bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deciphering the impact of aging on splenic endothelial cell heterogeneity and immunosenescence through single-cell RNA sequencing analysis
Authors: Huang Yanjing , Liu Zhong , Li Mengke , Wang Dongliang , Ye Jinguo , Hu Qiuling , Zhang Qikai , Lin Yuheng , Chen Rongxin , Liang Xuanwei , Li Xingyi , Lin Xianchai
Published: July 2024

Background

Aging is associated with significant structural and functional changes in the spleen, leading to immunosenescence, yet the detailed effects on splenic vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and their immunomodulatory roles are not fully understood. In this study, a single-cell RNA (scRNA) atlas of EC transcriptomes from young and aged mouse spleens was constructed to reveal age-related molecular changes, including increased inflammation and reduced vascular development and also the potential interaction between splenic endothelial cells and immune cells.

Results

Ten clusters of splenic endothelial cells were identified. DEGs analysis across different EC clusters revealed the molecular changes with aging, showing the increase in the overall inflammatory microenvironment and the loss in vascular development function of aged ECs. Notably, four EC clusters with immunological functions were identified, suggesting an Endothelial-to-Immune-like Cell Transition (EndICLT) potentially driven by aging. Pseudotime analysis of the Immunology4 cluster further indicated a possible aging-induced transitional state, potentially initiated by Ctss gene activation. Finally, the effects of aging on cell signaling communication between different EC clusters and immune cells were analyzed.

Conclusions

This comprehensive atlas elucidates the complex interplay between ECs and immune cells in the aging spleen, offering new insights into endothelial heterogeneity, reprogramming, and the mechanisms of immunosenescence.
Assessing serum anti-nuclear antibodies HEp-2 patterns in synucleinopathies
Authors: Folke Jonas , Skougaard Marie , Korsholm Trine-Line , Laursen Anne-Line Strange , Salvesen Lisette , Hejl Anne-Mette , Bech Sara , Løkkegaard Annemette , Brudek Tomasz , Ditlev Sisse Bolm , Aznar Susana
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in three primary synucleinopathies – Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), compared to healthy controls. Autoinflammatory disorders typically involve the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s own cells and start producing ANA. There is an increasing body of evidence that immune-mediated inflammation is a pathological feature linked to synucleinopathies. To investigate whether this could be autoimmune mediated we analyzed for ANA in the plasma of 25 MSA, 25 PD, and 17 DLB patients, along with 25 healthy controls, using the ANA HEp-2 indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay (ANA HEp-2 IFA). Contrary to initial expectations, results showed ANA HEp-2 positivity in 12% of PD, 8% of MSA patients, 18% of DLB patients, and 17% of healthy controls, indicating no increased prevalence of ANA in synucleinopathies compared to age-matched healthy individuals. Various ANA HEp-2 patterns were identified, but no specific pattern was associated with individual synucleinopathies. We conclude hereby that synucleinopathies are not associated with detectable presence of ANA in plasma.
Cerebrospinal fluid-based spatial statistics: towards quantitative analysis of cerebrospinal fluid pseudodiffusivity
Authors: Chen Yutong , Hong Hui , Nazeri Arash , Markus Hugh S. , Luo Xiao
Published: July 2024

Background

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation is essential in removing metabolic wastes from the brain and is an integral component of the glymphatic system. Abnormal CSF circulation is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. Low b-value magnetic resonance imaging quantifies the variance of CSF motion, or pseudodiffusivity. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between the spatial patterns of CSF pseudodiffusivity and cognition.

Methods

We introduced a novel technique, CSF-based spatial statistics (CBSS), to automatically quantify CSF pseudodiffusivity in each sulcus, cistern and ventricle. Using cortical regions as landmarks, we segmented each CSF region. We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 93 participants with varying degrees of cognitive impairment.

Results

We identified two groups of CSF regions whose pseudodiffusivity profiles were correlated with each other: one group displaying higher pseudodiffusivity and near large arteries and the other group displaying lower pseudodiffusivity and away from the large arteries. The pseudodiffusivity in the third ventricle positively correlated with short-term memory (standardized slope of linear regression = 0.38, adjusted p < 0.001) and long-term memory (slope = 0.37, adjusted p = 0.005). Fine mapping along the ventricles revealed that the pseudodiffusivity in the region closest to the start of the third ventricle demonstrated the highest correlation with cognitive performance.

Conclusions

CBSS enabled quantitative spatial analysis of CSF pseudodiffusivity and suggested the third ventricle pseudodiffusivity as a potential biomarker of cognitive impairment.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of aripiprazole oral solution in children and adolescents with Tourette’s disorder
Authors: He Fan , Luo Jie , Huang Yi , Hao Yunpeng , Sun Ling , Ke Xiaoyan , Wu Bin , Chen Yucai , Han Ying , Zhang Yuebing , Liu Jing , Han Hong , Xian Mingji , Uki Motomichi , Zheng Yi
Published: July 2024

Background

Aripiprazole is the most frequently recommended antipsychotic for the treatment of tics in children and adolescents with Tourette’s disorder (TD). However, to date, a randomized controlled trial for aripiprazole oral solution has not been conducted despite being widely preferred by children. Therefore, we examined whether aripiprazole oral solution is effective for treating tics.

