bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The potential of liquid biopsy for detection of the KIAA1549-BRAF fusion in circulating tumor DNA from children with pilocytic astrocytoma
Authors: Krynina Olha , de Ståhl Teresita Díaz , Jylhä Cecilia , Arthur Cecilia , Giraud Geraldine , Nyman Per , Fritzberg Anders , Sandgren Johanna , Tham Emma , Sandvik Ulrika
Published: January 2024

Background

Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) represent children’s most prevalent central nervous system tumor, necessitating molecular profiling to diagnose and determine the most suitable treatment. Developing highly sensitive screening techniques for liquid biopsy samples is particularly beneficial, as it enables the early detection and molecular characterization of tumors with minimally invasive samples.

Methods

We examined CSF and plasma samples from patients with pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) using custom multiplexed droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assays based on whole genome sequencing data. These assays included a screening test to analyze BRAF duplication and a targeted assay for the detection of patient-specific KIAA1549::BRAF fusion junction sequences or single nucleotide variants.

Results

Our findings revealed that 5 out of 13 individual cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples tested positive for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Among these cases, 3 exhibited the KIAA1549::BRAF fusion, which was detected through copy number variation (CNV) analysis (n = 1) or a fusion-specific probe (n = 2), while 1 case each displayed the BRAF V600E mutation and the FGFR1 N577K mutation. Additionally, a quantitative analysis of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) concentrations in PA CSF samples showed that most cases had low cfDNA levels, below the limit of detection of our assay (<1.9 ng).

Conclusions

While CNV analysis of CSF samples from LGGs still has some limitations, it has the potential to serve as a valuable complementary tool. Furthermore, it can also be multiplexed with other aberrations, for example, to the BRAF V600 test, to provide important insights into the molecular characteristics of LGGs.
Potential roles for efferocytosis in glioblastoma immune evasion
Authors: Lorimer Ian A J
Published: January 2024

Glioblastoma is an aggressive and incurable brain cancer. This cancer establishes both local and systemic immunosuppression that creates a major obstacle to effective immunotherapies. Many studies point to tumor-resident myeloid cells (primarily microglia and macrophages) as key mediators of this immunosuppression. Myeloid cells exhibit a high level of plasticity with respect to their phenotype and are capable of both stimulating and repressing immune responses. How glioblastomas recruit myeloid cells and exploit them to avoid the immune system is an active area of research. Macrophages can acquire an immunosuppressive phenotype as a consequence of exposure to cytokines such as TGFB1 or IL4; in addition, macrophages can acquire an immunosuppressive phenotype as a consequence of the engulfment of apoptotic cells, a process referred to as efferocytosis. There is substantial evidence that glioblastoma cells are able to secrete cytokines and other factors that induce an immunosuppressive phenotype in macrophages and microglia. However, less is known about the contribution of efferocytosis to immunosuppression in glioblastoma. Here I review the literature in this area and discuss the potential of efferocytosis inhibition to improve glioblastoma response to immunotherapy.
The anomalous effect of electric field on friction for microscale structural superlubric graphite/Au contact
Authors: Wang Yelingyi , Wang Jin , Wu Tielin , Chen Weipeng , Peng Deli , Wu Zhanghui , Ma Ming , Zheng Quanshui
Published: January 2024

The current-carrying friction characteristics are crucial for the performance of a sliding electrical contact, which plays critical roles in numerous electrical machines and devices. However, these characteristics are influenced by multiple factors such as material surface quality, chemical reactions, and atmospheric environment, leading to a challenge for researchers to comprehensively consider these impacts. Structural superlubricity (SSL), a state of nearly zero friction and no wear between contact solid surfaces, provides an ideal experimental system for these studies. Here, with microscale graphite flakes on atomic-flattened Au surface under applied voltages, we observed two opposite friction phenomena, depending only on whether the edge of graphite flake was in contact with the Au substrate. When in contact the friction force would increase with an increasing voltage, otherwise, the friction force would decrease. Notably, when the voltage was turned off, the friction force quickly recovered to its original level, indicating the absence of wear. Through atmosphere control and molecular dynamics simulations, we revealed the mechanism to be the different roles played by the water molecules confined at the interface or adsorbed near the edges. Our experimental results demonstrate the remarkable tunable and robust frictional properties of SSL under an electrical field, providing an ideal system for the fundamental research of not only sliding electrical contacts, but also novel devices which demand tunable frictions.
Exporting, investing and productivity dynamics in African manufacturing
Authors: Alka Kilishi A
Published: January 2024

Trade shocks generated by trade policy reform are important for firm productivity. In particular, export opportunities and access to imported intermediate inputs and capital goods can encourage firms to simultaneously export and invest. Using a panel dataset for manufacturing firms in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania, I find strong and robust evidence for learning-by-exporting effect. I also find that firms that simultaneously export and invest have the highest returns to these activities compared with firms that export without investing, or firms that invest without exporting, or firms that do neither activity. The superior productivity performance of firms that engage in both activities is consistent with the idea that exporting and investing have complementary effects on a firm’s productivity: investing facilitates a firm’s ability to absorb export-related technology. Finally, I find that firm heterogeneity has important influence on the productivity gains associated with exporting and investing.
Growth signaling autonomy in circulating tumor cells aids metastatic seeding
Authors: Sinha Saptarshi , Farfel Alex , Luker Kathryn E , Parker Barbara A , Yeung Kay T , Luker Gary D , Ghosh Pradipta
Published: January 2024

