bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DeepBAM: a high-accuracy single-molecule CpG methylation detection tool for Oxford nanopore sequencing
Authors: Bai Xin , Yao Hui-Cong , Wu Bo , Liu Luo-Ran , Ding Yu-Ying , Xiao Chuan-Le
Published: August 2024

Recent nanopore sequencing system (R10.4) has enhanced base calling accuracy and is being increasingly utilized for detecting CpG methylation state. However, the robustness and universality of the methylation calling model in officially supplied Dorado remains poorly tested. In this study, we obtained heterogeneous datasets from human and plant sources to carry out comprehensive evaluations, which showed that Dorado performed significantly different across datasets. We therefore developed deep neural networks and implemented several optimizations in training a new model called DeepBAM. DeepBAM achieved superior and more stable performances compared with Dorado, including higher area under the ROC curves (98.47% on average and up to 7.36% improvement) and F1 scores (94.97% on average and up to 16.24% improvement) across the datasets. DeepBAM-based whole genome methylation frequencies have achieved >0.95 correlations with BS-seq on four of five datasets, outperforming Dorado in all instances. It enables unraveling allele-specific methylation patterns, including regions of transposable elements. The enhanced performance of DeepBAM paves the way for broader applications of nanopore sequencing in CpG methylation studies.
Impaired energy expenditure following exposure to either DDT or DDE in mice may be mediated by DNA methylation changes in brown adipose
Authors: Jugan Juliann A , Jackson Kyle B , Elmore Sarah E , La Merrill Michele A
Published: August 2024

The insecticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its persistent metabolite, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), have been associated with increased adiposity and obesity in multiple generations of rodents and humans. These lipophilic pollutants accumulate in adipose tissue and appear to decrease energy expenditure through the impairment of thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT). We hypothesized that impaired thermogenesis is due to persistent epigenetic modifications of BAT. To address this, we exposed C57BL/6 J mice to DDT or DDE from gestational day (GD) 11.5 to postnatal day (PND) 5, evaluated longitudinal body temperature, and performed reduced representation bisulfite sequencing and RNA sequencing of BAT from infant and adult offspring. Exposure to DDT or DDE reduced core body temperature in adult mice, and differential methylation at the pathway and gene level was persistent from infancy to adulthood. Furthermore, thermogenesis and biological pathways essential for thermogenic function, such as oxidative phosphorylation and mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (mTOR) signaling, were enriched with differential methylation and RNA transcription in adult mice exposed to DDT or DDE. PAZ6 human brown preadipocytes were differentiated in the presence of DDT or DDE to understand the brown adipocyte-autonomous effect of these pollutants. In vitro exposure led to limited changes in RNA expression; however, mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased in vitro with 0.1 µM and 1 µM doses of DDT or DDE. These results demonstrate that concentrations of DDT and DDE relevant to human exposure have a significant effect on thermogenesis, the transcriptome, and DNA methylome of mouse BAT and the mitochondrial function of human brown adipocytes.
Being Under-Benefited and Perceived Stress in the Relationship Between Aging Parents and Adult Children: The Moderating Role of Empathy
Authors: Jiang Da , Huang Zewen , Lee Chi-Kin John
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives

Previous studies examining the relationship between being under-benefited and stress among aging parents and their adult children have yielded mixed findings. Few studies have examined whether this positive association can be alleviated by state-level or trait-level factors. Given the positive effects of empathy on interpersonal exchanges, we tested the moderating role of empathy on the relationship between being under-benefited and perceived stress among aging parents and adult children in this 14-day diary study.

Research Design and Methods

A sample of 99 pairs of parents (Mage = 50.01 years, SDage = 4.53 years; 79.8% female) and children (Mage = 22.38, SDage = 3.49; 85.9% female) were recruited reported their level of being under-benefited in the exchange with their parent/child, perceived stress, and empathy as an affective state on a daily basis for 14 consecutive days, after completing a pretest which measured their trait empathy and demographic information.

Results

For both parents and children, the positive under-benefited-stress association was only significant when they reported lower affective empathy on a daily basis. The association between the level of being under-benefited and stress was negative when children reported greater affective empathy on a daily basis. Children reported more perceived stress on the days their parents reported a greater level of being under-benefited. Such association was only significant in children with lower trait empathy. The negative association between children’s being under-benefited and parents’ perceived stress was only significant in parents with higher trait empathy.

Discussion and Implications

These findings highlight the importance of empathy as a daily affect and a trait in the relationship between daily exchanges and mental health in the intergenerational contexts between aging parents and adult children.
An Integrative Understanding of Evolutionary Convergence Across Organisms and Biological Scales
Authors: Lau Emily S , Varney Rebecca M , Goodheart Jessica A
Published: August 2024

