bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Issues in patenting ‘artificial intelligence’ from an EPO perspective
Authors: Müller Martin
Published: January 2024

This article demonstrates that artificial intelligence (AI) is generally not a useful category in patent prosecution and patent law to address questions of patentability or inventorship. It has been suggested that inventions relating to AI will pose major problems for patent prosecution, for example regarding patentable subject-matter, sufficiency of disclosure, the level of inventive step or the question of inventorship. In this context, far-reaching assumptions are made about the nature and the powers of AI which are often overstated and distract from real issues. On the one hand, AI defies a precise definition, in particular one which could distinguish AI from other software. Indeed, many questions that arise in patenting AI inventions are also true, one way or another, for other, ‘conventional’ software. On the other hand, certain AI inventions may be a challenge for applicants to explain convincingly why their invention works and how. In view of this, the problem of AI inventorship that has recently dominated the public discussion is of less practical concern.
Early detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: performance of a short contrast-free screening magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: King Ann D , Ai Qi Yong H , Lam W K Jacky , Tse Irene O L , So Tiffany Y , Wong Lun M , Tsang Jayden Yip Man , Leung Ho Sang , Zee Benny C Y , Hui Edwin P , Ma Brigette B Y , Vlantis Alexander C , van Hasselt Andrew C , Chan Anthony T C , Woo John K S , Chan K C Allen
Published: January 2024

Background

Although contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detects early-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) not detected by endoscopic-guided biopsy (EGB), a short contrast-free screening MRI would be desirable for NPC screening programs. This study evaluated a screening MRI in a plasma Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-DNA NPC screening program.

Methods

EBV-DNA-screen-positive patients underwent endoscopy, and endoscopy-positive patients underwent EGB. EGB was negative if the biopsy was negative or was not performed. Patients also underwent a screening MRI. Diagnostic performance was based on histologic confirmation of NPC in the initial study or during a follow-up period of at least 2 years.

Results

The study prospectively recruited 354 patients for MRI and endoscopy; 40/354 (11.3%) endoscopy-positive patients underwent EGB. Eighteen had NPC (5.1%), and 336 without NPC (94.9%) were followed up for a median of 44.8 months. MRI detected additional NPCs in 3/18 (16.7%) endoscopy-negative and 2/18 (11.1%) EGB-negative patients (stage I/II, n = 4; stage III, n = 1). None of the 24 EGB-negative patients who were MRI-negative had NPC. MRI missed NPC in 2/18 (11.1%), one of which was also endoscopy-negative. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of MRI, endoscopy, and EGB were 88.9%, 91.1%, 34.8%, 99.4%, and 91.0%; 77.8%, 92.3%, 35.0%, 98.7%, and 91.5%; and 66.7%, 92.3%, 31.6%, 98.1%, and 91.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

A quick contrast-free screening MRI complements endoscopy in NPC screening programs. In EBV-screen-positive patients, MRI enables early detection of NPC that is endoscopically occult or negative on EGB and increases confidence that NPC has not been missed.
Interventions addressing health-related social needs among patients with cancer
Authors: Graboyes Evan M , Lee Simon C , Lindau Stacy Tessler , Adams Alyce S , Adjei Brenda A , Brown Mary , Sadigh Gelareh , Incudine Andrea , Carlos Ruth C , Ramsey Scott D , Bangs Rick
Published: January 2024

Health-related social needs are prevalent among cancer patients; associated with substantial negative health consequences; and drive pervasive inequities in cancer incidence, severity, treatment choices and decisions, and outcomes. To address the lack of clinical trial evidence to guide health-related social needs interventions among cancer patients, the National Cancer Institute Cancer Care Delivery Research Steering Committee convened experts to participate in a clinical trials planning meeting with the goal of designing studies to screen for and address health-related social needs among cancer patients.

In this commentary, we discuss the rationale for, and challenges of, designing and testing health-related social needs interventions in alignment with the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 5As framework. Evidence for food, housing, utilities, interpersonal safety, and transportation health-related social needs interventions is analyzed. Evidence regarding health-related social needs and delivery of health-related social needs interventions differs in maturity and applicability to cancer context, with transportation problems having the most maturity and interpersonal safety the least. We offer practical recommendations for health-related social needs interventions among cancer patients and the caregivers, families, and friends who support their health-related social needs. Cross-cutting (ie, health-related social needs agnostic) recommendations include leveraging navigation (eg, people, technology) to identify, refer, and deliver health-related social needs interventions; addressing health-related social needs through multilevel interventions; and recognizing that health-related social needs are states, not traits, that fluctuate over time. Health-related social needs–specific interventions are recommended, and pros and cons of addressing more than one health-related social needs concurrently are characterized. Considerations for collaborating with community partners are highlighted. The need for careful planning, strong partners, and funding is stressed. Finally, we outline a future research agenda to address evidence gaps.
Rectal stercoral perforation: an uncommon anatomical localization of a rare surgical emergency
Authors: Vandaele Tom , Dekoninck Lisa , Vanhove Pauline , Devos Bart , Vandeputte Mathieu , Philippe Marc , Vlasselaers Johan
Published: January 2024

