bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diffusion MRI harmonization via personalized template mapping
Authors: Xia Yihao , Shi Yonggang
Published: March 2024

One fundamental challenge in diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) harmonization is to disentangle the contributions of scanner‐related effects from the variable brain anatomy for the observed imaging signals. Conventional harmonization methods rely on establishing an atlas space to resolve anatomical variability and generate a unified inter‐site mapping function. However, this approach is limited in accounting for the misalignment of neuroanatomy that still widely persists even after registration, especially in regions close to cortical boundaries. To overcome this challenge, we propose a personalized framework in this paper to more effectively address the confounding from the misalignment of neuroanatomy in dMRI harmonization. Instead of using a common template representing site‐effects for all subjects, the main novelty of our method is the adaptive computation of personalized templates for both source and target scanning sites to estimate the inter‐site mapping function. We integrate our method with the rotation invariant spherical harmonics (RISH) features to achieve the harmonization of dMRI signals between sites. In our experiments, the proposed approach is applied to harmonize the dMRI data acquired from two scanning platforms: Siemens Prisma and GE MR750 from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development dataset and compared with a state‐of‐the‐art method based on RISH features. Our results indicate that the proposed harmonization framework achieves superior performance not only in reducing inter‐site variations due to scanner differences but also in preserving sex‐related biological variability in original cohorts. Moreover, we assess the impact of harmonization on the estimation of fiber orientation distributions and show the robustness of the personalized harmonization procedure in preserving the fiber orientation of original dMRI signals.
Structural brain networks correlating with poststroke cognition
Authors: Brownsett Sonia L. E. , Carey Leeanne M. , Copland David , Walsh Alistair , Sihvonen Aleksi J.
Published: March 2024

Cognitive deficits are a common and debilitating consequence of stroke, yet our understanding of the structural neurobiological biomarkers predicting recovery of cognition after stroke remains limited. In this longitudinal observational study, we set out to investigate the effect of both focal lesions and structural connectivity on poststroke cognition. Sixty‐two patients with stroke underwent advanced brain imaging and cognitive assessment, utilizing the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), at 3‐month and 12‐month poststroke. We first evaluated the relationship between lesions and cognition at 3 months using voxel‐based lesion‐symptom mapping. Next, a novel correlational tractography approach, using multi‐shell diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data collected at both time points, was used to evaluate the relationship between the white matter connectome and cognition cross‐sectionally at 3 months, and longitudinally (12 minus 3 months). Lesion‐symptom mapping did not yield significant findings. In turn, correlational tractography analyses revealed positive associations between both MoCA and MMSE scores and bilateral cingulum and the corpus callosum, both cross‐sectionally at the 3‐month stage, and longitudinally. These results demonstrate that rather than focal neural structures, a consistent structural connectome underpins the performance of two frequently used cognitive screening tools, the MoCA and the MMSE, in people after stroke. This finding should encourage clinicians and researchers to not only suspect cognitive decline when lesions affect these tracts, but also to refine their investigation of novel approaches to differentially diagnosing pathology associated with cognitive decline, regardless of the aetiology.
Theta and alpha oscillations in human hippocampus and medial parietal cortex support the formation of location‐based representations
Authors: Satish Akul , Keller Vanessa G. , Raza Sumaiyah , Fitzpatrick Shona , Horner Aidan J.
Published: March 2024

Our ability to navigate in a new environment depends on learning new locations. Mental representations of locations are quickly accessible during navigation and allow us to know where we are regardless of our current viewpoint. Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) research using pattern classification has shown that these location‐based representations emerge in the retrosplenial cortex and parahippocampal gyrus, regions theorized to be critically involved in spatial navigation. However, little is currently known about the oscillatory dynamics that support the formation of location‐based representations. We used magnetoencephalogram (MEG) recordings to investigate region‐specific oscillatory activity in a task where participants could form location‐based representations. Participants viewed videos showing that two perceptually distinct scenes (180° apart) belonged to the same location. This “overlap” video allowed participants to bind the two distinct scenes together into a more coherent location‐based representation. Participants also viewed control “non‐overlap” videos where two distinct scenes from two different locations were shown, where no location‐based representation could be formed. In a post‐video behavioral task, participants successfully matched the two viewpoints shown in the overlap videos, but not the non‐overlap videos, indicating they successfully learned the locations in the overlap condition. Comparing oscillatory activity between the overlap and non‐overlap videos, we found greater theta and alpha/beta power during the overlap relative to non‐overlap videos, specifically at time‐points when we expected scene integration to occur. These oscillations localized to regions in the medial parietal cortex (precuneus and retrosplenial cortex) and the medial temporal lobe, including the hippocampus. Therefore, we find that theta and alpha/beta oscillations in the hippocampus and medial parietal cortex are likely involved in the formation of location‐based representations.
Retroperitoneal biloma—A rare differential diagnosis of perirenal fluid accumulation
Authors: Hanawa Kazushi , Fukasawa Masanari , Aoki Tadashi , Nozawa Munehiro , Takihana Yoshio , Mishina Yuji , Nakagomi Hiroshi
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Nontraumatic biliary rupture and retroperitoneal biloma infrequently occur. Here, we report a case of retroperitoneal biloma due to spontaneous left hepatic duct perforation, which was difficult to differentiate from a perirenal abscess.

