bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling aging and retinal degeneration with mitochondrial DNA mutation burden
Authors: Sturgis John , Singh Rupesh , Caron Quinn R. , Samuels Ivy S. , Shiju Thomas Micheal , Mukkara Aditi , Freedman Paul , Bonilha Vera L.
Published: August 2024

Somatic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation accumulation has been observed in individuals with retinal degenerative disorders. To study the effects of aging and mtDNA mutation accumulation in the retina, a polymerase gamma (POLG) exonuclease‐deficient model, the PolgD257A mutator mice (D257A), was used. POLG is an enzyme responsible for regulating mtDNA replication and repair. Retinas of young and older mice with this mutation were analyzed in vivo and ex vivo to provide new insights into the contribution of age‐related mitochondrial (mt) dysfunction due to mtDNA damage. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) image analysis revealed a decrease in retinal and photoreceptor thickness starting at 6 months of age in mice with the D257A mutation compared to wild‐type (WT) mice. Electroretinography (ERG) testing showed a significant decrease in all recorded responses at 6 months of age. Sections labeled with markers of different types of retinal cells, including cones, rods, and bipolar cells, exhibited decreased labeling starting at 6 months. However, electron microscopy analysis revealed differences in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) mt morphology beginning at 3 months. Interestingly, there was no increase in oxidative stress and parkin‐mediated mitophagy in the ages analyzed in the retina or RPE of D257A mice. Additionally, D257A RPE exhibited an accelerated rate of autofluorescence cytoplasmic granule formation and accumulation. Mt markers displayed different abundance in protein lysates obtained from retina and RPE samples. These findings suggest that the accumulation of mtDNA mutations leads to impaired mt function and accelerated aging, resulting in retinal degeneration.
Exact samples sizes for clinical trials subject to size and power constraints
Authors: Lloyd Chris J.
Published: August 2024

This paper first describes the difficulties in providing the required sample sizes for clinical trials that guarantee type 1 and type 2 error control. The required sample sizes obviously depend on the test employed, and in this study we use the so‐called E‐test, which is known to have extremely favourable size properties and higher power than alternatives. To compute exact powers for this test in real time is not currently feasible, so a corpus of pre‐computed exact powers (and sizes) was created, covering sample sizes up to 500. When there are no solutions within the corpus, a novel extrapolation technique is used. Exact size can be computed after the sample sizes have been extracted; however, for the E‐test the exact size is virtually always very close to the nominal target. All the code has been converted into an R‐package, which is available on CRAN and illustrated.
Variant genital gender‐affirming surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Claeys Wietse , Wolff Dylan T. , Zachou Alexandra , Hoebeke Piet , Lumen Nicolaas , Spinoit Anne‐Françoise
Published: August 2024

Objective

To review the available literature on variant genital gender‐affirming surgery (GGAS), including the reasons for performing it, the surgeries themselves and their outcomes.

Methods

A systematic review on the performance of variant GGAS was conducted (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews [PROSPERO] identifier: CRD42022306684) researching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane databases from inception up to 31 December 2023. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and risk of bias was assessed for each study using the five‐criteria quality assessment checklist.

Results

In total 23 case series were included, of which 17 on masculinising and six on feminising surgeries. Patients mainly choose these surgical procedures out of personal desire to avoid risk of complication or because they do not have dysphoria about certain parts of their genitalia. Complications in masculinising surgeries primarily arose from the extended urethra, which could be mitigated through primary perineal urethrostomy. Both phalloplasty and metoidioplasty carried a higher risk of urethral complications when the vagina was preserved. In feminising surgeries, risk of visceral damage and requirement for lifelong self‐dilation could be avoided when vulvoplasty was performed without vaginal canal creation. All studies had a high risk of bias.

Conclusion

This review highlights the importance of variant GGAS and acknowledges the preferences of transgender and gender‐diverse individuals. Patients should be informed about the risks and benefits of each step in these procedures.
Varying the intensity of cystoscopic surveillance for high‐risk non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Su Zhuo Tony , Florissi Isabella S. , Mahon Katherine M. , Li Taibo , Rezaee Michael E. , Singla Nirmish , Patel Sunil H. , Townsend Jeffrey P. , Kates Max R.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To compare the clinical, economic, and health utility outcomes associated with alternative cystoscopic surveillance regimens for high‐risk non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (HRNMIBC).

Patients and Methods

We performed real‐world clinical data‐driven microsimulations of a hypothetical cohort of 100 000 patients diagnosed with HRNMIBC at age 70 years. The cohort was simulated to undergo alternative surveillance regimens recommended by five guidelines, and two hypothetical regimens—surveillance intensity escalation and de‐escalation—which had a surveillance intensity moderately higher and lower, respectively, than the guideline‐recommended regimens. We evaluated the 10‐year cumulative incidence of muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), cancer‐specific survival (CSS), overall survival (OS), and cost‐effectiveness from a United States healthcare payer perspective.