A stercoral rectal perforation is an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain with only limited cases documented in medical literature. Timely and accurate imaging is essential when this condition is suspected, and immediate surgical intervention is imperative upon confirming the diagnosis of bowel perforation. Usually, the definitive diagnosis of a stercoral rectal perforation is established intraoperatively and a Hartmann procedure with (temporary) end colostomy is performed. In this case report, we present our first-hand experience in managing a stercoral rectal perforation, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and rapid surgical intervention to achieve favorable outcomes.
Trend towards reduction of transfusion reactions using prestorage leukocyte-reduced and pooled whole blood–derived platelets and cost savings compared with poststorage whole blood–derived random platelets as evidenced by real-time hemovigilance
Authors: Park Nick , Correa Medina Mayrin , Martinez Fernando , Throssel Marla , Dasgupta Amitava , Knopfelmacher Adriana , Villamin Colleen , Rivas Sandra , Tomczak Nancy , Garg Saahith , Layton Lorraine , Klein Kimberly
Published: January 2024

Background

Due to chemotherapy-induced neutropenia or hematologic malignancies, immunocompromised cancer patients may have higher incidence of febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions compared with the general population and frequently require platelet transfusions. This quality improvement project compared the safety of transfusion using prestorage leukocyte-reduced and pooled whole blood–derived platelets (Acrodose/WBD) with conventionally produced poststorage WBD platelets (RDP) using an active hemovigilance system.

Methods

Every patient receiving a blood product at the hospital was virtually monitored in real time by trained nurses from a remote hemovigilance unit. These nurses monitor a digital dashboard, which populates a watch list of patients from the time blood product administration is initiated until 12 hours posttransfusion. Over the course of 6 months, 371 patients receiving 792 RDP transfusions and 423 patients receiving 780 Acrodose/WBD platelets transfusions were monitored for transfusion reactions.

Results

We identified 26 transfusion reactions in RDP but only 12 transfusion reactions in the Acrodose/WBD platelet group.

Conclusion

Acrodose platelet transfusion was associated with fewer transfusion reactions, which resulted in significant cost savings.
Detection of Blastomyces gilchristii via metagenomic sequencing in outbreak-associated soils
Authors: Linz Alexandra M , Anderson Jennifer L , Meece Jennifer K
Published: January 2024

Cases of blastomycosis, a serious fungal disease globally rare but endemic to North America, can appear both sporadically and in outbreaks. Tracing these outbreaks to their environment has traditionally used culturing and polymerase chain reaction. Here, we present our method for metagenomic detection of Blastomyces in a 2015 outbreak soil sample from central Wisconsin. By sequencing this sample to multiple depths, we simulated the minimum required depth to detect Blastomyces in this outbreak. Our methods and recommendations can be used to identify the sources of blastomycosis during outbreaks and to learn about the ecology of Blastomyces.
A New Enigmatic Radio Relic in the Low-mass Cluster Abell 2108
Authors: Chatterjee Swarna , Rahaman Majidul , Datta Abhirup , Kale Ruta , Paul Surajit
Published: January 2024

We report the discovery of a radio relic in the north-eastern periphery of the galaxy cluster Abell 2108 (A2108). A2108 is part of the uGMRT LOw-MAss Galaxy Cluster Survey (GLOMACS), where our main aim is to search for diffuse radio emission signatures in very sparsely explored low-mass galaxy clusters using uGMRT band-3 (central frequency 400 MHz). We used our uGMRT band-3 observations along with the existing archival band-3 uGMRT data to improve image sensitivity. Along with the previously reported south-western relic, the discovery of the new relic makes A2108 one of the few low-mass clusters hosting a double relic. The new relic spans over a region of 610 kpc × 310 kpc and, interestingly, differs considerably in size and morphology from the other relic. Using XMM–Newton science archive data, we also report the tentative detection of a mildly supersonic shock of Mach number $\mathcal {M}_\mathrm{SB}=1.42$ and $\mathcal {M}_\mathrm{T} = 1.43$ from the surface brightness and temperature discontinuities, respectively, near this newly found relic. Both the relics in A2108 are found to be significantly under-luminous compared with other double-relic systems in the mass–luminosity plane. Moreover, the north-eastern relic is remarkably under-luminous in the size–luminosity plane. Although mild supersonic shocks resulting from an off-axis merger could have influenced the origin of both relics, we hypothesize that local environments have played a crucial role in shaping their morphologies.
Resolving the eccentricity of stellar mass binary black holes with next generation ground-based gravitational wave detectors
Authors: Saini Pankaj
Published: January 2024

Next generation ground-based gravitational wave (GW) detectors are expected to detect ∼104–105 binary black holes (BBHs) per year. Understanding the formation pathways of these binaries is an open question. Orbital eccentricity can be used to distinguish between the formation channels of compact binaries, as different formation channels are expected to yield distinct eccentricity distributions. Due to the rapid decay of eccentricity caused by the emission of GWs, measuring smaller values of eccentricity poses a challenge for current GW detectors due to their limited sensitivity. In this study, we explore the potential of next generation GW detectors such as Voyager, Cosmic Explorer (CE), and Einstein Telescope (ET) to resolve the eccentricity of BBH systems. Considering a GWTC-3 like population of BBHs and assuming some fiducial eccentricity distributions as well as an astrophysically motivated eccentricity distribution (Zevin et al. 2021), we calculate the fraction of detected binaries that can be confidently distinguished as eccentric. We find that for Zevin eccentricity distribution, Voyager, CE, and ET can confidently measure the non-zero eccentricity for ${\sim} 3\%$, 9%, and 13% of the detected BBHs, respectively. In addition to the fraction of resolvable eccentric binaries, our findings indicate that Voyager, CE, and ET require typical minimum eccentricities ≳0.02, 5 × 10−3, and 10−3 at 10 Hz GW frequency, respectively, to identify a BBH system as eccentric. The better low-frequency sensitivity of ET significantly enhances its capacity to accurately measure eccentricity.
‘Humanity’: Constitution, Value, and Extinction
Authors: Finneron-Burns Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

