bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous gastrostomies in advanced cancer
Authors: Ferraz-Gonçalves José António , Amaral Susana , Pereira Filipa , Santos Lígia Rodrigues , Assis José Guilherme , Alves Sérgio , Martins Diana
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Gastrostomies can be performed percutaneously by interventional radiology (PRG) or endoscopy (PEG).

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of patients with advanced cancer who underwent a gastrostomy in 2017 in an oncology center.

Results:

In 2017, 164 patients underwent gastrostomies, and 137 (84%) were male. The median age was 60 years (range: 38–91). The predominant Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status stage was 1, with 73 (45%) patients. Head and neck cancer was the most common diagnosis, with 127 (77%) cases. The most frequent reason for performing a gastrostomy was dysphagia, 132 (81%). Most gastrostomies were PEG, 121 (74%), followed by PRG, 41 (25%), and surgery, 2 (1%). Early complications occurred in 86 (52%) patients, and the most frequent of them were local pain in 69 (80%) patients and minor local bleeding in 13 (15%). Late complications occurred in 90 (55%) patients, and the most frequent was also local pain in 57 (63%) patients, followed by local infection in 8 (9%), tube extrusion in 7 (8%), and stomal leakage in 7 (8%). In the multivariable analysis, the factors associated with survival were lymph node metastases and the ECOG performance status. Until June 30th, 2022, 123 (75%) patients had died, and 41 (25%) were still alive.

Conclusion:

Gastrostomies were performed predominantly in ECOG performance stage 1 patients with head and neck cancer and symptoms of dysphagia, and PEG was the most common procedure.
Seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among health care workers in a Portuguese hospital
Authors: Ruas Rogério , Palma Pedro , Lamas Fátima , Ruivo Anunciação , Malheiro Rui , Ferraz Rita
Published: December 2023

Background:

Health care workers (HCW) are presumably exposed to a higher risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2 and could possibly represent a source of transmission to susceptible patients. Thus, characterization of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCW is necessary to better understand the determinants of viral transmission and properly implement strategies to prevent dissemination and protect HCW and vulnerable patients. The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in a Portuguese tertiary hospital, in the period of July 2020 to March 2021, before the generalized use of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, characterize its evolution over time, and identify risk factors associated with seroconversion.

Methods:

HCW were approached to collect serum samples for qualitative SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing and completion of an online survey capturing demographics, previous symptoms, and details of health care and community exposure. Odds ratio with bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess characteristics associated with seroprevalence.

Results:

One thousand HCW were included for analysis. Two hundred nineteen HCW (22%) were seropositive for immunoglobulin G against SARS-CoV-2, and 166 (17%) were seropositive for immunoglobulin M, most of whom reported a previous diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The risk factors associated with seroconversion included a previous COVID-19 diagnosis, contact with patients, occupational contact with colleagues, and outside contact. However, in a multivariate logistic regression analysis, only a previous diagnosis and outside contact were associated with seroconversion. Seropositivity decreased over time, especially 28 weeks after infection.

Conclusion:

HCWs have a high seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 infection, probably due to a combination of health care and community exposure. Seropositivity decreases over time, but further studies are needed to better understand our adaptive immune response.
A comprehensive review of recent advances in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Mao Sheng-Han , Zou Wen-Bin , Mao Xiao-Tong , Li Zhao-Shen , Liao Zhuan
Published: December 2023

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a multifaceted disorder influenced by environmental and genetic factors, with smoking and alcohol consumption being major contributors. Recent developments encompass the advent of innovative transgenic models and the identification of susceptibility genes, shedding light on the genetic aspect of CP. The pathogenesis of this disease involves a complex interplay of pancreatic acinar cell dysfunction, inflammatory reactions, and fibrosis. Current research delves into understanding these molecular mechanisms. Pain, a pivotal symptom of CP, has been increasingly studied to develop effective therapeutic interventions. Diagnostic advancements, including endoscopic ultrasound, radiomics, and blood-based markers, have shown potential in enhancing early CP detection. Moreover, recent clinical trials have optimized treatment approaches, such as pancreatic stone fragmentation, stent placement, and decision-making between endoscopic and surgical procedures. Emerging therapies, including chemical pancreatectomy and gene therapy, present promising opportunities for improved CP management.
Branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm: a retrospective study on neoplastic risk after 5 years of surveillance
Authors: Bachand Marie-Pier , Chennouf Mohamed-Anas , Malick Mandy , Beaudoin Annie
Published: December 2023

Objectives:

Long-term surveillance of branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMN) remains controversial, particularly regarding cysts follow-up >5 years. The primary endpoint of this study was to assess the risk of malignant transformation of presumed BD-IPMN during follow-up and identify clinical and morphological predictors of malignancy.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of data from all patients with a presumed BD-IPMN diagnosis at the CIUSSS de l’Estrie CHUS, from 2004 to 2018.

