bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antifungal activity of Klebsiella grimontii DR11 against Fusarium oxysporum causing soybean root rot
Authors: Wang Shengyi , Zheng Lining , Gao Ao , Xiao Yufeng , Han Zhe , Pan Hongyu , Zhang Hao
Published: October 2023

Aims

Soybean root rot, caused by Fusarium oxysporum, leads to significant economic and financial losses to the soybean processing industry globally. In the study, we aimed to explore a biocontrol agent to combat F. oxysporum infection in soybean.

Methods and Results

From soybean rhizosphere soil, 48 strains were isolated. Among them, the strain DR11 exhibited the highest inhibition rate of 72.27%. Morphological, physiological, biochemical, and 16S rDNA identification revealed that the strain DR11 was Klebsiella grimontii DR11. Strain DR11 could inhibit the growth of F. oxysporum and spore formation and alter the mycelial morphology. At 5.0 × 106 CFU mL−1, pH 7, and 30°C, it exhibited the highest inhibitory rate (72.27%). Moreover, it could decrease the activity of cell-wall-degrading enzymes of F. oxysporum. Simultaneously, the activities of defense-related enzymes and content of malondialdehyde in soybean plants were increased after treatment with strain DR11. In addition, strain DR11 could form aggregates to form biofilm and adsorb on the surface of soybean roots. It inhibited F. oxysporum growth on soybean seedlings, with an inhibitory effect of 62.71%.

Conclusion

Klebsiella grimontii DR11 had a strong inhibitory effect on F. oxysporum and could be used as a biocontrol agent to combat F. oxysporum infection in soybean.
Andrew Carnegie’s museum of evolution
Authors: Strazdes Diana
Published: October 2023

Carnegie Institute was established in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during the great age of museum building in the United States. The institute took shape over two building programmes completed in 1895 and 1907. It comprised not only a natural history museum and art gallery but also a library and a music hall. Financed solely by Andrew Carnegie, it stood as an oddity in having no founder’s collection. Carnegie’s role has been interpreted as that of a silent financial partner who turned over creative control to others. Instead, and from the start, the natural history collection and art gallery were ideologically driven to accord with their founder’s idiosyncratic values. Carnegie Institute symbolized the thinking of philosopher Herbert Spencer and educational reformer Matthew Arnold, as absorbed and interpreted by Carnegie. The collections of palaeontology, casts, reproductions, paintings and drawings were displayed to reflect both Spencer’s concept of evolution and Arnold’s concept of anti-materialism.
Topical Review: Acute and Chronic Pain Experiences in Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth
Authors: Boerner Katelynn E , Harrison Lauren E , Battison Eleanor A J , Murphy Corrin , Wilson Anna C
Published: October 2023

Objective

To provide an overview of the existing literature on gender diversity in pediatric acute and chronic pain, propose an ecological systems model of understanding pain in transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth, and identify a direction for future work that will address the key knowledge gaps identified.

Methods

Relevant literature on pain and gender diversity was reviewed, drawing from adult literature where there was insufficient evidence in pediatric populations. Existing relevant models for understanding minority stress, gender and pain, and pain experiences within marginalized groups were considered with the reviewed literature to develop a pain model in TGD youth.

Results

While there is an abundance of literature pointing to increased risk for pain experiences amongst TGD youth, there is comparably little empirical evidence of the rates of pain amongst TGD youth, prevalence of TGD identities in pain care settings, effective pain treatments for TGD youth and unique considerations for their care, and the role intersectional factors in understanding TGD youth identities and pain.

Conclusion

Pediatric psychologists are well-positioned to advance the research on acute and chronic pain in TGD youth, make evidence-based adaptations to clinical care for TGD youth with pain, including pain related to gender affirmation, and support colleagues within the medical system to provide more inclusive care.
Constraint on the relativistic motion of fast radio bursts based on the maximal electric field
Authors: Shen Jun-Yi , Zou Yuan-Chuan
Published: October 2023

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are millisecond radio signals from cosmological distances. As they propagate, FRBs can interact with ambient photons and initiate a quantum cascade that can limit the electric field strength. This paper examines whether some observed bright and brief FRBs may challenge this limit if the source is not relativistic. The size of a static FRB source is estimated as R ∼ ct, where t is the time-scale of the FRB and c denotes the speed of light. But for a relativistic source moving at the Lorentz factor Γ, the size is R ∼ 2Γ2ct. Using an FRB catalogue, we plot the luminosity–duration distribution. Most FRBs fall below the limit for a static source, but two events have higher luminosity and shorter duration. This suggests these bursts may originate from relativistic sources, although more data are needed to confirm this.
Supermassive black hole mass in the massive elliptical galaxy M87 from integral-field stellar dynamics using OASIS and MUSE with adaptive optics: assessing systematic uncertainties
Authors: Simon David A , Cappellari Michele , Hartke Johanna
Published: October 2023

