bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fusarium species associated with Bakanae Disease of Rice in Bangladesh
Authors: Husna Asmaul , Miah Md. Assaduzzaman , Zakaria Latiffah , Mohd Masratul Hawa , Mohd Zainudin Nur Ain Izzati , Mohamed Nor Nik Mohd Izham
Published: October 2024

Bakanae disease has become a serious threat for sustainable rice production in Asian countries including Bangladesh. Fusarium species are important seedborne pathogens that cause bakanae disease of rice. Typical bakanae symptomatic samples were collected through a series of sampling conducted in several districts of Bangladesh for 4 consecutive years from 2019 – 2022. The pathogens were confirmed using morphological characteristics, DNA sequences, and phylogenetic analyses of two genes, namely, translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α), and RNA polymerase subunit II (RPB2). A total of 121 Fusarium isolates were recovered from diseased rice samples at different geographical locations. From the phylogenetics analyses of TEF1-α and RPB2 gene sequences coupled with morphological characterization revealed that the collected isolates belonged to five species viz. F. fujikuroi (75.2% isolation frequency), F. incarnatum (17.35%), F. commune (4.95%), F. verticillioides (1.65%), and F. proliferatum (0.82%). Phylogenetic analysis also showed that 28 representative strains were attributed to five species. Finally, four Fusarium spp. F. fujikuroi, F. commune, F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum were found to be pathogenic under virulence assays of the isolates. The pathogenicity test results demonstrated that F. fujikuroi caused typical symptoms of bakanae, leaf elongation and chlorosis, whereas F. proliferatum and F. verticillioides only caused stunting of seedlings and F. commune caused wilt and root rot. F. incarnatum was found to be associated with bakanae disease of rice, however their pathogenicity could not be established. This study provides insight into the diversity and pathogenicity of Fusarium populations associated with bakanae disease in Bangladesh, which will help in formulating effective strategies and policies for better control of the bakanae disease.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Planey Taylor , Grosel John
Published: October 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex, heterogeneous reproductive endocrinopathy affecting 8% to 13% of women in their reproductive years. PCOS has a vast array of clinical manifestations, including metabolic complications, biochemical and phenotypical hyperandrogenism, menstrual cycle dysfunction, and anovulation resulting in infertility. Understanding the relationship of the disorder's pathophysiologic and clinical manifestations is key to successfully managing patients with PCOS. Patients may have different prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal experiences than those who do not have PCOS, and may require a higher level of care or treatment plan adjustments.
Utilizing PRAME Expression and a Meta-Analytic Framework for iSALT to Explore Atypical Late-Onset Nevi of the Elderly and Their Relationship With Lentiginous and Nested Nevoid Melanomas
Authors: Kossard Steven , Sharifi Shahin , Calvey Linda
Published: October 2024

Background:

In contrast to early-onset dysplastic nevi, late-onset atypical nevi of the elderly are more often precursors to distinctive nevoid melanomas. PReferentially expressed Antigen in MElanoma (PRAME) immunohistochemistry was applied to delineate the nevoid aspect of late-onset oncogenic nevoid pathway. Inducible Skin-Associated Lymphoid Tissue, regulatory T-cell mesenchymal hubs, has emerged as a translational tool and was used to define nevoid oncogenesis within a dynamic meta-analytic pathway.

Methods:

PRAME immunohistochemistry was applied after designating a histopathologic diagnosis. Late-onset atypical nested lentiginous nevus, lentiginous nested melanoma, and hypercellular nested nevoid melanoma were the diagnostic categories. A positive PRAME for melanoma was set at 75% percentage labeling.

A wide-ranging published evidence-based database was incorporated to develop a meta-analytic framework for oncogenic nevogenesis. This combined inducible Skin-Associated Lymphoid Tissue incorporating the pleiotropic functions of regulatory T cells regulating immunity and gene regulatory epigenetics as principal modulators.

Results:

Concordant-negative PRAME expression was present in 64 of 81 (79%) atypical nested lentiginous nevi, concordant-positive PRAME expression occurred in 54 of 75 (72%) nevoid lentiginous and nested melanomas, and 18 of 23 (78%) nevoid hypercellular nested melanomas.

Conclusions:

PRAME expression confirmed the existence of a late-onset oncogenic nevoid pathway that can be defined by histopathology. Subsequent meta-analysis data linked to the meta-analytic framework revealed that PRAME is an epigenetic surrogate antigen expressed because of repression of retinoic acid receptor signaling, preventing ligand-induced retinoic acid cellular differentiation, growth arrest, and apoptosis, and promoting melanoma growth and survival for melanomas. PRAME is only a single antigen within a highly complex dynamic framework that governs nevoid oncogenesis. Significantly, the retinoic acid/retinoic acid receptor complex has been shown to modulate the immunosuppressive arm of regulatory T cells underpinning immune tolerance and is pertinent to the broad framework but is not linked to PRAME expression in this arm.
Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum-Like Features in Poroma: An Unusual Morphologic Pattern of Poroma or True Synchronous Occurrence of 2 Distinct Neoplasms?
Authors: Alsawas Mouaz , Muhaj Fiorinda F. , Aung Phyu P. , Nagarajan Priyadharsini , Cho Woo Cheal
Published: October 2024

