bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Mediterranean diet improves glycation markers in healthy people and in those with chronic diseases: a systematic review of clinical trials
Authors: Oliveira Julia S , da Silva Jessica A , de Freitas Brenda V M , Alfenas Rita C G , Bressan Josefina
Published: May 2024

Context

Consumption of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has beneficial effects on cardiometabolic health and aging.

Objective

This systematic review aimed to critically investigate the effect of the MedDiet on glycation markers in healthy or overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched, using the terms “Mediterranean diet” AND “glycation end products, advanced”.

Data Extraction

Three randomized and 3 nonrandomized clinical trials, containing data on 2935 adult and elderly individuals with normal weight or overweight, were included. All extracted data were compiled, compared, and critically analyzed.

Data Analysis

The authors of most of the studies demonstrated a reduction in serum concentrations of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), such as εN-carboxymethyllysine and methylglyoxal, and in skin autofluorescence levels after at least 4 weeks of adherence to the MedDiet. The MedDiet also led to positive effects on gene expression of receptors for AGEs, as RAGE and AGER1, and an enzyme involved in detoxification (glyoxalase I). There is no evidence that short-term adherence affects glycation markers.

Conclusions

Glycation markers improved in response to the MedDiet. The possible mechanisms involved may be related to the low AGE and refined sugars content of the diet, as well as its high monounsaturated fatty acid, phenolic compound, and dietary fiber contents.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021284006.
Antifungals in Patients With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Clinical Implications
Authors: Kriegl Lisa , Hatzl Stefan , Schilcher Gernot , Zollner-Schwetz Ines , Boyer Johannes , Geiger Christina , Hoenigl Martin , Krause Robert
Published: May 2024

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving technique used in critical care medicine for patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure. This review examines the treatment and prophylaxis of fungal infections in ECMO patients, proposing specific regimens based on available data for different antifungals (azoles, echinocandins, amphotericin B/liposomal amphotericin B) and invasive fungal infections. Currently, isavuconazole and posaconazole have the most supported data, while modified dosages of isavuconazole are recommended in ECMO. Echinocandins are preferred for invasive candidiasis. However, choosing echinocandins is challenging due to limited and varied data on concentration loss in the ECMO circuit. Caution is likewise advised when using liposomal amphotericin B due to uncertain concentrations and potential ECMO dysfunction based on scarce data. We further conclude with the importance of further research on the impact of ECMO on antifungal drug concentrations to optimize dosing regimens in critically ill patients.
Clinical actionability of BRCA2 alterations in uterine leiomyosarcoma: a molecular tumor board case report and a cBioPortal comprehensive analysis
Authors: Boscolo Bielo Luca , Repetto Matteo , Crimini Edoardo , Belli Carmen , Setola Elisabetta , Parma Gabriella , Fusco Nicola , Barberis Massimo , Guerini Rocco Elena , Marra Antonio , Colombo Nicoletta , Curigliano Giuseppe
Published: May 2024

Background

Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) represents one of the most common sarcoma histotypes, demonstrating an overall dismal prognosis. Previous studies reported uLMS to carry recurrent somatic BRCA2 homozygous deletions, related to significant clinical benefits from the use of PARP inhibitors.

Methods

To investigate the prevalence in uLMS of genomic alterations (alt) in BRCA2 and other homologous recombination (HR) and DNA damage response (DDR) genes, cBioPortal was accessed and data were retrieved from studies including pan-sarcoma histologies. HR-/DDR-genes included BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, BARD1, BRIP1, CHEK1, CHEK2, FANCA, FANCB, FANCC, FANCD2, FANCE, FANCF, FANCG, FANCI, FANCL, FANCM, NBN, PALB2, RAD51C, RAD51D, RAD50, and ATR. Only oncogenic/likely oncogenic alterations were included according to OncoKB.

Clinical Report and Results

We reported a clinical case of a patient affected by a highly pretreated uLMS discussed at the European Institute of Oncology Molecular Tumor Board. A targeted next-generation sequencing panel demonstrated a somatic BRCA2 homozygous deletion (homDel). Upon access to Niraparib, a remarkable response of 15 months was observed before experiencing disease progression. In the genomic query, among 2393 cases, uLMS (n = 193) displayed 9 of all 31 BRCA2alt observed, representing the only sarcoma histotype showing an enrichment in BRCA2alt (4.66%; q < 0.001). All of 9 BRCA2alt were represented by homDel, which related to a high fraction of genome altered.

