bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-density lipoprotein subclasses over the menopausal transition and risk of coronary calcification and carotid atherosclerosis: the SWAN Heart and HDL ancillary studies
Authors: El Khoudary Samar R. , Chen Xirun , Wang Ziyuan , Brooks Maria M. , Orchard Trevor , Crawford Sybil , Janssen Imke , Everson-Rose Susan A. , McConnell Daniel , Matthews Karen
Published: September 2023

Objective

Perimenopausal women experience a steep increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) that is related to a higher risk of carotid plaque later in life. Low-density lipoprotein subclasses have been linked to cardiovascular diseases beyond LDL-C, promising a better risk stratification. We aim to characterize changes in LDL subclasses and assess their associations with presence of coronary artery calcium (CAC score ≥10) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) over the menopausal transition (MT) and by menopause stage.

Methods

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy LDL subclasses were measured for a maximum of five time points. Coronary artery calcification and cIMT were measured for a maximum of two time points. LOESS (locally weighted regression with scatter smoothing) plots, linear mixed-effects models, and generalized estimating equations were used for analyses.

Results

The study included 471 women (baseline: age, 50.2 ± 2.7 years; 79.0% premenopausal/early perimenopausal), of whom 221 had data on CAC or cIMT. Low-density lipoprotein subclasses increased over the MT, whereas intermediate density-lipoprotein particles declined. In adjusted models, higher total LDL particles (LDL-P) and apolipoprotein B were associated with greater CAC prevalence and greater cIMT. Although none of the associations were modified by menopause stage, higher LDL-C, apolipoprotein B, and total LDL-P were associated with greater cIMT during the perimenopause or postmenopause stages, whereas higher LDL-C and small LDL-P were associated with greater CAC prevalence, mainly during perimenopause.

Conclusions

During the MT, women experience significant increases in LDL subclasses found to be related to greater cIMT levels and CAC prevalence. Whether these changes could better predict future risk of hard cardiovascular disease events beyond LDL-C remains a research question to address.
Reproductive risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women
Authors: Quesada Odayme
Published: September 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death for women. Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm delivery, and low birth weight—affecting up to 30% of pregnant women—increase the risk of CVD. Early menarche and polycystic ovary syndrome are implicated. Premature and early menopause and significant vasomotor symptoms are all associated. Including reproductive risk assessment is critical when determining CVD risk and implementing evidence-based prevention strategies.
Correlation between Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Angiography and Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging in a Flap Model
Authors: Zötterman Johan , Tesselaar Erik , Elawa Sherif , Farnebo Simon
Published: September 2023

Background:

Indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICG-FA) is used to assess tissue intraoperatively in reconstructive surgery. This requires an intra-venous dye injection for each assessment. This is not necessary in laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI); therefore, this method may be better suited for tissue evaluation. To determine this, we compared the two methods in a porcine flap model.

Methods:

One random and one pedicled flap were raised on each buttock of six animals. They were assessed with LSCI at baseline, when raised (T0), at 30 minutes (T30) and with ICG-FA at T0 and T30. Regions of interest (ROI) were chosen along the flap axis. Perfusion, measured as perfusion units (PU) in the LSCI assessment and pixel-intensity for the ICG-FA video uptake, was calculated in the ROI. Correlation was calculated between PU and pixel-intensity measured as time to peak (TTP) and area under curve for 60 seconds (AUC60).

Results:

Correlation between LSCI and AUC60 for the ICG-FA in corresponding ROI could be seen in all flaps at all time points. The correlation was higher for T0 (r=0.7 for random flap and r=0.6 for pedicled flap) than for T30 (r=0.57 for random flap and r=0.59 for pedicled flap). Even higher correlation could be seen PU and TTP (T0: random flap r=-0.8 and pedicled flap r=0.76. T30: random flap r=-0.8 and pedicled flap r=0.71)

Conclusion:

There is a correlation between PU from LSCI and TTP and AUC60 for ICG-FA, indicating that LSCI could be considered for intraoperative tissue assessment.
Safe Reproducible Breast Reduction
Authors: Faulkner Heather R. , Merceron Tyler , Wang Jennifer , Losken Albert
Published: September 2023

Breast reduction is a common operation performed by plastic surgeons. Patients can have significant improvement in physical symptoms in addition to increased self-esteem, body image, and quality of life as a result. The authors describe common techniques for breast reduction and provide representative photographs and videos of these techniques. An evidence-based review is provided for patient selection criteria, common surgical techniques, and methods to avoid and treat complications. Information is also provided on patient education about breast reduction. In most cases, breast reduction is safe to perform in the outpatient setting. The Wise pattern and vertical pattern are among the most common techniques for skin incisions, and the inferior and superomedial pedicles are two of the most common pedicles used in breast reduction. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols are helpful to effectively control pain and reduce narcotic use postoperatively. Patient satisfaction after breast reduction surgery is typically high. Multiple techniques are available to successfully perform breast reduction. The plastic surgeon needs to select patients carefully and determine the appropriate technique to use. Patient education about the operation, recovery, expected result, and risks is an important component of achieving an optimal result.
A nomogram for predicting the risk of preeclampsia in women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy based on prenatal monitoring time: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cai Qin-Yu , Li Zhuo-Hang , Deng Bei-Ning , Luo Xin , Lan Xia , Chen Ya , Liang Li-Fang , Liu Chen-Yang , Liu Tai-Hang , Wang Ying-Xiong , Wang Lan
Published: September 2023

Background and aims:

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a special liver disease during pregnancy, characterized by abnormal bile acid metabolism. However, there is no consensus on how to group women with ICP based on the time of diagnosis worldwide. This study aimed to adopt a new grouping model of women with ICP, and the time from diagnosis to delivery was defined as the monitoring period.

