bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Differ by Patient Demographics? An Evaluation of Perioperative Anesthetic Management – An Observational Study.
Authors: Goldson Kareem V. , Brennan Emily , Burton Brittany N. , Faloye Abimbola O. , Habermann Elizabeth B. , Hanson Kristine T. , Warner David O. , Youssef Mohanad R. , Milam Adam J.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Disparities in postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and its prophylaxis may exist based on race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES). Our objective was to evaluate whether patients from racial and ethnic minority groups and patients from lower SES backgrounds received less appropriate PONV prophylaxis and experienced higher rates of PONV and post-discharge nausea and vomiting (PDNV).

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included 23,333 adults who underwent major surgeries (total knee arthroplasty, cholecystectomy, hysterectomy, and prostatectomy) from 2017-2022 in a single, multi-state hospital system. Outcomes included prophylactic antiemetic administration according to consensus guidelines as well as occurrence of PONV and PDNV, with predictors being patient race and ethnicity, payor type, and community-level SES.

Results:

About 45% (n=10,407) of patients received guideline-recommended PONV prophylaxis. Regression models showed statistically significant differences in appropriate PONV prophylaxis by race and ethnicity as well as community-level SES, with Black (OR=0.76; 95% CI: 0.63, 0.92) and Hispanic (OR=0.82; 95% CI: 0.70, 0.96) patients having lower odds of receiving appropriate antiemetic prophylaxis compared to non-Hispanic White patients. Approximately 11% of patients (n=2522) experienced PONV in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), and about 19.5% of patients (n=4540) experienced PDNV. No significant differences in PONV were observed in the PACU among different groups, however, Black, Hispanic, Other races and ethnicities, and patients with Medicaid had higher odds of PDNV.

Conclusion:

The study identified differences in appropriate PONV prophylaxis by race and ethnicity as well as community-level SES. There were no differences in PONV by our predictors, but higher odds of PDNV by race and ethnicity and payor. This study underscores the importance of data stratification in quality measures to identify disparities in perioperative care; it can lead to changes in perioperative anesthetic management. Further research should explore these associations in a broader cohort and address potential confounding sources.
Endometrium-Free Closure Technique During Cesarean Delivery for Reducing the Risk of Niche Formation and Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Antoine Clarel , Meyer Jessica A. , Silverstein Jenna , Buldo-Licciardi Julia , Lyu Chen , Timor-Tritsch Ilan E.
Published: January 2025

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the prevalence and severity of postcesarean residual niche, evaluated using saline infusion sonohysterography, in an expanded cohort of women with one prior cesarean delivery and to assess the effect of uterine closure technique on the risk of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders.

METHODS:

This secondary analysis includes 70 patients who underwent saline infusion sonohysterography after one prior cesarean delivery. Patients were grouped according to hysterotomy closure technique: two-layer endometrium-free closure (technique A), and two- or one-layer routine closures (technique B). Niche dimensions and residual myometrial thickness were measured. The primary outcome was clinically significant niche (depth larger than 2 mm), a risk factor for PAS. Groups were compared using χ2, unpaired t test, Kruskal-Wallis, and logistic regression with significance at P<.05.

RESULTS:

There were 33 patients in the technique A group and 37 patients in the technique B group. Technique A was associated with smaller niche dimensions (P=.018 for width, .005 for depth, and .002 for length), and exhibited thicker residual myometrial thickness (8.5 mm vs 5.5 mm, P=.041) and a lower incidence of clinically significant niches. The odds of having a clinically significant niche were 27 times higher in the technique B group (adjusted odds ratio 27.1, 95% CI, 4.35–168.81, P<.001).

CONCLUSION:

Uterine closure techniques are associated with the development and size of postcesarean residual niches, which are critical risk factors for PAS disorders. Use of an endometrium-free closure technique during primary cesarean delivery is associated with a reduced risk of future niche formation and PAS complications.
Evaluating the quality of life in mothers caring for children with congenital clubfoot: prospective sequential evaluation along the course of Ponseti management
Authors: Agarwal Anil , Mittal Prabhat , Garg Varun , Patel Yogesh , Sachdeva Kishmita , KS Ankitha , Upadhyay Ashish , Salot Jainam
Published: January 2025