Methods

All patients received a flexible dose of aripiprazole oral solution (1 mg/mL, range: 2–20 mg) with a starting dose of 2 mg. The target dose for patients weighing < 50 kg was 2, 5, and 10 mg/day, and that for patients weighing ≥ 50 kg was 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg/day. The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean change in the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale-total tic score (YGTSS-TTS) from baseline to week 8.

Results

Of the 121 patients enrolled, 59 patients (96.7%) in the aripiprazole group and 53 patients (88.3%) in the placebo group completed the study. The aripiprazole group showed significantly greater improvement in the YGTSS-TTS from baseline to week 8 than the placebo group (least squares mean difference [95% confidence interval (CI)] −5.5 [95% CI − 8.4 to − 2.6]). At week 8, the response rate (i.e., percentage of patients with a Tourette’s Syndrome Clinical Global Impression-Improvement score of 1 or 2) of the aripiprazole group (86.4%) was significantly higher than that of the placebo group (56.6%; odds ratio: 3.6, p < 0.001). The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) reported in at least one patient was 86.9% in the aripiprazole group and 65.5% in the placebo group. All TEAEs were mild or moderate in severity. No serious adverse events or deaths occurred during the study.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that aripiprazole oral solution is an effective, well-tolerated, and safe treatment for children and adolescents with TD.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03487783. Registered 4 April 2018.
Effect of ambrisentan in patients with systemic sclerosis and mild pulmonary arterial hypertension: long-term follow-up data from EDITA study
Authors: Xanthouli Panagiota , Uesbeck Paul , Lorenz Hanns-Martin , Blank Norbert , Eichstaedt Christina A. , Harutyunova Satenik , Egenlauf Benjamin , Coghlan Jerry G. , Denton Christopher P. , Grünig Ekkehard , Benjamin Nicola
Published: July 2024

Background

In the EDITA trial, patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and mild pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) treated with ambrisentan had a significant decline of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) but not of mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) vs. placebo after six months. The EDITA-ON study aimed to assess long-term effects of open label therapy with ambrisentan vs. no pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) therapy.

Methods

Patients who participated in the EDITA study and received regular follow-up were included in EDITA-ON. Clinical, echocardiographic, laboratory, exercise and hemodynamic parameters during follow-up were analysed. The primary endpoint was to assess whether continued treatment with ambrisentan vs. no treatment prevented the development of PAH according to the new definition.

Results

Of 38 SSc patients included in the EDITA study four were lost to follow-up. Of the 34 remaining patients (age 55 ± 11 years, 82.1% female subjects), 19 received ambrisentan after termination of the blinded phase, 15 received no PAH medication. The mean follow-up time was 2.59 ± 1.47 years, during which 29 patients underwent right heart catheterization. There was a significant improvement of mPAP in catheterised patients receiving ambrisentan vs. no PAH treatment (-1.53 ± 2.53 vs. 1.91 ± 2.98 mmHg, p = 0.003). In patients without PAH treatment 6/12 patients had PAH vs. 1/17 of patients receiving ambrisentan (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

In SSc patients with early PVD, the development of PAH and/or deterioration was less frequent among patients receiving ambrisentan, indicating that early treatment and close follow-up could be beneficial in this high-risk group. Future trials in this field are needed to confirm these results.
First report of a successful surgical management of left atrial myxoma coexisting with pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma and thymic cyst
Authors: Li Yichen , Tang Mi , Wu Qin , Yang Jinfu , Chen Wangping
Published: July 2024

Background

Primary cardiac tumors, while rare, present significant clinical challenges due to their diverse pathology and presentation. Lung cancer frequently metastasizes to the heart; however, cases involving primary cardiac tumors of different origins alongside primary lung cancer are exceedingly rare in the literature.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 53-year-old female who presented with hemoptysis and was subsequently diagnosed with a left atrial myxoma, pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma, and a thymic cyst. This coexistence of multiple non-homologous tumors in a single patient is exceedingly rare.

Conclusion

This case underscores the complexity of diagnosing and managing patients with multiple distinct tumors. The simultaneous occurrence of a primary cardiac myxoma, pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma, and thymic cyst is unprecedented, providing valuable insights for future clinical practice.
Parent version of the Eating Disorder Examination: Reliability and validity in a treatment-seeking sample
Authors: Hail Lisa , Drury Catherine R. , McGrath Robert E. , Murray Stuart B. , Hughes Elizabeth K. , Sawyer Susan M. , Le Grange Daniel , Loeb Katharine L.
Published: July 2024

Background

Assessment of eating disorders (ED) in youth relies heavily on self-report, yet persistent lack of recognition of the presence and/or seriousness of symptoms can be intrinsic to ED. This study examines the psychometric properties of a semi-structured interview, the parent version of the Eating Disorder Examination (PEDE), developed to systematically assess caregiver report of symptoms.

Methods

A multi-site, clinical sample of youth (N = 522; age range: 12 to 18 years) seeking treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN) and subsyndromal AN were assessed using the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) for youth and the PEDE for collateral caregiver report.