Results:

The final database included 380 patients with presumed BD-IPMN with a median follow-up of 43.9 months (interquartile range [IQR] 28.6–73.3 months). Mean age at diagnosis was 65.5 years [27–90], 159 patients (42.8%) were male and 17 patients (4.5%) underwent resection of their lesion during their surveillance period. In our cohort, 132 patients (34.7%) had a follow-up of >5 years. Overall risk of malignancy was 2.1% [0.9%–4.1%]. During follow-up, neoplastic transformation was observed in 2 of 132 patients (1.5%) surveilled >5 years. Malignancy was significantly associated with cyst growth >2.5 mm/y (57.1% vs 5.8%; P < .001) dilated MPD (71.4% vs 4.9%; P < .001), solid component (71.4% vs 1.3%; P < .001), positive cytology (37.5% vs 0.5%; P < .001), development of high-risk stigmatas (87.5% vs 1.9%; P < .001), or worrisome features (87.5% vs 23.9%; P < .001) during follow-up and symptoms of jaundice (25% vs 0.5%; P = .002) and abdominal pain (50% vs 9.4%; P = .005).

Conclusion:

While overall malignancy risk remains low in presumed BD-IPMN, continuous surveillance should be pursued after 5 years in surgically fit individuals, particularly in patients who develop our identified risk factors.
The Effects of Pediatric Experiential Learning During a 1-Week Intensive
Authors: Lowe Leah , Flowers Meredith , Yates Charlotte
Published: December 2023

Background and Purpose.

Growing evidence supporting the effectiveness of pediatric experiential learning (EL) in physical therapist education programs suggests that EL can aid in the development of students' clinical reasoning (CR) and self-efficacy (SE). Previous studies indicate that pediatric EL provides students with structured learning opportunities that may lead to meaningful gains in psychomotor skills, self-confidence, communication, and CR. Whether gains can be achieved during a pediatric intensive course rather than a semester-long course is unknown. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the change in perceived CR and SE experienced by physical therapist students who completed a high-dose (at least 15 hours) EL pediatric-intensive (1 week).

Case Description.

Second-year physical therapist students (n = 18) enrolled in the Advanced Pediatric Elective Intensive completed the Self-Assessment of Clinical Reflection and Reasoning (SACRR) and the Physical Therapy Self-Efficacy Scale (PTSE) on the first and last day of the course.

Outcomes.

A paired-samples t test revealed a statistically significant increase in SACRR scores from pre-test (M = 91.29, SD = 8.04) to post-test (M = 102.88, SD = 7.06), t (16) = 7.30, P < .001, as well as PTSE scores from pre-test (M = 13.44, SD = 2.64) to post-test (M = 19.00, SD = 2.06), t (17) = 9.70, P < .001. The results of this research suggest that active teaching methods, such as EL, may contribute to improvements in physical therapist students' perceived CR and SE.

Discussion and Conclusion.

Educators could consider a week-long EL intensive as a feasible and effective option to increase physical therapist students' perceived CR and SE related to pediatric physical therapy practice.
Anaphylactic shock following the mad honey consumption: a case report
Authors: Jha Bhaskar , Jha Apurwa , Karki Shailendra , KC Pooja , Pandey Anish , Ghimire Abishkar , Acharya Bimarsh
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Mad honey consumption is a common practice in Nepal for medicinal and consumption purposes, but it can lead to severe adverse effects. Grayanotoxin I and Grayanotoxin III isoforms found in rhododendron interfere with voltage-gated sodium channels resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms, and cardiovascular effects such as low blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, cardiac arrest, and abnormal electrical conduction in the heart, as well as rare central nervous system disorders. Here the authors report a case of Mad honey consumption leading to anaphylactic shock along with its investigations and management.

Case presentation:

The authors present a case of a 51-year-old female who developed anaphylactic shock after consuming mad honey. The patient experienced symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, sweating, dizziness, facial and lip swelling, but no chest pain, loss of consciousness, abnormal body movement, or dyspnoea. The patient had no prior medical conditions, regular medications, or history of allergic reactions to honey or pollen.

Discussion:

Mad honey intoxication is caused by grayanotoxins, with distinct cardiac effects for different types of grayanotoxins. Symptoms include bradycardia, hypotension, abdominal pain, dizziness, and nausea, which subsided within 24 h following the initial management. The presence of grayanotoxin can be detected using specialized instrumentation, but it may not be available in all medical facilities. Co-intoxication with alcohol or propolis may also occur.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the importance of recognizing and managing complications associated with mad honey consumption, particularly in regions where it is prevalent. Prompt medical attention is advised if unusual symptoms occur after honey consumption.
Antibiotics use among residents in Eastern Nepal: a community-based mixed method study
Authors: Acharya Rochana , Panthi Sagar , Khatiwada Pradeep , Bhattarai Bharosha , Singh Sweta , Bhattarai Karun , Aryal Rashmi , Neupane Durga , Thapa Anish , Karki Kamala , Basnet Lila Bahadur , Khanal Vijay Kumar , Ghimire Anup
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

According to the WHO, more than two-thirds of all antibiotics are used in the community, of which about 30% are used inappropriately. The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) problem is a growing threat to Nepal because of indiscriminate and inappropriate use. However, exact data on the extent of inappropriate use of antibiotics in the community is scarce in Nepal.

Objectives:

To know the extent of inappropriate use of antibiotics among the community and their knowledge and practice towards the usage of antibiotics.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 20 December 2017 to 20 March 2018 using a purposive sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire was used while conducting face-to-face interviews with 336 respondents to find out the knowledge and practice regarding antibiotic use. Investigators took different antibiotics (in all dosage forms) with them to show participants whether they knew and/or used the antibiotics in the last year.

