bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transforming growth factor-beta is increased in sputum from individuals with rheumatoid arthritis-associated pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Wilson Timothy M , Bolt Matthew , Stahly Andrew , Lee Joyce S , Bang Tami J , Sachs Peter B , Deane Kevin D , Humphries Stephen M , Solomon Joshua J , Demoruelle M Kristen
Published: December 2024

Background

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) develops in 5–10% of patients with RA and contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality, particularly in those with a fibrotic phenotype. Yet, biomarkers to reliably identify RA patients with underlying pulmonary fibrosis are inadequate. Herein, we used sputum to identify lung-based biomarkers that distinguish RA patients with underlying pulmonary fibrosis and may better inform underlying pathogenesis in RA-ILD.

Methods

We included 37 RA patients with pulmonary fibrosis (RA-PF) and 30 RA patients without ILD (RA-no-ILD). Induced sputum and serum were tested for TGF-β levels by immunoassay. DNA was extracted to determine presence of the MUC5B ILD-risk allele (‘T’). High-resolution CT (HRCT) and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were completed within 3 months of sputum collection and quantified to determine lung disease severity.

Results

Sputum TGF-β was significantly elevated in individuals with RA-PF compared with RA-no-ILD (P < 0.001) and correlated with more fibrosis on HRCT (P = 0.005) and lower forced vital capacity (P = 0.006) and diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (P = 0.044) on PFTs. Within RA-PF patients, sputum TGF-β was higher in those with the MUC5B ILD-risk genotype (GT/TT) (P = 0.038). There were no differences in serum levels of TGF-β between groups.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that sputum levels of TGF-β are significantly elevated in individuals with RA-PF, correlate with lung disease severity, and are elevated in those with the MUC5B ILD-risk polymorphism. These findings could identify novel approaches to ILD screening in RA and potential targeted therapeutic strategies for RA-ILD.
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism prevents coronary microvascular dysfunction in intermittent hypoxia independent of blood pressure
Authors: Badran Mohammad , Khalyfa Abdelnaby , Bailey Chastidy A , Gozal David , Bender Shawn B
Published: December 2024

Study Objectives

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is characterized by intermittent hypoxia (IH), and is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality that may not be reduced by standard therapies. Inappropriate activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system occurs in IH, and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) blockade has been shown to improve vascular outcomes in cardiovascular disease. Thus, we hypothesized that MR inhibition prevents coronary and renal vascular dysfunction in mice exposed to chronic IH.

Methods

Human and mouse coronary vascular cells and male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to IH or room air (RA) for 12 hours/day for 3 days (in vitro) and 6 weeks with or without treatments with spironolactone (SPL) or hydrochlorothiazide (HTZ).

Results

In vitro studies demonstrated that IH increased MR gene expression in human and mouse coronary artery endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Exposure to IH in mice increased blood pressure, reduced coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR), attenuated endothelium-dependent dilation, and enhanced vasoconstrictor responsiveness in coronary, but not renal arteries. Importantly, SPL treatment prevented altered coronary vascular function independent of blood pressure as normalization of BP with HTZ did not improve CFVR or coronary vasomotor function.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that chronic IH, which mimics the hypoxia-reoxygenation cycles of moderate-to-severe OSA, increases coronary vascular MR expression in vitro. It also selectively promotes coronary vascular dysfunction in mice. Importantly, this dysfunction is sensitive to MR antagonism by SPL, independent of blood pressure. These findings suggest that MR blockade could serve as an adjuvant therapy to improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes in patients with OSA.
Cognitive benefits of sleep: a narrative review to explore the relevance of glucose regulation
Authors: De Longis Evelina , Kassis Amira , Rémond-Derbez Noëla , Thota Rohith , Darimont Christian , Donato-Capel Laurence , Hudry Julie
Published: December 2024

Sleep is essential for maintaining optimal health. Both sleep duration and quality have been linked to various physiological functions and physical and mental health outcomes. Nutrition has been shown to impact sleep parameters, from the nutrient composition of foods, such as tryptophan levels, to the physiological response to foods, such as the glucose response. However, the relationship between glycemic control and sleep, and its impact on next-day benefits, particularly on cognitive performance, remains complex and is not fully understood. This narrative review aims to explore the relationship between glycemia and sleep, and how it may affect cognitive performance the following day. The review includes data from observational and interventional studies, discussing mechanisms of action that may explain the modulating effect of glycemia on sleep and cognition. The evidence suggests that lower postprandial glucose and low variation of nocturnal glucose are associated with better sleep quality and shorter sleep onset latency. Good sleep quality, in turn, is positively associated with cognitive processes such as sustained attention and memory consolidation measured the next day after sleep. Future research opportunities lie in investigating the effects of modulating the glycemic and insulinemic responses through evening meals on sleep quality and next-day cognitive performance. Well-designed clinical trials involving healthy individuals are necessary to establish the effects of these interventions. Controlling glycemic and insulinemic profiles through the evening meal may have significant implications for improving sleep quality and cognitive performance, with potential impact on individual mental health, productivity, and overall well-being.
Adaptation of meaning-centered psychotherapy for healthcare providers to buffer work-induced distress and improve wellbeing
Authors: Rosa William E , Pessin Hayley , Gilliland Jaime , Behrens Mia R , Foxwell Anessa M , McAndrew Natalie S , Schlak Amelia E , Applebaum Allison J , Lichtenthal Wendy G , Saracino Rebecca M , Breitbart William , Roberts Kailey E
Published: December 2024