Case presentation

A 94‐year‐old female patient was hospitalized with symptoms of fatigue and right back pain that lasted for 5 days. Computed tomography revealed fluid accumulation in the retroperitoneum, and urinary extravasation and right perinephric abscess were suspected. Antimicrobial treatment and drainage with ureteral stents and urethral catheters demonstrated no symptom improvement. Ultrasound‐guided puncture of the abscess revealed the presence of bile. Pigtail catheter drainage improved symptoms and inflammatory response. After diagnosis, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed bile leakage, and a bile duct stent was inserted.

Conclusion

Biloma can cause perirenal fluid accumulation, and they should be considered an origin of perirenal fluid accumulation when urinary tract lesions are excluded.
Microbiome changes under enteral deprivation are dynamic and dependent on intestinal location
Authors: Bar‐Yoseph Haggai , Metcalfe‐Roach Avril , Cirstea Mihai , Finlay B. Brett
Published: March 2024

Background

The microbiome has a pivotal role in intestinal health, and nutrition has a major role shaping its structure. Enteral deprivation, in which no oral/enteral nutrition is administered, is common in hospitalized/gastrointestinal patients. The dynamics that enteral deprivation exerts on the microbial community, specifically in the small intestine, are not well understood.

Methods

Enteral deprivation was modeled with exclusive parenteral nutrition (EPN) mice. Mice were allocated to receive either EPN or saline and chow (control) and euthanized after 0, 2, 4, or 6 days. DNA was extracted from jejunum, ileum, and colon content. 16S sequencing was used to compare changes in microbial communities between groups. Functional pathways were predicted using Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States.

Results

EPN‐treated mice showed community changes throughout the intestine. Beta diversity in colon showed clear separation between the groups (Bray‐Curtis, P < 0.001). Time‐dependent dynamics were seen in ileal but not jejunal samples. Alpha diversity was lower in the colon of EPN mice compared with control/baseline mice (Chao1, P < 0.01) but not in ileum/jejunum. Progressive loss of single‐taxon domination was seen, most notably in the small intestine. This was accompanied by increases/decreases in specific taxa. A clear separation was seen in the functional capacity of the community between fed and enterally deprived mice at the ileum and colon, which was observed early on.

Conclusions

Enteral deprivation disturbs the microbial community in a spatial and dynamic manner. There should be further focus on studying the effect of these changes on the host.
Structural characterization of a novel polysaccharide from Tremella fuciformis and its interaction with gut microbiota
Authors: Song Haizhao , Lu Jing , Chu Qiang , Deng Rou , Shen Xinchun
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Because of their diverse biological activities, polysaccharides derived from Tremella fuciformis have received growing attention. This study aimed to investigate the structural characterization of a purified polysaccharide (designated as PTP‐3a) derived from T. fuciformis and explore its interaction with gut microbiota in vitro.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that PTP‐3a had a molecular weight of 1.22 × 103 kDa and consisted of fucose, glucose, xylose, mannose and glucuronic acid in a molar ratio of 0.271:0.016:0.275:0.400:0.038. The primary linkage types identified in PTP‐3a were 1,3‐linked‐manp, 1,4‐linked‐xylp and 1,2,3‐linked‐fucp, with corresponding ratios of 0.215:0.161:0.15. In addition, PTP‐3a demonstrated notable thermal stability and exhibited a triple‐helical structure. Moreover, following in vitro fermentation for 48 h, PTP‐3a was efficiently utilized, resulting in a reduction in carbohydrate levels, the production of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and pH adjustment. Furthermore, during in vitro fecal microbial fermentation, PTP‐3a decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes while increasing the proportions of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, resulting in a significantly reduced Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Additionally, PTP‐3a stimulated the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Parabacteroides merdae, Gordonibacter pamelaeae, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum and Parabacteroides distasonis. Importantly, a strong correlation was observed between the production of SCFAs and specific microorganisms.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that PTP‐3a has potential as a prebiotic for modulating the gut microbiota. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Maltreatment, resilience, and sexual relationship power in a sample of justice‐involved women with opioid use disorder
Authors: Annett Jaxin , Tillson Martha , Dickson Megan , Levi Mary , Webster J. Matthew , Staton Michele
Published: March 2024