The post birth revelation of child with physical anomaly taxes maternal hopes of a healthy child. However, unlike many other congenital anomalies, the Ponseti method has enabled an early and effective treatment of the clubfoot deformity. Our study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) of mothers with child born with idiopathic clubfoot through various stages of its management compared to a healthy infant. The study was conducted on mothers of children born with untreated congenital idiopathic clubfoot presenting within first 3 months after birth and undergoing Ponseti treatment. The WHO Quality of Life Instrument (QoL), Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire was used to capture maternal responses at enrolment of the child at the clubfoot clinic, at percutaneous Achilles tenotomy, 3 weeks post tenotomy, and 1 month after prescription of foot abduction brace. Intertreatment comparison of QoL responses was performed. Baseline values for QoL domains were obtained for mothers born with healthy infants (controls). Responses from 29 affected mothers and 30 controls were available. The QoL responses from affected mothers were significantly lower than those born with healthy children. The domains most affected were psychological health and environment (P < 0.001). Subsequent responses through various stages of Ponseti management remained comparable. Although the affected mothers’ QoL was lower than mothers of healthy child, they were pacified by the available treatment and the counseling for clubfoot. Physical health and social relationship domains were no longer areas of concern for them. Further, there was no change of QoL across sequential Ponseti management.
Raising the bar: evaluating quality and consistency in clinical guidelines for surgical management of pulmonary carcinoid
Authors: Bertolaccini Luca , Bardoni Claudia , Caffarena Giovanni , Chiari Matteo , Diotti Cristina , Mazzella Antonio , Benini Lavinia , Spada Francesca , Corso Giovanni , Pisa Eleonora , Casiraghi Monica , Fazio Nicola , Spaggiari Lorenzo
Published: January 2025

Leading societies have established guidelines that vary significantly regarding recommendations for the surgical management of pulmonary carcinoids (PC). We aimed to assess current guidelines and recommendations for PC surgical management, benchmark their methodological quality, and identify factors that may influence their effectiveness in guiding surgical practice. Literature was sought to identify relevant guidelines for the management of PC. Each guideline was evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) tool and rated on a seven-point scale for items and domains. Five observers assessed four guidelines (developed by ENETS in 2015, ESMO in 2021, NANETS in 2021, and NCCN in 2020). In Scope and Purpose and Stakeholder Involvement, the NCCN guideline achieved the highest score. In Rigor of Development, NANETS and ENETS achieved the highest score. In Clarity of Presentation, ENETS guidelines scored the highest score. For applicability, NCCN received the highest score. All guidelines got the highest score in the Rigor of Development and Clarity of Presentation domains, whereas the Applicability domain received the lowest score. The methodological quality of guidelines on the surgical management of PC varies significantly. The findings underscore the need for future guidelines to prioritize practical implementation in clinical and surgical practice, ensuring that recommendations reflect best practices and effectively meet surgeons’ needs. Based on our AGREE II appraisal, the ENETS and ESMO guidelines might be recommended as a model for developing future recommendations and guidelines.
New treatments for glaucoma
Authors: Mai Anthony P. , Ferguson Tanner J. , Radcliffe Nathan
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review

This review highlights new Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved glaucoma treatments to familiarize providers with immediately available options.

Recent findings

New FDA-approved treatments include the bimatoprost implant, travoprost implant, direct selective laser trabeculoplasty (DSLT), and ocular pressure adjusting pump. The bimatoprost implant is approved for a single administration with effects lasting for about 1 year, as opposed to the nearly 3-year effect for the travoprost implant. Meanwhile, the DSLT lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) by applying a laser through the limbus within 2 s. Lastly, the ocular pressure adjusting pump is a noninvasive, nonpharmaceutical device that lowers IOP with negative pressure within a pair of goggles. Not only do these modalities lower IOP, but they also improve the patient experience by reducing drop burden, decreasing laser duration, or lowering side effects. Although the list of therapies still in development is extensive, another two promising devices under review include a supraciliary stent and an adjustable aqueous tube shunt.

Glaucoma treatment has considerably evolved over the last decade with the introduction of novel topical medications, minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, sustained-release drug delivery systems, and wearable devices. This expansion in glaucoma has enabled more patient-centric decision-making regarding treatment.
Development and Evaluation of a Care Needs Scale for Parents of Children With Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Zhang Yu-Jing , Lee Mei-Yin , Wang Huei-Shyong , Chang Yue-Cune
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND: Tourette syndrome (TS) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in school-age children. Although TS is not life-threatening, the tics and comorbidities can impact a child's physical and mental health, as well as interpersonal interactions. Understanding the care needs of parents of children with TS is essential for providing healthcare services that effectively support these children. The aim of the study was to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the care needs scale for parents of children with TS (CNS-PCTS) in Taiwan. METHODS: This study used a methodological design. The scale was developed by preliminarily identifying relevant items and dimensions through a systematic review of the literature. A pilot test with 30 participants and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) confirmed the subscales and items pertaining to the care needs of the parents. Data analysis included content validity, item analysis, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and EFA. The Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was adopted to assess the discriminant validity of the CNS-PCTS. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-six parents of children with TS completed the scale. The scale-level content validity index was 0.92. The EFA revealed that the CNS-PCTS consisted of 13 items, with the factor loadings ranging from 0.656 to 0.83, and covered 3 factors: getting information about TS, assisting children in social engagement, and obtaining parenting support. The discriminant validity showed a positive correlation between the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the CNS-PCTS. Cronbach's α coefficients of the subscales ranged from 0.89 to 0.94, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.94. CONCLUSION: The CNS-PCTS demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties. It helps health professionals understand parents' care needs and assess the effectiveness of interventions. Confirmatory factor analysis can be performed in future studies to provide more rigorous validity.
The Relationship Between Psychological Distress and Sleep Quality Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: The Moderating Effect of Gender
Authors: LEE Szu-Ying , HUANG Sheng-Miauh , HUNG Chia-Tai , FANG Su-Chen
Published: January 2025

Background

Symptoms of psychological distress such as depression and anxiety as well as gender are known to be associated with sleep quality in middle-aged and older adults. However, little is known about the effect on sleep quality of interactions among these factors.