The massive elliptical galaxy M87 has been the subject of several supermassive black hole mass measurements from stellar dynamics, gas dynamics, and recently the black hole shadow by the Event Horizon Telescope. This uniquely positions M87 as a benchmark for alternative black hole mass determination methods. Here, we use stellar kinematics extracted from integral-field spectroscopy observations with adaptive optics using Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) and Optically Adaptive System for Imaging Spectroscopy (OASIS). We exploit our high-resolution integral field spectroscopy to spectrally decompose the central actice galactic nuclei (AGNs) from the stars. We derive an accurate inner stellar-density profile and find it is flatter than previously assumed. We also use the spectrally extracted AGNs as a reference to accurately determine the observed MUSE and OASIS AO PSF. We then perform Jeans anisotropic modelling, with a new flexible spatially variable anisotropy, and measure the anisotropy profile, stellar mass-to-light variations, inner dark matter fraction, and black hole mass. Our preferred black hole mass is MBH = (8.7 ± 1.2[random] ± 1.3[systematic]) × 109 M⊙. However, using the inner stellar density from previous studies, we find a preferred black hole mass of $M_{\rm BH} = (5.5^{+0.5}_{-0.3}) \times 10^9 \ M_\odot$, consistent with previous work. We find that this is the primary cause of the difference between our results and previous work, in addition to smaller contributions due to kinematics and modelling method. We conduct numerous systematic tests of the kinematics and model assumptions and conclude that uncertainties in the black hole mass of M87 from previous determinations may have been underestimated and further analyses are needed.
Ultrasound-guided selective glossopharyngeal nerve block: posterior mandibular ramus approach
Authors: Kojima Yuki , Okamoto Songi , Hirabayashi Kazuya
Published: October 2023

Objective

Glossopharyngeal nerve block is a useful interventional technique for pain management of the head and neck. It is performed with landmark techniques or ultrasound guidance. We propose a novel ultrasound-guided glossopharyngeal nerve block technique.

Methods

This new approach was performed in 3 patients in their twenties and thirties. A needle was inserted deeply under the stylohyoid muscle through the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Subsequently, an ultrasound-guided nerve block was performed with 1 mL of 1% xylocaine. The performance of our technique was evaluated with 2 tests: a cold sensitivity test and a gag reflex test.

Results

The effect of the nerve block was observed in the posterior third of the tongue on both sides, the tonsils, and the pharyngeal region. The effect lasted for approximately 1.5 hour. Motor efferent block was not observed.

Conclusions

We designated the technique as ultrasound-guided selective glossopharyngeal nerve block: posterior mandibular ramus approach. No complications occurred during the bilateral application. This novel approach can be performed at a very shallow position, compared with conventional methods. There is no damage to tissues other than the muscles, which reduces postoperative complications and patient distress. Although our technique requires further safety assessments and technical refinements, it could represent a simpler alternative to conventional methods in daily clinical practice.
Characterization and Effect of a Nematophagous Fungus Talaromyces cystophila sp. nov. for the Biological Control of Corn Cyst Nematode
Authors: Mo Yi Xue , Kan Yuan Zi , Jia Lu Ming , Cao Xiao Tian , Sikandar Aatika , Wu Hai Yan
Published: October 2023

The dynamic of plant-parasitic nematode populations in soil is closely related to soil microorganisms. Fungi from Heterodera zeae cysts were isolated to explore the phenomenon of decline in the H. zeae population in the soil. Phylogenetic study of partial ITS, BenA, CaM, and RPB2 gene sequences, in addition to morphological investigations, was utilized to identify a nematode-destroying fungus. The nematicidal activity of a novel strain GX1 against H. zeae was assessed in vitro and in the greenhouse. Our findings revealed that strain GX1 is a new species of Talaromyces, named Talaromyces cystophila. It has a strong parasitic and lethal effect on H. zeae cysts, with 91.11% parasitism on cysts at 3 days after treatment. The contents of second-stage juveniles (J2s) and eggs inside the cysts were degraded and formed dense vacuoles, and the damaged eggs could not hatch normally. The spore suspension exhibited high nematophagous activity against nematodes, and fermentation filtrate exhibited marked inhibition of egg hatching and nematicidal activities on J2s. The hatching inhibition rates of eggs exposed to 1 × 108 CFU/ml spore suspensions or 20% 1-week fermentation filtrate (1-WF) for 15 days were 98.56 and 100%, respectively. The mortality of J2s exposed to 1 × 108 CFU/ml spore suspension reached 100% at 24 h; exposure to 50% 2-WF was 98.65 and 100% at 24 and 48 h, respectively. Greenhouse experiments revealed that the spore suspension and fermentation broth considerably decreased H. zeae reproduction by 56.17 to 78.76%. T. cystophila is a potential biocontrol strain with nematophagous and nematicidal activity that deserves attention and application.
Flexible Machine Learning Estimation of Conditional Average Treatment Effects: A Blessing and a Curse
Authors: Post Richard A. J. , Petkovic Marko , van den Heuvel Isabel L. , van den Heuvel Edwin R.
Published: October 2023