Synopsis

The extent to which evolution is predictable is a long-standing question in biology, with implications for urgent biological issues such as viral evolution, the emergence of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, and organismal responses to climate change. Convergent evolution, the phylogenetically independent evolution of similar phenotypes, provides biological replicates useful for exploring patterns of predictability in evolution. Understanding evolutionary convergence requires synthesizing findings across biological scales and organisms. To this end, we organized a SICB-wide symposium entitled “Integrating research on convergent evolution across levels of biological organization, organisms, and time.” Our symposium showcased interdisciplinary research on evolutionary convergence across diverse study systems and levels of biological organization, while highlighting new techniques and comparative methods for identifying patterns of predictability in convergently evolved traits. Here, we introduce findings from papers included in this symposium issue and identify common themes, highlight emerging questions, and discuss how we can integrate new techniques, tools, and systems to expand our understanding of evolutionary convergence.
Human Infection With IsrRAPXV: A Novel Zoonotic Bat-Derived Poxvirus
Authors: Paran Yael , David Dan , Rudoler Nir , Ingbir Merav , Khoury Nardeen , Halutz Ora , Ben-Ami Ronen , Berkowitz Asaf , Sol Asaf
Published: August 2024

Background

Bats are recognized as the natural reservoir of several zoonotic viruses that pose a threat to public health worldwide. In our recent reports, we describe the identification of a novel poxvirus, IsrRAPXV, in Egyptian fruit bats. This poxvirus is associated with high morbidity and mortality in bats.

Methods

Herein, we describe the identification of a poxvirus in a female patient hospitalized with systemic symptoms and severe painful skin lesions on her hands. We performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction, whole genome sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis to identify and characterize this poxvirus as the etiologic agent.

Results

The patient interacted with wounded and sick bats as a volunteer in a bat shelter run by an Israel bat sanctuary organization. Samples collected from the patient's skin lesions were positive for the presence of IsrRAPXV by polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis showed that this virus is identical to IsrRAPXV, originally described by us as the causative agent of skin lesions in fruit bats.

Conclusions

Our finding suggest that IsrRAPXV is zoonotic; therefore, veterinarians and volunteers working in bat shelters should meticulously follow the guidelines of working with bats and use required personal protective equipment.
New Cretaceous snakeflies highlight the morphological disparity of Mesoraphidiidae and its response to the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution
Authors: Lu Xiumei , Stubbs Thomas L , Zhuo De , Xu Chunpeng , Donoghue Philip C J , Liu Xingyue
Published: August 2024

Mesoraphidiidae is an extinct family of the order Raphidioptera with an evolutionary history that is largely unexplored. Here, we uncovered the evolutionary history of Mesoraphidiidae using phylogenetic comparative approaches, based on an updated morphological dataset, with an additional description of two new genera and species with distinct cephalic elongation, Dracoraphidia brachystigma gen. et sp. nov. and Teratocephala macrostigma gen. et sp. nov., from mid-Cretaceous Myanmar amber. Phylogenetic analysis shows their affinity to the subfamily Alloraphidiinae. Our results show that the radiation of species diversity and morphological disparity of Mesoraphidiidae dates back to the Lower Cretaceous and experienced a distinct peak approximately 130–118 million years ago (Ma). This timeframe aligns with the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution (KTR), a period from 125 to 80 Ma marked by the proliferation of flowering plants and their interactions with insects. The habitat preference of mesoraphidiid larvae to gymnosperm plants might have led to their extinction during the KTR, with the associated decline of gymnosperm diversity. Despite reduction in the occupation of morphospace by Mesoraphidiinae, there is surprising expansion of morphospace occupation by Alloraphidiinae in the Upper Cretaceous, possibly related to cephalic elongation, which may have enhanced pollen-feeding or predation ability, in response to extrinsic changes to biodiversity and ecosystems during the KTR. This study enriches our understanding of the macroevolution of snakeflies during the Mesozoic and provides new evidence for the impact of the KTR on insects.
P04 Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis adherence: before and after antimicrobial stewardship team impact in a south Indian secondary care hospital
Authors: Dorairajan Suresh Kumar , Srinivasan Sowmiya , Basha Safiya Banu Sadik , Sivakumar Sanju Menaka , Rajavel Saravanan , Kannan Sakthi Atchitha Sudalai , Mari Rithika , Kuppusamy Santhiya , Koteeswaran Monish Kumar
Published: August 2024

Background

Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) is the major reason for antibiotic usage in secondary care hospitals. Implementing international guidelines, such as ASHP, is feasible in large tertiary care hospitals due to the presence of hospital antibiotic stewardship teams. However, it is challenging in resource-limited secondary care hospitals. The impact of antibiotic stewardship teams on SAP in secondary care hospitals is limited in the developing world.

Objectives

To assess the impact of the hospital’s antibiotic stewardship team on the SAP adherence in a secondary care hospital in India.

Methods

This prospective pre- and post-intervention study was conducted in a 200-bed South Indian secondary care hospital between May and October 2023. The hospital’s antimicrobial stewardship team (AMST), guided by an infectious disease physician, audited the case records of surgical patients, and adherence to SAP guidelines was recorded. In the pre-intervention phase (May to July 2023), no meetings occurred between the hospital surgical and antimicrobial stewardship teams, with only a few random SAP audits. In the post-intervention phase (August to October 2023), regular meetings facilitated systematic monitoring of all surgeries for SAP adherence, with data recorded in Google forms and the impact analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

A total of 1520 surgeries were conducted during the study period, with 767 in the pre-intervention period and 753 in the post-intervention period. In the pre-intervention period, 281 elective clean and clean-contaminated surgeries were audited, of which 200 received antibiotics. However, only 27% received appropriate antibiotics according to SAP guidelines, with a mean duration of SAP at 6.62 days. In the post-intervention period, all 753 surgeries were audited, and 350 elective clean and clean-contaminated surgeries received antibiotics. In this phase, 57.7% of the surgeries adhered to appropriate SAP, with a mean duration of SAP at 5.89 days (Table 1).