Conclusion

uLMS displays a significant frequency of somatic BRCA2alt homDel. Considering their dismal prognosis, further investigation is warranted to test the use of PARPi in uLMS, and particularly in the setting of BRCA1/2 alterations.
Hirundo rustica (Barn Swallows) and Tachycineta bicolor (Tree Swallows) select wetlands in agriculturally intensive landscapes, as revealed by GPS tracking
Authors: Harris Mercy E , Hobson Keith A , Morrissey Christy A
Published: May 2024

Aerial insectivorous birds breeding in North America have experienced decades of population declines for reasons hypothesized to be related to changes in their insect prey. In agricultural landscapes, land management practices can affect insect communities, leading to concerns that ongoing trends toward more intensive cultivation could affect the ability of farmland-breeding aerial insectivores to forage and provision their offspring with aerial insect prey. To understand how differences in agricultural intensity may affect the foraging behavior of different aerial insectivore species, we used GPS tags to compare the movements and habitat use of 2 species with different foraging ecologies, Hirundo rustica (Barn Swallow) and Tachycineta bicolor (Tree Swallow), breeding at 17 sites in agricultural landscapes in Saskatchewan, Canada. Although we identified differences in foraging behavior consistent with each species’ reported ecological traits, including T. bicolor foraging farther and over larger areas than H. rustica, overall foraging behavior was similar between species. Resource selection function analyses indicated that both species used wetlands disproportionately often relative to local wetland availability, especially when detected farther from their nests. Hirundo rustica and T. bicolor both also avoided cropped foraging habitat, using it proportionally less than it was locally available. In landscapes with greater wetland cover, both species selected for wetland habitat more strongly, and among T. bicolor, higher wetland density decreased maximum foraging distance and home range area. In contrast, we found no effect of crop cover on foraging habitat selection or foraging movements. These findings suggest that H. rustica and T. bicolor breeding in Saskatchewan agroecosystems share similar foraging strategies, with wetland habitats appearing to be highly important despite comprising only a small proportion of landscape area. Overall, these results indicate that protecting wetland habitats should be a priority for aerial insectivore conservation in the intensive agricultural landscapes such as the Canadian prairies.
Disjoint Dunford–Pettis-Type Properties in Banach Lattices
Authors: Botelho Geraldo , Luiz José Lucas P , Miranda Vinícius C C
Published: May 2024

New characterizations of the disjoint Dunford–Pettis property of order p (disjoint DPPp) are proved and applied to show that a Banach lattice of cotype p has the disjoint DPPp whenever its dual has this property. The disjoint Dunford–Pettis$^*$ property of order p (disjoint $DP^*P_p$) is thoroughly investigated. Close connections with the positive Schur property of order p, with the disjoint DPPp, with the p-weak $DP^*$ property and with the positive $DP^*$ property of order p are established. In a final section, we study the polynomial versions of the disjoint DPPp and of the disjoint $DP^*P_p$.
Effect of extended days on feed on carcass gain, efficiency, and quality of individually fed beef steers
Authors: Sperber Jessica L , Bondurant Robby G , Erickson Galen E , Bruns Kelly , Funston Rick N , MacDonald Jim C
Published: May 2024

Crossbred steers (n = 114, initial BW = 334 kg; SEM = 5 kg) were serially harvested to evaluate the change in carcass composition by feeding cattle 21 or 42 d longer than the 2014 industry average subjective measure of finish, 1.27 cm of 12th rib fat thickness. Carcass ultrasound measurements were collected on 76 steers at 1, 78, and 134 days on feed (DOF) to project appropriate harvest date. Steers were sorted into three harvest groups, and serially harvested at 142, 163, or 185 DOF, with the first harvest date selected based on an estimated 12th rib fat thickness of 1.27 cm via ultrasound measurement. Steers were fed using an individual animal feeding system, to determine individual performance metrics. Steer DMI did not differ (P ≥ 0.31) between harvest groups, while carcass-adjusted ADG and G:F decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.04) as DOF increased. Carcass weight increased linearly (P < 0.01) as DOF increased from 142 to 185 DOF, with steers gaining an additional 36 kg of HCW when fed an additional 42 DOF. Carcass LM area quadratically increased (P = 0.04) to 163 DOF and remained constant to 185 DOF. Marbling score was not different (P = 0.14) between harvest groups; however, the opportunity to grade USDA Premium Choice was improved for steers fed to 185 DOF. Calculated YG and 12th rib fat thickness increased linearly (P < 0.01) as DOF increased, with distributions across YG 1 through 5 differing between harvest groups (P < 0.01), and 185-d carcasses having the greatest frequency of YG 4 carcasses. As cattle are fed for additional DOF, live ADG and G:F decline, while HCW and LM area increase.
The usefulness of patient-reported outcome measures in decision making in Chagas cardiomyopathy: a scoping review
Authors: Silva Whesley Tanor , Silva Keity Lamary Souza , Xavier Diego Mendes , Ribeiro Ávila Matheus , de Oliveira Lucas Frois Fernandes , Colicchio Vittor de Moura , de Almeida Igor Lucas Geraldo Izalino , Bastone Alessandra de Carvalho , Alcantara Marcus Alessandro , Lacerda Ana Cristina Rodrigues , Lima Vanessa Pereira , de Oliveira Luciano Fonseca Lemos , Mediano Mauro Felippe Felix , Figueiredo Pedro Henrique Scheidt , Costa Henrique Silveira
Published: May 2024