Purpose

This study was developed to investigate the moderating effect of gender on the relationship between psychological distress and sleep quality in middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional design, secondary data analysis of data on 5,590 individuals aged ≥ 45 years from the Taiwan Biobank database (2009–2018) was used. In this database, psychological distress was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4, and sleep quality was assessed using a self-report, one-question scale. Demographic data and health-related variables were evaluated as potential confounding factors. A hierarchical regression was conducted to examine the moderating effect of gender on the relationship between psychological distress and sleep quality after adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

The participants with severe psychological distress were found to have a lower mean quality of sleep than those without (p < .01), and males returned a better mean quality of sleep score than females (p < .01). Moreover, a significant interaction effect between psychological distress and gender on sleep quality score was found (b = 0.123, SE = 0.022, p = .03). In terms of participants with severe psychological distress, males reported significantly poorer sleep quality than females.

Conclusions

The findings provide evidence that gender moderates the relationship between sleep quality and psychological distress. Also, in terms of individuals with severe psychological distress, males reported worse sleep quality than women, indicating psychological distress impacts sleep quality in men more than women. Nurses should be aware of these findings when working with clinical professionals to tailor gender-specific education interventions to improve sleep quality and psychological health.
Hepatic metabolism and ketone production in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Plaisance Eric P.
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is present in 25–35% of individuals in the United States. The purpose of this review is to provide the contextual framework for hepatic ketogenesis in MASLD and to spotlight recent advances that have improved our understanding of the mechanisms that drive its development and progression.

Recent findings

Traditionally, hepatic ketogenesis has only been considered metabolically during prolonged fasting/starvation or with carbohydrate deplete ketogenic diets where ketones provide important alternative energy sources. Over the past 2 years, it has become increasingly clear from preclinical rodent and human clinical studies that hepatic ketogenic insufficiency is a key contributor to the initiation and progression of MASLD.

A more thorough understanding of the metabolic dysregulation that occurs between the liver and extrahepatic tissues has significant potential in the development of innovative nutritional and pharmacological approaches to the treatment of MASLD.
Potential gains in PrEP coverage and effect on racial disparities following introduction of on-demand and long-acting injectable PrEP: Preferences of men who have sex with men in the United States, 2021-2022
Authors: Jones Jeb , Siegler Aaron J , Glick Jennifer L. , Lucas Iaah , Sullivan Patrick S , Sarkar Supriya , Ragone Leigh , Rawlings M Keith , Vannappagari Vani , Sanchez Travis
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

There are persistent race- and ethnicity-based disparities in HIV incidence among gay and bisexual men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in the United States, partially driven by inequities in distribution of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We assessed how additional modalities of PrEP beyond daily oral might affect uptake of PrEP and ongoing disparities in HIV incidence in the US.

Methods:

In an online survey of GBMSM in the US, we presented participants with descriptions of each PrEP modality. Among GBMSM not willing to use daily oral PrEP, we assessed willingness to use on-demand or long-acting injectable (LA) PrEP. Among GBMSM using daily oral PrEP, we assessed willingness to switch to on-demand or LA PrEP.

Results:

Among GBMSM who were not willing to use daily oral PrEP, most were also not willing to use either on-demand or LA PrEP. In adjusted analyses, Hispanic/Latino, non-Hispanic/Latino Black, and non-Hispanic/Latino GBMSM of other races were more willing to use LA PrEP than non-Hispanic/Latino White GBMSM; none of the adjusted prevalence ratios was statistically significant. Most GBMSM currently taking daily oral PrEP reported a preference for staying on that regimen. Among those interested in switching, most were interested in on-demand PrEP.

Conclusions:

Most GBMSM not willing to use daily oral PrEP are also not willing to use other modalities of PrEP; most GBMSM who are currently using daily oral PrEP prefer to continue using that dosing strategy. Our results suggest that differential preferences in modalities of PrEP will not exacerbate existing disparities in PrEP distribution or HIV incidence.
Association Between County-Level Social Vulnerability and CDC-funded HIV Testing Program Outcomes in the United States, 2020−2022
Authors: Song Wei , Mulatu Mesfin S. , Crepaz Nicole , Wang Guoshen , Patel Deesha , Xia Mingjing , Essuon Aba
Published: January 2025

Background:

Community-level social vulnerabilities may affect HIV outcomes. This analysis assessed the association between county-level social vulnerability and CDC-funded HIV testing program outcomes.