Conclusions

AMST significantly improved SAP guidelines adherence, enhancing appropriate antibiotic use and reducing duration. Future efforts should focus on continuous monitoring and education for sustained improvement.
P13 Systematic review assessing the impact of using McIsaac and Centor scores to aid antibiotic prescription decision making in patients presenting to secondary care with pharyngitis
Authors: Kanagasabai Atchchuthan , Evans Callum , Jones Hayley E , Hay Alastair D , Dawson Sarah , Savović Jelena , Elwenspoek Martha M C
Published: August 2024

Background

Complications can develop in the 5%–30% of pharyngitis cases caused by group A streptococcus (GAS); therefore, the appropriateness of antibiotics needs to be considered. Centor and McIsaac scores are clinical prediction rules for diagnosing GAS pharyngitis. Antibiotic prescription score thresholds vary between guidelines.

Objectives

Estimate the sensitivity and specificity of McIsaac and Centor scores to diagnose GAS pharyngitis and evaluate their impact on antibiotic prescribing under different testing scenarios at each threshold in secondary care.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science were searched from inception to September 2022 for studies of patients presenting with acute pharyngitis to emergency or outpatient clinics that estimated the accuracy of McIsaac or Centor scores against throat cultures and/or rapid antigen detection tests (RADT) as reference standards. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) was used for risk of bias assessment. Sensitivities and specificities of McIsaac and Centor scores were pooled at each threshold using bivariate random effects meta-analysis. We described antibiotic prescription rates under different testing scenarios and at different thresholds using natural frequencies for 10 000 patients.

Results

Fourteen studies were included (eight McIsaac and six Centor scores). Eight studies had unclear and six had high risk of bias. McIsaac score had higher estimated sensitivity and lower specificity relative to Centor scores at equivalent thresholds but with wide and overlapping confidence regions. Using either score as a triage to RADT to decide antibiotic treatment would reduce antibiotic prescriptions relative to RADT test on everyone: estimated reductions in prescriptions in a cohort of 10 000 patients 1244, 172 and 666 for NICE (Centor), Danish and German (McIsaac) guidelines respectively, but with 893, 87 and 368 of these being true positive GAS cases.

Conclusions

Centor and McIsaac scores are equally ineffective at triaging patients who need antibiotics. Finding a balanced treatment threshold to recommend prescribing antibiotic to prevent over/under treatment is challenging. Good safety netting by clinicians may enable use of high treatment thresholds safely and prevent over-prescription of antibiotics.
P20 An evaluation of high oral bioavailability antibiotic prescriptions in Forth Valley Royal Hospital
Authors: Urquhart Eilidh , McGlone Margaret-Mary , Soulsby Hannah , Proud Euan
Published: August 2024

Background

Metronidazole, clindamycin, levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin have high oral bioavailability. In many cases, antibiotics are administered IV when the oral route would be appropriate. There are risks of IV administration including complications of IV access and prolonged hospital admission.

Objectives

To audit current prescribing practices of four antibiotics with high oral bioavailability across medical and surgical wards in Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

Methods

Patients receiving selected antibiotics were identified using the electronic prescribing system. Patients in intensive care, day units and maternity wards were excluded. An audit tool was used to collect information on antibiotic indication, the ward and specialty, and whether there were any contraindications to oral administration. Contraindications included being nil by mouth, clinically unwell or sepsis, and poor gastrointestinal absorption. Data were collected over a 5 month period.

Results

In total, 98 IV prescriptions were reviewed. These included metronidazole (87), clindamycin (6) and levofloxacin (5). There were no IV prescriptions of ciprofloxacin. Fifty-three (54%) IV prescriptions were for patients with no contraindication to an oral route. Of these, 37 (70%) were under the care of a surgical specialty and 15 (28%) were under the care of a medical specialty. The most common indication for metronidazole was intra-abdominal infection. A total of 45 of the 87 (52%) patients prescribed IV metronidazole had no contraindication to the oral route and 34 (76%) of these patients were under the care of general surgery.

Conclusions

High oral bioavailability antibiotics were frequently prescribed IV when the oral route may have been appropriate. Both medical and surgical departments could improve the use of oral antibiotics in appropriate patients. Work is needed to promote awareness among prescribers of these high oral bioavailability antibiotics, particularly the use of oral metronidazole in appropriate surgical patients.
P30 Evaluation of the hepatotoxic effect of unreasonable antibiotic therapy among patients in the pre-jaundice period of viral hepatitis A
Authors: Bondaruk Iryna , Bevz Tetiana , Myroniuk-Konstantynovych Kiarina
Published: August 2024

Background

Despite its predominant gastrointestinal localization, the onset of viral hepatitis A (HAV) in most cases is characterized by extra-hepatic manifestations (in 98%—flu-like syndrome in the pre-jaundice period), which complicates timely diagnosis in the primary care, leads to erroneous and unreasonable prescription of antibiotics and therefore creates favourable conditions for formation of antibiotic-resistant strains.