Causal inference from observational data requires untestable identification assumptions. If these assumptions apply, machine learning methods can be used to study complex forms of causal effect heterogeneity. Recently, several machine learning methods were developed to estimate the conditional average treatment effect (ATE). If the features at hand cannot explain all heterogeneity, the individual treatment effects can seriously deviate from the conditional ATE. In this work, we demonstrate how the distributions of the individual treatment effect and the conditional ATE can differ when a causal random forest is applied. We extend the causal random forest to estimate the difference in conditional variance between treated and controls. If the distribution of the individual treatment effect equals that of the conditional ATE, this estimated difference in variance should be small. If they differ, an additional causal assumption is necessary to quantify the heterogeneity not captured by the distribution of the conditional ATE. The conditional variance of the individual treatment effect can be identified when the individual effect is independent of the outcome under no treatment given the measured features. Then, in the cases where the individual treatment effect and conditional ATE distributions differ, the extended causal random forest can appropriately estimate the variance of the individual treatment effect distribution, whereas the causal random forest fails to do so.
The importance of female reproductive history on self-reported sleep quality, mood, and urogenital symptoms in midlife
Authors: Vorobeľová Lenka , Falbová Darina , Candráková Čerňanová Veronika
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study investigated the importance of reproductive history on somatic and psychological symptoms in midlife women.

Methods

A total of 503 women from 39 to 65 years of age were recruited from different localities in Slovakia. These were interviewed about their reproductive and menstrual history, sociodemographic background, and lifestyle and health status after submitting pretested questionnaires. All variables were measured by self-reporting, and multivariable logistic and ordinal regression analyses tested the associations.

Results

Women who experienced miscarriage had a greater likelihood of waking early and then sleeping poorly, and they also felt unattractive in midlife. Moreover, women with two or more miscarriages were four times more likely to experience this sleep symptom than those without miscarriage (odds ratio [OR], 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.70-10.38; P = 0.002). In addition, women with one or two children suffered significantly less often with severe depressed mood and lack of enjoyment than women with three and more children (lack of enjoyment: with one child, the OR was 0.39 [95% CI, 0.16-0.96; P = 0.041]; with two children, the OR was 0.47 [95% CI, 0.23-0.97; P = 0.040]; depressed mood: with one child, the OR was 0.32 [95% CI, 0.12-0.84; P = 0.021]). Finally, the premenopausal and perimenopausal women were less likely to experience severe vaginal dryness than those in postmenopause.

Conclusions

This cross-sectional pilot study suggests that women's reproductive history, as determined by parity and miscarriage, may be relevant to their midlife health and well-being. Future research is warranted.
Efficacy and safety of atezolizumab/bevacizumab in patients with HCC after prior systemic therapy: A global, observational study
Authors: Joerg Vincent , Scheiner Bernhard , D´Alessio Antonio , Fulgenzi Claudia A.M. , Schönlein Martin , Kocheise Lorenz , Lohse Ansgar W. , Huber Samuel , Wege Henning , Kaseb Ahmed , Wang Yinghong , Mathew Antony , Kuang Andrew , Muzaffar Mahvish , Abugabal Yehia I. , Chamseddine Shadi , Phen Samuel , Cheon Jaekyung , Lee Pei-Chang , Balcar Lorenz , Krall Anja , Ang Celina , Wu Linda , Saeed Anwaar , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Bengsch Bertram , Rimassa Lorenza , Weinmann Arndt , Stauber Rudolf , Korolewicz James , Pinter Matthias , Singal Amit G. , Chon Hong Jae , Pinato David J. , Schulze Kornelius , von Felden Johann
Published: October 2023

Background:

Since the introduction of the combination treatment of anti-programmed death-ligand 1 antibody atezolizumab and anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab (AB), median overall survival in HCC has drastically improved. However, evidence on the efficacy and safety of the novel treatment standard in patients with prior exposure to systemic treatment is scarce. The aim of this global, multicenter, observational study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AB in patients after previous systemic therapy.

Methods:

We screened our global, multicenter, prospectively maintained registry database for patients who received any systemic therapy before AB. The primary end point was overall survival; secondary end points were time-to-progression, progression-free survival, objective response rate, and safety (rate and severity of adverse events).

Results:

Among 493 patients who received AB for unresectable HCC, 61 patients received prior systemic therapy and were included in this analysis. The median age of the study population was 66 years, with 91.8% males. Predominant risk factors for HCC were viral hepatitis (59%) and alcohol (23%). Overall survival for AB was 16.2 (95% CI, 14.5–17.9) months, time-to-progression and progression-free survival were 4.1 (95% CI, 1.5–6.6) and 3.1 (95% CI, 1.1–5.1) months, respectively. The objective response rate was 38.2% (7.3% with complete and 30.9% with partial response). Overall survival was not influenced by treatment line (2nd vs. >2nd) or previous systemic treatment modality (tyrosine kinase inhibitors vs. immune checkpoint inhibitors). Treatment-related adverse events of all grades according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events were documented in 42.6% of patients, with only 13.1% of grade ≥3, including one death.