When discussing the extinction of humanity, there does not seem to be any clear agreement about what ‘humanity’ really means. One aim of this paper is to show that it is a more slippery concept than it might at first seem. A second aim is to show the relationship between what constitutes or defines humanity and what gives it value. Often, whether and how we ought to prevent human extinction depends on what we take humanity to mean, which in turn depends on what we value about humans. Finally, I will offer a definition of humanity that I argue offers a plausible account of when we might say humanity has gone extinct, and reflects what we value about humans, and relatedly, what many actually care about in terms of why we should be preserved.
The development and validation of a needs assessment tool for use with YOUng adult survivors of a CentrAl Nervous system tumor (YOU-CAN)
Authors: Law Kate , McCabe Martin G , van der Veer Sabine N , Yorke Janelle
Published: January 2024

Background

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of a central nervous system (CNS) tumor represent a vulnerable group who can experience: social isolation, low rates of employment, and achieving independence can be compromised, leading to poorer quality of life compared with survivors of other cancer types. The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate the validity of a needs assessment tool (NAT) for AYA survivors of a CNS tumor.

Methods

Items generated using data from 29 qualitative studies and cognitive interviews (n = 8) produced NAT V1.1 (49 items). 128 of 316 eligible participants attending neuro-oncology clinics at 4 NHS sites between June 2022 and March 2023 completed the NAT V1.1 to allow for item reduction and refinement and to evaluate reliability and validity. A pilot study (n = 6) using YOU-CAN in routine follow-up concluded the study.

Results

Hierarchical analysis and Rasch analysis identified 18- and 15-items for removal, respectively. YOU-CAN, comprised of the remaining 16 items, demonstrates excellent test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient, 0.901, n = 40) and sufficient correlation with the European Quality of Life questionnaire and Supportive Care Needs Survey (Pearson r = 0.433 and 0.590, respectively). Pilot testing showed YOU-CAN triggered discussions of unmet needs in consultations and highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary support.

Conclusions

YOU-CAN is a valid and reliable instrument containing items related to concerns about physical and emotional health; family and relationships; self-acceptance; and independence. Future efforts should examine YOU-CAN’s feasibility, and develop guidance for managing unmet needs. Routine use of YOU-CAN may improve the identification of otherwise undiscussed unmet needs and opportunities to deliver personalized support.
Changes in Inflammatory Cytokines After Chronic Hepatitis C Treatment Among People Living With HIV
Authors: Karimi-Sari Hamidreza , Piggott Damani A , Scully Eileen P , Ward Kathleen , Sutcliffe Catherine G , Sulkowski Mark , Falade-Nwulia Oluwaseun
Published: January 2024

We aimed to evaluate the effect of hepatitis C virus cure on serum inflammatory markers among people with HIV. Among 127 people with HIV, serum alanine aminotransferase, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, and inflammatory index score were significantly lower at the 24-week time point in patients who achieved sustained virologic response as compared with those who did not.
An Update From the National Healthcare Safety Network on Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programs in the United States, 2014–2021
Authors: O’Leary Erin N , Neuhauser Melinda M , McLees Anita , Paek Margaret , Tappe Jamie , Srinivasan Arjun
Published: January 2024

Background

In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programs (ASPs) and began monitoring uptake through the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Annual Hospital Survey. In 2019, CDC updated the Core Elements and in 2022 released the Priorities for Hospital Core Element Implementation. We describe Core Element uptake from 2014 to 2021, provide a snapshot of specific ASP practices in acute care hospitals in 2021, and describe how we plan to monitor stewardship moving forward.

Methods

We used the NHSN Annual Hospital Survey to summarize facility demographics and ASP practices and to monitor uptake of Core Elements. Questions have been updated over time, so not all data could be compared across years.

Results

Uptake of all 7 Core Elements increased from 41% in 2014 to 95% in 2021. Uptake of all 6 Priority Elements was 10% in 2021, though 46% of hospitals met 4 or 5 of the possible 6 elements. Antibiotic stewardship was specifically listed in a contract or job description for about 60% of program leaders. The percentage of physician-pharmacist co-led programs rose from 23% to 64%. Seventy-six percent of hospitals reported implementing audit with feedback interventions.