Patients and methods

From the beginning of the outbreak of HAV (Vinnytsia, Ukraine) October–November 2023, 250 patients (64% male, average age 45±8.5 years) were examined for biochemical markers of cytolysis (ALT, AST) and cholestasis (GGT, fractional bilirubin).

Results

A total of 50 examinees (20%) in the pre-jaundice period of HAV indicated antibiotic use (azithromycin, 29 [58%]; amoxicillin/clavulanate, 16 [32%]; cefixime, 5 [10%]). The level of total bilirubin in the blood of all patients amounted to 300–500 μmol/L, the level of ALT was up to 2000–5000 U/L and GGT was 220–260 μmol/L. Among the patients who took antibiotics in the pre-jaundice period, the cytolysis rates were probably higher: ALT 2035.6±166.4 U/L (P<0.0001) and AST 1545.5±154.7 U/L (P<0.005). Indicators of cholestasis were GGT 254.6±22.2 μmol/L (P<0.001), total bilirubin 111.9±8.2 mmol/L (P<0.005), direct bilirubin 65.4±5.5 mmol/L (P<0.005) and indirect 46.4±5.7 mmol/L (P<0.05). Patients who did not take antibiotics in the pre-jaundice period had ALT 2000.6±88.2 U/L, AST 515.5±37.2 U/L, GGT 81.1±12.2μmol/L, total bilirubin 89.9±3.2 mmol/L, direct 43.4±1.5 mmol/L, indirect 33.9±2.2 mmol/L. The duration of jaundice in respondents among those who took antibiotics reliably lasted 14–18 days longer (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Errors in the diagnosis of viral diseases lead to inappropriate use of antibacterial drugs, which cause changes in the clinical picture and create prerequisites for a severe course of the disease by combination of the mesenchymal-inflammatory link of the HAV pathogenesis and the hepatotoxic effect of antibacterial therapy.
P34 Hospital clinician knowledge, opportunity and motivation to prescribe short course antibiotic therapy for common infections
Authors: Hearsey Daniel , Wilcock Mike , Slatter Mandy , Powell Neil
Published: August 2024

Background

Antibiotic use drives antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with longer durations increasing the risk of AMR and patient harm through side effects.1,2

Objectives

We aimed to assess clinicians’ knowledge of the course length recommendations for the management of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), infective exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (IECOPD), cellulitis and pyelonephritis.3 In addition, we explore clinician opportunity and motivation for prescribing short course therapy.

Methods

A Google forms survey was developed using the COM-B behaviour change model to explore the barriers and enablers to short antimicrobial course length prescribing. The questions were developed by the study team and piloted. The survey link was emailed to all prescribers working in adult medical specialties in two hospitals in England. Reminders were sent out periodically over a 6 week period between 29 November 2023 and 10 February 2024. Survey responses from both hospitals were pooled before analysis.

Results

One hundred and sixty-five responses were completed: 82 from RCHT and 83 from RUHB, overall response rate was 23%. Overall, 124 responders were medics (75%) and 31 (19%) were from surgical specialities; 10 (6%) did not state their speciality. Knowledge of the recommended short antimicrobial course lengths was high overall with 72% of responses correctly opting for the recommended short antibiotic course lengths for each of the infections. Knowledge on short course lengths for severe CAP/HAP was an exception with only 72 (44%) respondents opting for the shorter 5 days compared with 92 (56%) for protracted courses; one respondent opted for 3 days. A quarter of respondents reported familiarity with the published evidence for short courses. Most respondents said course length recommendations were clearly indicated in the hospital’s guidelines, they were able to prescribe the courses they believed to be appropriate, and the e-prescribing system facilitated prescribing short courses. The majority didn’t believe longer courses were more effective than shorter courses, acknowledging the increased risk of AMR and side effects. Factors that contributed to protracted courses lengths were diagnostic uncertainty and slow to improve clinical signs of infection, with a minority prescribing longer courses to protect them as prescribers. Ward pharmacist challenge of protracted course lengths and audit feedback would motivate the majority to prescribe short course therapy.

Conclusions

Knowledge of recommended short course therapy for the management of non-severe CAP/HAP, IECOPD, cellulitis and pyelonephritis was high but low for severe CAP/HAP. Slow to resolve symptoms and diagnostic uncertainty were identified as barriers to short courses.
Bacterial allelopathy: An approach for biological control of weeds
Authors: Dar Abubakar , Zahir Zahir Ahmad , Ahmad Maqshoof , Hussain Azhar , Jaffar Muhammad Tauseef , Kremer Robert Jhon
Published: August 2024