Self-sufficiency (autonomy) in growth signaling, the earliest recognized hallmark of cancer, is fueled by the tumor cell's ability to “secrete-and-sense” growth factors (GFs); this translates into cell survival and proliferation that is self-sustained by autocrine/paracrine secretion. A Golgi-localized circuitry comprised of two GTPase switches has recently been implicated in the orchestration of growth signaling autonomy. Using breast cancer cells that are either endowed or impaired (by gene editing) in their ability to assemble the circuitry for growth signaling autonomy, here we define the transcriptome, proteome, and phenome of such an autonomous state, and unravel its role during cancer progression. We show that autonomy is associated with enhanced molecular programs for stemness, proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. Autonomy is both necessary and sufficient for anchorage-independent GF-restricted proliferation and resistance to anticancer drugs and is required for metastatic progression. Transcriptomic and proteomic studies show that autonomy is associated, with a surprising degree of specificity, with self-sustained epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/ErbB signaling. Derivation of a gene expression signature for autonomy revealed that growth signaling autonomy is uniquely induced in circulating tumor cells (CTCs), the harshest phase in the life of tumor cells when it is deprived of biologically available epidermal growth factor (EGF). We also show that autonomy in CTCs tracks therapeutic response and prognosticates outcome. These data support a role for growth signaling autonomy in multiple processes essential for the blood-borne dissemination of human breast cancer.
Food–energy–water nexus optimization brings substantial reduction of urban resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Zhang Pengpeng , Zhang Lixiao , Hao Yan , Xu Ming , Pang Mingyue , Wang Changbo , Yang Aidong , Voinov Alexey
Published: January 2024

Urban sustainability is a key to achieving the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs). Secure and efficient provision of food, energy, and water (FEW) resources is a critical strategy for urban sustainability. While there has been extensive discussion on the positive effects of the FEW nexus on resource efficiency and climate impacts, measuring the extent to which such synergy can benefit urban sustainability remains challenging. Here, we have developed a systematic and integrated optimization framework to explore the potential of the FEW nexus in reducing urban resource demand and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Demonstrated using the Metropolis Beijing, we have identified that the optimized FEW nexus can reduce resource consumption and GHG emissions by 21.0 and 29.1%, respectively. These reductions come with increased costs compared to the siloed FEW management, but it still achieved a 16.8% reduction in economic cost compared to the business-as-usual scenario. These findings underscore the significant potential of FEW nexus management in enhancing urban resource efficiency and addressing climate impacts, while also identifying strategies to address trade-offs and increase synergies.
Unraveling the hierarchical structure of posture and muscle activity changes during mating of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Wan Yufeng , Macias Luca Henze , Garcia Luis Rene
Published: January 2024

One goal of neurobiology is to explain how decision-making in neuromuscular circuits produces behaviors. However, two obstacles complicate such efforts: individual behavioral variability and the challenge of simultaneously assessing multiple neuronal activities during behavior. Here, we circumvent these obstacles by analyzing whole animal behavior from a library of Caenorhabditis elegans male mating recordings. The copulating males express the GCaMP calcium sensor in the muscles, allowing simultaneous recording of posture and muscle activities. Our library contains wild type and males with selective neuronal desensitization in serotonergic neurons, which include male-specific posterior cord motor/interneurons and sensory ray neurons that modulate mating behavior. Incorporating deep learning–enabled computer vision, we developed a software to automatically quantify posture and muscle activities. By modeling, the posture and muscle activity data are classified into stereotyped modules, with the behaviors represented by serial executions and transitions among the modules. Detailed analysis of the modules reveals previously unidentified subtypes of the male's copulatory spicule prodding behavior. We find that wild-type and serotonergic neurons–suppressed males had different usage preferences for those module subtypes, highlighting the requirement of serotonergic neurons in the coordinated function of some muscles. In the structure of the behavior, bi-module repeats coincide with most of the previously described copulation steps, suggesting a recursive “repeat until success/give up” program is used for each step during mating. On the other hand, the transition orders of the bi-module repeats reveal the sub-behavioral hierarchy males employ to locate and inseminate hermaphrodites.
Photon counting intensity interferometry in the blue at a 0.5 m telescope
Authors: Karl Sebastian , Richter Stefan , von Zanthier Joachim
Published: January 2024