Conclusions

With nearly all acute care hospitals reporting uptake of the 7 Core Elements in 2021, and with more evidence for which ASP practices are most effective, the Priorities for Hospital Core Element Implementation were released in 2022 to help enhance the quality and impact of existing ASPs.
Transcription of the Antisense Long Non-Coding RNA, SUPPRESSOR OF FEMINIZATION, Represses Expression of the Female-Promoting Gene FEMALE GAMETOPHYTE MYB in the Liverwort Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Kajiwara Tomoaki , Miyazaki Motoki , Yamaoka Shohei , Yoshitake Yoshihiro , Yasui Yukiko , Nishihama Ryuichi , Kohchi Takayuki
Published: January 2024

Sexual differentiation is a fundamental process in the life cycles of land plants, ensuring successful sexual reproduction and thereby contributing to species diversity and survival. In the dioicous liverwort Marchantia polymorpha, this process is governed by an autosomal sex-differentiation locus comprising FEMALE GAMETOPHYTE MYB (FGMYB), a female-promoting gene, and SUPPRESSOR OF FEMINIZATION (SUF), an antisense strand-encoded long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). SUF is specifically transcribed in male plants and suppresses the expression of FGMYB, leading to male differentiation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain elusive. Here, we show that SUF acts through its transcription to suppress FGMYB expression. Transgene complementation analysis using CRISPR/Cas9D10A-based large-deletion mutants identified a genomic region sufficient for the sex differentiation switch function in the FGMYB-SUF locus. Inserting a transcriptional terminator sequence into the SUF-transcribed region resulted in the loss of SUF function and allowed expression of FGMYB in genetically male plants, leading to conversion of the sex phenotype from male to female. Partial deletions of SUF had no obvious impact on its function. Replacement of the FGMYB sequence with that of an unrelated gene did not affect the ability of SUF transcription to suppress sense-strand expression. Taken together, our findings suggest that the process of SUF transcription, rather than the resulting transcripts, is required for controlling sex differentiation in M. polymorpha.
Assessment of foot impairment in systemic sclerosis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sekyama Juliana Yuri , Coimbra Ibsen Bellini , Sachetto Zoraida , Del Rio Ana Paula Toledo , de Paiva Magalhães Eduardo
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To assess foot function in SSc and its association with socio-demographic and clinical factors. To evaluate mobility, foot alterations, foot pain, and foot care in these patients.

Methods

Consecutive SSc patients underwent structured interviews and physical examinations. Disability was assessed using the HAQ disability index (HAQ-DI) and the Scleroderma HAQ (SHAQ). Foot function was measured using the Foot Function Index (FFI), foot pain using a numeric pain scale (NPS), and mobility using the Timed-Up-and-Go test (TUG).

Results

A total of 101 patients were included. Forefoot pain was observed in 50.5%, hindfoot pain in 31.7%, foot ulcers in 6.9%, foot plantar callosities in 38.6%, foot arthritis in 2.97%, hallux valgus in 9.9%, claw toes in 5%, and valgus ankle in 3% of patients. The mean FFI was 3.54 (±2.6), the mean NPS was 6.08 (±3.58), and the mean TUG test result was 10.52 (±6.5) seconds. Higher FFI scores, increased NPS, and prolonged TUG were associated with RP severity, SHAQ and HAQ-DI. Of the 101 patients, 36.6% of patients reported never having had their feet examined, and only 32.7% had had their feet examined within the past year.

Conclusion

Foot dysfunction and pain are common in SSc. Higher FFI scores, increased pain, and prolonged TUG duration were linked to disability (HAQ-DI and SHAQ). These analyses should be considered exploratory and require confirmation in external cohorts. Routine foot examinations were lacking in clinical practice. Improved attention for evaluating and caring for the feet in SSc patients is needed.
Responses to a “Typical” Morning Dose of Kratom in People Who Use Kratom Regularly: A Direct-Observation Study
Authors: Smith Kirsten E. , Rogers Jeffrey M. , Sharma Abhisheak , McCurdy Christopher R. , Weiss Stephanie T. , Dunn Kelly E. , Feldman Jeffrey D. , Kuntz Michelle A. , Mukhopadhyay Sushobhan , Raju Kanumuri Siva Rama , Taylor Richard C. , Epstein David H.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Use of kratom has outpaced systematic study of its effects, with most studies reliant on retrospective self-report.

Methods

We aimed to assess acute effects following kratom use in adults who use regularly, and quantify alkaloids in the products, urine, and plasma. Between July and November 2022, 10 adults came to our clinic and orally self-administered their typical kratom dose; blinding procedures were not used. Physiological measures included blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, pulse oximetry, temperature, and pupil diameter. Subjective outcomes included Subjective Opioid Withdrawal Scale, Addiction Research Center Inventory, and Drug Effects Questionnaire. Psychomotor performance was also assessed.

Results

Participants were 6 men and 4 women, mean age 41.2 years. Nine were non-Hispanic White; 1 was biracial. They had used kratom for 6.6 years (SD, 3.8 years) on average (2.0–14.1). Sessions were 190.89 minutes on average (SD, 15.10 minutes). Mean session dose was 5.16 g (median, 4.38 g; range, 1.1–10.9 g) leaf powder. Relative to baseline, physiological changes were minor. However, pupil diameter decreased (right, b = −0.70, P < 0.01; left, b = −0.73, P < 0.01) 40–80 minutes postdose and remained below baseline >160 minutes. Subjective Opioid Withdrawal Scale pre-dosing was mild (5.5 ± 3.3) and decreased postdose (b = [−4.0, −2.9], P < 0.01). Drug Effects Questionnaire “feeling effects” increased to 40/100 (SD, 30.5) within 40 minutes and remained above baseline 80 to 120 minutes (b = 19.0, P = 0.04), peaking at 72.7/100; 6 participants rated euphoria as mild on the Addiction Research Center Inventory Morphine-Benzedrine-scale. Psychomotor performance did not reliably improve or deteriorate postdosing.