Justice‐involved women frequently report maltreatment and intimate relationships characterized by violence and abuse throughout adulthood. The present study aimed to (a) investigate the association between victimization and sexual relationship power (SRP) among justice‐involved women with opioid use disorder (OUD) and (b) explore resilience as a potential moderating factor of the association between victimization and SRP. Under the ongoing Kentucky Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN) cooperative, justice‐involved women (N = 700) were randomly selected from eight jails in Kentucky, screened for OUD, consented to participate, and interviewed by research staff. SRP was examined using the Sexual Relationship Power Scale, a validated instrument with two distinct subscales measuring decision‐making dominance (DMD) and relationship control (RC); prior maltreatment was measured using the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs General Victimization Scale, and resilience was assessed using the Brief Resilience Scale. Linear regression was used to examine the association between maltreatment and SRP, with three models constructed to account for SRP, DMD, and RC, controlled for demographic characteristics. Finally, we examined whether the association between victimization and SRP varied as a function of resilience. Significant negative associations between maltreatment and the SRP were observed, ps < .001. Resilience moderated the association between maltreatment and DMD, p = .005; however, resilience did not moderate the associations between maltreatment and SRP, p = .141, or RC, p = .735. These findings highlight the importance of increasing resilience in justice‐involved women with OUD to reduce the impact of maltreatment on SRP. Prioritizing resilience may offer significant benefits for preventing and addressing maltreatment.
Constitutional varus knee due to tibial deformity is common and represents a good indication for high tibial osteotomy in Japanese population: Consideration of 1010 knees
Authors: Abe Kensaku , Goshima Kenichi , Morinaga Toshio , Nozaki Masahiro , Fukushima Hiroaki , Kato Jiro , Hanaki Shunta , Demura Satoru , Murakami Hideki
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to elucidate the characteristics of varus knee deformities in the Japanese population, prevalence of various around knee osteotomy procedures and influence of femoral and tibial bowing.

Methods

Varus knee deformity was defined as a weight‐bearing line ratio of <50%. A total of 1010 varus knees were selected from 1814 varus knees with weight‐bearing full‐length radiographs, obtained at two facilities, based on exclusion criteria. Various parameters were measured, and around knee osteotomy simulations based on the deformity centre were conducted using digital planning tools. Bowing of the femoral and tibial shafts was measured, with bowing defined as follows: ≤ −0.6° indicating lateral bowing and ≥ 0.6° indicating medial bowing. Statistical analysis was performed to investigate age‐related correlations and their impact on surgical techniques.

Results

The study revealed that the proximal tibia was the centre of deformity in Japanese varus knees (42.8%), and high tibial osteotomy was frequently indicated (81.6%). Age demonstrated a mild correlation with femoral shaft bowing (r = −0.29), leading to an increase in the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle and to a decrease in the hip–knee–ankle angle and weight‐bearing line ratio (r = −0.29, 0.221, 0.219). The tibial shaft bowing was unaffected by age (r = −0.022).

Conclusion

A significant proportion of Japanese individuals with varus knees exhibit a deformity centre located in the proximal tibia, making them suitable candidates for high tibial osteotomy. No age‐related alterations were discerned in tibial morphology, indicating that the occurrence of constitutional varus knees is attributable to tibial deformities in the Japanese patient cohort.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.
Characterization of cerebral radiation necrosis following the treatment of sinonasal malignancies
Authors: Wu Eric L. , Patel Atur , McGunigal Mary C. , Johng Stephanie Y. , Mortazavi Armin , Jay Ann K. , Ahn Peter H. , Anaizi Amjad N. , DeKlotz Timothy R.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Our study aims to determine the incidence and potential risk factors for cerebral radiation necrosis (CRN) following treatment of sinonasal malignancies.

Methods

One hundred thirty‐two patients diagnosed with sinonasal malignancies over an 18‐year period were identified at two institutions. Forty‐six patients meeting inclusion criteria and treated with radiation therapy were included for analysis. Demographic and clinical‐pathologic characteristics were collected and reviewed. Post‐treatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at least 1 year following treatment was reviewed to determine presence or absence of CRN.

Results

CRN was identified on MRI in 8 of 46 patients (17.4%) following radiation treatment. Patients with a history of reirradiation were more likely to develop CRN (50% vs. 10.5%, p < .05). The BEDs of radiation were also higher in CRN patients compared to non‐CRN patients, but this difference was not significant (p > .05). CRN patients had a higher proportion of tumors with skull base involvement than non‐CRN patients (100% vs. 57.9%, p = .037). Demographics, comorbidities, pathology, primary tumor subsite, chemotherapy use, and stage of disease demonstrated no significant increase in risk of CRN.

Conclusions

Reirradiation and tumor skull base involvement were significant risk factors associated with CRN. Higher average total prescribed and BEDs of radiation were seen in the CRN groups, but these differences were not statistically significant. Gender, comorbidities, tumor subsite, tumor location, and treatment type were not significantly different between groups.

Level of evidence

Level 3.
The cavernous sinus: An anatomic study with clinical implication
Authors: Pensak Myles L.
Published: March 2024

Objective

The management of lesions involving the cavernous sinus remains a formidable challenge. To optimize care for patients with tumors extending into this skull base region a detailed understanding of the surrounding osteology as well as neural and vascular relationships is requisite. This thesis examines the gross anatomy of the region and highlights important surgical implications drawn from these as well as previously published studies.