Healthcare providers (HCPs) face high rates of distress, experienced as burnout, moral distress, compassion fatigue, and grief. HCPs are also experiencing a crisis in meaning whereby distress is associated with disconnection from meaning in work and, in turn, a lack of meaning in work can further perpetuate distress for HCPs. Although scalable systems-level solutions are needed to tackle multidimensional HCP distress, it is also necessary to address HCP suffering at individual, team, and institutional levels. Targeted interventions to alleviate HCP distress are limited. Meaning-centered psychotherapy (MCP), a brief, evidence-based, intervention first developed for persons with advanced cancer, holds promise to mitigate HCP distress. This study adapted MCP for HCPs through feedback from a multidisciplinary sample of clinicians trained in MCP and working in healthcare settings. A survey was distributed electronically between November and December 2023 to HCPs previously trained in MCP assessing quantitative and qualitative feedback on the appropriateness of MCP for HCPs, the relevance of MCP session topics and exercises, and implementation barriers and facilitators. Descriptive statistics on relevant participant ratings were calculated; a matrix analysis approach was used for qualitative data. Forty participants, primarily mental health providers, expressed that MCP principles were highly relevant for HCPs and offered key insights on appropriate intervention modifications, including the need for a primary focus on meaning in professional life, reduced intervention length, and delivery in group format. Feedback informed critical adjustments to promote appropriateness and acceptability of MCP-HCP which is poised for pilot testing to determine its feasibility and preliminary efficacy for HCPs.
Biochemical Alterations and Motor Dysfunctions in Corpus Striatum of Rats Brain Exposed to Azo Dyes
Authors: Biswas Pronit , Jain Juli , Hasan Whidul , Bose Devasish , Yadav Rajesh Singh
Published: December 2024

Azo food dyes are prohibited in most countries, but their injudicious use is still reported particularly in the developing Nations. Continuous use of contaminated food raises health concerns and given this the present study designed to investigate the effects of 3 non-permitted azo dyes (metanil yellow - MY, malachite green - MG, and sudan III - SIII) on neurobehavioral, neurochemicals, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and histopathological changes in the corpus striatum of rats. Rats were grouped and treated with MY (430 mg/kg), MG (13.75 mg/kg), SIII (250 mg/kg) & mixture (YGR) (MY 143.33 + MG 4.52 + SIII 83.33 mg/kg) p.o. for 60 days showed a significant decrease in grip strength and motor activity, the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), monoamine oxidase - B (MAO-B), and mitochondrial complex I and II compared to the control. The treated groups showed a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and a decrease in the level of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase as compared to the control. Histopathology of the corpus striatum revealed immense damage. Data from the present study correlate between azo dyes and changes in the behavior of rats which have been associated with the altered biochemicals and neurochemicals activities. In conclusion, exposure to azo dyes caused neurotoxicity involving motor impairments associated with enhanced oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunctions, AChE and MAO-B inhibition, and neuronal damage in the corpus striatum of rats.
Advancing systemic toxicity risk assessment: Evaluation of a NAM-based toolbox approach
Authors: Cable Sophie , Baltazar Maria Teresa , Bunglawala Fazila , Carmichael Paul L , Contreas Leonardo , Dent Matthew Philip , Houghton Jade , Kukic Predrag , Malcomber Sophie , Nicol Beate , Przybylak Katarzyna R , Punt Ans , Reynolds Georgia , Reynolds Joe , Scott Sharon , Tang Dawei , Middleton Alistair M
Published: December 2024

For many years, a method that allowed systemic toxicity safety assessments to be conducted without generating new animal test data, seemed out of reach. However, several different research groups and regulatory authorities are beginning to use a variety of in silico, in chemico, and in vitro techniques to inform safety decisions. To manage this transition to animal-free safety assessments responsibly, it is important to ensure that the level of protection offered by a safety assessment based on new approach methodologies (NAMs), is at least as high as that provided by a safety assessment based on traditional animal studies. To this end, we have developed an evaluation strategy to assess both the level of protection and the utility offered by a NAM-based systemic safety “toolbox.” The toolbox comprises physiologically based kinetic models to predict internal exposures, and bioactivity NAMs designed to give broad coverage across many different toxicity modes of action. The output of the toolbox is the calculation of a bioactivity:exposure ratio (analogous to a margin of internal exposure), which can be used to inform decision-making. In this work, we have expanded upon an initial pilot study of 10 chemicals with an additional 38 chemicals and 70 consumer exposure scenarios. We found that, for the majority of these (>90%), the NAM-based workflow is protective of human health, enabling us to make animal-free safety decisions for systemic toxicity and preventing unnecessary animal use. We have also identified critical areas for improvement to further increase our confidence in the robustness of the approach.
Assessment of Relationship Between Dietary Factors, Socioeconomic Factors, Behavioral Factors, Physical Measurement, and Risk of Migraine
Authors: Zhang Yanhua , Liu Hongwei , Chen Xuan , Dong Defu
Published: December 2024

Objective:

Although numerous studies have identified associations between socioeconomic, behavioral, dietary, and physical factors and migraine, the causal nature of these relationships has yet to be adequately established.