Poromas are benign adnexal neoplasms of eccrine origin, believed to arise from the outer layer of acrosyringia and upper dermal eccrine ducts, with a predilection for glabrous skin. They typically present as a pink or red papule with a surrounding thin moat on the palms and soles. We report a case of poroma with histopathologic features reminiscent of syringocystadenoma papilliferum (SCAP). A 70-year-old woman presented with a 2.0 cm pedunculated nodule on the left suprapubic abdomen. Histopathologically, the lesion predominantly displayed features of a conventional poroma but also included areas with endophytic invaginations lined by large, plump epithelioid cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and occasional decapitation secretion, alongside a stroma rich in plasma cells—characteristics suggestive of SCAP. However, definitive bilayers with myoepithelial cells were not observed. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that the tumor cells were positive for TRPS1 (particularly around SCAP-like areas) and CEA (indicating ductal differentiation), but negative for BRAF V600E and NUT. The diagnosis of poroma with apocrine differentiation mimicking SCAP was favored. This unusual morphologic variation in poromas is rare, with fewer than 5 cases documented in the literature. These SCAP-like features likely represent a variation within the morphologic spectrum of poromas rather than the presence of 2 synchronous tumors. Our case highlights the importance of recognizing such variations in poroid neoplasms to ensure accurate diagnosis.
The Utility of PRAME and Ki-67 as Prognostic Markers for Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Asato Marcel Arakaki , Moraes Neto Francisco Alves , Moraes Marcelo Padovani de Toledo , Ocanha-Xavier Juliana Polizel , Takita Luiz Carlos , Fung Maxwell A. , Marques Mariangela Esther Alencar , Xavier-Júnior José Cândido Caldeira
Published: October 2024

Cutaneous melanoma can lead to metastasis, and it is associated with high mortality. Currently, there are no widely accepted immunohistochemistry markers for melanoma prognosis in routine staging. Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) is a possible biomarker for prognosis in several noncutaneous neoplasms. Ki-67 is a cell proliferation marker correlated with poor outcomes in many cancers. This study assessed PRAME and Ki-67 as potential prognostic markers for sentinel lymph node outcomes and survival among melanoma patients. This is a retrospective study analyzing cutaneous melanoma cases from a Brazilian cancer center (2005–2021). All cases were tested using immunohistochemistry to evaluate PRAME expression and Ki-67 index. Descriptive analysis, Spearman correlations, means comparison, Kaplan–Meier analysis, χ2, and Cox models were performed. In univariate analysis of 123 cutaneous melanoma cases, high extent (P = 0.0267) and elevated intensity (P = 0.043) of PRAME were associated with decreased overall survival. The Ki-67 index was associated with overall survival (P = 0.05) and sentinel lymph node status (P = 0.0403), with a positive correlation between the markers (P = 0.0004) and between Ki-67 and Breslow thickness (P = 0.0001). However, in multivariate analysis, only Breslow thickness significantly influenced overall survival (P = 0.0003). Then, the present results can suggest that elevated PRAME and Ki-67 expression are associated with poor overall survival in cutaneous melanoma; however, in multivariate analysis, only the Breslow thickness had a significant influence. These findings highlight the potential of PRAME and Ki-67 as prognostic markers, opening frontiers that could improve strategies for treating cutaneous melanoma.
Compliance With Accreditation Standards on Diversity: Is Institutional Support the Missing Link?
Authors: Fleming Shani , Kulo Violet , Stakem Andrew , Gordes Karen L. , Jun Hyun-Jin , Ludeman Emilie , Cawley James F. , Kayingo Gerald
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The role of accreditation standards in fostering diversity and inclusion in academic programs remains poorly understood. Accreditation is one approach to increasing diversity through Standard A1.11. This study investigates the impact of the Accreditation Review Commission-Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) standards on diversity and inclusion in physician assistant (PA) programs and explores challenges faced by programs in achieving compliance.

Methods

This qualitative exploratory study first reviewed diversity standards in accreditation documents among selected health professions; second, data on the frequency of citations from ARC-PA related to diversity were gathered and analyzed; finally, opinions from 23 PA faculty and leaders were solicited through semistructured interviews. Two research team members analyzed the data to identify themes.

Results

Most institutions sponsoring PA programs had preexisting diversity policies before the inception of standard A1.11 of the ARC-PA. Between June 2020 and March 2023, seven programs received 16 citations related to Standard A1.11. Interviews with faculty revealed 4 major themes: (1) the importance of institutional support, (2) early pipeline development of applicants, (3) prioritizing faculty and/or student diversity as key program goals, and (4) local context, with institutional support and pipeline development being most prominent.