Results

The guideline‐recommended surveillance regimens led to an estimated 10‐year cumulative incidence of MIBC ranging from 11.0% to 11.6%, CSS 95.0% to 95.2%, and OS 69.7% to 69.8%. Surveillance intensity escalation resulted in a 10‐year cumulative incidence of MIBC of 10.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.3–10.7%), CSS of 95.4% (95% CI 95.2–95.5%), and OS of 69.9% (95% CI 69.6–70.1%), vs 11.9% (95% CI 11.7–12.1%), 94.9% (95% CI 94.8–95.1%), and 69.6% (95% CI 69.3–69.9%), respectively, from surveillance intensity de‐escalation. By increasing surveillance intensity, the number‐needed‐to‐treat to prevent one additional MIBC progression over 10 years was ≥80, and ≥257 to avoid one additional cancer‐related mortality. Compared to surveillance intensity de‐escalation, higher‐intensity regimens incurred an incremental cost of ≥$336 000 per incremental quality‐adjusted life year gained, which well exceeded conventional willingness‐to‐pay thresholds, ≥$686 000 per additional MIBC progression prevented, and ≥$2.2 million per additional cancer‐related mortality avoided.

Conclusion

In microsimulations testing a wide range of cystoscopic surveillance intensity for patients newly diagnosed with HRNMIBC, moderate surveillance de‐escalation appears associated with an insignificant change in 10‐year OS and furthermore is cost‐effective vs higher‐intensity surveillance regimens. These results suggest that moderate surveillance de‐escalation can reduce costs of care without compromising life expectancy for many patients.
The Perceptions of Polish Professional Foster Carers and Social Workers Toward Parents With Intellectual Disabilities and Their Role in Family Reintegration Efforts
Authors: Basiaga Jan P.
Published: August 2024

This research explored Polish professionals' perceptions of parents with intellectual disabilities and the former's efforts for the latter's reintegration. Semistructured interviews were conducted with two groups: professional social workers (n = 22) and professional foster parents (n = 29). The interview questionnaire comprised questions addressing the professionals' perceptions of parents with disabilities in specific areas of the support process. Data for professionals who clearly exhibited stereotypical beliefs toward intellectual disabilities were excluded. We observed that in the interviews, respondents attempted to provide a credible representation of their own perceptions of parents with intellectual disabilities in the selected areas. Notably, Polish professionals did not consider the special needs and functioning conditions of people with intellectual disabilities. Professionals' statements mainly focused on the parents' weaknesses, effectively diminishing the possibility of a realistic assessment of their strengths and family unification.
Low‐gainer diet‐induced obese microbiota transplanted mice exhibit increased fighting
Authors: Junker Mentzel Caroline M. , Hui Yan , Hammerich Tanja Maria Stentoft , Klug‐Dambmann Malene , Liu Yi , Zachariassen Line Fisker , Hansen Lars Hestbjerg , Aslampaloglou Antonios , Kiersgaard Maria , Nielsen Dennis Sandris , Hansen Axel Kornerup , Krych Lukasz
Published: August 2024

Weight gain variation is a great challenge in diet‐induced obesity studies since low‐gainer animals are of limited experimental value. The inbred C57BL/6 (B6) mice are frequently used models due to their genetic homogeneity and susceptibility to diet‐induced obesity (DIO). The aim of this study is to investigate if the gut microbiota (GM) influences the fraction of low weight gainers in DIO studies. A total of 100 male B6 mice (donor population) were fed a high‐fat diet for 14 weeks and divided into the study groups high gainer (HG) and low gainer (LG) based on their weight gain. Subsequently, fecal matter transplantation (FMT) was done on germ‐free B6 mice with GM from HG and LG donors (FMT population). LG (13.35 ± 2.5 g) and HG (25.52 ± 2.0 g) animals were identified by the weight gain from week 1 to week 12. Interestingly, the start weight of the LG (20.36 ± 1.4 g) and HG (21.59 ± 0.7 g) groups differed significantly. Transplanting LG or HG fecal matter to germ‐free mice resulted in significant differences in weight gain between HG and LG, as well as differences in serum leptin levels and epididymal fat pad weight. A clear LG‐specific GM composition could not be distinguished by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Surprisingly, significantly more fighting was recorded in LG groups of both donor populations and when transplanted to germ‐free mice. The HG and LG phenotypes could be transferred to germ‐free mice. The increased fighting in the LG group in both studies suggests not only that the tendency to fight can be transferred by FMT in these mice, but also that fighting should be prevented in DIO studies to minimize the number of LG animals.
The prognostic role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in obesity
Authors: Borghi‐Silva Audrey , Vainshelboim Baruch , da Luz Goulart Cássia , Arena Ross , Myers Jonathan
Published: August 2024

Aim

Poor cardiorespiratory fitness has been suggested to increase the risk of chronic diseases in obesity. We investigated the ability of key variables from cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) to predict all‐cause mortality in an obese cohort.

Methods

The sample included 469 participants of both sexes (mean age 40 ± 13 years) who underwent a CPET for clinical reasons between 1 March 2009 and 1 December 2023. All‐cause mortality was the prognostic endpoint. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to establish optimal cut‐points for CPET variables. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to determine the association between CPET variables and all‐cause mortality.

