bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternative atrial pacing site to improve cardiac function: focus on Bachmann’s bundle pacing
Authors: Cronin Edmond M , Vedage Natasha , Israel Carsten W
Published: September 2023

Pacing from the right atrial appendage (RAA) prolongs the P wave duration and can induce interatrial and especially left-sided atrio-ventricular dyssynchrony. Pacing from Bachmann’s bundle closely reproduces normal physiology and has the potential to avoid the electromechanical dysfunction associated with conventional RAA pacing. Interatrial conduction delay is associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, and death. In addition to a reduction in atrial fibrillation, Bachmann’s bundle pacing has emerging applications as a hemodynamic pacing modality. This review outlines the pathophysiology of atrial conduction disturbances and their potential remedies and provides the reader with a practical guide to implementing Bachmann’s bundle pacing with an emphasis on the recapitulation of normal electrical and mechanical function.
A consistent methodology for forensic photogrammetry scanning of human remains using a single handheld DSLR camera
Authors: Ujvári Zsolt , Metzger Máté , Gárdonyi Gergely
Published: September 2023

Due to increasingly capable algorithms and more available processing power, photogrammetry is becoming a simple, cheap, and accurate alternative to 3D optical surface scanning. With adequate application, it can be a swift documentation technique for reconstructing the geometry and body surface of deceased persons in autopsies or other forensic medical examinations. Sufficiently easy and swift 3D documentation techniques may allow 3D imaging technologies to become part of the daily routine of any forensic medical examiner or other medical personnel. This paper presents a consistent and systematic photographing methodology (as an alternative to automated or intuitive methods) for photogrammetry scanning of human remains. Although it requires manual photography, the methods presented in this paper offer a swift and easy way to capture an accurate 3D model of human remains under almost any conditions. Four different photographing procedures were tested on four subjects: (i) a systematic circular technique with 100 photos, (ii) a systematic circular technique with 50 photos, (iii) a technique loosely mimicking cameras mounted on a postmortem CT device with 98 photos, and (iv) a technique mimicking cameras mounted on a postmortem CT device with 49 photos. Measurement accuracy was tested with the aid of six adhesive control points placed at approximately the same locations on each subject. Five different distances defined by these control points were measured and compared to the measurements taken by hand. 3D photogrammetry meshes created using these techniques were also compared with point clouds acquired using a 3D laser scanner. We found that a carefully composed, tested, and systematic photographing procedure significantly improved the quality of the photogrammetry models. In terms of relative difference compared to the hand measurements, both Techniques 1 and 2 produced close results, with an average relative difference of 0.160% and 0.197% and a maximum relative difference of 0.481% and 0.481%, respectively, while models reconstructed from images taken using Techniques 3 and 4 seemed to be much less accurate, with an average relative difference of 0.398% and 0.391% and a maximum relative difference as high as 1.233% and 1.139%, respectively. This study highlights the importance of a scientifically tested methodology for obtaining high-quality 3D models in forensic applications.

Key points
Barriers to Transportation in Rural Communities: Perspective of Older Adult Users
Authors: Yu Jie , Liu Yue
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Rural older adults who require transportation assistance face more challenges than their urban counterparts. By focusing on a historically underserved population, this study examined specific barriers from the perspective of older adult users and explored potential policy and technology solutions.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted throughout rural Wisconsin to identify specific barriers to transportation, uncover personal factors associated with identified barriers, and measure causal relationships between identified barriers and travel satisfaction.

Results

A total of 580 older adult respondents from 92% of rural counties across the state provided clear answers regarding specific transportation barriers. Of these, 67.6% identified at least one barrier, but only 12.8% had stopped using transportation due to any identified barriers. Top barriers to accessing transportation included service hours, service areas, trip destinations, getting in/out of service vehicles, service reservations, and operational scheduling. Although specific barriers were associated with different sociodemographics, trip purposes, and frequency of transportation usage, logistic regression findings suggested that concerns about service hours, service areas, and service reservation were the only 3 major determinants driving rural older adults’ attitudes toward transportation usage.

Discussion

Rural older adults relying on transportation assistance have demonstrated diverse needs and constraints. Rural transportation could provide better support by extending service availability in terms of hours, areas, and destinations, improving door-to-door accessibility by providing “arm through arm” services, enhancing service responsiveness and reliability via age-friendly technology solutions, and implementing a sliding scale subsidy program that takes income level and trip frequency into account.
Social media users’ perceptions about health mis- and disinformation on social media
Authors: Stimpson Jim P , Ortega Alexander N
Published: September 2023