Methods

A review of the historical scientific, anatomic, clinical, and surgical literature extending to the present (1992) relating to the cavernous sinus has been performed and discussed. Additionally, the author has performed and described cadaveric dissections revealing novel details about the macroscopic (dural and neurovascular anatomic relationships) and microscopic structure of the cavernous sinus. A series of cases of cavernous sinus pathologies that were addressed in an interdisciplinary surgical approach at the author's institution is also reported.

Results

Included in this report is a comprehensive review of the embryology of the cavernous sinus and its associated neurovascular structures. Cadaveric dissections have also revealed novel details about dural/meningeal compartments of the cavernous sinus as well as well as associated arterial, venous, and neural relationships. Microscopic observations also reveal novel fundamental insights into the components and structure of the cavernous sinus. Clinical examples from 20 patients illustrate the critical importance for clinical application of cavernous sinus anatomic knowledge to the surgical treatment of pathologies in this region.

Conclusion

The cavernous sinus is a tripartite venous osteomeningeal compartment intimately neighboring vital structures including the optic tracts, pituitary gland, cranial nerves III, IV, V, V, VI, and the internal carotid artery. Surgical management of cavernous sinus lesions has and continues to evolve with increasing anatomic and clinical study as well as advancements in diagnostic and surgical methodologies.

Level of Evidence

NA.
A 22‐year single institution review of 119 cases of salivary duct carcinoma
Authors: Han Ethan J. , Mukdad Laith A. , Alhiyari Yazeed , Nakhla Morcos N. , Sajed Dipti P. , St. John Maie A.
Published: March 2024

Objective

Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is a rare and aggressive salivary gland malignancy. Herein, we present the largest single‐institution review of SDC to date.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of all histologically confirmed cases of SDC seen at our institution from January 1, 2002, to August 1, 2022. Patient demographics, treatment, histological characteristics, tumor staging, and outcomes were extracted from the electronic medical record. Kaplan‐Meier and Cox regression survival analyses were performed.

Results

This study included 119 patients with a mean age of 66.2 years. Most primary tumors arose from the parotid gland (72.3%), and 23.5% were noted to be carcinoma ex‐pleomorphic adenoma. 57.1% of patients presented with regional lymph node metastasis, whereas 23.5% presented with distant disease. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated a 62.4% 5‐year overall survival (OS) and a 69.0% 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS). Univariate analyses indicated that presence of regional lymph node disease (p<.001), distant metastasis (p<.001), perineural invasion (p = .027), and lymphovascular invasion (p = .018) were predictive of decreased OS and DSS. Trastuzumab administration was not associated with survival in HER‐2‐positive patients receiving chemotherapy. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that presence of nodal disease (HR 30.337, 95% CI 2.782–330.851, p = .005) and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (HR 5.54, 95% CI 1.024–29.933, p = .047) were associated with decreased OS.

Conclusion

Our patients had more favorable survival rates compared to prior studies, which may be due to lower incidence of nodal disease. Factors associated with worse survival included nodal and distant metastases, perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and tumor size.

Level of Evidence

Level 3.
Prognostic factors of palatal adenoid cystic carcinoma: A single‐center analysis of 85 cases
Authors: Gu Baoxin , Chi Yanting , Wu Wenjie , Zhong Yiwei , Zhang Jianyun , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2024

Objective

The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the clinicopathological characteristics of primary adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the palate and to identify the factors affecting prognosis.

Methods

The medical records of 85 patients with primary ACC of the palate treated with surgery, with or without adjuvant radiotherapy/chemotherapy, from 2009 to 2019 were reviewed. The relationship of different clinical parameters with locoregional recurrence (LR), distant metastasis (DM), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed.

Results

Median follow‐up time was 44.6 months. LR and DM rates were 24.7% and 25.9%, respectively, and the 5‐year OS and disease‐free survival (DFS) rates were 85.9% and 55.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that positive margins were independently associated with the risk of LR (p < .001). Positive margins (p = .001) and high histological grade (p = .031) were significantly associated with shorter OS.

Conclusion

Positive surgical margins are a strong adverse prognostic factor affecting LR and OS in patients with ACC; apart from that, high histopathological grade is an independent predictor of poor OS.

Level of Evidence

Level 3 (Prognosis – Cohort study).
Geospatial evaluation of access to otolaryngology care in the United States
Authors: Pozin Michael , Nyaeme Mark , Peterman Nicholas , Jagasia Ashok
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This county‐level epidemiological study evaluated the travel distance to the nearest otolaryngologist for continental US communities and identified socioeconomic differences between low‐ and high‐access regions.

Methods

Geospatial analysis of publicly available 2015–2022 NPI records was combined with US census data to identify geospatial gaps in otolaryngologist distribution. Moran's index geospatial clustering in distance to the nearest county with an otolaryngologist was used as the core metric for differential access determination. Univariate logistic analysis was conducted between low‐ and high‐access counties for 20 socioeconomic and demographic variables.