Methods:

This retrospective real-world data study was conducted across multiple centers and included 3172 women with ICP. The study first evaluated the significant difference in medication and nonmedication during different monitoring times. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) model was then used to screen nine risk factors based on the predictors. The model's discrimination, clinical usefulness, and calibration were assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, decision curve, and calibration analysis.

Results:

The incidence of preeclampsia risk in ICP patients without drug intervention increased with the extension of the monitoring period. However, the risk of preeclampsia decreased in ICP patients treated with ursodeoxycholic acid. A predictive nomogram and risk score model was developed based on nine risk factors. The area under the ROC curve of the nomogram was 0.765 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.724–0.807] and 0.812 (95% CI: 0.736–0.889) for the validation cohort.

Conclusions:

This study found that a longer ICP monitoring period could lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes in the absence of drug intervention, especially preeclampsia. A predictive nomogram and risk score model was developed to better manage ICP patients, maintain pregnancy to term delivery, and minimize the risk of severe adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
Clinicopathological features and prognosis of synchronous and metachronous colorectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fan Hao , Wen Rongbo , Zhou Leqi , Gao Xianhua , Lou Zheng , Hao Liqiang , Meng Ronggui , Gong Haifeng , Yu Guanyu , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2023

Background:

To investigate the clinicopathological features and prognosis of synchronous and metachronous multiple primary colorectal cancer.

Materials and methods:

Patients who underwent operation for synchronous and metachronous colorectal cancer at the colorectal surgery department of XX Hospital between January 2000 and December 2021 were included. Perioperative indicators were comprehensively compared and included in the survival analyses.

Results:

In total, 563 patients with synchronous (n=372) and metachronous (n=191) colorectal cancer were included. Patients with synchronous colorectal cancer were more likely to have a long onset time, positive carcinoembryonic antigen, advanced TNM stage, large tumor, perineural invasion, p53 high expression, and mismatch repair proficient. Compared with metachronous colorectal cancer, patients with synchronous colorectal cancer showed worse 5-year overall survival (68.6%±3.0% vs 81.9%±3.5%, P=0.018) and 5-year disease-free survival (61.2%±3.1% vs 71.0%±3.9%, P=0.022). In the subgroup analysis, segmental resection was an independent risk factor for the long-term outcomes of bilateral synchronous colorectal cancer.

Conclusions:

Clinicopathological and molecular features were different between synchronous and metachronous colorectal cancer. Patients with synchronous colorectal cancer showed a worse prognosis than those with metachronous colorectal cancer. Bilateral synchronous colorectal cancer requires extended resection to achieve improved long-term outcomes.
Prevalence and associated factors of vitamin D deficiency after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gao Zhiguang , Liang Yuzhi , Huang Shifang , Wu Zhenpeng , Li Min , Yang Jingge
Published: September 2023

Objects:

To estimate the prevalence and associated factors of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

Methods:

PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched for relevant records from inception to March 17, 2023, using search terms: vitamin D, vitamin D3, vitamin D deficiency, hypovitaminosis D, gastric bypass, and RYGB. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they provided related data on VDD prevalence after RYGB.

Results:

Of 1119 screened studies, 72 studies involving 7688 individuals were enrolled in the final analysis. The prevalence estimates of VDD after RYGB were 42%. Subgroup analyses suggested the pooled prevalence of postoperative VDD was 35% for follow-up duration ≤1 year, 43% for >1 and ≤5 years, and 54% for >5 years. Meta-regression showed that VDD prevalence was positively correlated with follow-up time. Also, the prevalence was higher in studies with inadequate vitamin D supplementation than in those with adequate supplementation and in Asia population than in those from South America, Europe, and North America. Other factors associated with high VDD prevalence after RYGB included high presurgical VDD prevalence, non-compliant patients, and black populations. No significant association existed between VDD and alimentary length.