Results

Internal consistencies of the four PEDE subscales were on par with established ranges for the EDE. Significant medium-sized correlations and poor to moderate levels of agreement were found between the corresponding subscales on each measure. For the PEDE, confirmatory factor analysis of the EDE four-factor model provided a poor fit; an exploratory factor analysis indicated that a 3-factor model better fits the PEDE.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the PEDE has psychometric properties on par with the original EDE. The addition of the caregiver perspective may provide incremental information that can aid in the assessment of AN in youth. Future research is warranted to establish psychometric properties of the PEDE in broader transdiagnostic ED samples.
Gender role attitudes and fertility intentions: the mediating role of parental sacrifice and the moderating role of subjective well-being
Authors: Zhang Jiamiao , Chen Gongxing , Hu Yingying , Gao Yuan
Published: July 2024

Gender role attitudes have been shown to play a critical role in individuals’ fertility intentions. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. The present study examined whether parental sacrifice mediates the relationship between gender role attitudes and fertility intentions, and whether subjective well-being plays a moderating role. A sample of 446 Chinese adults aged 18 to 45 (Mage = 32.78, SDage = 5.63, 60.93% female) completed the Gender Role Attitude Scale, Parental Sacrifice Scale, Index of Well-Being, and Fertility Attitude Scale. Multiple regression analyses showed that traditional gender role attitudes positively predicted fertility intentions, while egalitarian gender role attitudes negatively predicted fertility intentions. Moreover, parental sacrifice was found to partially mediate the relationship between gender role attitudes and fertility intentions. Additionally, subjective well-being was identified as a moderator of the mediating effect of parental sacrifice. Specifically, for individuals with low subjective well-being, parental sacrifice played a partially mediating role. However, for individuals with high subjective well-being, the mediating effect of parental sacrifice was not significant, and gender role attitudes directly influenced fertility intentions. This study adds to our understanding of the connection between gender role attitudes and fertility intentions of adults, providing important information for policymakers and professionals aiming to promote fertility intentions.
A second chance for first impressions: evidence for altered impression updating in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Konegen Kevin , Halbeisen Georg , Paslakis Georgios
Published: July 2024

Background

Individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) frequently alter between idealizing and devaluing other persons, which has been linked to an increased tendency to update self-relevant beliefs and impressions. We hypothesized that increased impression updating could stem from reduced attitude contextualization, i.e., a process in which impression-disconfirming information is linked to contextual cues.

Methods

Individuals diagnosed with BPD and controls (recruited online, with unknown diagnostic status) completed an impression formation paradigm. They first learned about the positive or negative behaviors of others in one Context A (e.g., Person 1 is helpful), followed by learning about behaviors of the opposite valence in a second Context B (Person 1 is rude). We also manipulated between participants whether the observed behaviors were directed toward the study participants (self-relevant) or, more generally, at other people (other-relevant). The contexts were marked by differently-colored backgrounds (e.g., yellow vs. blue), to avoid influences of prior knowledge or experiences. After exposure to information in both contexts, participants rated their impressions of the persons in Context A, Context B, and, crucially, a previously unknown Context C (white background). We examined whether the initial or an updated impression (re-)emerged in Context C.

Results

Initial impressions remained stable and dominated the ratings of controls across contexts A, B, and C for both self-relevant and other-relevant behaviors, consistent with contextualizing impression-disconfirming information. As expected, however, individuals with BPD only showed updated impression ratings in Context C for self-relevant behaviors, consistent with the assumed reduced tendency to contextualize impression-disconfirming self-relevant information. Further exploratory analyses suggest that more severe BPD symptoms predicted more pronounced impression updating in the self-relevant condition.

Conclusions

The findings help to illuminate the mechanisms underlying interpersonal problems in individuals with BPD. People with BPD are not just more inclined to discard positive first impressions but to re-evaluate disliked others when they behave positively, contributing to the volatility of interactions with others. Contextualization has known and modifiable antecedents, and the study may thus provide potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Future studies will need to replicate the findings with specified controls.
Co-immobilization of amine dehydrogenase and glucose dehydrogenase for the biosynthesis of (S)-2-aminobutan-1-ol in continuous flow
Authors: Xie Pengcheng , Lan Jin , Zhou Jingshuan , Hu Zhun , Cui Jiandong , Qu Ge , Yuan Bo , Sun Zhoutong
Published: July 2024

Reductive amination by amine dehydrogenases is a green and sustainable process that produces only water as the by-product. In this study, a continuous flow process was designed utilizing a packed bed reactor filled with co-immobilized amine dehydrogenase wh84 and glucose dehydrogenase for the highly efficient biocatalytic synthesis of chiral amino alcohols. The immobilized amine dehydrogenase wh84 exhibited better thermo-, pH and solvent stability with high activity recovery. (S)-2-aminobutan-1-ol was produced in up to 99% conversion and 99% ee in the continuous flow processes, and the space-time yields were up to 124.5 g L-1 d-1. The continuous reactions were also extended to 48 h affording up to 91.8% average conversions. This study showcased the important potential to sustainable production of chiral amino alcohols in continuous flow processes.
Deformation-based morphometry: a sensitive imaging approach to detect radiation-induced brain injury?
Authors: Brunaud Carole , Valable Samuel , Ropars Gwenn , Dwiri Fatima-Azzahra , Naveau Mikaël , Toutain Jérôme , Bernaudin Myriam , Freret Thomas , Léger Marianne , Touzani Omar , Pérès Elodie A.
Published: July 2024