Discussion

The inclusion of Standard A1.11 in the ARC-PA Standards signifies the growing recognition of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in PA education. Institutions can advance DEI in the PA profession by leveraging accreditation-related activities through leadership, partnerships, and accountability measures consistent with the institution's mission and applicable laws. Institutional support emerged as an important factor in compliance with diversity-related accreditation standards.
Recent advances in HPV biotechnology: understanding host-virus interactions and cancer progression – a review
Authors: Yousaf Saba , Shehzadi Anum , Ahmad Muhammad , Asrar Ahmad , Ahmed Ishtiaq , Iqbal Hafiz M.N. , Hussen Bule Mohammed
Published: October 2024

Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women globally, posing a significant mortality risk. Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary instigator of cervical cancer development, often alongside coinfection with other viruses, precipitating various malignancies. This study aimed to explore recent biotechnological advances in understanding HPV infection dynamics, host interactions, and its role in oncogenesis. The gathered data shed light on HPV biology, host-virus interplay, viral coinfections, and cellular transformations leading to HPV-associated cancers. Recent years have seen the introduction of diverse vaccination strategies, including live attenuated, subunit, and DNA-based vaccines, complemented by innovative nanotechnology and plant-based products. Despite rich data addressing research inquiries, urgent calls echo for the implementation of contemporary screening and therapeutic modalities at clinical levels. Moreover, extensive public awareness campaigns are imperative to alleviate the burden of HPV-related diseases, emphasizing the necessity for proactive intervention strategies in combating this global health challenge.
Jehovah’s Witnesses: Challenges in liver disease management and in liver transplantation
Authors: Sack Jordan S. , Florman Sander S. , Schiano Thomas D.
Published: October 2024

Patients of Jehovah’s Witnesses faith who are in need of liver transplantation pose unique challenges. These patients should be seen at transplant centers with experience in caring for Jehovah’s Witnesses to formulate careful preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative strategies on an individualized basis with multidisciplinary input to mitigate the risk of bleeding complications and to prepare for potentially catastrophic scenarios. In-depth and individualized conversations about what constitutes acceptable bloodless transfusion strategies both for the patient and for the transplant center should begin as early as possible with an experienced coordinator or church liaison. A therapeutic physician-patient relationship is vital to formulating a safe care plan and to understanding the spectrum of beliefs among Jehovah’s Witnesses. There remains a paucity of data on disparities in liver care and outcomes in patients of the Jehovah’s Witnesses faith. Future research on liver diseases and liver transplantation in Jehovah’s Witnesses should focus on creating registries of patient outcomes and centers with experience.
Positive correlation between n−6 : n−3 PUFA ratio intake with serum oxHDL/HDL-c ratio in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Godinez-Mora Sissi , Campos-Perez Wendy , Perez-Robles Mariana , Robles-Jimarez Cesar , Muñoz-Hernandez Alejandra , Torres-Vanegas Joel , Martinez-Lopez Erika
Published: October 2024

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases where serum lipoprotein oxidation plays a significant role. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) n−6 : n−3 unbalance ratio consumption, affects lipoprotein oxidation, and inflammation processes. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between n−6 : n−3 PUFA ratio intake with oxidized lipoproteins in individuals with CAD.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed including 105 subjects (51 diagnosed with CAD and 54 non-CAD) from western Mexico. Dietary information was collected using a habitual day food record. Serum oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and oxidized high-density lipoprotein (oxHDL) concentrations were quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

CAD subjects had higher oxHDL/HDL cholesterol (HDL-c) ratio [0.102 (0.092–0.112) vs. 0.080 (0.070–0.090), P = 0.004] and oxLDL/LDL cholesterol (LDL-c) ratio [129.2 (108–150.4) vs. 59.7 (39.3–80), P < 0.001] compared to non-CAD subjects. Risk factors associated with CAD were a high n−6 : n−3 PUFA ratio (odds ratio, OR = 2.3, P = 0.046), hypoalphalipoproteinemia in men (OR = 3.2, P = 0.014), moderate/high tobacco index (OR = 6.33, P = 0.003), elevated waist circumference in women (OR = 7, P = 0.004), hypertension (OR = 21.14, P < 0.001), and type 2 diabetes (OR: 25, P < 0.001). The oxHDL/HDL-c ratio was positively associated with the n−6 : n−3 PUFA ratio [r
2 = 28.3, B = 0.002 (0.001–0.003), P < 0.001] in CAD patients.

Conclusions

This study showed that a higher n−6 : n−3 PUFA ratio intake correlates with higher serum oxHDL/HDL-c in CAD patients.
Cryoprobe biopsy versus mechanical biopsies in pulmonary diagnostics
Authors: Ueoka Miki , Ronaghi Reza , Khauli Samih , Channick Colleen L.
Published: October 2024

Purpose of review

Biopsy tools have been essential in improving the diagnostic accuracy of bronchoscopic procedures. Of these tools, cryobiopsy has emerged as a promising technique for diagnosing thoracic diseases. This review summarizes the existing data comparing cryobiopsies to other mechanical biopsy methods for sampling endobronchial, parenchymal, and mediastinal targets.

Recent findings

Initially adopted for managing airway stenoses, the use of cryoprobes has expanded to diagnosing endobronchial lesions, parenchymal opacities, and mediastinal lymph node pathologies. Studies have demonstrated that cryobiopsy offers a higher diagnostic yield than forceps biopsy alone. By leveraging the Joule-Thomson effect to freeze and collect larger tissue samples compared to traditional methods, cryobiopsy improves diagnostic accuracy and helps in better characterizing the nature of the lesions. While the risk of complications, such as pneumothorax and hemorrhage are comparable to, or higher than traditional biopsy methods, cryobiopsy's enhanced diagnostic capabilities make it a valuable tool in the assessment of pulmonary disease.