Intensity interferometry is a re-emerging interferometry tool that alleviates some of the challenges of amplitude interferometry at the cost of reduced sensitivity. We demonstrate the feasibility of intensity interferometry with fast single-photon counting detectors at small telescopes by utilizing a telescope of diameter of merely 0.5 m. The entire measurement set-up, including collimation, optical filtering, and two single-photon detectors, is attached directly to the telescope without the use of optical fibres, facilitated by the large area of our single-photon detectors. For digitization and timing, we utilize a time-to-amplitude-converter. Observing α Lyrae (Vega) for a total exposure time of 32.4 h over the course of six nights, an auto-correlation signal with a contrast of (9.5 ± 2.7) × 10−3 and a coherence time of (0.34 ± 0.12) ps at a signal-to-noise ratio of 2.8 is measured. The result fits well to preceding laboratory tests as well as expectations calculated from the optical and electronic characteristics of our measurement set-up. This measurement, to our knowledge, constitutes the first time that a bunching signal with starlight was measured in the B band with single-photon counting detectors. Simultaneously, this is to date the stellar intensity interferometry measurement utilizing the smallest telescope. Our successful measurement shows that intensity interferometry can be adopted not only at large-scale facilities, but also at readily available and inexpensive smaller telescopes.
Virulence and Molecular Characterization Reveal Signs of Sexual Genetic Recombination of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici and Puccinia striiformis f. sp. hordei in Tibet
Authors: Du Zhimin , Li Zejian , Liu Maxinzhi , Sun Mudi , Ma Xinyao , Wang Lin , Kang Zhensheng , Zhao Jie
Published: January 2024

Stripe rust of wheat and barley is caused by different formae speciales, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) and P. striiformis f. sp. hordei (Psh), respectively. To understand the relationship between the populations of the two formae speciales, a total of 260 P. striiformis isolates, including 140 from barley and 120 from wheat collected from Linzhi, Tibet, China, from 2018 to 2020, were tested on 18 barley and 13 wheat genotypes and genotyped with 26 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers. As a result, 260 isolates were identified as 83 virulence phenotypes (VPs), 115 of which as 9 VPs and could infect only wheat (wheat population), 111 as 54 VPs and could infect only barley (barley population), and 34 belonged to 20 VPs that could infect both wheat and barley (mixed population). Of the 149 multilocus genotypes (MLGs) that were identified, 92 were from wheat, 56 from barley, and 1 from both wheat and barley. Phenotypic and genotypic diversity was high in the populations from wheat and barley. Low linkage disequilibrium was found in most of the sampling sites of both crops, indicating strong signs of sexual reproduction (|r̄d| = 0.022 to 0.393, P = 0.004 to 0.847), whereas it was not observed in the overall population (wheat and barley sources) and the wheat, barley, and mixed populations, which may be because of the complex composition of isolates. Population structure analyses based on phenotyping and SNP-KASP genotypes supported the separation of the two formae speciales. However, MLGs and clusters containing isolates from both wheat and barley obviously indicated sexual genetic recombination between the two formae speciales. The results of the study provided an insight into evolution of Pst and Psh and showed the importance of management strategies for stripe rust of wheat and barley in regions where both crops are grown.
First Report of Phytophthora palmivora Causing Aerial Blight on Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Summer Wine’ at a Wholesale Nursery in Virginia
Authors: Bily Devin , Gyatso Tashi , Evans Aaron
Published: January 2024

On 8 August 2023, at a wholesale nursery in Nelson County, Virginia, approximately 500 Physocarpus opulifolius ‘summer wine’ plants in 11.4-liter containers were observed with leaf necrosis, shepherd's crook, and stem cankers. The isolates recovered from diseased tissue were identified as Phytophthora palmivora based on morphological and molecular analysis. A 778-bp segment of the internal transcribed spacer locus and 827-bp segment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 locus from isolate AE03 were deposited into the GenBank database under accessions OR754361 and OR760058, respectively. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by spraying a zoospore suspension on three healthy plants and incubating them in a chamber with over 90% humidity at 22 ± 2°C. After 72 h, all three inoculated plants displayed necrotic leaf and stem lesions, and approximately 25% of the leaves senesced. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first documentation of Phytophthora palmivora causing aerial blight on plants in the genus Physocarpus.
Celebrating Black Nurses' Contributions to Health Care
Authors: Kirton Carl A.
Published: January 2024

Despite discrimination, these nurses helped solve a postwar shortage.
Symposium Addresses Continuing Issues of Burnout Among Nurses
Authors: Roush Karen
Published: January 2024

Experts discussed staffing, wellness, and workplace safety.
The Black Angels of Sea View
Authors: Brown Theresa
Published: January 2024

A riveting account of how Black nurses helped cure tuberculosis
Cultivating an Evidence-Based Decision-Making Mindset
Authors: Milner Kerry A. , Hays Deana , Farus-Brown Susan , Zonsius Mary C. , Fineout-Overholt Ellen
Published: January 2024

This is the first article in a new series designed to provide readers with insight into educating nurses about evidence-based decision-making. It builds on AJN's award-winning previous series—Evidence-Based Practice, Step by Step and EBP 2.0: Implementing and Sustaining Change (to access both series, go to http://links.lww.com/AJN/A133). This follow-up series will address how to teach and facilitate learning about the evidence-based practice (EBP) and quality improvement (QI) processes and how they impact health care quality. This series is relevant for all nurses interested in EBP and QI, especially DNP faculty and students. The brief case scenario included in each article describes one DNP student's journey.
A Case of a Presurgical Abnormal Rhythm
Authors: Kupchik Nicole , Wallace Courtney
Published: January 2024

Editor's note: This is the next installment in a series on electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation. Nurses in all settings should know the basics, as medications and physiological changes can cause cardiac arrhythmias. Each article will start with a brief case scenario and an ECG strip and then take you step by step through analyzing the heart rhythm.
Empowerment Through Academia
Authors: Benjamin Ellen , Giuliano Karen K.
Published: January 2024