Results

Nationally, the average person was 22 miles from an otolaryngologist. 444 counties were identified as geospatially “low access” with increased travel distance in the Midwest, Great Planes, and Nevada with a median of 47 miles. 1231 counties in the Eastern United States and Western Coast were identified as “high access” with a 3‐mile median travel distance. Areas of low access to otolaryngological care had smaller median populations (12,963 vs. 558,306), had smaller percent Black and Asian populations (2% vs. 11%, 1% vs. 5%, respectively), had a greater percent American Indian population (2% vs. 1%), were less densely populated (8 vs. 907 people per square mile), had fewer percent college graduates (20% vs. 34%), and fewer otolaryngologists per county (median: 0.01–20).

Conclusion

These findings highlight disparity in otolaryngology care in the United States and the need for otolaryngology funding initiatives in the Midwest and Great Plains regions.

Level of Evidence

Level 3.
Design and Fabrication of Broad‐Spectrum Antimicrobial Porous Metallo‐Polymeric Microsphere for Water Disinfection
Authors: Gupta Anil R. , Rank Monika , Singh Aneesha , Sharma Saroj
Published: March 2024

An expedient and efficient approach is used to synthesize a new class of metallo‐polymeric microspheres (MPMs) as antimicrobials to succumb the wide range of bacteria from water. Three types of MPMs, that is, poly[Silver (I)‐methacrylate‐co‐methylmethacrylate] (pAgMA), poly[Copper (II)‐methacrylate‐co‐methyl methacrylate] (pCuMA), and poly[Nickel (II)‐methacrylate‐co‐methylmethacrylate] (pNiMA), are prepared via radical suspension polymerization technique in 3D shape with porous texture. The structural and morphological characterization of the prepared microspheres are examined by analytical techniques. The antimicrobial potentialities of prepared MPMs are investigated at the laboratory scale study, revealing that the MPMs exhibit strong antibacterial activity (≈99.9% killing) against Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria [Enterobacter hormaechei (EH), Bacillus megatarium (BM), and Bacillus bataviensis (BB)]. The MacConkey agar medium test reveals that MPMs have substantial biocidal efficacy against broad‐spectrum Gram‐negative bacteria present in tap water. The MPMs exhibit significant antimicrobial efficacy via contact killing owe to the presence of integrated biocidal metal moiety, which represents that the MPMs are safe for water disinfection.
Generation and utilization of endostatin‐sensitive cell lines for assessing the biological activity of endostatin
Authors: Qin Xi , An Yifang , Li Xiang , Huang Fang , Zhou Yong , Pei Dening , Bi Hua , Shi Xinchang , Fan Wenhong , Ding Youxue , Li Shuang , Li Shanhu , Wang Junzhi
Published: March 2024

Recombinant proteins are gaining increasing popularity for treating human diseases. The clinical effectiveness of recombinant proteins is directly related to their biological activity, which is an important indicator in drug development and quality control. However, certain recombinant proteins have unclear or complex signal pathways, making detecting their activity in vitro difficult. For instance, recombinant human endostatin (endostatin), a new antitumor drug developed in China, lacks a sensitive and stable assay for its biological activity since being market approval. To address this issue, we performed a genome‐wide screening of immortalized human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) using a CRISPR/Cas9 knockout library containing 20,000 targeted genes. We identified two potential endostatin‐resistant genes, NEPSPP and UTS2, and successfully constructed a highly sensitive cell line, HUVEC‐UTS2‐3#, by knocking down the UTS2 gene. Based on the optimized parameters of HUVEC‐UTS2‐3# cells, we established a new method for detecting the biological activity of endostatin. The method was validated, and it produced results consistent with primary HUVEC cells but with higher sensitivity and more stable data. The use of gene‐editing technology provides a novel solution for detecting the biological activity of recombinant proteins that other methods cannot detect.
B cell pathway dual inhibition for systemic lupus erythematosus: a prospective single‐arm cohort study of telitacicept
Authors: Ji Lanlan , Geng Yan , Zhang Xiaohui , Deng Xuerong , Song Zhibo , Tan Meng , Tan Ying , Qu Chenxue , Zhang Zhuoli
Published: March 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease associated with B‐cell hyperactivity. Telitacicept is a transmembrane activator, calcium modulator, and cyclophilin ligand interactor‐Fc fusion protein, which can neutralize both B‐cell lymphocyte stimulator and a proliferation‐inducing ligand. Patients with active SLE who received telitacicept were prospectively followed at month 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 after telitacicept initiation. Thirty‐seven participants were involved and followed for 6.00 [3.00, 6.00] months. SRI‐4 rate at month 6 was 44.7%. The median dosage of prednisone was decreased by 43.8% (from 10 to 5.62 mg/d) at month 6. The anti‐dsDNA level was significantly decreased, while complement levels were significantly increased at month 6 from baseline. Continuously significant reductions in serum immunoglobin (Ig)G IgA, and IgM levels were also observed. Patients experienced significant decreases in the numbers of total and naive B cells, whereas memory B cells and T cell populations did not change. The number of NK cells was significantly increased during the follow‐up. At month 6, 58.3% (14 out of 24) patients experienced improved fatigue accessed by FACIT–Fatigue score exceeding the minimum clinically important difference of 4. Most adverse events were mild, but one each case of severe hypogammaglobulinemia, psychosis with suicidal behavior, and B‐cell lymphoma were occurred. In our first prospective real‐world study, telitacicept treatment led to a significant clinical and laboratory improvement of disease activity, as well as fatigue amelioration in patients with SLE. Safety profile was favorable overall, but more studies are greatly needed.
MH medication yields positive results for heart failure patients
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2024