Conclusions

Among regular consumers, we found few clinically significant differences pre- and post-kratom dosing. Alkaloidal contents in products were within expected ranges.
Homozygous Loss of CDKN2 in Primary Cutaneous CD8(+) Lymphoma NOS
Authors: Robson Alistair , Costa Rosa Joaninha , Semkova Kristina , Bakr Farrah , Cabecadas Jose
Published: January 2024

Primary cutaneous acral CD8(+) lymphoma (AL) has been accepted as primary cutaneous acral CD8-positive T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder in the revised WHO and updated WHO-EORTC lymphoma classifications. Commonly arising on the ears and comprising a clonal cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell infiltrate, almost all cases follow an indolent clinical course. A single aggressive case reported in the literature had a deletion at the CDKN2 locus at 9p21. We report an atypical CD8+ T-cell proliferation arising on the chest of an elderly man who had some similarities to AL but with a very high proliferation rate, absent p16 protein expression, and homozygous loss of the CDKN2 locus using FISH analysis. A diagnosis of peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL NOS) was preferred. Analyses of 4 cases of AL demonstrated often low p16 protein expression but intact CDKN2 loci. This case raises the problems of the boundaries between AL and PTCL NOS, and a possible role in the loss of p16 function in pathogenesis.
Fine needle biopsy versus fine needle aspiration in the diagnosis of immunohistochemistry-required lesions: A multicenter study with prospective evaluation
Authors: Zhao Yuchong , Xiong Dingkun , Aruna  , Chen Qian , Kuang Dong , Xiong Si , Wang Yun , Yang Yilei , Guo Qiaozhen , Chen Lan , Zhang Jiqiao , Wu Xiaoli , Feng Yunlu , Cheng Bin
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The superiority of EUS–guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) over fine-needle aspiration (FNA) remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of FNB and FNA in immunohistochemistry (IHC)-required lesions, including, type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), neuroendocrine tumor (NET), mesenchymal tumor, and lymphoma.

Methods

In this multicenter study, specimens from all eligible patients who underwent EUS-FNB/FNA with these specific lesions were prospectively evaluated. Demographics, adequacy of specimens for IHC, diagnostic accuracy, and integrity of tissue were analyzed. Subgroup analysis and multivariate logistic regression were also performed to control confounders.

Results

A total of 439 patients were included for analysis. Most lesion types were type 1 AIP (41.69%), followed by NET, mesenchymal tumor, and lymphoma. FNB yielded specimens with better adequacy for IHC (82.41% vs. 66.67%, P < 0.001) and higher diagnostic accuracy (74.37% vs. 55.42%, P < 0.001). The superiority of FNB over FNA in adequacy for IHC (odds ratio, 2.786 [1.515–5.291]) and diagnostic accuracy (odds ratio, 2.793 [1.645–4.808]) remained significant after control of confounders including needle size, lesion site, lesion size, and endoscopists. In subgroup analysis, FNB showed higher diagnostic accuracy in AIP and mesenchymal tumor, whereas no statistically significant difference was observed in NET and lymphoma.

Conclusions

FNB was superior to FNA needles in obtaining tissues with better adequacy and integrity. These results suggest that FNB should be considered a first-line modality in the diagnosis of IHC-required lesions, especially AIP and mesenchymal tumor. However, a randomized controlled trial with larger sample size is needed to further confirm our findings.
ENCIRCLING CONTINUOUS SUTURE TECHNIQUE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF EXTENSIVE TRAUMATIC CYCLODIALYSIS: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Ueta Takashi , Matsuura Tomoyuki , Totsuka Kiyohiyo , Sugimoto Koichiro , Araki Fumiyuki , Toyama Taku , Shiraya Tomoyasu
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

None of the authors has any financial/conflicting interests to disclose.

The aim of this study was to report a surgical technique of cyclopexy, wherein two laps of encircling continuous sutures are placed around the limbus to treat refractory extensive cyclodialysis.

Methods:

This study employed swept-source optical coherence tomography for anterior segment, color fundus photography, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography for the macula.

Results:

Previous attempts, including indirect cyclopexy and direct external cyclopexy with gas injection, failed to successfully resolve the severe cyclodialysis and associated hypotonic maculopathy. In the third surgery, two laps of encircling continuous sutures were placed around the limbus at the distances of 2–3 mm and 3–4 mm, respectively, along with phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, and capsular tension ring placement. After surgery, hypotony and hypotonic maculopathy were effectively resolved, resulting in a significant improvement in VA that has been maintained over a year.

Conclusion:

The described surgical technique of encircling continuous sutures may be a viable option for the treatment of severe cyclodialysis.
Understanding Multilevel Factors Related to Retention Among the Direct Care Workforce: Incorporating Lessons Learned in Considering Innovative Interventions
Authors: Bandini Julia I. , Rollison Julia , Etchegaray Jason
Published: January 2024

Goal:

This article explores how broad, contextual factors may be influential in the retention of direct care workers (DCWs; i.e., entry-level caregivers) who provide vital support to patients in healthcare settings. We reflect on lessons learned from an evaluation of a multisite intervention to improve retention among DCWs employed primarily in hospital settings at three health systems.