This is the sixth article in a series on nurse innovators, which focuses on nurse–engineer partnerships and outlines working, replicable models of collaboration between the two disciplines. In this installment, we describe the role of academia in building the next generation of nurse–engineers, highlighting three novel academic programs that have reimagined nursing and engineering education to promote interdisciplinary partnership and innovation.
Updates on thyroid disorders in pregnancy and the postpartum period
Authors: Rosenberger Kelly D. , Parker Natalie
Published: January 2024

NPs play a pivotal role in caring for pregnant people. This article provides an overview of gestational and postpartum thyroid disorders, including their assessment, management, and indications for referral. The goal of this article is to help providers better assess and manage thyroid disorders during pregnancy and improve patient outcomes.
The primary care NP's guide to prevention and management of falls in older adults
Authors: Mark Janice A.
Published: January 2024

Falls are a growing health concern affecting older adults (defined as ages 65 years and older) that can lead to devastating consequences. NPs in primary care settings play an important role in the prevention and management of older adult falls. Methods and resources to screen for fall risk, assess risk factors, and manage falls in older adults are discussed.
Casting shadows of perception
Authors: Stoltzner Pauline , Duncan Cameron
Published: January 2024

Hallucinations can be caused by biological, psychological, neurological, ophthalmological, and environmental factors. This article discusses a selection of the various conditions that can present with visual disturbances and hallucinations including schizophrenia, HIV, neurosyphilis, hyperammonemia, migraine, substance use, brain tumors, sleep disturbances, thyroid disorders, delirium, ophthalmologic conditions, and Lewy body dementia, providing an overview of the differential diagnosis of visual hallucinations. The mechanisms by which these conditions can lead to hallucinations are also discussed, and insight into the recommended medical workup for each is provided.
How to get started with presenting at conferences
Authors: Innocent Karen
Published: January 2024

Presenting at nursing conferences can support one's career advancement, contribute to the development of other nurses, and promote the dissemination of research, best practices, and innovations. This article provides a guide to presenting at a conference, with details about presentation formats and strategies for new and aspiring presenters.
Food allergies
Authors: Mello Inola , Spencer Michelle , Day Mercedes , Kuzin Julie , Bruce Kellie
Published: January 2024

Food allergies are on the rise; the incidence and types of foods implicated have increased worldwide. While peanut allergies are the most well-known, allergies exist to almost all types of foods. This article discusses various types of food allergies along with the most recent prevention and treatment strategies.
Mesenteric ischemia in the acute care setting
Authors: Bagley Kimberly , Schuller Jana Grissom
Published: January 2024

Mesenteric ischemia is a group of disorders requiring prompt identification, supportive care, and treatment. Chronic mesenteric ischemia can develop into acute mesenteric ischemia, which has high mortality. Acute mesenteric ischemia can be occlusive (caused by arterial embolism, arterial thrombosis, or mesenteric venous thrombosis) or nonocclusive, with treatment depending on the underlying cause.
Data Equity for Asian American and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander People in Reproductive Health Research
Authors: Heyrana Katrina J. , Kaneshiro Bliss , Soon Reni , Nguyen Brian T. , Natavio Melissa F.
Published: January 2024

(Abstracted from Obstet Gynecol 2023;142(4))

Policymakers and public health researchers often exclude Asian American and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHPI) people, who make up 6.0% and 0.2% of the US population, respectively, from discussions of racial, social, and health inequity. The omission of Asian American and NHPI populations is multifactorial and includes geographic concentration in certain regions, the high number of cultural and linguistic subgroups bundled together, and the faulty assumption that these groups collectively enjoy better health outcomes than their counterparts of other races and ethnicities.
Use and Clinical Relevancy of Pericapsular Nerve Block (PENG) in Total Hip Arthroplasty - A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Pai Poonam , Amor Daniel , Lai Yan H. , Echevarria Ghislaine C.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block is an emerging regional anesthesia technique that may provide analgesia for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasties (THA). There are clinical studies comparing this fascial plane block to other established methods, however, evidence on the actual efficacy of this block for THA continues to evolve.

Objective:

Available clinical studies conducted over the past 4 years, were reviewed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and effectiveness of PENG block in patients undergoing THAs.

Methods:

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in patients undergoing THA, where PENG block was compared to no block, placebo/sham block (injection with saline), or other analgesic techniques including suprainguinal fascia iliaca block (FIB), or periarticular infiltration (PAI) was performed. Our primary outcome was opioid consumption during the first 24 hours. Secondary outcomes were postoperative rest and dynamic pain scores at 6-12, 24 and 48 hours, block performance time, sensory motor assessment, quadriceps weakness, incidence of postoperative falls, first analgesic request, block and opioid related complications, surgical complications, patient satisfaction scores, post anesthesia care unit length of stay, hospital length of stay, and functional and quality of life outcomes.

Results:

We included 12 RCTs with a total of 705 patients. Data showed that PENG block decreased 24-hour oral morphine milligram equivalent consumption by a mean difference (MD) of 3.75 mg (95%CI: -5.96,−1.54;P=0.0009). No statistically significant differences in rest or dynamic pain were found, except for a modest MD reduction in dynamic pain score of 0.55 points (95% CI: −0.98, −0.12;P=0.01), measured 24 hours after surgery in favor of PENG block.