Researchers that examined whether individuals who received mental health treatment for anxiety or depression after being hospitalized for ischemic disorders or heart failure found that there was a reduced frequency of rehospitalizations, emergency department (ED) visits, and/or mortality for these people compared with those who did not receive treatment, according to a new study published March 20 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Clinical application of real‐time continuous glucose monitoring system during postoperative enteral nutrition therapy in esophageal cancer patients
Authors: Zhang Ranran , Wu Ying , Xv Rui , Wang Wei , Zhang Lei , Wang Ansheng , Li Min , Jiang Wei , Jin Guoxi , Hu Xiaolei
Published: March 2024

Background

Enteral nutrition (EN) support therapy increases the risk of abnormal blood glucose (BG). The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical value of a real‐time continuous glucose monitoring (rt‐CGM) system in BG monitoring during postoperative EN support therapy in patients with esophageal cancer.

Methods

Patients without diabetes mellitus (DM) with esophageal cancer who planned to receive postoperative EN were enrolled. With the self‐monitoring of BG value as the reference BG, the accuracy of rt‐CGM was evaluated by the mean absolute relative difference (MARD) value, correlation efficient, agreement analysis, and Parkes and Clarke error grid plot. Finally, paired t tests were used to compare the differences in glucose fluctuations between EN and non‐EN days and slow and fast days.

Results

The total MARD value of the rt‐CGM system was 13.53%. There was a high correlation between interstitial glucose and fingertip capillary BG (consistency correlation efficient = 0.884 [95% confidence interval, 0.874–0.894]). Results of 15/15%, 20/20%, 30/30% agreement analysis were 58.51%, 84.71%, and 99.65%, respectively. The Parkes and Clarke error grid showed that the proportion of the A and B regions were 100% and 99.94%, respectively. The glucose fluctuations on EN days vs non‐EN days and on fast days vs slow days were large, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The rt‐CGM system achieved clinical accuracy and can be used as a new option for glucose monitoring during postoperative EN therapy. The magnitude of glucose fluctuation during EN therapy remains large, even in the postoperative population without DM.
Service utilization among adolescents seeking trauma‐related care: Differences by risk for suicide and ethnoracial background
Authors: Bravo Lilian G. , Ford Julian D. , Giscombe Cheryl Woods , Cooke Alison N. , Stein Gabriela Livas , Gonzalez‐Guarda Rosa M. , Jones Cheryl B. , Briggs Ernestine C.
Published: March 2024

Adolescents from ethnoracially minoritized backgrounds increasingly report high rates of attempted suicide, trauma exposure, and limited access to mental healthcare services. However, less is known regarding their use of services across different youth‐serving systems. This study examines the associations and interactions between self‐injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs), race/ethnicity, and service sector utilization (mental healthcare, general healthcare, school, and social services) among a sample of trauma‐exposed and treatment‐seeking adolescents. Participants were treatment‐seeking adolescents (N = 4406) ages 12–17 from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network Core Data Set who had available data for SITBs, race/ethnicity, services utilized, and other key variables. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to examine main and interactive effects for whether adolescents' race/ethnicity and SITBs were associated with service utilization in each of the identified service sectors. SITBs were associated with adolescents' utilization of mental healthcare (OR = 1.38 p < 0.001), general healthcare (OR = 2.30; p < 0.001), and school services (OR = 1.38 p < 0.001). NH Black adolescents reporting SITBs were less likely to use mental health services than other NH Black youths (OR = 0.53; p = 0.004). Hispanic adolescents reporting SITBs were more likely to utilize healthcare services than other Hispanic youths (OR = 1.51; p = 0.039). Trauma‐exposed adolescents reporting SITBs are more likely to utilize mental healthcare, general healthcare, and school‐based services than other trauma‐exposed adolescents. However, NH Black adolescents experiencing SITBs may face additional barriers to utilizing mental healthcare services. Findings can be used to develop nursing practices and policies to address barriers faced by adolescents reporting SITBs.
Managers' perceptions of the factors affecting resident and patient safety work in residential settings and nursing homes: A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Kiljunen Outi , Savela Roosa‐Maria , Välimäki Tarja , Kankkunen Päivi
Published: March 2024