Chagas cardiomyopathy (ChC) presents many biopsychosocial complexities, highlighting the need to have patient self-report questions. This study demonstrates the scope of the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients with ChC and highlights the main research gaps. This is a scoping review and the search strategy was performed in the Online Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (MEDLINE), Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE), Accumulated Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Central, Latin American Literature and Caribbean in Health Sciences (LILACS) and Diagnostic Test Accuracy (DITA). The search identified 4484 studies and 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. The Short-Form of 36 items (SF-36) had potential prognostic value and the ability to identify systolic dysfunction. The Human Activity Profile was able to screen for functional impairment, and the New York Heart Association showed potential prognostic value. The SF-36 and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire were responsive to interventions. The pharmaceutical care affected adherence to treatment as assessed by the Morisky score and also for SF-36. Despite the increased use of PROMs, there are still a large number of gaps in the literature, and further studies using PROMs are needed.
Comparing the effects of dual-task training and single-task training on walking, balance and cognitive functions in individuals with Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review
Authors: Lin Xiaoying , Zhang Yanming , Zhang Xiaowei , Chen Xi , Liu Jianhua , Yang Lei , Pang Marco Yiu Chung
Published: May 2024

Background:

This systematic review aimed to examine whether dual-task (DT) training was superior to single-task (ST) training in improving DT walking, balance and cognitive functions for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods:

Literature search was performed in the following electronic databases: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Metstr covering inception to May 10, 2023. And in order to facilitate comparison across trials, we calculated the effect size (Hedges’ g) of gait, balance, cognitive, and other parameters under both ST and DT conditions, using the mean change score and standard deviation (SD) of change score of the experimental and control groups. Randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of DT motor and cognitive training in individuals with Parkinson’s disease were included for this systematic review.

Results:

A total of 214 participants recruited from six articles (actually five trials) were involved in this review. In terms of walking ability, only double support time and stride time variability showed significant between-group difference (Hedges’ g = 0.34, 0.18, respectively). Compared to ST training group, DT training group had a more improvement effect in laboratory balance measurement (Hedges’ g = 0.18, 1.25), but no significant improvement in clinical balance measurement. No significant between-group differences were observed, thus its training effect on cognitive function was inconclusive.

Conclusions:

The DT training failed to achieve promising results better than ST training in improving DT walking and balance functions for individuals with PD. Any firm conclusion cannot be drawn at present, due to the limited number of eligible publications. Larger sample size and high-quality studies are needed to investigate the effectiveness of DT training in individuals with PD.
Evaluation of a Scripture Integration Course for Christian Health Professions Faculty
Authors: Etcher LuAnn , Bauce Karen , Finger Reginald
Published: May 2024

The integration of Scripture in learning is an important focal element for education at Christian universities. A team of health professions faculty members from four universities belonging to the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities designed, developed, and facilitated a 9-week Scriptural Integration course for health professions faculty teaching at Christian universities. Participants completed the fully online asynchronous course, then completed a post-course survey. Survey responses help reveal what Christian university health professions faculty find useful and applicable in the integration of Scripture in learning.
Stroke risk assessment utility of C-reactive protein in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Alare Kehinde , Opanike Joshua , Adebayo Temidayo , Owonikoko Oladoja
Published: May 2024

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at an increased risk of developing ischemic thromboembolic stroke, which can increase the burden of such co-morbid states. Inflammation has been found to promote the formation of thrombus, which can serve as a source of an embolus that can be dislodged to the cerebral vessels causing ischemic stroke. It is important to assess the risk of stroke in patients with AF which led to the formation of the CHA2 DS2-VASc score which clinically predicts the risk of stroke in patients with AF. This article suggests the use of C-reactive protein as a better tool in the risk assessment of stroke in patients with AF.
Ferulic acid reduces inflammatory response induced by radiation through Sirt1-NLRP3 pathway
Authors: Nie Yao , Huang Mingyue , Yang Tingyu , Mei Yu , Zhang Huiting , Wei Xue , Gao Yue , Ma Zengchun
Published: May 2024

Objective:

A model of inflammatory damage was induced by radiation to investigate whether ferulic acid (FA) can reduce the inflammatory response through the Sirt1-NLRP3 inflammatory pathway. This will help discover radiation-protective drugs and elucidate the molecular mechanisms related to radiation-induced inflammatory damage.

Methods:

A mouse model of radiation-induced immunoinflammatory injury was established to verify the anti-inflammatory effects of FA in vivo. C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups, and 5 Gy whole-body irradiation was used for modeling. Mice were administered a gastric solvent, amifostine, or 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg FA daily for 12 days, consecutively, before irradiation. The serum of mice was collected 24 hour after irradiation to observe the content of inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The spleen and thymus tissues of mice were weighed and the organ index was calculated for pathological testing and immunofluorescence detection.

Results:

FA reduced the radiation-induced decrease in the spleen and thymus indices. FA significantly reduced the secretion of inflammatory factors in the serum and reversed the radiation-induced reduction in lymphocytes in the spleen and thymus of mice. FA activated Sirt1 and inhibited the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome to alleviate the inflammatory response.