Background

Radiotherapy is a major therapeutic approach in patients with brain tumors. However, it leads to cognitive impairments. To improve the management of radiation-induced brain sequalae, deformation-based morphometry (DBM) could be relevant. Here, we analyzed the significance of DBM using Jacobian determinants (JD) obtained by non-linear registration of MRI images to detect local vulnerability of healthy cerebral tissue in an animal model of brain irradiation.

Methods

Rats were exposed to fractionated whole-brain irradiation (WBI, 30 Gy). A multiparametric MRI (anatomical, diffusion and vascular) study was conducted longitudinally from 1 month up to 6 months after WBI. From the registration of MRI images, macroscopic changes were analyzed by DBM and microscopic changes at the cellular and vascular levels were evaluated by quantification of cerebral blood volume (CBV) and diffusion metrics including mean diffusivity (MD). Voxel-wise comparisons were performed on the entire brain and in specific brain areas identified by DBM. Immunohistology analyses were undertaken to visualize the vessels and astrocytes.

Results

DBM analysis evidenced time-course of local macrostructural changes; some of which were transient and some were long lasting after WBI. DBM revealed two vulnerable brain areas, namely the corpus callosum and the cortex. DBM changes were spatially associated to microstructural alterations as revealed by both diffusion metrics and CBV changes, and confirmed by immunohistology analyses. Finally, matrix correlations demonstrated correlations between JD/MD in the early phase after WBI and JD/CBV in the late phase both in the corpus callosum and the cortex.

Conclusions

Brain irradiation induces local macrostructural changes detected by DBM which could be relevant to identify brain structures prone to radiation-induced tissue changes. The translation of these data in patients could represent an added value in imaging studies on brain radiotoxicity.
The place and cause of death of Japanese peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Oka Hideaki , Sakurai Yuko , Kamimura Taro , Murakami Taichi , Sato Takeshi , Kitazono Takanari , Nakano Toshiaki
Published: July 2024

Background

Although 70% of Japanese individuals wish to die at home, the in-hospital death rate in Japan is 71%. The in-hospital death rate is more than 80% in dialysis patients, most of whom are hemodialysis patients. Few reports exist on the relationship between place and cause of death in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of PD patients who died between January 2008 and June 2022 at three facilities.

Results

Ninety-four patients died, 71% in hospital, 25% at home, and 4% in elderly care facilities. The in-hospital death rates were 67%, 74%, and 71% (P = 0.90) in the three facilities. Of the 67 in-hospital deaths, infection was the most common cause of death (30%), followed by sudden cardiac death (SCD) (15%), senility/cachexia (15%), heart failure (12%), and malignancy (9%). In the out-of-hospital deaths, there were no cases of infection, and SCD accounted for the majority (59%), followed by senility/cachexia (11%), heart failure (7%), stroke (4%), and malignancy (4%). Limiting to SCD, patients who died outside the hospital were significantly younger and had a higher prevalence of ischemic heart disease than those who died in hospital.

Conclusions

The in-hospital death rate for PD patients was lower than that previously reported for dialysis patients and similar to that of the Japanese population. Based on the place and cause of death in PD patients, to further increase the death rate at home, which many PD patients would have preferred, it may be necessary to prevent infectious diseases, strengthen interventions for patients at high risk of SCD, and shift to home care for patients with senility/cachexia and malignancies.
The return of the old masquerader—scurvy: a case report of pediatric limping and bone pain
Authors: Chan Xavier , Ho Wen Wei Christopher , Roy Chowdhury Sudipta
Published: July 2024

Background

Scurvy has been a rare condition in the developed world due to the increasing availability of adequate nutrition and easy access to fruits and vegetables. Scurvy is caused by severe vitamin C deficiency and has been historically associated with malnutrition in high-risk populations such as sailors. As it is an uncommon nutritional deficiency, scurvy is seldom suspected and usually under-diagnosed especially in the pediatric population.

Case presentation

We report a case of a pediatric patient with a history of autism spectrum disorder presenting with atypical symptoms of scurvy with gait abnormalities, diffuse rash, musculoskeletal deconditioning, and bleeding manifestations. After multiple extensive investigations and a prolonged hospitalization, a detailed dietary analysis revealed a severely restricted diet devoid of fruits and vegetables. Physical examination revealed specific signs of corkscrew hair with peri-follicular hemorrhages, hypertrophic, and bleeding gums with a concurrent low vitamin C level. Treatment with vitamin C supplementation was initiated and he was ambulant within 1 month of discharge.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of nutrition history for determining micronutrient deficiency in children with special needs. Enhanced physician education and higher index of suspicion regarding nutritional deficiencies will avoid over-investigations and delays for the institution of specific treatment.
Instructional Influencers: Teaching Professors as Potential Departmental Change Agents in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Authors: Wilton Mike , Maloy Jeffrey , Beaster-Jones Laura , Sato Brian K. , Lo Stanley M. , Grunspan Daniel Z.
Published: July 2024

