bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immediate DIEP Breast Reconstruction in a Trans Woman with Breast Cancer
Authors: Avery Emma C. , Barone Natasha , Haykal Siba
Published: May 2024

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer among cisgender women worldwide, with an incidence that continues to rise. Breast reconstruction is increasingly recognized as an integral part of breast cancer management. In tandem, the population of trans women is also increasing. However, few studies have focused on the management of breast cancer in this population, given that estrogen therapy has the potential to increase the risk of breast cancer. We present the case of a 51-year-old trans woman diagnosed with right breast cancer following a 32-year history of estrogen therapy. She presented to our clinic for consultation and immediate breast reconstruction. She opted for bilateral skin-sparing mastectomies, sentinel lymph node biopsies, and immediate breast reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator free flaps. There were no postoperative flap complications. Final pathology revealed invasive mucinous carcinoma, devoid of lymph node involvement. The patient was satisfied with her reconstruction and is currently planning for nipple reconstruction. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case in the literature of bilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator free flap reconstruction in the trans female population after breast cancer diagnosis. This case underscores the need for a holistic treatment approach and heightened vigilance among trans women on estrogen therapy. It also highlights that breast reconstruction should be considered and offered to this patient population.
Association of macular structure with microperimetry sensitivity following vitrectomy for proliferate diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Wang Manqiao , Shao Yan , Gong Yi , Liu Boshi , Liu Juping , Luan Rong , Ma Mingming , Li Xiaorong
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

To evaluate macular sensitivity using microperimetry in patients with proliferate diabetic retinopathy (PDR) following vitrectomy and to investigate the relationship between the sensitivity and foveal microstructures with optical coherence tomography/angiography (OCT/OCTA).

Methods:

Eighty-four eyes of 84 patients with PDR were included, who were indicated for vitrectomy, had no intraocular surgery history 3 months preoperatively, and were able to ensure fundus examination after the vitrectomy. A logMAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), macular sensitivity of microperimetry, macular retinal thickness, and macular vessel perfusion using OCT/OCTA were examined at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively.

Results:

The LogMAR BCVA and mean macular sensitivity of PDR patients improved postoperatively (P < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between BCVA and mean sensitivity (P < 0.05). Postoperative mean macular sensitivity was significantly correlated with outer retinal thickness (ORT) in the 0-6mm macular area (P < 0.05), and also significantly correlated with deep capillary plexus (DCP) perfusion (P < 0.05). Fixation stability and mean macular sensitivity didn’t show any correlation with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglyceride (TG), Serum total cholesterol (TC), carbamide (URE), and creatinine (CRE), and duration of diabetes mellitus (DM) (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Postoperative mean macular sensitivity was significantly correlated with ORT and DCP perfusion for PDR patients. We found that the visual performance of patients can be evaluated by the ORT and DCP perfusion, so OCT/OCTA examination can be an important prognostic factor for visual performance in patients.

Clinical Trial Registration:

This trial is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn, registration number ChiCTR2100043399).
Pilot robotic mastectomy in Singapore (PRoMiSing I) study: first safety and feasibility prospective cohort trial in South East Asia
Authors: Mok Chi W. , Melissa Seet Yert L. , Lin Zar C. , Jeffrey Hing Jun X. , Jaime Seah Chin M. , Tan Su-Ming
Published: May 2024

Background:

Robotic mastectomy has been performed worldwide since 2015. The advantages of the robotic approach in nipple-sparing mastectomy have been proven with better visualization and preservation of blood supply to the nipple–areolar complex, with a lower incidence of necrosis. It also allows smaller incisions for both mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction. To date, no centers in Singapore and Southeast Asia offer robotic mastectomy. We believe that robotic mastectomy is a feasible and safe technique that our population can utilize.

Objectives:

This study aimed to ascertain the surgical outcomes and perform a learning curve analysis in patients undergoing robotic mastectomy in a multi-ethnic South East Asian population.

Methods:

A single-arm prospective pilot study of eligible patients aged 21–70 years old with early breast cancer or high-risk patients indicated for risk-reducing mastectomy who were eligible and consented to robotic mastectomy were enrolled in this trial from December 22, 2022 to December 15, 2023.

Results:

A total of 29 consecutive robotic mastectomies were performed. The mean total operative time was 95±10.2 min. The average blood loss was 5.7±1.9 ml, and the average length of stay was 1.05 days. The mean mastectomy specimen weight was 251 g, and there was no conversion to conventional mastectomy in any case. Furthermore, there were no 30-day morbidity or complications in terms of wound infection requiring intervention, flap, and nipple–areolar complex necrosis, and postoperative hematoma/bleeding requiring intervention.