Conclusions:

FA reduced radiation-induced inflammation in animals, possibly by activating Sirt1 and reducing nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome expression, thereby reducing the secretion of inflammatory factors.
Clinical and Optical Coherence Tomography Features of Subretinal Fibrin Glue after Glue-Assisted Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair. GUARD Study – Report 3:
Authors: Ramachandran Aiswarya , Sadda SriniVas , Tyagi Mudit
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

To highlight the clinical and optical coherence tomography (OCT) features of subretinal fibrin glue and its resolution over time in patients who have undergone glue- assisted retinopexy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachments (RRD).

Methods:

A report of 2 cases with subretinal migration of fibrin glue. Both the cases were assessed with clinical examination, serial fundus photos and serial OCT scans through the area of subretinal fibrin immediately after surgery, at 1 week, 2 weeks and at 6 weeks.

Results:

In both the cases of intraoperative subretinal glue migration during glue-assisted vitrectomy for RRD repair, the subretinal glue had a characteristic appearance and course of evolution. On examination and color photography, the glue had an amorphous whitish appearance with wispy edges. This corresponded to subretinal hyperreflective material (SHRM) on OCT with a layered appearance. By two weeks after surgery, the subretinal glue demonstrated substantial regression on retinal examination and on OCT scans. At 6 weeks visit, the entire glue was noted to be resorbed along with an intact photoreceptor outer segments/Ellipsoid Zone layer

Conclusion:

In summary, this report describes the clinical and OCT appearance of subretinal migration of fibrin glue. Subretinal fibrin appears whitish on examination and corresponds to layered SHRM without shadowing on OCT. It appears to resorb spontaneously within weeks with apparent recovery of the overlying photoreceptors.
Establishment and Verification of an Artificial Intelligence Prediction Model for Children With Sepsis
Authors: Wang Li , Wu Yu-Hui , Ren Yong , Sun Fan-Fan , Tao Shao-Hua , Lin Hong-Xin , Zhang Chuang-Sen , Tang Wen , Chen Zhuang-Gui , Chen Chun , Zhang Li-Dan
Published: May 2024

Background:

Early identification of high-risk groups of children with sepsis is beneficial to reduce sepsis mortality. This article used artificial intelligence (AI) technology to predict the risk of death effectively and quickly in children with sepsis in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Study Design:

This retrospective observational study was conducted in the PICUs of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from December 2016 to June 2019 and Shenzhen Children’s Hospital from January 2019 to July 2020. The children were divided into a death group and a survival group. Different machine language (ML) models were used to predict the risk of death in children with sepsis.

Results:

A total of 671 children with sepsis were enrolled. The accuracy (ACC) of the artificial neural network model was better than that of support vector machine, logical regression analysis, Bayesian, K nearest neighbor method and decision tree models, with a training set ACC of 0.99 and a test set ACC of 0.96.

Conclusions:

The AI model can be used to predict the risk of death due to sepsis in children in the PICU, and the artificial neural network model is better than other AI models in predicting mortality risk.
Statistical modeling of acute and chronic pain patient-reported outcomes obtained from ecological momentary assessment
Authors: Leroux Andrew , Crainiceanu Ciprian , Zeger Scott , Taub Margaret , Ansari Briha , Wager Tor D. , Bayman Emine , Coffey Christopher , Langefeld Carl , McCarthy Robert , Tsodikov Alex , Brummet Chad , Clauw Daniel J. , Edwards Robert R. , Lindquist Martin A. ,   ; A2CPS Consortium
Published: May 2024

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) allows for the collection of participant-reported outcomes (PROs), including pain, in the normal environment at high resolution and with reduced recall bias. Ecological momentary assessment is an important component in studies of pain, providing detailed information about the frequency, intensity, and degree of interference of individuals' pain. However, there is no universally agreed on standard for summarizing pain measures from repeated PRO assessment using EMA into a single, clinically meaningful measure of pain. Here, we quantify the accuracy of summaries (eg, mean and median) of pain outcomes obtained from EMA and the effect of thresholding these summaries to obtain binary clinical end points of chronic pain status (yes/no). Data applications and simulations indicate that binarizing empirical estimators (eg, sample mean, random intercept linear mixed model) can perform well. However, linear mixed-effect modeling estimators that account for the nonlinear relationship between average and variability of pain scores perform better for quantifying the true average pain and reduce estimation error by up to 50%, with larger improvements for individuals with more variable pain scores. We also show that binarizing pain scores (eg, <3 and ≥3) can lead to a substantial loss of statistical power (40%-50%). Thus, when examining pain outcomes using EMA, the use of linear mixed models using the entire scale (0-10) is superior to splitting the outcomes into 2 groups (<3 and ≥3) providing greater statistical power and sensitivity.
Probing white matter microstructure in youth with chronic pain and its relation to catastrophizing using neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging
Authors: Timmers Inge , Biggs Emma E. , Bruckert Lisa , Tremblay-McGaw Alexandra G. , Zhang Hui , Borsook David , Simons Laura E.
Published: May 2024