Methods:

We evaluated a multitiered program for entry-level caregivers that included a risk assessment, a 4-day curriculum, and follow-up sessions, as well as workforce coaching at the three health systems. As part of our evaluation, we collected data on roughly 3,000 DCWs from the three health systems; the information included hiring date, any transfer date, and any termination date for each new DCW, as well as demographic information, position characteristics, and termination status and reasons for any termination. In addition, we collected information about organizational characteristics, including staffing and number of employees. We also conducted interviews with 56 DCWs and 21 staff members who implemented a retention program across each of the three health systems and remotely conducted virtual observations of the curriculum sessions at each system.

Principal Findings:

Although the program we evaluated focused on individual-level factors that may affect retention, our findings revealed other broader, contextual challenges faced by DCWs that they said would have an impact on their willingness to stay in their positions. These challenges included (1) job-related factors including limited compensation, aspects of the job itself, and the inability to advance in one's position; (2) health system challenges including the mission, policies, staffing, and organizational culture; and (3) external factors including federal policies and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Practical Applications:

As the direct care workforce continues to grow, interventions to improve retention should consider the interconnectedness of these multilevel factors rather than solely individual-level factors. In addition, further research is needed to rigorously evaluate any potential intervention and consider how such an approach can target DCWs in hospital-based settings who are most affected by the multilevel challenges identified. Finally, any intervention to improve retention must be also aligned to ensure equity, especially in this population of low-wage DCWs, many of whom are marginalized women and individuals of color.
Baseline Sleep Characteristics in NCAA Division I Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Goldman Joshua T. , Donohoe Brian , Hatamiya Nicolas , Boland Nelson F. , Vail Jeremy , Holmes Kristen E. , Presby David , Kim Jeongeun , Duffaut Calvin
Published: January 2024

Objective:

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

To determine baseline sleep characteristics of male/female student-athletes across multiple sports using objective and subjective measures.

Design:

Prospective study.

Setting:

Division I college.

Participants:

Eighty-two male and female Division I student-athletes.

Interventions:

Participants completed 2 validated sleep questionnaires (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS] and Single-Item Sleep Quality Scale [SISQS]) to assess subjective sleep. They also wore a validated sleep monitoring device (WHOOP 4.0 band) for at least 14 nights to collect objective data on total sleep time (TST) and sleep architecture.

Main Outcome Measures:

Overnight sleep variables, including TST, time spent awake in bed after falling asleep, time spent in light sleep, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and slow-wave sleep (SWS) cycles. Sleep quality and daytime sleepiness were also assessed.

Results:

There were no statistical differences between male and female student-athletes in average TST, sleep architecture, sleep consistency, SISQS, and ESS scores. The average TST was 409.2 ± 36.3 minutes. Sleep architecture consisted of 25.6% REM, 19.9% SWS, and 54.4% light sleep. The average sleep consistency was 61.6% ± 8.9%. The average SISQS score was 6.48 ± 1.71, and the average ESS score was 7.57 ± 3.82. A significant difference was found in average wake time between males and females (55.0 vs 43.7 min, P = 0.020), with an overall average of 50.2 ± 16.2 minutes.

Conclusions:

College student-athletes do not typically obtain the recommended amount of sleep. Optimizing sleep can positively affect academic and athletic performance.
Evaluation of variations of optic nerve course in relation to posterior paranasal sinuses in MDCT in a tertiary care center of Nepal: a retrospective cross-section study
Authors: Dahal Prajwal , Parajuli Sabina , Pradhan Prajina , Maharjan Santosh , Adhikari Govinda , Tamang Ongden Y. , Upadhyaya Rudra P. , Dawadi Kapil , Shrestha Ashish
Published: January 2024

Background:

The proximity of optic nerves to the posterior paranasal sinuses (PNS) is a critical consideration in preventing optic nerve injuries during functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Methods:

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 367 patients aged 13 years and above. Four radiologists, each with 2–6 years of experience, evaluated computed tomography scans of the PNS and the head of these patients. The optic nerves were classified into four types based on DeLano’s classification, and their respective prevalence rates were determined. Additionally, the prevalence of optic nerve dehiscence and pneumatization of the anterior clinoid process was assessed.

Results:

A total of 734 optic nerves were evaluated and categorized into four groups as per DeLano’s classification. The most common type was classified as type 1 optic nerve, representing 65.4% of all optic nerves. Types 2, 3, and 4 optic nerves accounted for 16.9, 8.6, and 9.1%, respectively. The prevalence rates of type 1, type 2, type 3, and type 4 optic nerves were 76.6, 24.5, 12.3, and 14.4%, respectively. Optic nerve dehiscence was observed in 14.3% of cases, with a prevalence of 21.2% in the study. Type 3 optic nerves were most commonly associated with dehiscence, with 49.2% of them showing dehiscence in their course through the ethmoid or sphenoid sinus. The prevalence of pneumatization of the anterior clinoid process in the study population was 28.3%, with type 3 optic nerves being the most frequently associated.