Setting:

HIV testing data from 60 state and local health departments and 119 community-based organizations were submitted to CDC during 2020−2022.

Methods:

HIV testing data were combined with county-level Minority Health Social Vulnerability Index, which measures economic, medical, and social vulnerability. We calculated absolute and relative disparity measures for HIV testing program outcomes (i.e., HIV positivity, linkage to medical care, interview for partner services, referral to PrEP providers) between high and low social vulnerability counties. We compared differences in HIV testing program outcomes by demographic factors and test site type.

Results:

The majority (85.8%) of the 4.9 million tests were conducted in high social vulnerability counties. HIV positivity (1.1%) and linkage to medical care after a new diagnosis (77.5%) were higher in high social vulnerability counties. However, interview for partner services after a new diagnosis (72.1%) and referrals to PrEP providers among eligible HIV-negative persons (48.1%) were lower in high social vulnerability counties. Additionally, the relative disparity in HIV testing program outcomes varied by demographic factors and test site type.

Conclusion:

CDC-funded HIV testing programs reach the most vulnerable communities. However, testing outcomes vary by community vulnerability, demographic factors, and test site type. Continued monitoring of the relationship between county-level social vulnerability and HIV testing program outcomes would guide HIV testing efforts and allocate resources effectively to achieve the national goal of ending the HIV epidemic.
Noninvasive Approach to Postoperative Bleeding in Patients Undergoing Septorhinoplasty Surgery
Authors: Karaca Ekrem , Çinar Gökhan , Soylu Erkan
Published: January 2025

Objectives:

In this study, we retrospectively examined the bleeding that occurred in the 5-year patient series.

Materials and Methods:

One thousand seven hundred seventy-five patients who underwent septorhinoplasty surgery between 2019 and 2023 were included in the study, and 28 of these patients who presented with bleeding complications were examined. All patients underwent open-technique septorhinoplasty surgery with or without concha intervention and were discharged the next day after overnight hospitalization.

Results:

Of the 1775 patients included in the study, 1415 (79.7%) were female and 360 (20.3%) were male. Bleeding was observed in a total of 28 cases (1.6%). There was no difference regarding age or sex in patients with bleeding. It was also observed that concha intervention did not make a difference in terms of bleeding. The bleeding period ranged from 1 to 9 days, with an average period of 5.53 ± 2.36 days and a median bleeding period of 6 days. All bleeding patients were followed up with supportive treatment and were discharged after a 24-hour bleeding-free period. There was no need for interventions in the operating room or blood transfusions in for any patient.

Conclusion:

Patients who present with bleeding after rhinoplasty can be observed, and their bleeding can be controlled without further intervention with supportive treatment and sufficient time.
Pediatric Craniofacial Injuries Involving Alcohol: An Epidemiologic Study
Authors: Palmer Skyler K. , Danciutiu Alexandra , Gomez Diego A. , Salazar Bruno , Porras Antonio R. , French Brooke , Nguyen Phuong D. , Khechoyan David Y.
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Alcohol intoxication significantly increases an individual’s risk for a variety of injuries including craniofacial injuries, although this research is limited to adults. Further research is needed on pediatric craniofacial injuries related to alcohol use in children, a group inherently different in anatomy and developmental considerations from adults. This study aims to identify alcohol-related craniofacial injury patterns, injury mechanisms, and patient disposition in the pediatric population presenting to the emergency department.

Methods:

A cross-sectional analysis of alcohol-related injuries in the pediatric population (0–18 years of age) was performed using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database from 2019 to 2023. Patient demographics, specific primary and secondary injury diagnoses, injury mechanism, location, and discharge disposition were collected. Descriptive statistics and χ2 tests were used to understand injury patterns.

Results:

A total of 266 patients with alcohol-related craniofacial injuries were identified, with an age range of 12 to 18 years. The most common craniofacial injuries were brain injury, facial laceration, and concussions. Additional injuries occurred in most patients and were often either poisoning or an additional craniofacial injury. Injury mechanisms included falls, motorized and non-motorized recreational vehicles, motor vehicle collisions, and others. Although most patients were discharged from the emergency department, some required transfer or admission, particularly those with brain injuries or fractures.

Conclusion:

This study evaluates pediatric craniofacial injuries involving alcohol. Falls emerged as the most common injury mechanism, and most injuries occurred in older adolescents. This population had high rates of brain injury and concomitant injuries, highlighting the significant morbidity present.
“Gender-Affirming Vaginoplasty Using Robotic Peritoneal Flap Method
Authors: Blasdel Gaines , Hemal Kshipra , Dubach-Reinhold Charlie , Parker Augustus , Amro Chris , Zhao Lee C. , Bluebond-Langner Rachel
Published: January 2025

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine the outcomes of robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty.