Chronic pain is common in young people and can have a major life impact. Despite the burden of chronic pain, mechanisms underlying chronic pain development and persistence are still poorly understood. Specifically, white matter (WM) connectivity has remained largely unexplored in pediatric chronic pain. Using diffusion-weighted imaging, this study examined WM microstructure in adolescents (age M = 15.8 years, SD = 2.8 years) with chronic pain (n = 44) compared with healthy controls (n = 24). Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging modeling was applied, and voxel-based whole-white-matter analyses were used to obtain an overview of potential alterations in youth with chronic pain and tract-specific profile analyses to evaluate microstructural profiles of tracts of interest more closely. Our main findings are that (1) youth with chronic pain showed widespread elevated orientation dispersion compared with controls in several tracts, indicative of less coherence; (2) signs of neurite density tract-profile alterations were observed in several tracts of interest, with mainly higher density levels in patients; and (3) several WM microstructural alterations were associated with pain catastrophizing in the patient group. Implicated tracts include both those connecting cortical and limbic structures (uncinate fasciculus, cingulum, anterior thalamic radiation), which were associated with pain catastrophizing, as well as sensorimotor tracts (corticospinal tract). By identifying alterations in the biologically informative WM microstructural metrics orientation dispersion and neurite density, our findings provide important and novel mechanistic insights for understanding the pathophysiology underlying chronic pain. Taken together, the data support alterations in fiber organization as a meaningful characteristic, contributing process to the chronic pain state.
The Future for Women’s and Gender-Related Healthcare for Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners
Authors: Paruchabutr Komkwuan P.
Published: May 2024

This commentary examines the future of women’s health and gender-related healthcare for Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners (WHNPs) within the framework of National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health’s (NPWH’s) mission and vision. Emphasizing the importance of addressing menopause, maternal health, and reproductive health, it discusses the significance of WHNP education, certification, and workforce contributions. Despite their critical role, challenges including recognition as maternity care providers and disseminating WHNP-specific outcomes remain. WHNPs play a vital role in providing comprehensive healthcare for women and gender diverse individuals. Guided by the mission and vision of the NPWH, WHNPs address key priority areas including menopause, maternal health, and reproductive health. However, challenges such as recognition as maternity care providers, publishing outcomes specific to WHNP practice, and collecting comprehensive workforce data persist. To advance women’s and gender-related healthcare, concerted efforts are needed to address challenges faced by WHNPs. This includes advocating for recognition within maternity care, promoting the dissemination of WHNP-specific research, and improving workforce data collection. By overcoming these challenges, WHNPs can continue to play a pivotal role in promoting the health and well-being of women and gender diverse individuals, shaping the future of women’s health and gender-related healthcare delivery.
Predictors of cardiovascular risk in familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Romero-Jiménez Manuel Jesús , Mansilla-Rodríguez María Elena
Published: May 2024

Purpose of review

Familial Hypercholesterolemia is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The current international guidelines of the main scientific societies consider that all people with familial hypercholesterolemia have a high or very high cardiovascular risk. However, the occurrence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is very heterogeneous in this population. Stratifying risk within people with familial hypercholesterolemia is essential to identify individuals who require intensive cholesterol-lowering therapies.

Recent findings

In the last year, several studies have been published focusing on the contribution of diabetes to familial hypercholesterolemia, the role of stroke, as a manifestation of atherosclerotic disease, and the external validation of the SAFEHEART risk equation in the English population diagnosed with Familial Hypercholesterolemia.

It is necessary the development of a tool that allows us to identify, in a simple, reproducible, and universal way, patients who may have a high risk of suffering a cardiovascular event and who are susceptible to more intensive treatments to reduce cholesterol levels.
Immediate Breast Reconstruction With Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap and Silicone Implant Followed by Adjuvant Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: D'Alessandro Gabriel Salum , Munhoz Alexandre Mendonça , Takeuchi Fabiana Midori , Povedano Alejandro , Sampaio Goes João Carlos
Published: May 2024

Background

About 30% to 50% of women with breast cancer undergo mastectomy, and approximately 50% of them will receive adjuvant radiotherapy (ART). This study evaluates the medium- and long-term impact of ART after immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous (LDM) flap and silicone implants.

Methods

Clinical, surgical, and oncological data were retrospectively collected and analyzed based on the medical records of 176 patients who had undergone IBR with LDM flap and silicone implants.

Results

The data showed that 7.4% of patients had a history of previous radiotherapy, 56.3% received ART, 31.8% developed capsular contracture with a mean follow-up of 58.1 months, and 14.2% of surgeries were categorized as procedures with a prolonged operating time, lasting above 1 SD of the observed mean. Those who experienced prolonged operating time (odds ratio, 4.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.72–12.93; P = 0.003) and those who received ART (odds ratio, 7.38; 95% confidence interval, 3.18–17.10; P < 0.001) were more likely to develop capsular contracture. Thirty-two patients (18%) underwent capsulectomy with implant replacement, and 7 patients (4%) had the implant removed. The mean time between IBR and reoperation was 29.1 months. Patients who received ART were 2.84 times more likely to experience reconstruction failure or undergo implant-related reoperation (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

The results indicated that IBR with LDM flap and silicone implant followed by ART is a safe procedure, resulting in low rates of reconstruction failure. However, ART increased the likelihood of capsular contracture development and implant-related reoperation, having a negative effect on reconstructed breasts.
Refinement of Surgery for Postaxial Polysyndactyly of the Toes
Authors: Ishikawa Kosuke , Furukawa Hiroshi , Yamamoto Yuhei , Funayama Emi , Miura Takahiro , Maeda Taku
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Treatment for polysyndactyly of the toes aims at cosmetic improvement but the lateroplantar rotation of the new fifth toe remains challenging. This study evaluated our novel surgical procedure for postaxial polysyndactyly of the toes.

