bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SMARCA4/BRG1 deficiency induces a targetable dependence on oxidative phosphorylation in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Fang Ru , Wang Xiaotong , Wu Ruina , Pan Rui , Tian Miaomiao , Zhang Rusong , Wei Xue , Wang Xuan , Ye Shengbing , Li Feng , Xia Qiuyuan , Cheng Yang , Rao Qiu
Published: January 2025

The tumor suppressor gene SMARCA4, a critical component of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, is frequently inactivated in various cancers, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Despite its significance, the role of SMARCA4 in ccRCC development and its potential therapeutic vulnerabilities have not been fully explored. Our research found that SMARCA4 deficiency was associated with poor prognosis and was observed in a subset of high-grade ccRCCs. Through functional assays, we determined that the suppression of SMARCA4 led to an increase in RCC cell proliferation. Further gene expression analysis unveiled that SMARCA4-deficient cells exhibit an upregulation of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway. Delving deeper, we combined RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and Assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-Seq) data to uncover that SMARCA4 plays a crucial role in modulating chromatin accessibility and the expression of genes essential for the respiratory electron transport chain. A significant finding from our study is that RCC cells and xenograft tumors lacking SMARCA4 demonstrated an increased sensitivity to the inhibition of the OXPHOS pathway by the novel small molecule IACS-010759. This sensitivity is attributed to the heightened energy demands and susceptibility to energy stress observed in SMARCA4-deficient cells, driven by their amplified biosynthetic requirements. The efficacy of IACS-010759 stems from its ability to induce energy deprivation, pinpointing OXPHOS inhibition as a promising therapeutic approach for targeting SMARCA4-mutant tumors. This strategy offers a novel avenue to address a currently unmet therapeutic need, highlighting the potential of OXPHOS inhibition in the treatment of cancers harboring SMARCA4 mutations.
Optimized genetic tools for neuroanatomical and functional mapping of the Aedes aegypti olfactory system
Authors: Shankar Shruti , Giraldo Diego , Tauxe Genevieve M , Spikol Emma D , Li Ming , Akbari Omar S , Wohl Margot P , McMeniman Conor J
Published: January 2025

The mosquito Aedes aegypti is an emerging model insect for invertebrate neurobiology. We detail the application of a dual transgenesis marker system that reports the nature of transgene integration with circular donor template for CRISPR–Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair at target mosquito chemoreceptor genes. Employing this approach, we demonstrate the establishment of cell-type-specific T2A-QF2 driver lines for the A. aegypti olfactory co-receptor genes Ir8a and orco via canonical homology-directed repair and the CO2 receptor complex gene Gr1 via noncanonical homology-directed repair involving duplication of the intended T2A-QF2 integration cassette separated by intervening donor plasmid sequence. Using Gr1+ olfactory sensory neurons as an example, we show that introgression of such T2A-QF2 driver and QUAS responder transgenes into a yellow cuticular pigmentation mutant strain facilitates transcuticular calcium imaging of CO2-evoked neural activity on the maxillary palps with enhanced sensitivity relative to wild-type mosquitoes enveloped by dark melanized cuticle. We further apply Cre-loxP excision to derive marker-free T2A-QF2 in-frame fusions to clearly map axonal projection patterns from olfactory sensory neurons expressing these 3 chemoreceptors into the A. aegypti antennal lobe devoid of background interference from 3xP3-based fluorescent transgenesis markers. The marker-free Gr1 T2A-QF2 driver facilitates clear recording of CO2-evoked responses in this central brain region using the genetically encoded calcium indicators GCaMP6s and CaMPARI2. Systematic application of these optimized methods to different chemoreceptors stands to enable mapping A. aegypti olfactory circuits at peripheral and central levels of olfactory coding at high resolution.
Estimating effective population size trajectories from time-series identity-by-descent segments
Authors: Huang Yilei , Carmi Shai , Ringbauer Harald
Published: January 2025

Long, identical haplotypes shared between pairs of individuals, known as identity-by-descent (IBD) segments, result from recently shared co-ancestry. Various methods have been developed to utilize IBD sharing for demographic inference in contemporary DNA data. Recent methodological advances have extended the screening for IBD segments to ancient DNA (aDNA) data, making demographic inference based on IBD also possible for aDNA. However, aDNA data typically have varying sampling times, but most demographic inference methods for modern data assume that sampling is contemporaneous. Here, we present Ttne (Time-Transect Ne), which models time-transect sampling to infer recent effective population size trajectories. Using simulations, we show that utilizing IBD sharing in time series increased resolution to infer recent fluctuations in effective population sizes compared with methods that only use contemporaneous samples. To account for IBD detection errors common in empirical analyses, we implemented an approach to estimate and model IBD detection errors. Finally, we applied Ttne to two aDNA time transects: individuals associated with the Copper Age Corded Ware Culture and Medieval England. In both cases, we found evidence of a growing population, a signal consistent with archaeological records.
A chromosome-scale genome assembly of the pioneer plant Stylosanthes angustifolia: insights into genome evolution and drought adaptation
Authors: Liu Chun , Zhang Jianyu , Xu Ranran , Lv Jinhui , Qiao Zhu , Bai Mingzhou , Zhao Shancen , Luo Lijuan , Liu Guodao , Liu Pandao
Published: January 2025

Background

Drought is a major limiting factor for plant survival and crop productivity. Stylosanthes angustifolia, a pioneer plant, exhibits remarkable drought tolerance, yet the molecular mechanisms driving its drought resistance remain largely unexplored.