Conclusion:

In this observational study, AB emerges as a safe and efficacious treatment option in patients with HCC previously treated with other systemic therapy.
Influence of Subclinical Corneal Edema on Contrast Sensitivity in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
Authors: Friedrich Maximilian , Hofmann Christina Antonia , Chychko Lizaveta , Son Hyeck-Soo , Khoramnia Ramin , Auffarth Gerd Uwe , Augustin Victor Aristide
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to compare visual function, with a focus on contrast sensitivity, between patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) with and without subclinical corneal edema.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional, observational, single-center study, 46 pseudophakic eyes of 31 patients with FECD were divided into 2 groups depending on the presence of subclinical corneal edema. All eyes presented with a Krachmer grade of 5 and no clinical corneal edema. The criteria for subclinical corneal edema were loss of regular isopachs, displacement of the thinnest point, and focal posterior surface depression in Scheimpflug tomography. If more than 1 criterion was present, subclinical corneal edema was diagnosed. The corrected distance visual acuity, contrast sensitivity (Pelli–Robson chart and CSV-1000 test with optional glare), and straylight were measured. The differences between both groups were analyzed using clustered Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.

Results:

The corrected distance visual acuity and the contrast sensitivity, measured with a Pelli–Robson chart, were significantly inferior in eyes with subclinical corneal edema compared with eyes without subclinical edema (P < 0.05). At all spatial frequencies, eyes with subclinical edema demonstrated lower contrast sensitivity with a statistically significantly reduction in total contrast sensitivity when tested with (P = 0.005) and without (P = 0.002) glare. The straylight did not significantly differ between both groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

The corrected distance visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were significantly reduced in FECD eyes with subclinical corneal edema compared with those with no subclinical edema. This decrease in visual quality may be considered when evaluating the need for surgical intervention at earlier stages of FECD.
Computed tomography-based delta radiomics of tumor core_edge combination for systemic treatment response evaluation in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Li Xiang , Lu Na , Hu Peijun , Chen Yiwen , Liu Liying , Liu Xinyuan , Guo Chengxiang , Xiao Wenbo , Sun Ke , Li Jingsong , Bai Xueli , Liang Tingbo
Published: October 2023

Background:

As a systemic disease, pancreatic cancer (PC) can be treated systemically to raise the R0 resection rate and enhance patient prognosis. The best ways to assess the treatment response to systemic treatment of patients with PC are still lacking.

Methods:

A total of 122 PC patients were enrolled; 25 of these patients were used as an independent testing set. According to the pathologic response, PC patients were classified into the responder and nonresponder groups. The whole tumor, core, edge, and peritumoral were segmented from the enhanced computed tomography (CT) images. Machine-learning models were created by extracting the variations in radionics features before and after therapy (delta radiomics features). Finally, we compared the performance of models based on radiomics features, changes in tumor markers, and radiologic evaluation.

Results:

The model based on the core (area under curve [AUC] = 0.864) and edge features (AUC = 0.853) showed better performance than that based on the whole tumor (AUC = 0.847) or peritumoral area (AUC = 0.846). Moreover, the tumor core_edge combination model (AUC = 0.899) could better increase confidence in treatment response than using either of them alone. The accuracies of models based on changes in tumor markers and radiologic evaluation were relatively poorer than of the radiomics model. Moreover, Patients predicted to respond to therapy using the radiomics model showed a relatively longer overall survival (43 vs 27 months), although there were no significant differences (P = .063).

Conclusions:

The tumor core_edge combination delta radiomics model is an effective approach to evaluate pathologic response in PC patients with systemic treatment.
Barriers and facilitators to sustainable operating theatres: a systematic review using the Theoretical Domains Framework
Authors: Almukhtar Aws , Batcup Carys , Bowman Miranda , Winter-Beatty Jasmine , Leff Daniel , Demirel Pelin , Porat Talya , Judah Gaby
Published: October 2023

Background:

The health sector contributes significantly to the climate crisis. Operating theatres in particular are a major contributor of greenhouse gas emissions and waste, and while there are several evidence-based guidelines to reduce this impact, these are often not followed. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify barriers and facilitators of sustainable behaviour in operating theatres, categorising these using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).

Materials and methods:

Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, and Global Health databases were searched for articles published between January 2000 – June 2023, using the concepts: barriers and facilitators, sustainability, and surgery. Two reviewers screened abstracts from identified studies, evaluated quality, and extracted data. Identified determinants were mapped to TDF domains and further themes as required. The results were reported in line with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) and AMSTAR (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) guidelines.

Results:

Twenty-one studies were selected for analysis and assessment (seventeen surveys and four interview studies) comprising 8286 participants, including surgeons, nurses and anaesthetists. Eighteen themes across ten TDF domains were identified. The most common barriers to adoption of green behaviours in operating theatres were in domains of: ‘knowledge’ (N=18) e.g. knowledge of sustainable practices; ‘environmental context and resources’ (N=16) e.g.‘personnel shortage and workload and inadequate recycling facilities; ‘social influences’ (N=9) e.g. lack of leadership/organisational mandate or support; ‘beliefs about consequences’ (N=9) e.g. concerns regarding safety. Intention was the most common facilitator, with eleven studies citing it.