Results:

The mean age of respondents with standard deviation was 39.87±13.67 years ranging from 18 to 84 years. Around 35.42% of respondents were farmers and 34.52% were homemakers. 28.87% of respondents were illiterate, 32.44% had primary education and 33.33% had secondary education. Almost half of them (48.51%) think that antibiotics are safe and can be commonly used. So, 43.15% of them preferred taking antibiotics when they had a common cold. The majority of the participants (81.84%) did not have any idea about antibiotic resistance. 94.6% of the respondents used antibiotics inappropriately.

Conclusion:

The results of the present study revealed that inappropriate use of antibiotics is high and associated with low earning wages in both males and females in the age group 18–39 years.
The Relationship Among Seasonality, Night Eating, and Chronotype in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Sağlam Nazife Gamze Usta , Beştepe Engin Emrem , Sertler İlke , Kurnaz Samet , Ayık Batuhan , Poyraz Cana Aksoy
Published: December 2023

The purpose of the study was to explore the association among chronotype, seasonality, sleep quality, and night eating syndrome (NES) among patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and the mediating role of sleep quality in this relationship. Ninety-two individuals with BD type 1 who had been euthymic for at least 8 weeks and 87 healthy controls were included. In addition to sociodemographic/clinical data, chronotype, seasonality, sleep quality, and NES were evaluated using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Night Eating Questionnaire. The prevalence of NES (17.4%) was higher among BD than the controls. BD patients with NES had poorer sleep quality, greater seasonality, and lower MEQ scores. Chronotype had an indirect effect that was partially mediated by sleep quality on night eating symptoms in BD patients, in addition to a direct effect. Seasonality was found to have a direct effect on night eating symptoms. Therapeutic interventions that target both sleep and circadian disruption should be implemented when addressing NES in patients with BD.
Statistical Considerations for Subjective Visual Vertical and Subjective Visual Horizontal Assessment in Normal Subjects
Authors: Balaban Carey D. , Williams Erin , Holland Cynthia L. , Kiderman Alexander , Kontos Anthony P. , Hoffer Michael E.
Published: December 2023

Objectives:

Judgments of the subjective visual vertical (SVV) and subjective visual horizontal (SVH) while seated upright are commonly included in standard clinical test batteries for vestibular function. We examined SVV and SVH data from retrospective control to assess their statistical distributions and normative values for magnitudes of the preset effect, sex differences, and fixed-head versus head-free device platforms for assessment.

Methods:

Retrospective clinical SVV and SVH data from 2 test platforms, Neuro-otologic Test Center (NOTC) and the Neurolign Dx 100 (I-Portal Portable Assessment System Nystagmograph) were analyzed statistically (SPSS and MATLAB software) for 408 healthy male and female civilians and military service members, aged 18–50 years.

Results:

No prominent age-related effects were observed. The preset angle effects for both SVV and SVH, and their deviations from orthogonality, agree in magnitude with previous reports. Differences attributable to interactions with device type and sex are of small magnitude. Analyses confirmed that common clinical measure for SVV and SVH, the average of equal numbers of clockwise and counterclockwise preset trials, was not significantly affected by the test device or sex of the subject. Finally, distributional analyses failed to reject the hypothesis of underlying Gaussian distributions for the clinical metrics.

Conclusions:

z scores based on these normative findings can be used for objective detection of outliers from normal functional limits in the clinic.
Study on the Incidence of Congenital Genitourinary System Malformations in Congenital Microtia Patients
Authors: Gao Dejin , Liu Tun , Wang Bingqing , Zhang Qingguo
Published: December 2023

Objective:

Study the incidence of genitourinary malformations combined with microtia, find the regularity of the disease, and analyze the correlation between them.

Methods:

There is a total of 3143 microtia patients from January 2015 to December 2019 in Plastic Surgery Hospital. We examined their renal ultrasound, counted cases with genitourinary system deformities, and calculated the incidence of the disease.

Results:

Among 3143 patients with congenital microtia, there were 163 patients with congenital genitourinary system malformations, accounting for 5.2%. The side of congenital microtia is associated with the side of congenital genitourinary malformations.

Conclusions:

Genitourinary malformations occur more frequently in patients with microtia than in the general population. The 2 malformations are more likely to be ipsilateral. We believe it is necessary to complete the systemic physical and renal ultrasound examination for patients with microtia.
Prevalence of Person-First Language in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A Systematic Review of Case Reports
Authors: Vosoughi Amir R. , Pandya Bhadra U. , Mezey Natalie , Tao Brendan K. , Micieli Jonathan A.
Published: December 2023

Background:

Person-first language (PFL) is a linguistic prescription, which places a person before their disease. It is considered an important tool to reduce stigma. However, PFL is not routinely used across the scientific literature, particularly in patients with overweight or obesity. Patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) face various stigmas through high rates of poverty, female gender, and frequent rates of comorbidities. Non-PFL language use intersects and worsen the health inequities faced by these patients.