Embedding change agent individuals within STEM departments may drive instructional and pedagogical change efforts. This study seeks to assess whether tenure-track, teaching-focused faculty housed in STEM departments are perceived as influential on the instructional and pedagogical domains of their colleagues.
Manipulation of a social signal affects DNA methylation of a stress-related gene in a free-living bird
Authors: McNew Sabrina M. , Taff Conor C. , Vitousek Maren N.
Published: July 2024

Social status directly affects the health of humans and other animals. Low status individuals receive more antagonistic encounters, have fewer supportive relationships and have worse health outcomes. However, the physiological and cellular processes that mediate the relationship between the social environment and health are incompletely known. Epigenetic regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, the neuroendocrine pathway that activates in response to stressors, may be one process that is sensitive to the social environment. Here, we experimentally manipulated plumage, a key social signal in female tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) and quantified methylation of four genes in the HPA axis before and after treatment. We found that dulling the white breast plumage affected methylation in one gene, CRHR1; however, the effect depended on the original brightness of the bird. Methylation in this gene was correlated with baseline corticosterone levels, suggesting that DNA methylation of CRHR1 helps regulate glucocorticoid production in this species. Methylation in two other genes, FKBP5 and GR, changed over the course of the experiment, independent of treatment. These results show that methylation of these genes is labile into adulthood and suggest that epigenetic regulation of the HPA axis could help birds respond to current environmental conditions.
Marcin Szyszkowski jako biskup krakowski: Biskup – senator – fundator
Authors: Wołyniec Bartłomiej M.
Published: July 2024

The present monograph is a comprehensive presentation of the government of bishop Marcin Szyszkowski over the Kraków Diocese, his ministry, administration, political activity as a senator, and foundation efforts that include erecting sacral and residential buildings. The main part of the book, which is split into parts corresponding to various areas of his activity: ecclesiastical (Bishop), political (Senator), and foundational (Founder), is preceded with an extensive introductory chapter outlining the life and activities of Szyszkowski prior to taking the dignity of the Kraków Bishop. The annex attached at the end comprises, among other things, the itinerary, which let us trace the paths Szyszkowski trod throughout the territory of his diocese.
Setting up a nurse-led 2-week-wait head and neck cancer diagnostic service
Authors: Byrne Edie , Jeannon Jean-Pierre , Oakley Richard , Arora Asit , Rovira Aleix
Published: July 2024

The number of urgent ‘2-week-wait’ referrals to hospital for people with suspected head and neck cancer being sent by primary care is constantly growing and it is becoming increasingly difficult for head and neck cancer services to meet this demand. In order for trusts to meet their Faster Diagnosis Standards, there needs to be an effective and efficient way to ensure there is capacity for patients to receive the appropriate assessments and diagnostic investigations without compromising the quality of care delivered. This article presents the proposal of introducing a nurse-led 2-week-wait clinic to meet the ever-growing demands on the service. There is discussion of the consultant-led training programme used to upskill an advanced nurse practitioner in a single-centre study, as well as explanation of the processes followed to maintain patient safety throughout the pilot project. There will also be consideration of clinical governance and discussion of how patient satisfaction with the novel service will be measured.
Intravenous fluid therapy: an audit and discussion of improvements required for prescribers and administrators
Authors: Heslop Calum , Rajpara Milap , Wood Sally , Patel Talia , Karelia Shivaali , Patel Rakesh
Published: July 2024

Background:

Foundation doctors and nurses are the clinicians most closely involved in fluid assessment, intravenous (IV) fluid prescription and administration. However, both groups report challenges regarding IV fluids. At a large NHS trust in England, adherence to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline CG174, regarding IV fluids, was largely unknown.

Aims:

To assess the baseline adherence, within the hospitals, to CG174 and identify areas for improvement.

Methods:

A set of 12 audit standards were developed and used to collect data across 29 clinical areas between September 2022 and May 2023, with 255 patients receiving IV fluids at any time during their inpatient stay included.

Findings:

For two standards target adherence of 95% was achieved, with an adherence less than 50% in most. Areas of particularly poor adherence included assessing and meeting fluid and electrolyte requirements, patient reassessment and developing IV fluid management plans.