Materials and Methods

Patients with postaxial polysyndactyly involving the fourth, fifth, and sixth toes treated in 2007 to 2017 with a minimum follow-up duration of 1 year were retrospectively investigated. Our aims of surgery for this condition were to avoid excessive lateroplantar rotation of the new fifth toe by using a proximally elongated plantar “shark-fin flap” and to make the tip of this toe appear to be naturally pointing inward by using the dog-ear component of the flap on the tip of the toe. The excess skin of the shark-fin flap was grafted onto the lateral surface of the fourth toe. Lateroplantar rotation of the fifth toe in these patients was compared with that in photographs of the feet of 96 normal 4-year-old children.

Results

A total of 11 feet in 10 patients (6 male, 4 female; mean age 1.3 years) were analyzed. Syndactyly between the fourth and fifth toes was complete in 3 feet, incomplete at the level of the distal interphalangeal joint of the fifth toe in 5, and incomplete at the level of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the fifth toe in 3. Lateroplantar rotation of the fifth toe, evaluated by the mean angle between 2 intersecting lines extending from the proximal nail fold of the third and fifth toes, was 25 ± 10° in normal feet and 0 ± 12° in operated feet with polysyndactyly. The absolute left-right difference in this angle was 7 ± 5° in normal children and 22 ± 12° in patients with polysyndactyly. Valgus deformity of the new fifth toe improved in all patients during a mean postoperative follow-up of 3.8 years.

Conclusions

Using our procedure, no excessive lateroplantar rotation has been observed when the tip of the fifth toe is inclined inward using a dog-ear flap component. This procedure could be useful in patients in whom the cosmetic outcome is a priority.
Quality-of-Life Outcomes in Oral Cancer Patients Reconstructed With Double Free Flaps
Authors: Dang Rushil R. , Lin Jennifer An-Jou , Hung Shao-Yu , Wei Fu-Chan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate quality of life (QOL) in patients with locally advanced oral cancer who underwent surgical resection followed by simultaneous double free flap reconstruction.

Methods

Institutional database was reviewed from 2015 to 2021 and prospectively collected University of Washington Quality of Life data that were extracted for patients who met the inclusion criteria. Mean, composite, and best percentage scores were computed. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to analyze differences between groups.

Results

Thirteen patients completed the assessment, all of them being male with a mean follow-up of 2.2 ± 1.2 years. Most common double free flap combination was fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap and anterolateral thigh flap (n = 11). Improvement in pain (P = 0.01) domain score with decline in speech (P = 0.01) and taste (P = 0.02) was noted along with an overall decline in QOL (P = 0.001) after cancer diagnosis. A decrease in physical function was seen postoperatively. Chewing and saliva were the most cited postoperative patient-reported domain affecting QOL.

Conclusions

In double free flap reconstructed patients, in the postoperative phase, pain scores improved, whereas speech and taste scores declined. The overall health-related QOL declined compared with before cancer diagnosis.
Association Between Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Use Mandate and Opioid Prescribing and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Surgery
Authors: Chua Kao-Ping , Nguyen Thuy D. , Brummett Chad M. , Bohnert Amy S. , Gunaseelan Vidhya , Englesbe Michael J. , Lee Stephanie , Waljee Jennifer F.
Published: May 2024

Objective:

To evaluate changes in opioid prescribing and patient-reported outcomes after surgery following implementation of Michigan’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) use mandate in June 2018.

Background:

Most states mandate clinicians to query prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) databases before prescribing controlled substances. Whether these PDMP use mandates affect opioid prescribing and patient-reported outcomes after surgery is unclear, especially among patients with elevated “Narx” scores, a risk score for overdose death used in most PDMPs.

Methods:

We conducted an interrupted time series analysis of a statewide surgical registry linked to Michigan’s PDMP database. Analyses included adults undergoing general surgical procedures during January 2017-October 2019. Outcomes included monthly mean days supplied in dispensed opioid prescriptions (those filled within 3 days of discharge) and monthly mean scores for 3 patient-reported outcomes (pain in the week after surgery, care satisfaction, regret undergoing surgery). Segmented regression models were used to assess for level and slope changes in outcomes in June 2018. Analyses were repeated among patients with Narx scores ≥200, a threshold that defines the top quartile.

Results:

Analyses included 21,897 patients. The mandate was associated with a -0.5 (95% CI: -0.8, -0.2) level decrease in mean days supplied in dispensed opioid prescriptions, but not with worsened patient-reported outcomes. Findings were similar among patients with Narx scores ≥200.