Methods:

A systematic review of case reports. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for all case reports with “pseudotumor cerebri” [MESH] OR “Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension” as key word between January 1974 and August 2022. The primary criterion was the article's inclusion of patients with overweight or obesity. The secondary criterion was the article's discussion regarding obesity as risk factor. Articles not meeting primary or secondary criteria were excluded.

Results:

Approximately 514/716 (71.8%) articles used non-PFL language. The publication year was predictive of non-PFL language: 1976–1991 (82.3%) vs 1992–2007 (72.3%, P = 0.0394) and 2008–2022 (68.3%, P = 0.0056). Non-PFL was significantly higher in obesity compared with other medical conditions (60.3% vs 7.3%, P < 0.001). The patient gender (P = 0.111) and ethnicity (P = 0.697), author's specialty (P = 0.298), and primary English-speaking status (P = 0.231), as well as the journal's impact factor (P = 0.795), were not predictive of non-PFL.

Conclusions:

Most literature focused on IIH use non-PFL when discussing overweight or obesity, regardless of the patient's gender and ethnicity, journal's impact factor, senior author's specialty, and English-speaking status. Non-PFL use is much more common when discussing obesity compared with other medical conditions. Appropriate use of PFL can decrease stigma and, more importantly, decrease the intersectionality of health stigma faced by patients with IIH.
Exact calculation of end-of-outbreak probabilities using contact tracing data
Authors: Bradbury N. V. , Hart W. S. , Lovell-Read F. A. , Polonsky J. A. , Thompson R. N.
Published: December 2023

A key challenge for public health policymakers is determining when an infectious disease outbreak has finished. Following a period without cases, an estimate of the probability that no further cases will occur in future (the end-of-outbreak probability) can be used to inform whether or not to declare an outbreak over. An existing quantitative approach (the Nishiura method), based on a branching process transmission model, allows the end-of-outbreak probability to be approximated from disease incidence time series, the offspring distribution and the serial interval distribution. Here, we show how the end-of-outbreak probability under the same transmission model can be calculated exactly if data describing who-infected-whom (the transmission tree) are also available (e.g. from contact tracing studies). In that scenario, our novel approach (the traced transmission method) is straightforward to use. We demonstrate this by applying the method to data from previous outbreaks of Ebola virus disease and Nipah virus infection. For both outbreaks, the traced transmission method would have determined that the outbreak was over earlier than the Nishiura method. This highlights that collection of contact tracing data and application of the traced transmission method may allow stringent control interventions to be relaxed quickly at the end of an outbreak, with only a limited risk of outbreak resurgence.
How birds dissipate heat before, during and after flight
Authors: Lewden Agnès , Bishop Charles M. , Askew Graham N.
Published: December 2023

Animal flight uses metabolic energy at a higher rate than any other mode of locomotion. A relatively small proportion of the metabolic energy is converted into mechanical power; the remainder is given off as heat. Effective heat dissipation is necessary to avoid hyperthermia. In this study, we measured surface temperatures in lovebirds (
Agapornis personatus
) using infrared thermography and used heat transfer modelling to calculate heat dissipation by convection, radiation and conduction, before, during and after flight. The total non-evaporative rate of heat dissipation in flying birds was 12× higher than before flight and 19× higher than after flight. During flight, heat was largely dissipated by forced convection, via the exposed ventral wing areas, resulting in lower surface temperatures compared with birds at rest. When perched, both before and after exercise, the head and trunk were the main areas involved in dissipating heat. The surface temperature of the legs increased with flight duration and remained high on landing, suggesting that there was an increase in the flow of warmer blood to this region during and after flight. The methodology developed in this study to investigate how birds thermoregulate during flight could be used in future studies to assess the impact of climate change on the behavioural ecology of birds, particularly those species undertaking migratory flights.
Physiological response after translocation differs between source populations in a threatened mammal
Authors: Williams-Kelly Kelly S. , Berry Laurence , Branch Kim , Cowen Saul , Garretson Sean , Holland Greg J. , Ladd Rachel , Olds Liberty , Rayner Kelly , Sims Colleen , Weyde Leanne Van Der , Robert Kylie A. , Fanson Kerry V.
Published: December 2023

Conservation translocations are an important tool in the prevention of species loss, but the translocation process is associated with numerous stressors. Non-invasively monitoring stress physiology via faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs) can provide valuable insights into factors impacting translocation success and how to mitigate negative impacts. After validating an assay to measure FGMs in greater stick-nest rats (
Leporillus conditor
), we examined whether translocation caused a predictable change in physiology. We compared longer-term (one to five months post-translocation) physiological responses across three source populations (remnant-wild, reintroduced-wild, captive-bred), and investigated effects of body condition and sex on FGMs. Notably, FGMs of the remnant-wild population did not significantly change post-translocation, while the reintroduced-wild population exhibited a significant decrease and the captive-bred population a significant increase. Individuals in lower body condition had the highest FGMs in both wild-type populations, whereas the captive-bred population showed the opposite relationship. There was no difference in FGMs between the sexes. Our work highlights that physiological responses after translocation may not be uniform and source population history is an important factor to be considered, emphasizing the need for novel ideas that facilitate successful adaptation. By better understanding how species and individuals respond to translocation, we can improve translocation outcomes.
Structural and optical properties of the Ag

n

–tyrosine complexes (
n
= 3−12): a density functional theory study
Authors: Balan José Luis , Morato-Márquez José Aminadat , Torres-Torres José Gilberto , Cabellos José Luis , Ortiz-Chi Filiberto
Published: December 2023