Conclusion:

Trust baseline adherence to NICE CG174 requires improvement, particularly regarding patient assessment and reassessment, and meeting electrolyte requirements.
Classification and management of tibial tubercle avulsion fractures in children
Authors: Kothari Varun , Park Chang , Sobti Anshul , Hulme Alison , Sun Stephen Ng Man
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Fractures of the tibial tubercle are an uncommon injury, constituting 0.4–2.7% of all epiphyseal injuries. They occur in the adolescent age group, often during sports such as basketball and football. They are often classified using the modified Ogden classification. Understanding the anatomy and pathophysiology is essential in the management of these fractures, to predict complications and counsel patients and families on care. Tibial tubercle fractures generally have favourable overall outcomes when the correct treatment modality is chosen, with a high rate of union and a 98% return to preinjury activities. This article provides a guide for doctors on the classification and management of these injuries, to ensure that appropriate treatment is given according to current literature and best practice.
Risk factors of postoperative urinary retention following total hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Azarboo Alireza , Ghaseminejad-Raeini Amirhossein , Teymoori-Masuleh Mohammad , Mousavi Seyed M. , Jamalikhah-Gaskarei Negin , Hoveidaei Amir H. , Citak Mustafa , Luo T. D.
Published: July 2024

Aims

The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the pooled incidence of postoperative urinary retention (POUR) following total hip and knee arthroplasty (total joint replacement (TJR)) and to evaluate the risk factors and complications associated with POUR.

Methods

Two authors conducted searches in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus on TJR and urinary retention. Eligible studies that reported the rate of POUR and associated risk factors for patients undergoing TJR were included in the analysis. Patient demographic details, medical comorbidities, and postoperative outcomes and complications were separately analyzed. The effect estimates for continuous and categorical data were reported as standardized mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs, respectively.

Results

A total of 31 studies were included in the systematic review. Of these, 29 studies entered our meta-analysis, which included 3,273 patients diagnosed with POUR and 11,583 patients without POUR following TJR. The pooled incidence of POUR was 28.06%. Demographic risk factors included male sex (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.59), increasing age (SMD 0.16, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.27), and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 3 to 4 (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.77). Patients with a history of benign prostatic hyperplasia (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.41 to 2.83) and retention (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.58 to 6.06) were more likely to develop POUR. Surgery-related risk factors included spinal anaesthesia (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.74) and postoperative epidural analgesia (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.65 to 4.82). Total hip arthroplasty was associated with higher odds of POUR compared to total knee arthroplasty (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.20). Postoperatively, POUR was associated with a longer length of stay (SMD 0.21, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.39).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis demonstrated key risk variables for POUR following TJR, which may assist in identifying at-risk patients and direct patient-centered pathways to minimize this postoperative complication.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(7):601–611.
Experimental Studies on the Energy Consumption of the Sliding and Shearing Combined Sugarcane Basecutter
Authors: Qian Jun , Ma Shaochun , Xu Yang , Wang Changyu , Li Wenzhi , Huo Peng , Yang Sha
Published: July 2024

Highlights

The sliding and shearing combined basecutter was proposed, and the main structure and working principle were analyzed.

The motion trajectory of basecutter was explored when the angle between basecutter and ground were 0 and a, and the absolute velocity were obtained.

The relationship between feeding speed, rotational speed, tilt angle, and energy consumption was not linear, while the sugarcane cluster diameter was approximately positively correlated with energy consumption.

The influence order of factors on energy consumption in this study was rotational speed > feeding speed > tilt angle, and the optimal parameter combination was feeding speed 1.2 m/s, rotational speed 290 r/min, tilt angle 14°, and sugarcane cluster diameter 3 cm.

Abstract. Sugarcane is an important economic and sugar crop. Existing sugarcane basecutters have problems associated with large cutting resistance, high energy consumption, and poor cutting quality. Based on the sliding and shearing combined basecutter, the energy consumption of cutting cane was studied. The structure and working principle of the basecutter were stated, and the motion trajectory was also analyzed. The stubble cutting quality of the sliding and shearing combined basecutter was better than that of the disc type basecutter explored in previous research. However, the relationship between factors and energy consumption was not studied. Therefore, the influence of the rotational speed (RS), feeding speed (FS), sugarcane cluster diameter (CD), and tilt angle (TA) on the cutting energy consumption was explored. The single-factor experiments and response surface experiments were conducted. The single-factor test results showed the energy consumption decreased first and then increased with RS, FS, and TA within the selected range, while the energy consumption was approximately proportional to the sugarcane cluster diameter. The post hoc test was conducted, and the significance of factor levels was tested at a 95% confidence level. The analysis of variance result showed the influencing order of the three factors on energy consumption was RS > FS > TA. The optimal parameter combination was feeding speed 1.2 m/s, rotational speed 290 r/min, and tilt angle 14°. After the validation test, the difference between the actual value and the predicted value was less than 10%; therefore, this study was reliable. The results could provide a reference for the structure improvement and performance optimization of sugarcane harvesters. Keywords: Energy consumption, Response surface experiments, Single-factor experiments, Sliding cutting, Sugarcane.
A Pioneer in Advertising and Society Studies: An Interview with William O’Barr on Preserving Advertising History
Authors: Wachholz Jacqueline , O’Barr William M.
Published: July 2024