This study used recently released nationally representative data with new measures on health information seeking to estimate the prevalence and predictors of adult social media users’ perceptions of health mis- and disinformation on social media. Most adults who use social media perceive some (46%) or a lot (36%) of false or misleading health information on social media, but nearly one-fifth reported either none or a little (18%). More than two-thirds of participants reported that they were unable to assess social media information as true or false (67%). Our study identified certain population groups that might be a focus of future intervention work, such as participants who use social media to make decisions. The perception by social media users that false and misleading health information on social media is highly prevalent may lend greater urgency to mitigate the spread of false or misleading health information that harms public health.
1. Sociological theories of crime
Authors: Rock Paul
Published: September 2023

This chapter describes how the sociology of crime originally stemmed from professional and political preoccupations with the problems presented by the practical management of crime and punishment in the emerging British state of the early nineteenth century but then evolved and expanded in a rather unsystematic fashion over some two centuries into a semi-detached academic discipline that addresses the various ways in which social order, social control, and social representations of rule-breaking are said to affect the aetiology of crime. It has never stopped swelling, fragmenting, and proliferating, partly because of a tendency for new generations of scholars to forget the past (see Plummer 2011), and partly in response to the emergence of new data, new methodologies (such as randomized control trials), new empirical areas (such as the global South), and new theoretical possibilities and political preoccupations (such as violence against women and girls) and social and ecological problems (such as climate change).
2. Criminalization: Historical, legal, and criminological perspectives
Authors: Lacey Nicola , Zedner Lucia
Published: September 2023

This chapter examines the relationship between legal and criminological constructions of crime and explores how these have changed over time. The chapter sets out the conceptual framework of criminalization within which the two dominant constructions of crime—legal and criminological—are situated. It considers their respective contributions and the close relationship between criminal law and criminal justice. Using the framework of criminalization, the chapter considers the historical contingency of crime by examining its development over the past 300 years. It analyses the normative building blocks of contemporary criminal law to explain how crime is constructed in England and Wales today and it explores some of the most important recent developments in formal criminalization in England and Wales, not least the shifting boundaries and striking expansion of criminal liability. Finally, it considers the valuable contributions made by criminology to understanding the scope of, and limits on, criminalization.
5. Developmental and life-course criminology: An overview
Authors: Jolliffe Darrick , Auty Katherine M.
Published: September 2023

This chapter discusses the key concepts of Developmental and Life-Course Criminology (DLCC). It explains that DLCC is the result of the integration of developmental research, informed by psychology, individual differences and human development, with life-course research. The DLCC framework integrates all criminological investigation that brings a new perspective into the way antisocial and criminal behaviour starts, escalates, and concludes. The results of DLC research have been used to inform the content of developmental prevention programmes, such as associating impulsivity with an increased likelihood of later offending. The chapter tackles developmental and life-course theories that explain the main focus of the DLC research, which includes the social development model (SDM).
16. Where is ‘victimology’ in an era of #MeToo?
Authors: Ttofi Maria M. , Grounds Adrian , Puigvert Lidia
Published: September 2023

This chapter covers the field of victimology reflecting the increasing recognition of how victims experience crime and other forms of ill-treatment. Sexual abuse gained much attention recently, especially with individuals self-disclosing their personal experiences on social media platforms through the #MeToo movement. Additionally, social media platforms facilitated the new collective potential. The chapter clarifies that victimology is centrally concerned with the understanding of the experience of suffering that recognizes antecedents and risk factors for offending identified in longitudinal studies. The possibility of suffering provides an integrative concept for criminology that correlates to the notions of victimization, offending, and the operation of criminal justice.
17. Feminist criminology: Inequalities, powerlessness, and justice
Authors: Burman Michele , Gelsthorpe Loraine
Published: September 2023

This chapter addresses complexities and continuing concerns in thinking about feminist perspectives and contributions to criminology. It charts feminist contributions to criminology over time, dwelling on paradigmatic shifts in substantive, epistemological, and methodological terms, and the ways in which feminism has transformed criminological research and practice. The chapter explores contemporary feminist research agendas focused on issues of powerlessness, justice, and inequality, addressing research on violence against women, digital technology, human trafficking, migration, and criminal justice. The notion of feminist criminology as a transitional phase towards a more humanistic stance in relation to crime and justice in a globalized context is also explored.
21. Cybercrime: A social ecology
Authors: Collier Ben , Hutchings Alice
Published: September 2023

This chapter outlines the social ecology of cybercrime. The national and international contours of power, crime, and harm emerging in Internet societies lies at the heart of many crucial areas of contemporary criminological debate. Despite the increasing prominence of cybercrime, its integration into mainstream criminology remains fragmented and piecemeal. Moreover, cybercrime studies are breaking new frontiers in novel forms of empirical work after drawing on the very large datasets made available in online forums, chat channels, and social media. The chapter explains how collaborations from different disciplines might form the seeds of an optimistic future for the criminology of cybercrime.
27. Crime prevention as urban security
Authors: Adam Adam , Donkin Susan , Weirich Christine A.
Published: September 2023