Conclusion:

This study contributes to the current evidence that robotic mastectomy is a safe and feasible option and could prove to be a great alternative to conventional mastectomy. Further prospective trials examining the long-term oncological outcomes of robotic mastectomy will be performed to establish the oncologic safety of this technique in breast cancer treatment.
Socioeconomic deprivation is associated with worse patient and graft survival following adult liver transplantation
Authors: Forman Lisa M. , Jackson Whitney E. , Arrigain Susana , Lopez Rocio , Schold Jesse D.
Published: May 2024

The impact of social determinants of health on adult liver transplant recipient outcomes is not clear at a national level. Further understanding of the impact of social determinants of health on patient outcomes can inform effective, equitable health care delivery. Unadjusted and multivariable models were used to analyze the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients to evaluate the association between the Social Deprivation Index (SDI) based on the liver transplant recipient’s residential location and patient and graft survival. We included adult recipients between January 1, 2008 and December 1, 2021. Patient and graft survival were lower in adults living in areas with deprivation scores above the median. Five-year patient and graft survival were 78.7% and 76.5%, respectively, in the cohort above median SDI compared to 80.5% and 78.3% below median SDI. Compared to the recipients in low-deprivation residential areas, recipients residing in the highest deprivation (SDI quintile = 5) cohort had 6% higher adjusted risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.13) and 6% higher risk of graft failure (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.001–1.11). The increased risks for recipients residing in more vulnerable residential areas were higher (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03–1.20 for both death and graft loss) following the first year after transplantation. Importantly, the overall risk for graft loss associated with SDI was not linear but instead accelerated above the median level of deprivation. In the United States, social determinants of health, as reflected by residential distress, significantly impacts 5-year patient and graft survival. The overall effect of residential deprivation is modest, and importantly, results illustrate they are more strongly associated with longer-term follow-up and accelerate at higher deprivation levels. Further research is needed to evaluate effective interventions and policies to attenuate disparities in outcomes among recipients in highly disadvantaged areas.
Blood Volume Analysis of Total Artificial Heart Recipients: A Case Series
Authors: Wilson Zachary T. , Arabia Francisco A. , Gopalan Radha S. , Silver Marc A.
Published: May 2024

Blood volume analysis provides a quantitative volume assessment in patients with equivocal or discordant clinical findings. Reports on its use in mechanical circulatory support are limited and it has never been described in patients with a total artificial heart. Our series demonstrates that patients supported with total artificial heart as a bridge to transplant have significant reductions in red blood cell volume and heterogeneous adaptations in their total blood volume and plasma volume. Pathologic derangements in our patient’s total blood volume were targeted to restore euvolemia.
Developing an Injury-Free 15 Hour Preservation Protocol of Donor Porcine Kidneys Using Normothermic Machine Perfusion
Authors: Stone John P. , Cowey William R. , Bowers Corban J. T. , Stewart Amy F. , Armstrong Erin R. , Clancy Marc , Entwistle Timothy R. , del Pozo Jorge , Amin Kavit , Fildes James E.
Published: May 2024

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) offers a superior alternative to hypothermic preservation but is currently time limited. Extending this time could electivise transplantation and enable physiologic assessments of functionality. Porcine kidneys were retrieved, stored on ice for 3.5 hours before being placed onto a NMP circuit for 12 hours. Hemodynamics, biochemistry, and urine output were assessed. After 12 hours, kidneys were scored using the clinical assessment score. Biopsies were collected for histological assessment. Kidneys demonstrated continual improvements in hemodynamics. Perfusate sodium concentrations remained within physiologic parameters. Sodium bicarbonate increased over-time with corresponding decreases in lactate, demonstrating active renal gluconeogenesis and Cori cycle processes. Urine production began immediately and was sustained, indicating renal functionality. Under the clinical perfusion assessment score, all kidneys received a score of 1 and would be considered suitable for transplantation. Histological assessment revealed kidneys were injury free. Our NMP protocol safely preserves kidneys for over 15 hours. Successful perfusion was achieved with stable hemodynamics and biochemistry, with maintained urination. Importantly, kidneys remained in optimal health, with no evidence of injury. This may enable electivisation of transplantation, while reducing hypothermic injury.
Anisodamine for the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a pilot systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Jain Hritvik , Odat Ramez M. , Jain Jyoti , Dey Debankur , Hussein Ayham Mohammad , Marsool Mohammed Dheyaa Marsool , Shahbaz Haania , Mathur Aniket , Yadav Himani , Passey Siddhant , Yadav Rukesh
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common post-procedural complication of percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Anisodamine hydrobromide is an alkaloid that has demonstrated efficacy in improving microcirculation. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the reno-protective effects of Anisodamine in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for AMI.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and clinicaltrials.gov were searched from inception to January 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of Anisodamine in preventing the development of CIN. Outcomes of interest included the incidence of CIN, serum creatinine levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). A random-effects model was used for pooling standard mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) with a 95% CI. Statistical significance was considered at a P less than 0.05.

Results:

Three RCTs involving 563 patients were included. Anisodamine was associated with a reduction in the incidence of CIN [OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.69; P=0.0003], a reduction in serum creatinine levels at 48 [SMD: −6.78; 95% CI: −10.54,−3.02; P=0.0004] and 72 h [SMD: −6.74; 95% CI: −13.33,−0.15; P=0.03], and a higher eGFR at 24 [SMD: 5.77; 95% CI: 0.39, 11.14; P=0.03], and 48 h [SMD: 4.70; 95% CI: 2.03,7.38; P=0.0006]. The levels of serum creatinine at 24 h and eGFR value at 72 h were comparable between both groups.