Conclusions:

Following implementation of Michigan’s PDMP use mandate, the duration of opioid prescriptions decreased, but patient-reported outcomes did not worsen. Findings suggest PDMP use mandates may not be associated with worsened experience among general surgical patients.
Chemo-enzymatic synthesis of bioactive compounds from traditional Chinese medicine and medicinal plants
Authors: Liu Shuang , Yang Shuo , Su Ping
Published: May 2024

The production of bioactive compounds from traditional Chinese medicine and medicinal plants mainly depends on the extraction and separation from medicinal materials, which is time-consuming, laborious, and requires large amounts of medicinal resources. As the market demand for bioactive compounds increases, the shortage of medicinal resources tops the list. For a stable and sustainable supply of affordable bioactive compounds, it is necessary to optimize chemosynthetic and biosynthetic pathways. Although some progress has been made in chemocatalysis and biosynthesis, there are drawbacks and bottlenecks in current approaches. We hold the opinion that the combination of chemosynthesis and biosynthesis will be the key direction to efficiently produce bioactive compounds. Chemo-enzymatic synthesis, a strategy that combines biosynthesis and chemosynthesis, is an alternative approach for the heterologous production of bioactive compounds. This paper reviews the recent advances in the chemo-enzymatic synthesis of bioactive compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicine and medicinal plants, highlights the potential application, and presents our perspectives for future research.
Caught in the act: the invasion of a viral vector changes viral prevalence and titre in native honeybees and bumblebees
Authors: Dobelmann Jana , Manley Robyn , Wilfert Lena
Published: May 2024

Novel transmission routes change pathogen landscapes and may facilitate disease emergence. The varroa mite is a virus vector that switched to western honeybees at the beginning of the last century, leading to hive mortality, particularly in combination with RNA viruses. A recent invasion of varroa on the French island of Ushant introduced vector-mediated transmission to one of the last varroa-naive native honeybee populations and caused rapid changes in the honeybee viral community. These changes were characterized by a drastic increase in deformed wing virus type B prevalence and titre in honeybees, as well as knock-on effects in bumblebees, particularly in the year following the invasion. Slow bee paralysis virus also appeared in honeybees and bumblebees, with a 1 year delay, while black queen cell virus declined in honeybees. This study highlights the rapid and far-reaching effects of vector-borne transmission that can extend beyond the directly affected host species, and that the direction of the effect depends on the pathogen’s virulence.
Individual-centralized seeding strategy for influence maximization in information-limited networks
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Xiaoqi , Wang Xi , Yan Li , Zhao Sinuo , Wang Zhen
Published: May 2024

Peer effects can directly or indirectly rely on interaction networks to drive people to follow ideas or behaviours triggered by a few individuals, and such effects can be largely improved by targeting the so-called influential individuals. In this article, we study the current most promising seeding strategy used in field experiments, the one-hop strategy, where the underlying interaction networks are generally too impractical or prohibitively expensive to be obtained, and propose an individual-centralized seeding approach to target influential seeds in information-limited networks. The presented strategy works by reasonable follow-up questions to respondents, such as
Who do you think has more connections/friends?
, and constructs the seeding set by those nodes with the most nominations. In this manner, the proposed method could acquire more information about the studied interaction network from the inference of respondents without surveying additional individuals. We evaluate our strategy on networks from various experimental datasets. Results show that the obtained seeds are much more influential compared to the one-hop strategy and other methods. We also show how the proposed approach could be implemented in field studies and potentially provide better interventions in real scenarios.
Assessing the hydromechanical control of plant growth
Authors: Laplaud Valentin , Muller Elise , Demidova Natalia , Drevensek Stéphanie , Boudaoud Arezki
Published: May 2024

Multicellular organisms grow and acquire their shapes through the differential expansion and deformation of their cells. Recent research has addressed the role of cell and tissue mechanical properties in these processes. In plants, it is believed that growth rate is a function of the mechanical stress exerted on the cell wall, the thin polymeric layer surrounding cells, involving an effective viscosity. Nevertheless, recent studies have questioned this view, suggesting that cell wall elasticity sets the growth rate or that uptake of water is limiting for plant growth. To assess these issues, we developed a microfluidic device to quantify the growth rates, elastic properties and hydraulic conductivity of individual
Marchantia polymorpha
plants in a controlled environment with a high throughput. We characterized the effect of osmotic treatment and abscisic acid on growth and hydromechanical properties. Overall, the instantaneous growth rate of individuals is correlated with both bulk elastic modulus and hydraulic conductivity. Our results are consistent with a framework in which the growth rate is determined primarily by the elasticity of the wall and its remodelling, and secondarily by hydraulic conductivity. Accordingly, the coupling between the chemistry of the cell wall and the hydromechanics of the cell appears as key to set growth patterns during morphogenesis.
Moving scientific knowledge from the laboratory to the theatre: Humphry Davy's Lecture practice at the Royal Institution, 1801–1812
Authors: James Frank A. J. L.
Published: May 2024