We study the optical properties of Ag

n

(
n
= 3–12) neutral clusters and their coordination with a tyrosine (Tyr) molecule. A global search strategy coupled with density functional theory (DFT) computations explored the potential energy surface. Adsorption energy calculations predicted that Tyr coordination stabilizes the metal clusters, favouring the Ag

n

−Tyr complexes with an even number of silver atoms. For the Ag

n

low-lying isomers, the general shape and the major transitions of the calculated time dependent-DFT (TD-DFT) absorption spectra align with those of previous reports measured in an argon environment. We use the analysis of non-covalent interactions to identify the specific interactions between each silver cluster and functional groups of Tyr. The TD-DFT absorption spectra for the Ag

n

−Tyr complexes showed that Tyr significantly modifies the optical properties of the coordinated silver clusters and affects the smaller systems to a greater extent. The optical absorption results of the bare Ag

n

clusters and the Ag

n

−Tyr complexes are compared and discussed in detail.
Sexual dimorphism in aipysurine sea snakes (Elapidae, Hydrophiinae)
Authors: Shine R. , Shine T. G. , Brown G. P. , Udyawer V.
Published: December 2023

The transition from terrestrial to aquatic life by hydrophiine elapid snakes modified targets of natural selection and likely affected sexual selection also. Thus, the shift to marine life also might have affected sexual dimorphism. Our measurements of 419 preserved specimens of six species of aipysurine snakes (genera
Emydocephalus
and
Aipysurus
) revealed sexual dimorphism in mean adult snout–vent length (SVL), body width relative to SVL, lengths and widths of heads and tails relative to SVL, and eye diameter relative to head length. Females averaged larger than males in all taxa, and generally were wider-bodied with shorter and wider tails and smaller eyes. For other traits, sexual dimorphism varied among species: for example, relative head length ranged from male-biased to female-biased, and head shape (width relative to length) was highly dimorphic only in
A. laevis
. The transition to marine life may have eliminated male–male combat (reducing selection for large males) and favoured visual rather than pheromone-based mate-searching (favouring larger eyes in males). Variation in head-size dimorphism may reflect intersexual niche partitioning, with different taxa following different trajectories. Repeated evolutionary transitions from terrestrial to aquatic life in snakes provide a powerful opportunity to explore selective forces on sexually dimorphic traits.
Hole interactions of aerogen oxides with Lewis bases: an insight into σ-hole and lone-pair-hole interactions
Authors: Ibrahim Mahmoud A. A. , Shehata Mohammed N. I. , Abuelliel Hassan A. A. , Moussa Nayra A. M. , Sayed Shaban R. M. , Ahmed Muhammad Naeem , Abd El-Rahman Mohamed K. , Dabbish Eslam , Shoeib Tamer
Published: December 2023

σ-Hole and lone-pair (lp)-hole interactions of aerogen oxides with Lewis bases (LB) were comparatively inspected in terms of quantum mechanics calculations. The ZO
n
⋯ LB complexes (where Z = Kr and Xe,
n
= 1, 2, 3 and 4, and LB = NH
3
and NCH) showed favourable negative interaction energies. The complexation features were explained in light of σ-hole and lp-hole interactions within optimum distances lower than the sum of the respective van der Waals radii. The emerging findings outlined that σ-hole interaction energies generally enhanced according to the following order: KrO
4
⋯ < KrO⋯ < KrO
3
⋯ < KrO
2
⋯LB and XeO
4
⋯ < XeO⋯ < XeO
2
⋯ < XeO
3
⋯LB complexes with values ranging from –2.23 to –12.84 kcal mol
−1
. Lp-hole interactions with values up to –5.91 kcal mol
−1
were shown. Symmetry-adapted perturbation theory findings revealed the significant contributions of electrostatic forces accounting for 50–65% of the total attractive forces within most of the ZO
n
⋯LB complexes. The obtained observations would be useful for the understanding of hole interactions, particularly for the aerogen oxides, with application in supramolecular chemistry and crystal engineering.
Pre-fertilization gamete thermal environment influences reproductive success, unmasking opposing sex-specific responses in Atlantic salmon (
Salmo salar
)
Authors: Graziano Marco , Solberg Monica F. , Glover Kevin A. , Vasudeva Ramakrishnan , Dyrhovden Lise , Murray David , Immler Simone , Gage Matthew J. G.
Published: December 2023