Conclusions:

Anisodamine has demonstrated clinical efficacy in ameliorating the development of CIN post-PCI in AMI patients. Large, multi-centric RCTs are warranted to evaluate the robustness of these findings.
Perceptions of Responsibilities by Primary Care Staff in a Patient-Centered Medical Home
Authors: Wakefield Bonnie J. , Farag Amany , Paez Monica B. , Stewart Greg L.
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVE

To examine the extent to which Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Patient-Aligned Care Team (PACT) members have a shared understanding/ agreement upon and enact responsibilities within the team.

BACKGROUND

The PACT model focuses on team-based care management. However, lack of a shared understanding of team-based care management roles and responsibilities makes system-wide implementation a challenge.

METHODS

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of national survey data collected in 2022 from primary care personnel working in a VHA-affiliated primary care facility.

RESULTS

Significant discrepancies exist in responses about what core team members say they do and what others perceive they should be doing, indicating either a lack of agreement, knowledge, or training about what core team members should do.

CONCLUSIONS

Successful implementation of a team-based model requires adequate support and training for teamwork including shared mental models to work according to their clinical competency. Clear guidance and communication of expectations are critical for role clarity.
Thriving Through Calamity
Authors: Newcomb Patricia , Wells Jo Nell , Urban Regina
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVE

The study purpose was to generate theory to explain why some hospital staff chose to stay on the job during a prolonged public health crisis.

BACKGROUND

The “great resignation” of 2021 created shortages across the healthcare industry. Why some healthcare staff chose to stay at work when coworkers were leaving in large numbers through retirement, transition to different careers, or perceived suddenly better clinical opportunities was not clear.

METHODS

Qualitative Grounded Theory methods guided this research study. Sixteen healthcare workers participated in open-ended interviews that provided data to identify major concepts in an emerging model of commitment during crisis.

RESULTS

A “Commit to Stay” model emerged showing 4 major influences including sense of personal agency, supportive organization, social connections at work, and external connections and influence.

CONCLUSIONS

The Commit to Stay conceptual model can help guide nurse leaders as they grapple with supporting those who choose to stay at work in healthcare during intense, sustained healthcare crises.
Stressed and Short
Authors: Ferrier Yasmin A. , Porter Marlene T. , Tellson Alaina
Published: May 2024

An innovative preceptor model (IPM) was developed to transition newly graduate nurses (NGNs) to practice. The imbalanced number of experienced nurses to NGNs during COVID-19 demonstrated a need for an “out-of-the-box” solution, one preceptor to two nurse residents, in the medical intensive care unit. The IPM was evaluated through surveys, postclinical immersion debriefs, and feedback sessions with the preceptors and NGNs. The IPM helped preceptors guide NGNs in their journey to independent practice.
Extraskeletal Ewing Sarcoma of the Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Tract
Authors: Shiyanbola Oyewale , Nigdelioglu Recep , Dhall Deepti , González Iván A. , Warmke Laura M. , Schechter Shula , Choi Won-Tak , Hu Shaomin , Voltaggio Lysandra , Zhang Yujie , Liang Tom Z. , Ko Huaibin M. , Charville Greg W. , Longacre Teri A.
Published: May 2024

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an uncommon mesenchymal neoplasm that typically develops as a bone mass, although up to 30% arise in extraskeletal sites. ES of the gastrointestinal (GI) and hepatobiliary tract is rare and may be misdiagnosed as other, more common neoplasms that occur in these sites. However, the correct classification of extraskeletal ES is important for timely clinical management and prognostication. We reviewed our experience of ES in the GI and hepatobiliary tract in order to further highlight the clinicopathologic features of these neoplasms and document the potential for misdiagnosis in this setting. The archives and consultation files of 6 academic institutions were retrospectively queried for cases of ES occurring in the GI and hepatobiliary tract. The histologic slides and ancillary studies were reviewed and clinical data were retrieved for each case through the electronic medical records, when available. Twenty-three patients with ES in the GI and/or hepatobiliary tract were identified from 2000 to 2022. Of these, 11 were women and 12 were men with a median age of 38 years (range, 2 to 64). Tumor locations included the pancreas (n=5), liver (n=2), stomach (n=3), colorectum (n=3), and small intestine (n=5), as well as tumors involving multiple organs, pelvis and retroperitoneum (n=5). Tumor size varied between 2 cm and 18 cm. Twenty were primary and 3 were metastases. Of the 23 cases, only 17% were initially diagnosed as ES. The most common misdiagnoses involved various forms of neuroendocrine neoplasia due to expression of synaptophysin and other neuroendocrine markers (22%). A wide variety of diagnoses including GI stromal tumor was considered due to aberrant CD117 expression (4%). The diagnosis of ES was ultimately confirmed by detection of the EWSR1 rearrangement in 22 cases. The remaining case was diagnosed using traditional immunohistochemistry. Follow-up information was available in 20 cases, with follow-up time varying between 2 and 256 months. Six patients with follow-up died of disease between 6 and 60 months following initial presentation. Our data indicate ES in the GI and hepatobiliary tract is commonly misdiagnosed leading to a delay in therapy. In light of the attendant therapeutic and prognostic implications, ES should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any GI or hepatobiliary tumor with epithelioid and/or small round cell morphology.
Pseudosquamous Adenocarcinoma of the Lung
Authors: Suster David I. , Ronen Natali , Suster Saul
Published: May 2024