Results

We present a chromosome-scale reference genome of S. angustifolia, which provides insights into its genome evolution and drought tolerance mechanisms. The assembled genome is 645.88 Mb in size, containing 319.98 Mb of repetitive sequences and 36,857 protein-coding genes. The high quality of this genome assembly is demonstrated by the presence of 99.26% BUSCO and a 19.49 long terminal repeat assembly index. Evolutionary analyses revealed that S. angustifolia shares a whole-genome duplication (WGD) event with other legumes but lacks recent WGD. Additionally, S. angustifolia has undergone gene expansion through tandem duplication approximately 12.31 million years ago. Through integrative multiomics analyses, we identified 4 gene families—namely, xanthoxin dehydrogenase, 2-hydroxyisoflavanone dehydratase, patatin-related phospholipase A, and stachyose synthetase—that underwent tandem duplication and were significantly upregulated under drought stress. These gene families contribute to the biosynthesis of abscisic acid, genistein, daidzein, jasmonic acid, and stachyose, thereby enhancing drought tolerance.

Conclusions

The genome assembly of S. angustifolia represents a significant advancement in understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying drought tolerance in this pioneer plant species. This genomic resource provides critical insights into the evolution of drought resistance and offers valuable genetic information for breeding programs aimed at improving drought resistance in crops.
Reconstructing a century of marine landings and fishing effort in Malaysia and Singapore
Authors: Ng Clement Z W , Jensen Olaf P , Ong Joyce J L
Published: January 2025

Marine capture fisheries are crucial for many coastal communities in Malaysia and Singapore. However, knowledge of the historical state of the marine fishing resources, particularly during the British colonial period, remains limited. We compiled annual species landing data and fishing metrics from colonial and contemporary fishery reports spanning 114 years, from 1907 to 2021. Our results revealed a steady increase in species landings over 90 years, peaking in 2016 before declining in recent years. Through three case studies, we highlight high colonial landings of fusiliers (Caesionidae) from Singapore, reflecting extensive fishing operations across Southeast Asia. Bayesian Change Point analyses also identified increases in lobster landings along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the mid-1980s, with fishing operations expanding from Johor northward through Pahang and Terengganu. Granger-causality tests revealed significant associations between Indian mackerel landings and the number of powered fishing boats in Perlis and Kedah in western Peninsular Malaysia, with varying lag intervals among each state. While these results enhance our understanding of fisheries trends, spatial expansion of fisheries and technological changes complicate the interpretation of fishery trends. Our results suggest that the plateau in global fishery landings since the 1980s may also have already occurred in Southeast Asia.
Closure of ventricular septal defect in children with trisomy 18: perioperative events and long-term survival
Authors: Nemoto Shintaro , Kishi Kanta , Konishi Hayato , Suzuki Akiyo , Katsumata Takahiro , Ozaki Noriyasu , Odanaka Yutaka , Ashida Atsuko , Uchiyama Takamichi , Mine Kenji
Published: January 2025

OBJECTIVES

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the feasibility of surgical closure of ventricular septal defect in children with trisomy 18 by assessing perioperative events and long-term survival.

METHODS

From April 2008 to March 2024, 41 consecutive patients were referred to us for ventricular septal defect surgery. The defect was closed in 35 patients at the end (median age, 16 months; median body weight, 5.7 kg), 31 out of 37 patients after the preceding pulmonary artery banding according to our staged surgery policy and 4 patients without the banding. Sixty-five significant non-cardiac lesions existed concurrently, and 14 patients underwent tracheostomy before closure. The investigation was conducted by checking medical records and contacting the primary physician.

RESULTS

Four patients died during the inter-stage after banding to closure (10.8%). Two of them were awaiting closure. Concomitant surgeries, 15 right ventricular muscle resections, or 1 arch repair, were performed along with closure. Arrhythmia was the most common adverse event (51.4%). Three patients required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Transient but severe hepatic injury occurred in 11 patients (31.4%). There were two hospital death (5.7%) due to severe respiratory insufficiency or fulminant sepsis. Five patients died after discharge, three pneumonia and two sudden death, resulting in a 5-year estimated survival of 79.5%. Three hepatoblastoma and one hepatoangioma developed, but complete remission was achieved in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although further studies are mandatory, surgical closure of ventricular septal defect may be an effective treatment option even for children with trisomy 18.
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus prevalence and its association along the food chain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Caddey Benjamin , Shaukat Waseem , Tang Karen L , Barkema Herman W
Published: January 2025

Background

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) are present across the One Health continuum and pose a considerable risk for transmission along the food chain. This systematic review and meta-analysis estimates the prevalence of VRE colonization in livestock, food of animal origin, and in human populations.