Materials and Methods:

We utilized 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to elucidate the causal associations of 28 distinct traits for socioeconomic factors, behavioral factors, dietary factors, and physical measurement with migraine. In the univariable MR analysis, the inverse-variance weighted method served as the primary analytic approach. Robustness checks included the Cochran Q test, Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out analysis. A multivariable MR analysis framework was utilized to assess the direct causal impacts of these traits on migraine risk.

Results:

The univariable MR analysis analysis revealed that genetic predispositions to higher coffee intake (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.547; 95% CI = 0.359-0.834; P = 0.005), greater oily fish intake (OR = 0.556; 95% CI = 0.394-0.785; P = 0.001), and higher educational attainment (OR = 0.916; 95% CI = 0.884-0.949; P < 0.001) were associated with reduced migraine risk. In contrast, predispositions to higher poultry intake (OR = 4.690; 95% CI = 1.377-15.977; P = 0.013) and longer mobile phone use (OR = 1.526; 95% CI = 1.080-2.157; P = 0.017) correlated with increased risk. These associations remained consistent in the multivariable MR analysis after adjusting for stroke and particulate matter air pollution.

Conclusions:

Our study robustly supports the significant causal roles of specific socioeconomic, behavioral, and dietary factors with physical measurement in the development of migraine. Notably, coffee intake, oily fish intake, and educational attainment appear protective, whereas poultry intake and extensive mobile phone use elevate risk. These insights pave the way for developing targeted preventive strategies for migraine.
Efficacy and Safety of RelabotulinumtoxinA Liquid Botulinum Toxin in the Treatment of Lateral Canthal Lines: Results From the Phase 3 READY-2 Study
Authors: Ablon Glynis , Bank David , Kontis Theda C. , Ibrahim Sherrif F. , Palm Melanie , Cox Sue Ellen , Rivers Jason K. , Grunebaum Lisa , Goldman Mitchel P. , Humphrey Shannon , Coquis-Knezek Sarah
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

RelabotulinumtoxinA (RelaBoNT-A) is a complex-free, ready-to-use, liquid botulinum toxin A.

OBJECTIVE

Efficacy/safety of RelaBoNT-A treatment for lateral canthal lines (LCL).

METHODS

Randomized adults received RelaBoNT-A (30 U/side; n = 230) or placebo (n = 73) during a 6-month, double-blind, Ph3 study (Relabotulinumtoxin Aesthetic Development Study-2 [READY-2]). Primary end points (Month 1, maximum smile) comprised: composite ≥2-grade responder rate using concurrent LCL severity investigator live assessment (LCL-ILA) and subject live assessment (LCL-SLA); LCL-ILA 0 (none)/1 (mild) responder rate. Subject satisfaction and adverse events were also reported.

RESULTS

Month 1 composite ≥2-grade responder rates were 51.8% (RelaBoNT-A) and 1.4% (placebo; (p < .001). Month 1 none/mild LCL-ILA responder rates were 87.2% (RelaBoNT-A) and 11.9% (placebo; p < .001). Onset was reported Day 1 by 34%. At Month 6, LCL-ILA responder rates for RelaBoNT-A remained at 23.3% (none/mild) and 35.9% (≥1-grade improvement). Median return to baseline severity was 24.7 weeks; 64% (RelaBoNT-A group) had not returned to baseline at Month 6. RelaBoNT-A satisfaction was high through Month 6 (71%). Mild/moderate treatment-related adverse events occurred in 6.1% (RelaBoNT-A) and 5.5% (placebo).

CONCLUSION

RelaBoNT-A (60 U) treatment provided statistically significant improvement of moderate-to-severe LCL. One-third of subjects reported onset within 1 day and improvements were maintained through Month 6. Treatment satisfaction was high. RelaBoNT-A was well tolerated.
VITRECTOMY AND COMPLETE DRAINAGE OF SUPRACHOROIDAL FLUID WITHOUT PERIOPERATIVE STEROIDS FOR RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT COMBINED WITH CHOROIDAL DETACHMENT: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL
Authors: Lin Wei , Chen Hao , Ren Minxue , Lin Xiaoyan , Tang Yongping , Wei Yong
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

To investigate the surgical effect of complete drainage of suprachoroidal fluid (SCF) before vitrectomy to avoid perioperative steroids in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment combined with choroidal detachment (RRD-CD) eyes.

Methods:

It was a prospective, randomized controlled trial. 58 eyes were randomly divided into the no steroids (NS) group and local steroids (LS) group, 29 eyes each, respectively. Patients in the LS group received a single preoperative periocular injection of methylprednisolone, while SCF drainage was performed before vitrectomy in eyes of the NS group. Follow-up assessments were performed at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months postoperatively.