Pseudosquamous adenocarcinoma of the lung is an unusual morphologic variant of poorly differentiated non–small cell lung carcinoma that superficially resembles a squamous cell carcinoma. We have examined 10 cases of these tumors in 4 women and 6 men, aged 47 to 93 years. The tumors were all peripheral and measured from 1.5 to 5.5 cm. All cases were characterized by solid nests of large polygonal tumor cells containing atypical nuclei with abundant cytoplasm and sharp cell borders, adopting a pavement-like architecture that simulated squamous cell carcinoma. Some cases demonstrated intracytoplasmic hyaline inclusions suggestive of keratinization. The nests of tumor cells often showed central comedo-like areas of necrosis. Intercellular bridges were not seen in any of the cases. The tumors often displayed marked clearing of the cytoplasm enhancing their epidermoid appearance. In 4 cases, the solid pseudosquamous areas were seen to merge with a focal lepidic adenocarcinoma component, and in 1 case, abortive microscopic foci of acinar differentiation were also noted within the tumor. One case showed focal sarcomatoid spindle cell areas. The tumor cells were negative for p40 and CK5/6 and labeled with TTF1 or Napsin-A, confirming an adenocarcinoma phenotype. Clinical follow-up information was available in 8 patients; 6 patients died of their tumors between 6 months to 11 years after diagnosis (mean: 3.1 y). One patient died of complications related to surgery and one patient with a low-stage tumor died at 27 years from other causes. Solid pattern adenocarcinomas can be confused for squamous cell carcinoma and may require immunohistochemistry to determine their true phenotype.
Elevated 68Ga-FAPI Activity in Pulmonary Inflammatory Pseudotumor
Authors: Xie Yang , Tang Wenxin , Ma Jiao , Wang Yudi , Chen Yue
Published: May 2024

We present a case of pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumor with elevated 68Ga-FAPI activity. Our case suggested that pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cancer-like solitary pulmonary nodules with increased 68Ga-FAPI uptake.
Endoscopic Versus Open Carpal Tunnel Release
Authors: El Masri Jad , Chanbour Hani , Ghazi Maya , El Masri Diala , Salameh Pascale , liles Campbell , Hill J. Bradford , Zuckerman Scott L.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Whether endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) versus open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) has superior outcomes remains a controversial topic. Therefore, we sought to perform an umbrella review and meta-analysis to compare ECTR and OCTR with regards to (1) postoperative functional ability, (2) operative outcomes, and (3) time to return to work.

Methods

A PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane database search was conducted for all meta-analyses comparing ECTR and OCTR performed between 2000 and 2022 in accordance to PRISMA and Joanna Briggs Institute guidance for umbrella reviews. The primary outcomes were as follows: (1) functional ability—symptoms severity, postoperative grip strength, postoperative pinch strength, 2-point discrimination, and pain; (2) operative outcomes—operation time, total complications, nerve injury, and scar-related complication; and (3) time to return to work. Quality was assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews. Pooled analysis was performed to compare several clinical outcome measures between groups, depending on the availability of data using Review Manager Version 5.2.11.

Results

A total of 9 meta-analyses were included, 5 were of high quality and 4 were moderate quality. For functional ability, ECTR was associated with better pinch strength after 3 months (0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.00, 1.40, P = 0.05) and 6 months (0.77, 95% CI = 0.14, 1.40, P = 0.02, I
2 = 84%). For return to work, OCTR was associated with longer return to work compared with ECTR (−10.89, 95% CI = −15.14, −6.64, P < 0.00001, I
2
= 83%). There were no significant differences between OCTR and ECTR in the hand function, symptom severity, grip strength, pain, operation time, and total complications.

Conclusions

In an umbrella review and meta-analysis of ECTR versus OCTR, ECTR was associated with a higher pinch strength, and a shorter time to return to work. Differences in major complications, such as nerve injury, were unclear due to statistical inconsistency and bias.
Lefort 1 Osteotomy Study of Maxillary Bone in Caprine Skull Model: Comparison of Different Osteotomy Techniques (Piezo Versus Lindemann Bur Versus Manual Chisel)
Authors: Serin Merdan , Altinel Dinçer , Toplu Gaye , Rakici Ibrahim Taşkın , Toplu Selçuk Göksel
Published: May 2024

Objective:

In this study, we aimed to compare the efficiency of different osteotomy techniques for Lefort 1 osteotomy in an experimental caprine skull model.

Methods:

Twelve caprine skulls were used for the study. Skulls were divided into 3 groups: (1) manual chisel group, (2) Lindemann bur group, and (3) piezo osteotomy group. Bilateral osteotomies were performed on each skull. Results were evaluated with three-dimensional computerized tomography scans and macroscopic observations of the mucosal tears and soft tissue.