Methods

Embase, MEDLINE and CAB Abstracts were searched for eligible literature. A total of 54 manuscripts passed inclusion criteria by providing prevalence estimates of VRE in a human population and at least one of either livestock or food. Random effects meta-analysis was conducted to determine prevalence estimates, and risk of bias in pooled estimates was assessed using funnel plots and Egger regression.

Results

Global pooled prevalence of VRE colonization was highest in poultry and poultry meat at 16% (95% CI: 6%–28%) and 15% (95% CI: 1%–39%), respectively. Human-associated VRE colonization was highest in livestock workers, with a pooled prevalence of 11% (95% CI: 2%–25%), and lowest in the general public at 2% (95% CI: 0%–3%). Meta-regression demonstrated that human VRE prevalence increased at a rate of 0.75% (95% CI: 0.46%–1.04%; P < 0.001) per 1% increase in livestock VRE colonization.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis established a clear link of VRE across One Health sectors. VRE colonization is likely elevated for those in contact with colonized animals or contaminated food products. Quality of evidence in pooled prevalence estimates was limited by publication bias and heterogeneity. The results of this study enhance calls for a One Health approach for mitigating the global burden of priority antimicrobial resistance pathogens.
Assessing phenotypic effect of integrase strand-transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based resistance substitutions associated with failures on cabotegravir
Authors: D’Antoni Michelle L , Falkard Brie , Andreatta Kristen , Cox Stephanie , Cohen Cal , Callebaut Christian
Published: January 2025

Objectives

International guidelines recommend integrase strand-transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based regimens as initial and switch therapy in people with HIV. As novel INSTIs become available, understanding how emergence of resistance at virological failures and seroconversions affects subsequent treatment options is needed. For the latest approved INSTI, cabotegravir, resistance patterns comprising Q148K/R, N155H, R263K, G118R, E138A/K and G140A/S (alone or in combination) have been documented in virological failures and seroconversions. Here, the effect of these substitutions on antiviral activity of commercially approved INSTIs, bictegravir and elvitegravir, was assessed.

Methods

Antiviral testing was performed using person-derived clinical isolates (n = 52) with viral profiles similar to cabotegravir INSTI resistance patterns; susceptibility to cabotegravir, bictegravir and elvitegravir was measured using a phenotypic assay. Substitution patterns from isolates included triple [Q148K/H/R + E138A/K + G140A/C/S (n = 16)], double [Q148R + E138K (n = 3); Q148H/R + G140A/S (n = 24)] and single [N155H (n = 6); Q148R (n = 3)] resistance-associated mutations (RAMs).

Results

IC50 fold changes (FCs) for triple RAMs were the highest, at 47.0, 7.59 and >144 for cabotegravir, bictegravir and elvitegravir, respectively. For cabotegravir, bictegravir and elvitegravir, respectively, mean IC50 FCs were 9.5, 2.5 and >144 for double RAMs; and 3.3, 1.4 and >65 for single RAMs. When considering clinical/biological assay cut-offs, 54% (28/52) of isolates were susceptible to bictegravir, 40% (21/52) were partially susceptible and 6% (3/52) were resistant; for elvitegravir, 100% of isolates were resistant. Cabotegravir cut-offs were not available at the time of reporting.

Conclusions

Overall, clinical isolates with RAM patterns similar to clinically observed cabotegravir INSTI resistance showed meaningful increases in IC50 FCs, suggesting that cabotegravir-associated resistance may negatively affect efficacy of bictegravir- and elvitegravir-based regimens.
Compulsory dispute settlement system under the BBNJ agreement: some considerations on future constraints
Authors: Cho Hoon , Lee Changyoul
Published: January 2025

The newly adopted BBNJ Agreement introduces UNCLOS Part XV as its Part IX, which regulates a compulsory dispute settlement mechanism to resolve disputes related to the Agreement. Given that this Agreement is the third implementing agreement of UNCLOS, it may be the default approach to adhering to the Part XV system rather than taking other measures. However, this article contends that specific functions should be expected for Part IX of the Agreement, especially in ensuring State parties’ compliance with obligations under the BBNJ Agreement for pursuing its common goals and objectives. Rather than taking an overly optimistic approach, this article explores some of the challenges that the Part XV system is likely to face in future disputes over the BBNJ Agreement. In addition, other institutional arrangements within the BBNJ Agreement that will supplement the compulsory system of the Agreement to fulfil its function are looked into.
Media consolidation and news content quality
Authors: Garz Marcel , Ots Mart
Published: January 2025