This chapter reviews the learning and accumulated research evidence that has developed over the last 40 years or so with regard to crime prevention, community safety, and urban security. It begins by tracing the historic emergence of the modern ‘preventive turn’, its evolution and institutionalization within the UK, across successive waves of development. In doing so, it highlights three broad periods of change which are characterized as: the ‘early years’ of innovation and experimentation (from the late 1970s to the early 1990s); the period marked by ‘expansion and elaboration’ informed by infrastructure building and the opening up of crime prevention to incorporate wider features of community safety and perceptions of insecurity (the late 1990s to 2010); and ‘fragmentation and retrenchment’ marked by austerity and the rise of vulnerability as an organizing focus for service provision (2010 to the present). It situates the British experience in the wider context of Europe with a particular focus on urban policies, city-level strategies and delivery through multi-sectoral partnerships. This comparative framing helps to understand the particular British experience, its development, trajectories, persisting fault-lines and future challenges. Consideration is given to some of the recurring challenges that feature both across time and across jurisdictions. In particular, the question of institutional responsibility for prevention and the dissonance between the research knowledge base and contemporary policy and practice are explored.
36. Criminology, punishment, and the state in a globalized society
Authors: Franko Katja
Published: September 2023

Questions of criminal law and criminal justice are increasingly becoming international, overcoming the confines of traditional jurisdictional constraints. This chapter traces these developments in order to examine what relevance criminology has had and may hold for understanding contemporary global issues. It examines, among other things, the impact of global interconnectedness on the nature of state sovereignty, particularly in light of challenges such as international terrorism, irregular migration, and transnational organized crime. By doing so, the chapter does not simply chart a demise of the state, as is sometimes assumed within studies of globalization. Instead, it proposes a more subtle, analytical, and imaginary disconnection between crime, penality, and the nation state. Finally, the chapter addresses the rise of international forms of justice, particularly those articulated through human rights regimes, as well as the emerging challenges to them.
41. Confronting state power: dissenting voices and the demand for penal abolition
Authors: Sim Joe
Published: September 2023

This chapter discusses dissenting voices and demands for penal abolition in line with confronting state power. It starts with the call for defunding prisons being central to the abolitionist praxis in England and Wales, which correlates to George Floyd's brutal murder by a police officer. Additionally, prosecutions add another layer to the abolitionist critique of the dangerous prisoner. Since 1970, abolitionists in England and Wales have demonstrated that another penal and social world is possible through contestation and resistance. The chapter notes the historical movement's idealistic commitment to building a better world, based on a collective, compassionate sense of social justice.
Almond population genomics and non-additive GWAS reveal new insights into almond dissemination history and candidate genes for nut traits and blooming time
Authors: Pérez de los Cobos Felipe , Coindre Eva , Dlalah Naima , Quilot-Turion Bénédicte , Batlle Ignasi , Arús Pere , Eduardo Iban , Duval Henri
Published: September 2023

Domestication drastically changed crop genomes, fixing alleles of interest and creating different genetic populations. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) are a powerful tool to detect these alleles of interest (and so QTLs). In this study, we explored the genetic structure as well as additive and non-additive genotype–phenotype associations in a collection of 243 almond accessions. Our genetic structure analysis strongly supported the subdivision of the accessions into five ancestral groups, all formed by accessions with a common origin. One of these groups was formed exclusively by Spanish accessions, while the rest were mainly formed by accessions from China, Italy, France, and the USA. These results agree with archaeological and historical evidence that separate modern almond dissemination into four phases: Asiatic, Mediterranean, Californian, and southern hemisphere. In total, we found 13 independent QTLs for nut weight, crack-out percentage, double kernels percentage, and blooming time. Of the 13 QTLs found, only one had an additive effect. Through candidate gene analysis, we proposed Prudul26A013473 as a candidate gene responsible for the main QTL found in crack-out percentage, Prudul26A012082 and Prudul26A017782 as candidate genes for the QTLs found in double kernels percentage, and Prudul26A000954 as a candidate gene for the QTL found in blooming time. Our study enhances our knowledge of almond dissemination history and will have a great impact on almond breeding.
EPERCAS study (Strategies for Preventing Medication Administration Errors in Nursing Homes). Preparation of a list of strategies to prevent the most frequent medication administration errors in the residential care environment
Authors: Laso Lucas Esther , Ferro Uriguen Alex , San Juan Muñoz Adriana E , Ollo Tejero Borja , Beobide Telleria Idoia
Published: September 2023