The environment gametes perform in just before fertilization is increasingly recognized to affect offspring fitness, yet the contributions of male and female gametes and their adaptive significance remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigated gametic thermal plasticity and its effects on hatching success and embryo performance in Atlantic salmon (
Salmo salar
). Eggs and sperm were incubated overnight at 2°C or 8°C, temperatures within the optimal thermal range of this species. Crosses between warm- and cold-incubated gametes were compared using a full-factorial design, with half of each clutch reared in cold temperatures and the other in warm temperatures. This allowed disentangling single-sex interaction effects when pre-fertilization temperature of gametes mismatched embryonic conditions. Pre-fertilization temperature influenced hatch timing and synchrony, and matching sperm and embryo temperatures resulted in earlier hatching. Warm incubation benefited eggs but harmed sperm, reducing the hatching success and, overall, gametic thermal plasticity did not enhance offspring fitness, indicating vulnerability to thermal changes. We highlight the sensitivity of male gametes to higher temperatures, and that gamete acclimation may not effectively buffer against deleterious effects of thermal fluctuations. From an applied angle, we propose the differential storage of male and female gametes as a tool to enhance sustainability within the hatcheries.
The adaptive significance of large size at birth in marine snakes
Authors: Shine Richard , Meiri Shai , Shine Terri G. , Brown Gregory P. , Goiran Claire
Published: December 2023

Evolutionary shifts from one habitat type to another can clarify selective forces that affect life-history attributes. Four lineages of snakes (acrochordids and three clades within the Elapidae) have invaded marine habitats, and all have larger offspring than do terrestrial snakes. Predation by fishes on small neonates offers a plausible selective mechanism for that shift, because ascending to breathe at the ocean surface exposes a marine snake to midwater predation whereas juvenile snakes in terrestrial habitats can remain hidden. Consistent with this hypothesis, snake-shaped models moving through a coral-reef habitat in New Caledonia attracted high rates of attack by predatory fishes, and small models (the size of neonatal terrestrial snakes) were attacked more frequently than were large models (the size of neonatal sea snakes). Vulnerability to predatory fishes may have imposed strong selection for increased offspring size in marine snakes.
Behavioural responses of fin whales to military mid-frequency active sonar
Authors: Southall Brandon L. , Allen Ann N. , Calambokidis John , Casey Caroline , DeRuiter Stacy L. , Fregosi Selene , Friedlaender Ari S. , Goldbogen Jeremy A. , Harris Catriona M. , Hazen Elliott L. , Popov Valentin , Stimpert Alison K.
Published: December 2023

The effect of active sonars on marine mammal behaviour is a topic of considerable interest and scientific investigation. Some whales, including the largest species (blue whales,
Balaenoptera musculus
), can be impacted by mid-frequency (1–10 kHz) military sonars. Here we apply complementary experimental methods to provide the first experimentally controlled measurements of behavioural responses to military sonar and similar stimuli for a related endangered species, fin whales (
Balaenoptera physalus
). Analytical methods include: (i) principal component analysis paired with generalized additive mixed models; (ii) hidden Markov models; and (iii) structured expert elicitation using response severity metrics. These approaches provide complementary perspectives on the nature of potential changes within and across individuals. Behavioural changes were detected in five of 15 whales during controlled exposure experiments using mid-frequency active sonar or pseudorandom noise of similar frequency, duration and source and received level. No changes were detected during six control (no noise) sequences. Overall responses were more limited in occurrence, severity and duration than in blue whales and were less dependent upon contextual aspects of exposure and more contingent upon exposure received level. Quantifying the factors influencing marine mammal responses to sonar is critical in assessing and mitigating future impacts.
Electrosteric, van der Waals and elastic interaction of polyelectrolyte hydrogels
Authors: Hill Reghan J.
Published: December 2023

The electrosteric interaction energy for a charged hydrogel and hard plane, and between two charged hydrogels is derived in the Debye–Hückel approximation. This is combined with a van der Waals potential that explicitly addresses the Hamaker constant for the solvent-mediated hydrogel interactions. Then, in the Derjaguin approximation, DLVO-type interaction potentials are provided for hydrogel and hard/rigid spheres, accounting for elastic deformation that accompanies adhesion. As examples, this furnishes the energy for cohesion of soft polyelectrolyte microspheres, and provides a quantitative interpretation for the adhesion of rigid latex spheres to a soft deformable hydrogel, as reported by Sato
et al.
(Sato
et al.
2017
Sci. Rep.
7
, 1–10 (
doi:10.1038/s41598-017-06257-1
)). The theory demonstrates that weak van der Waals attraction of hydrogels is readily balanced by electrosteric interactions, e.g. making colloidal hydrogel dispersions less stable than their rigid-particulate counterparts.
Going round the bend: reflection and transmission of long waves by waveguide corners and labyrinths
Authors: Martin P. A.
Published: December 2023

Long-wave asymptotic approximations are developed for two-dimensional acoustic waves along rigid ducts. The waves are scattered by obstacles, constrictions, bulges and/or bends. Matched asymptotic expansions are used, requiring the calculation of blockage coefficients, which are defined in terms of the solution of related potential-flow problems. The emphasis is on estimating reflection and transmission coefficients, correct to first order in the ratio of the waveguide width to the wavelength. Detailed results are given for sharp bends of arbitrary angle, including right-angled bends and hairpin bends. Applications to multiple scattering by labyrinthine structures are also made.
Still air resistance during walking and running
Authors: Pecchiari Matteo M. , Legramandi Mario A. , Gibertini Giuseppe , Cavagna Giovanni A.
Published: December 2023