News organizations have been under financial pressure to streamline their activities for decades. Critics argue that this pressure undermines the quality of news, posing a severe threat to democracy. However, the effects of media consolidation on news quality are theoretically ambiguous and empirical evidence is scarce. To address this gap, we study the case of the Swedish newspaper industry between 2014 and 2022, a period where more than half of the country’s newspapers changed their owners. We collect over 2 million articles from 108 newspapers and apply state-of-the-art computational methods to create theoretically grounded, fine-grained measures of news content quality. Our results indicate that mergers are associated with slight increases in content quality. However, we also find evidence of content homogenization, as merging newspapers tend to slightly decrease their provision of local news, while relying more on content shared with co-owned newspapers.
Oxidative and nitrative DNA damage induced by industrial chemicals in relation to carcinogenesis
Authors: Hiraku Yusuke
Published: January 2025

Objectives: Many chemicals have been used for industrial purposes, and some of them are carcinogenic to humans. However, the molecular mechanisms of their carcinogenetic effects have not been well understood. Reactive oxygen species are generated from industrial chemicals and contribute to carcinogenesis. Particles and fibers are accumulated in respiratory systems by inhalation exposure and cause chronic inflammation. Under inflammatory conditions, reactive nitrogen species are generated from inflammatory and epithelial cells. These species cause oxidative and nitrative DNA damage, leading to carcinogenesis. We carried out experiments on DNA damage induced by various industrial chemicals and investigated their molecular mechanisms.

Methods: We examined oxidative DNA damage induced by industrial chemicals using DNA fragments derived from human cancer-relevant genes by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Using immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry we also examined the formation of 8-nitroguanine (8-nitroG), a DNA lesion formed under inflammatory conditions, in lung tissues and cultured cells exposed to industrial chemicals.

Results: Benzene and o-toluidine metabolites caused oxidative damage to DNA fragments in the presence of Cu(II). H2O2 and Cu(I) were generated during oxidation of these chemicals and involved in DNA damage. 8-NitroG formation was observed in lung tissues of asbestos-exposed mice and humans. Carbon nanomaterials and indium compounds induced 8-nitroG formation in human lung epithelial cells via the release of damage-associated molecular patterns from exposed cells.

Conclusions: Various industrial chemicals are considered to induce carcinogenesis by causing oxidative and nitrative DNA damage. These findings provide an insight into risk assessment of industrial chemicals and prevention of carcinogenesis in workplaces.
Residual Symptoms and Quality of Life After Treated Lyme Neuroborreliosis: Case-Control Study (QoLYME)
Authors: Foret Julie , Paren Anne-Julie , Zayet Souheil , Chirouze Catherine , Gendrin Vincent , Bouiller Kevin , Klopfenstein Timothée
Published: January 2025

Background

Earlier studies revealed that 10%–50% of patients reported remaining complaints after treatment for Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB). The aim of our study was to assess symptoms and quality of life in patients with diagnosed and treated LNB and to compare them with findings in the general population.

Methods

Adults with LNB receiving adequate antibiotics were included between 2015 and 2021 in 2 tertiary hospitals. Two controls without Lyme borreliosis history were included for each case patient, matched by age and geographic area. All participants were interviewed to answer a standardized questionnaire. Fatigue was assessed by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and quality of life by the 12-Item Short Form Survey, including physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores.

Results

Fifty-three patients and 104 controls were included. The mean age (SD) was 62 (13) years in both groups; 66% were male in the LNB group and 44% in the control group (P = .01). Fatigue (68% vs 48%, respectively; P = .02), memory disorders (60% vs 38%; P < .01), and attention disorders (32% vs 17%; P = .05) were significantly more frequent in the LNB group than in controls. In multivariable analysis, no association was found between LNB and FSS scores (odds ratio, 1.6 [95% confidence interval, .9–3.0]; P = .15) or between LNB and MCS scores (0.8 [.4–1.5]; P = .45); however, patients with LNB had lower PCS scores (0.5 [.3–.9]; P = .03).

Conclusions

Several symptoms were similar in patients with LNB and controls. Quality of life was slightly impaired in patients with LNB and PCS scores were lower, but there were no differences in MCS or FSS scores. Reassurance and specific rehabilitation measures could be provided to these patients.
An application of matching algorithms to generalize small-area estimates of chronic pain prevalence to neighbourhoods across England
Authors: Quinn L , Yu D , Lynch M , Jordan K P , Wilkie R , Peat G
Published: January 2025

Background

Local decision-makers lack granular data on the prevalence of chronic pain in their populations. We applied matching methods to generalize estimates from one local survey in England to other neighborhoods across the country with a similar sociodemographic composition.

Methods

We used propensity score matching to match lower-layer super output areas (LSOA) across England with 230 surveyed LSOAs in North Staffordshire by age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation, and rurality. LSOA-specific crude prevalence of chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain in adults aged 35+ years were estimated and mapped for matched LSOAs.

Results

Satisfactory matching was achieved for 24 871 of 31 580 LSOAs (79%). The 6709 LSOAs identified as either “off common support” or unmatched were principally inner-city neighborhoods with younger, more ethnically diverse populations. LSOA-specific estimates of chronic pain and high impact chronic pain ranged from 14% to 52% and from 4% to 31% respectively. Integrated Care Board estimates ranged from 27% to 38% and from 10% to 18%, respectively. Estimates for England were 31.9% and 12.6%, respectively.