Results

There were 46 deaths during a mean follow‐up period of 69 ± 48 months, resulting in an annual mortality rate of 2%. Despite the sample being made up of mostly women (70%), there were more deaths in men (18 vs. 6%, p < 0.001).The optimal thresholds for discrimination of survival were as follows: (a) peak oxygen uptake (pVO2) ≤16 mL/kg/min; (b) minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2) slope ≥31; (c) ventilatory power ≤5.8 mmHg; and (d) circulatory power ≤2980 mmHg/mL O2/min. Kaplan–Meier survival plots revealed a significant positive association between lower pVO2, circulatory power and ventilatory power values and survival (log‐rank, p < 0.001) and higher mortality for men than women. Adjusted Cox regression models showed that a pVO2 ≤16 mL/kg/min had a 20‐fold higher risk of mortality when compared with >16 mL/kg/min.

Conclusion

Given the strong association of VO2, ventilatory efficiency, circulatory and ventilatory power with all‐cause mortality, our findings support the notion that poorer cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with obesity.
Do Non‐Clinical Services Help to Improve Functional Outcomes Among Young Adults With Mental Disorders? A Systematic Review
Authors: Gossip Kate , John Julie , Comben Charlotte , Erskine Holly E. , Scott James G. , Diminic Sandra
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Mental disorders during young adulthood can significantly impair functioning in daily activities. Non‐clinical support services aim to improve functioning by helping people to build social and life skills, participate in education and employment and improve physical health. This study aims to examine and synthesise the evidence for non‐clinical services on improving functional outcomes for young adults with mental disorders.

Methods

A systematic search was undertaken to identify quantitative and qualitative studies reporting on a non‐clinical service component (vocational support, peer support, youth development, lifestyle interventions, family and network support) and examining functional outcomes (e.g., outcomes focussed on work and education, life skills, relationships and healthy behaviours).

Results

Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria. Identified studies focussed on vocational support services (n = 9), lifestyle interventions (n = 6) and family and network support services (n = 2). No studies on peer‐support services or youth development services were found. More than half of the vocational support service studies reported increased employment rates among young adults (n = 6). Studies focussing on lifestyle interventions included a combination of physical activity, nutrition education, health coaching and motivation and behaviour change. However, the measures of functioning used across studies were too varied to determine whether lifestyle interventions may be useful in improving functional outcomes for young adults.

Conclusion

Further research is needed to understand the impact of non‐clinical services on functioning. This evidence will provide pragmatic guidance for service planners to invest in supports and interventions that make a meaningful difference to the lives of young adults living with mental disorders.
Timing of interventions to control neuronal chloride elevation in a model of neonatal seizures after hippocampal injury
Authors: Dzhala Volodymyr I. , Mail Michelle , Staley Kevin J.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Following hypoxic–ischemic (HI) brain injury, neuronal cytoplasmic chloride concentration ([Cl−]i) increases, potentially contributing to depolarizing γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) responses, onset of seizures, and the failure of antiepileptic drugs that target inhibitory chloride‐permeable GABAA receptors. Post‐HI seizures characteristically begin hours after injury, by which time substantial accumulation of [Cl−]i may have already occurred. In immature neurons, a major pathway for Cl− influx is the reversible Na+‐K+‐2Cl− cotransporter NKCC1.

Methods

Spontaneous neuronal network, neuronal [Cl−]i, and GABA activity were determined in hippocampal preparations from neonatal Clomeleon and SuperClomeleon/DLX‐cre mice to test whether blocking NKCC1 earlier after oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) injury would more effectively ameliorate the increase in [Cl−]i, ictallike epileptiform discharges (ILDs), and the failure of the GABAergic anticonvulsant phenobarbital.

Results

In vitro, murine intact hippocampi were free of ILDs for 12 h after preparation. Transient OGD resulted in a gradual increase in [Cl−]i, depolarizing action of GABA, and facilitation of neuronal network activity. Spontaneous ILDs began 3–5 h after injury. Blocking NKCC1 with 2–10 μmol·L−1 bumetanide reduced [Cl−]i equally well when applied up to 10 h after injury. Whereas phenobarbital or bumetanide applied separately were less effective when applied later after injury, ILDs were successfully suppressed by the combination of phenobarbital and bumetanide regardless of the number of prior ILDs or delay in application.

Significance

The present age‐specific group studies demonstrate that after OGD, NKCC1 transport activity significantly contributes to progressive [Cl−]i accumulation, depolarizing action of GABA, and delayed onset of ILDs. In this neonatal model of neuronal injury and ILDs, earlier treatment with bumetanide alone more efficiently recovered control baseline [Cl−]i and depressed epileptiform discharges. However, there was no time dependency to the anti‐ictal efficacy of the combination of phenobarbital and bumetanide. These in vitro results suggest that after perinatal injury, early pre‐emptive treatment with phenobarbital plus bumetanide would be as efficacious as late treatment after seizures are manifest.
Effects of weaning‐related stress on the emotional health of horses—A scoping review
Authors: Dwyer Joanne , Roshier Amanda L. , Campbell Madeleine , Hill Bradley , Freeman Sarah L.
Published: August 2024

Background

Weaning represents one of the most stressful events in the life of a horse, and may have long‐term impacts on behaviour. There are a range of approaches used to wean foals from mares, including abrupt and progressive separation methods. There is currently a lack of consensus on how stress and impact are measured.

Objectives

To conduct a scoping review to identify and chart measures of weaning‐related stress on the mare and foal.

Study design

Scoping review.