Conclusion:

VDD presented a high prevalence in patients following RYGB. It occurred more frequently with longer postoperative follow-up time. Population-specific vitamin D supplementation measures, targeted treatment for presurgical VDD, improved patient compliance, and periodical follow-ups were necessary to reduce VDD and other adverse outcomes.
Threatening Beliefs About Self and Others Moderate the Association Between Psychoticism and Psychological Distress
Authors: Cheli Simone , Cavalletti Veronica , Hopwood Christopher J.
Published: September 2023

Psychoticism is a multidimensional personality construct involving odd or eccentric behavior, quasi-psychotic experiences, mistrust, interpersonal detachment, and liability for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, as well as significant distress. Recent advances suggest it can be understood as a dimension that is continuously distributed in the population, leading to questions about factors that contribute to distress and dysfunction among people with a schizotypal liability. We investigated in a large nonclinical sample of young adults whether associations between psychoticism and psychological distress would increase in the presence of threatening beliefs. In our study (N = 2127), we found that the association between psychoticism and psychological distress is moderated by threatening beliefs including self-criticism, fear of compassion, and socially prescribed perfectionism. These results suggest that distress increases among people with schizotypal traits in the context of negative beliefs about self and others. We discuss implications for clinical practice and directions for further research.
Pinloc or Hansson pins: a multicenter, randomized controlled study of 439 patients treated for femoral neck fractures
Authors: Åberg Henrik , Kalland Kristine , Jonsson Kenneth B. , Johansson Torsten
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

To compare the recently developed Hansson Pinloc system, which features 3 cylindrical parallel pins with hooks connected through a fixed-angle interlocking plate, with the Hansson Pin System (2 hook pins) for the treatment of femoral neck fractures.

Design:

One hundred fourteen patients with displaced femoral neck fractures and 325 patients with nondisplaced fractures from 9 orthopaedic centers were randomized to either Hansson Pinloc system or Hansson Pin System and followed for 2 years or until death. Age at inclusion was 50 years or older.

Main Outcome Measurements:

The primary outcome was failure (defined as early displacement, nonunion, symptomatic avascular necrosis, or deep infection). Secondary outcomes included revision surgery, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs: EQ-5D and WOMAC).

Results:

For nondisplaced fractures, the incidence of failure was 14% (23/169) in the Pinloc group and 16% (25/156) in the Hansson group. For displaced fractures, the analysis was stratified by age. Patients aged 50–69 years with displaced fractures showed a 2-year failure rate of 44% (17/39) in the Pinloc group versus 44% (16/36) in the Hansson group. For patients 70 years or older with displaced fractures, 33% (7/21) in the Pinloc group versus 22% (4/18) in the Hansson group failed. At 3 and 12 months, no clinically significant differences between treatment groups were found for EQ-5D-3L, WOMAC, or for the TUG in any fracture type or age group.

Conclusions:

There were no advantages for Pinloc in any of the studies aspects.

Level of evidence:

1
Management of complex wrist fractures with volar and dorsal locked (double-locked) K-lock
Authors: du Plessis Prieur , Fournier Marie-Cecile
Published: September 2023

This article is a technical note to outline a novel technique of fixation in complex, comminuted distal radius fractures using a double-locked K-wire construct using a new implant called K-lock. In these (AO) C-type fractures, with significant dorsal comminution, it is often difficult to attain stable and secure fixation of the dorsal rim fragments, especially the dorsal lunate fossa fragment. This often results in patients being treated by temporary spanning devices or asking to have a restricted use of the hand during a given period to avoid loss of position. If dorsal plating is necessary, because of the severity of the comminution, a double-locked K-wire (locked in both the dorsal and volar plates) offers a fixation option and may create a significantly stronger construct and allow confident early mobilization. The K-lock was recently launched by Newclip Technics as an adjunct to the Xpert Wrist 2.4 set as a fragment-specific fixation option. The wire has less chance of displacing or fracturing the fragment and has a smooth surface compared with a screw; this wire would be safer close to the joint in severe distal intra-articular comminution. Of the 9 cases performed so far (as is our usual practice), despite the complexity of the fractures, none were immobilized postoperatively and all started hand therapy in the first week. Most were driving by 2 weeks and returned to light work at 4 weeks and heavy work or sports at 6 to 8 weeks. This principle of fixation may also be extended to other fractures where dual plating is used.
Future Practices of Breast Pathology Using Digital and Computational Pathology
Authors: Hanna Matthew G. , Brogi Edi
Published: September 2023

Pathology clinical practice has evolved by adopting technological advancements initially regarded as potentially disruptive, such as electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and genomic sequencing. Breast pathology has a critical role as a medical domain, where the patient’s pathology diagnosis has significant implications for prognostication and treatment of diseases. The advent of digital and computational pathology has brought about significant advancements in the field, offering new possibilities for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and improving patient care. Digital slide scanning enables to conversion of glass slides into high-fidelity digital images, supporting the review of cases in a digital workflow. Digitization offers the capability to render specimen diagnoses, digital archival of patient specimens, collaboration, and telepathology. Integration of image analysis and machine learning–based systems layered atop the high-resolution digital images offers novel workflows to assist breast pathologists in their clinical, educational, and research endeavors. Decision support tools may improve the detection and classification of breast lesions and the quantification of immunohistochemical studies. Computational biomarkers may help to contribute to patient management or outcomes. Furthermore, using digital and computational pathology may increase standardization and quality assurance, especially in areas with high interobserver variability. This review explores the current landscape and possible future applications of digital and computational techniques in the field of breast pathology.
International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) Consensus Conference on Current Issues in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Lopez-Beltran Antonio , Raspollini Maria R. , Hansel Donna , Compérat Eva , Williamson Sean R. , Liedberg Fredrik , Iczkowski Kenneth A. , Bubendorf Lukas , van der Kwast Theodorus H. , Cheng Liang ,   the Members of the ISUP Bladder Tumor Consensus Panel
Published: September 2023