Identifying ways to ensure resident safety is increasingly becoming a priority in residential settings and nursing homes. The aim of this qualitative systematic review was to identify, describe, and assess research evidence on managers' perceptions regarding the barriers and facilitators of daily resident and patient safety work in residential settings and nursing homes. A qualitative systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis checklist. Published studies were sought through academic databases: Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, SocINDEX, and Web of Science Core Collection in April 2023. Finally, 12 studies were included. The results of the included studies were synthesized using thematic synthesis after data extraction. According to the results, (1) competent staff and material resources; (2) management and culture; (3) communication, networks, optimal use of expertise; and (4) effective use of guidelines, rules, and regulations play a significant role in the success of resident and patient safety work. The findings revealed that promoting resident safety should not be seen solely as the responsibility of individual residential or nursing home personnel, as it requires multiprofessional cooperation and access to wider networks. Staff and managers must be receptive to learning, changing, and improving safety. Moreover, to ensure resident safety, it is essential to ensure that the organizations support safety work in residential and nursing home units.
Improving Health Literacy of Elective Procedures in Pediatric Otolaryngology
Authors: Del Risco Amanda , Cherches Alexander , Polcaro Lauren , Washabaugh Claire , Hales Robin , Jiang Rong , Allori Alexander , Raynor Eileen
Published: March 2024

Objective

To identify if the addition of supplementary material, such as video or written resources, to the consent process, can improve a patient's or guardian's health literacy in pediatric otolaryngology.

Study Design

Prospective randomized crossover design.

Setting

Tertiary Academic Center.

Methods

From April 18, 2022 to August 29, 2023, 151 children scheduled to undergo 1 of 6 procedures by the same provider were queried and completed a 6‐question baseline test based on the information. They each watched a 2‐minute video and read a written summary about the procedure; the order of resources was randomized. They answered the same 6‐questions after viewing each resource. All tests were scored based on accuracy using an ordinal scale of 1 to 6. Resource preference was collected. Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests were run to analyze differences in scores after the addition of supplementary resources and logistic regression modeling was run to analyze demographic effects on postresource score differences.

Results

Of 151 participants, 74.2% were guardians, with 78.8% having completed a high school or greater education. The Wilcoxon signed‐rank test indicated that postresource scores were statistically significantly higher (P < .001) than pretest scores. Logistic regression modeling showed that participants were less likely to show score improved if they were younger than 18 and were of white race. A majority (87.4%) preferred the addition of a video to the consent process.

Conclusion

The addition of video or written resources significantly improves understanding of elective procedures. The development of procedure‐specific resources can supplement the consent process and ensure decision‐makers have adequate health literacy for informed decision‐making.
Convolutional Neural Network‐Based Deep Learning Engine for Mastoidectomy Instrument Recognition and Movement Tracking
Authors: Raymond Mallory J. , Biswal Biswajit , Pipaliya Royal M. , Rowley Mark A. , Meyer Ted A.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To develop a convolutional neural network‐based computer vision model to recognize and track 2 mastoidectomy surgical instruments—the drill and the suction‐irrigator—from intraoperative video recordings of mastoidectomies.

Study Design

Technological development and model validation.

Setting

Academic center.

Methods

Ten 1‐minute videos of mastoidectomies done for cochlear implantation by varying levels of resident surgeons were collected. For each video, containing 900 frames, an open‐access computer vision annotation tool was used to annotate the drill and suction‐irrigator class images with bounding boxes. A mastoidectomy instrument tracking module, which extracts the center coordinates of bounding boxes, was developed using a feature pyramid network and layered with DETECTRON, an open‐access faster—region‐based convolutional neural network. Eight videos were used to train the model, and 2 videos were used for testing. Outcome measures included Intersection over Union (IoU) ratio, accuracy, and average precision.

Results

For an IoU of 0.5, the mean average precision for the drill was 99% and 86% for the suction‐irrigator. The model proved capable of generating maps of drill and suction‐irrigator stroke direction and distance for the entirety of each video.

Conclusions

This computer vision model can identify and track the drill and suction‐irrigator from videos of intraoperative mastoidectomies performed by residents with excellent precision. It can now be employed to retrospectively study objective mastoidectomy measures of expert and resident surgeons, such as drill and suction‐irrigator stroke concentration, economy of motion, speed, and coordination, setting the stage for characterization of objective expectations for safe and efficient mastoidectomies.
A review of disease risk prediction methods and applications in the omics era
Authors: Sun Chen , Cheng Xiangshu , Xu Jing , Chen Haiyan , Tao Junxian , Dong Yu , Wei Siyu , Chen Rui , Meng Xin , Ma Yingnan , Tian Hongsheng , Guo Xuying , Bi Shuo , Zhang Chen , Kang Jingxuan , Zhang Mingming , Lv Hongchao , Shang Zhenwei , Lv Wenhua , Zhang Ruijie , Jiang Yongshuai
Published: March 2024

Risk prediction and disease prevention are the innovative care challenges of the 21st century. Apart from freeing the individual from the pain of disease, it will lead to low medical costs for society. Until very recently, risk assessments have ushered in a new era with the emergence of omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and so on, which potentially advance the ability of biomarkers to aid prediction models. While risk prediction has achieved great success, there are still some challenges and limitations. We reviewed the general process of omics‐based disease risk model construction and the applications in four typical diseases. Meanwhile, we highlighted the problems in current studies and explored the potential opportunities and challenges for future clinical practice.
The temporal protein signature analyses of developing human deciduous molar tooth germ
Authors: Chen Xiaohang , Li Gaochi , Zhang Jian , Hu Liang , Zhao Guoqiang , Wu Buling , Wei Fengxiang , Xiong Fu
Published: March 2024