Compared with other mechanical biopsy techniques, cryoprobe biopsies significantly enhance the diagnostic yield for endobronchial lesions, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary nodules, and mediastinal lymph nodes.
UK national survey on nuclear medicine in-house clinical software: the calm before the storm
Authors: Murray Anthony W. , Scuffham James W. , Dickson John C. , Memmott Matthew ,   On Behalf of the UK Heads of Nuclear Medicine Physics Group
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The use of in-house developed software as a medical device (IHD-SaMD) is core to many nuclear medicine (NM) services in the UK, including applications in nonimaging studies and image processing. Expected regulatory changes in 2025 could have significant implications due to a lack of resources and expertise in the implementation and maintenance of software Quality Management Systems (QMS) and associated standards. This survey investigated the national use of IHD-SaMD and the readiness of services to adapt to the upcoming regulatory changes.

Method

An online survey was used to investigate the current national usage of IHD-SaMD. Representatives of 64 UK NM physics services were invited to participate, with 43 responding.

Results

It was found that 98% of respondents use IHD-SaMD clinically. About 65% use IHD-SaMD that respondents felt was under-supported (e.g. legacy software). Approximately 60% of respondents use or support two or more pieces of IHD-SaMD. Around 66% of respondents use a QMS in their department, with about 48% using a software-specific QMS. Most respondents indicate understaffing, particularly with regard to IT/software skillsets. Almost all respondents indicate without an increase in the preparedness and understanding of the requirements, all dependent clinical services would be severely impacted or indeed stopped.

Conclusion

This national survey shows that pending regulatory changes could significantly impact NM services, up to and including stopping clinical services. Additional resources would be required to support in-house software management under an appropriate QMS or move to European conformity marking (CE)-marked software where available. This must be urgently considered and addressed by all NM stakeholders.
Association of eczema with risk of pan-cancers: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhao Xixi , He Xinyu , Liu Xiaoxiao , Geng Shangyi , Wang Yuchen , Dang Yongze , Zhang Ruijuan , Huang Xinran , Guo Wei , Ma Hongbing
Published: October 2024

Background

Both eczema and tumor are associated with immune disorders. Although several investigations have observed the relationship between eczema and certain cancers, evidence for causality is lacking.

Methods

We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to examine and explore the genetic association between eczema and pan-cancers. Upon satisfying the three core assumptions of MR, we analyzed the causality between eczema and 15 site-specific cancers utilizing an inverse variance weighted method. We verified the results through a series of sensitivity and reverse direction analyses. The exposure and outcome datasets were substituted from the FinnGen and genome-wide association studies catalog databases. A meta-analysis on primary and validation analyses was performed to combine the estimates of MR study.

Results

Based on the MR analysis results, eczema was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 1.0427, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0082–1.0783, P = 0.0148) and brain cancer (OR = 1.0285, 95% CI = 1.0120–1.0452, P = 0.0007) and decreased risk of colorectal cancer (OR = 0.9324, 95% CI = 0.8774–0.9909, P = 0.0242) and malignant neoplasm of the kidney (OR = 0.9323, 95% CI = 0.8834–0.9839, P = 0.0108). The sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were stable and reliable, and the reverse MR analyses demonstrated no causation between the cancers of interest and eczema.

Conclusions

Our results identified eczema as a genetic risk factor for lung and brain cancer and a protective factor for colorectal cancer and malignant neoplasm of the kidney. No connection was observed between eczema and other cancers. Further evidence from epidemiological and mechanistic studies is needed to elucidate these findings in detail.
Proposed Framework for Adopting Privacy-Preserving Record Linkage for Public Health Action
Authors: Pathak Aditi , Serrer Laina , Bhalla Meera , King Raymond , Mirel Lisa B. , Srinivasan Arunkumar , Baier Patrick , Zapata Daniela , David-Ferdon Corinne , Luxenberg Steven , Gundlapalli Adi V.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To propose a framework for adoption of privacy-preserving record linkage (PPRL) for public health applications.

Methods

Twelve interviews with subject matter experts (SMEs) were conducted virtually and coded using an inductive approach. A collaborative session was conducted with SMEs to identify key steps in the PPRL project lifecycle which informed development of a PPRL implementation checklist.

Results

This framework has 2 decision-making levels: the organization level and the project or program level. Organization-level considerations include PPRL governance, the optimal choice among approved PPRL solutions, the need for longitudinal linkages, the potential issue of vendor lock-in, and costs. Program-level considerations include characteristics of the PPRL use case, linkage quality and accuracy, data privacy and use, security thresholds, compatibility with data owners’ data architecture, and trade-offs between open-source and commercial PPRL solutions. A PPRL implementation checklist was developed to guide public health practitioners considering PPRL for data linkage.

Conclusions

The framework may be considered by public health entities to guide adoption and implementation of PPRL in public health research and surveillance. Public health experts may refer to this framework and the PPRL implementation checklist when determining the appropriateness of PPRL for specific use cases and implementation planning.
The Use of the CDC Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant to Address Social Determinants of Health to Advance Health Equity
Authors: Frazier Cassandra M. , Mumford Karen , McMillan Hannah , Carlin Maggie , Peterman Emily , Lindan Krysia
Published: October 2024

Objective:

State public health departments use federal funding to examine and address social determinants of health (SDOH) within their communities to improve health and advance health equity. Yet, most federal funding is categorical (ie, funding used for a specific program or narrow purpose), which can create barriers to addressing social and structural drivers of inequity. The Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant (PHHS Block Grant) is a flexible funding mechanism that provides health departments the latitude to identify and fund initiatives that address local public health needs. It is unclear, however, to what extent health departments use this flexible resource to incorporate SDOH into their programs.