Methods

The scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. Systematic searches were conducted in three scientific databases (CAB abstracts, Medline and Embase). The title, abstract and full text of retrieved studies were reviewed against inclusion and exclusion criteria. Publications that remained after full text review were analysed. Data on study design, population characteristics, weaning method and health and behavioural outcomes were extracted and charted.

Results

A total of 366 publications were identified; 22 were retained for inclusion and charting. Eighteen studies reported behavioural measures, four only reported physiological measures and 12/22 studies used a combination of both. Fifteen studies analysed foal behaviour only (15/22), six analysed foals with their dams and one analysed the mare only. Duration of most studies (19/22) was a maximum of 12 months post weaning; three studies continued measurements until the foal age was 3–4 years old.

Main limitations

Limited number of studies available for analysis.

Conclusions

There is significant variation in the current evidence around weaning‐related impacts in the mare and foal. This includes variation in how weaning methods and management of mares and foals are described, and very limited research evaluating long‐term impacts, or the impact on the mare. This scoping review makes recommendations on how to improve the future evidence base.
Controversies regarding encapsulated papillary carcinoma of the breast: an approach to evaluation and categorisation
Authors: Rakha Emad A , Quinn Cecily
Published: August 2024

Malignant papillary lesions, and in particular, encapsulated papillary carcinoma (EPC) of the breast, continue to present diagnostic challenges for the practising pathologist. In addition to the relative rarity of these lesions, the lack of evidence‐based diagnostic criteria, differences in the biological characteristics, and the clinical behaviour of in situ and invasive forms, variable use of immunohistochemical markers, and overlap with other tumour types including high‐grade circumscribed forms of invasive breast carcinomas has resulted in diagnostic discordance with potentially significant clinical and management implications. Pathologists should be familiar with the range of morphology observed in malignant papillary tumours, EPC, and EPC‐like tumours and the existence of tumours with overlapping features. In this review we summarize the common diagnostic pitfalls in malignant papillary tumours and provide an approach to the diagnostic evaluation and categorisation of these enigmatic entities.
Influence of pH on thermal stability of mixed dairy and plant protein systems
Authors: Duggan Francesca , Bot Francesca , O'Mahony James A.
Published: August 2024

The growing global population has increased the protein needs and the combination of animal with plant proteins can be an effective strategy to meet future protein demand. This study aimed to investigate the impact of pH between 6.2 and 7.0 on the thermal stability of a 1:1 mixture of chickpea protein concentrate (CPC) and whey protein isolate (WPI), and their respective control. After heat treatment, CPC:WPI mixture showed an increase in viscosity (from 20.5 mPa.s at pH 7.0 to 110.8 mPa.s at pH 6.2, respectively), and particle size (from 5.7 to 56.5 μm at pH 7.0 and 6.2, respectively). The physical stability of the heat‐treated CPC:WPI mixture decreased, as the sediment increased from 3.3 mm at pH 7.0 to 7.8 mm at pH 6.2. This study highlighted the enhanced thermal stability of CPC:WPI at pHs closer to neutrality and offers valuable insights for the formulation of innovative plant protein‐enriched food.
Multitechnique approaches for characterising phase behaviour in food biopolymer systems
Authors: Mhaske Pranita , Farahnaky Asgar , Dokouhaki Mina , Kasapis Stefan
Published: August 2024

Understanding the phase behaviour of biopolymer composites is vital for various technological applications, such as developing functional foods, nutraceuticals, encapsulation, isolation and fractionation of enzymes and proteins. The growing consumer demand for healthier food products pressures the food and nutraceutical industries to innovate while maintaining traditional texture and nutritional quality. This review critically examines various analytical techniques, including spectroscopic, microscopic, calorimetric, rheological, viscometry, and diffraction methods, used to study phase behaviour. Each technique provides unique insights into phase behaviour mechanisms at micro and macroscopic levels, with respective advantages and limitations discussed. The review advocates for a multi‐technique approach for a comprehensive understanding of phase behaviour and highlights the development of in situ probing techniques with minimal sample pre‐processing as a promising advancement. These innovations are expected to significantly enhance the practical applications of these techniques in the food industry, meeting current consumer demands without compromising traditional qualities.
Resolving the hardness–toughness trade‐off dilemma of metal/ceramic multilayer films by introducing gradient structure
Authors: Zhang Wentao , Wang Kaiwen , Zhang Rui , Gu Xinlei , Pan Jingjie , Wu Zhongzhen , Zhang Xiyao , Mao Wen , Zhang Kan
Published: August 2024

Equal‐period modulated metal/ceramic multilayers have shown promise in enhancing the toughness of ceramic thin films. However, this toughness enhancement typically comes at the sacrifice of hardness, limiting their potential applications. To tackle this issue, this study designed and fabricated two gradient‐structured multilayer variations using Ta/TaB2: one with a higher ceramic layer fraction near the surface (M2) and the other with a converse structure (M3). A conventional equal modulation period Ta/TaB2 multilayer film (M1) served as a reference. M2 exhibited superior performance, with a 30% hardness increase and significant toughness enhancement compared to M1. Conversely, M3 experienced failure due to excessive thermal stress from its unique gradient structure. Finite element simulations revealed that M2's structure could alleviate in‐plane stress and enhance loading uniformity, thus enhancing the film's toughness. These findings suggest that a well‐designed gradient structure holds promise for concurrently improving the hardness and toughness of metal/ceramic multilayer films.
The Relationship Between Moral Sensitivity, Missed Nursing Care and Moral Distress Among New Nurses: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Xu Xiaobing , Wang Yan , Meng Juntong , Xia Xiaolin , Cao Wanlu , Liu Ye
Published: August 2024

Moral sensitivity, missed nursing care and moral distress among healthcare professionals have received considerable attention in recent years. These factors represent important healthcare challenges for new nurses (graduation to 2 years of work experience). However, studies on the relationships among these variables in the context of new nurses in China remain lacking.