Conclusions:

Despite intentions to adopt sustainable practices in operating theatres, this review identified several barriers to doing so. Interventions should focus on mitigating these, especially by improving staff’s knowledge of sustainability practices and working within the environmental context and time pressures. Furthermore, institutional change programmes and policies are needed to prioritise sustainability at the Hospital and Trust level. Additional qualitative work should also be conducted using behavioural frameworks, to more comprehensively investigate barriers and determinants to decarbonise operating theatres.
Perceptions Surrounding Cochlear Implants Among At-Risk and Qualifying Older Adults in the United States
Authors: Carlson Matthew L. , Lohse Christine M. , Marinelli John P. , Sydlowski Sarah A. , Collaborative Hearing Health
Published: October 2023

Objective

Limited evidence to date has examined public perceptions of cochlear implants among adult hearing aid users with moderate to profound hearing loss. The current work was conceived with the chief objective of characterizing the perceptions surrounding cochlear implants among the prospective candidate pool.

Study design

National cross-sectional survey study.

Setting

United States.

Patients

Adults between 50 and 80 years of age with self-reported moderate to moderately severe (n = 200) or moderately severe to profound (n = 200) hearing loss currently using hearing aids.

Results

The overall survey response rate was 12%. Median age at time of survey for the 400 respondents was 66 years (interquartile range, 60–71 yr) and included 215 (54%) men. In total, 26% did not think of hearing loss as a medical condition, and another 23% were unsure. Overall, 63% of respondents had heard of cochlear implants, but only 2% indicated they were very familiar with them. Despite 52% of respondents reporting “very positive” or “somewhat positive” feelings about cochlear implants, only 9% indicated they were “very likely” to get a cochlear implant in the future, including 7% of those with estimated moderately severe to profound hearing loss at time of survey.

Conclusions

Even among people with presumed qualifying levels of hearing loss, there exists a widespread lack of familiarity with cochlear implantation as a viable treatment option. This limited awareness seems influenced by a generally poor appreciation for hearing loss as a chronic disease state that warrants treatment. However, among those familiar with cochlear implants, they are generally viewed favorably.
The climate impact of dialysis
Authors: Phua Elaine , Shen Yvonne
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review

A reciprocal relationship currently exists between climate change and healthcare, mutually influencing each other. There have been significant planetary shifts in recent decades, marked by escalating temperatures, frequent natural calamities, a disturbing surge in climate-linked fatalities, and a heightened incidence of kidney disease diagnoses.

Recent findings

Dialysis, a life-preserving treatment for kidney failure, extends to 2–3 million patients globally, mainly through in-centre haemodialysis. This treatment exerts an environmental toll, contributing to the healthcare sector's carbon footprint through water usage, energy consumption, waste generation, and current procurement practices. Diligent scrutiny and data collection of these facets have spurred sustainability initiatives, beginning at the local level with water, energy, and waste management. Still, this represents just the tip of the iceberg, with a pressing need for more comprehensive and habitual sustainable dialysis practices.

This review examines the carbon footprint from dialysis, probes its ecological ramifications, and underscores potential solutions to lessen its climate impact.
Short and Long-Term Outcomes in Hirschsprung Disease: Are the Syndrome-Associated Patients Really Doing Worse?
Authors: Gagnon Hugo , Duguay Sophie , Prasil Pascale , Castilloux Julie
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Given the lack of data to help caregivers in the follow-up of Hirschsprung disease (HD), this study aimed to compare the functional outcomes of isolated Hirschsprung disease (I-HD) to syndrome-associated Hirschsprung disease (SA-HD) at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with HD between January 1990 and May 2021 at our pediatric center was performed to collect data on patient characteristics, investigations, and treatments. Ninety-five patients were identified, of whom 76 were included in the study. SA-HD is defined as a syndrome known to be associated with HD or cognitive impairment.

Results:

Patient characteristics were comparable between groups (P > 0.05). There were 52 patients with I-HD and 24 with SA-HD. The patients median age was 9 days at diagnosis and 1.5 month at surgery. SA-HD patients became bowel continent at a significantly older age (mean age 8.43 vs 4.94 years, P = 0.0471) and received more bowel continence medications. At 5 years, SA-HD patients requiring ≥2 medications for bowel continence represented 54.5% versus 11.1% of I-HD patients (P = 0.009). Lastly, SA-HD patients had urinary incontinence at a significantly older age (P = 0.0136, 5 years).

Conclusion:

Clinicians should be aware that SA-HD patients are more prone to bladder dysfunction and became bowel continent at an older age than I-HD patients. They need more and prolonged bowel management medications, and other important complications need to be addressed in patient care. These results should prompt a longer follow-up period for these patients, especially in SA-HD.
Beyond the Bedside
Authors: Kwon Yoon , Wilson Jennifer , Olson DaiWai M.
Published: October 2023

The changing landscape of nursing and increasing number of nurses leaving the profession calls for a reexamination of career pathways. Professional mentors and faculty play a pivotal role in advising nursing students and new nurses. By sharing lessons learned from an undergraduate nursing student after interviewing 21 nurses working in nontraditional roles, the article highlights the importance of embracing the diverse professional goals and strengths of each nurse as a retention strategy.
Prevalence and predictors of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae among HIV-negative pregnant women in Kenya
Authors: Mogaka Jerusha N. , Drake Alison L. , Matemo Daniel , Kinuthia John , McClelland R. Scott , Unger Jennifer A. , Richardson Barbra A. , John-Stewart Grace , Pintye Jillian
Published: October 2023

Background

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections in pregnancy contribute to adverse perinatal outcomes. We identified predictors of CT and/or NG infection among pregnant Kenyan women.