Conclusions

Using matching methods we have produced the first detailed map of the distribution of chronic pain in England but with several strong assumptions. Our estimates highlight substantial variation in prevalence within ICBs.
Asylum seekers’ and refugees’ experiences of violence and accessing healthcare in the UK: a systematic review
Authors: Hanwell Krystyna , Finnerty Fionnuala , Richardson Daniel
Published: January 2025

Background

This systematic review aimed to characterize the violence, explore the experiences of accessing health services, and highlight any strategies used to improve the access and experiences of healthcare for asylum seekers and refugees in the UK.

Methods

EMBASE, EMCARE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched in February 2024. We included manuscripts that included asylum seekers or refugees who had accessed healthcare settings in the UK. The Joanna Briggs Institute tools were used to assess risk of bias, and data were synthesised narratively.

Results

Twelve manuscripts were included in this review published between 2004 and 2023. The violence experienced by asylum seekers and refugees was characterized as domestic violence, family violence, torture, and sexual violence. There are vulnerability and cultural issues, health issues, and health innovations that affect the experiences and access to healthcare by asylum seekers and refugees. Providing holistic antenatal and midwifery services, reducing language barriers, addressing specific health needs, and careful use of digital health innovations can improve the access and healthcare experiences of asylum seekers and refugees.

Conclusion

These data provide public health and healthcare services some insight into how to provide culturally safe, accessible healthcare for asylum seekers and refugees in the UK.
Integrated care management for patients following acute stroke: a systematic review
Authors: Eustace Ian , Buckley Benjamin J R , Kaya Isik , Hoad Katie L , France-Ratcliffe Madeleine , Hill Andrew R , Lip Gregory Y H , Jones Ian D , Higginbotham Karen
Published: January 2025

Background

Contemporary stroke care is moving towards more holistic and patient-centred integrated approaches, however, there is need to develop high quality evidence for interventions that benefit patients as part of this approach.

Aim

This study aims to identify the types of integrated care management strategies that exist for people with stroke, to determine whether stroke management pathways impact patient outcomes, and to identify elements of integrated stroke care that were effective at improving outcomes.

Design

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

Methods

The review was conducted using Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science and the Cochrane Database of randomised controlled trials from January 2012 to January 2024. Studies that evaluated interventions as part of integrated care against a control or standard treatment group were included. Primary outcomes included mortality, recurrent stroke and major bleeding. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, unplanned readmission, anxiety and depression, lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors, and adherence to intervention.

Results

In total, 99 studies were included and 63 were meta-analysed. Patients receiving integrated stroke care had significant reductions in recurrent stroke (RR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.63-1.00, P = 0.05, I  2 = 39%), significant improvements in quality of life (SMD = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.26-0.56, P < 0.00001, I  2 = 91%) and reduced incidence of depression (RR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.99, P = 0.007, I  2 = 22%). There were no significant differences in mortality or major bleeding.

Conclusion

The findings of this study showed that integrated care post-stroke is associated with better quality of life and reduced depression and recurrent stroke.
Interpersonal Discrimination as a Potential Source of Individual-Level Anomie and its Consequences for Suicide Ideation
Authors: Graham Carlyn
Published: January 2025

The relationship between interpersonal discrimination and suicidality has received increasing attention. However, research has not considered whether this relationship differs between independent forms of discrimination and how exposure to multiple forms may relate to suicidality among U.S. adults. Drawing from neo-Durkheimian paradigms of anomie, I conceptualize interpersonal discrimination as a potential source of individual-level anomie and then delineate how the attribute behind discrimination could matter to suicidal thoughts. I further consider how experiencing multiple forms of discrimination may amplify the risk of suicidality. To investigate my theoretical propositions, I use 2016–2018 data from U.S. adults ages 33–43 in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health to compare the associations between three forms of discrimination—racial/ethnic, biological sex, and body weight—and suicide ideation, and then consider how experiencing multiple forms relates to suicide ideation. Principal findings indicate that weight discrimination has a stronger positive association with suicide ideation than racial/ethnic- or sex discrimination, but individuals who experienced all three forms had an especially high risk of suicide ideation. This study underscores how the attribution behind discrimination matters to the risk of suicidal thoughts and that exposure to multiple forms increases its likelihood.
The Performance of the Acoustic Change Complex Versus Psychophysical Behavioral Measures: A Systematic Review of Measurements in Adults
Authors: Meehan Sarah , van der Schroeff Marc P. , Adank Marloes L. , Bramer Wichor M. , Vroegop Jantien L.
Published: January 2025

Objectives:

The acoustic change complex (ACC) is a cortical auditory evoked potential that shows promise as an objective test of the neural capacity for speech and sound discrimination, particularly for difficult-to-test populations, for example, cognitively impaired adults. There is uncertainty, however, surrounding the performance of the ACC with behavioral measures. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature, focusing on adult studies, to investigate the relationship between ACC responses and behavioral psychophysical measures.