Background:

There is a lack of long-term outcomes data for gender-affirming vaginoplasty to inform patient decision-making.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort of 500 consecutive patients undergoing robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty from 2017-2023 were reviewed. Complications requiring procedural intervention, self-reported vaginal dimensions, and orgasm were recorded at each follow up visit and analyzed as outcomes.

Results:

487 (97%) of patients were followed to 3 months, and 425 (85%) to 1 year or greater. Twenty patients (4%) had a complication requiring procedural intervention, and 61(12%) had elective revision surgery. Median self-reported vaginal depth and width at 1 year was 14.5 cm (14.5-14.5) and 3.8 cm (3.8-3.8 cm). There were 12 patients (4%) no longer dilating using standard dilators at this pre-scheduled 1-year appointment, and at last follow-up ≥1 year, 8% were no longer dilating. Thirty-six (8%) of patients were considered anorgasmic at last follow up. Difficulty with orgasm prior to surgery was associated with lower rates of achieving orgasm after surgery and less consistent vaginal depth at 1 year, however 80% of these patients were able to orgasm after surgery.

Conclusions:

Clinician-observed and patient-reported outcomes for robotic gender-affirming peritoneal flap vaginoplasty were superior to those reported in the literature for penile inversion vaginoplasty. Patients who do not achieve orgasm prior to surgery are less likely to achieve orgasm and maintain vaginal depth afterwards, however the majority of these patients have improved sexual health after surgery.
Life after Pelvic Exenteration for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Brown Kilian G. M. , White Kate , Solomon Michael J. , Sutton Paul , Ng Kheng-Seong , Steffens Daniel
Published: January 2025

Objective:

To explore the perspectives and experiences of patients and carers living with the long-term consequences of pelvic exenteration.

Summary Background Data:

Pelvic exenteration is accepted as the standard of care for selected patients with locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer. With contemporary 5-year survival reported at 40-60%, the number of long-term survivors is expected to increase. The long-term consequences of such radical surgery for patients and their survivorship needs are not well understood.

Methods:

This was an exploratory, qualitative study conducted at a high-volume pelvic exenteration centre. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with survivors of pelvic exenteration surgery for locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer and their carers. Purposive sampling was used to ensure a diverse cohort. Data were thematically analysed.

Results:

Three major themes were identified: 1. The consequences of surgery are the price you pay for survival: the majority of participants accepted the sequelae of surgery as the cost of survival. 2. Our lives are changed forever: Adjusting to changes in body appearance and function was an ongoing challenge. Chronic pain, stomas, altered bowel function and mobility issues impacted work and social life. 3. The good days and bad days as a survivor: While several participants reported a more positive approach to life, many were living with a pervasive fear of recurrence and/or dying, and the ripple effect on family and friends was significant.

Conclusions:

Although survivors of pelvic exenteration accept the long-term consequences of surgery as the price of survival, these are significant, and improved access to support services in the community may better equip survivors to manage these challenges.
Above and Beyond: When Clinical Guidelines for Nutrition Support Fall Short
Authors: Daher Natalie , Seabaugh Marion
Published: January 2025

Adequate nutrition support is an important intervention for critically ill patients posttransplant and can result in desirable outcomes. However, energy requirements of these patients are uncertain and debatable, and cannot always be measured with indirect calorimetry. Even less consensus is available for those who languish in the intensive care unit and develop chronic critical illness (CCI). Individuals with CCI are at high risk for malnutrition due to hypermetabolism, wound healing requirements, and loss of lean body mass. This case study presents the nutritional management of a severely malnourished, multiorgan transplant recipient with CCI.
Does Behavioral Feeding Problem Influence Weight Status and Diet Quality in Preschool Children?
Authors: Kaya Neşe , Aykemat Yusuf , Kurtbeyoğlu Emine
Published: January 2025

This study investigated behavioral feeding problems and associations with weight status and diet quality in preschool children. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 265 children aged 3 to 6 years. The Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) was used to assess feeding behavior. Higher feeding problems were associated with lower body mass index and lower diet quality. Underweight children had higher mean BPFAS scores (P = .01). Having fewer siblings was associated with lower diet quality (r = 0.187; P = .002) and higher BPFAS scores (r = −0.127; P = .038). Higher BPFAS scores, picky-eaters scores, toddler refusal-general scores, and older children refusal-general scores were associated with lower body mass index and lower diet quality (P < .001).
Single-cycle parainfluenza virus type 5 vectors for producing recombinant proteins, including a humanized anti-V5 tag antibody
Authors: Randall Richard E. , Young Dan , Pisliakova Maria , Andrejeva Jelena , West Lynsey , Rossler Luis , Morath Volker , Hughes David , Goodbourn Steve
Published: January 2025