Medication administration errors are one of the most frequent types of errors. There are different safety guides and recommendations to prevent medication errors generally directed to the hospital environment. However, specific recommendations for the management process in the residential care environment are lacking. The main objective of this study was to develop a list of recommendations to aid in preventing the most important medication errors that occur during the administration process in nursing homes (NHs), such as not administering doses or administering medication to the wrong patient. The effectiveness and feasibility of the strategies proposed were evaluated by a panel of experts. The conventional Delphi method was applied. The first round in our study was a face-to-face questionnaire; the second round included an online questionnaire based on the results of the first round. Finally, eight strategies were included in the EPERCAS List: one professional in charge per shift; one professional commissioned by the residential unit; avoid interruptions; avoid medication outside of meal times; personalized medication drawer for each resident including oral medication from a bag and laxatives, inhalers, syrups, eye drops, etc.; identification of the resident and their medication; visual check that everything has been administered; and signature to verify medication administration. The great continual challenge for NH is to define safe and affordable procedures. Minimum safety recommendations for administering the medications, such as those included in this study, should be employed. Our next stage is to implement these strategies in one of our NH and subsequently, evaluate its effectiveness and consider expanding it to the rest of the NH.
A deep dive into the Type II globular cluster NGC 1851
Authors: Dondoglio E , Milone A P , Marino A F , D’Antona F , Cordoni G , Legnardi M V , Lagioia E P , Jang S , Ziliotto T , Carlos M , Dell’Agli F , Karakas A , Mohandasan A , Osborn Z , Tailo M , Ventura P
Published: September 2023

About one-fifth of the Galactic globular clusters (GCs), dubbed Type II GCs, host distinct stellar populations with different heavy elements abundances. NGC 1851 is one of the most studied Type II GCs, surrounded by several controversies regarding the spatial distribution of its populations and the presence of star-to-star [Fe/H], C+N+O, and age differences. This paper provides a detailed characterization of its stellar populations through Hubble Space Telescope (HST), ground-based, and Gaia photometry. We identified two distinct populations with different abundances of s-process elements along the red-giant branch (RGB) and the subgiant branch (SGB) and detected two subpopulations among both s-poor (canonical) and s-rich (anomalous) stars. To constrain the chemical composition of these stellar populations, we compared observed and simulated colours of stars with different abundances of He, C, N, and O. It results that the anomalous population has a higher CNO overall abundance compared to the canonical population and that both host stars with different light-element abundances. No significant differences in radial segregation between canonical and anomalous stars are detected, while we find that among their subpopulations, the two most chemical extremes are more centrally concentrated. Anomalous and canonical stars show different 2D spatial distributions outside ∼3 arcmin, with the latter developing an elliptical shape and a stellar overdensity in the north-east direction. We confirm the presence of a stellar halo up to ∼80 arcmin with Gaia photometry, tagging 14 and 5 of its stars as canonical and anomalous, respectively, finding a lack of the latter in the south/south-east field.
Top incomes and tax policy
Authors: Saez Emmanuel , Zucman Gabriel
Published: September 2023

Modern tax systems do not satisfactorily tax the wealthiest individuals. Meanwhile, government revenue needs have increased in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper discusses ideas for new revenue sources focused on the top of the distribution: A progressive tax on net wealth with a high exemption threshold, a wealth tax on corporations' stock and a one-off tax on top-end unrealized capital gains. Given the size and concentration of wealth, the revenue potential of these policies is significant.
RxLR Effectors: Master Modulators, Modifiers and Manipulators
Authors: Wang Shumei , McLellan Hazel , Boevink Petra C. , Birch Paul R. J.
Published: September 2023

Cytoplasmic effectors with an Arg-any amino acid-Arg-Leu (RxLR) motif are encoded by hundreds of genes within the genomes of oomycete Phytophthora spp. and downy mildew pathogens. There has been a dramatic increase in our understanding of the evolution, function, and recognition of these effectors. Host proteins with a wide range of subcellular localizations and functions are targeted by RxLR effectors. Many processes are manipulated, including transcription, post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination, secretion, and intracellular trafficking. This involves an array of RxLR effector modes-of-action, including stabilization or destabilization of protein targets, altering or disrupting protein complexes, inhibition or utility of target enzyme activities, and changing the location of protein targets. Interestingly, approximately 50% of identified host proteins targeted by RxLR effectors are negative regulators of immunity. Avirulence RxLR effectors may be directly or indirectly detected by nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat resistance (NLR) proteins. Direct recognition by a single NLR of RxLR effector orthologues conserved across multiple Phytophthora pathogens may provide wide protection of diverse crops. Failure of RxLR effectors to interact with or appropriately manipulate target proteins in nonhost plants has been shown to restrict host range. This knowledge can potentially be exploited to alter host targets to prevent effector interaction, providing a barrier to host infection. Finally, recent evidence suggests that RxLR effectors, like cytoplasmic effectors from fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, may enter host cells via clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
A clinical review of obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Sisson Caroline B.
Published: September 2023

Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often are overlooked or misinterpreted, but without treatment, patients are at increased risk for potentially life-threatening conditions including stroke and heart failure. Clinician awareness of the risk factors for and treatment of OSA can prevent the development or progression of these complications in patients.
Toward more personalized breast cancer risk assessment
Authors: Sarkis-Tannous Daad , Sukol Roxanne B. , Sullivan Erika
Published: September 2023