Conclusion:

An understanding of the relationship between optic nerves and posterior PNS, as well as awareness of optic nerve dehiscence, is essential in preventing injuries during sinus surgeries. Type 1 optic nerve predominates among Nepalese patients visiting our hospital.
Exploring the current and prospective role of artificial intelligence in disease diagnosis
Authors: Aamir Ali , Iqbal Arham , Jawed Fareeha , Ashfaque Faiza , Hafsa Hafiza , Anas Zahra , Oduoye Malik Olatunde , Basit Abdul , Ahmed Shaheer , Abdul Rauf Sameer , Khan Mushkbar , Mansoor Tehreem
Published: January 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems, providing assistance in a variety of patient care and health systems. The aim of this review is to contribute valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, providing a nuanced understanding of its current applications, future possibilities, and associated challenges. The authors conducted a literature search on the current role of AI in disease diagnosis and its possible future applications using PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate within 10 years. Our investigation revealed that AI, encompassing machine-learning and deep-learning techniques, has become integral to healthcare, facilitating immediate access to evidence-based guidelines, the latest medical literature, and tools for generating differential diagnoses. However, our research also acknowledges the limitations of current AI methodologies in disease diagnosis and explores uncertainties and obstacles associated with the complete integration of AI into clinical practice. This review has highlighted the critical significance of integrating AI into the medical healthcare framework and meticulously examined the evolutionary trajectory of healthcare-oriented AI from its inception, delving into the current state of development and projecting the extent of reliance on AI in the future. The authors have found that central to this study is the exploration of how the strategic integration of AI can accelerate the diagnostic process, heighten diagnostic accuracy, and enhance overall operational efficiency, concurrently relieving the burdens faced by healthcare practitioners.
Chronic GLP1 therapy reduces postprandial IL6 in obese humans with prediabetes
Authors: Hamidi Vala , Wang Hongyu , Pham Vi , Bermudez Saint Andre Karla , Taegtmeyer Heinrich , Gutierrez Absalon D.
Published: January 2024

Single-dose glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) therapy increases postprandial plasma IL6 levels in prediabetic, obese humans. GLP1-IL6 interactions underly multiple antidiabetic effects, but these may differ after acute versus chronic therapy. This study examines postprandial effects of GLP1 after chronic therapy. Seven humans (six Black) with prediabetes and obesity completed 6 weeks of exenatide extended release therapy. Then subjects returned for pre- and post-meal measurements of plasma IL6, GLP1, glucagon, and related inflammatory markers. Weight, which was measured before and after therapy, did not change. Plasma IL6 decreased from baseline to postmeal state ( = 0.016), with decreases in free fatty acids (P < 0.001) and increases in insulin (P = 0.002), glucose (P < 0.0001), triglycerides (P = 0.0178), and glucagon (P = 0.018). Baseline GLP1 levels matched 6 weeks of therapy. The fall in postprandial plasma IL6, which contrasts with the increase after acute therapy, highlights the need for more investigation regarding the mechanisms of acute versus chronic GLP1-IL6 signaling.
Draft Genomes Announcement of Vietnamese Xanthomonas euvesicatoria strains causing Bacterial spot on Pepper
Authors: Subedi Aastha , Nga Nguyen Thi Thu , Tien Doan Thi Kieu , Minsavage Gerald V. , Roberts Pamela D. , Goss Erica M. , Jones Jeffrey B.
Published: January 2024

Xanthomonas euvesicatoria, the primary causal agent of bacterial spot of pepper (BSP), poses a significant global challenge, resulting in severe defoliation and yield losses substantial economic losses for pepper growers. We present the whole genome sequences of eight X. euvesicatoria strains associated with BSP in Vietnam. These genomes contribute to representation of pepper production regions in the global sample of X. euvesicatoria genomes, enabling the development of precise global disease management strategies.
Drug screening identified that handelin inhibits feline calicivirus infection by inhibiting HSP70 expression in vitro
Authors: Yan Yuanyuan , Yang Mengfang , Jiao Yuzhou , Li Lisha , Liu Zirui , Shi Jiale , Shen Zhou , Peng Guiqing
Published: January 2024

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is considered one of the major pathogens of cats worldwide and causes upper respiratory tract disease in all cats. In some cats, infection is by a highly virulent strain of FCV (vs.-FCV), which can cause severe and fatal systemic disease symptoms. At present, few antiviral drugs are approved for clinical treatment against FCV. Therefore, there is an imminent need for effective FCV antiviral agents. Here, we used observed a cytopathic effect (CPE) assay to screen 1746 traditional Chinese medicine monomer compounds and found one that can effectively inhibit FCV replication, namely, handelin, with an effective concentration (EC50) value of approximately 2.5 µM. Further study showed that handelin inhibits FCV replication via interference with heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), which is a crucial host factor and plays a positive role in regulating viral replication. Moreover, handelin and HSP70 inhibitors have broad-spectrum antiviral activity. These findings indicate that handelin is a potential candidate for the treatment of FCV infection and that HSP70 may be an important drug target.
CTCF regulates hepatitis B virus cccDNA chromatin topology
Authors: Dobrica Mihaela Olivia , Varghese Christy Susan , Harris James Michael , Ferguson Jack , Magri Andrea , Arnold Roland , Várnai Csilla , Parish Joanna L. , McKeating Jane A.
Published: January 2024