During the first decade of the nineteenth century, it was (almost) universally acknowledged that Humphry Davy's lectures at the Royal Institution on chemistry, electro-chemistry and geology, among other subjects, were by far the most attractive scientific spectacle in London. Much has been written about the popularity, the fashionability, the attractiveness and the patriotism (in time of war) of Davy's lectures. When Davy, aged 22, arrived in London in March 1801 he had never previously delivered a lecture, but within two months he had made his mark in the Royal Institution's new large lecture theatre, so much so that he immediately repeated his first course. How did his experimental demonstrations, full of spectacular sensory experience (noise, smell, light, touch) convey his scientific rhetoric? What resources, material and human, did he draw on? In this paper I will seek to understand how Davy constructed his practice as a lecturer and how it related to his chemical researches. As well as using Davy's lecture notes (now available through the Davy Notebooks Project), I will draw on the notes taken by some of his auditors, their comments in diaries and letters as well as administrative records and contemporary newspaper accounts.
Enhancement of growth media for extreme iron-limitation in Escherichia coli

Authors: Southwell James W , Wilson Keith S , Thomas Gavin H , Duhme-Klair Anne-Kathrin
Published: May 2024

Iron is an essential nutrient for microbial growth and bacteria have evolved numerous routes to solubilise and scavenge this biometal, which is often present at very low concentrations in host tissue. We recently used a MOPS-based medium to induce iron limitation in Escherichia coli  K-12 during the characterisation of novel siderophore conjugated antibiotics. In this study we confirm that growth media derived from commercially-available M9 salts are unsuitable for studies of iron-limited growth, likely through the contamination of the sodium phosphate buffer components with over 100 µM iron. In contrast, MOPS-based media that are treated with metal-binding Chelex® resin, allow the free iron concentration to be reduced to growth-limiting levels. Despite these measures a small amount of E. coli growth is still observed in these iron-depleted media. By growing E. coli in conditions that theoretically increase the demand for iron-dependent enzymes, namely by replacing the glucose carbon source for acetate and by switching to a microaerobic atmosphere, we can reduce background growth even further. Finally, we demonstrate that by adding an exogeneous siderophore to the growth media which is poorly used by E. coli, we can completely prevent growth, perhaps mimicking situation in host tissue. In conclusion, this short study provides practical experimental insight into low iron media and how to augment the growth conditions of E. coli for extreme iron-limited growth.
Analysis of auxin responses in the fernCeratopteris richardiiidentifies tissue ontogeny as a major determinant for response properties
Authors: Woudenberg Sjoerd , Alvarez Melissa Dipp , Rienstra Juriaan , Levitsky Victor , Mironova Victoria , Scarpella Enrico , Kuhn Andre , Weijers Dolf
Published: May 2024

The auxin signalling molecule regulates a range of plant growth and developmental processes. The core transcriptional machinery responsible for auxin-mediated responses is conserved across all land plants. Genetic, physiological and molecular exploration in bryophyte and angiosperm model species have shown both qualitative and quantitative differences in auxin responses. Given the highly divergent ontogeny of the dominant gametophyte (bryophytes) and sporophyte (angiosperms) generations, however, it is unclear whether such differences derive from distinct phylogeny or ontogeny. Here, we address this question by comparing a range of physiological, developmental and molecular responses to auxin in both generations of the model fernCeratopteris richardii. We find that auxin response in Ceratopteris gametophytes closely resembles that of a thalloid bryophyte, whereas the sporophyte mimics auxin response in flowering plants. This resemblance manifests both at phenotypic and transcriptional level. Furthermore, we show that disrupting auxin transport can lead to ectopic sporophyte induction on the gametophyte, suggesting a role for auxin in the alternation of generations. Our study thus identifies ontogeny, rather than phylogeny, as a major determinant of auxin response properties in land plants.

Summary statement

Studies in angiosperms and bryophytes have left unresolved the roles of tissue ontogeny and species phylogeny in auxin response. We address that problem by characterizing auxin response in a fern.
Live-cell single-molecule fluorescence microscopy for protruding organelles reveals regulatory mechanisms of MYO7A-driven cargo transport in stereocilia of inner ear hair cells
Authors: Miyoshi Takushi , Vishwasrao Harshad D. , Belyantseva Inna A. , Sajeevadathan Mrudhula , Ishibashi Yasuko , Adadey Samuel M. , Harada Narinobu , Shroff Hari , Friedman Thomas B.
Published: May 2024

Stereocilia are unidirectional F-actin-based cylindrical protrusions on the apical surface of inner ear hair cells and function as biological mechanosensors of sound and acceleration. Development of functional stereocilia requires motor activities of unconventional myosins to transport proteins necessary for elongating the F-actin cores and to assemble the mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) channel complex. However, how each myosin localizes in stereocilia using the energy from ATP hydrolysis is only partially understood. In this study, we develop a methodology for live-cell single-molecule fluorescence microscopy of organelles protruding from the apical surface using a dual-view light-sheet microscope, diSPIM. We demonstrate that MYO7A, a component of the MET machinery, traffics as a dimer in stereocilia. Movements of MYO7A are restricted when scaffolded by the plasma membrane and F-actin as mediated by MYO7A’s interacting partners. Here, we discuss the technical details of our methodology and its future applications including analyses of cargo transportation in various organelles.