Design:

Cross-sectional, descriptive analysis of state health department PHHS Block Grant program administrative data.

Setting:

This study examined PHHS Block Grant budgets and workplans for the federal Fiscal Year 2021 to assess whether state health departments aligned their grant-funded program with the national objectives associated with the Healthy People 2030 SDOH Framework.

Participants:

Forty-seven states and the District of Columbia were included in this study.

Main Outcome Measures:

Percent of states that used PHHS Block Grant funds to address SDOH; proportion of funding allocated to address SDOH; percentage of programs that addressed SDOH.

Results:

Three-fourths (75%) of states allocated funds to 97 programs aligning with at least 1 Healthy People 2030 SDOH-related objective. Fifty of the programs were fully or primarily funded by the PHHS Block Grant. Results also show that as the states’ PHHS Block Grant funding level increased so did the percent of states that allocated funding toward SDOH programs.

Conclusion:

This study shows that state health departments are using the PHHS Block Grant to address SDOH, and that the grant plays an important funding role for these programs. States are incorporating the grant into their funding strategies to address SDOH.
Differences in Emotion Expression, Suppression, and Cardiovascular Consequences Between Black and White Americans in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Study
Authors: Finley Anna J. , Baldwin Cassandra L. , Hebbring Tia M. , van Reekum Carien M. , Thayer Julian F. , Davidson Richard J. , Schaefer Stacey M.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Recent theoretical work suggests that the expression of emotions may differ among Black and White Americans, such that Black Americans engage more frequently in expressive suppression to regulate emotions and avoid conflict. Prior work has linked expressive suppression usage with increases in cardiovascular disease risk, suggesting that racialized differences in expressive suppression usage may be one mechanism by which racism “gets under the skin” and creates health disparities.

Method

To examine racialized differences in expressive suppression and blood pressure (a measure of cardiovascular disease risk), we used self-report and facial electromyography (fEMG) data from two cohorts of Black and White Americans from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) longitudinal study (MIDUS 2, n = 271, 34.7% Black, collected from 2004 to 2009; MIDUS Refresher 1, n = 114, 31.6% Black, collected from 2012 to 2016; total N = 385, 33.9% Black).

Results

Black Americans reported engaging in expressive suppression more frequently than White Americans (t(260.95) = 2.18, p = .002) and showed less corrugator fEMG activity during negative images (t(969) = 2.38, p
FDR = .026). Less corrugator activity during negative images was associated with higher systolic blood pressure only for Black Americans (b = −4.63, t(375) = 2.67, p = .008).

Conclusion

Overall, results are consistent with theoretical accounts that Black Americans engage more frequently in expressive suppression, which in turn is related to higher cardiovascular risk. Additional research is needed to further test this claim, particularly in real-world contexts and self-reports of in-the-moment usage of expressive suppression.
A Remote Behaviorally Designed Intervention to Promote Physical Activity in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Gillcrist Rachel L. , Doherty Caleigh R. , Olave Marianna , Bonilla Juliana , England Bryant R. , Wysham Katherine , Quinones Mercedes , Scanzello Carla R. , Ogdie Alexis , White Daniel K. , Neogi Tuhina , Baker Joshua F.
Published: October 2024

Objective

We evaluated a behaviorally designed intervention utilizing gamification and social support to improve physical activity and reduce symptoms in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee (KOA).

Methods

Veterans with KOA, aged 40–80 years, were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. Participants received a Fitbit and completed a 2- to 4-week baseline period. A Web-based platform administered biweekly surveys after randomization and tracked physical activity. Participants selected a daily step goal that was 33%, 40%, or 50% above their baseline. The intervention arm received game playing aspects and a social support partner to advance weekly step performance while the control arm only received weekly updates. The primary outcome was the change in steps per day averaged over 2-week intervals. We used mixed effects regression, adjusting for baseline step count. Secondary outcomes assessed the change in KOOS (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) over 32 weeks.

Results

Thirty-one participants were included in the final analysis. Most participants were male (90.3%), Black (70.96%), had a mean (SD) age of 60 (13) years, and body mass index of 33.7 (5.9) kg/m2. Participants that received the intervention walked a total of 1119 (95% confidence interval: −562, 2799) more steps per day (p = 0.19). The effect was greatest in the first 6 months (1491 [−272, 3254], p = 0.10). Compared with controls, those that received the intervention had improvement over time in total KOOS (mean 2-week change +0.62 [0.031, 1.20] vs −0.38 [−1.04, 0.28], p = 0.02) and several subscales.

Conclusions

This intervention demonstrated promise for promoting greater physical activity and improving symptoms in patients with KOA.
Angled Screws With Locking Plates—An Alternative Fixation for Minimally Invasive Mandibular Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: Paggi Claus Jonathas Daniel , Almeida Matheus Spinella , Correia Lopes Hugo José , Bustos Aguilera Luis Manuel , Soto Jorge
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term behavior of angled screws with locking plates after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy using the anterior oblique technique within the concept of minimally invasive orthognathic surgery (MIOS).