Parainfluenza virus type 5 (PIV5) can cause either persistent or acute/lytic infections in a wide range of mammalian tissue culture cells. Here, we have generated PIV5 fusion (F)-expressing helper cell lines that support the replication of F-deleted viruses. As proof of the principle that F-deleted single-cycle infectious viruses can be used as safe and efficient expression vectors, we have cloned and expressed a humanized (Hu) version of the mouse anti-V5 tag antibody (clone SV5-Pk1). We show that multiple different cell lines can be infected and express high levels of the Hu anti-V5 antibody, with Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing 20–50 mg l−1 after 5 days when cells were grown to a density of ~1×106 cells per millilitre at the time of infection. We suggest that PIV5-based vectors may be further developed to produce recombinant proteins both in vitro and in vivo.
A yeast-assembled, plasmid-launched reverse genetics system for the murine coronavirus MHV-A59
Authors: Sterling Cade E. , Wilson Natalie R. , Harris Debreiona Y. , Smith Everett Clinton
Published: January 2025

The Betacoronavirus murine hepatitis virus (MHV) is an important model system for studying coronavirus (CoV) molecular and cell biology. Despite this, few reagents for MHV are available through repositories such as ATCC or Addgene, potentially limiting the widespread adoption of MHV as a tractable model system. To overcome some challenges inherent in the existing MHV reverse genetics systems, we developed a plasmid-launched transformation-associated recombination (TAR) cloning-based system to assemble the MHV (strain A59; MHV-A59) genome. Following assembly in yeast, virus replication was launched by transfecting the fully assembled genome into HEK-293T cells. MHV-A59 recovered using this TAR cloning-based approach (WTTAR MHV-A59) replicated with kinetics identical to the virus recovered using a ligation- and T7-based approach (WTLIG MHV-A59). Additionally, WTTAR MHV-A59 can be detected at least 10 h post-transfection without requiring additional nucleocapsid (N) provided in trans. Lastly, we demonstrated the tractability of this TAR cloning-based system by recovering MHV-A59 expressing an 11 amino acid-containing HiBiT tag fused to the C-terminus of spike (S). While this virus, SC MHV-A59, replicated with reduced kinetics compared to WTTAR MHV-A59, the kinetics of virion production could be measured over time directly from the supernatant. This report represents the first plasmid-launched, TAR cloning-based system for MHV-A59. Furthermore, it describes a new reporter virus that could be used to study early steps during MHV-A59 entry and be used in the screening of antiviral compounds. To support future research with MHV-A59, we have made the necessary plasmids for this system available through ATCC.
Perceived constraints to healthy diets: Evidence from agrifood system assessments in rural South Asia
Authors: Patwardhan Sharvari , Chakrabarti Suman , Choo Esther M. , Boncyk Morgan , Blake Christine , Kim Sunny S. ,   TAFSSA Collaborators, Scott Samuel
Published: January 2025

The healthfulness of diets in South Asia is limited by socio-economic and public infrastructure challenges. Perceptions about food such as availability, accessibility, desirability, and convenience can impact food choice and ultimately diets. However, there are limited tools to understand consumers’ perceptions of these factors and if perceptions relate to actual food intake. Using a novel tool administered across five rural districts in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal, we quantify the association between food perceptions and food intake. A Likert scale (agree, neutral, disagree) was used to capture respondents’ perceptions about seven food choice drivers (affordability, accessibility, desirability, convenience, food quality, food safety, availability) for a list of six common foods. For each food, principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to identify latent “drivers”. The association between these and diets (using 24-hour dietary recall data) was estimated using multivariable regression analysis. There was considerable heterogeneity across countries with respect to the relative importance of food choice drivers and diet quality. There is a need to measure and understand individual food perceptions that drive food choice to help develop policies that promote healthier food choices.
Distinct roles of cortical layer 5 subtypes in associative learning
Authors: Moberg Sara , Garibbo Michele , Mazo Camille , Gilad Ariel , Schmitz Dietmar , Costa Rui Ponte , Larkum Matthew E. , Takahashi Naoya
Published: January 2025

Adaptive behavior is critically dependent on associative learning, where environmental cues are linked with subsequent positive or negative outcomes. In mammals, primary neocortical sensory areas serve as pivotal nodes in this process, processing stimuli and distributing information to cortical and subcortical networks. Layer 5 (L5) of the cortex comprises two types of pyramidal projection neurons—intratelencephalic (IT) and extratelencephalic (ET) neurons—each with distinct downstream targets. Despite the crucial function of L5 as a main output node of the cortex, the specific contributions of these L5 neuronal subtypes to associative learning remain poorly understood. In the present study, by leveraging transgenic mouse lines, we distinguished IT and ET neurons in the primary somatosensory cortex and examined their roles in a whisker-based frequency-discrimination learning task. Longitudinal two-photon calcium imaging revealed distinct response characteristics between IT and ET neurons throughout learning. Interestingly, the activity of IT neurons hardly changed over the five days of learning, while the activity of ET neurons developed robustly. Furthermore, IT neurons appeared to show stimuli encoding from the beginning, whereas the ET neurons became increasingly responsive to stimuli associated with reward. Chemogenetic silencing of either IT or ET neurons both impaired learning, but in strikingly distinct ways, each associated with a different phase of learning. By modeling the response characteristics of IT and ET neurons using a reinforcement learning framework, we show that IT neurons primarily encode sensory stimuli, and their representations are critical for forming stimulus-reward associations. ET neurons instead represent the value of the stimulus, used for refining behavior. Thus, our results delineate the distinct roles of L5 IT and ET neurons, underscoring their integral and complementary contributions to associative learning.
Human milk miRNAs respond to infections of the mother and infant during breastfeeding
Authors: Alsaweed Mohammed , Badsha Mezyndra , Lai Ching Tat , Geddes Donna T. , Kakulas Foteini
Published: January 2025