Methods

Women without HIV were enrolled at two antenatal clinics in Western Kenya. CT and NG were assessed using endocervical samples for nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT). Poisson regression models were used to evaluate potential CT/NG risk factors. Classification and regression trees (CART) were generated to evaluate the joint effects of predictors.

Results

Overall, 1276 women had both CT and NG assessments. Women enrolled at a median of 26 weeks gestation (IQR 22-31), median age was 22 years (IQR 19-27), and 78% were married. In total, 98 (7.7%) tested positive for CT/NG: 70 (5.5%) for CT, 32 (2.5%) for NG, 4 of whom (0.3%) had co-infections. Two-thirds (66%) of CT/NG cases were asymptomatic and would have been missed with only syndromic management. Risk factors of CT/NG included age < 22 years, crowded living conditions, being unmarried, being in partnerships for <1-year, abnormal vaginal discharge, previous STI history, and T. vaginalis diagnosis(p < 0.05). CART analyses identified unmarried women <22 years in relationships for <1 year as 6.1 times more likely to have CT/NG compared to women without these characteristics (26% vs. 6%, adjusted prevalence ratio = 6.1, 95% CI: 3.55–10.39, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

CT/NG was frequently asymptomatic and common among young unmarried women in newer partnerships in this cohort. Integrating CT/NG testing into routine antenatal care may be beneficial, especially for young women in Kenya.
Accuracy and Precision of New Optical Biometer Designed for Myopia Management in Measurement of Ocular Biometry
Authors: Chamarty Sruthi , Verkicharla Pavan K.
Published: October 2023

SIGNIFICANCE

This study provides information about the repeatability of Myopia Master (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) and its agreement with Lenstar LS900, which might be useful for the practitioners involved in myopia management.

PURPOSE

Myopia Master is a new optical biometer that measures ocular biometry and refractive error. The purpose of this study was to assess its repeatability (intrasession and short-term intersession) and its agreement with Lenstar LS900 for the measurement of axial length and corneal curvature.

METHODS

A total of 304 participants including 254 children (mean ± standard deviation age, 13.7 ± 1.6 years) and 50 adults (24 ± 2.9 years) underwent measurements on Myopia Master and Lenstar LS900 to obtain axial length, flat K, and steep K. On a subset of 30 participants, measurements were obtained with Myopia Master in two sessions that were spread over 10 minutes to assess the short-term intersession repeatability.

RESULTS

The mean standard deviation of Myopia Master in the measurement of axial length in the total sample was 0.01 mm for intrasession, when the best three measurements were considered. The short-term intersession mean standard deviation for axial length, flat K, and steep K was 0.06 mm, 0.15 D, and 0.21 D, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in mean values of axial length (−0.04 ± 0.06 mm), flat K (−0.07 ± 0.15 D), and steep K (−0.24 ± 0.29 D) between Lenstar LS900 and Myopia Master, with the Lenstar providing slightly longer axial length and steeper K values. Adults showed better repeatability with Myopia Master and better agreement between the biometers for axial length measurement than children. Neither axial length nor refractive error influenced the repeatability or agreement.

CONCLUSIONS

Myopia Master is repeatable for the measurement of axial length and corneal curvature. Considering the differences in axial length between the Myopia Master and Lenstar LS900, caution must be applied when these biometers are used interchangeably.
Refractive Index Measurement of the Crystalline Lens in Vivo
Authors: He Ji C.
Published: October 2023

Significance

This study provides a new method to measure the refractive index of crystalline lens in the human eye in vivo.

Purpose

Accessing the refractive index of crystalline lenses in the human eye in vivo has long been a challenge. This study aimed to measure the refractive index of a lens in vivo using an anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) system combined with a Scheimpflug imaging system.

Method

A ray-traceable Scheimpflug imaging was developed and integrated into an AS-OCT system. A theoretical study revealed that the combination of these two systems provides a unique solution for simultaneously measuring the refractive index and the thickness of the lens. The average lens refractive index along the ray pathway (Nav) and lens shape were measured for seven subjects.

Results

The lens Nav along the central ray varies from 1.383 to 1.419 between subjects. The lens refractive index function across the lens diameter varies from subject to subject. The lens Nav increases for accommodated eyes. The thicknesses and profiles of the lenses are also determined.

Conclusions

The lens refractive index varies substantially from individual eye to individual eye, not only along the central ray pathway but also for the lens refractive index function across the lens diameter. Ray-traceable Scheimpflug imaging-equipped AS-OCT is useful for testing the refractive index of lenses in the human eye in vivo.
The Unique Properties of Tear Film Break-up Process in Patients with Nasal Unilateral Pterygium
Authors: Chang Jingyao , Lin Xinru , Kang Zhen , Xu Renfeng , Xue Chunyan
Published: October 2023

Significance

This study found that the unique properties of tear film break-up process in eyes with pterygium, which, combined with ocular surface parameters, further revealed specific dynamic mechanism. It suggested the thickness of pterygium was especially valuable in deciding the necessity of surgical management.