Emerging data on T1 bladder cancer subcategorization (aka substaging) suggests a correlation with oncological outcomes. The International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) organized the 2022 consensus conference in Basel, Switzerland to focus on current issues in bladder cancer and tasked working group 3 to make recommendations for T1 subcategorization in transurethral bladder resections. For this purpose, the ISUP developed and circulated a survey to their membership querying approaches to T1 bladder cancer subcategorization. In particular, clinical relevance, pathological reporting, and endorsement of T1 subcategorization in the daily practice of pathology were surveyed. Of the respondents of the premeeting survey, about 40% do not routinely report T1 subcategory. We reviewed literature on bladder T1 subcategorization, and screened selected articles for clinical performance and practicality of T1 subcategorization methods. Published literature offered evidence of the clinical rationale for T1 subcategorization and at the conference consensus (83% of conference attendants) was obtained to report routinely T1 subcategorization of transurethral resections. Semiquantitative T1 subcategorization was favored (37%) over histoanatomic methods (4%). This is in line with literature findings on practicality and prognostic impact, that is, a shift of publications from histoanatomic to semiquantitative methods or by reports incorporating both methodologies is apparent over the last decade. However, 59% of participants had no preference for either methodology. They would add a comment in the report briefly stating applied method, interpretation criteria (including cutoff), and potential limitations. When queried on the terminology of T1 subcategorization, 34% and 20% of participants were in favor of T1 (microinvasive) versus T1 (extensive) or T1 (focal) versus T1 (nonfocal), respectively.
Ohio Coronavirus Wastewater Monitoring Network: Implementation of Statewide Monitoring for Protecting Public Health
Authors: Bohrerova Zuzana , Brinkman Nichole E. , Chakravarti Ritu , Chattopadhyay Saurabh , Faith Seth A. , Garland Jay , Herrin James , Hull Natalie , Jahne Michael , Kang Dae-Wook , Keely Scott P. , Lee Jiyoung , Lemeshow Stan , Lenhart John , Lytmer Eva , Malgave Devesh , Miao Lin , Minard-Smith Angela , Mou Xiaozhen , Nagarkar Maitreyi , Quintero Anda , Savona Francesca D. R. , Senko John , Slonczewski Joan L. , Spurbeck Rachel R. , Sovic Michael G. , Taylor R. Travis , Weavers Linda K. , Weir Mark
Published: September 2023

Context:

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater influent monitoring for tracking disease burden in sewered communities was not performed in Ohio, and this field was only on the periphery of the state academic research community.

Program:

Because of the urgency of the pandemic and extensive state-level support for this new technology to detect levels of community infection to aid in public health response, the Ohio Water Resources Center established relationships and support of various stakeholders. This enabled Ohio to develop a statewide wastewater SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) monitoring network in 2 months starting in July 2020.

Implementation:

The current Ohio Coronavirus Wastewater Monitoring Network (OCWMN) monitors more than 70 unique locations twice per week, and publicly available data are updated weekly on the public dashboard.

Evaluation:

This article describes the process and decisions that were made during network initiation, the network progression, and data applications, which can inform ongoing and future pandemic response and wastewater monitoring.

Discussion:

Overall, the OCWMN established wastewater monitoring infrastructure and provided a useful tool for public health professionals responding to the pandemic.
Utilization of Rectal Examinations Before Magnetic Resonance Defecography Studies
Authors: Schrum Colby J. , Dickinson Micaela M. , Shah Eric D. , Speicher Mark R. , Strohbehn Kris
Published: September 2023

Importance

More information is needed to guide referring subspecialists on the appropriate patient evaluation before magnetic resonance defecography (MRD).

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate how often health care providers perform digital rectal examination (DRE) before ordering MRD to investigate causes of bowel and pelvic floor complaints.

Study Design

We conducted a retrospective cohort review, including MRD performed on female patients at an integrated health care system from 2016 through 2020. The primary outcome was the presence or absence of documented rectal examination in the year before defecography by the referring provider or 6 months prior by a primary care physician or pelvic floor physical therapist. We hypothesized that the overall rate of rectal examination would be high and unaffected by the referring provider's subspecialty.

Results

Three hundred-four defecography tests were performed, with 209 patients (68.8%) referred by gastroenterology providers and 95 (31.2%) from other specialties. Gastroenterologists performed DRE in 32.8% of patients, in contrast to 84.4% of patients referred by other specialties (P < 0.001). When comparing subspecialties that most commonly refer patients for MRD (gastroenterology, colorectal surgery and urogynecology), there was a statistically significant difference between gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons (P < 0.001) as well as urogynecologists (P < 0.001) but no difference in the rate of rectal examination between colorectal surgeons and urogynecologists (P = 1.00).