Healthcare providers often are uncertain about how best to assess and manage breast cancer risk. Women at average risk wonder when to start mammography and how often to go. Women at increased risk might inquire about genetic testing, MRI screening, and preventive measures. Patients who carry gene mutations face higher stakes and more complex risk management choices, but only some are aware of their status. This article helps clinicians stratify breast cancer risk and discusses a newer genomic test, the polygenic risk score, that may enable more personalized risk management and decision-making.
PFAPA syndrome in children
Authors: Gardner Nathan J.
Published: September 2023

Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is, as the name implies, characterized by an extremely regular cycle of fevers that is accompanied by one or more other symptoms such as oral ulcers, pharyngitis, adenitis, tonsillitis, sore throat, cervical adenopathy, and headache. Originally known as Marshall syndrome, PFAPA is most commonly identified in children younger than age 5 years; however, adults may also present with the disease, though they may report additional symptoms. PFAPA is now understood to be a diagnosis of exclusion. Laboratory studies are typically unremarkable except for increases in acute phase reactants such as C-reactive protein. Treatment is primarily supportive and most frequently uses systemic steroids to suppress the inflammatory response. Acute flares are self-limited, and the syndrome typically resolves on its own as the child reaches age 7 or 8 years.
The effect of a point-of-care ultrasound curriculum on PAs in emergency medicine
Authors: Chenevert Laura , Coneybeare Di , Weingart Gabriel , Truong Jimmy
Published: September 2023

To address identified learning gaps among physician associates/assistants (PAs) working with point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in our ED, we designed and implemented a longitudinal POCUS curriculum. This curriculum introduced the 12 main POCUS applications for emergency medicine with presession educational assignments and in-person learning sessions. We used the Kirkpatrick framework of evaluation to develop our metrics of measurement. To examine the effect of the curriculum, pre- and postcurriculum surveys were completed and use of POCUS before, during, and after the curriculum period was monitored. Our results showed the curriculum increased confidence and knowledge of POCUS applications and significantly increased the use of POCUS clinically by PAs. Formal, on-the-job POCUS education for postgraduate PAs is a vital adjunct to informal clinical learning for PAs in emergency medicine to gain POCUS skills.
Anterior knee pain in young athletes
Authors: Ziskin Erica Katherine , Carter Kacey Kathleen , Diaz-Parker Sandee , Glick Brian H.
Published: September 2023

Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) and Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease (SLJD) are commonly diagnosed conditions in young, athletic patients who present with anterior knee pain. Despite the familiarity many clinicians have with OSD because of its frequent diagnosis, it does not differ much from SLJD in clinical presentation. Although these diseases generally are self-limiting, diagnostic imaging studies can help clinicians make the correct diagnosis, helping patients avoid progressing to advanced disease states that would require extended rest time, prolonged pain, and potential surgical intervention.
Risk factor modification as a treatment pillar in managing atrial fibrillation
Authors: Knechtel Maureen
Published: September 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common, with many modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors contributing to its increasing prevalence. Pharmacologic management and invasive procedures are the mainstays of treatment, but cardiovascular risk modification is overlooked as a key adjuvant treatment strategy. This article describes the clinical effects of implementing a risk factor modification strategy to reduce dysrhythmia load.
HPV vaccination for prevention of head and neck cancer among men
Authors: El Hussein Mohamed Toufic , Dhaliwal Simreen
Published: September 2023

The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck cancer (HNC) has been rapidly increasing in developed countries, with HPV-associated HNC now accounting for 70% of all HNC cases. An increased incidence has been noted particularly among males. The disparities in HPV vaccine uptake rates and the increasing number of individuals with HPV-associated HNC suggest a lack of public awareness of both HPV sequelae and prevention options. This review highlights the importance of prophylactic HPV vaccination for preventing HPV-associated HNC, particularly in males. Current evidence substantiates the need for gender-neutral HPV vaccination programs and reinforces the recommendations made by the CDC. This article raises awareness of the association between HPV and HNC as well as the effectiveness of HPV vaccination in HNC prevention.
Progress with induction of HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies in the Duke Consortia for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development
Authors: Haynes Barton F. , Wiehe Kevin , Alam S. Munir , Weissman Drew , Saunders Kevin O.
Published: September 2023

Purpose of review

Design of an HIV vaccine that can induce broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) is a major goal. However, HIV bnAbs are not readily made by the immune system. Rather HIV bnAbs are disfavored by a number of virus and host factors. The purpose of the review is to discuss recent progress made in the design and use of immunogens capable of inducing HIV bnAbs in the Duke Consortia for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development.