Results:

The postoperative retinal reattachment rate was similar in the NS and LS groups (96.6% vs 93.1%, p = 1.00). Best-corrected visual acuity was improved in 72.4% and 75.9% in the NS and LS groups, respectively. Inflammation occurred in 5 eyes (17.2%) in the NS group and 6 eyes (20.7%) in the LS group (p = 0.74). Hypotony occurred in 11 (37.9%) and 14 (48.3%) eyes in the LS and NS groups (p = 0.43), respectively. Macular chorioretinal folds were found in 21 (72.4%) and 22 (75.9%) eyes in the LS and NS groups (p = 0.76), respectively. Hypotony and chorioretinal folds disappeared after 1 week postoperatively.

Conclusions:

Preoperative steroids may not be necessary for RRD-CD patients if the SCF is completely drained before vitrectomy. Postoperative retinal reattachment does not depend on the use of preoperative steroids; instead, surgeons should focus on improving surgical techniques in RRD-CD to improve the retinal reattachment rate.
Colonization of stenotrophomonas and its associated microbiome between paired primary colorectal cancers and their lung metastatic tumors (experimental studies)
Authors: Zhang Xiaolan , Kong Cheng , Chen Ke , Liu Jianqiang
Published: December 2024

The role of gut microbiome in colorectal cancer (CRC) lung metastases is still unclear. Herein, we collected primary colorectal tumors, matched lung metastasis, and adjacent normal colon from seven patients for 16S rRNA sequencing to evaluate microbiome signature in distant site metastasis and analyze prognosis. Fecal samples from 19 non-metastases CRC patients and 11 CRC lung metastases patients were analyzed for validation. Our efforts led to a discovery of comprehensive microbiome in CRC lung metastatic tumors, characterized by a decreased microbial diversity and an increase bacterial interaction between gram-negative bacteria Stenotrophomonas and Brevundimonas. The primary-metastatic tumor pairs harbored highly similar microbial composition in both genus and species level, especially the high level of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Correspondingly, the S. maltophilia levels were positively associated with poor prognosis and cancer progression. Our work highlights the great potential of S. maltophilia and its associated microbiome as biomarkers in pathogenesis and prognosis of CRC lung metastases.
Adipose stem cells prevent esophageal strictures after extensive endoscopic submucosal dissection – experimental research
Authors: Liu Jie , Jiang Yuting , Chen Xianzeng , Wei Xujin , Wang Xiangyu , Yang Zeliang , Yang Jie , Zhang Jianhui , Peng Yunyi , Lin Caihao , Chen Qilin , Yu Genmiao , Chen Yangyang , Wei Qingqing , Zheng Xiaoling , Zheng Shengwu
Published: December 2024

Background and aims:

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a pivotal technique for excision of early-stage esophageal tumors. However, its primary complication, postoperative esophageal stricture, is a significant challenge owing to the absence of effective preventive measures. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have emerged as a promising treatment modality to address this concern. In this study, we aimed to investigate, for the first time, the efficacy of allogenic ADSC injections in preventing esophageal stenosis after ESD.

Methods:

We administered allogeneic ADSC injections (same-species but different individual) to a porcine model of ESD as a way to observe the role of ADSC in preventing esophageal stricture. We also co-cultured rats’ ADSCs with rats’ esophageal fibroblasts and esophageal mucosal epithelial cells to investigate the mechanism.

Results:

ADSCs notably facilitated epithelial–mesenchymal transition of epithelial cells. Furthermore, ADSC-conditioned medium exhibited a substantial inhibitory effect on fibroblast proliferation and migration, which was mediated by the transforming growth factor-beta pathway.

Conclusions:

Our findings underscore the potential of ADSC injections as a promising therapeutic intervention to enhance recovery and prevent post-ESD complications.
Comparison of outcomes of Impella-assisted high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with and without prior coronary artery bypass graft
Authors: Murthi Mukunthan , Prasath Naveen , Memdani Anisha , Sivasubramanian Dhiran , Attanasio Steve , Dhar Gaurav , Jolly Neeraj , Vij Aviral
Published: December 2024

Background

Limited data is available regarding in-hospital outcomes of patients undergoing high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (HR-PCI) with Impella with and without a prior history of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods

We performed a retrospective study from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from year 2016 to 2020. We identified patients who underwent Impella and percutaneous coronary intervention on the same day and excluded those with cardiogenic shock. Subsequently, we stratified them into those with and without prior CABG.

Results

During the study period, 18 925 patients underwent HR-PCI. Among these, 2043 (10.8%) patients had prior CABG. Patients without prior CABG had a higher percentage of acute coronary syndrome at presentation (62.7 vs 56.1%, P = 0.008). The proportion of females was significantly higher in those without prior CABG (32.4 vs 21.7%, P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, there was no statistically significant difference in the in-hospital mortality (5.8% in CABG vs 8.5% in non-CABG, P = 0.52). Patients without prior CABG had higher rates of acute kidney injury, major bleeding, and blood transfusions. There were no significant differences in rates of cardiac arrest, ventricular arrhythmias, acute stroke, coronary dissections, and coronary perforations. Those without prior CABG had a longer duration of hospitalization (6.8 vs 9.3 days, P < 0.001) and higher hospital charges ($292 267 vs $322 206, P < 0.035).

