effect size modifications that traditional analyses may overlook. By integrating information from multiple exposures, ESPClust identifies effect size modifiers in datasets that are too small for traditional univariate stratified analyses. This method provides a robust framework for understanding complex omics data and holds promise for personalised medicine.