In everyday life during terrestrial locomotion our body interacts with two media opposing the forward movement of the body: the ground and the air. Whereas the work done to overcome the ground reaction force has been extensively studied, the work done to overcome still air resistance has been only indirectly estimated by means of theoretical studies and by measurements of the force exerted on puppets simulating the geometry of the human body. In this study, we directly measured the force exerted by still air resistance on eight male subjects during walking and running on an instrumented treadmill with a belt moving at the same speed of a flow of laminar air facing the subject. Overall, the coefficient of proportionality between drag and velocity squared (
A
eff
) was smaller during running than walking. During running
A
eff
decreased progressively with increasing average velocity up to an apparently constant, velocity independent value, similar to that predicted in the literature using indirect methods. A predictive equation to estimate drag as a function of the speed and the height of the running subject is provided.
Functional plasticity of the swim bladder as an acoustic organ for communication in a vocal fish
Authors: Rogers Loranzie S. , Lozier Nicholas R. , Sapozhnikova Yulia P. , Diamond Kelly M. , Davis Julian Ly , Sisneros Joseph A.
Published: December 2023

Teleost fishes have evolved a number of sound-producing mechanisms, including vibrations of the swim bladder. In addition to sound production, the swim bladder also aids in sound reception. While the production and reception of sound by the swim bladder has been described separately in fishes, the extent to which it operates for both in a single species is unknown. Here, using morphological, electrophysiological and modelling approaches, we show that the swim bladder of male plainfin midshipman fish (
Porichthys notatus
) exhibits reproductive state-dependent changes in morphology and function for sound production and reception. Non-reproductive males possess rostral ‘horn-like’ swim bladder extensions that enhance low-frequency (less than 800 Hz) sound pressure sensitivity by decreasing the distance between the swim bladder and inner ear, thus enabling pressure-induced swim bladder vibrations to be transduced to the inner ear. By contrast, reproductive males display enlarged swim bladder sonic muscles that enable the production of advertisement calls but also alter swim bladder morphology and increase the swim bladder to inner ear distance, effectively reducing sound pressure sensitivity. Taken together, we show that the swim bladder exhibits a seasonal functional plasticity that allows it to effectively mediate both the production and reception of sound in a vocal teleost fish.
Single cell discovery of m6A RNA modifications in the hippocampus
Authors: Feng Shuangshuang , Tellaetxe-Abete Maitena , Zhang Yujie , Peng Yan , Zhou Han , Larrea Erika , Xue Liang , Zhang Li , Koziol Magdalena J.
Published: December 2023

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a prevalent and highly regulated RNA modification essential for RNA metabolism and normal brain function. It is particularly important in the hippocampus, where m6A is implicated in neurogenesis and learning. Although extensively studied, its presence in specific cell types remain poorly understood. We investigated m6A in the hippocampus at the single cell level, revealing a comprehensive landscape of m6A modifications within individual cells. Our data also identifies transcripts which have high m6A density and are associated with brain diseases. Our data suggests that m6A containing transcripts might be of particular importance forCamk2aneurons. Overall, this work provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying hippocampal physiology and lays the foundation for future studies investigating the dynamic nature of m6A RNA methylation in the healthy and diseased brain.
Ursodeoxycholic acid and severe COVID-19 outcomes in people with liver disease: a cohort study using the OpenSAFELY platform
Authors: Costello Ruth E , Jean Waller Karen Maree , Smith Rachel , Mells George F , Wong Angel YS , Schultze Anna , Mahalingasivam Viyaasan , Herrett Emily , Zheng Bang , Lin Liang-Yu , Mehrkar Amir , Bacon Sebastian CJ , Goldacre Ben , Tomlinson Laurie A , Tazare John , Rentsch Christopher T ,   the OpenSAFELY collaborative and the LH&W NCS (or CONVALESCENCE) Collaborative
Published: December 2023

Biological evidence suggests ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) - a common treatment of cholestatic liver disease - may prevent severe COVID-19 outcomes. With the approval of NHS England, we conducted a population-based cohort study using primary care records, linked to death registration data and hospital records through the OpenSAFELY-TPP platform. We estimated the hazard of COVID-19 hospitalisation or death between 1 March 2020 and 31 December 2022, comparing UDCA treatment to no UDCA treatment in a population with indication. Of 11,320 eligible individuals, 642 were hospitalised or died with COVID-19 during follow-up, 402 (63%) events among UDCA users. After confounder adjustment, UDCA was associated with a 21% (95% CI 7%-33%) relative reduction in the hazard of COVID-19 hospitalisation or death, consistent with an absolute risk reduction of 1.3% (95% CI 1.0%-1.6%). Our findings support calls for clinical trials investigating UDCA as a preventative measure for severe COVID-19 outcomes.
The complement pattern recognition molecule CL-11 promotes invasion and injury of respiratory epithelial cells by SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Polycarpou Anastasia , Wagner-Gamble Tara , Greenlaw Roseanna , O’ Neill Lauren A. , Khan Hataf , Malim Michael , Romano Marco , Smolarek Dorota , Doores Katie , Wallis Russell , Klavinskis Linda S. , Sacks Steven
Published: December 2023