Abstract: This is the third of three interviews published in this issue with Advertising & Society Quarterly ’s founding editor William “Mack” O’Barr. The series covers his prolific career as an anthropologist and a founder in the field of advertising and society studies. In this particular interview, Jacqueline Wachholz, Director of the Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising & Marketing History at Duke University, asks O’Barr to reflect on the importance of collecting and preserving advertising materials and to examine his significant contributions in establishing a scholarly approach to the study of advertising as a cultural force. O’Barr elaborates on his journey from a cultural anthropologist to becoming a pivotal figure in advertising and society studies. In addition to telling the story of how O’Barr helped bring the J. Walter Thompson archives to Duke, he and Wachholz discuss the need to preserve advertising materials for their historical value and their utility in educating future generations about advertising’s influence. O’Barr’s reflections on the transformation of his initial curiosity about advertising into a full-fledged academic discipline illustrate the dynamic interplay between academia and industry. They also highlight the enduring need to save materials providing insights into advertising’s role in shaping societal norms and values.
Enabling data-driven and bidirectional model development in Verilog-A for photonic devices
Authors: Azhigulov Dias , Lu Zeqin , Pond James , Chrostowski Lukas , Shekhar Sudip
Published: July 2024

We present a method to model photonic components in Verilog-A by introducing bidirectional signaling through a single port. To achieve this, the concept of power waves and scattering parameters from electromagnetism are employed. As a consequence, one can simultaneously transmit forward and backward propagating waves on a single wire while also capturing realistic, measurement-backed responses of photonic components in Verilog-A. We demonstrate examples to show the efficacy of the proposed technique in accounting for critical effects in photonic integrated circuits such as Fabry-Perot cavity resonance, reflections to lasers, reflection cancellation circuits, etc. Our solution makes electronic-photonic co-simulation more intuitive and accurate.
InGaSn-assisted in-fiber Fabry-Perot temperature sensor with ultra-high sensitivity
Authors: Li Xiaoyang , Lu Chupeng , Niu Chong , Yang Xinyu , Chen Jiarui , Gou Qiang , Meng Haoran , Liu Yongjun , Tuz Vladimir R. , Ma Yiwei , Geng Tao
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we proposed an in-fiber Fabry-Perot temperature sensor which filled with Indium gallium stannum (InGaSn) alloy. By splicing a single-mode fiber axially with hollow-core fibers (HCFs) of varying inner diameters, a cavity of the Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) structure is formed. Assisted by liquid metal with fluidity and high thermal expansivity, subtle temperature fluctuations are converted into variations in the interferometric cavity length which leads to a significant spectral drift. Experimental result shows that the temperature sensitivity for the proposed sensor reaches 11.3 nm/°C in the range of 30-40°C, which is almost an order of magnitude higher than that of other extrinsic FPIs. Such high sensitivity within this temperature range makes the sensor potentially applicable in temperature monitoring in the vitro cell culture and biopharmaceutical fields. Additionally, influences caused by the inner diameter of HCFs and the amount of liquid metal filled in structure are also considered in this work.
Filter-free high-performance single-photon emission from a quantum dot in a Fabry–Perot microcavity
Authors: Yang Jiawei , Rao Zhixuan , Song Changkun , Rao Mujie , Zheng Ziyang , Liu Luyu , Peng Xuebin , Yu Ying , Yu Siyuan
Published: July 2024

Combining resonant excitation with Purcell-enhanced single quantum dots (QDs) stands out as a prominent strategy for realizing high-performance solid-state single-photon sources. However, optimizing photon extraction efficiency requires addressing the challenge of effectively separating the excitation laser from the QDs’ emission. Traditionally, this involves polarization filtering, limiting the achievable polarization directions and the scalability of polarized photonic states. In this study, we have successfully tackled this challenge by employing spatially orthogonal resonant excitation of QDs, deterministically coupled to monolithic Fabry–Perot microcavities. Leveraging the planar microcavity structure, we have achieved spectral filter-free single-photon resonant fluorescence. The resulting source produces single photons with a high extraction efficiency of 0.87 and an indistinguishability of 0.963(4).
Mammal responses to human recreation depend on landscape context
Authors: Marion Solène , Curveira Santos Gonçalo , Herdman Emily , Hubbs Anne , Kearney Sean Patrick , Burton A. Cole
Published: July 2024

Rapid growth in outdoor recreation may have important and varied effects on terrestrial mammal communities. Few studies have investigated factors influencing variation in observed responses of multiple mammal species to recreation. We used data from 155 camera traps, in western Alberta (Canada), and a hierarchical Bayesian community modelling framework to document 15 mammal species responses to recreation, test for differential responses between predators and prey, and evaluate the influence of local context. Factors characterizing context were trail designation (i.e., use by motorized vs non-motorized), management type, forest cover, landscape disturbance, and season. We used three measures to characterize variation in recreation pressure: distance to trail, trail density, and an index of recreation intensity derived from the platform Strava. We found limited evidence for strong or consistent effects of recreation on mammal space use. However, mammal space use was better explained by an interaction between recreation and the influencing factors than by either on their own. The strongest interaction was between trail density and management type; mammals were more likely to avoid sites near a higher density of trails in areas with more restrictive management. We found that responses to recreation varied with the trail designation, although there were not clear or consistent differences between responses to trails designated for motorized vs. non-motorized use. Overall, we found that responses were species- and context-dependent. Limiting the density of trails may be important for reducing negative impacts to mammals within conservation areas. We show that using multiple measures of recreation yields more insight into the varied effects of human disturbances on wildlife. We recommend investigating how different characteristics of recreation (noise, speed, and visibility) influence animal behaviors. Multispecies monitoring and modelling across multiple landscapes that vary in recreation pressure can lead to an adaptive management approach to ensuring outdoor recreation coexistence with wildlife.
Trans-ancestry analysis in over 799,000 individuals yields new insights into the genetic etiology of colorectal cancer
Authors: Yang Changlong , Chang Zhenglin , Dai Youguo , Mo Jinzhao , Zhang Qitai , Zhu Mingming , Luan Likun , Zhang Jinhu , Sun Baoqing , Jia Junyi
Published: July 2024

Background

Recent studies have demonstrated the relevance of circulating factors in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the causal relationship remains unclear.