Conclusions

At our single integrated health system, the rate of DRE before MRD testing varied significantly by specialty. Our findings highlight the need for better understanding of DRE utility in the algorithms for evaluation of bowel and pelvic floor disorders.
Transobturator Versus Minisling for Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Barachisio Lisboa Rodrigo Bartilloti , Faber Marcelo de Arruda , Pereira Glaucia Miranda Varella , de Castro Edilson Benedito , Camargo Ana Carolina Marchesini , Juliato Cássia Raquel Teatin , Brito Luiz Gustavo Oliveira
Published: September 2023

Importance

The comparison between single-incision slings (SISs) and midurethral slings has been documented in the literature, but results vary according to the SIS device.

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to assess whether SIS (Solyx) is noninferior to transobturator (TOT) (Obtryx) sling for treating women with confirmed stress-predominant urinary incontinence.

Study Design

A prospective, parallel, nonblinded, multicenter, noninferiority, randomized controlled study with 114 patients were randomized and followed 6 and 12 months after surgery. Interventions were midurethral TOT sling (Obtryx—halo; n = 58) or SIS (Solyx; n = 56). The primary outcome was improvement in the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I). Secondary outcomes were the Kings Health Questionnaire (KHQ) instruments after treatment, subjective improvement, and surgical outcomes.

Results

Both groups were homogeneous (P = NS) regarding sociodemographic and clinical variables. There was improvement in the PGI-I after 6 (P = 0.001) and 12 months (P = 0.001) of treatment for women who underwent TOT sling. After 6 months, KHQ scores improved in the TOT group for the following domains: role limitations (P = 0.026) and physical limitations (P = 0.006). After 12 months, the TOT group presented better KHQ scores that were statistically significant from the SIS group in incontinence impact (P = 0.012), physical limitations (P = 0.001), and severity measures (P = 0.017). Moreover, the TOT group presented higher subjective improvement after 6 months (P = 0.006) than the SIS group. Mesh erosion was higher in the SIS group (P = 0.006). Reoperations were not statistically different between groups

Conclusion

There were higher scores in the PGI-I score and higher subjective improvement for the TOT sling after 6 and 12 months of treatment when compared with the SIS group.
Innovative Combination Treatment to Expand the Indications of Particle Therapy: Spacer Placement Surgery Using Bio-Absorbable Polyglycolic Acid Spacer
Authors: Komatsu Shohei , Wang Tianyuan , Terashima Kazuki , Demizu Yusuke , Anzai Makoto , Suga Masaki , Yamashita Tomohiro , Suzuki Osamu , Okimoto Tomoaki , Sasaki Ryohei , Fukumoto Takumi
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

Particle therapy has favorable dose distribution and high curability. However, radiotherapy for malignant tumors adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract is contraindicated owing to its low tolerance. To overcome this, combination treatment with surgery to make a space between the tumor and adjacent gastrointestinal tract followed by particle therapy has been developed. Several materials have been used for the spacer and recently, we developed the absorbable polyglycolic acid (PGA) spacer, which has been used since 2019. This study is the first report of consecutive case series of spacer placement surgery using the PGA spacer.

STUDY DESIGN:

Fifty consecutive patients undergoing spacer placement surgery with the PGA spacer were evaluated. Postoperative laboratory data, morbidity related to the treatment, and spacer volume after treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS:

There were no treatment-related deaths, and all but 2 patients completed combination treatment. The median ratios of postoperative PGA spacer volume to the pretreatment volume were 96.9%, 87.7%, and 74.6% at weeks 2, 4, and 8, respectively. The spacer volume was maintained at 80% at 7 weeks and was predicted to be 50% at 15 weeks and 20% in 24 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS:

Spacer placement surgery using the PGA spacer was feasible and tolerable. The PGA spacers maintained sufficient thickness during the duration of subsequent particle therapy. Combination treatment using the PGA spacer is innovative and has the potential to become a new standard curative local treatment.
Multiple systemic infections caused by Rhodococcus equi: case report
Authors: Li Ning , Wu Changsheng , Cao Pengju , Chen Dongjie , Chen Falin , shen Xiuqing
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Rhodococcusequi is one of the most important causes of zoonotic infections from grazing animals, posing a particular risk to immunocompromised individuals and those undergoing long-term immunosuppressive therapy.
Case presentation: We report a case of Rhodococcusequi infection in a 65-year-old man with a medical history of diabetes, hypertension, and adult-onset Still’s disease who was, on long-term hormone therapy. The non-HIV-infected patient had blood, lung tissue, and sputum samples that were infected with Rhodococcusequi. Initially, the patient’s condition failed to improve with multiple therapies, including vancomycin and meropenem. Although the symptoms improved after adjusting for antibiotics according to susceptibility, the patient did not completely recover upon discharge.
Conclusions: In recent years, the number of Rhodococcusequi cases has increased. Herein, we describe lethal case of Rhodococcusequi infection in a non-HIV-infected patient.
Reflections on the Teaching Symposium at the Microbiology Society Annual Conference 2023
Authors: Lacey Melissa M. , Jones Kirsty L. , Gostić Monika , Easton Victoria , Efthimiou Georgios , Kelly Bridget G. , Graham Alison I.
Published: September 2023