Conclusion

Our study highlights that a history of previous CABG does not increase the risk of in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing Impella-assisted HR-PCI but is associated with reduced rates of complications.
Use of water in dialysis and its impact on the environment
Authors: Watnick Suzanne
Published: December 2024

Purpose of review

The climate crisis poses significant challenges across various sectors, including healthcare, where resource consumption often exacerbates environmental issues. This review addresses concerns over current levels of water use for dialysis treatment, a critical procedure for patients with kidney failure. Despite its life-saving importance, the dialysis process consumes large quantities of water, contributing to water scarcity and increased carbon emissions associated with water treatment and distribution.

Recent findings

Through a comprehensive analysis of current practices, we identify inefficiencies and propose sustainable alternatives aimed at reducing water usage in dialysis.

Findings indicate that optimizing treatment protocols and considering innovative technologies can significantly mitigate the environmental impact while maintaining patient care standards. This review underscores the urgent need for the healthcare sector to adopt sustainable practices in response to the climate crisis.
Increasing Adherence to Societal Recommendations in Radiology Reporting
Authors: Mugu Vamshi K. , Carr Brendan M. , Olson Mike C. , Schupbach John C. , Eguia Francisco A. , Schmitz John J. , Khandelwal Ashish
Published: December 2024

Incidental findings in diagnostic imaging are common, but follow-up recommendations often lack consistency. The Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound (SRU) issued guidelines in 2021 for managing incidentally detected gallbladder polyps, aiming to balance follow-up with avoiding overtreatment. There is variable adherence to these guidelines in radiology reports, however, which makes it difficult for the clinician to pursue appropriate follow-up for the patient. The purpose of this project is to test the feasibility of a Large Language Model (LLM)–based tool to incorporate SRU guidelines into radiology reports. Additionally, we propose a framework for closely integrating societal follow-up recommendations into radiology reports, using this tool as an example.

Following institutional review board approval, we retrospectively reviewed gallbladder ultrasound examinations performed on adult ED patients in 2022. Data on patient demographics and radiology report content were collected. Using the 2021 SRU guidelines, we developed an interactive tool employing a retriever-augmented generator (RAG) and prompt engineering. A board-certified radiologist tested the accuracy, whereas a board-certified emergency medicine physician assessed the clarity and consistency of the recommendations.

The interactive tool, GB-PRL, outperformed leading closed-source and open-source LLMs, achieving 100% accuracy in risk categorization and follow-up recommendations on hypothetical user queries (P < 0.001). The tool also showed superior accuracy compared to radiology reports on retrospective data (P = 0.04). Although GB-PRL demonstrated greater clarity and consistency, the improvement from the radiology reports was not statistically significant (P = 0.22). Further work is needed for prospective testing of GB-PRL before integrating it into clinical practice.
Why Cosmetic Surgery is Prevalent in Korea: A Perspective Grounded in Basic Values
Authors: Hwang Kun
Published: December 2024

The aim of this review is to explore the reasons behind the prevalence of cosmetic surgery in Korea from the viewpoint of “basic values.” In societies characterized by high levels of prejudice, the hierarchy of values from highest to lowest is as follows: (1) political, (2) economic, (3) religious, (4) social, (5) theoretical, and (6) aesthetic. Conversely, in societies with low levels of prejudice, the ranking of values from highest to lowest is: (1) aesthetic, (2) social, (3) religious, (4) theoretical, (5) economic, and (6) political. In mature societies, higher levels of stability, cultural development, emphasis on quality of life, and greater tolerance and openness drive the appreciation of aesthetic values. As Korea’s economy has developed and basic needs have been met, there has been an increasing emphasis on aesthetic values, including beauty standards and self-presentation. This trend is evident in the flourishing Korean beauty industries (K-beauty). There is a growing societal focus on physical appearance, fashion, and plastic surgery, which has become normalized in certain aspects of Korean culture. Rapid modernization, shifting social norms, competitive pressures, and evolving interpretations of traditional values have normalized and even popularized cosmetic surgery in Korean society. The combination of cultural expectations, advanced medical care, and social factors has positioned South Korea as a world leader in cosmetic surgery, despite its relatively small population. To keep pace with the rapidly evolving aesthetic values of Korean society, plastic surgeons must align with contemporary beauty standards, thoroughly understand surgical anatomy, and strive to minimize patient dissatisfaction.
Metamorphosis of Aged Women Into a Yokai (妖怪) From the Viewpoint of Plastic Surgery and Gerontophobia
Authors: Hwang Kun
Published: December 2024