Methods

Summary-level data for CRC were obtained from the UK Biobank (5,657 cases and 372,016 controls), FinnGen cohort (3,022 cases and 215,770 controls), and BioBank Japan Project (BBJ, 7,062 cases and 195,745 controls). Thirty-two peripheral markers with consistent definitions were collected from the three biobanks. Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to evaluate the causal effect of circulating factors on CRC. The effects from the three consortiums were combined using trans-ancestry meta-analysis methods.

Results

Our analysis provided compelling evidence for the causal association of higher genetically predicted eosinophil cell count (EOS, odds ratio [OR], 0.8639; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7922–0.9421) and red cell distribution width (RDW, OR, 0.9981; 95% CI, 0.9972–0.9989) levels with a decreased risk of CRC. Additionally, we found suggestive evidence indicating that higher levels of total cholesterol (TC, OR, 1.0022; 95% CI, 1.0002–1.0042) may increase the risk of CRC. Conversely, higher levels of platelet count (PLT, OR, 0.9984; 95% CI, 0.9972–0.9996), total protein (TP, OR, 0.9445; 95% CI, 0.9037–0.9872), and C-reactive protein (CRP, OR, 0.9991; 95% CI, 0.9983–0.9999) may confer a protective effect against CRC. Moreover, we identified six ancestry-specific causal factors, indicating the necessity of considering patients’ ancestry backgrounds before formulating prevention strategies.

Conclusions

MR findings support the independent causal roles of circulating factors in CRC, which might provide a deeper insight into early detection of CRC and supply potential preventative strategies.
An analysis of morphological and genetic diversity of mango fruit flies in Pakistan
Authors: Gul Anbareen , Shah Syed Hamid Jalal , Faris Sabyan , Qazi Javaria , Qazi Atika , Dey Samrat Kumar
Published: July 2024

Fruit flies of genus Bactrocera are important insect pests of commercially cultivated mangos in Pakistan limiting its successful production in the country. Despite the economic risk, the genetic diversity and population dynamics of this pest have remained unexplored. This study aimed to morphologically identify Bactrocera species infesting Mango in major production areas of the country and to confirm the results with insect DNA barcode techniques. Infested mango fruits from the crop of 2022, were collected from 46 locations of 11major production districts of Punjab and Sindh provinces, and first-generation flies were obtained in the laboratory. All 10,653 first generation flies were morphologically identified as two species of Bactrocera; dorsalis and zonata showing geography-based relative abundance in the two provinces; Punjab and Sindh. Morphological identification was confirmed by mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene subunit I (mt-COI) based DNA barcoding. Genetic analysis of mtCOI gene region of 61 selected specimens by the presence of two definite clusters and reliable intraspecific distances validated the results of morphological identification. This study by morphological identification of a large number of fruit fly specimens from the fields across Pakistan validated by insect DNA barcode reports two species of Bactrocera infesting mango in the country.
Influence of living settings on physical activity levels and volition in exercise in male and female university students
Authors: Quinzi Federico , Cosco Loretta Francesca , Greco Francesca , Folino Katia , Cerulli Claudia , Oranges Francesco Pio , Facchin Alessio , Tarsitano Maria Grazia , Emerenziani Gian Pietro
Published: July 2024

This study explored the influence of living settings on physical activity (PA) levels and volition in exercise and their correlation, considering sex differences. Five hundred and sixty-six university students (261 rural and 305 urban) from Calabria region (Italy) attending universities courses filled an online survey where Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and Volition in Exercise Questionnaire were administered. Rural females (RF) showed lower PA levels and self-confidence than rural males (RM) (p<0.01). Postponing training and unrelated thoughts were higher in RF than RM (p<0.01 and p<0.05 respectively). PA levels, self-confidence and coping with failure were lower in urban females (UF) than urban males (UM) (p<0.01), Postponing training and unrelated thoughts were higher in UF than UM (p<0.01 and p<0.05). In RF and UF, PA levels positively correlated with self-confidence (Rho = 0.397) and coping with failure (Rho = 0.330), whereas negatively correlated with postponing training (Rho = -0.487) and unrelated thoughts (Rho = -0.283). In RM and UM, PA levels positively correlated with self-confidence (Rho = 0.270) and coping with failure (Rho = 0.258), whereas it negatively correlated with postponing training (Rho = -0.285). PA levels positively correlated with reasons (Rho = 0.260) only in UM. We showed for the first time the relationship between PA and volition factors considering the living setting in university students. Sex differences were observed in some volition facilitators and PA levels independently by the living context.