miRNAs have been recently discovered in different mammals’ milk. Specifically, human milk (HM) is highly rich in miRNAs, with differential expression amongst its fractions including cells, fat, and skim milk. Various factors, such as the stage of lactation or milk removal during breastfeeding have been shown to influence the miRNA content of HM. Here, we sought to determine the effect of maternal and/or infant infection on the miRNA profile of HM cell and fat fractions analyzed using next generation sequencing. Breastfeeding mother/infant dyads (n=18) were followed during one or more infection episodes as well as upon recovery. HM cells and fat together contained 1,780 known miRNA species, which is the highest number of known miRNAs assayed in human body fluids to date. In addition, 592 novel miRNAs were predicted, of which 95 were of high confidence. Comparisons between samples collected when the participants were healthy and when infected yielded 453 differentially expressed (p<0.05) known miRNAs. Of these, 70 were highly expressed and differentially regulated during infection, with 62 upregulated and 8 downregulated known miRNAs during infection. Most of the highly and differentially expressed miRNAs are known to play critical roles in immunity and immune system development. These findings support the use of HM miRNAs as biomarkers of the health status of the lactating breast and the breastfeeding mother/infant dyad.
Unlocking information alignment between interacting brains with EEG hyperscanning
Authors: Moerel Denise , Grootwagers Tijl , Quek Genevieve L. , Smit Sophie , Varlet Manuel
Published: January 2025

Social interactions shape our perception of the world as the people we interact with, and groups we belong to, influence how we interpret incoming information. Alignment between interacting individuals’ sensory and cognitive processes plays a critical role in facilitating cooperation and communication in everyday joint activities. However, despite recent advances in hyperscanning techniques to measure the brain activity of multiple people simultaneously, the neural processes underlying this alignment remain unknown. Here, we leveraged Representational Similarity Analysis (RSA) with electroencephalography (EEG) hyperscanning data to measure neural representations and uncover the emergence of information alignment between interacting individuals’ brains during joint visual categorisation. We recorded EEG from 24 pairs of participants sitting back-to-back while they performed a 4-way categorisation task based on rules they first agreed upon together. The results revealed significant interbrain information alignment as early as 45 ms after stimulus presentation, lasting over hundreds of milliseconds. Importantly, early alignment between brains arose between 45 and 180 ms regardless of whether participants performed the task together or were randomly matched up a posteriori to form pseudo pairs, whereas alignment after 200 ms was only present for real pairs who previously formed the categories together. This result distinguishes alignment that was socially induced by pre-agreed and shared interpretation of the stimuli from alignment that was purely evoked by shared sensory responses due to participants seeing the same visual input. In addition, our results showed that socially induced alignment was an active and dynamic process, which strengthened over time with practice and reinforcement of shared agreements, but appeared to remain largely task specific with no transfer during passive viewing of the same stimuli. Together, these findings highlight distinct sensory evoked and socially induced processes underpinning human perception and interbrain information alignment during social interactions that can be effectively captured and disentangled with Interbrain RSA.
Artificial Intelligence in Pancreatic Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm Imaging: A Systematic Review
Authors: Qadir Muhammad Ibtsaam , Baril Jackson A. , Yip-Schneider Michele T. , Schonlau Duane , Tran Thi Thanh Thoa , Schmidt C. Max , Kolbinger Fiona R.
Published: January 2025

Background

Based on the Fukuoka and Kyoto international consensus guidelines, the current clinical management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) largely depends on imaging features. While these criteria are highly sensitive in detecting high-risk IPMN, they lack specificity, resulting in surgical overtreatment. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based medical image analysis has the potential to augment the clinical management of IPMNs by improving diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

Based on a systematic review of the academic literature on AI in IPMN imaging, 1041 publications were identified of which 25 published studies were included in the analysis. The studies were stratified based on prediction target, underlying data type and imaging modality, patient cohort size, and stage of clinical translation and were subsequently analyzed to identify trends and gaps in the field.