Purpose

To explore the dynamics mechanism of tear film instability in eyes with pterygium.

Methods

A paired-eye controlled cross-sectional study. 78 patients with nasal pterygium were enrolled. Fluorescein tear film breakup was observed. Several key parameters related to tear film quality were defined and analyzed, including total break-up area (mathematically derived from pixel size using MATLAB), break-up velocity, fluorescein break-up time, break-up location and pattern, tear meniscus height (TMH), score of fluorescein corneal staining (SCSF) and meiboscore.

Results

With comparable TMH, SCSF and meiboscore between paired eyes (P > .05), eyes with pterygium had shorter break-up time, larger break-up area and faster break-up velocity (P < .05). In eyes with pterygium, a positive correlation between meiboscore and pterygium parameters including length, thickness and size were observed (P < .001). As the thickness increased, difference of break-up time and area between paired eyes increased (P = .02 and .046). Eyes with pterygium had more fixed inferonasal break-up location and often presented as dimple break (60.3%) while random break was the most common in contralateral normal eyes (61.5%). A unique break-up pattern named pterygium-induced local dimple break was found. It displayed as irregular but vertical line-like shape appearing after lipid layer spreading, which adjacent to lower margin of pterygium and presented unique properties including inferonasal break-up location, local break-up area, shorten break-up time and faster break-up velocity.

Conclusions

Eyes with pterygium showed a unique tear film break-up process and novel break-up pattern named pterygium-induced local dimple break. Dynamic mechanism played a significant role in tear film instability of eyes with pterygium rather than aqueous-deficiency and increased-evaporation.
The microbiome as a biomarker of anal precancerous lesions in people with HIV
Authors: Ron Raquel , Moreno Elena , Rosas Cancio-Suárez Marta , Serrano-Villar Sergio
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review

Early detection and treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related anal dysplasia in some high-risk groups can help anal cancer prevention, but new tools to improve diagnostic and risk assessment are needed. Here, we aim to discuss the evidence on the role of the microbiome as a potential biomarker for anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) in people with HIV (PWH).

Recent findings

This review covers relevant studies on the links between the microbiome and HPV infection, cervical dysplasia/cancer, and anal HPV disease. It focuses on anal samples and precancerous lesions.

The review highlights the promising potential of the anal microbiome as a novel biomarker for precancerous lesions in people with HIV, while also discussing limitations and future research needs.
Using Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA or Auricular Acupuncture) to Treat Primary Headaches in the Emergency Department
Authors: Chiwandamira Fadzai
Published: October 2023

Patients with headaches who present to the emergency department (ED) need prompt pain management. Headaches are a common complaint in the ED. Urgent evaluation is critical to assess for life-threatening headache causes. Once the causes of secondary headaches are ruled out, various pain control modalities for primary headaches can be used. This article and case will illustrate the treatment of primary headaches using battlefield acupuncture (BFA) as it is effective, minimally invasive, and has minimal undesired side effects or interactions. BFA will continue to work after the patient has left the ED. Average pain relief can be 4–7 days but varies depending on etiology. BFA presents an opportunity to minimize costly resource overutilization while still providing an option for quick, safe, and effective pain control. The article will also briefly mention some crucial headache assessments (detailed education on headache assessment should be done separately by the reader).
Improving the Management of Adults With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Helms Rachel
Published: October 2023

The overuse of computed tomographic (CT) scans for patients who present to the emergency department (ED) after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) has been well-documented. The Canadian Computed Tomography Head Rule (CCHR) is a validated tool to guide ED providers in determining the need for emergent CT of mTBI patients. The purpose of this project was to reduce radiation exposure and ED length of stay by using the CCHR to decrease unnecessary CT scans in adults with TBI. Cost of care was also estimated. The CCHR implementation strategy included an education program for ED staff. The use of the CCHR was promoted throughout the intervention period. The outcomes measured were the number of CT scans ordered, ED length of stay, and the cost of avoidable CT scans. Data were collected through medical record reviews completed by the project leader and were evaluated using the independent samples t test. A total of 600 medical records were reviewed. There was a significant difference between adherence to the CCHR before (M = 64.6%) and after provider education (M = 74.3%). The percentage of CT scans that could have been avoided significantly decreased from baseline (M = 0.63) after provider education (M = 0.46). Length of stay for mTBI patients who were managed based on the CCHR (M = 184.9) was significantly less than the length of stay for those who were not (M = 260.1). The cost of avoidable scans was decreased by 37% over the course of the project. There were no incidents of missed diagnosis found. By increasing awareness of the CCHR and promoting its use, the number of head CT scans ordered, cost of care, and ED length of stay for patients who present after mTBI were significantly improved.
Marinobacter iranensis sp. nov., a slightly halophilic bacterium from a hypersaline lake
Authors: Rafieyan Shokufeh , Amoozegar Mohammad Ali , Makzum Somaye , Salimi-Ashtiani Mahsa , Nikou Mahdi Moshtaghi , Ventosa Antonio , Sanchez-Porro Cristina
Published: October 2023