The Microbiology Society Education and Outreach Network (EON) recently hosted the Teaching Symposium at the Microbiology Society Annual Conference, sponsored by Access Microbiology. The presence of the Symposium as an established parallel session within the wider Annual Conference reflects the importance of high-quality, contemporary microbiology education and outreach delivered in an enthusiastic and inclusive manner. At the 2023 Symposium, a variety of pedagogical research projects in higher education learning, teaching and assessment, as well as public engagement projects, were showcased through invited talks, offered talks, flash talks and posters. The event was attended by up to 70 delegates. Several themes were noted throughout the day: engaging with Gen Z (Generation Z, those born between 1996 and 2010), active learning, art in science and engaging with non-higher education (HE) audiences. Inclusivity was a key driver in the organization of the Symposium; the room was set up to encourage discussion and participants could ask questions using an online platform as well as speaking in the room. We now encourage all speakers to consider publishing their work as a peer-reviewed article for further dissemination and impact.
Neural Data Transformer 2: Multi-context Pretraining for Neural Spiking Activity
Authors: Ye Joel , Collinger Jennifer L. , Wehbe Leila , Gaunt Robert
Published: September 2023

The neural population spiking activity recorded by intracortical brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs) contain rich structure. Current models of such spiking activity are largely prepared for individual experimental contexts, restricting data volume to that collectable within a single session and limiting the effectiveness of deep neural networks (DNNs). The purported challenge in aggregating neural spiking data is the pervasiveness of context-dependent shifts in the neural data distributions. However, large scale unsupervised pretraining by nature spans heterogeneous data, and has proven to be a fundamental recipe for successful representation learning across deep learning. We thus develop Neural Data Transformer 2 (NDT2), a spatiotemporal Transformer for neural spiking activity, and demonstrate that pretraining can leverage motor BCI datasets that span sessions, subjects, and experimental tasks. NDT2 enables rapid adaptation to novel contexts in downstream decoding tasks and opens the path to deployment of pretrained DNNs for iBCI control. Code:https://github.com/joel99/context_general_bci
ABC-HuMi: the Atlas of Biosynthetic Gene Clusters in the Human Microbiome
Authors: Hirsch Pascal , Tagirdzhanov Azat , Kushnareva Aleksandra , Olkhovskii Ilia , Graf Simon , Schmartz Georges P. , Hegemann Julian , Bozhüyük Kenan , Rolf Müller , Keller Andreas , Gurevich Alexey
Published: September 2023

The human microbiome has emerged as a rich source of diverse and bioactive natural products, harboring immense potential for therapeutic applications. To facilitate systematic exploration and analysis of its biosynthetic landscape, we present ABC-HuMi: the Atlas of Biosynthetic Gene Clusters (BGCs) in the Human Microbiome. ABC-HuMi integrates data from major human microbiome sequence databases and provides an expansive repository of BGCs compared to the limited coverage offered by existing resources. Employing state-of-the-art BGC prediction and analysis tools, our database ensures accurate annotation and enhanced prediction capabilities. ABC-HuMi empowers researchers with advanced browsing, filtering, and search functionality, enabling efficient exploration of the resource. At present, ABC-HuMi boasts a catalog of 19,218 representative BGCs derived from the human gut, oral, skin, respiratory and urogenital systems. By capturing the intricate biosynthetic potential across diverse human body sites, our database fosters profound insights into the molecular repertoire encoded within the human microbiome and offers a comprehensive resource for the discovery and characterization of novel bioactive compounds. The database is freely accessible athttps://www.ccb.uni-saarland.de/abc_humi/.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Effect of ethanolic extract of Cyperus rotundus reduces the surgical induced secondary lymphedema and oxidative stress in adult mice tail
Authors: Pandey Nikhil , Mishra Priyanka
Published: September 2023

Background

Lymphedema is clinically manifested as swelling in the extremities due to abnormal accumulation of protein rich in the extravascular interstitial space resulting in irreversible structural changes to the limb (s). The aim of this explorative work was to evaluate the effect ofCyperus rotundusroot (CRR) ethanolic extract in a mouse tail model of secondary lymphedema. Method: Mice were temporally anaesthetised under sterile condition and the skin from the tail was removed from distal part of the trunk after leaving 1cm of distance. The animals were divided into Experimental control (EC) andCyperus rotundusroot (CRR) 80 mg/kg b.w. /day) treated groups. Change in tail volume and circumference were monitored for 20 days. TNFα, SOD and catalase were estimated from blood obtained through retro-orbital at day 0, 5, 10 and 15. Further TS of upper part of the tail skin was stained with H&E stain to document histological changes mRNA level of COX-2 was estimated from the skin.