Aims

To explore the relationships among moral sensitivity, missed nursing care and moral distress in the context of new nurses in China.

Research Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive survey was conducted.

Participants and Research Context

A total of 228 new nurses were recruited from three tertiary hospitals in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China. Participants provided their sociodemographic and professional information and completed the Chinese Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire‐Revised Version, the Chinese Missed Nursing Care Survey Version and the Chinese Moral Distress Scale‐Revised Version. The data were analysed using Spearman's correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

The means and standard errors of moral sensitivity, missed nursing care and moral distress were 40.71 (0.39), 9.82 (0.78) and 34.87 (2.41), respectively. The variable of missed nursing care exhibited a significant negative relationship with moral sensitivity and a significant positive relationship with moral distress. Regression analysis revealed that the main factors influencing new nurses' moral distress were educational background, nature of job, current unit, frequency of night shifts and the dimensions of moral strength and responsibility. These factors can explain 14.9% of the total variation.

Conclusion

The findings revealed that higher rates of missed nursing care were associated with lower moral sensitivity and greater moral distress among new nurses. Therefore, developing interventions to reduce missed nursing care may be a promising strategy for improving moral sensitivity and preventing moral distress among new nurses.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

In hospitals, moral distress can be improved by focusing on modifiable factors such as staffing resources, leading to better promoting new nurses' health and improving the quality of care. This study can highlight practices accounting for moral sensitivity and missed nursing care in nursing research and training programmes.

Reporting Method

Strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) statement.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Conquering knowledge exchange barriers with age differences: A stress appraisal perspective on the consequences of upward social comparisons
Authors: Rinker Laura , Fasbender Ulrike , Gerpott Fabiola H. , Burmeister Anne
Published: August 2024

Knowledge exchange is crucial for organizations, but interpersonal dynamics can entail stress, affecting whether and how knowledge flows. Integrating social comparison and stress appraisal research, we propose that upward social comparison can be appraised as challenging or hindering. We suggest a dual pathway model involving an approach pathway via challenge appraisal and an avoidance pathway via hindrance appraisal with consequences on three knowledge exchange behaviours (i.e., knowledge sharing, knowledge seeking and knowledge hiding). Additionally, we examine age differences (vs. no age differences) to the comparison target as a buffer. We conducted two preregistered experimental online studies with employees (NStudy 1 = 206, NStudy 2 = 414), utilizing a 2 (social comparison; upward, lateral) × 3 (target age; younger, same‐age, older) between‐subject design. Participants received bogus task performance feedback (Study 1: cognitive ability test; Study 2: typing ability test). Both studies show that upward social comparison (but not other social comparison directions) fosters knowledge hiding via hindrance appraisal. This effect is weakened by an age difference (vs. no age difference) to the comparison target. However, our results do not support the approach pathway via challenge appraisal. Our research highlights social pitfalls in knowledge exchange and emphasizes the benefits of age differences between colleagues.
Shock melt in the Cold Bokkeveld CM2 carbonaceous chondrite and the response of C‐complex asteroids to hypervelocity impacts
Authors: Lee Martin R. , Daly Luke , Greer Jennika , Griffin Sammy , Floyd Cameron J. , Tegg Levi , Cairney Julie
Published: August 2024

Many of the CM carbonaceous chondrites are regolith breccias and so should have abundant evidence for collisional processing. The constituent clasts of these fragmental rocks frequently display compactional petrofabrics; yet, olivine microstructures show that most CMs are unshocked. To better understand the reasons for this contradiction, we have sought other evidence for hypervelocity impact processing of CM chondrites using the Cold Bokkeveld meteorite. We find that this regolith breccia contains rare particles of vesicular shock melt that are close in chemical composition to bulk CM chondrite. Transmission electron microscopy of a melt bead shows that it is composed of silicate glass with inclusions of pentlandite, pyrrhotite, and wüstite. Characterization of shards of another bead by atom probe tomography reveals nanoscale clusters of sulfur that represent sulfide inclusions arrested at an early stage of growth. These glass particles are mineralogically comparable to micrometeoroid impact melt described from the Cb‐type asteroid Ryugu and melt that has been experimentally produced by pulsed laser irradiation of CM targets. The glass could have formed by in situ shock‐melting, but petrographic evidence is more consistent with an origin as ballistic ejecta from a distal impact. The scarcity of melt in this meteorite, and CM chondrites more broadly, is consistent with the explosive fragmentation of hydrous asteroids following energetic collisions. Cold Bokkeveld's parent body is likely to be a second‐generation asteroid that was constructed from the debris of one or more earlier bodies, and only a small proportion of the reaccreted material had been highly shocked and melted.
Dynamic regulation of PHR2 is essential for arbuscule maintenance
Authors: Bashyal Sagar , Gautam Chandan Kumar , Das Debatosh
Published: August 2024