The aim of this study is to analyze the transformation of aged women into yokai in Japanese literature, examining this metamorphosis from the perspectives of plastic surgery and gerontophobia. The Noh play “Adachigahara” explores the transformation of an outcast into a monstrous figure, highlighting how poverty, isolation, and aging can lead to a person’s demonization, both metaphorically and literally. In “Rokujō no Miyasudokoro”, Lady Rokujō’s transformation into a vengeful spirit is tied to themes of aging, abandonment, and the societal devaluation of women as they grow older. Her supernatural metamorphosis is a way to reclaim power in a society that has rendered her invisible. In “The Life of an Amorous Woman”, the transformation is symbolic, as the woman’s loss of beauty and status leads her to be ostracized, reflecting how society often dehumanizes those who are old and poor. The Yamauba legend encapsulates the fear of the elderly, especially women who live on the fringes of society. Her transformation into a yokai represents the culmination of societal rejection, fear of aging, and isolation. From the view of plastic surgery, the transformation of women into yokai reflects contemporary anxieties about aging and the extreme measures some take to maintain youth. These women morph into beings that embody society’s vilification of the elderly, particularly targeting those who defy or do not conform to ideals of youthfulness. From the perspective of aversion to the elderly, the transformation into yokai symbolizes society’s rejection of the elderly, portraying them as figures of fear and revulsion.
The Clinical Features and Surgical Outcomes of Traumatic Optic Neuropathy in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Chen Min-Yun , Qiu En-Hui , Zuo Ke-Jun
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to examine the clinical features and assess the surgical outcomes of traumatic optic neuropathy in pediatric patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 15 cases (17 eyes) of traumatic optic neuropathy in pediatric patients aged 1 to 6 years between January 2015 and July 2024. Two of them presented with binocular trauma, resulting in a total of 17 affected eyes. The injuries were attributed to various causes: 4 cases resulted from falls, 5 from car accidents, and 6 from localized impact trauma. Of the 15 patients (17 eyes), 10 patients (12 eyes) demonstrated postoperative improvement. Preoperatively, 3 eyes had residual vision, all of which revealed improvement following surgery. Among the 14 eyes with no light perception, 9 exhibited postoperative improvement. In one case (1 eye), where the interval between trauma and surgery was within 7 days, treatment was effective postoperatively. In 14 cases (16 eyes), where the interval exceeded 7 days, 11 eyes revealed postoperative improvement. Radiologic examination revealed optic canal fractures or optic nerve swelling in 6 cases. All patients underwent surgical intervention: 1 patient (1 eye) underwent transnasal endoscopic left orbital apex decompression combined with left periorbital hematoma evacuation, while 14 patients (16 eyes) underwent transnasal endoscopic optic nerve decompression. Imaging assessments should be integrated into the diagnostic process to help in selecting the most appropriate surgical approach for pediatric patients with traumatic optic neuropathy. Transnasal endoscopic optic nerve decompression significantly enhances the prognosis in these cases.
Population trends of insect pollinators in a species-rich tropical rainforest: stable trends but contrasting patterns across taxa
Authors: Bonadies Ernesto , Lamarre Greg P. A. , Souto-Vilarós Daniel , Pardikes Nicholas A. , Silva José Alejandro Ramírez , Perez Filonila , Bobadilla Ricardo , Lopez Yacksecari , Basset Yves
Published: December 2024

Recent reports of insect decline have raised concerns regarding population responses of ecologically important groups, such as insect pollinators. Additionally, how population trends vary across pollinator taxonomic groups and degree of specialization is unclear. Here, we analyse 14 years of abundance data (2009–2022) for 38 species of native insect pollinators, including a range of Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera specialists and generalists from the tropical rainforest of Barro Colorado Island, Panama. We estimated population trends across taxonomic groups to determine whether specialist species with a narrower range of interacting mutualistic partners are experiencing steeper population declines under environmental change. We also examined the relationship between climate variables and pollinator abundance over time to determine whether differences in sensitivity to climate predict differences in population trends among pollinator species. Our analyses indicated that most pollinator populations were stable or increasing, with few species showing evidence of decline, regardless of their degree of specialization. Differences in climate sensitivity varied among pollinator species but were not associated with population trends, suggesting other environmental factors at play for tropical insect pollinators. These results highlight the need for long-term population data from diverse tropical taxa to better assess the environmental determinants of insect pollinator trends.
Men display faster in male-biased mating contexts
Authors: Davidson Charles , Buckley Declan , Benenson Joyce F.
Published: December 2024

Across diverse species with sexual reproduction, typically the more male-biased the adult sex ratio (ASR), the greater the investments by the more populous males in the rarer females who hold greater bargaining power in a mating context. Relatively few studies have examined this effect in humans however, and almost none involve observations of actual male investment in a potential mating context. Here, we present one of the first studies to observe investments of men in a potential mating context under differing ASRs. Across 163 mixed-sex groups from three taverns on 7 days of observation, we measured both a group’s ASR and each group’s leading man’s latency to position himself at the tavern’s bar to order and pay for beverages. The higher the proportion of men in a group (ASR) and the fewer the absolute number of women in a group, the faster the leading man in the group travelled to reach the bar to order and pay for beverages. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that similar to males in many species, men tactically regulate their investments to adapt to the fluctuation in the ASR in order to maximize their probabilities of attracting a mate.
Quantification of
Trypanosoma brucei
social motility indicates different colony growth phases
Authors: Kuhn Andreas , Krüger Timothy , Schüttler Magdalena , Engstler Markus , Fischer Sabine C.
Published: December 2024