RESULTS

EC group showed gradual rise in tail oedema post-surgery (PS), elevated inflammation, oxidative stress and histopathological alterations. However in CRR (80 mg/kg b.w./day) treated group shown the reduced tail oedema after post-surgery. TNFα, SOD and catalase levels were significantly less in CRR then EC group supporting anti-inflammatory potential. CRR protected the tail from structural damage. It also down regulated the expression of COX-2 in comparison to EC group. Conclusions: CRR ethanolic extract significantly attenuated secondary lymphedema indicating it potential for therapeutic use.

Graphical abstract
Immunization Staff Training Needs Assessment: An Overview Of Findings From Cameroon
Authors: Adidja Amani , Nchinjoh Sangwe Clovis , Gu Jessica , Lekeumo Cheuyem Fabrice Zobel , Edwige Nadege Nnang , Vouking Marius , Muteh Jude Nkwain , Agbor Valirie Ndip , Mvalo Mbanga Clarence , Bernard Nsah , Ngenge Budzi Michael , Ndoula Shalom Tchokfe , Njoh Andreas Ateke , Mattei Pietro Di , Tonga Calvin , Saidu Yauba
Published: September 2023

Background

In recent years, Cameroon’s Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) has witnessed a sizable decline in its performance. Many stakeholders have cited weaknesses in human resources as one of the major drivers for the observed trend. In a bid to better understand and redress this situation, the EPI and its partners conducted a Training Needs Assessment (TNA) among central, regional, and district staff. The assessment aimed to quantify and characterize core capability gaps and leverage the findings to design an evidence-based capacity-building plan.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using aggregated data from a survey carried out among EPI staff from May to September 2016 across Cameroon’s health pyramid - central, regional, and district levels; and analysis was done using Microsoft Office Excel 2016.

Results

Over half of EPI staff had worked for less than three years in their current post, and roughly three-third of them did not receive pre-service training on vaccination. Additionally, about half of them had not received any form of in-service training on immunization. Supportive supervision was the most frequently cited topic for training, with a surprisingly higher need at the central level (80%). Financial incentive was not a primary motivating factor for learning. Approximately half of the respondents at all levels were not aware of onboarding materials. Most of the respondents identified multiple meetings, high staff turnover, and competing priorities as major barriers to learning. Only about half of surveyed staff reported participating in performance reviews, with nearly half of these reviews conducted when an opportunity arose.

Conclusion

There are still many gaps challenging the EPI goal achievement in Cameroon. Sustainably addressing these issues will require a comprehensive framing of capability-building activities. High-quality EPI human resources will boost the country’s vaccination performance and contribute to the reduction of infant mortality in the country.
Factor XI localization in human deep venous thrombus and function of activated factor XI on venous thrombus formation and hemostasis in rabbit
Authors: Oguri Nobuyuki , Gi Toshihiro , Nakamura Eriko , Maekawa Kazunari , Furukoji Eiji , Okawa Hoshimi , Kouyama Sho , Horiuchi Saki , Sakae Tatefumi , Azuma Minako , Asada Yujiro , Yamashita Atsushi
Published: September 2023

Background

Novel anticoagulants targeting coagulation factor XI (FXI)/activated FXI (FXIa) are under development. However, whether FXI is present in human deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and whether FXIa and activated factor X (FXa) play different roles in venous thrombus formation and hemostasis remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the presence of FXI in DVT and the effects of direct oral FXIa and FXa inhibitors on venous thrombus formation and hemostasis in rabbits and mural thrombus formation in flow chamber system.

Methods

We immunohistochemically assessed FXI localization in human aspirated DVT (n=15). Additionally, we compared thrombus formation induced by endothelial denudation and stenosis in jugular vein, and skin bleeding time and volume between rabbits treated with direct FXIa inhibitors (ONO-1600586) and FXa inhibitors (rivaroxaban).Ex vivorabbit and human blood were perfused on a flow chamber under low shear rates (70/s).

Result

FXI was localized in all DVT, predominantly in fibrin-rich areas. The FXI-immunopositive area in the non-organizing area was greater than that in the organizing area. Although FXIa and FXa inhibitors comparably inhibited venous thrombus formation, FXIa inhibitors did not affect bleeding time or volume in rabbits. FXIa or FXa inhibitors mildly or strongly inhibited fibrin formation at low shear rates respectively. Furthermore, the FXIa inhibitor suppressed human FXIa activity, thrombin generation, and fibrin formation during perfusion.

Conclusion

The pathological findings of human DVT suggest FXI’s role in human DVT. FXIa inhibitors may inhibit less fibrin formation than FXa inhibitors, and may explain the minor role of FXIa in hemostasis.

Essential

Presence of factor XI (FXI) in venous thrombus and less bleeding in its inhibition are unclear.

We assessed FXI localization in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and function of FXIa in rabbit.

FXI localized in human DVT that provide a rationale for FXI inhibition in human DVT.