Weed infestation is one of the most damaging biotic factors to limit crop production by competing with the crop for space, water, and nutrients. Different conventional approaches are being used to cope with weed infestation including labor intensive manual removal and the use of soil-degrading and crop-damaging, and environment-deteriorating chemical herbicides. The use of chemicals for weed control has increased two-fold after the Green Revolution and their non-judicious use is posing serious threats to mankind, animals, and biodiversity. The detrimental effects of these approaches have shifted the researchers’ attention from the last two decades towards alternate, sustainable, and ecofriendly approaches to cope with weed infestation. The recent approaches of weed control including plant and microbial allelopathy have gained popularity during last decade. Farmers still use conventional methods, but the majority of farmers are very passionate about organic agriculture and describe it as a slogan in the developed world. The effectiveness of these approaches lies in host specificity by selective bacteria and differential response towards weeds and crops. Moreover, the crop growth promoting effect of microorganisms (allelopathic bacteria) possessing various growth promoting traits i.e., mineral solubilization, phytohormone production and beneficial enzymatic activity, provide additional benefits. The significance of this review lies in the provision of a comprehensive comparison of the conventional approaches along with their potential limitations with advanced/biological weed control approaches in sustainable production. In addition, the knowledge imparted about weed control will contribute to a better understanding of biological control methods.
Effects of dietary stevia extract supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, and intestinal health of yellow-feathered broilers
Authors: Liu Xiubin , Jing Yidan , Li Zhen , Wang Xin , Song Yunfei , Zeng Jianguo , Lin Qian
Published: August 2024

Stevia, a perennial shrub from the genus Stevia in the Asteraceae family, contains active ingredients like chlorogenic acid and shows promise as a natural feed additive. Despite this potential, there is limited research on the impact of stevia extract specifically on yellow-feather broilers. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary stevia extract with varying concentrations of chlorogenic acid on the growth performance, serum biochemical indices, and intestinal health of yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 425 1-d-old female yellow-feathered broilers were randomly allocated into five treatment groups with five replicates of 17 broilers each, and the feeding trial lasted 63 d. The groups included control and those supplemented with stevia extract at concentrations of 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg. Results showed that adding 100 mg/kg of stevia extract to the basal diet significantly increased the daily weight gain (ADG) of the broilers while reducing the average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio (F/G). However, supplementation with stevia extract at concentrations up to 300 mg/kg led to decreased final weight and ADG. Conversely, dietary supplementation with 100-200 mg/kg of stevia extract improved serum antioxidant capacity and reduced serum total cholesterol levels compared to the control group. Additionally, the cecum n-butyric acid level was significantly higher in the 200 mg/kg stevia extract group than in the control group. In conclusion, supplementing yellow-feathered broilers’ diets with stevia extract can enhance growth performance, antioxidant and immune capacity, and intestinal health. The optimal concentration of stevia extract for these benefits is between 100 and 200 mg/kg.
Ecosystem engineers show variable impacts on habitat availability for cavity nesters in South American temperate forests
Authors: Cuatianquiz Lima Cecilia , Altamirano Tomás A , Jara Rocío , Price Edwin R , Novoa Fernando J , Ibarra José Tomás
Published: August 2024

Ecosystem engineers are organisms that impact their environment and co-existing species by creating or modifying habitats, and thus they play important roles as drivers of community assembly. We examined whether cavity characteristics and/or habitat attributes associated with cavities provided by 4 ecosystem engineers influence the presence of nests of 3 secondary cavity-nesting birds—Aphrastura spinicauda (Thorn-tailed Rayadito), Tachycineta leucopyga (Chilean Swallow), and Troglodytes aedon (Southern House Wren)—and whether these variations influence their reproductive success. We tested this by: (1) assessing nest presence in cavities supplied by ecosystem engineers and (2) quantifying the reproductive success of secondary cavity nesters as a function of cavity characteristics and habitat attributes supplied by ecosystem engineers. Between 2009 and 2022, we recorded 757 cavities in 546 trees in old-growth and second-growth forests in a Global Biodiversity Hotspot in the Andes of southern Chile. Insect/fungi and Pygarrhichas albogularis (White-throated Treerunner) play a key role as the primary producers of cavities. Insect/fungi generated the cavities for 82% of A. spinicauda nests and 95% of T. aedon nests; in contrast, 57% of T. leucopyga nests were cavities excavated by P. albogularis. Characteristics of cavities (size of cavity entrance, volume, and height above ground) were associated with nest presence of secondary cavity nesters and with reproductive success of A. spinicauda and T. aedon. Habitat attributes such as tree density and canopy cover influenced nest presence for A. spinicauda and T. leucopyga, but did not correlate with the reproductive success of any secondary cavity nester. Bamboo density and forest type were related to reproductive success of A. spinicauda and T. aedon. Diameter at Breast Height of trees was related to the reproductive success of T. leucopyga. This study contributes to understanding the importance of various ecosystem engineers for the conservation of secondary cavity-nesting birds in temperate forests and beyond.
Self-assembled peptide hydrogel loaded with functional peptide Dentonin accelerates vascularized bone tissue regeneration in critical-size bone defects
Authors: Liu Yijuan , Li Li , He Mengjiao , Xu Yanmei , Wu Zekai , Xu Xiongcheng , Luo Kai , Lv Hongbing
Published: August 2024