Results:

The mean length of the bone gap in the manual, Lindemann, and piezo groups was 4.8 (±0.7), 3.38 (±1.49), and 1.39 (±0.3) mm, respectively (P < 0.05). The mean number of comminuted fractures in the manual, Lindemann, and piezo groups was 5.5 (±1.4), 1.6 (±0.3), and 0.6 (±0.5), respectively (P < 0.05). Mucosal tearing and soft tissue damage based on subjective inspection observations were negligible in the piezo technique. Soft tissue and mucosal damage were observed significantly more in the manual chisel osteotomy method compared with the other 2 techniques.

Conclusion:

We anticipate that piezo, which has started to be used in new application areas besides rhinoplasty, will continue to be used more widely, especially in reconstructive orthognathic surgery, due to the minimal damage it causes to tissues. With the long-term results, much healthier interpretations can be made.
Platelet releasates mitigate the endotheliopathy of trauma
Authors: Gallagher Lauren T. , LaCroix Ian , Fields Alexander T. , Mitra Sanchayita , Argabright Amy , D’Alessandro Angelo , Erickson Christopher , Nunez-Garcia Brenda , Herrera-Rodriguez Kimberly , Chou Yu (Celine) , Stocker Benjamin W. , Ramser Benjamin J. , Thielen Otto , Hallas William , Silliman Christopher C. , Kornblith Lucy Z. , Cohen Mitchell J.
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Platelets are well known for their roles in hemostasis, but they also play a key role in thromboinflammatory pathways by regulating endothelial health, stimulating angiogenesis, and mediating host defense through both contact dependent and independent signaling. When activated, platelets degranulate releasing multiple active substances. We hypothesized that the soluble environment formed by trauma platelet releasates (TPR) attenuates thromboinflammation via mitigation of trauma induced endothelial permeability and metabolomic reprogramming.

METHODS

Blood was collected from injured and healthy patients to generate platelet releasates and plasma in parallel. Permeability of endothelial cells when exposed to TPR and plasma (TP) was assessed via resistance measurement by electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS). Endothelial cells treated with TPR and TP were subjected to mass spectrometry-based metabolomics.

RESULTS

TP increased endothelial permeability, whereas TPR decreased endothelial permeability when compared with untreated cells. When TP and TPR were mixed ex vivo, TPR mitigated TP-induced permeability, with significant increase in AUC compared with TP alone. Metabolomics of TPR and TP demonstrated disrupted redox reactions and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

CONCLUSION

Trauma platelet releasates provide endothelial barrier protection against TP-induced endothelial permeability. Our findings highlight a potential beneficial action of activated platelets on the endothelium in injured patients through disrupted redox reactions and increased antioxidants. Our findings support that soluble signaling from platelet degranulation may mitigate the endotheliopathy of trauma. The clinical implications of this are that activated platelets may prove a promising therapeutic target in the complex integration of thrombosis, endotheliopathy, and inflammation in trauma.
Daily quetiapine after severe TBI improves learning and memory
Authors: Bele Priyanka , Thaploo Advait , Coons Michael , Culkin Matthew C. , Santos Patricia , Martinez-Quinones Patricia , Georges Anastasia P. , Anderson Erin , Browne Kevin D. , Jacovides Christina , Kaplan Lewis J. , Meaney David F. , Smith Douglas H. , Pascual Jose L.
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) induces cognitive deficits driven by neuroinflammation and cerebral edema. The commonly used atypical antipsychotic, quetiapine (QTP), has been recently shown to improve post-TBI outcomes. We hypothesized that QTP would thereby improve animal learning and memory 2 weeks after severe TBI.

METHODS

CD1 male mice (n = 35) underwent severe TBI (controlled cortical impact, injury, I) or sham craniotomy (S), followed by BID saline (P, placebo) or QTP (10 or 20 mg/kg, IP) for 2 weeks. Animals underwent Morris Water Maze (MWM) exercises to gauge spatial learning and memory. The distance and time required for swimming animals to reach the platform area (Zone 5, Z5) located in quadrant 1 (Zone 1, Z1) was calculated from digital video recordings analyzed using Ethovision software. Animal bodyweights were recorded daily and on Day 14, injured cerebral hemispheres were procured for edema determination (wet-to-dry ratio). Intergroup differences were evaluated with ANOVA/Bonferroni correction (p< 0.05).

RESULTS

On Day 14, animal weight loss recovery was lowest in I + P compared to I + QTP20 and I + QTP10 (p≤ 0.01 for either). Cerebral edema was greatest in I + P, and only significantly decreased in I + QTP20 (p< 0.05). Both QTP doses similarly improved spatial learning by significantly reducing latency time and travel distance to target zones (p< 0.05). In probe memory trials, only I + QTP20 and not I + QTP10 significantly favored animal reaching or crossing into target zones (p< 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Post-TBI QTP reduces brain edema and improves spatial learning and memory with a potential dose dependence impact benefiting memory up to 14 days. These data suggest an unanticipated QTP benefit following brain injury that should be specifically explored.
The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics
Authors: Briefer Elodie F. , Xie Bing , Engesser Sabrina , Sueur Cedric , Freeberg Todd M. , Brask Josefine Bohr
Published: May 2024