FXIa inhibitor inhibited less fibrin formation than factor Xa inhibitor under low-shear rate.
Effects of Data Transformation and Model Selection on Feature Importance in Microbiome Classification Data
Authors: Karwowska Zuzanna , Aasmets Oliver ,   Estonian Biobank research team, Kosciolek Tomasz , Org Elin
Published: September 2023

Accurate classification of host phenotypes from microbiome data is essential for future therapies in microbiome-based medicine and machine learning approaches have proved to be an effective solution for the task. The complex nature of the gut microbiome, data sparsity, compositionality and population-specificity however remain challenging, which highlights the critical need for standardized methodologies to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of the results. Microbiome data transformations can alleviate some of the aforementioned challenges, but their usage in machine learning tasks has largely been unexplored. Our aim was to assess the impact of various data transformations on the accuracy, generalizability and feature selection by analysis using more than 8,500 samples from 24 shotgun metagenomic datasets. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of distinguishing between healthy and diseased individuals using microbiome data with minimal dependence on the algorithm and transformation selection. Remarkably, presence-absence transformation performed comparably well to abundance-based transformations, and only a small subset of predictors is crucial for accurate classification. However, while different transformations resulted in comparable classification performance, the most important features varied significantly, which highlight the need to reevaluate machine-learning based biomarker detection. Our research provides valuable guidance for applying machine learning on microbiome data, offering novel insights and highlighting important areas for future research.
The Chordate Origins of Heart Regeneration
Authors: Schuster Keaton J. , Christiaen Lionel
Published: September 2023

The human heart is infamous for not healing after infarction in adults, prompting biomedical interest in species that can regenerate damaged hearts. In such animals as zebrafish and neonatal mice, cardiac repair relies on remaining heart tissue supporting cardiomyocyte proliferation. Naturalde novocardiogenesis in post-embryonic stages thus remains elusive. Here we show that the tunicateCiona, an ascidian among the closest living relatives to the vertebrates, can survive complete chemogenetic ablation of the heart and loss of cardiac function, and recover both cardiac tissue and contractility. As in vertebrates, Ciona heart regeneration relies on Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling-dependent proliferation of cardiomyocytes, providing insights into the evolutionary origins of regenerative cardiogenesis in chordates. Remarkably, prospective lineage tracing by photoconversion of the fluorescent protein Kaede suggested that new cardiomyocytes can emerge from endodermal lineages in post-metamorphic animals, providing an unprecedented case of regenerativede novocardiogenesis. Finally, while embryos cannot compensate for early losses of the cardiogenic lineage, forming heartless juveniles, developing animals gain their regenerative ability during metamorphosis, uncovering a fundamental transition between deterministic embryogenesis and regulative post-embryonic development.
The interactome of histone deacetylase HDA19 in dark-grown Arabidopsis seedlings
Authors: Vélez-Bermúdez Isabel Cristina , Schmidt Wolfgang
Published: September 2023

Here, we describe a data set derived from an immunoprecipitation (IP)-based analysis of the histone deacetylase HDA19 interactome in etiolated Arabidopsis seedlings. HISTONE DEACETYLASE 19 (HDA19) belongs to the class 1 of the Reduced Potassium Dependence3/Histone Deacetylase-1 (RPD3/HDA1) superfamily and is possibly the most intensively studied HDA. Here, we describe a data set derived from an immunoprecipitation (IP)-based analysis of the histone deacetylase HDA19 interactome in etiolated Arabidopsis seedlings. We believe that this data set presented here provides a valuable resource for follow-up research on novel interacting partners of this central protein.
Dose-Response Relationships between Physical Exercises and Mental Health during Early Adolescence: an Investigation of the Underlying Neural and Genetic Mechanisms from the ABCD Study
Authors: Yu Gechang , Wu Xinran , Liu Zhaowen , Shi Mai , Fan Huaxin , Liu Yu , Kuang Nanyu , Peng Songjun , Lian Zhengxu , Chen Jingyang , Yang Senyou , Huang Chuiguo , Wu Hongjiang , Fan Baoqi , Feng Jianfeng , Cheng Wei , Sahakian Barbara J. , Robbins Trevor W. , Becker Benjamin , Zhang Jie
Published: September 2023

Adolescence is a critical developmental with increased vulnerability to mental disorders. While the positive impact of physical exercise on adult mental health is well-established, dose-response relationships and the underlying neural and genetic mechanisms in adolescents remain elusive. Leveraging data from >11,000 pre-adolescents (9-10 years, ABCD Study) we examined associations between seven different measures of exercise dosage across 15 exercises and psychopathology, and the roles of brain function and structure and psychiatric genetic risks. Five specific exercises (basketball, baseball/softball, soccer, football, and skiing) were associated with better mental health while the beneficial effects varied with exercise types, dosage measures and dimensions of psychopathology. Interestingly, more exercise does not always translate to better mental health whilst earlier initiation was consistently advantageous. Communication between attention and default-mode brain networks mediated the beneficial effect of playing football. Crucially, exercise mitigates the detrimental effects of psychiatric genetic risks on mental health. We offer a nuanced understanding of exercise effects on adolescent mental health to promote personalized exercise-based interventions in youth.