Materials and Methods:

Twenty patients who underwent bimaxillary surgery with mandibular advancement were included in this preliminary and retrospective study. All patients underwent computed tomography preoperatively and 1 day postoperatively. The incidence of neurosensory dysfunction, clinical evaluation of the occlusion and temporomandibular joint, and overall complications were recorded during a minimum follow-up of 4 months.

Results:

The mean extent of sagittal mandibular advancement movements was 7.2 mm (2.5–13.2 mm). All patients had stable occlusion without evidence of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. None of the patients presented with dysaesthesia, hyperaesthesia, or anesthesia after four months of follow-up.

Conclusion:

The overall results of this study are very satisfactory with no major or minor complications. The new design of mandibular plates with locking screws can be an alternative in all orthognathic surgeries, but especially interesting for minimally invasive approaches where stronger fixation is needed. Long-term studies are needed to draw further conclusions.
ChatGPT Assisting Diagnosis of Neuro-Ophthalmology Diseases Based on Case Reports
Authors: Madadi Yeganeh , Delsoz Mohammad , Lao Priscilla A. , Fong Joseph W. , Hollingsworth T. J. , Kahook Malik Y. , Yousefi Siamak
Published: October 2024

Background:

To evaluate the accuracy of Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT), a large language model (LLM), to assist in diagnosing neuro-ophthalmic diseases based on case reports.

Methods:

We selected 22 different case reports of neuro-ophthalmic diseases from a publicly available online database. These cases included a wide range of chronic and acute diseases commonly seen by neuro-ophthalmic subspecialists. We inserted each case as a new prompt into ChatGPTs (GPT-3.5 and GPT-4) and asked for the most probable diagnosis. We then presented the exact information to 2 neuro-ophthalmologists and recorded their diagnoses, followed by comparing responses from both versions of ChatGPT.

Results:

GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 and the 2 neuro-ophthalmologists were correct in 13 (59%), 18 (82%), 19 (86%), and 19 (86%) out of 22 cases, respectively. The agreements between the various diagnostic sources were as follows: GPT-3.5 and GPT-4, 13 (59%); GPT-3.5 and the first neuro-ophthalmologist, 12 (55%); GPT-3.5 and the second neuro-ophthalmologist, 12 (55%); GPT-4 and the first neuro-ophthalmologist, 17 (77%); GPT-4 and the second neuro-ophthalmologist, 16 (73%); and first and second neuro-ophthalmologists 17 (77%).

Conclusions:

The accuracy of GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 in diagnosing patients with neuro-ophthalmic diseases was 59% and 82%, respectively. With further development, GPT-4 may have the potential to be used in clinical care settings to assist clinicians in providing quick, accurate diagnoses of patients in neuro-ophthalmology. The applicability of using LLMs like ChatGPT in clinical settings that lack access to subspeciality trained neuro-ophthalmologists deserves further research.
How Well Are Surgical Quality Improvement Projects Planned? Review of 242 Surgical Improvement Efforts Across 5 American College of Surgeons Quality Programs
Authors: Shah Tejen A , Peters Xane D , Waddle Shelbie D , Reilly Eileen , Valek Sarah F , Modla Lynn , Pollitt Karen , Ko Clifford Y
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:

Structured preparation is necessary to conduct quality improvement (QI) strategies that are relevant to the problem, feasible, appropriately resourced, and potentially effective. Recent work suggests that improvement efforts are suboptimally conducted. Our goal was to determine how well preparation for surgical QI is undertaken, including detailing the problem, setting project goals, and planning an intervention.

STUDY DESIGN:

This retrospective cross-sectional study included QI efforts submitted in 2019 to the American College of Surgeons (ACS) during review for accreditation across 5 ACS Quality Programs: Children’s Surgery Verification, the Commission on Cancer, the MBSAQIP, the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, and the Trauma Verification Program. Projects were scored for alignment with three components of the preconduct phase of the ACS Quality Framework: problem detailing, goal specification, and strategic planning.

Results:

A total of 242 projects satisfied inclusion criteria and were scored. Most projects in the final cohort were from MBSAQIP (36%), Commission on Cancer (31%), or National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (29%) programs. The average overall preconduct score was 52% (SD 17). On average, projects performed best in the “goal specification” component (65%, SD 27), followed by “problem detailing” (52%, SD 16), and “strategic planning” (44%, SD 25). Within these components, identification of possible limitations (5%) and consideration of contextual issues (12%) were among the least frequently reported items.

CONCLUSIONS:

Thorough planning is a critical component of effective QI, and our study reflects significant opportunity for its improvement. The ACS Quality Framework may serve as a guide to improve QI planning, thereby promoting efficiency and effectiveness of these efforts.
Post-operative pain management in a surgical unit in a tertiary hospital in Spain: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Collada-Fernández Laura , Tapiador-Gómez Gemma , García-Tomé Leonor , Pardo-Mora M Consuelo , Díaz-Rodríguez M Rosario , Prado-Rodríguez Barbero Montserrat , Cañizares-Rabadán Marcelina , Albornos-Muñoz Laura
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

More than 80% of patients experience post-surgical pain. Poor pain control decreases patients’ quality of life; increases associated comorbidity, hospital length of stay and hospital costs; and delays functional recovery. Implementing evidence-based recommendations improves these negative factors as well as the patient's quality of life.