This article is a Commentary on Wang et al. (2024), 244: 1979–1993.
Comparison of clinical and echocardiographic outcomes between left bundle branch area pacing and right ventricular pacing in older patients
Authors: Wang Qian , He Chen , Fan Xiaohan , Zhu Haojie , Li Xiaofei , Liu Zhimin , Yao Yan
Published: August 2024

Background

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is safe and effective, but studies in older patients are lacking. This study compared the clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of LBBAP and right ventricular pacing (RVP) in patients aged ≥75 years.

Methods

This prospective observational study included older patients with symptomatic bradycardia who underwent LBBAP or RVP between 2019 and 2022. Clinical data, including pacing and electrophysiological characteristics, echocardiographic measurements, and device‐related complications were collected. The primary endpoint was a composite of all‐cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization, and upgrade to biventricular pacing. Secondary outcomes included changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Results

Of 267 included patients, 110 underwent LBBAP and 157 underwent RVP. LBBAP was successful in 109 patients (success rate: 99.1%), with one patient eventually undergoing RVP. The pacing parameters of LBBAP were similar to those of RVP, except for a significantly narrower paced QRS duration (112.8 ± 11.6 vs. 138.3 ± 23.9 ms, p < .001). Ventricular lead implanting procedural duration was longer for LBBAP than RVP (14.0 vs. 6.0 min, p < .001), as was the fluoroscopy time (4.0 vs. 2.0 min, p < .001). During a mean follow‐up period of 31.0 ± 16.8 months, the primary outcome incidence was significantly lower following LBBAP than RVP (15.1% vs. 21.1%; hazard ratio, 0.471; 95% confidence interval, 0.215–1.032; p = .036) in 149 patients (55.8%) with ventricular pacing burden > 20%. RVP reduced LVEF from 62.7 ± 4.1% at baseline to 59.8 ± 7.8% at the final follow‐up (p = .001), whereas LBBAP preserved LVEF (61.4 ± 6.3% vs. 60.1 ± 7.4%, p = .429).

Conclusion

LBBAP demonstrated improved clinical outcomes compared with RVP and maintained LVEF in older patients with high ventricular pacing burdens.
Safety and efficacy of orthodromic snare technique in left ventricular lead delivery in cardiac resynchronization implantation
Authors: Purkayastha Sutopa , Reynbakh Olga , Krishnan Suraj , Guttenplan Nils
Published: August 2024

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves ventricular function, but a positive response to CRT is often limited due to left ventricular (LV) lead placement in a suboptimal position. Complex coronary venous anatomy can hinder the placement of an LV lead in the target vessel, leading to poor CRT response.

Objective

To report experience with snare‐assisted LV lead delivery in CRT and compare outcomes with the conventional LV lead delivery.

Methods

This is a single‐center retrospective case–control study of CRT implants between 2016 and 2021. Snare‐assisted lead delivery was performed in cases where conventional lead placement failed or when a preferred target vessel had anatomy amenable to the technique. Safety and outcomes were compared to conventional LV lead placement cases.

Results

Among 180 CRT cases, 33 were snare‐assisted, and 147 were conventional LV lead placements. Median follow‐up was 924 days in the snare and 618.5 days in the control group. The lead placement was successful in 28/33 snare and 138/147 control cases. A mid‐vessel segment was attained in 89.3% of snare and 72.5% of control cases(p = .03). The apical position was more frequently observed in the control group (26.8% vs. 7.1%, p = .03). All‐cause mortality trended lower in the snare group (6.1%) compared to (17.1%) in the control group (p = .13).

Conclusion

Snare‐assisted LV lead delivery is a safe and effective technique that can be utilized for overcoming complex venous anatomy.
Adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma with angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma‐like feature and molecularly confirmed RHOA Gly 17 Val (G17V) mutation: A case report
Authors: Maruyama Rika , Oyama Yuzo , Nagamatsu Kentaro , Ono Keiji , Takeshita Morishige , Daa Tsutomu
Published: August 2024

We report a case of adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) with angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL/nTFHL‐AI)‐like feature. An 88‐year‐old Japanese woman with seropositive for the Human T‐lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) was incidentally diagnosed with generalized lymphadenopathy. Biopsy of the cervical lymph node demonstrated the proliferation of small‐ or medium‐sized and large atypical lymphocytes associated with eosinophils, high endothelial venules, and clear cells. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed atypical lymphocytes were CD3‐ and CD4‐positive. Atypical T cells bore the T‐follicular helper phenotype (PD1, ICOS, and BCL6) and were positive for CD25 and chemokine receptor 4. Epstein‐Barr virus encoded RNA‐positive cells were scattered in the background via in situ hybridization. The histological findings were similar to those of AITL/nTFHL‐AI; however, the immunohistochemical results did not exclude the possibility of ATLL. Southern blot analysis detected integration of HTLV‐1 proviral DNA. The RHOA Gly 17 Val (G17V) mutation was detected by the peptide nucleic acid‐locked nucleic acid clamp method. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with ATLL with AITL‐like feature and exhibited a similar morphology, immunophenotype, and mutational signature to AITL/nTFHL‐AI. ATLL mimics other types of T‐cell lymphomas. Thus, in HTLV‐1 endemic areas, routine screening for HTLV‐1 serology is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis of other lymphoid malignancies.
Parenting pain away: Quasi‐experimental study of an eHealth learning platform to evaluate acceptability, feasibility, and utilisation of parent‐led pain management
Authors: Hughes Brianna , Martin‐Misener Ruth , Latimer Margot , Smit Michael , McGrath Patrick , Campbell‐Yeo Marsha
Published: August 2024