Design:

Original peer-reviewed articles conducting performance comparisons between ACCs and behavioral measures in adults were identified through systematic searches. The review was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for reporting, and the methodological quality of the included articles was assessed.

Results:

A total of 66 studies were retrieved that conducted adult ACC measurements, of which 27 studies included performance comparisons. Meta-analysis revealed a total of 41 significant correlations between ACC responses (amplitudes, latencies, and thresholds) and behavioral measures of speech perception (2 weak, 28 moderate, and 11 strong correlations), and 12 significant moderate/strong correlations were identified with behavioral measures of frequency discrimination.

Conclusions:

This systematic review finds that ACC responses are associated with speech perception and frequency discrimination, in addition to other types of sound discrimination. The choice of evoking stimuli, ACC outcome measure, and behavioral measure used may influence the strength and visibility of potential correlations between the objective (ACC) and behavioral measures. The performance of the ACC technique highlighted in this review suggests that this tool may serve as an alternative measure of auditory discrimination when corresponding behavioral measures prove challenging or unfeasible.
Primary Cutaneous Methotrexate-Associated T-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorder in the Setting of Autoimmune Disease: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Nocco Sarah , Magro Cynthia
Published: January 2025

Methotrexate (MTX), an antimetabolite targeting certain autoimmune conditions and various hematologic malignancies, has been associated with iatrogenic lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) primarily of B-cell lineage. Less commonly are T-cell neoplasms where primary skin involvement is considered rare. Three cases were encountered in the medical practice of one of the authors. The patients ranged in age from 38 years to 99 years (2 women and 1 man) with 2 having rheumatoid arthritis and 1 having ankylosing spondylitis. All 3 patients received MTX. The cases included subcutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (NOS) (1 patient), mycosis fungoides (1 patient), and a primary aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma (1 patient) that proved to be fatal. One patient had spontaneous regression following MTX withdrawal; she later developed a recurrence while off MTX. Two patients died, 1 of unrelated causes and 1 of lymphoma. Seven previously reported cases included subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (2 cases), primary cutaneous CD4+ LPD (2 cases), peripheral T-cell lymphoma (NOS) (1 case), anaplastic large cell lymphoma (1 case), and peripheral T-cell lymphoma localized to fat (1 case). Regression without recurrence occurred in 6 of the 7 patients with MTX withdrawal. The patients were on the MTX for an average of 4 years and had a median age of 61 years with a slight dominance of men over women. Three of the 7 cases showed Epstein–Barr encoding region (EBER) positivity while the 3 cases reported in this series were negative. MTX-associated T-cell LPD involves older patients on long-term MTX where EBER positivity is more frequent than extracutaneous MTX-associated T-cell LPD. A spectrum of classic forms of CTCL is seen with subcutaneous involvement representing a significant percentage of cases. Regression with MTX withdrawal occurs although not in every case.
Intensive Care Unit Memories and Trauma Triggers for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Survivors Hospitalized During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Peach Brian C. , Arkin Laura C. , Esparza Lindsey , Hassan Sara , Shinn Leah
Published: January 2025

Background

Intensive care unit (ICU) admissions can be traumatic for critically ill, ventilated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients due to fear of death, an inability to verbally communicate, reliance on health care professionals, and invasive medical interventions. Adult ARDS patients hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic were strictly isolated and had limited to no visitation from loved ones, impacting their access to support systems.

Objective

To explore the memories and sensory triggers for them (if applicable) of adult ARDS survivors hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This study used a phenomenological design with an interpretative descriptive approach. Semistructured interviews with open-ended questions were conducted with survivors. Thematic analysis of 16 ARDS survivors’ responses to ICU memories and sensory triggers questions was completed to identify the most prevalent themes.

Results

Major themes for vivid memories included (1) altered reality, (2) vivid nonsense dreams, (3) medical treatment/procedures, and (4) feeling lonely/isolated. Themes for triggers included (1) seeing doctors/nurses/hospitals and medical equipment or seeing/hearing media depictions of them, (2) hearing ringtones and beeping/alarms, (3) seeing/hearing helicopters, (4) smelling cleaning products, and (5) seeing/touching scars.

Discussion/Conclusions

Fifteen of the 16 ARDS survivors reported traumatic vivid memories, often triggered by sensory stimuli they encountered in their everyday lives. It is important for acute care and outpatient nurses to understand the impact of an ICU admission on ARDS survivors’ mental health, so they can adopt evidence-based interventions to prevent or limit these effects.
Evaluation of the Effect of Nurse-Driven Algorithm in Prevention of Central Catheter–Related Bloodstream Infections in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Acun Aysun , Çalışkan Nurcan
Published: January 2025

Background

Infection control in intensive care units is important for both patients’ quality of life and institutions.

Aim

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a nurse-driven algorithm in preventing central catheter–related bloodstream infections in intensive care units.