Acoustic signalling is a key mode of communication owing to its instantaneousness and rapid turnover, its saliency and flexibility and its ability to function strategically in both short- and long-range contexts. Acoustic communication is closely intertwined with both collective behaviour and social network structure, as it can facilitate the coordination of collective decisions and behaviour, and play an important role in establishing, maintaining and modifying social relationships. These research topics have each been studied separately and represent three well-established research areas. Yet, despite the close connection of acoustic communication with collective behaviour and social networks in natural systems, only few studies have focused on their interaction. The aim of this theme issue is therefore to build a foundation for understanding how acoustic communication is linked to collective behaviour, on the one hand, and social network structure on the other, in non-human animals. Through the building of such a foundation, our hope is that new questions in new avenues of research will arise. Understanding the links between acoustic communication and social behaviour seems crucial for gaining a comprehensive understanding of sociality and social evolution.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics’.
The relative contribution of acoustic signals versus movement cues in group coordination and collective decision-making
Authors: Liao Chun-Chieh , Magrath Robert D. , Manser Marta B. , Farine Damien R.
Published: May 2024

To benefit from group living, individuals need to maintain cohesion and coordinate their activities. Effective communication thus becomes critical, facilitating rapid coordination of behaviours and reducing consensus costs when group members have differing needs and information. In many bird and mammal species, collective decisions rely on acoustic signals in some contexts but on movement cues in others. Yet, to date, there is no clear conceptual framework that predicts when decisions should evolve to be based on acoustic signals versus movement cues. Here, we first review how acoustic signals and movement cues are used for coordinating activities. We then outline how information masking, discrimination ability (Weber’s Law) and encoding limitations, as well as trade-offs between these, can identify which types of collective behaviours likely rely on acoustic signals or movement cues. Specifically, our framework proposes that behaviours involving the timing of events or expression of specific actions should rely more on acoustic signals, whereas decisions involving complex choices with multiple options (e.g. direction and destination) should generally use movement cues because sounds are more vulnerable to information masking and Weber’s Law effects. We then discuss potential future avenues of enquiry, including multimodal communication and collective decision-making by mixed-species animal groups.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamic’.
Mapping vocal interactions in space and time differentiates signal broadcast versus signal exchange in meerkat groups
Authors: Demartsev Vlad , Averly Baptiste , Johnson-Ulrich Lily , Sridhar Vivek H. , Leonardos Leonardos , Vining Alexander Q. , Thomas Mara , Manser Marta B. , Strandburg-Peshkin Ariana
Published: May 2024

Animal vocal communication research traditionally focuses on acoustic and contextual features of calls, yet substantial information is also contained in response selectivity and timing during vocalization events. By examining the spatiotemporal structure of vocal interactions, we can distinguish between ‘broadcast’ and ‘exchange’ signalling modes, with the former potentially serving to transmit signallers’ general state and the latter reflecting more interactive signalling behaviour. Here, we tracked the movements and vocalizations of wild meerkat (
Suricata suricatta
) groups simultaneously using collars to explore this distinction. We found evidence that
close calls
(used for maintaining group cohesion) are given as signal exchanges. They are typically given in temporally structured call–response sequences and are also strongly affected by the social environment, with individuals calling more when they have more neighbours and juveniles responding more to adults than the reverse. In contrast,
short note calls
appear mainly in sequences produced by single individuals and show little dependence on social surroundings, suggesting a broadcast signalling mode. Despite these differences, both call categories show similar clustering in space and time at a group level. Our results highlight how the fine-scale structure of vocal interactions can give important insights into the usage and function of signals in social groups.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics.'
Call combination production is linked to the social environment in Western Australian magpies (
Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis
)
Authors: Walsh Sarah L. , Townsend Simon W. , Engesser Sabrina , Ridley Amanda R.
Published: May 2024

It has recently become clear that some language-specific traits previously thought to be unique to humans (such as the capacity to combine sounds) are widespread in the animal kingdom. Despite the increase in studies documenting the presence of call combinations in non-human animals, factors promoting this vocal trait are unclear. One leading hypothesis proposes that communicative complexity co-evolved with social complexity owing to the need to transmit a diversity of information to a wider range of social partners. The Western Australian magpie (
Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis
) provides a unique model to investigate this proposed link because it is a group-living, vocal learning species that is capable of multi-level combinatoriality (independently produced calls contain vocal segments and comprise combinations). Here, we compare variations in the production of call combinations across magpie groups ranging in size from 2 to 11 birds. We found that callers in larger groups give call combinations: (i) in greater diversity and (ii) more frequently than callers in smaller groups. Significantly, these observations support the hypothesis that combinatorial complexity may be related to social complexity in an open-ended vocal learner, providing an important step in understanding the role that sociality may have played in the development of vocal combinatorial complexity.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics’.
Identification of S.aureus by specific 16S rRNA and detection of mec A gene from clinical samples in patients of Basrah governorate in Iraq.
Authors: AlMosawi Reham , Jasim Hanadi Abdulqadar , Haddad Athir
Published: May 2024