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a small DNA virus that replicates via an episomal covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) that serves as the transcriptional template for viral mRNAs. The host protein, CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF), is a key regulator of cellular transcription by maintaining epigenetic boundaries, nucleosome phasing, stabilisation of long-range chromatin loops and directing alternative exon splicing. We previously reported that CTCF binds two conserved motifs within Enhancer I of the HBV genome and represses viral transcription, however, the underlying mechanisms were not identified. We show that CTCF depletion in cells harbouring cccDNA-like HBV molecules and in de novo infected cells resulted in an increase in spliced transcripts, which was most notable in the abundant SP1 spliced transcript. In contrast, depletion of CTCF in cell lines with integrated HBV DNA had no effect on the abundance of viral transcripts and in line with this observation there was limited evidence for CTCF binding to viral integrants, suggesting that CTCF-regulation of HBV transcription is specific to episomal cccDNA. Analysis of HBV chromatin topology by Assay for Transposase Accessible Chromatin Sequencing (ATAC-Seq) revealed an accessible region spanning Enhancers I and II and the basal core promoter (BCP). Mutating the CTCF binding sites within Enhancer I resulted in a dramatic rearrangement of chromatin accessibility where the open chromatin region was no longer detected, indicating loss of the phased nucleosome up- and down-stream of the HBV enhancer/BCP. These data demonstrate that CTCF functions to regulate HBV chromatin conformation and nucleosomal positioning in episomal maintained cccDNA, which has important consequences for HBV transcription regulation.
An imputed ancestral reference genome for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex better captures structural genomic diversity for reference-based alignment workflows
Authors: Harrison Luke B. , Kapur Vivek , Behr Marcel A.
Published: January 2024

Reference-based alignment of short-reads is a widely used technique in genomic analysis of the

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

complex (MTBC) and the choice of reference sequence impacts the interpretation of analyses. The most widely used reference genomes include the ATCC type strain (H37Rv) and the putative MTBC ancestral sequence of Comas et al. both of which are based on a lineage 4 sequence. As such, these reference sequences do not capture all of the structural variation known to be present in the ancestor of the MTBC. To better represent the base of the MTBC, we generated an imputed ancestral genomic sequence, termed MTBC0 from reference-free alignments of closed MTBC genomes. When used as a reference sequence in alignment workflows, MTBC0 mapped more short sequencing reads and called more pairwise SNPs relative to the Comas et al. sequence while exhibiting minimal impact on the overall phylogeny of MTBC. The results also show that MTBC0 provides greater fidelity in capturing genomic variation and allows for the inclusion of regions absent from H37Rv in standard MTBC workflows without additional steps. The use of MTBC0 as an ancestral reference sequence in standard workflows modestly improved read mapping, SNP calling and intuitively facilitates the study of structural variation and evolution in MTBC.
Multiscale design of large and irregular metamaterials
Authors: Capers J. R. , Stanfield L. D. , Sambles J. R. , Boyes S. J. , Powell A. W. , Hibbins A. P. , Horsley S. A. R.
Published: January 2024

Next-generation microwave communications systems face several challenges, particularly from congested communications frequencies and complex propagation environments. We present, and experimentally test, a framework based on the coupled-dipole approximation for designing structures composed of a single simple emitter with a passive disordered scattering structure of rods that is optimized to provide a desired radiation pattern. Our numerical method provides an efficient way to model, and then design and test, otherwise inaccessibly large scattering systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
First measurement of neutron birefringence in polarized
Xe129
and
Xe131
nuclei
Authors: Lu H. , Barlow M. J. , Basler D. , Gutfreund P. , Holderer O. , Ioffe A. , Pasini S. , Pistel P. , Salhi Z. , Zhernenkov K. , Goodson B. M. , Snow W. M. , Babcock E.
Published: January 2024

We present measurements of polarized neutron birefringence in transmission through nuclear-polarized Xe129 and Xe131 gas and determine the neutron incoherent scattering lengths bi(129Xe)=−0.186±(0.021)stat.±(0.004)syst.fm and bi(131Xe)=2.09±(0.29)stat.±(0.12)syst.fm. These results determine the essential parameter needed for interpretation of spin-dependent neutron-scattering studies on polarized xenon ensembles with possible future applications ranging from tests of time-reversal violation to mode-entangled neutron scattering experiments on nuclear-polarized systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Analog vacuum decay from vacuum initial conditions
Authors: Jenkins Alexander C. , Braden Jonathan , Peiris Hiranya V. , Pontzen Andrew , Johnson Matthew C. , Weinfurtner Silke
Published: January 2024

Ultracold atomic gases can undergo phase transitions that mimic relativistic vacuum decay, allowing us to empirically test early Universe physics in tabletop experiments. We investigate the physics of these analog systems, going beyond previous analyses of the classical equations of motion to study quantum fluctuations in the cold-atom false vacuum. We show that the fluctuation spectrum of this vacuum state agrees with the usual relativistic result in the regime where the classical analogy holds, providing further evidence for the suitability of these systems for studying vacuum decay. Using a suite of semiclassical lattice simulations, we simulate bubble nucleation from this analog vacuum state in a 1D homonuclear potassium-41 mixture, finding qualitative agreement with instanton predictions. We identify realistic parameters for this system that will allow us to study vacuum decay with current experimental capabilities, including a prescription for efficiently scanning over decay rates, and show that this setup will probe the (rather than thermal) decay regime at temperatures T≲10  nK. Our results help lay the groundwork for using upcoming cold-atom experiments as a new probe of nonperturbative early Universe physics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024