In vitro
colonies of the flagellated parasite
Trypanosoma brucei
exhibit characteristic fingering instability patterns. To enable data-driven and data-validated mechanistic modelling of these complex growth processes, it is crucial to first establish appropriate quantitative metrics beyond qualitative image comparisons. We present a quantification approach based on two scale-free metrics designed to characterize the shape of two-dimensional colonies. Originally developed for yeast colonies, we adapted, modified and extended this analysis pipeline for the
Trypanosoma
system. By combining these quantitative measurements with colony growth simulations based on the Eden model, we identified two distinct growth phases in social motility-exhibiting colonies: an initial phase of mainly circular expansion, followed by a transition to an almost exclusive finger-growing phase. These phases remain robust with increasing cell numbers and upon partial inhibition of finger formation. A newly developed anisotropy index reveals that partial inhibition leads to increased colony anisotropy over time. Our results provide objective measurements that advance the understanding of social motility and serve as a foundation for future mechanistic modelling efforts. Furthermore, our approach offers a blueprint for investigations of other colony-forming microorganisms, such as yeast or bacteria, emphasizing the broader applicability of developing appropriate metrics for complex biological phenomena.
The nature of ‘jaws’: a new predatory representative of Provora and the ultrastructure of nibbling protists
Authors: Belyaev Artem O. , Karpov Sergey A. , Keeling Patrick J. , Tikhonenkov Denis V.
Published: December 2024

The recently discovered Provora supergroup has primarily been examined to determine their phylogenomic position in the eukaryotic tree. Their morphology is more poorly studied, and here we focus on their cellular organization and how it compares with that of other supergroups. These small eukaryovorous flagellates exhibit several ultrastructural features that are also found in a subset of taxa from a wide variety of deep-branching lineages (Stramenopiles, Alveolata, Hemimastigophora, Malawimonadidae, Discoba and Metamonada), including vesicles beneath the plasmalemma, two opposing vanes on the flagella, a ventral feeding groove and a fibrillar system resembling the excavate type. Additionally, we identified four main microtubular roots (r1–r4) and a singlet root between r1 and r2, which support the strong feeding apparatus resembling ‘jaws’. Their unique extrusive organelles (ampulosomes) have a similar organization to Hemimastigophora extrusomes, but most of their cell characteristics most closely resemble features of the TSAR + Haptista grouping. We also describe a new species,
Nibbleromonas piranha
sp. nov., and highlight features of its feeding behaviour, which can be so aggressive as to result in cannibalism.
Small molecule protein assembly modulators with pan-cancer therapeutic efficacy
Authors: Lingappa Anuradha F. , Akintunde Olayemi , Samueli Erin , Ewald Connie , Michon Maya , Ziari Niloufar , Lu Ming , Yu Shao Feng , Froehlich Markus , Le Phuong Uyen , Fernandez Yuniel , Mallesh Suguna , Lin Jim , Kitaygorodskyy Anatoliy , Solas Dennis , Reed Jonathan C. , Lingappa Jaisri R. , Müller-Schiffmann Andreas , Korth Carsten , Prasad Dharma , Nalca Aysegul , Aston Emily , Fabbri Brad , Anand Sanjeev K. , Campi Thomas W. , Petrouski Emma , Dey Debendranath , Andrews David W. , Rubenstein James L. , Lingappa Vishwanath R.
Published: December 2024

Two structurally unrelated small molecule chemotypes, represented by compounds PAV-617 and PAV-951, with antiviral activity in cell culture against Mpox virus (formerly known as monkeypox virus) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) respectively, were studied for anti-cancer efficacy. Each exhibited apparent pan-cancer cytotoxicity with reasonable pharmacokinetics. Non-toxicity is demonstrated in a non-cancer cell line and in mice at doses achieving drug exposure at active concentrations. Anti-tumour properties of both chemotypes were validated in mouse xenografts against A549 human lung cancer and, for one of the chemotypes, against HT-29 colorectal cancer. The targets of these compounds are unconventional: each binds to a different transient, energy-dependent multi-protein complex. Treatment with these compounds alters the target multi-protein complexes in a manner that appears to remove a block, crucial for cancer survival and progression, on a homeostatic linkage between uncontrolled proliferation and apoptosis. These compounds provide starting points for development of novel, next-generation, non-toxic, pan-cancer therapeutics.
The modified elevated gap interaction test: a novel paradigm to assess social preference
Authors: de Zeeuw Chris I. , Yu Si-yang , Chen Jiawei , van Hoogstraten Willem S. , van den Maagdenberg Arn M. J. M. , Bosman Laurens W. J. , Kros Lieke
Published: December 2024

Social deficits play a role in numerous psychiatric, neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders. Relating complex behaviour, such as social interaction, to brain activity remains one of the biggest goals and challenges in neuroscience. Availability of standardized tests that assess social preference is however, limited. Here, we present a novel behavioural paradigm that we developed to measure social behaviour, the modified elevated gap interaction test (MEGIT). In this test, animals are placed on one of two elevated platforms separated by a gap, in which they can engage in whisker interaction with either a conspecific or an object. This allows quantification of social preference in real interaction rather than just proximity and forms an ideal setup for social behaviour-related neuronal recordings. We provide a detailed description of the paradigm and its highly reliable, deep-learning based analysis, and show results obtained from wild-type animals as well as mouse models for disorders characterized by either hyposocial (autism spectrum disorder; ASD) or hypersocial (Williams Beuren syndrome; WBS) behaviour. Wild-type animals show a clear social preference. This preference is significantly smaller in an ASD mouse model, whereas it is larger in WBS mice. The results indicate that MEGIT is a sensitive and reliable test for detecting social phenotypes.
The seminal vesicle is a juvenile hormone-responsive tissue in adult male
Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kurogi Yoshitomo , Mizuno Yosuke , Hayashi Ryosuke , Goyins Krystal , Okamoto Naoki , Barton Lacy , Niwa Ryusuke
Published: December 2024