Conclusions:

Our systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that PENG block provides better analgesia, measured as MME use, in the first 24 hours after THA, with no real impact on postoperative VAS scores. Despite statistical significance, the high heterogeneity across RCTs implies that PENG’s benefits may not surpass the minimal clinically important difference threshold for us to recommend PENG as best practice in THA.
Antithrombin Levels and Heparin Responsiveness during Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Prospective Single-center Cohort Study
Authors: Mansour Alexandre , Berahou Mathilde , Odot Joscelyn , Pontis Adeline , Parasido Alessandro , Reizine Florian , Launey Yoann , Garlantézec Ronan , Flecher Erwan , Lecompte Thomas , Nesseler Nicolas , Gouin-Thibault Isabelle
Published: January 2024

Background

Unfractionated heparin, administered during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to prevent thromboembolic events, largely depends on plasma antithrombin for its antithrombotic effects. Decreased heparin responsiveness seems frequent on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; however, its association with acquired antithrombin deficiency is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to describe longitudinal changes in plasma antithrombin levels during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support and evaluate the association between antithrombin levels and heparin responsiveness. The hypothesis was that extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support would be associated with acquired antithrombin deficiency and related decreased heparin responsiveness.

Methods

Adults receiving venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were prospectively included. All patients received continuous intravenous unfractionated heparin using a standardized protocol (target anti-Xa 0.3 to 0.5 IU/ml). For each patient, arterial blood was withdrawn into citrate-containing tubes at 11 time points (from hour 0 up to day 7). Anti-Xa (without dextran or antithrombin added) and antithrombin levels were measured. The primary outcome was the antithrombin plasma level. In the absence of consensus, antithrombin deficiency was defined as a time-weighted average of antithrombin less than or equal to 70%. Data regarding clinical management and heparin dosage were collected.

Results

Fifty patients, including 42% postcardiotomy, were included between April 2020 and May 2021, with a total of 447 samples. Median extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration was 7 (interquartile range, 4 to 12) days. Median antithrombin level was 48% (37 to 60%) at baseline. Antithrombin levels significantly increased throughout the follow-up. Time-weighted average of antithrombin levels was 63% (57 to 73%) and was less than or equal to 70% in 32 (64%) of patients. Overall, 45 (90%) patients had at least one antithrombin value less than 70%, and 35 (70%) had at least one antithrombin value less than 50%. Antithrombin levels were not significantly associated with heparin responsiveness evaluated by anti-Xa assay or heparin dosage.

Conclusions

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was associated with a moderate acquired antithrombin deficiency, mainly during the first 72 h, that did not correlate with heparin responsiveness.

Editor’s Perspective

What We Already Know about This Topic

What This Article Tells Us That Is New
Effects of Age on the Auditory Cortex During Speech Perception in Noise: Evidence From Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Liu , Wang Songjian , Chen Younuo , Liang Ying , Chen Ting , Wang Yuan , Fu Xinxing , Wang Shuo
Published: January 2024

Objectives:

Age-related speech perception difficulties may be related to a decline in central auditory processing abilities, particularly in noisy or challenging environments. However, how the activation patterns related to speech stimulation in different noise situations change with normal aging has yet to be elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of noisy environments and aging on patterns of auditory cortical activation.

Design:

We analyzed the functional near-infrared spectroscopy signals of 20 young adults, 21 middle-aged adults, and 21 elderly adults, and evaluated their cortical response patterns to speech stimuli under five different signal to noise ratios (SNRs). In addition, we analyzed the behavior score, activation intensity, oxyhemoglobin variability, and dominant hemisphere, to investigate the effects of aging and noisy environments on auditory cortical activation.

Results:

Activation intensity and oxyhemoglobin variability both showed a decreasing trend with aging at an SNR of 0 dB; we also identified a strong correlation between activation intensity and age under this condition. However, we observed an inconsistent activation pattern when the SNR was 5 dB. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that the left hemisphere may be more susceptible to aging than the right hemisphere. Activation in the right hemisphere was more evident in older adults than in the left hemisphere; in contrast, younger adults showed leftward lateralization.

Conclusions:

Our analysis showed that with aging, auditory cortical regions gradually become inflexible in noisy environments. Furthermore, changes in cortical activation patterns with aging may be related to SNR conditions, and that understandable speech with a low SNR ratio but still understandable may induce the highest level of activation. We also found that the left hemisphere was more affected by aging than the right hemisphere in speech perception tasks; the left-sided dominance observed in younger individuals gradually shifted to the right hemisphere with aging.
Intraobserver and Interobserver Reliability of Pelvic Obliquity Measurement Methods in Patients With Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Kisacik Pinar , Bazancir-Apaydin Zilan , Apaydin Hakan
Published: January 2024

Background:

Despite the importance of the assessment of pelvic obliquity, especially in the planning of surgery, there is no consensus on the pelvic obliquity measurements. The purpose of this study is to assess the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of 4 different pelvic obliquity measuring methods in patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS): the Osebold, O’Brien, Maloney, and Allen&Ferguson methods.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort of 85 posteroanterior full-spine radiographs in the standing position of patients with IS involving the pelvic obliquity was evaluated by a team of 3 raters. The same researcher recorded the curve magnitude, apical vertebral rotation, Risser grade, curve pattern, and femoral head height difference. The pelvic obliquity angle was measured using the Osebold, O’Brien, Maloney, and Allen&Ferguson methods. The same graders were asked to regrade the same radiographs after at least 1 month.