Results

Research on AI in IPMN imaging has been increasing in recent years. The majority of studies utilized CT imaging to train computational models. Most studies presented computational models developed on single-center datasets (n=11,44%) and included less than 250 patients (n=18,72%). Methodologically, convolutional neural network (CNN)-based algorithms were most commonly used. Thematically, most studies reported models augmenting differential diagnosis (n=9,36%) or risk stratification (n=10,40%) rather than IPMN detection (n=5,20%) or IPMN segmentation (n=2,8%).

Conclusion

This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the research landscape of AI in IPMN imaging. Computational models have potential to enhance the accurate and precise stratification of patients with IPMN. Multicenter collaboration and datasets comprising various modalities are necessary to fully utilize this potential, alongside concerted efforts towards clinical translation.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

Artificial Intelligence holds promise in the field of IPMN by augmenting IPMN detection, differentiation of different types of pancreatic cysts, stratifying malignant progression risk, and automating the analysis of IPMN imaging through computational cyst segmentation.

The majority of studies related to AI-based analysis of IPMN imaging use single-center patient cohorts of less than 250 patients to develop and validate computational models and consider imaging as the only data modality.

Reporting transparency of existing studies on AI in IPMN imaging is limited and there remains a scarcity of comprehensive, multimodal approaches as well as clinical translation.
Cardiometabolic Indicators of Cognitive Impairment in The Cameron County Hispanic Cohort
Authors: Musfee Fadi I. , Agarwal Seema , Maroufy Vahed , McCormick Joseph , Fisher-Hoch Susan , Savitz Sean I.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Cognitive impairment (CI) and its related risk factors (e.g., diabetes and stroke) are highly prevalent among Hispanic/Latinos (H/L); however, prior research in H/L focused on aging individuals (≥65 years of age). We conducted a prospective study in a younger cohort of H/L (majority <65 years old) from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (CCHC) to comprehensively assess the associations between a wide-range of cardiometabolic health indicators with CI.

Methods

We identified a total of 1240 CCHC subjects with complete Mini-mental status exam (MMSE) data at study baseline and at 5-year follow-up. The outcome (i.e., CI) was based on MMSE scores of less than 24. We conducted univariate associations for multiple cardiometabolic indicators with CI; and mixed logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios for the associations between cardiometabolic indicators and CI adjusted for age, education, prior stroke, andAPOEgene.

Results

The majority (89.9%) of the participants were <65 years old. A total of 117 subjects had CI at baseline (9.4%). Baseline study cohort showed that Individuals with CI were older with a lower education performance, and were more likely to be diabetic with lower mean levels of Low-density Lipoprotein, and a higher mean systolic blood pressure. Diabetes significantly increased the odds for CI (OR:2.11, 95%CI:1.26-3.52) from the adjusted multivariate mixed logistic models.

Conclusions

This analysis showed that diabetes was an important indicator for CI regardless of age, education, orAPOEgene status. These findings highlight the higher burden of cardiometabolic risk factors on CI in the CCHC cohort.
Measuring plasma volume in women of reproductive age – a comparison study of hydroxyethyl starch to other methods
Authors: Martin Leigh A. , Gallagher Kelly , Arcot Amrita , Barberio Matthew , Smith Emily R. , Gernand Alison D.
Published: January 2025

Methods for measuring plasma volume (PV) have rarely been validated or compared, and some are unsafe in certain populations (e.g., pregnancy). We aimed to develop and evaluate a PV method using hydroxyethyl starch (HES) that is safe in women of reproductive age and could be used in pregnancy. A convenience sample of healthy nonpregnant women (n=12) of reproductive age participated in a comparison study using two indicator dilution methods – HES and indocyanine green (ICG), and three estimations - Kaplan, Hurley, and Nadler equations. Baseline blood samples were collected; we injected ICG and HES separately, each followed by post-injection sampling. We compared HES PV to the other methods using Bland-Altman analysis. Participants had mean ± SD age of 25.8±7.5 years and mean BMI of 21.7±1.7 kg/m2. Mean PV estimations for HES, ICG, Kaplan, Hurley, and Nadler methods were 2,046±392 mL, 2,765±820 mL, 2,443±464 mL, 2,407±301mL, and 2,373±406 mL, respectively. In each analysis, differences for 11/12 participants were within the Bland-Altman limits of agreement, ±2 SD from each mean difference. In conclusion, PV measured by HES was >300 mL lower than other estimates, but had a narrow distribution within the expected range. Future studies should validate methods for PV measurement across populations, including pregnancy.

Highlights

What is the central question of this study?

How does plasma volume (PV) estimated using hydroxyethyl starch (HES) compare to estimates using other methods in healthy women of reproductive age?

What is the main finding and its importance?

In this comparison study of PV methods (HES, indocyanine green, and estimation equations), PV measured by HES was >300 mL lower than other estimates, but had a narrow distribution that was within the expected range. Future work is still needed to validate the HES method across populations.