Regeneration of oral craniofacial bone defects is a complex process, and reconstruction of large bone defects without the use of exogenous cells or bioactive substances remains a major challenge. Hydrogels are highly hydrophilic polymer networks with the potential to promote bone tissue regeneration. In this study, functional peptide Dentonin was loaded onto self-assembled peptide hydrogels (RAD) to constitute functionally self-assembling peptide RAD/Dentonin hydrogel scaffolds with a view that RAD/Dentonin hydrogel could facilitate vascularized bone regeneration in critical-size calvarial defects. The functionalized peptide RAD/Dentonin forms highly ordered β-sheet supramolecular structures via non-covalent interactions like hydrogen bonding, ultimately assembling into nano-fiber network. RAD/Dentonin hydrogels exhibited desirable porosity and swelling properties, and appropriate biodegradability. RAD/Dentonin hydrogel supported the adhesion, proliferation and three-dimensional migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and has the potential to induce differentiation of BMSCs towards osteogenesis through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Moreover, RAD/Dentonin hydrogel modulated paracrine secretion of BMSCs and increased the migration, tube formation and angiogenic gene expression of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which boosted the angiogenic capacity of HUVECs. In vivo, RAD/Dentonin hydrogel significantly strengthened vascularized bone formation in rat calvarial defect. Taken together, these results indicated that the functionalized self-assembling peptide RAD/Dentonin hydrogel effectively enhance osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, indirectly induce angiogenic effects in HUVECs, and facilitate vascularized bone regeneration in vivo. Thus, it is a promising bioactive material for oral and maxillofacial regeneration.
In situ MgO nanoparticle-doped Janus electrospun dressing against bacterial invasion and immune imbalance for irregular wound healing
Authors: Zhou Tao , Chen Yedan , Fu Liangmin , Wang Shan , Ding Haihu , Bai Qiaosheng , Guan Jingjing , Mao Yingji
Published: August 2024

Owing to the unpredictable size of wounds and irregular edges formed by trauma, nanofibers’ highly customizable and adherent in situ deposition can contribute to intervention in the healing process. However, electrospinning is limited by the constraints of conventional polymeric materials despite its potential for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Here, inspired by the Janus structure and biochemistry of nanometal ions, we developed an in situ sprayed electrospinning method to overcome bacterial infections and immune imbalances during wound healing. The bilayer fiber scaffold has a hydrophobic outer layer composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) and a hydrophilic inner layer composed of gelatin, poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), and magnesium oxide nanoparticles, constituting the PCL/PLLA-gelatin-MgO (PPGM) electrospun scaffold. This electrospun scaffold blocked the colonization and growth of bacteria and remained stable on the wound for continuous anti-inflammatory properties to promote wound healing. Furthermore, PPGM electrospinning modulated collagen deposition and the inflammatory microenvironment in the full-thickness skin model, significantly accelerating vascularization and epithelialization progression. This personalized Janus electrospun scaffold has excellent potential as a new type of wound dressing for first aid and wound healthcare.
From adversity to advancement: uncovering how race and class shape Black tech entrepreneurial experiences
Authors: Sheares Alicia Myles
Published: August 2024

Black people in the technology industry face various barriers, from encountering micro-aggressions from their coworkers to facing blocked advancement in their professional careers. These challenges are particularly pronounced in entrepreneurship, where Black founders receive just one percent of all venture capital funding. But amidst these shared struggles, questions arise as to what ways, if any, these experiences vary. Using an intersectional lens to inductively study forty-six Black tech entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, I reveal how class shapes Black entrepreneurial processes differently at various phases of entrepreneurship. Lower- and middle-class Black entrepreneurs faced more financial and network-based obstacles as they struggled to raise money from family and friends and had fewer effective networks when starting their businesses. Conversely, Black upper-class entrepreneurs had familial wealth and personal networks that aided their entrepreneurial efforts but faced challenges as they were not a “racial fit” within the industry. Consequently, they perceived that they confronted more instances of individual-level discrimination. Black lower and middle-class entrepreneurs were less likely to discuss instances of perceived individual-level discrimination because many had not reached the step of meeting with an investor. This research offers unique and nuanced insights into how class shapes the entrepreneurial pursuits of Black founders. Contributions to the sociology of race and ethnicity, intersectionality, and the sociology of entrepreneurship are also discussed.
Characterization of Bean Common Mosaic Virus Isolates Infecting Three Leguminous Bean Crops from South and Southeast Asia
Authors: Das Shimul , Jarugula Sridhar , Bagewadi Basavaraj , Fayad Amer , Karasev Alexander V. , Naidu Rayapati A.
Published: August 2024

Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) is causing economically important diseases in leguminous crops worldwide. In this study, BCMV isolates from country bean (CB; Lablab purpureus), yard-long bean (YLB; Vigna unguiculata), and rajma bean (RB; Phaseolus vulgaris) collected from Bangladesh, Nepal, and Cambodia were characterized. Samples that tested positive for BCMV in serological assays were subjected to high-throughput sequencing to generate near-full-length genome sequences. In pairwise comparisons of the polyprotein open reading frame, 13 BCMV isolates from Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Nepal showed sequence identity of 92.1 to 98.8% at the nucleotide and 94.2 to 99% at the amino acid level among themselves and with corresponding sequences of BCMV reported previously. In phylogenetic analyses using the global BCMV sequences, they segregated into five distinct lineages, with RB isolates from Nepal clustering with US1/NL1-clade of common bean isolates from different countries, YLB isolates aligning with blackeye cowpea strain sequences reported from China, and CB isolates from Nepal and Bangladesh clustering with soybean isolates from China. One YLB isolate from Nepal was identified as a putative recombinant. None of the BCMV sequences aligned with isolates representing the RU1 or PStV clades. In grow-out tests, seed samples from local markets showed a 14.3 to 38.1% transmission efficiency rate of BCMV with CB seed lots and 9.5 to 33.3% with YLB seed lots.
Ultrasound Discrimination Between Placenta Accreta Spectrum and Urinary Bladder Varices
Authors: Theophilus K A-B , Collins SL , Nieto-Calvache AJ
Published: August 2024

(Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2023;63(5):725–727. doi: 10.1111/ajo.13703)

Differentiating between placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) and urinary bladder varices can be difficult on prenatal US because the 2 conditions have similar appearances. It is important to distinguish between the 2 before birth, however, because each requires a different treatment. In this opinion piece, the authors outline how they make the diagnosis and note that a definitive diagnosis can be made only during surgery.
Evaluation of Practice Change Following “Safer Anesthesia From Education” Obstetric Courses in Tanzania: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lilaonitkul M , Zacharia A , Law TJ , Yusuf N , Saria P , Moore J
Published: August 2024

(Anaesthesia. 2023;78(11):1354–1364. doi: 10.1111/anae.16091)

The absence of access to anesthetic care during cesarean deliveries (CDs) contributes to an exponentially higher risk of death than those who have access to anesthesia. In Tanzania, maternal mortality is estimated higher than 500 per 100,000 live births, and anesthesia is very difficult to access, with only 50 physician anesthesia providers, 140 nurse anesthetists, and 40 other cadre providers in a country with a population of nearly 54 million. Training for anesthesia providers is not standardized and has great variability in duration and clinical exposure. The recent implication of the educational intervention Safer Anesthesia from Education–Obstetric Anesthesia (SAFE-OB) course has been shown to improve disparities in education through a 3-day refresher course. This study was designed to assess the main behavioral changes following SAFE-OB participation, as well as examine the degree and sustainability of said changes.
Risk of Autism After Prenatal Topiramate, Valproate, or Lamotrigine Exposure
Authors: Hernández‐Díaz S , Straub L , Bateman BT , Zhu Y , Mogun H , Wisner KL , Gray KJ , Lester B , McDougle CJ , DiCesare E , Pennell PB , Huybrechts KF
Published: August 2024

(N Engl J Med. 2024;390(12):1069-1079. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2309359)

Maternal use of valproate during pregnancy has been linked to a heightened risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. While most studies on other antiseizure medications did not show increased risks of these disorders, insufficient and inconsistent data exist regarding the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) associated with maternal topiramate use. A study conducted on maternal use of antiseizure medications during pregnancy, particularly focusing on the risk of ASD in children, revealed noteworthy findings.
In Utero Enzyme-replacement Therapy for Infantile-onset Pompe Disease
Authors: Cohen JL , Chakraborty P , Fung-Kee-Fung K , Schwab ME , Bali D , Young SP , Gelb MH , Khaledi H , DiBattista A , Smallshaw S , Moretti F , Wong D , Lacroix C , El Demellawy D , Strickland KC , Lougheed J , Moon-Grady A , Lianoglou BR , Harmatz P , Kishnani PS , MacKenzie TC
Published: August 2024

(N Engl J Med. 2022;387(23):2150–2158. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2200587)

Early-onset lysosomal storage diseases often involve multiple organ systems, and organ damage begins in utero. In many cases, the damage is severe enough that affected infants do not live long, with the duration of life affected greatly based on what organ systems are affected and how severely. Individuals with these diseases are good candidates for in utero enzyme-replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant enzymes. Previous studies in animal models have shown that this therapy can mitigate the effect of disease, though not eradicate it. This study was a report of a phase 1 clinical trial that included ERT treatment for an infant diagnosed with Pompe disease, which is caused by acid α-glucosidase (GAA) enzyme deficiency. Without treatment, Pompe disease is typically fatal by 2 years of age and often results in prenatal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hypotonia at birth. This article describes the treatment of a cross-reactive immunologic material (CRIM)-negative fetus with infantile-onset Pompe disease after the early postnatal death of 2 older siblings.
Anesthesia and Sedation Exposure and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Infants Undergoing Congenital Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Simpao AF , Randazzo IR , Chittams JL , Burnham N , Gerdes M , Bernbaum JC , Walker T , Imsdahl S , DeWitt AG , Zackai EH , Gaynor JW , Loepke AW
Published: August 2024

(Anesthesiology. 2023;139(4):393–404. doi: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000004684)

Neurodevelopmental disability is common among those who undergo congenital cardiac surgery, with significant cognitive and motor delays often observed in long-term studies. Children undergoing cardiac surgery are at greater risk due to longer procedures and often many anesthetic exposures. This retrospective cohort study was a secondary analysis of a prospective observational study that investigated the impact of volatile anesthetics and sedatives on infants with congenital heart disease who had surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. The study sought to assess the association between neurodevelopmental outcomes and cumulative exposure to sedatives and anesthetics during the first 18 months of life, hypothesizing that greater exposure would lead to lower neurodevelopmental scores. Secondarily, the analysis also examined patterns of sedation and how anesthesia was administered in these infants.
Postnatal Recall of Epidural Information Compared Between Patients Who Attended an Anesthesiologist-led Virtual Antenatal Epidural Class and Those Who Did Not
Authors: Brady A , Hughes E , Besharatian Y , Tan T , Popivanov P
Published: August 2024

(Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2024;41(2):148–150. doi:10.1097/EJA.0000000000001878)

Epidural analgesia is routinely used to help alleviate pain during labor. There are several conditions that must be met to obtain patient consent before a medical procedure (eg, epidural) including the patient's ability to consent, the patient not being under duress, and the patient must have been given sufficient and complete information about the conduct of the procedure, as well as associated risks, benefits, and alternatives. However, this last condition is not always met for labor neuraxial procedures and this carries legal and ethical implications.
Simple Steps Towards Improving Safety in Obstetric Airway Management
Authors: Critchley JD , Ferguson C , Kidd E , Ward P , McNarry AF , Theodosiou CA , Alexander N
Published: August 2024

(Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2023;40(11):826–832. doi:10.1097/EJA.0000000000001897)

This project focused on simple interventions that can help improve obstetric airway management: videolaryngoscopy (VL), ramped patient positioning, low flow nasal oxygen and a preinduction checklist. It was managed by the obstetric airway management quality improvement team in a single tertiary referral obstetric center in a teaching hospital. Data was collected throughout three 6-month periods that correlate to different quality improvement intervention evaluations: June to November 2019, March to August 2021, and January to June 2022.
Examining Outcomes and Complications for Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment of Pediatric Type II Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: A Systematic Review of Comparative Studies
Authors: Baumann Anthony N. , Anaspure Omkar , Patel Shiv , Shams Kameron , Yoder R. Garrett , Mistovich R. Justin
Published: August 2024

Objective:

The optimal management of pediatric type II supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHFs) is debated. We conducted a systematic review comparing outcomes and complications of nonoperative versus operative management to aid decision-making and inform future research.

Methods:

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and CINAHL from their inception until February 7, 2024, including studies on pediatric patients (<18 y) with any type II SCHF, provided they compared operative to nonoperative care and were in English. The quality of articles was evaluated using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies Scale.

Results:

Out of 417 studies reviewed, 7 met the inclusion criteria. These studies involved 1446 patients (mean age: 4.9 y; mean follow-up: 5.0 mo), comparing operative (n = 427) and nonoperative (n = 1019) treatments. Functional outcomes such as carrying angle, Baumann angle, elbow range-of-motion, and patient satisfaction were similar across treatment groups. Nonoperative management showed a higher incidence of residual sagittal deformity (14.1% vs 0.0%; P < 0.0001) and a treatment failure rate of 8.9% to 20.6%, necessitating surgical intervention. Factors prompting operative care included rotational deformity, varus/valgus misalignment, and a shaft-condylar angle below 30 degrees.

Conclusion:

Nonoperative treatment of type II SCHF is linked with higher rates of residual sagittal deformity and a notable failure rate requiring subsequent surgery. Both treatment strategies showed similar functional outcomes and patient satisfaction. Further research should focus on identifying anatomic criteria predictive of nonoperative treatment failure.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—systematic review.
Dorsal Preservation versus Component Dorsal Hump Reduction Rhinoplasty: An Assessment of Patient-reported Outcomes
Authors: Foppiani Jose A. , Joy Ngamthoiba , Hernandez Alvarez Angelica , Escobar-Domingo Maria J. , Lee Daniela , Taritsa Iulianna C. , Schuster Kirsten A. , Aneken Nancy Maty , Lee Bernard T. , Lin Samuel J.
Published: August 2024

Background:

The literature on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) discussing dorsal preservation rhinoplasty (DPR) and component dorsal hump reduction (CDHR) is scarce. This study aims to fill the gap in PROs between these techniques.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted to investigate PROs of DPR and CDHR. A proportion meta-analysis was conducted using Stata statistical software.

Results:

A total of 25 studies met our inclusion criteria, pooling 1706 participants, with 13 studies on CDHP and 12 studies on DPR. Overall satisfaction rates were high, varying from 84% to 100% across studies. A subgroup analysis revealed that both techniques exhibited equally high satisfaction with no statistical differences (P = 0.18). A random-effects model revealed that about two of 100 treated patients underwent revisions across our cohort (95% interquartile range: 0–4). Notably, the CDHR technique was associated with a significant 53.7-point reduction in the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS)-cosmetic domain [95% confidence interval (CI): −62.7 to −44.8, P < 0.001], along with a meaningful improvement in SCHNOS-obstructive scores by −27.3 points (95% CI: −50.5 to −4.04, P = 0.02). Conversely, the DPR was linked to a 55.3-point reduction in the SCHNOS-cosmetic domain (95% CI: −60.7 to −49.9, P < 0.001), and a −19.5 point change in the SCHNOS-obstructive domain (95% CI: −27.9 to −11.1, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Although PROs are comparable, the literature suggests that CDHR outcomes may be better than DPR in alleviating obstructive symptoms, potentially offering an evidence-based choice for addressing functional concerns in rhinoplasty.