The tooth serves as an exemplary model for developmental studies, encompassing epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and cell differentiation. The essential factors and pathways identified in tooth development will help understand the natural development process and the malformations of mineralized tissues such as skeleton. The time‐dependent proteomic changes were investigated through the proteomics of healthy human molars during embryonic stages, ranging from the cap‐to‐early bell stage. A comprehensive analysis revealed 713 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) exhibiting five distinct temporal expression patterns. Through the application of weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA), 24 potential driver proteins of tooth development were screened, including CHID1, RAP1GDS1, HAPLN3, AKAP12, WLS, GSS, DDAH1, CLSTN1, AFM, RBP1, AGO1, SET, HMGB2, HMGB1, ANP32A, SPON1, FREM1, C8B, PRPS2, FCHO2, PPP1R12A, GPALPP1, U2AF2, and RCC2. Then, the proteomics and transcriptomics expression patterns of these proteins were further compared, complemented by single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (scRNA‐seq). In summary, this study not only offers a wealth of information regarding the molecular intricacies of human embryonic epithelial and mesenchymal cell differentiation but also serves as an invaluable resource for future mechanistic inquiries into tooth development.
Iron regulatory protein from the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis: characterization, function and assessment as a protective antigen
Authors: Wang Duo , Zhang Xiaojing , Li Hongxia , Wang Ting , Ma Xiaojin , Yu Zhijun , Wang Fang , Zhang Yankai , Liu Jingze
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Ticks are blood‐feeding ectoparasites with different host specificities and are capable of pathogen transmission. Iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) play crucial roles in iron homeostasis in vertebrates. However, their functions in ticks remain poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the characteristics, functions, molecular mechanisms, and the vaccine efficacy of IRP in the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis.

RESULTS

The full‐length complementary DNA of IRP from Haemaphysalis longicornis (HlIRP) was 2973 bp, including a 2772 bp open reading frame. It is expressed throughout three developmental stages (larvae, nymphs, and adult females) and in various tissues (salivary glands, ovaries, midgut, and Malpighian tubules). Recombinant Haemaphysalis longicornis IRP (rHlIRP) was obtained via a prokaryotic expression system and exhibited aconitase, iron chelation, radical‐scavenging, and hemolytic activities in vitro. RNA interference‐mediated IRP knockdown reduced tick engorgement weight, ovary weight, egg mass weight, egg hatching rate, and ovary vitellin content, as well as prolonging the egg incubation period. Proteomics revealed that IRP may affect tick reproduction and development through proteasome pathway‐associated, ribosomal, reproduction‐related, and iron metabolism‐related proteins. A trial on rabbits against adult Haemaphysalis longicornis infestation demonstrated that rHlIRP vaccine could significantly decrease engorged weight (by 10%), egg mass weight (by 16%) and eggs hatching rate (by 22%) of ticks. The overall immunization efficacy using rHlIRP against adult females was 41%.

CONCLUSION

IRP could limit reproduction and development in Haemaphysalis longicornis, and HlIRP was confirmed as a candidate vaccine antigen to impair tick iron metabolism and protect the host against tick infestation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
The first extensive analysis of species composition and abundance of stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on soybean crops in Brazil
Authors: Saldanha Alan Valdir , Horikoshi Renato , Dourado Patrick , Lopez‐Ovejero Ramiro Fernando , Berger Geraldo U. , Martinelli Samuel , Head Graham P. , Moraes Tamara , Corrêa Alberto Soares , Schwertner Cristiano Feldens
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Soybean is the third‐greatest global commodity crop with respect to grain production, Brazil is the largest soybean producer in the world. We performed the first extensive survey including all the five main soybean cultivation regions in Brazil over three seasons (2018/2019, 2019/2020, and 2020/2021). A total of 2386 localities were sampled, corresponding to 145 municipalities in 11 states. Sampling was carried out between the R1 and R8 soybean growth stages, using a beating sheet.

RESULTS

Fifteen species were recorded, with five species accounting for more than 99% of the sampled insects. The Neotropical brown stink bug, Euschistus heros (F.), was the most abundant species (82.4% of the adults and 84.1% of the nymphs overall), with differences in the mean abundance between soybean macroregions. The melacanthus green belly stink bug, Diceraeus melacanthus Dallas was the second most abundant species overall, followed by the brown winged stink bug, Edessa meditabunda (F.), the furcatus green belly stink bug, Diceraeus furcatus (F.) and the red‐banded green stink bug, Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood). The relative abundance of each species differed between soybean macroregions. The mean abundance of nymphs and adults of Euschistus heros at different soybean reproductive stages showed an increase from early reproductive stages to the beginning of the late reproductive stages (R5 or R6).

CONCLUSION

This large‐scale assessment of stink bugs provides a basis for outlining integrated pest management programs and drives the development of monitoring and control strategies, as well as future studies investigating population dynamics over time and space in soybean fields. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.