Recent findings

New immunogens capable of binding with high affinity to unmutated common ancestors (UCAs) of bnAb B cell lineages have been designed and strategies for stabilization of HIV Env in its prefusion state are being developed. Success is starting to be translated from preclinical studies of UCA-targeting immunogens in animals, to success of initiating bnAb lineages in humans.

Recent progress has been made in both immunogen design and in achieving bnAb B cell lineage induction in animal models and now in human clinical trials. With continued progress, a practical HIV/AIDS vaccine may be possible. However, host constraints on full bnAb maturation remain as potential roadblocks for full maturation of some types of bnAbs.
Challenges and physiological implications of sarcopenia in children and youth in health and disease
Authors: Mager Diana R. , Hager Amber , Gilmour Susan
Published: September 2023

Purpose of review

Highlight the controversies and challenges associated with a sarcopenia diagnosis in infants and children and the potential physiological mechanisms contributing to this disorder.

Recent findings

Sarcopenia has been recently identified in infants and children with chronic diseases such as liver, cardiac, gastrointestinal, cancer and organ transplant recipients. However, there is no consensus regarding the definition of pediatric sarcopenia. Different sarcopenic phenotypes (sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity) have been identified in healthy children and children with chronic disease. Both conditions have been associated with adverse clinical outcomes (e.g. delayed growth, increased hospitalization) in children and youth with chronic disease. The etiology of pediatric sarcopenia is likely multifactorial associated with malnutrition, physical inactivity and altered metabolic environments influencing skeletal muscle mass accumulation and function. Gaps in the literature include the lack of standard tools that should be used for the evaluation of skeletal muscular fitness and body composition in sarcopenia, particularly in infants and young children (<4years).

Longitudinal evaluation of sarcopenia expression and the underlying physiological and lifestyle factors contributing to pediatric sarcopenia are important to understand to ensure effective rehabilitation strategies can be developed and to avoid the adverse clinical consequences in children.
Prognostic Impact of FSTL3, ADAM12, and FAT4 in Patients of Colon Cancer: Clinicopathologic Study
Authors: Ibrahim Hanaa M. , Abdelrahman Aziza E. , Elwan Amira , Bakry Adel , Fahmy Moamna M. , Abdelhamid Mohamed I. , Abdelwanis Abdelfatah H. , Fouad Enas M.
Published: September 2023

There is a cellular crosstalk between Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo/Yes-related protein 1 signaling paths in colon cancer (CC) which promotes EMT processes that mediate the metastatic progression of CC. We aimed to evaluate follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3), ADAM12, and FAT4 expressions in CC. A statistical analysis was done to establish how disease-free survival, overall survival (OS), and relapse all performed a prognostic role. High FSTL3 was detected in 68% of CC and significantly related to left-sided tumors (P = 0.002) and the advanced tumor features, such as metastasis (P = 0.010), pT (P = 0.006), high grade (P = 0.005), lymph node contribution (P = 0.013), and advanced stage (P = 0.003). Positive ADAM12 expression was observed in 60% and significantly related to left-sided tumors (P = 0.001) and significantly common in high grade (P = 0.028), lymph node involvement (P < 0.001), and advanced stage (P = 0.004). Low FAT4 expression was recognized in 76% and linked with the right-sided tumors (P = 0.036). FAT4 expression was contrariwise linked with CC grade (P < 0.001). Furthermore, FAT4 expression was inversely correlated with lymph node involvement (P = 0.002), metastasis (P = 0.046), and advanced stage (P = 0.002). During the follow-up, 14 cases were relapsed and positively associated with high FSTL3 expression (P = 0.001) and ADAM12 expression (P < 0.001), but negatively linked with FAT4 expression (P = 0.003). Shorter disease-free survival was substantially correlated with positive ADAM12, extreme FSTL3, and low FAT4 expression (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, P = 0.003, consecutively). Moreover, Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated a significant correlation between shorter OS with extreme FSTL3, positive ADAM12, and low FAT4 (P = 0.004, <0.001, 0.019, consecutively). High FSTL3, positive ADAM12, and low FAT4 expression are unfavorable prognostic influences in CC that may be accountable for relapse and therapeutic resistance in CC.
The association of self-reported symptoms of central sensitization and sleep disturbances in neuropathic pain
Authors: Sachau Juliane , Kersebaum Dilara , Hüllemann Philipp , Adolf Daniela , Kabelitz Maria , Keller Thomas , Freynhagen Rainer , Tölle Thomas R. , Binder Andreas , Baron Ralf
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Patients with neuropathic pain (NP) report a higher impairment of quality of life and sleep than patients with chronic pain without neuropathic characteristics. These include somatosensory peculiarities like allodynia, a surrogate marker for central sensitization.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the relation between symptoms of central sensitization and sleep disturbances in patients with NP.