Collectin-11 is a soluble C-type lectin produced at epithelial surfaces to initiate pathogen elimination by complement. Given the respiratory epithelium is a source of CL-11 and downstream complement-pathway components, we investigated the potential of CL-11 to impact the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2. While the SARS-CoV-2 spike trimer could bind CL-11 and trigger complement activation followed by MAC formation, the virus was resistant to lysis. Surprisingly, virus production by infected respiratory epithelial cells was enhanced by CL-11 opsonisation of virus but this effect was fully inhibited by sugar-blockade of CL-11. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein expressed at the bronchial epithelial cell surface was associated with increased CL-11 binding and MAC formation. We propose that SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity is exacerbated both by resistance to complement and CL-11 driven respiratory cell invasion and injury at the portal of entry. Contrary to expectation, CL-11 blockade could offer a novel approach to limit the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2.
“Mesenchymal Osr1+ cells regulate embryonic lymphatic vessel formation”
Authors: Vallecillo-García Pedro , Kühnlein Mira Nicola , Orgeur Mickael , Hansmeier Nils Rouven , Kotsaris Georgios , Timmermann Bernd , Giesecke-Thiel Claudia , Hägerling René , Stricker Sigmar
Published: December 2023

The lymphatic system is formed during embryonic development by the commitment of specialized lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and their subsequent assembly in primary lymphatic vessels. While lymphatic cells are in continuous contact with mesenchymal cells during development and in adult tissues, the role of mesenchymal cells in lymphatic vasculature development remains poorly characterized. Here, we show that a subpopulation of mesenchymal cells expressing the transcription factorOsr1are in close association with migrating LECs and established lymphatic vessels in mice. Lineage tracing experiments revealed that Osr1+ cells precede LEC arrival during lymphatic vasculature assembly in the back of the embryo. Using Osr1-deficient embryos and functionalin vitroassays, we show thatOsr1acts in a non-cell autonomous manner controlling proliferation and early migration of LECs to peripheral tissues. Thereby, mesenchymal Osr1+ cells control in a bimodal manner the production of extracellular matrix scaffold components and signal ligands critical for lymphatic vessels formation.
Increased blood–brain barrier leakage in schizophrenia spectrum disorders compared to healthy controls in dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Moussiopoulou Joanna , Yakimov Vladislav , Rauchmann Boris-Stephan , Toth Hannah , Melcher Julian , Jäger Iris , Lutz Isabel , Kallweit Marcel , Papazov Boris , Seelos Klaus , Dehsarvi Amir , Röll Lukas , Campana Mattia , Raabe Florian , Maurus Isabel , Falkai Peter , Hasan Alkomiet , Franzmeier Nicolai , Keeser Daniel , Wagner Elias
Published: December 2023

Background

There is growing evidence for inflammatory mechanisms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) that have been associated with blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Previous studies investigating the BBB in SSD focused on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers, that cannot adequately assess BBB integrity. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) represents a sensitive method for investigating subtle barrier breakdown in vivo. So far, only one pilot study has investigated BBB breakdown in SSD with DCE-MRI, in a relatively small cohort. We hypothesized higher leakage in SSD compared to HC, indicative of a clinical sub-phenotype of SSD.

Methods

Forty-one people with SSD and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) were included in the final analyses of the cross-sectional study. DCE-MRI, clinical characterization, cognitive assessments, blood and CSF analyses were conducted. The volume transfer constant Ktranswas calculated with pharmacokinetic modelling (Patlak method), to estimate the rate of contrast agent transfer between blood and the brain’s extravascular space. Ktransmaps were compared between the groups to detect group differences in BBB leakage. Within the SSD cohort, the association between leakage and clinical characteristics was investigated with linear regression analyses.

Results

Group comparisons of Ktransmaps showed higher leakage in SSD compared to HC on a whole brain level. The effect was more pronounced in first episode compared to multiple episode psychosis. No association was detected between leakage and measures of cognition, psychopathology, peripheral inflammation and albumin CSF/serum ratio.

Discussion

This is the largest study to date investigating the BBB in SSD with DCE-MRI in a multimodal approach, allowing direct exploration of the BBB, compared to a HC group. The integrity of the BBB is crucial for maintaining the brain’s microenvironment, and its disruption could be associated with potential immune system abnormalities. The results of this study provide the first in vivo evidence of higher BBB leakage on a whole brain level compared to HC. The disruption of the BBB in SSD, as detected through DCE-MRI, may provide insights into the disease’s mechanisms and potential for targeted treatments. Further research in this area may clarify specific biological disease mechanisms and identify new therapeutic targets.
Single-cell RNAseq reveals the pro-regenerative role of senescent FAPs in muscle regeneration
Authors: Chen Cheng , Saclier Marielle , Chantrel Jérémy , Mella Sébastian , Chiche Aurélie , Li Han
Published: December 2023

Muscle regeneration is associated with transient induction of cellular senescence. However, the role of senescence in muscle regeneration of young mice remains unclear. Using a mouse model deficient in both Cdkn1a and Cdkn2a, we find that a marked reduction in senescent cells correlates with delayed muscle regeneration. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals a heterogeneous senescence program composing of multiple cell types. Notably, senescent fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) upregulate Mcl-1 to acquire apoptosis resistance. Moreover, removing senescent FAPs using a Mcl-1 inhibitor S63845 impairs muscle regeneration. Furthermore, we find that senescent FAPs promotes myogenic differentiation in a paracrine manner. Hence, these results highlight the beneficial role of senescent stromal cells in supporting muscle regeneration.