Methods

This intervention research was implemented in a training and research hospital in Turkey between July 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021. The research was carried out in 3 stages after the creation of the algorithm. The data were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Form for Nurses, the Descriptive and Medical Characteristics Form for Patients, the algorithm knowledge test, and the Algorithm Parameters Follow-up form. After obtaining the necessary permissions for the study, consent was obtained from the nurses participating in the study. Number, percentage, Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U test values were used in the study.

Results

With the algorithm, a decrease was found in the rate of infections in the intensive care units.

Conclusion

As a result, it was observed that the nurse-driven, central catheter–related bloodstream infection prevention algorithm, prepared using evidence-based clinical guidelines, reduced the rates of infection. Therefore, it is recommended to use algorithm studies as a long-term guide in intensive care units.
How the Consideration of Spiritual Types Could Help in Coping With Moral Distress in Intensive Care
Authors: Kubitza Jenny , Handtke Violet , Mächler Ruth , Teutsch Dagmar , Frick Eckhard
Published: January 2025

Background

Moral distress is highly prevalent among health care workers in intensive care in which spirituality has been identified both as a risk factor for moral distress and as a resource to mitigate it.

Objectives

Considering these contradictory findings, this study examined why moral distress is perceived in different ways and to what extent spirituality influences the ability to cope with moral distress.

Methods

In a qualitative study in German-speaking countries, semistructured interviews were evaluated using thematic analysis and typology construction according to Stapley et al.

Results

Between May and September 2022, a sample of 13 health care professionals (nurses, physicians, physiotherapists, respiratory therapists) from Germany and Austria was interviewed. Three types of spirituality among critical care staff are identified: (1) the religious type, (2) the dignity type, and (3) the instrumental type. Depending on the type of spirituality, intensive care providers experience moral distress differently and therefore require different resources to cope with moral distress.

Discussion

Appropriate spiritual interventions are facilitated by respecting different spiritualities as potential resources for mitigating moral distress. This preliminary study permits the differentiation of types of spirituality in critical staff and of appropriate supporting interventions.
Continuous peripheral nerve blocks for pain control after orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Espinoza Ana María , Leyton Patricio A. , Robles Marcia , Vargas Javiera , Muñoz Loreto A.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNB) provide an opioid-free alternative for pain control after orthopaedic surgery. However, postdischarge ambulatory patient care and follow-up concerns have prevented CPNB use at home.

OBJECTIVE

To address physicians’ concerns about the outpatient use of CPNB.

DESIGN

Prospective, cohort, observational study.

SETTING

Single centre, teaching private hospital in Santiago, Chile, between July 2016 and March 2020.

PATIENTS

We included patients aged at least 18 who underwent orthopaedic surgery using CPNB for postoperative pain management. Patients scheduled simultaneously for non-orthopedic surgery on the same event were excluded.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pain scores, opioid use, and complication rates at both in-hospital and at-home sites.

RESULTS

CPNB were provided as an analgesia plan in 497 patients who met inclusion criteria, and 387 (77.87%) were discharged home with this continuous analgesia. At 48 h, 70% of the patients reported no-worse-than-mild pain. Less than 3.1% of patients reported an episode of severe pain, and less than 13% of the patients required opioid rescue medication. Transient neurological symptoms were observed in 13% (95% confidence interval (CI), 10.4 to 16.1) of the patients. No long-term or severe complications were observed. High rates of satisfaction were reached among patients.

CONCLUSION

In-hospital and at-home use of CPNB supervised by a pain service team provides a feasible and safe alternative after orthopaedic surgery, pain control with a low requirement of opioids.
Refinement of the Graft-over-Host Technique in Penetrating Keratoplasty
Authors: Hu Daniel J. , Zhang Casey , Hu Jerry G.
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

We describe a refinement of the graft-over-host technique that eliminates the open-sky phase and reduces the use of additional sutures beyond what is needed for the traditional open-sky technique.

Methods:

This study is a surgical technique description and retrospective case review. For surgical technique, first, trephinate the recipient cornea to 90% depth. Dissect the cornea button, preserving the cardinal attachments. Secure the donor disc over the recipient cornea button with cardinal sutures. Complete the dissection of the cardinal attachments on the underlying recipient cornea button. Slide the recipient cornea button out from under the donor cornea disc. Place additional sutures for the additional securitization of donor disc. For data collection and analysis of surgical outcomes, we conducted a retrospective chart review for 35 patients who underwent the traditional open-sky technique and 28 patients who underwent the graft-over-host technique.

Results:

There were no cases of intraoperative complications including suprachoroidal hemorrhage and vitreal prolapse between both open-sky and graft-over-host cohorts. There were no significant differences in visual acuity between the cohorts at 6-month and 1-year follow-ups.