Results:

The Osebold method showed the highest interobserver reliability with an ICC of 0.994 and 0.983. The Allen&Ferguson method had the lowest reliability with an ICC of 0.911 and 0.934, but all of the methods were considered having excellent reliability. The Osebold method also showed the highest intraobserver reliability, ranging from 0.909 to 0.997. The Allen&Ferguson method had the lowest intraobserver reliability, with a range of 0.741 to 0.960. Also, all observers preferred the Osebold Method. The observers reported that the Allen&Ferguson method was considered the most time-consuming method, while the least time-consuming method was specified as the Osebold method.

Conclusions:

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of pelvic obliquity among common measurement methods in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. All methods were evaluated as having excellent to good reliability in this study, but the Osebold method is the most reliable method of measuring pelvic obliquity on a frontal view radiograph in idiopathic scoliosis. The Osebold method is easier to use as it requires only the iliac crests to be visualized.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—Retrospective cohort study.
Lumbar Lordosis Redistribution and Segmental Correction in Adult Spinal Deformity
Authors: Diebo Bassel G. , Balmaceno-Criss Mariah , Lafage Renaud , Daher Mohammad , Singh Manjot , Hamilton D. Kojo , Smith Justin S. , Eastlack Robert K. , Fessler Richard , Gum Jeffrey L. , Gupta Munish C. , Hostin Richard , Kebaish Khaled M. , Lewis Stephen , Line Breton G. , Nunley Pierce D. , Mundis Gregory M. , Passias Peter G. , Protopsaltis Themistocles S. , Turner Jay , Buell Thomas , Scheer Justin K. , Mullin Jeffery , Soroceanu Alex , Ames Christopher P. , Bess Shay , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Lenke Lawrence G. , Schwab Frank J. , Lafage Virginie , Burton Douglas C. , Daniels Alan H. ,   on behalf of the International Spine Study Group (ISSG)
Published: January 2024

Study Design.

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

Objective.

Evaluate the impact of correcting normative segmental lordosis values on postoperative outcomes.

Background.

Restoring lumbar lordosis magnitude is crucial in adult spinal deformity surgery, but the optimal location and segmental distribution remain unclear.

Patients and Methods.

Patients were grouped based on offset to normative segmental lordosis values, extracted from recent publications. Matched patients were within 10% of the cohort’s mean offset, less than or over 10% were undercorrected and overcorrected. Surgical technique, patient-reported outcome measures, and surgical complications were compared across groups at baseline and two years.

Results.

In total, 510 patients with a mean age of 64.6, a mean Charlson comorbidity index 2.08, and a mean follow-up of 25 months. L4-5 was least likely to be matched (19.1%), while L4-S1 was the most likely (24.3%). More patients were overcorrected at proximal levels (T10-L2; undercorrected, U: 32.2% vs. matched, M: 21.7% vs. overcorrected, O: 46.1%) and undercorrected at distal levels (L4-S1: U: 39.0% vs. M: 24.3% vs. O: 36.8%). Postoperative Oswestry disability index was comparable across correction groups at all spinal levels except at L4-S1 and T10-L2/L4-S1, where overcorrected patients and matched were better than undercorrected (U: 32.1 vs. M: 25.4 vs. O: 26.5, P=0.005; U: 36.2 vs. M: 24.2 vs. O: 26.8, P=0.001; respectively). Patients overcorrected at T10-L2 experienced higher rates of proximal junctional failure (U: 16.0% vs. M: 15.6% vs. O: 32.8%, P<0.001) and had greater posterior inclination of the upper instrumented vertebrae (U: −9.2±9.4° vs. M: −9.6±9.1° vs. O: −12.2±10.0°, P<0.001), whereas undercorrection at these levels led to higher rates of revision for implant failure (U: 14.2% vs. M: 7.3% vs. O: 6.4%, P=0.025).

Conclusions.

Patients undergoing fusion for adult spinal deformity suffer higher rates of proximal junctional failure with overcorrection and increased rates of implant failure with undercorrection based on normative segmental lordosis.

Level of Evidence.

Level IV.
Impact of Racial/Ethnic Disparities on Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Cervical Spine Surgery
Authors: Pennings Jacquelyn S. , Oleisky Emily R. , Master Hiral , Davidson Claudia , Coronado Rogelio A. , Brintz Carrie E. , Archer Kristin R.
Published: January 2024

Study Design.

Retrospective analysis of data from the cervical module of a National Spine Registry, the Quality Outcomes Database.

Objective.

To examine the association of race and ethnicity with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at one year after cervical spine surgery.

Summary of Background Data.

Evidence suggests that Black individuals are 39% to 44% more likely to have postoperative complications and a prolonged length of stay after cervical spine surgery compared with Whites. The long-term recovery assessed with PROMs after cervical spine surgery among Black, Hispanic, and other non-Hispanic groups (i.e. Asian) remains unclear.

Materials and Methods.