Methods:

Within this cross-sectional study, data sets of 3339 patients with chronic NP syndromes (painful diabetic polyneuropathy, n = 543; postherpetic neuralgia, n = 1480) or complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS, n = 1316) were analyzed. Neuropathic pain symptoms were assessed with the painDETECT questionnaire (PD-Q), depression with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and sleep impairment with items of the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale in 4 subscales. The association of demographic/clinical data, somatosensory phenotype, depression, and pain intensity with sleep impairment was assessed by unadjusted Spearman correlation analyses and multivariable regression analyses.

Results:

Sleep impairment was observed in all pain aetiologies although with some significant differences in the single sleep items. The intensity of the individual PD-Q items differed to some extent between the 3 pain entities, whereas the PD-Q sum score was similar. Thermal hyperalgesia and burning assessed by the PD-Q were significantly associated with sleep disturbance, adequacy, and quantity but not with sleep somnolence. Only depression and self-reported allodynia had a significant relation to all 4 sleep elements.

Conclusion:

Beside depression, allodynia as a surrogate marker hints to a possible impact of central sensitization on the sleep disruption of patients with NP.
Complications and Failures of Autologous Heterotopic Cranial Bone versus Alloplastic Cranioplasties
Authors: Oberoi Michelle K. , Mirzaie Sarah , Huang Kelly X. , Caprini Rachel M. , Hu Vivian J. , Dejam Dillon , Ge Shaokui , Cronin Brendan J. , Pfaff Miles J. , Lee Justine C.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Fresh autologous cranial bone graft has traditionally been regarded as the ideal cranioplasty material; however, long-term comparisons of outcomes with modern alloplastic materials are absent in the literature. The authors evaluated complications and failures among cranioplasties performed with fresh, heterotopic, cranial bone graft versus 3 common alloplastic materials.

Methods:

Random-effects meta-analyses of logit-transformed proportions were performed on studies published between 1971 and 2021 to evaluate complications and failures of cranioplasties performed with fresh, autologous, heterotopic cranial bone; polyetheretherketone (PEEK); polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA); or titanium with a mean follow-up of 12 months or more. Generalized mixed model meta-regressions were performed to account for heterogeneity and to evaluate the contributions of moderators to outcomes variables.

Results:

A total of 1490 patients (mean age, 33.9 ± 10.8 years) were included. Pooled, all-cause complications were 6.2% for fresh, heterotopic, autologous cranial bone (95% CI, 2.1% to 17.0%; I
2 = 55.0; P = 0.02), 18.5% for PEEK (95% CI, 14.0% to 24.0%; I
2 = 0.0%; P = 0.58), 26.1% for titanium (95% CI, 18.7% to 35.1%; I
2 = 60.6%; P < 0.01), and 28.4% for PMMA (95% CI, 12.9% to 51.5%; I
2 = 88.5%; P < 0.01). Pooled all-cause failures were 2.2% for fresh autologous cranial bone (95% CI, 0.4% to 10.6%; I
2 = 0.0%; P = 0.45), 6.3% for PEEK (95% CI, 3.2% to 12.3%; I
2 = 15.5%; P = 0.31), 11.4% for titanium (95% CI, 6.7% to 18.8%; I
2 = 60.8%; P < 0.01), and 12.7% for PMMA (95% CI, 6.9% to 22.0%; I
2 = 64.8%; P < 0.01). Meta-regression models indicated that each alloplastic subtype significantly and independently predicted higher complications, whereas titanium and PMMA were significant predictors for all-cause failures compared with autologous bone. All 3 subtypes were predictive of higher cranioplasty failures secondary to infection compared with autologous bone.

Conclusion:

Cranioplasties performed with fresh, autologous, heterotopic cranial bone grafts resulted in lower complication and failure rates compared with alloplastic materials.
Systematic Appraisal of Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Choledocholithiasis
Authors: Zhu Shu-Yao , Huang Jie , Li Ying-Jia , Zhou Bo , Zheng Cai-Ying , Sun Da-Li , Fu Yan
Published: September 2023

Background:

To systematically evaluate the methodological quality of the current up-to-date guidelines pertaining to choledocholithiasis, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of key recommendations and corresponding evidence, focusing on the heterogeneity among these guidelines.

Method:

Systematic searches across various databases were performed to identify the latest guidelines. The identified guidelines, which met the inclusion criteria, underwent evaluation using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool. The key recommendations and evidence from the included guidelines were extracted and reclassified using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) grading system, and the obtained results were analyzed.

Results:

Nine guidelines related to choledocholithiasis were included in this study, out of which 4 achieved an overall standardized score of more than 60%, indicating their suitability for recommendation. Upon closer examination of the main recommendations within these guidelines, we discovered significant discrepancies concerning the utilization of similar treatment techniques for different diseases or different treatment methods under comparable conditions, and discrepancies in the recommended treatment duration. High-quality research evidence was lacking, and some recommendations either failed to provide supporting evidence or cited inappropriate and low-level evidence.