Conclusions:

Although penetrating keratoplasty may be an increasingly less common surgery, the risks associated with the open-sky phase persist. Surgeons may consider using the graft-over-host technique described in this study to reduce intraoperative risk while minimizing suture utilization, tissue manipulation, and associated operative time.
Comparative Analysis of 2 Commercially Available Assays for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Infliximab and Adalimumab
Authors: López Pérez Juan , Inda-Landaluce Mercedes , Nocito-Colón Mercedes , Martínez-Lostao Luis
Published: January 2025

Background:

Tumor necrosis factor is a crucial proinflammatory cytokine in immune-mediated diseases. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), such as infliximab and adalimumab, effectively treat rheumatological and digestive disorders. However, challenges such as primary nonresponse, secondary treatment failure, or adverse reactions limit their efficacy. Monitoring TNFi levels is essential for optimizing treatment and improving outcomes. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; Promonitor) was compared with 2 commercially available methods for quantifying infliximab and adalimumab levels: the chemiluminescence assay (i-Track10) and fluorescence assay (Afias-10).

Methods:

Serum samples from 166 patients with inflammatory bowel disease were analyzed. Drug levels were measured using i-Track10, Afias-10, and Promonitor. Spearman's correlation analysis, Bland–Altman analysis, analysis of differences, Passing–Bablok regression, and Cohen kappa for agreement assessment were used for statistical analysis.

Results:

Strong correlations were observed between Promonitor and Afias-10 for infliximab (rs = 0.982) and adalimumab (rs = 0.972), and with i-Track10 (rs = 0.935 for infliximab, rs = 0.947 for adalimumab). However, significant differences indicated noninterchangeability with ELISA. Passing–Bablok regression showed systematic and proportional biases. Cohen kappa exhibited higher concordance with Afias-10 for therapeutic ranges (κ = 0.962 for infliximab, κ = 0.849 for adalimumab) compared with i-Track10.

Conclusions:

Afias-10 and i-Track10 are suitable for TNFi monitoring but are not interchangeable with ELISA. Consistent assay methods should be used for patient monitoring to ensure accuracy and reliability.
On-TRACC Pilot Study: A Novel Intervention for Persistent Post-Concussive Cognitive Symptoms
Authors: Pagulayan Kathleen F. , Rau Holly K. , Sheppard David P. , Shulein Orli M. , Onstad-Hawes Emma , Hoffman Jeanne M. , Williams Rhonda M.
Published: January 2025

Objective: To present the results of a pilot study of On-TRACC (Tools for Recovery and Clinical Care), a novel intervention for individuals experiencing persistent cognitive difficulties after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). On-TRACC is a 5-session, 1:1 manualized treatment that integrates psychoeducation, cognitive rehabilitation strategies, and self-management skills to target symptoms and increase understanding of the interaction between cognitive difficulties, injury history, and comorbid medical and psychological conditions. The primary study goals were to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of On-TRACC. Setting: Veterans Affairs medical center and an academic medical center. Participants: Veterans and civilian adults (n = 28) >3 months post-mTBI with current self-reported cognitive difficulties. Design: In this single-group, open-label pilot study, all participants received On-TRACC (5 sessions) via video-based telehealth. Main Measures: Primary measures were feasibility (eg, session attendance and homework completion rate, dropout rate, and treatment fidelity) and acceptability (treatment satisfaction/helpfulness ratings). Preliminary effectiveness was explored by measuring pre- to post-intervention change in cognitive symptom level and attribution, perceived self-efficacy, use of compensatory strategies, daily functioning, quality of life, and planned future engagement in health care. Results: The On-TRACC completion rate for all enrolled participants was 79% (with 88% treatment completion rate for participants who started On-TRACC); homework was fully or partially completed for 98% of attended sessions. Treatment satisfaction ratings were high, with 95% satisfied with the information and skills learned. There were no adverse events. Positive pre- to posttreatment changes were seen in cognitive self-efficacy, symptom attribution, functional status, quality of life, and planned engagement in care for comorbid conditions. Conclusion: On-TRACC was a feasible and acceptable intervention for individuals with chronic cognitive difficulties following mTBI. Additional research, including a randomized clinical trial, is needed to evaluate the efficacy of this intervention and its long-term impact on outcomes in this clinical population.
Addition by Subtraction: Reversing Epikeratophakia and Stromal Scarring in a Patient With Myopia Magna
Authors: Wendelstein Jascha A. , Freller Katrin , Riaz Kamran M. , Seiler Theo G.
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

To describe a three-phase surgical approach for managing progressive visual decline in a patient with myopia magna and a history of epikeratophakia.

Methods:

A 55-year-old woman with previous epikeratophakia surgery in both eyes experienced progressive visual deterioration. The three-phase approach included: (1) removal of the epikeratophakia lenticule, (2) cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation, and (3) transepithelial topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (trans-PRK). Preoperative and postoperative refraction, corneal topography, and visual acuity were assessed.

Results:

After trans-PRK, the right eye exhibited regularization of the corneal surface, with a final best spectacle-corrected acuity of 0.15 logMAR. A similar two-phase approach without lenticule removal was applied to the left eye, resulting in improved visual outcomes.

Conclusions:

A three-phase surgical approach combining lenticule removal, cataract surgery, and topography-guided PRK offers a potential pathway for visual improvement in patients with phakic postepikeratophakia.