Aim

To evaluate the impact of an eHealth educational resource about infant procedural pain management, given during the prenatal period, on feasibility, acceptability, knowledge, self‐efficacy, and involvement.

Background

Routine health care requires newborns to have painful procedures (e.g., intramuscular injection). The impacts of untreated pain in neonates are widely recognised but adoption of effective procedural pain management strategies in clinical practice varies. There is clear evidence supporting the effectiveness of parent‐led pain management during procedures (e.g., skin‐to‐skin care) and reputable resources to raise awareness among parents are warranted. Our team co‐created Parenting Pain Away, a website to equip parents with evidence to assist with managing the pain of procedures and empower them to be involved.

Methods

A quasi‐experimental evaluation using a pre/post intervention design with low‐risk expectant parents.

Results

Of the 41 participants, before intervention exposure participants were familiar or had used skin‐to‐skin care (n = 33), breastfeeding (n = 30) and sucrose (n = 13) as pain management. Most participants (n = 38) desired more information on how to be involved. Providing access to Parenting Pain Away during pregnancy was supported and participants ranked the website above average using the System Usability Scale. Parenting Pain Away did not have a statistically significant influence on outcomes. Participants reported variation in clinical support with parent‐led pain management.

Conclusion

A multifaceted approach is recommended to maintain infant procedural pain management.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

Equipping parents with knowledge related to infant pain management using an eHealth approach satisfied their information desires. The study findings are important considerations for perinatal care providers, policy makers, and families to finally achieve adequate procedural pain management.

Reporting Method

This study used the STROBE checklist, adhering to EQUATOR guidelines.

Patient and Public Contribution

A stakeholder group (expectant parents, parents, perinatal researchers, clinicians, and administrators) was created to inform the study design and intervention.
Impact of Turbine-Strut Clocking and Turbine Outlet Swirl on the Heat Transfer and Film Cooling in an Aggressive Turbine Center Frame
Authors: Jagerhofer Patrick R. , Glasenapp Tobias , Patzer Bastian , Göttlich Emil
Published: August 2024

This study focuses on the thermal impact of the clocking position of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) vanes with respect to the turbine center frame (TCF) struts and the thermal impact of the HPT outlet swirl. The TCF is a stationary duct equipped with nonturning airfoils (struts), and it connects the HPT to the low-pressure turbine (LPT). The heat transfer coefficient and the purge film cooling effectiveness are measured in an aggressive TCF for two turbine-strut clocking positions and two HPT outlet swirl levels. The measurements are carried out in a product-representative 1.5-stage HPT-TCF-LPT vane configuration under Mach similarity. The unshrouded HPT is fully purged with four individually adjustable purge flows, and the film cooling effectiveness of these purge flows in the downstream TCF is investigated. The biggest influence of turbine-strut clocking was found for the heat transfer coefficient on the struts. By clocking the HPT vanes by half a vane pitch from the thermally least to the most favorable position, a significant heat transfer reduction was achieved for both the nominal and the increased HPT outlet swirl. Increasing the HPT outlet swirl increased the flow incidence of the TCF struts and affected the heat transfer along the struts significantly. On the TCF hub, the averaged heat transfer coefficient and the averaged purge film cooling effectiveness responded relatively robustly to all imposed operating point deviations with differences of less than 2%. However, the effects on the local heat transfer and film cooling distributions on the hub were more significant.
Boundary-driven downstep induced by syntax–prosody mapping
Authors: Furukawa Kei , Nakamura Satoshi
Published: August 2024

This study investigates whether downstep in Japanese is directly triggered by accents. When the pitch height of a word X is lower after an accented word (A) than after an unaccented word (U), X is diagnosed as downstepped. However, this diagnosis involves two confounding factors: the already lowered F0 before X and phonological phrasing. To control these factors, this study contrasts genitive and nominative case markers and adjusts measurement points. Eight native speakers of Tokyo Japanese participated in a production experiment. The results show six key findings. First, a structure-dependent F0 downtrend was observed in UX. Second, higher F0 peaks with larger initial lowering were observed after accents with a nominative case marker compared to those with a genitive case marker, suggesting a boosting effect by boundaries. Third, larger initial lowering was observed in AX compared to UX, contradicting the notion that X is more compressed in AX due to downstep. Fourth, the paradigmatic difference in F0 height between AX and UX decreases when F0 of X is increased, supporting that boundaries trigger downstep. Fifth, downstep is not physiologically constrained but is phonologically controlled. Finally, the blocking of initial lowering in heavy syllables is not phonological but rather an articulatory phenomenon.
Pseudorabies virus infection triggers mitophagy to dampen the interferon response and promote viral replication
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Ding Chan , Zhu Zhenbang , Wang Wenqiang , Wen Wei , Favoreel Herman W. , Li Xiangdong
Published: August 2024