Objectives:

This evidence implementation project aimed to improve post-operative pain management by implementing best practice recommendations.

Methods:

This project used the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework, which is grounded in an audit and feedback process. The project was conducted in the surgical unit of a tertiary hospital in Ciudad Real, Spain. We performed a baseline audit and two follow-up audits to measure audit criteria derived from a JBI evidence summary on pain management. A total of 30 surgical patients took part. We assessed the results of the baseline audit, identified the barriers to best practice, and implemented strategies to improve post-operative pain management.

Results:

The first follow-up audit revealed an improvement in practice; however, these results worsened due to the delay in protocol approval and subsequent lack of staff motivation. The second follow-up audit showed greater compliance with best practices, although considerable room for improvement remains.

Conclusions:

Implementing evidence-based practices in health care improved nurses’ clinical practice. The health care staff complied with the recommendations more readily since they associated the best practices with a clear benefit for the patient.

Spanish abstract:

http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A276
Interspecific and intraspecific variation in grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididea) molar form: implications for dietary ecology
Authors: Berthaume Michael A. , Morley Matthew J.
Published: October 2024

Like many mammals, grasshoppers (infraorder Acrididea) chew using molariform structures. Despite decades of research on mammals, little is known about grasshopper molar form and how it relates to grasshopper feeding biomechanics, diet, dietary ecology and evolution. Here, we develop a method for quantifying molar form and apply it to two species of distantly related grasshoppers with different diets (
Phymateus saxosus
, seven females;
Valanga nigricornis
, seven females, 11 males). We show that there are quantifiable differences in molar form, potentially related to diet. There are some differences in molar shape between left and right molars in both species and sexes, and significant differences in molar size, potentially due to scaling. Like in mammals, molar wear can cause large differences in molar shape. Species differences in molar shape did not match what was expected based on mammalian molar functional morphology. Dental topographic analysis is a promising new avenue for quantifying molar form in grasshoppers and a distinct advantage over traditional two-dimensional microscopy methods, and promises to reveal much about the biology, biomechanics and evolution of Acrididea.
Genome description of a potentially new species of Streptomyces isolated from the Indian Sundarbans mangrove
Authors: Ghosh Anwesha , Bhambra Simran Kaur , Chandrasekaran Raghu , Bhadury Punyasloke
Published: October 2024

A potentially new species of Streptomyces was isolated from station 177 of the Sundarbans Seasonal Time Series in Indian Sundarbans mangrove. The isolate was cultured from sediment sample on TYS medium of salinity 15. Sequencing and annotation of the 16S rRNA showed 100% identity against S. laurentii NPS17 against GenBank/ENA/DDBJ. Annotation of the whole genome against GTDB database showed closest identity with S. terrae SKN60 and belong to the same clade as S. roseicoloratus TRM44457T and S. laurentii ATCC 31255. The genome is about 7.2 Mb and has a G+C % of 73%. The average amino acid identity (AAI) was 85.01% with S. roseicoloratus and 80.34% with S. roseolus. Genome assembly of S. sp. SBR177 reflected the presence of all essential genes including those of housekeeping and secondary metabolite production.
Intraspecific genome size variation in Rorippa indica reveals a tropical adaptation by genomic enlargement
Authors: Han Ting-Shen , Zheng Quan-Jing , Lv Jun-Xian , Li Sisi , Du Zhi-Qiang , Xing Yao-Wu
Published: October 2024

Genome size exhibits substantial variation across organisms, but the underlying causes and ecological consequences remain unclear. While interspecific comparisons have suggested selective pressures against large genomes, intraspecific variation has been less explored. Here, we investigate genome size variation within the hexaploid yellowcress herb, Rorippa indica, by integrating flow cytometry, plastomic phylogeography, genomic repeat profiling, and reciprocal common garden experiments. We analyzed 192 accessions from 83 natural populations, revealing a 128 Mb range in genome size. Plastome haplotype analysis identified a haplogroup that shifted niches to tropics and evolved larger genomes. A strong correlation was found between larger genomes and tropical habitats characterized by higher temperatures and lower seasonality. Genomic repeat content, particularly 45S rDNA and Ty1-copia transposable elements, was associated with larger genomes. Reciprocal transplantation experiments confirmed the adaptive nature of large genomes in tropical environments, with individuals exhibiting lower growth rates but higher fecundity. Our findings support the large genome selection hypothesis, suggesting that genome size enlargement, driven by genomic repetitive elements, can be an adaptive response to high temperatures of tropics. As global warming continues, plants with larger genomes may exhibit slower growth but increased reproductive output, potentially impacting ecosystem dynamics and agricultural productivity.
Association between physical activity and risk of incident cardiovascular disease in women with novel risk factors: evidence from the UK Biobank cohort
Authors: Ataei Zhaleh , Wright Leah , Ruiz-Carmona Sergio , Howden Erin J
Published: October 2024

Background

Previous evidence demonstrates an increased risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women with early menopause and/or adverse pregnancy outcomes. It also suggests an inverse association between physical activity and risk of incident CVD. However, this association in women with novel risk factors have not been evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to address this hypothesis.