Juvenile hormone (JH) is one of the most essential hormones controlling insect metamorphosis and physiology. While it is well known that JH affects many tissues throughout the insect life cycle, the difference in JH responsiveness and the repertoire of JH-inducible genes among different tissues has not been fully investigated. In this study, we monitored JH responsiveness
in vivo
using transgenic
Drosophila melanogaster
flies carrying a
JH response element-GFP
(
JHRE-GFP
) construct. Our data highlight the high responsiveness of the epithelial cells within the seminal vesicle, a component of the male reproductive tract, to JH. Specifically, we observe an elevation in the JHRE-GFP signal within the seminal vesicle epithelium upon JH analogue administration, while suppression occurs upon knockdown of a gene encoding the intracellular JH receptor,
germ cell-expressed
. Starting from published transcriptomic and proteomics datasets, we next identified
Lactate dehydrogenase
as a JH-response gene expressed in the seminal vesicle epithelium, suggesting insect seminal vesicles undergo metabolic regulation by JH. Together, this study sheds new light on the biology of the insect reproductive regulatory system.
Experience and trust: the benefits of mate familiarity are realized through sex-specific specialization of parental roles in Cassin’s auklet
Authors: Yanagitsuru Amy , Tyson Christopher , Angelier Frédéric , Johns Michael , Hahn Thomas , Wingfield John , Land-Miller Haley , Forney Rebecca , Hull Elisha
Published: December 2024

Maintaining a pair bond year after year (perennial monogamy) often enhances reproductive success, but what familiar pairs are doing differently to improve success is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that endocrine changes mediate improvements in parental attendance in known-age Cassin’s auklets
Ptychoramphus aleuticus
, for which we found limited evidence. Instead, we found sex-specific parental roles in familiar pairs. Males modulated their nest attendance depending on the attendance of their mate, but the direction depended on mate familiarity. We suggest his flexibility may be mediated by prolactin. In a historical dataset, females with a familiar mate laid larger eggs that hatched into more robust chicks, but larger eggs correlated with lower female body condition. In study birds, attendance by males and females in good condition predicted chick weight, but attendance by females in poor condition did not, suggesting female-specific energetic constraint. Our findings suggest that males and females contribute differently to their joint reproductive fortunes, and that improvements in their respective roles may result in the benefits of mate familiarity. Since improved reproductive success is presumed to be a main benefit of maintaining a long-term pair bond, these results suggest a new avenue of research in the evolution of monogamy.
Learning locally dominant force balances in active particle systems
Authors: Sturm Dominik , Maddu Suryanarayana , Sbalzarini Ivo F.
Published: December 2024

We use a combination of unsupervised clustering and sparsity-promoting inference algorithms to learn locally dominant force balances that explain macroscopic pattern formation in self-organized active particle systems. The self-organized emergence of macroscopic patterns from microscopic interactions between self-propelled particles can be widely observed in nature. Although hydrodynamic theories help us better understand the physical basis of this phenomenon, identifying a sufficient set of local interactions that shape, regulate and sustain self-organized structures in active particle systems remains challenging. We investigate a classic hydrodynamic model of self-propelled particles that produces a wide variety of patterns, such as asters and moving density bands. Our data-driven analysis shows that propagating bands are formed by local alignment interactions driven by density gradients, while steady-state asters are shaped by a mechanism of splay-induced negative compressibility arising from strong particle interactions. Our method also reveals analogous physical principles of pattern formation in a system where the speed of the particle is influenced by the local density. This demonstrates the ability of our method to reveal physical commonalities across models. The physical mechanisms inferred from the data are in excellent agreement with analytical scaling arguments and experimental observations.
Physics of sliding on water explains morphological and behavioural allometry across a wide range of body sizes in water striders (Gerridae)
Authors: Kim Woojoo , Lee Jae Hong , Pham Thai Hong , Tran Anh Duc , Ha Jungmoon , Bang Sang Yun , Lee Jeongseop , Jablonski Piotr G. , Kim Ho-Young , Lee Sang-im
Published: December 2024

Laws of physics shape adaptations to locomotion, and semiaquatic habitats of water striders provide opportunities to explore adaptations to locomotion on water surface. The hydrodynamics of typical propelling with symmetrical strokes of midlegs is well understood, but the subsequent passive sliding on surface has not been explored. We hypothesized that morphological and behavioural adaptations to sliding vary by body size. Based on empirical observations of water striders across a wide range of body size, we constructed a theoretical model of floating and resistance during sliding. Our model predicts that large water striders are too heavy to support anterior body on forelegs during sliding when their two midlegs are off the surface symmetrically during a recovery phase after stroke in symmetric gait. Heavy species should either (i) develop sufficiently long forelegs to support their anterior body on surface during symmetric gait or (ii) use asymmetric gait when one forward-extended midleg supports anterior body. Observations were consistent with these predictions. Additionally, medium-sized insects were observed to switch between symmetrical and asymmetrical gait in the manner that reduces sliding resistance. Our results illustrate how habitat-specific physical processes cause morphological and behavioural diversity associated with body size among biological organisms.