Conclusion:

The quality of guidelines pertaining to choledocholithiasis is uneven. Recommendations for the treatment of choledocholithiasis demonstrate considerable disparities among the guidelines, particularly regarding the utilization of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography as a treatment method and the management approaches for difficult stone cases. Improvements by guideline developers for these factors contributing to the heterogeneity would be a reasonable approach to further update the guidelines for cholangiolithiasis.
Micromagnetic calculation of the magnetite magnetosomal morphology control of magnetism in magnetotactic bacteria
Authors: Pei Zhaowen , Chang Liao , Bai Fan , Harrison Richard J.
Published: September 2023

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB), which precisely bio-synthesize magnetosomes of magnetite or greigite nanoparticles, have attracted broad interdisciplinary interests in microbiology, magnetic materials, biotechnology and geobiology. Previous experimental and numerical investigations demonstrate a close link among MTB species, magnetosome crystal habits, and magnetic characteristics, but quantitative constraints are currently lacking. In this study, we build three-dimensional finite-element micromagnetic models of intact magnetosome chains in common MTB species and corresponding collapsed chains. Realistic numerical microstructures were constructed for the three typical biogenic magnetite crystal forms—cuboctahedron, prism and bullet. Our calculations reveal characteristic magnetic properties associated with specific magnetite crystal forms and MTB species. Cuboctahedron and bullet crystals show distinct low coercivity (less than 30 mT) and high coercivity (greater than 50 mT) clusters, respectively. Prismatic crystals have a broad range of hysteresis parameters that are strongly controlled by chain structure. This magnetic property clustering, combined with magnetic unmixing methods and electron microscopy observations, can fingerprint biogenic magnetite components in geological and environmental samples. The passive magnetic orientation efficiency of various magnetosome chains was calculated. Some bullet-shaped magnetosome chains have higher magnetic moments than those with cuboctahedron and prism magnetosomes, which may enable larger MTB cells to overcome viscous resistance for efficient magnetic navigation.
RSYD-BASIC: a bioinformatics pipeline for Routine Sequence analYsis and Data processing of BActerial iSolates for clInical miCrobiology
Authors: Steinke Kat , Thomsen Karina Gravgaard , Hoegh Silje Vermedal , Larsen Sanne Løkkegaard , Kubel Vilhelmsen Karina , Jensen Thøger Gorm , Skov Marianne Nielsine , Sydenham Thomas Vognbjerg
Published: September 2023

Whole genome sequencing of bacterial isolates is increasingly becoming routine in clinical microbiology; however, subsequent analysis often needs to be started by a bioinformatician even for comprehensive pipelines.  With the RSYD-BASIC pipeline, we present a reads-to-results analysis pipeline operated by non-expert users that has already yielded clinically relevant results.
Roseateles albus sp. nov., Roseateles koreensis sp. nov. and Janthinobacterium fluminis sp. nov., isolated from freshwater at Jucheon River, and emended description of Roseateles aquaticus comb. nov.
Authors: Park Sunho , Kim Inhyup , Chhetri Geeta , So Yoonseop , Jung Yonghee , Woo Haejin , Seo Taegun
Published: September 2023

Three Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative bacterial strains were designated as hw1T, hw8T and hw3T. Strains hw1T, hw8T and hw3T grew at 15–28 °C (optimum, 25 °C), 15–35 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and 4–28 °C (optimum, 20 °C), respectively, and at pH 7.0–12.0 (optimum, pH 9.0), pH 6.0–11.0 (optimum, pH 9.0) and 5.0–12.0 (optimum, pH 7.0), respectively. Additionally, strains hw1T and hw8T only grew when the NaCl concentration was 0 %, while strain hw3T grew at between 0 and 0.5 % (w/v; optimum, 0 %). The average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strains hw1T, hw8T and the

Roseateles

type strains ranged from 73.8 to 84.2 %, while the digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values ranged from 19.7 to 27.5 %. The ANI values between strain hw3T and the

Janthinobacterium

type strains ranged from 78.7 to 80.7 %, while dDDH values ranged from 22.3 to 23.0 %. The draft genomes of strains hw1T, hw8T and hw3T consisted of 5.5, 4.4 and 5.9 Mbp, with DNA G+C contents of 61.7, 61.8 and 66.0 mol%, respectively. The results of the dDDH, ANI, phylogenetic, biochemical and physiological analyses indicated that the novel strains were distinct from other members of their genera. Thus, we proposed the names Roseateles albus sp. nov. (type strain hw1T= KACC 22887T= TBRC 16613T), Roseateles koreensis sp. nov. (type strain hw8T= KACC 22885T= TBRC 16614T) and Janthinobacterium fluminis sp. nov. (type strain hw3T= KACC 22886T= TBRC 16615T).