Methods

We explored the data of 253,300 women without a history of CVD or life limiting conditions from the UK Biobank cohort, we further stratified women with a history of early menopause and/or complicated pregnancy to investigate how the risks affect indent CVD in women. We defined early menopause as any history of natural or surgical (bilateral oophorectomy) menopause < 47 years and adverse pregnancy outcomes as a history of gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, stillbirth or ≥ two miscarriages. We then classified women into three categories of physical activity based on their responses to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Women with a total MET-min/week of ≥ 3000, ≥ 600 and < 600 were categorised into high, moderate, and low levels of physical activity, respectively. We also assessed the dose-response interaction between physical activity and risk of incident CVD (heart failure (HF), arrhythmia, coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke) in our population and adjusted all the models for potential CVD risk factors.

Results

During a median follow-up of 13 years, we found a significant increased risk of incident HF, arrhythmia and CHD in women with early menopause/complicated pregnancy, compared to women without these risk factors. Higher levels of physical activity reduced the risk of incident HF (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67 0.97) and arrhythmia (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.75 0.94), compared to a low levels. Moreover, a moderate level of physical activity attenuated the risk of incident arrhythmia (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.74 0.92). However, no significant associations were found between physical activity risk of incident stroke or CHD.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that higher levels of PA significantly attenuate the risk of HF and arrhythmia in women with novel risk factors and should be recommended to women to reduce their increased risk of CVD.
Beneficial Association of HDL Cholesterol With Reperfusion Injury And Functional Outcome After Thrombectomy For Stroke
Authors: Sedghi Annahita , Schreckenbauer Sonja , Kaiser Daniel P. O. , Cuberi Ani , Polanski Witold H. , Arndt Martin , Barlinn Kristian , Puetz Volker , Siepmann Timo
Published: October 2024

Background

Animal studies suggest that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) protects against reperfusion injury. We hypothesised that higher serum HDL-C levels would have a protective effect against cerebral reperfusion injury in human stroke survivors treated with thrombectomy.

Methods

We included consecutive patients from our prospective anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion (acLVO) registry who underwent thrombectomy between January 2017 and January 2023 at a tertiary stroke centre in Germany in a propensity score-matched analysis. We assessed the association between serum HDL-C levels and imaging indices of post-interventional reperfusion injury according to the Heidelberg Bleeding Classification as well as 90-day functional outcome quantified by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). We performed sensitivity analyses using multivariable lasso logistic and linear regression adjusted for demographic, clinical and imaging characteristics.

Results

Out of 1702 patients assessed for eligibility, 807 acLVO patients treated with thrombectomy (420 females, median age 77 years [66-84, IQR]) were included. Reperfusion injury reduced the probability of a favourable functional outcome (90-day mRS 0-2) by 14.8% (ß=0.15; 95% CI [0.06;0.24];p=0.001. A serum HDL-C level above the median (1.15 mmol/L) decreased the probability of reperfusion injury by 13.6% (ß=-0.14; 95CI% [−0.22; −0.05];p=0.002) and increased the probability of favourable functional outcome by 13.2% (ß=-0.13; 95CI% [-0.22;-0.05];p=0.003). In sensitivity analyses, higher HDL-C levels were associated with lower odds of reperfusion injury (adjusted OR 0.62; 95% CI [0.43;0.88];p=0.008) and emerged as a predictor of a favourable functional outcome (adjusted OR 0.60; 95% CI [0.40; 0.90];p=0.015).

Conclusions

In patients undergoing thrombectomy for acLVO, higher serum levels of HDL-C were associated with a reduced probability of reperfusion injury and favourable functional outcome at 90 days.
GCS-H2 is essential for growth as it acts as the main relay for mitochondrial lipoylation in heterotrophic tissues ofArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Przybyla-Toscano Jonathan , Boussardon Clément , Juvany Marta , Alseekh Saleh , Modde Katharina , Valentin Aurélien , Stenlund Hans , Bauwe Hermann , Fernie Alisdair R , Keech Olivier
Published: October 2024

H-protein is part of the multi-protein glycine cleavage system found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. TheArabidopsis thalianagenome contains three loci for genes encoding H-protein. We show that in land plants, there are two clades of mitochondrial H-proteins; one that clusters with H1 and H3, and another that clusters with H2, an isoform mostly expressed in heterotrophic tissue and for which a null mutation results in a >99% impeded growth. After showing that all three isoforms fulfill the same metabolic function, we evidenced that the impaired root growth inh2results from an altered cell cycle progression concomitant to a lower Target Of Rapamycin kinase activity. Subsequent metabolomic approaches revealed an accumulation of storage sugars and a significant decrease of the TCA intermediates and several vitamins in theh2root cells as compared to the wild-type ones.

Additional investigations evidenced that H2 acts as the main relay for lipoylation in root mitochondria, which diverges from the current lipoylation model proposed for photosynthetic tissues. Together, this work provides new insight on the control of the cell cycle by mitochondrial metabolism, and also challenges the current dogma for lipoylation in mitochondria of plant cells.

Once sentence summary

The absence of GCS-H2, an isoform of H-protein found in heterotrophic tissue, impedes the cell cycle, and drastically affects plant growth as it acts as the main relay for mitochondrial lipoylation.