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) utilizes multiple strategies to inhibit type I interferon (IFN-I) production and signaling to achieve innate immune evasion. Among several other functions, mitochondria serve as a crucial immune hub in the initiation of innate antiviral responses. It is currently unknown whether PRV inhibits innate immune responses by manipulating mitochondria. In this study, we found that PRV infection damages mitochondrial structure and function, as shown by mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, reduction in mitochondrial numbers, and an imbalance in mitochondrial dynamics. In addition, PRV infection triggered PINK1-Parkin-mediated mitophagy to eliminate the impaired mitochondria, which resulted in a suppression of IFN-I production, thereby promoting viral replication. Furthermore, we found that mitophagy resulted in the degradation of the mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein, which is located on the mitochondrial outer membrane. In conclusion, the data of the current study indicate that PRV-induced mitophagy represents a previously uncharacterized PRV evasion mechanism of the IFN-I response, thereby promoting virus replication.

IMPORTANCE

Pseudorabies virus (PRV), a pathogen that induces different disease symptoms and is often fatal in domestic animals and wildlife, has caused great economic losses to the swine industry. Since 2011, different PRV variant strains have emerged in Asia, against which current commercial vaccines may not always provide optimal protection in pigs. In addition, there are indications that some of these PRV variant strains may sporadically infect people. In the current study, we found that PRV infection causes mitochondria injury. This is associated with the induction of mitophagy to eliminate the damaged mitochondria, which results in suppressed antiviral interferon production and signaling. Hence, our study reveals a novel mechanism that is used by PRV to antagonize the antiviral host immune response, providing a theoretical basis that may contribute to the research toward and development of new vaccines and antiviral drugs.
Complete genome sequence of a
Circovirus pigeon
strain in lymphocyte-depleted bursa of Fabricius of a Common Raven (
Corvus corax
)
Authors: Pesant Marie-Jeanne , Ferrell Shannon , Köszegi Marika , Baby Vincent , Grenier Saint-Sauveur Valérie , Valle Tejada Camila , Lair Stéphane , Gagnon Carl A.
Published: August 2024

A necropsy was performed on a Common Raven (
Corvus corax
) presenting an opportunistic fungal respiratory infection and a bursal lymphoid depletion with inclusion bodies, suggestive of a circovirus infection. High-throughput sequencing of circular DNA in the bursa of Fabricius revealed a complete genome sequence of a
Circovirus pigeon
strain.
Draft hybrid genome sequence of phytopathogen
Marasmius tenuissimus
strain MS-2, isolated from cacao in Ghana
Authors: Yulfo-Soto Gabdiel E. , Baruah Indrani K. , Amoako-Attah Ishmael , Bukari Yahaya , Meinhardt Lyndel W. , Bailey Bryan A. , Cohen Stephen P.
Published: August 2024

Here, we report a hybrid genome of
Marasmius tenuissimus
strain MS-2, a cacao thread blight disease causing isolate that was collected from cacao leaves in Tafo, Eastern region, Ghana. The final assembly consists of 2,083 contigs spanning 69,843,039 bp, with 49.21% GC content, 92.6% BUSCO completeness, and scaffold N50 186,871.
Oxidative Dimerization of (Thiazol-2-yl)acetonitriles with Molecular Iodine: Synthesis and Structure of 2,3-Bis(4-aryl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)but-2-enedinitriles
Authors: Abramenko V. L. , Krivokolysko S. G. , Pakholka N. A. , Krivokolysko B. S. , Dotsenko V. V. , Bespalov A. V. , Aksenov N. А. , Aksenova I. V.
Published: August 2024

Iodination of 2-(4-arylthiazole-2-yl)acetonitriles in DMF proceeds with the formation of previously undescribed 2,3-bis(4-aryl-1,3-thiazole-2-yl)but-2-enedicarbonitriles as a mixture of E- and Z-isomers. The latter were alternatively prepared by the reaction of cyanothioacetamide, α-bromoketones and iodine in DMF. Structure of the key compounds was proven by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.
In vivo angle dysgenesis in PHACE syndrome with developmental glaucoma
Authors: Varshney Toshit , Maddu Sai Vineeth , Satpute Kanchangouri , Angmo Dewang
Published: August 2024

A girl in middle childhood presented with glaucoma in her right eye along with segmental haemangiomas on the right side of the face and neck. Magnetic resonance angiography of the brain showed hypoplasia of the right internal carotid artery, leading to the diagnosis of posterior fossa malformations, haemangioma, arterial anomalies, cardiac defects and eye abnormalities (PHACE) syndrome. High-definition anterior segment ocular coherence tomography (AS-OCT) of the right eye showed an absence of Schlemm’s canal and a hyperreflective membrane over the trabecular meshwork. The presence of this angle dysgenesis on AS-OCT, a novel finding in this disease, explained the elevated intraocular pressure in the right eye. The embryological basis for the development of angle dysgenesis might help better understand the pathogenesis of PHACE syndrome.