A novel halophilic bacterium, strain 71-iT, was isolated from Inche-Broun hypersaline lake in Golestan province, in the north of Iran. It was a Gram-stain-negative, non-endospore forming, rod-shaped bacterium. It grew at 4–40 °C (optimum 30 °C), pH 6.0–11.0 (optimum pH 7.5) and with 0.5–15 % (w/v) NaCl [optimum 3 % (w/v) NaCl]. The results of phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison indicated its affiliation to the genus

Marinobacter

and the low percentage of identity with the most closely related species (97.5 %), indicated its placement as a novel species within this genus. Digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values and average nucleotide identity (ANI) analyses of this strain against closely related species confirmed its condition of novel taxon. On the other hand, the percentage of the average amino acid identity (AAI) affiliated strain 71-iT within the genus

Marinobacter

. The DNA G+C content of this isolate was 57.7 mol%. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0 and C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c. Ubiquinone-9 was the major isoprenoid quinone and diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) were the main polar lipids of this strain. On the basis of the phylogenomic and phenotypic (including chemotaxonomic) features, we propose strain 71-iT (= IBRC M 11023T = CECT 30160T = LMG 29252T) as the type strain of a novel species within the genus

Marinobacter

, with the name Marinobacter iranensis sp. nov. Genomic detections of this strain in various metagenomic databases indicate that it is a relatively abundant species in environments with low salinities (approximately 5 % salinity), but not in hypersaline habitats with high salt concentrations.
Pan-genome analysis of different morphotypes reveals genomic basis ofBrassica oleraceadomestication and differential organogenesis
Authors: Guo Ning , Wang Shenyun , Wang Tianyi , Duan Mengmeng , Zong Mei , Miao Liming , Han Shuo , Wang Guixiang , Liu Xin , Zhang Deshuang , Jiao Chengzhi , Xu Hongwei , Chen Liyang , Fei Zhangjun , Li Jianbin , Liu Fan
Published: October 2023

The domestication ofBrassica oleraceahas resulted in diverse morphological types with distinct patterns of organ development. Here we report a graph-based pan-genome ofB. oleraceaconstructed with high-quality genome assemblies of different morphotypes. The pan-genome harbors over 200 structural variant (SV) hotspot regions enriched with auxin and flowering-related genes. Population genomic analyses reveal that early domestication ofB. oleraceafocused on leaf or stem selection. Gene flows resulting from agricultural practices and variety improvement are detected among different morphotypes. Selective sweep analysis identifies an auxin-responsive SAUR gene and a CLE family gene as the crucial players in the leaf-stem differentiation during the early stage ofB. oleraceadomestication, and theBoKAN1gene as instrumental in shaping the leafy heads of cabbage and Brussels sprouts. Our pan-genome and functional analyses further discover that variations in theBoFLC2gene play key roles in the divergence of vernalization and flowering characteristics among different morphotypes, and variations in the first intron ofBoFLC3are involved in fine-tuning the flowering process in cauliflower. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the pan-genome ofB. oleraceaand sheds light on the domestication and differential organ development of this globally important crop species.
Force sensing GPR133 is essential for normal balance and modulates vestibular hair cell membrane excitability via Gi signaling and CNGA3 coupling
Authors: Yang Zhao , Zhou Shu-Hua , Wang Ming-Wei , Ping Yu-Qi , Fu Xiao-Long , Zhao Ru-Jia , Xiao Peng , Lu Yan , Zhang Qi-Yue , Song Zhi-Chen , Xi Yue-Tong , Lin Hui , Zheng Yuan , Qin Wei , Yi Fan , Yu Xiao , Chai Ren-Jie , Sun Jin-Peng
Published: October 2023

The maintenance of normal balance sensing is a fundamental prerequisite for virtually every activity of daily life. As one set most important balance information collectors, vestibular hair cells convert mechanical stimuli from head movement into electrical signals through a mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) process. The molecular mechanism underlying equilibrioception and MET in vestibular hair cells is not well understood but is generally believed to be mediated by ion channels. However, whether these procedures are also mediated by other receptors, such as GPCRs, which are known to govern light, odorant and taste sensing, is not known. Here, by screening the expression of force-sensitive adhesion GPCRs in vestibular hair cells and phenotype profiling in animal models, we identified that a seven-transmembrane receptor, GPR133, was able to sense force in utricle hair cells and was required for maintenance of normal equilibrioception. Notably, GPR133 converted mechanical stimuli into changes in intracellular cAMP levels through Gi engagement and then modulated plasma membrane excitability and mediated MET by coupling to CNGA3 activity changes in approximately 30% of GPR133-expressing utricle hair cells. GPR133-mediated MET and its coupling with CNGA3 were recapitulated by an in vitro reconstitution system. Further chemical labeling, mass spectrometry and cryo-EM analysis provided potential structural information on force-induced GPR133 activation and Gi3 engagement. Collectively, our findings reveal the essential role of GPR133 in the maintenance of normal equilibrioception and suggest that GPCR family members can participate in the MET process in utricle hair cells through modulation of intracellular second messenger levels and ion channel coupling.