PROMs were used to assess disability (neck disability index) and neck/arm pain preoperatively and one-year postoperative. Primary outcomes were disability and pain, and not being satisfied from preoperative to 12 months after surgery. Multivariable logistic and proportional odds regression analyses were used to determine the association of racial/ethnic groups [Hispanic, non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and non-Hispanic Asian (NHA)] with outcomes after covariate adjustment and to compute the odds of each racial/ethnic group achieving a minimal clinically important difference one-year postoperatively.

Results.

On average, the sample of 14,429 participants had significant reductions in pain and disability, and 87% were satisfied at one-year follow-up. Hispanic and NHB patients had higher odds of not being satisfied (40% and 80%) and having worse pain outcomes (30%–70%) compared with NHW. NHB had 50% higher odds of worse disability scores compared with NHW. NHA reported similar disability and neck pain outcomes compared with NHW.

Conclusions.

Hispanic and NHB patients had worse patient-reported outcomes one year after cervical spine surgery compared with NHW individuals, even after adjusting for potential confounders, yet there was no difference in disability and neck pain outcomes reported for NHA patients. This study highlights the need to address inherent racial/ethnic disparities in recovery trajectories following cervical spine surgery.
Adipokines and adiposity among postmenopausal women of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ebong Imo A. , Michos Erin D. , Wilson Machelle , Appiah Duke , Schreiner Pamela J. , Racette Susan B. , Allison Matthew , Watson Karol , Bertoni Alain
Published: January 2024

Objective

We investigated whether the associations of serum adiponectin, leptin, and resistin with adiposity differ with menopausal age.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we included 751 postmenopausal women from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) who reported their menopausal age (<45, 45-49, 50-54 and ≥55 y) and had anthropometrics, serum adipokines, and abdominal computed tomography measures of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT and SAT) obtained at MESA exam 2 or 3. Linear regression models were used for analysis.

Results

The mean ± SD age was 65.1 ± 9.0 years for all participants. The median (interquartile range) values for serum adiponectin, leptin and resistin, VAT, and SAT were 21.9 (14.8-31.7) ng/L, 24.3 (12.5-42.4) pg/L, 15.3 (11.8-19.5) pg/L, 183.9 (130.8-251.1) cm2, and 103.7 (65.6-151.5) cm2, respectively. The mean ± SD values for body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio were 28.3 ± 5.81 kg/m2, 96.6 ± 15.9 cm, and 0.91 ± 0.078, respectively. Adiponectin was inversely associated with all adiposity measures, with similar patterns across menopausal age categories. Leptin was positively associated with all adiposity measures, and the strength of associations varied across menopausal age categories for body mass index, waist circumference, and SAT (P
interaction ≤ 0.01 for all). The associations of resistin with adiposity measures were mostly nonsignificant except in the 45- to 49-year menopausal age category.

Conclusions

Menopausal age category had no influence on the association of serum adiponectin with adiposity. The association of serum leptin and resistin differed according to menopausal age category for generalized adiposity but was inconsistent for measures of abdominal adiposity.
Depression, Anxiety, Body Dissatisfaction, and Eating Disorders in Plastic Surgery Patients
Authors: Manzaneda Cipriani Raúl Martín , Coli Romero Maria Fernanda , Eyzaguirre Judith
Published: January 2024

Background:

This study aimed to identify and describe indicators of depression, anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and risk of an eating disorder in patients who undergo plastic surgery.

Methods:

The sample was made up of 90 patients from a private clinic in Lima, Peru, with ages between 20 and 50 years. The participants were asked to answer the Aaron Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Aaron Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Body Shape Questionnaire, and the Abbreviated and Modified Eating Attitudes Scale (EAT - 26M).

Results:

Through data analysis with the SPSS statistical program, it was found that 80% of patients who access plastic surgery are women, and the average age is 32.4 years. Likewise, of the total sample, no anxiety traits have been identified; however, 3.3% present traits of moderate depression, pathological body discomfort, and risk of an eating disorder.

Conclusion:

The presurgical psychological evaluation in plastic surgery patients is crucial because it allows for the identification of predisposing factors to mental health problems and proposes support if needed.
Targeting Src SH3 domain–mediated glycolysis of HSC suppresses transcriptome, myofibroblastic activation, and colorectal liver metastasis
Authors: Wang Yuanguo , Wang Xianghu , Bai Bing , Shaha Aurpita , He Xipu , He Yingzi , Ye Zhenqing , Shah Vijay H. , Kang Ningling
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims:

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFβ1) induces HSC activation into metastasis-promoting cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), but how the process is fueled remains incompletely understood. We studied metabolic reprogramming induced by TGFβ1 in HSCs.

Approaches and Results:

Activation of cultured primary human HSCs was assessed by the expression of myofibroblast markers. Glucose transporter 1 (Glut1) of murine HSC was disrupted by Cre recombinase/LoxP sequence derived from bacteriophage P1 recombination (Cre/LoxP). Plasma membrane (PM) Glut1 and glycolysis were studied by biotinylation assay and the Angilent Seahorse XFe96 Analyzer. S.c. HSC/tumor co-implantation and portal vein injection of MC38 colorectal cancer cells into HSC-specific Glut1 knockout mice were performed to determine in vivo relevance. Transcriptome was obtained by RNA sequencing of HSCs and spatialomics with MC38 liver metastases. TGFβ1-induced CAF activation of HSCs was accompanied by elevation of PM Glut1, glucose uptake, and glycolysis. Targeting Glut1 or Src by short hairpin RNA, pharmacologic inhibition, or a Src SH3 domain deletion mutant abrogated TGFβ1-stimulated PM accumulation of Glut1, glycolysis, and CAF activation. Mechanistically, binding of the Src SH3 domain to SH3 domain–binding protein 5 led to a Src/SH3 domain–binding protein 5/Rab11/Glut1 complex that activated Rab11-dependent Glut1 PM transport under TGFβ1 stimulation. Deleting the Src SH3 domain or targeting Glut1 of HSCs by short hairpin RNA or Cre recombinase/LoxP sequence derived from bacteriophage P1 recombination suppressed CAF activation in mice and MC38 colorectal liver metastasis. Multi-omics revealed that Glut1 deficiency in HSCs/CAFs suppressed HSC expression of tumor-promoting factors and altered MC38 transcriptome, contributing to reduced MC38 liver metastases.

Conclusion:

The Src SH3 domain–facilitated metabolic reprogramming induced by TGFβ1 represents a target to inhibit CAF activation and the pro-metastatic liver microenvironment.
Outcomes of Infectious Panuveitis Associated with Simultaneous Multi-Positive Ocular Fluid Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Chau Viet Q. , Hinkle John W. , Wu Chris Y. , Pakravan Parastou , Volante Vincent , Sengillo Jesse D. , Staropoli Patrick C. , Miller Darlene , Yannuzzi Nicolas A. , Albini Thomas A.
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

To evaluate features of infectious panuveitis associated with multiple pathogens detected by ocular fluid sampling.

Methods:

Single center, retrospective, consecutive case series of patients with aqueous/vitreous polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with > 1 positive result in a single sample from 2001-2021.

Results:

Of 1,588 PCR samples, 28 (1.76%) were positive for two pathogens. Most common pathogens were cytomegalovirus (CMV) (n=16, 57.1%) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (n=13, 46.4%), followed by varicella zoster virus (n=8, 28.6%), Toxoplasma gondii (n=6, 21.4%) herpes simplex virus-2 (n=6, 21.4%), herpes simplex virus-1 (n=6, 21.4%), and Toxocara (n=1, 3.6%). Mean initial and final visual acuity (VA) (logMAR) were 1.3 ± 0.9 (Snellen ∼ 20/400) and 1.3 ± 1.1 (Snellen ∼ 20/400), respectively. CMV-positive eyes (n=16, 61.5%) had a mean final VA of 0.94 ± 1.1 (Snellen∼20/175) whereas CMV-negative eyes (n=10, 38%) had a final VA of 1.82 ± 1.0 (Snellen ∼20/1320) (p<0.05). Main clinical features included intraocular inflammation (100%), retinal whitening (84.6%), immunosuppression (65.4%), retinal hemorrhage (38.5%), and retinal detachment (34.6%).

Conclusion:

CMV or EBV were common unique pathogens identified in multi-PCR positive samples. Most patients with co-infection were immunosuppressed with a high rate of retinal detachment and poor final VA. CMV-positive eyes had better visual outcomes compared to CMV-negative eyes.
Performance Assessment of an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot in Clinical Vitreoretinal Scenarios
Authors: Maywood Michael J. , Parikh Ravi , Deobhakta Avnish , Begaj Tedi
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

To determine how often ChatGPT is able to provide accurate and comprehensive information regarding clinical vitreoretinal scenarios. To assess the types of sources ChatGPT primarily utilizes and to determine if they are hallucinated.

Methods:

A retrospective cross-sectional study. We designed 40 open-ended clinical scenarios across 4 main topics in vitreoretinal disease. Responses were graded on correctness and comprehensiveness by two blinded retina specialists. The primary outcome was the number of clinical scenarios that ChatGPT answered correctly and comprehensively. Secondary outcomes included: theoretical harm to patients, the distribution of the type of references utilized by the chatbot, and the frequency of hallucinated references.

Results:

In June 2023, ChatGPT answered 83% (33/40) of clinical scenarios correctly but provided a comprehensive answer in only 52.5% (21/40) of cases. Subgroup analysis demonstrated an average correct score of 86.7% in nAMD, 100% in DR, 76.7% in retinal vascular disease and 70% in the surgical domain. There were 6 incorrect responses with 1 (16.7%) case of no harm, 3 (50%) cases of possible harm and 2 (33.3%) cases of definitive harm.

Conclusion:

ChatGPT correctly answered more than 80% of complex open-ended vitreoretinal clinical scenarios, with a reduced capability to provide a comprehensive response.
The emerging role for neutrophil mitochondrial metabolism in lung inflammation
Authors: Maldarelli Mary E. , Noto Michael J.
Published: January 2024

Recent advances shed light on the importance of mitochondrial metabolism in supporting essential neutrophil functions such as trafficking, NETosis, bacterial killing, and modulating inflammatory responses. Mitochondrial metabolism is now recognized to contribute to a number of lung diseases marked by neutrophilic inflammation, including bacterial pneumonia, acute lung injury, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In this mini review, we provide an overview of neutrophil metabolism focusing on the role of mitochondrial programs, discuss select neutrophil effector functions that are directly influenced by mitochondrial metabolism, and present what is known about the role for mitochondrial metabolism in lung diseases marked by neutrophilic inflammation.