Staphylococcus aureus is a serious human pathogen that causes vast range of contagious conditions both in hospitals and community settings. Methicillin resistant S.aureus (MRSA) are oftenly multidrug resistant in hospital and community that resulted in significant mortality and morbidity. Today, the methicillin resistant S.aureus (MRSA) had become endemic in a hospitals worldwide. So, the need to quick diagnosis and identify of (MRSA) by using PCR technique. A total of 150 clinical specimens include: wound swabs, sputum, throat swabs, nasal swabs, pus and urine, that collected randomly from patients suffering of UTI, wound infection and upper respiratory tract infection, who attended the outpatients and inpatients Clinics of Alsadr Teaching Hospital and Al-Shefa General Hospital in Basrah City south of Iraq country. The identification of the methicillin resistant S.aureus (MRSA) from clinical specimens were performed depending on morphological and biochemical assay based positive cultures of S.aureus from clinical samples. Out of 150 clinical specimens, 61(40.66%) of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated and identified by conventional methods, 20 (62.5%) of these bacterial isolates were from ear pus samples followed by 18 (60.0%) were from sputum, 11 (26.82%) were from urine, 6 (28.57%) were from nasal, 4 (21.05%) were from throat and 2 (28.57%) were from wound samples respectively. Also, 56 (37.33%) of (CONS) were detected from clinical samples and they included Staphylococcus epidermidis which was frequently isolated bacterial species 41 (73.21%) followed by 15 (26.78%) of Staphylococcus saprophyticus. All isolates of S.aureus were be examined for methicillin resistance by disc diffusion assay of oxacillin and cefoxitin antibiotics and by using modified Kirby-Bauer method. Inhibition zones according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institue (CLSI, 2021) which recorded a higher resistance (100%) to both antibiotics. PCR based molecular method was used for accurate identification of specific 16S rRNA gene and mec A gene in S.aureus (MRSA) isolates from clinical samples. The results of PCR amplification of 16srRNA specific gene from S.aureus isolates revealed that 52/61 isolates from a total 61 of S.aureus that detected in clinical samples through conventional methods with percentage of (85.24%) had a clear bands of approximately 228 bp which corresponds to identification of S.aureus strains. While, the PCR amplification of 42/52 isolates with percentage of (80.76%) were generated a clear bands of approximately 310 bp which corresponding to detect mec A gene in methicillin resistant strains of S.aureus isolates.
Streptomyces beigongshangae sp. nov., isolated from baijiu fermented grains, could transform ginsenosides of Panax notoginseng
Authors: Liu Bo , Gu Haoyue , Shi Rui , He Xiahong , Sun Zhanbin , Ren Qing , Pan Hanxu
Published: May 2024

A Gram-stain-positive actinomycete, designated REN17T, was isolated from fermented grains of Baijiu collected from Sichuan, PR China. It exhibited branched substrate mycelia and a sparse aerial mycelium. The optimal growth conditions for REN17T were determined to be 28 °C and pH 7, with a NaCl concentration of 0 % (w/v). ll-Diaminopimelic acid was the diagnostic amino acid of the cell-wall peptidoglycan and the polar lipids were composed of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, an unidentified phospholipid, two unidentified lipids and four unidentified glycolipids. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9 (H2), MK-9 (H4), MK-9 (H6) and MK-9 (H8). The major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0. The 16S rRNA sequence of REN17T was most closely related to those of Streptomyces apricus SUN 51T (99.8 %), Streptomyces liliiviolaceus BH-SS-21T (99.6 %) and Streptomyces umbirnus JCM 4521T (98.9 %). The digital DNA–DNA hybridization, average nucleotide identity and average amino acid identify values between REN17T and its closest replated strain, of S. apricus SUN 51T, were 35.9, 88.9 and 87.3 %, respectively. Therefore, REN17T represents a novel species within the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces beigongshangae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is REN17T (=GDMCC 4.193T=JCM 34712T). While exploring the function of the strain, REN17T was found to possess the ability to transform major ginsenosides of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen (Araliaceae) into minor ginsenoside through HPLC separation, which was due to the presence of β-glucosidase. The recombinant β-glucosidase was constructed and purified, which could produce minor ginsenosides of Rg3 and C-K. Finally, the enzymatic properties were characterized.
An episodic burst of massive genomic rearrangements and the origin of non-marine annelids
Authors: Vargas-Chavez Carlos , Benitez-Alvarez Lisandra , Martinez-Redondo Gemma I , Alvarez-Gonzalez Lucia , Salces-Ortiz Judit , Eleftheriadi Klara , Escudero Nuria , Guiglielmoni Nadege , Flot Jean-Francois , Novo Marta , Ruiz-Herrera Aurora , McLysaght Aoife , Fernandez Rosa
Published: May 2024

The genomic basis of cladogenesis and adaptive evolutionary change has intrigued biologists for decades. The unique insights gained from a genome-level perspective have revealed a striking pattern of conserved macrosynteny within chromosomes across huge phylogenetic distances in animals, yet progress in many lineages has been hampered by the absence of genome-level data. Here, we show that the tectonics of genome evolution in clitellates, a clade composed of most freshwater and all terrestrial species of the phylum Annelida, is characterised by extensive genome-wide scrambling that resulted in a massive loss of macrosynteny between marine annelids and clitellates, to the point that ancient bilaterian linkage groups (ie, groups of genes inherited as a block in most bilaterian phyla) are fully disrupted. These massive rearrangements included the formation of putative neocentromeres with newly acquired transposable elements, and preceded a further period of genome-wide reshaping events including whole-genome duplications and massive macrosyntenic reshuffling between clitellate lineages, potentially triggered by the loss of genes involved in genome stability and homeostasis of cell division. Notably, while these rearrangements broke short-range interactions observed between Hox genes in marine annelids, they were reformed as long-range interactions in clitellates. These genomic rearrangements led to the relocation of genes and the formation of new chimeric genetic elements, both of which may have contributed to the adaptation of clitellates to freshwater and terrestrial environments. Our findings reveal extensive genomic reshaping in clitellates at both the linear (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) levels, suggesting that, unlike in other animal lineages where synteny conservation constraints structural evolution, clitellates exhibit a remarkable tolerance for chromosomal rearrangements. Our study thus suggests that the genomic landscape of Clitellata resulted from a rare burst of genomic changes that ended a long period of stability that persists across large phylogenetic distances.
Optimal CXCR5 Expression during Tfh Maturation Involves the Bhlhe40-Pou2af1 Axis
Authors: Zhu Xiaoliang , Chen Xi , Cao Yaqiang , Liu Chengyu , Hu Gangqing , Ganesan Sundar , Veres Tibor Z. , Fang Difeng , Liu Shuai , Chung Hyunwoo , Germain Ronald N. , Schwartzberg Pamela L. , Zhao Keji , Zhu Jinfang
Published: May 2024

The pair of transcription factors Bcl6-Blimp1 is well-known for follicular T helper (Tfh) cell fate determination, however, the mechanism(s) for Bcl6-independent regulation of CXCR5 during Tfh migration into germinal center (GC) is still unclear. In this study, we uncovered another pair of transcription factors, Bhlhe40-Pou2af1, that regulates CXCR5 expression. Pou2af1 was specifically expressed in Tfh cells whereas Bhlhe40 expression was found high in non-Tfh cells. Pou2af1 promoted Tfh formation and migration into GC by upregulating CXCR5 but not Bcl6, while Bhlhe40 repressed this process by inhibiting Pou2af1 expression. RNA-Seq analysis of antigen-specific Tfh cells generated in vivo confirmed the role of Bhlhe40-Pou2af1 axis in regulating optimal CXCR5 expression. Thus, the regulation of CXCR5 expression and migration of Tfh cells into GC involves a transcriptional regulatory circuit consisting of Bhlhe40 and Pou2af1, which operates independent of the Bcl6-Blimp1 circuit that determines the Tfh cell fate.
Sex-specific single cell-level transcriptomic signatures of Rett syndrome disease progression
Authors: Sharifi Osman , Haghani Viktoria , Neier Kari E. , Fraga Keith J. , Korf Ian , Hakam Sophia M. , Quon Gerald , Johansen Nelson , Yasui Dag H. , LaSalle Janine M.
Published: May 2024

Dominant X-linked diseases are uncommon due to female X chromosome inactivation (XCI). While random XCI usually protects females against X-linked mutations, Rett syndrome (RTT) is a female neurodevelopmental disorder caused by heterozygousMECP2mutation. After 6-18 months of typical neurodevelopment, RTT girls undergo poorly understood regression. We performed longitudinal snRNA-seq on cerebral cortex in a construct-relevantMecp2e1mutant mouse model of RTT, revealing transcriptional effects of cell type, mosaicism, and sex on progressive disease phenotypes. Across cell types, we observed sex differences in the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with 6x more DEGs in mutant females than males. Unlike males, female DEGs emerged prior to symptoms, were enriched for homeostatic gene pathways in distinct cell types over time, and correlated with disease phenotypes and human RTT cortical cell transcriptomes. Non-cell-autonomous effects were prominent and dynamic across disease progression ofMecp2e1mutant females, indicating wild-type-expressing cells normalizing transcriptional homeostasis. These results improve understanding of RTT progression and treatment.
COVID-19 transmission dynamics in South Korea prior to vaccine distribution
Authors: Suh Jiyeon , Galanti Marta , Yamana Teresa K. , Perini Matteo , Kaondera-Shava Roselyn , Shaman Jeffrey
Published: May 2024

In early 2020, South Korea experienced a large coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. However, despite its proximity to China, where the virus had emerged, and the high population density of the Seoul metropolitan area, a major international hub, South Korea effectively contained the spread of COVID-19 using non-pharmaceutical interventions until vaccine distribution in 2021. Here, we built a metapopulation model with a susceptible-exposed-infectious-quarantined-recovered (SEIQR) structure and combined it with the ensemble adjustment Kalman filter to infer the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 in South Korea from February 2020 until vaccine deployment. Over the study period, the fraction of documented infections (ascertainment rate) was found to increase from 0.50 (95% credible interval (CI): 0.26—0.77) to 0.62 (95% CI: 0.39—0.86). The cumulative number of total infections, including both documented cases and undocumented infections, was less than 1% of the South Korean population at the end of the simulation period, indicating that the majority of people had yet to be infected when vaccine administration began. These findings enhance understanding of the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea and highlight the importance of preparedness and response in managing global pandemics.